From Concrete Jungles to Muddy Feet | Nehal Shah | Nature, Parenting & Building Heart & Soil | Parenthoot Spotlight cover art

From Concrete Jungles to Muddy Feet | Nehal Shah | Nature, Parenting & Building Heart & Soil | Parenthoot Spotlight

From Concrete Jungles to Muddy Feet | Nehal Shah | Nature, Parenting & Building Heart & Soil | Parenthoot Spotlight

Listen for free

View show details

About this listen

 In this episode, we sit down with Nehal Shah, the founder of Heart & Soil, a slow parenting and nature-based experiential platform that invites families to reconnect—with the earth, with each other, and with themselves.From her roots as a full-time media professional in Mumbai to leading children on barefoot treks and strawberry-picking adventures, Nehal shares a deeply moving, practical, and refreshingly honest journey.If you’ve ever wondered how to bring more presence, nature, and joy into your parenting—without overhauling your entire life—this conversation is your compass.🎧 Why You Should ListenYou’re a parent overwhelmed by structured activities and overstimulation.You crave meaningful ways to bond with your child—without screens.You’re curious about slow, intentional parenting or nature-based learning.You want actionable ideas to build empathy and resilience in your kids.You need a warm reminder that “doing less” can mean “growing more.”🔍 Highlights & Time Stamps:[02:06] – Nehal’s life in South Bombay and how city parenting sparked a longing for nature.[05:35] – The first Heart & Soil event: a leap of faith, a Facebook page, and a bus full of families.[08:29] – Heart & Soil's core vision: “Bonding in nature becomes a core memory.”[12:29] – How children transform outdoors: no phones, just pebbles, sticks, tents—and joy.[14:28] – The barefoot-in-the-mud moment that changed a child’s life (and Nehal’s).[16:24] – Why slowness is a superpower in childhood development.[19:45] – Addressing parental fears: food, bugs, camping—and how to gently let go.[22:24] – “We’re not a magic wand, but if the intent is there, we’re here to help.”[24:23] – Sticking to values: Why Heart & Soil won’t do pizza hikes or glamping.[26:55] – “We’re not just building holidays. We’re building mindsets.”[30:28] – “I did it for my son. But really, it was for my soul.”[33:11] – Gently challenging systemic beliefs: Overscheduling, gadgets, and nature deficit.[37:15] – The goal is simple: cultivate empathy and compassion.[40:30] – You don’t need a forest: start with a caterpillar, a pea pod, or a veggie vendor.[46:26] – What’s next: mental health, emotional regulation, and art therapy in nature.[50:03] – A quiet dream: raising a generation who protect what they love.🔗 Resources & References:Heart & Soil on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartandsoil.inSimple nature ideas to try today:Make a caterpillar observation jar: Butterfly Edufields GuideTry a barefoot walk in your local park or society garden.Visit a local vegetable market with your child: name colors, smells, textures.👩‍🌾 About the GuestNehal Shah is the founder of Heart & Soil, a nature-based parenting community that creates immersive outdoor experiences for children and their families. From strawberry-picking to jungle safaris, her events prioritize bonding, presence, and eco-consciousness over structure, screens, and speed.Formerly a media professional with Star India, Nehal shifted paths after motherhood awakened in her a desire to reclaim the richness of her own childhood—one filled with balconies, soil, rescued animals, and time. Over nearly a decade, she’s built a trusted community of parents and children seeking something deeper than a weekend plan: connection.She lives in Mumbai, is happiest with her hands in the mud, and believes the world changes when we choose to walk barefoot—together.💬 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.
No reviews yet
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.