CNN anchor turned podcast host. Devoted mom of three. Optimist, problem-solver, and connector. At The Grand Pursuit Retreat, Kanika will bring her signature warmth, sharp insights, and no-nonsense candor to the stage.
What inspired you to start your brand?
As a child, I had two major goals in life - to be a journalist (like Oprah, Connie Chung, and Barbara Walters) and a mom. After having three kids within the span of 18 months (twins + 1), I found myself drowning and seeking meaningful support. So many parenting sites and forums leaned heavily on complaining and commiserating. But as an optimist and problem solver, I sought to rewrite the “woe is me” martyr narrative. I built my podcast, That’s Total Mom Sense, around three pillars: to be informative, inclusive, and inspiring. I want to remind parents of something we often forget — we already have a superpower. Our “mom sense” and “dad sense” is our inner compass that guides us when we’re exhausted, overwhelmed, or doubting ourselves. My mission has always been to help my audience tap into that intuition and use a growth mindset to show up as the best versions of themselves everyday.
What’s one lesson from your journey you wish more women knew?
In my opinion, the most important decision we make isn’t about our career — it’s who we choose as a life partner. I knew I wanted to get married and have kids. So, I moved from India to New York to take a chance on love. I’m grateful to be building a life and raising a family with my husband Sunil, who supports me wholeheartedly and challenges me in the best way. (I think divine intervention and the universe has a part in this too!). This foundation gave me the courage to take bold pivots. I saw the media landscape shifting — just as print was disrupted, television was next. So I decided to quit broadcast news while I was ahead and channel my skills as an anchor and producer into the growing world of podcasting.
Here’s something I wish more women knew: don’t let “saturated markets” scare you. When I launched in 2019, there were roughly 800,000 global podcasts. In 2025, there are 4.5 million podcasts and with high listener engagement, strong brand recall, and effective targeting of niche audiences, the U.S. market alone is projected to exceed $4 billion this year and forecasted to reach nearly $24 billion globally by 2030. The numbers keep growing — and that’s not a bad thing. It means there’s demand, momentum, and space for your unique voice. Start scrappy, start imperfect, but start.
I’m also a firm believer in the power of connection. I give, give, give, and only then do I ask. I’ve been fortunate to have mentors who poured into me, and I pay it forward by lifting others up. Whenever I’m on stage, I like to highlight someone I know who is up-and-coming. Since I have a mic in hand and can use my voice, I feel it’s my responsibility to shine a light on others and advocate for those who need it most. (Fun fact - I am a former Miss India East Coast so have always thought. A pageant winner’s crown and sash gets switched out every year. I would ask myself - “How can I use this platform to create a ripple effect for years to come?”).
How has motherhood shaped your leadership or vision?
My dear friend and former client, comedian Zarna Garg, has a line I live by: “My kids are my portfolio. When you invest in their enrichment, you’ll see the dividends.” That wisdom has deeply shaped how I lead in my community and at home with my family. I know the return on investment won’t come overnight — it’s a long game. But I’m confident my three kids, Krish, Suhana, and Shrey, will grow to make an impact in the world through their kindness, curiosity, and courage. My mom was so invested in raising my sister Monika and I, and as we navigate her diagnosis with Alzheimer’s which has been the most heartbreaking form of anticipatory grief, I often reflect on how her selfless nature is what set both of us up for success - where we honed in on our passions and believed we could do anything we set our minds and hearts on.
Motherhood has sharpened my vision in every way. It’s taught me that progress matters more than perfection. It’s made me more empathetic as a leader, more decisive as a businesswoman, and more patient as a human. At the end of the day, my legacy isn’t just the podcast, the partnerships, or the speaking engagements — it’s the next generation that we’re collectively raising and the example I’m setting.
