Here at Belly Bandit HQ, a women-owned and operated company, we believe in celebrating the success of all women in business! Our "Moms Who Made It" series is our way of honoring Mompreneurs who inspire us every day.
This month we're featuring Kanika Chadda Gupta, the host of the popular podcast, That's Total Mom Sense. This amazing mom of three covers topics from what to expect when you're done expecting to dealing with mom guilt and so much more. So take a read and then tune in!
Describe your business philosophy in 5 words or less:
Enlightening podcast helping parents problem-solve.
What inspired you to go into business?
I felt inspired to launch my podcast, “That’s Total Mom Sense,” after I had my three kids [twins + 1] in a span of 18 months. I like to say I was thrown into the deep end of motherhood - it was sink or swim. As a former television anchor/executive producer (CNN International, Zee TV Americas), I am hardwired as a journalist to be inquisitive, assess the full picture objectively, and share compelling stories through my interviews, where I make my guests feel comfortable so that they feel compelled to be open and honest with my community.
As a new mom, I found myself constantly asking questions about parenting to my OB-GYN, my kids’ pediatrician, my mom and MIL, fellow mom friends and even strangers I’d strike up a conversation with at the grocery store or while on the phone with Amazon support. I know there’s no rule book, so I wanted to acquire as much knowledge as I could from other moms’ experiences in order to be prepared for every phase of child-rearing and development. That led me to realize that the parenting vertical was bereft of a show that had thought-proving interviews where renowned experts provide tangible takeaways that can transform the listener’s perspective and make their life easier. And just like that, “That’s Total Mom Sense” was born. (and trademarked!)
As first time parents, we often struggle with navigating our new role. Whether we're Googling for answers at 3 am, joining local Facebook groups, or are taking advice from friends, we must realize there’s no substitute for our intuitive superpower - "mom sense” (and “dad sense”).
On my show, I invite thought leaders, authors, and founders to share their expertise and dig deep on topics like what to expect when you’re done expecting, rediscovering your identity after kids, teaching children to meditate, rekindling your marriage, and mastering your 5-min makeup routine. Past guests include Rebecca Minkoff (Designer; Founder, Female Founders Collective) , Reshma Saujani (Girls Who Code), Raegan Moya Jones (aden + anais - path to $100M), Galit Laibow (Foodstirs), Eve Rodsky (Fair Play), Liza Huber (Sage Spoonfuls), Blessing Adesiyan (Mother Honestly) and the Caden sisters (Belly Bandit).
When did you know you “made it?”
I knew I made it when my subscriber base increased by 30% during the pandemic, which is atypical of the industry. I am humbled that all my guests, no matter how famous or influential, support my mission, love my interview style, and have an enjoyable experience on my show. Since my launch, I have booked several speaking engagements at conferences and summits across the country (which have pivoted to virtual programming). Reading rave reviews on Apple Podcasts, Google, and Spotify and connecting with my listeners and Instagram followers has been incredible. I am building this platform and community for parents across the globe.
Who is your mentor?
I am thankful to have many mentors in my corner who continue to support and guide me in my career and as a mother. Big thanks to my husband who is my sounding board and voice of reason, my mom + mom-in-law, Marylou Luther (my fairy godmother and sorority sister), Bobbi Brown, Liza Huber, Nyakio Grieco, Zarna Garg, Payal Kadakia Pujji, Leslie Rubisch, Stephany Kirkpatrick, Raegan Moya-Jones, Kate Anderson, Rachel Paige Goldstein, Jackie Frank, Marsha Liebert, Christina Halper Gorini, Katya Libin, and Amri Kibbler. Thank you for encouraging me to do better, think bigger, and show up as the best version of myself every day.
What’s your #1 tip for moms interested in starting their own business?
Put yourself out there and forge new friendships and connections. When you surround yourself with people who are driven, positive, and want to see you succeed, you are in a whole new playing field. Be grateful and thank every single individual who has played a part in your journey, and make it a point to pay it forward.
What does “me” time mean to you?
Sleep! With three kids under 3.5, I am running on adrenaline. I start each day with a simple guided meditation, breathing exercises, a face massage using my gua sha, and reading. As a trained Indian classical dancer and member of the Sa Dance Company, I feel alive when I make time to rehearse. Nowadays, while in quarantine, I enjoy a hydrating face mask, oiling my hair, and hot cups of chai.
What‘s on your bedside table?
My baby Ganesh idol, 5-Minute Journal, a signed copy of “Whatever It Takes - How I Built a $100M Business Against the Odds” by Raegan Moya-Jones, and a claw clip.
Words To Live By
“By living truthfully, you change other people.” - Anonymous
"In a gentle way, you can shake the world." -Mahatma Gandhi
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Grab your latte (that's probably ice cold by now!) and learn as you laugh along with "That's Total Mom Sense." Subscribe here and follow Kanika on Instagram @kanikachaddagupta and @thatstotalmomsense.
