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.
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