That's Total Mom Sense

After kids, many parents notice that their bodies don’t respond the way they used to. Weight loss feels harder. Energy fluctuates differently. Hormones, sleep disruption, stress, and the mental load of caregiving all intersect — and the growing conversation around GLP-1 medications has added a new layer of curiosity, confusion, and questions. Join us for GLP-1s & the Post-Kids Body: What’s Different, What’s Working & What’s Next, a nuanced and evidence-informed conversation exploring how bodies change after pregnancy and caregiving — and where GLP-1s fit (and don’t fit) into the bigger picture of health, metabolism, and sustainability. Moderated by journalist and host Kanika Chadda-Gupta, this discussion brings together clinical expertise and structured behavior-change insight to ground the conversation beyond headlines and hot takes. We’ll explore: ✨ Why the post-kids body responds differently than before ✨ The role of hormones, stress, sleep, and mental load in metabolic health ✨ What GLP-1s do, what they don’t, and who they may be appropriate for ✨ How behavior change, nutrition, and support intersect with medication ✨ Common misconceptions and safety considerations parents should understand ✨ What long-term, sustainable health looks like beyond a single intervention Moderator: Kanika Chadda-Gupta, That’s Total Mom Sense Panelists: Dr. Alexandra Sowa (SoWell) + Olivia Ward (Weight Watchers) Whether you’re curious about GLP-1s, navigating postpartum or post-kids body changes, or simply trying to understand why your body feels different now, this conversation will offer clarity, context, and grounded insight — without judgment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hi everyone. I’m Kanika Chadda Gupta. I’m a television journalist, podcast host of “That’s Total Mom Sense,” wife and mom of three. I am having a fangirl moment right now because I am with the beautiful, talented singer, songwriter, actress, and author who has grown up alongside us. She’s been singing her whole life and began her musical career as a founding member of Destiny’s Child and here we are with children of our own. I’m about to “say her name, say her name.” Kelly Rowland is an American singer, performer, songwriter, actress, and television personality. She rose to fame in the late 1990s as a member of Destiny's Child, one of the world's best-selling girl groups of all time. She soon released her debut solo studio album, Simply Deep in 2002, debuting at #1 on the UK Albums Chart and sold over 3 million copies worldwide. Rowland eventually became a judge on the eighth season of The X Factor (UK version), as well as the 3rd season of The X Factor (USA) in 2013. She has continued her television career by hosting Chasing Destiny, and starred as a coach on The Voice (Australia). Throughout her career, Rowland has sold 40M+ records as a solo artist, and an additional 60M+ records with Destiny's Child. She's won 4 Grammy Awards, 1 Billboard Music Award, and 2 Soul Train Music Awards — she's also received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame as part of Destiny's Child, and as a solo artist, she has been honored by the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers and Essence for her contributions to music. In 2014, Fuse ranked Rowland in their "100 Most Award-Winning Artists" list. Kelly and her husband Tim Weatherspoon have two sons, Titan and Noah. In 2022, she released her children’s book, Always with You, Always with Me. Meet My Guest: INSTAGRAM: ⁠@kellyrowland⁠ TWITTER: ⁠@kellyrowland⁠ FACEBOOK: ⁠/kylierowland529⁠ YOUTUBE: ⁠/kellyrowland⁠ Press MARCH OF DIMES: ⁠March of Dimes Raises $1.4M at 6th Annual Celebration of Babies®: A Hollywood Luncheon⁠ 21NINETY: ⁠Exclusive: Kelly Rowland on Marriage, Money Moves And Advice For New Moms: 'Be Patient With Yourself'⁠ Mom Haul AMAZON: ⁠Always with You, Always with Me Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if regret isn’t something to avoid, but a compass to guide your biggest decisions? In this episode, I sit down with Parul Somani, business strategist, MIT and Harvard Business School graduate, former Bain & Company leader, cancer survivor, and author of The Path of Least Regret. After being diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer at 31, shortly after the birth of her second child, Parul transformed her personal and professional journey into a powerful framework for resilient decision-making. We explore how to lead through uncertainty, make values-aligned choices, and redefine success beyond conventional achievement. This conversation is about courage, clarity, and choosing intentionally, even when the stakes feel impossibly high. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special episode called Ma Ki Rasoi (from his Mother's Kitchen) to Michelin Star, Kanika sits down with Chef Vikas Khanna at his NY restaurant, Bungalow. The common thread is the letter "M" as they open by admiring a floral mandala and he shares poignant stories about his motherland, mother, Masterchef India, Michelin Star, and manifestation. Meet My Guest: WEBSITE: ⁠www.bungalowny.com⁠ INSTAGRAM: ⁠@vikaskhannagroup⁠ X: ⁠@TheVikasKhanna⁠ Press: ⁠Forbes⁠ ⁠Vogue India⁠ ⁠Gotham Magazine⁠ ⁠MSN⁠ ⁠Eater NY⁠ ⁠The Juggernaut Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The term “mental load” gets thrown around a lot — but what does it actually mean, and why does it so often fall on moms and primary caregivers? Join us for The Invisible Workload: Why 75% of the Mental Load Lands on Primary Caregivers, a candid, expert-led conversation about the invisible labor that keeps families running — and the emotional, logistical, and identity toll it takes. We’re joined by three powerhouse women who are reshaping how we talk about care, support, identity, and the weight parents carry: 🧠 Neha Ruch — Bestselling Author and Founder of THE POWER PAUSE🤖 Sheila Lirio Marcelo — Co-Founder, CEO of Ohai.ai; and Founder of Care.com🎙 Kanika Chadda-Gupta — former CNN anchor and host of That’s Total Mom Sense, the hit parenting podcast loved by millions Together, we’ll explore: ✔️ What the mental load really is — and why it’s so hard to offload ✔️ Why it disproportionately impacts moms and default parents ✔️ How identity, ambition, and self-worth get tangled up in caregiving ✔️ The role of tech, AI, systems, partnership, and communication in rebalancing the load ✔️ How to start the hard conversations — with partners, with kids, and with yourself Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“God could not be everywhere, so he created Mothers.” This adage could not ring more true when it comes to the life of C.J. Taylor. Her life story could be made into an Oscar-winning biopic, and believe me, it’s just a matter of time. She is a divorced single mom of three, an attorney, and a football coach with over 20 years of experience - she is the first female coach in the Snoop Dogg’s youth football league, is the Former Director of Football Operations and Assistant Coach at Los Angeles Southwest College, and was an the Junior Varsity HEAD COACH and Assistant Coach on Varsity at Verbum Dei High School, a private all boys school in southern California. She has generated more than 45 millions dollars, sending hundreds of student-athletes to college on scholarships with over 300 NCAA programs including with Marist College, Univ. of Texas, TCU, Vanderbilt, FAMU, LSU, CAL, Boise State, USC, UCLA, Notre Dame, Syracuse and more. She has single handedly raised three tremendously successful children: her daughter Mi-Calynn is a California State Licensed Nurse who is on the front line during the COVID pandemic. Caylin is a 2017 Rhodes Scholar, 2014 Fulbright Scholar, D-1 Student-Athlete and graduate of Texas Christian University, 2019 graduate of Oxford University, a current PhD candidate, and author of the NY Times bestselling memoir, A Dream Too Big. Last but not least Chase Moore, an Archer Fellow, Children’s Defense Fund recipient, and a recent D1Student-Athlete at the University of Texas at Austin victor of the 2019 Sugar Bowl, and member of the AFCA Allstate Good Works Team. Though the family has witnessed many glory days, life has not been easy. As written in an ESPN profile by Senior Writer Adam Rittenberg, CJ shares, "We used to have a five-bath, four-bedroom house and seven vehicles. We had what looked like the Cosby life. It was like a Monet: From a distance, it looked beautiful, but up close, it was all messed up." Inside those walls, C.J.'s now ex-husband, Louis Moore, was psychologically abusive toward her. She twice saw him physically abuse Caylin, who was just 2 at the time. In 2000, she left him, taking the children to live with her mother in Carson, on the border of Compton. She filed for divorce but still feared for their safety. She always told her kids: “We may live in the hood, but the hood doesn’t live in us.”In 2004, she went to the hospital for heart surgery and came back in even worse shape. She was assaulted while being sedated, and later slipped into a depression. In 2009, her ex-husband was convicted of murder. He had a drunken argument with his girlfriend and fatally shot her with a rifle. After weeks of her kids feeding her and bathing her, her middle child told her, “Get up, Mom. You’ve got to live. You’ve got three kids. We need you!” That’s exactly what she did and she continues to give every bit of her soul to her children every single day. Today, I am honored to welcome CJ Taylor and her youngest son Chase Moore to the show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are smartphones and social media harming our kids—or is the truth more nuanced? In this episode of That’s Total Mom Sense, journalist and mom of three Kanika Chadda Gupta sits down with Jacqueline Beauchere, Snapchat’s Global Head of Platform Safety, for a thoughtful, data-driven conversation about parenting teens in a digital world. Together, they explore real online risks, how Snapchat differs from other platforms, and the tools parents can use—like Family Center and The Keys—to stay informed, involved, and proactive. This is not fear-mongering or permissiveness. It’s problem-solving, empathy, and practical guidance for families navigating tech together. 🔗 Resources for parents: • Snapchat Family Center: parents.snapchat.com/family-center • The Keys: thekeys.snapchat.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of That's Total Mom Sense, host Kanika Chadda Gupta sits down with Alex Spitz, Founder and CEO of New Mom School, to explore what happens when the village disappears and how she is rebuilding it. After experiencing the isolation of early motherhood herself, Alex set out to create a solution. Today, she is actively rebuilding the village for modern mothers through New Mom School, a postpartum education and support platform with 22 locations across the United States. Grounded in expert-led programming and real community, New Mom School equips parents with the education, confidence, and connection they need during the fourth trimester. Together, Kanika and Alex discuss the postpartum care gap, maternal mental health, and why proactive support, not survival mode, should be the standard. This episode is especially relevant for pregnant women and parents with babies under one year old, and is required listening for anyone who wants to support the mothers in their lives. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jen Hatmaker on AWAKE, reinvention, grief, divorce, new love, and raising 5 kids. A deeply intimate conversation about rebuilding your life with honesty, tenderness, and hope. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Allie Ticktin is the founder of Play 2 Progress, and author of the book, Play to Progress, where she provides parents with an overview of all 8 (yes, 8) senses and gives them 90 exercises to engage their children in sensory learning. Dr. Allie uses the science of child development and the joy of play to boost childrens’ confidence and enhance development within all areas of their life, from social and emotional to physical and academic. On the show, she shares her personal journey of self-discovery and loss which has informed her work and life today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Money is one of the biggest sources of stress in modern relationships — especially when you’re raising kids, building careers, and managing caregiving all at once. In this episode of That’s Total Mom Sense, I sit down with Douglas and Heather Boneparth — married couple, wealth experts, and co-authors of Money Together — to talk about how families can create financial systems that feel fair, aligned, and sustainable. We unpack what “contribution” really means, why fairness doesn’t always equal 50/50, how couples can communicate about money without resentment, and how to build a shared financial vision — even with variable income or entrepreneurial careers. Whether you’re parenting, partnering, or planning for the future, this conversation will give you tangible tools to manage money together. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this powerful conversation, Kanika sits down with Rei Wang and Anita Hossain Choudhry, founders of The Grand, the global community helping ambitious women navigate transitions with clarity, confidence, and support. They break down motherhood identity shifts, career pivots, fundraising, co-leadership, and the practical tools every woman needs to design her next chapter. If you’re craving purpose, community, or a roadmap for your future — this episode will light the way. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if 2026 isn’t something that happens to you—but something you intentionally design?In this solo episode, journalist and podcast host Kanika Chadda Gupta breaks down a clear, actionable system for turning vision boards into real-life results. Drawing from frameworks she’s learned through The Grand Pursuit coaching and the Founders Launch Lab, Kanika shares how to move from dreaming to doing—quarter by quarter, habit by habit—without burning out. This episode is for moms and founders who want clarity, momentum, and a plan that actually works. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ingrid Michaelson sits down with Kanika at the Mom 2.0 Summit in Nashville to discuss her journey as a singer/songwriter, grieving the loss of her parents, the launch of The Notebook musical on Broadway, and how to find joys in the ups and downs in life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Arleen Lamba — physician, former anesthesiologist, and the founder of GLO30 — breaks down exactly what women in their 30s, 40s, and 50s actually need for healthy, glowing skin. From the essentials (Vitamin C, retinol, SPF) to the treatments that really work (and the ones that are hype), Dr. Lamba helps simplify the noise. We also talk hormonal skin changes, perimenopause, budget-friendly routines, and why consistency beats 14-step routines every time. Perfect for moms, entrepreneurs, and anyone aging with intention. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After motherhood, our bodies change — but what if that change could be celebrated instead of judged?In this powerful conversation, host Kanika Chadda Gupta sits down with Taryn Brumfitt, founder of The Body Image Movement and Australian of the Year, and Dr. Zali Yager, body image researcher and co-founder of The Embrace Collective. Together, they unpack the motherhood identity shift, why our self-talk shapes our kids’ confidence, and how we can move beyond “body positivity” to genuine body appreciation.You’ll learn small, actionable ways to rewrite the language around food, appearance, and health at home — and discover how two changemaker moms are leading a global revolution in self-worth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this inspiring episode of That's Total Mom Sense, Kanika Chadda Gupta sits down with Dr. Neeta Bhushan, a former cosmetic dentist turned best-selling author and emotional resilience expert. Dr. Neeta shares her journey of pivoting from a successful dental career to becoming a renowned emotional health advocate, after overcoming significant personal challenges, including the loss of her parents and surviving an abusive marriage. They delve into her philosophy on emotional resilience, her best-selling book Emotional GRIT, and how she is helping thousands transform their lives, including parents to highlight the importance of emotional intelligence, resilience, and grit to their children, offering powerful insights on how we all can live authentic, fulfilled lives. Meet My Guest: WEBSITE: ⁠https://neetabhushan.com/⁠ INSTAGRAM: ⁠@neetabhusban⁠ FACEBOOK: ⁠Neeta Bhusban⁠ LINKEDIN: ⁠Dr. Neeta Bhusban⁠ X (TWITTER): ⁠@neetabhusban⁠ PRESS: ARTOFLIVINGRETREATCENTER.ORG: ⁠Dr. Neeta Bhushan⁠ THEBIGSILENCE.COM: ⁠When We Break Down, We Break Through with Dr. Neeta Bhushan⁠ ORGANIC OLIVIA: ⁠HOW TO EMBRACE OUR GRIEF TO ACCESS JOY — Dr. Neeta Bhushan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jessica Fein was a marketing executive and mom who adopted three lovely children from South America. Her world was turned upside down when her daughter Dalia was diagnosed with a rare disease called MERFF Sydrome and ended up passing away in her teens. Jessica shares her insights on taking care of children with illnesses, how to overcome loss of family members (sudden and anticipatory grief), how loved ones can provide support to those who are caregiving, and what it means to find solace in your own breath. Meet My Guest: Website: ⁠jessicafeinstories.com⁠ Instagram: ⁠@feinjessica⁠ Facebook: ⁠Jessica Fein⁠ Podcast: ⁠I Don’t Know How You Do It⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠Jessica Fein⁠ PRESS: Newsweek: ⁠I Was Determined to Cure My Daughter, But I Learned a Powerful Lesson⁠ Huffpost: ⁠I Lost My Daughter To A Rare Disease, But It's What I Did After That Surprises People The Most⁠ Pstchology Today: ⁠Why Bereavement Leave is Important Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of That’s Total Mom Sense, Kanika sits down with psychotherapist and TODAY Show contributor Niro Feliciano — a mom of four and author of All is Calm(ish) — to talk about finding calm in the chaos. They dive into why we over-schedule our kids, how to redefine success in family life, and why peace isn’t about perfection. Niro shares her personal story, lessons from therapy, and practical tools for resilience — especially during the holidays. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of That’s Total Mom Sense, host Kanika Chadda Gupta sits down with Erica Komisar, a clinical social worker, psychoanalyst, and author of Being There and Chicken Little the Sky Isn’t Falling. Together, they unpack the science of secure attachment and why a parent’s emotional availability is the most important gift we can give our children. Erica shares her SECURE framework — a practical roadmap for nurturing resilience and emotional intelligence in kids — and explores how both mothers and fathers play essential roles in building strong, secure bonds. From balancing career and family to understanding the long-term impact of early childhood connection, this conversation will inspire every parent to show up with presence, empathy, and grace. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices