#34: Parenting Through Cancer, Culture Shifts & Comebacks, ft. Meghna Kulkarni cover art

#34: Parenting Through Cancer, Culture Shifts & Comebacks, ft. Meghna Kulkarni

#34: Parenting Through Cancer, Culture Shifts & Comebacks, ft. Meghna Kulkarni

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 What happens when parenting and crisis collide? In this episode, we sit down with Meghna Kulkarni, a mother, partner, and working professional, to trace her extraordinary parenting journey shaped by love, loss, resilience, and reinvention.Meghna shares how she and her husband Prashant navigated his diagnosis of Stage 4 Hodgkin’s lymphoma when their son was just a toddler, and how that experience reshaped their marriage, their parenting, and their sense of identity.From raising a child through chemotherapy in London, adjusting to cultural shifts in Singapore, to returning to India during the pandemic, Meghna's story is a powerful reminder of what it means to show up —imperfectly, fully, and fiercely — for the people you love, and for yourself.🎧 Why You Should ListenThis episode is a must-listen if you:Are navigating parenting while caregiving or going through a personal crisisAre raising children across cultures or planning a move abroad/back to IndiaNeed a reminder that “you are enough” as a parent, even when life feels overwhelmingWant to hear a deeply authentic, quietly powerful take on motherhood and resilienceIt’s not about perfect parenting. It’s about real parenting—gritty, tender, and full of grace.⏱️ Highlights and Timestamps[2:21] Meghna’s intention for sharing her story: “If even one person is helped by what we’ve gone through, it’s worth it.”[9:39] The moment everything changed: Prashant's unexpected reaction to his cancer diagnosis—and how Meghna carried the emotional weight.[13:29] Parenting through uncertainty: How the trauma shaped their toddler Ishaan—and why Meghna is grateful he doesn't remember it.[20:24] The hardest conversation: “I’m worried our son won’t even remember you.” Meghna opens up about facing mortality and choosing courage.[23:00] Grieving missed milestones: “I don’t remember his first steps or words.” The painful trade-offs when survival takes over parenting.[25:23] Self-kindness as a survival tool: A powerful reminder that parents must care for themselves, not just their children.[34:45] Culture shock—at home: Returning to India after 20 years abroad, and the funny, unexpected challenges that came with it.[41:31] Reinventing her career for balance: Why Meghna stepped out of hospitality and chose a job that aligned with motherhood and selfhood.[54:07] Advice to her pre-parent self: “Good on you for waiting.” Why conscious parenting begins before the child arrives.[56:10] What Meghna hopes Ishaan takes with him: "Be kind. Be ambitious. And don't let the world tell you it's not cool to care."👩‍🦰 About Meghna KulkarniMeghna is a hospitality professional turned FMCG operations manager, a wife of 27 years, and mother to 18-year-old Ishaan. With a life that has moved across continents and crises, Meghna is a quiet force of resilience and grace.She lives in Gurgaon, India, with her family, and continues to balance a fulfilling career with intentional motherhood. Her story is not just about surviving cancer as a family—but about growing through it, together.📱 Follow Meghna on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meghnakul💬 Join the Conversation🔔 Review & Subscribe:If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and family!💖 Follow Us:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parenthootwithneha/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/parenthoot/☕ Support Us: https://buymeacoffee.com/gargneha Your support helps keep the show running.👋 Join our WhatsApp Community!🔗 https://chat.whatsapp.com/CHdbb6XkpSt5hBR4KN58qQ💬 For updates, reflections, and real talk on parenting, life, and everything in between.
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