エピソード

  • Soil to Soil: The Chemistry of Conscious Fashion with Jiwya’s Aishwarya Lahariya
    2025/05/15

    In this episode of Chai Break, we dive into the world of regenerative fashion with Aishwarya Lahariya, textile scientist and founder of Jiwya, a 100% plant-based clothing brand based in India. Aishwarya shares how her background in chemistry, sustainability research, and passion for ethical design led her to create a fashion label rooted in zero-waste living, artisan empowerment, and soil-to-soil systems. If you're curious about the real impact of your clothes—from water usage to labor ethics—and want to understand what truly sustainable fashion looks like, this episode is for you.

    • The origins of Jiwya
    • Aishwarya’s upbringing, chemistry background, and move from the U.S. to India to build her brand
    • Why most cotton (even “organic”) is greenwashed—and what truly sustainable sourcing looks like
    • What a soil-to-soil ecosystem really is and how Jiwya’s designs biodegrade in just 60 days
    • The reality of fast fashion: mass production, clearance culture, and the “Oops we bought too much” problem
    • Why ethical pricing still feels "expensive" and how to shift the consumer mindset
    • The science behind plant-based dyes that use 1/10th the water of conventional methods—and return nutrients to the soil
    • Empowering artisans and preserving textile crafts across 100+ clusters in India
    • The challenge of scaling while staying true to values—and what it means to vote with your wallet
    • Aishwarya’s thoughts on the future of fashion, the Buy Now documentary, and her work with Nadhi, a women in climate collective
    続きを読む 一部表示
    51 分
  • Bite-Sized Climate Action: Shivani Ramesh on Community & The Sustainability Mindset
    2025/04/09

    In this inspiring episode of the Chai Break Podcast, I'm joined by Shivani Ramesh—a Strategy & Implementation Analyst at ENGIE Impact, environmental engineer, and passionate sustainability advocate. Shivani takes us on a journey from her roots in India to her career in global decarbonization, offering practical wisdom for anyone grappling with climate anxiety and wondering, “What can I do?”

    We explore the power of bite-sized climate action—small, intentional steps we can take in our homes, communities, and careers to contribute to a more sustainable future. Shivani shares powerful stories of grassroots activism in her own family, from organizing neighborhood cleanups in Chennai to local government initiatives in Westchester, NY.

    This episode is for anyone who wants to understand how citizen-led action, climate-conscious careers, and community collaboration can drive change, no matter where you live.

    🔍 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

    • Why tiny, consistent actions can create large-scale impact
    • Shivani’s journey from Rishi Valley School to ENGIE Impact and the spark that started it all
    • The importance of civic engagement and how her mother’s clean-up drives led to launching Citizen Matters in India
    • How her aunt’s sustainability leadership in Westchester County helped unlock funding for clean energy
    • Local NYC tips: how to get involved in composting, community gardens, and more
    • Why climate anxiety is real—and how to channel it into purpose
    • A behind-the-scenes look at The Soapbox Project, a growing community turning worry into climate action
    • How to pivot into a sustainability career or integrate climate-conscious thinking into your current work
    • 5 bite-sized actions you can start today to live more sustainably

    🔗 Resources mentioned in the episode:

    • ENGIE Impact
    • Citizen Matters
    • The Soapbox Project
    • NYC Composting

    🎧 Grab your chai and tune in—this is a chaiversation you don’t want to miss.

    続きを読む 一部表示
    40 分
  • Everyday Sustainability: Zero Waste Living with Bare Necessities' CSO, Deepti Kharbanda
    2025/03/04

    Deepti Kharbanda’s Journey to Sustainable Living

    In this engaging episode of the Chai Break Podcast,I Shwetha Ravishanakr reconnects with longtime college friend Deepti Kharbanda, Chief Sales Officer at Bare Necessities, as she shares her inspiring journey toward a zero-waste lifestyle and sustainable living. From her early days in Bangalore to becoming a passionate sustainability advocate, Deepti reveals how everyday habits—like carrying a reusable water bottle and composting—can make a big impact on our environment.

    About Deepti Kharbanda With a background in Human Resources and Computer Science, and nearly two decades of experience in business development and R&D engineering, Deepti blends analytical thinking with a heartfelt commitment to the planet. Her journey into sustainability began with motherhood and has evolved into a powerful mission for social impact.

    Key Topics Covered:

    • The "Why" behind Deepti’s commitment to sustainability
    • Overcoming common misconceptions about eco-friendly living
    • Practical steps for adopting a zero-waste lifestyle
    • How sustainable packaging and clean ingredients are changing consumer habits
    • Innovative initiatives like workshops with Ikea that drive community awareness

    Spill the Tea: Deepti also shares fun insights about her love for chai, her favorite pairing, and the influencers who have shaped her path—revealing a side of her that is as warm and engaging as her professional journey.

    Discover actionable tips and inspiring stories that prove sustainability starts with simple, everyday choices. Learn more about Bare Necessities

    chaiversations.org

    続きを読む 一部表示
    38 分
  • Samudra & the Seaweed Revolution: How Joyeeta Das is Cultivating a Sustainable Future from the Ocean Up!
    2025/01/31

    Samudra, Seaweed, and a Sustainable Future with Joyeeta Das 🌊🌱

    Hello, hello! Welcome back to the Chai Break Podcast, where we sip chai and spill the tea on the world’s most pressing issues. And today, we’re diving deep—literally—into the future of sustainability.

    We all know climate change isn’t a far-off crisis; it’s here, now. But what if the key to reversing its effects wasn’t just on land but in the ocean? Enter Joyeeta Das, a powerhouse in deep tech, AI, and climate solutions, and the visionary CEO of Samudra Oceans. Her mission? Harnessing the power of seaweed farming to combat carbon emissions, restore biodiversity, and create jobs in coastal communities.

    From being a woman in the male-dominated world of ocean tech (where boats literally don’t have toilets for women—seriously?!) to building scalable blue carbon solutions, Joyeeta’s story is one of grit, innovation, and breaking barriers.

    🚀 In this episode, we talk about:

    • Why seaweed farming is one of the fastest, most scalable ways to capture carbon
    • The engineering + AI revolution behind sustainable ocean farming
    • The Jugaad mindset—stretching every penny to build a climate-conscious future
    • Her take on female entrepreneurship, risk-taking, and navigating the funding landscape
    • What a sustainable lifestyle looks like (spoiler: minimalism isn’t just for your closet!)

    Oh, and of course, we end with Spill the Tea—because no Chai-versation is complete without Joyeeta’s go-to chai and book recs!

    Tune in now and get ready to rethink sustainability from the ocean up. 🌊✨

    🎧 Listen to this very inspiring #chaiversation and Learn more at samudraoceans.com

    続きを読む 一部表示
    50 分
  • Macro Problem, Micro Solution — Breaking it Down with Dr. Sukanya Punthambaker
    2025/01/10

    Breaking Barriers with Sukanya Punthambekar, Co-Founder of Breaking

    In this episode of The Chai Break Podcast, we dive into one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time: plastic pollution. Did you know that humanity has produced over 8.3 billion metric tons of plastic since the 1950s? Only about 9% of that has been recycled, with millions of tons ending up in our oceans each year. On a mission to combat this crisis is today’s guest: Sukanya Punthambekar, Ph.D., Co-Founder and CEO of Breaking.

    Sukanya brings over two decades of experience in life sciences and biotechnology. She has worked alongside pioneers like Dr. George Church at Harvard Medical School on groundbreaking projects in synthetic biology, sequencing, and protein engineering. Her career highlights include teaching neuroscience, leading collaborative research teams, and earning prestigious awards like the Department of Biotechnology Junior Research Fellowship and the Outstanding Graduate Student Instructor Award from the University of Michigan. With her Ph.D. in molecular biology, Sukanya has co-authored impactful publications in top journals like Nature and Science.

    In This Episode:

    1. Immigrant Story & Entrepreneurial Journey • Sukanya shares how her journey from India to the U.S. shaped her entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to innovation.

    Founding Breaking: Discover what inspired Sukanya to launch Breaking and the pivotal moments that pushed her to take the entrepreneurial leap.

    Challenges as a Woman of Color: Sukanya discusses navigating unique hurdles in the climate-tech space and how she overcame the barriers of VC funding disparities.

    2. Making an Impact & Sharing Advice

    Creating Impact: Sukanya shares the mission behind Breaking and the transformative change she hopes to achieve in combating plastic pollution.

    Advice for Women Entrepreneurs: Learn how women’s leadership styles can bring fresh perspectives and Sukanya’s key tips for budding women entrepreneurs.

    Childhood Memories of Sustainability: Hear Sukanya’s reflections on growing up in India, where sustainable practices were second nature, and how those roots continue to influence her views today.

    3. Spill the Tea • Sukanya’s chai ritual and her favorite snack pairing • The book she’s currently reading • Her life mantra • Fun facts about her musical background and family connection to the film industry

    Connect with Sukanya & Breaking:

    Learn more about Sukanya’s company and their groundbreaking work at Breaking.com.

    Thank you for tuning into today’s chaiversation! If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review. Until next time, happy chai sipping! ☕

    chaiversations.org

    続きを読む 一部表示
    24 分
  • Educate Girls, Empower the Future: Sumana Setty's Vision for Change
    2024/12/11

    In this episode of the Chai Break Podcast, we dive into the transformative power of education with Sumana Shetty, co-founder of Commit2Change. Sumana shares her inspiring journey from her early days in Bangalore to leading a nonprofit focused on empowering underprivileged girls in India and South Asia. Through innovative programs and a custom curriculum, Commit2Change is creating sustainable change, one girl at a time.

    Key Highlights:

    • Sumana’s journey from Bangalore to the United States and her inspiration to co-found Commit2Change.
    • How her experiences volunteering in India shaped her mission.

    Building Commit2Change

    • The story behind Commit2Change and its focus on empowering girls through education, healthcare, and economic development.
    • The significance of "sustainable change" and how C2C ensures impact through their programs.

    The 4 C’s Curriculum

    • Learn how Commit2Change’s custom curriculum helps girls master English and math in record time while fostering creativity, confidence, and communication.
    • Success stories that highlight the ripple effects of educating girls in rural India.

    Education and Climate Change

    • How climate change disrupts education for vulnerable children in rural areas.
    • Insights into C2C’s upcoming mobile tech lab initiative, bringing digital education to underserved communities.

    Collaboration and Community Support

    • The importance of partnerships with local NGOs, government bodies, and community leaders in scaling impact.
    • Lessons learned from working in diverse cultural and economic landscapes.

    Closing Reflections

    • Sumana discusses the intersection of her roles as a General Counsel and nonprofit leader.
    • Rapid-fire fun: Sumana shares her favorite book, chai preferences, and more!

    Resources and Links:

    • Learn more about Commit2Change:
    • Read the World Bank report: The Impact of Climate Change on Education

    Get Involved

    Inspired by today’s episode? Here’s how you can support Commit2Change:

    • Donate to fund education programs for underprivileged girls.
    • Volunteer your skills or resources.
    • Spread the word about C2C’s mission to create sustainable futures through education.

    Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave us a review.

    chaiversations.org

    続きを読む 一部表示
    26 分
  • Planet Positive Gifting with Prateeksha Uday, Founder of Greenr Gifts
    2024/11/15

    Welcome to Season 4 of the Chai Break Podcast.

    In this episode of the Chai Break Podcast, we dive into the world of climate-conscious gifting with Prateeksha Chandraghatgi, founder of Greenr Gifts. With a tech background at industry giants like Yahoo and Microsoft, Prateeksha shifted her path to build a business rooted in sustainability and meaningful impact. Greenr Gifts enables climate-positive gifting by partnering with reforestation organizations worldwide, allowing individuals and businesses to plant trees in their loved ones’ names.

    • Introduction to the episode/season
    • Prateeksha’s Background – From Yahoo and Microsoft to eco-friendly entrepreneurship.
    • Roots in Sustainability – Growing up in a culture of mindful living and its influence on Greenr Gifts.
    • Diary of a Founder – Prateeksha’s reflections on purpose and pace, and what inspired her shift from tech to entrepreneurship.
    • Launching Greenr Gifts – How Greenr Gifts started and what it offers as a climate-positive gifting service.
    • Customer Journey & Emotional Impact – Exploring the meaningful experiences Greenr Gifts creates for its users.
    • Corporate Gifting for Impact – The response to Greenr Gifts’ new corporate offerings and its potential for broader climate action.
    • Insights for Women Entrepreneurs – Challenges of funding, building a small but powerful team, and advice for other female founders.
    • Community Support and Future Goals – How listeners can support Greenr Gifts and what’s next for the company.
    • Rapid Fire Round – Fun insights about Prateeksha’s chai preferences, favorite book, and how she spends her downtime.

    Join us for an inspiring chaiversation on innovation, purpose, and building a business that nurtures the planet. For more on Greenr Gifts, visit greenr.gifts.

    Here's the link to the Climate Solutions Prateesksha mentions: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwYnpej4pQF7UPnt0nkZEa8sxR9TmWR1B&si=6LKPqc9jNqFk5jgu

    chaiversations.org

    続きを読む 一部表示
    32 分
  • Holistic Mental Health with Ektha Aggarwal, Founder of Jiva Mental Health
    2024/07/24

    We're in #chaiversation with Ektha Aggarwal, a licensed clinical health worker, Ektha is a distinguished mental health leader, pioneering holistic therapies at Shakti Therapy and Healing Services, and addressing the unique needs of the South Asian community as the Founder of Jiva Mental Health.

    She combines ancient Eastern practices with modern science to deeply heal and transform lives, focusing on sustainable mental wellness rather than temporary solutions.

    1. We talk to her about her "holistic mental health" approach and what it constitutes
    2. "Love" as an emotion
    3. Misconceptions about "holistic mental health"
    4. A fun rapid fire round you don't want to miss!

    To discover more about Ektha's transformative approach or to schedule a consultation, visit www.shaktitherapyhealing.com or email info@shaktitherapyhealing.com. Join a community where healing is integrated, respected, and celebrated.

    chaiversations.org

    続きを読む 一部表示
    30 分