Hearth 2 Heart with Gayathri Shukla

After five years and more than 55 conversations, Gayathri reflects on what listening to other people’s stories has changed in her—and what those stories have taught her about belonging. The episode arrives as Campfire Kinship prepares to launch The Fires We Lit: Illustrated Stories of Women Reimagining the Rules, a new anthology created by 25 women connected to STEM and innovation. Gayathri explores how the book carries forward many of the questions first gathered around the Hearth 2 Heart podcast, while leaving space for the stories still waiting to be told...and what may become next. Resources mentioned: The Fires We Lit www.campfirekinship.com www.campfirekinship.com

What if belonging did not require us to arrive with all the answers? In this episode of Hearth 2 Heart, Gayathri Shukla sits down with Shivika Sharma, Investment Advisor at Sharma Wealth, Richardson Wealth, for a conversation about the pressure to appear knowledgeable, the dreams we quietly learn to dismiss, and what that reveals about the intserction between money and belonging. Together, Gayathri and Shivika explore a pattern that reaches far beyond simple financial planning. They consider the inherited ideas of responsibility and success that shape our choices—and what becomes possible when we ask not only what is practical, but what we genuinely want. The conversation also connects with the upcoming launch of The Fires We Lit: Illustrated Stories of Women Reimagining the Rules, where Sharma Wealth is one of the sponsors. Like the stories in the anthology, Shivika invites listeners to question prescribed paths, reclaim the ability to dream, and imagine a future that feels like their own.Resources mentioned: Sharma Wealth, Richardson Wealth The Fires We Lit Launch Campfire Kinship www.campfirekinship.com

What does it mean to carry a homeland in your body - through land, food, memory, grief, joy, and story? In this episode, Gayathri Shukla sits down with Dr. Izzeddin Hawamda, a Palestinian educator, storyteller, peace and conflict scholar, and founder of Sadaa – صدى, a storytelling initiative rooted in personal narrative, community dialogue, and human connection.Together, they explore what it means to tell stories that are often flattened by headlines, conflict, or politics. Izzeddin shares memories of Palestine and reflects on storytelling as a bridge for humanization - not only as a communication tool, but as a powerful act of dignity, resistance, and belonging. This conversation invites listeners to consider the responsibility of story listening: what changes when we stop asking people to make their stories more comfortable, and instead allow ourselves to be moved toward deeper care, reflection, and action? At the heart, it is about the stories that echo across displacement, the kitchens that become places of belonging, and the courage it takes to keep telling the truth with love. Resources mentioned: IG: Sadaa.echoes Dr. Izzeddin Hawamda’s storytelling and education work www.campfirekinship.com www.campfirekinship.com

What does it mean to lead through story—especially when your path into engineering has been shaped by family expectations, immigrant identity, gender, caregiving, language, and the pressure to keep proving yourself? Recorded live at the CCWESTT Conference in Calgary, this special Hearth 2 Heart episode features a panel conversation with Claudia Gomez-Villeneuve, Sara Mighan, and host Gayathri Shukla on the lived experiences of immigrant women in engineering. Together, they explore what often sits beneath the surface of career advancement: being told women “don’t belong” on site, returning from maternity leave to a demotion or vanished role, discovering pay gaps, learning the unwritten “politics of engineering,” and why immigrant women need better pathways to P.Eng. recognition. This episode is a reminder that gender equity in engineering cannot be separated from intersectionality and belonging—and that sharing our stories can help make the invisible rules visible for those coming next. Resources mentioned in episode: CCWESTT 2026 Conference: Beyond B APEGA Salary Survey page Women in Consulting Engineering Engineers Canada 30 by 30 initiative Landed: Transformative Stories of Immigrant Women The Fires We Lit: Illustrated Stories of Women Reimagining the Rules Campfire Kinship Lotus STEMM www.campfirekinship.com

How do you tell your story—when the world keeps asking you what you are, instead of who you are? In this episode of Hearth 2 Heart, Gayathri Shukla sits down with author, yoga therapist, and Ayurvedic practitioner Serena Arora to explore a deeply personal journey of identity, lineage, and coming home to oneself. Drawing from her book Unbound, Serena shares what it means to grow up navigating mixed identity, cultural expectations, and the lifelong search for belonging. Together, they unpack: The tension between “immigrit” and “immiguilt”—and how grit and guilt both shape our choices What it means to carry (and eventually put down) the invisible “backpack” Why belonging is not something to become , but something to just be How generational patterns live in us—and how we begin to consciously shift them How telling your story can help you find alignment This conversation is both grounding and expansive—a reminder that belonging is not found in a place, a title, or a path…but in the quiet, ongoing practice of returning to yourself. Resources mentioned: Serena Arora’s book, Unbound: An Immigrant Daughter’s Journey of Reckoning, Unraveling Shame, and Reclaiming Her Worth www.serenaarora.com www.campfirekinship.com www.campfirekinship.com

What if the story you’ve been telling yourself… was never fixed to begin with? In this episode, Gayathri sits down with educator, playwright, and writer Amy Abe for a layered conversation on voice, imagination, and the quiet power of rewriting our internal narratives. What begins as a discussion on the Feminist Fantasy League anthology process opens into something deeper—how we construct reality through story, often without realizing it. From Amy’s dialogue-first creative process to Gayathri’s shift from lived-experience storytelling into fiction, this episode explores what becomes possible when we question the rules we’ve internalized. ✨ Together, they explore: Why we are always “storying” our reality—whether consciously or not How voice and character can reveal parts of ourselves we didn’t know existed The freedom (and discomfort) of moving from truth-telling into imaginative possibility What it means to examine—not just the story—but the rules behind it This conversation is an invitation to pause and ask: What stories are you telling yourself—and what might change if you chose to rewrite them? 📚 Resources mentioned: Feminist Fantasy League anthology Amy Abe's LinkedIn NEWLY ADDED: book launch event! 🎧 Note: Gayathri’s audio may sound slightly choppy in parts due to connection issues. We’ve done our best to clean this up, but you can also follow along with the transcript if helpful. www.campfirekinship.com

What happens when two people from vastly different cultures come together not just to share stories, but to write a book about the in-between spaces of identity? In this Hearth 2 Heart episode, host Gayathri Shukla speaks with Lina Bahlawan and Yemi Adefulu, co-authors of Adventures of a Migrant Heart, about the surprising friendship that sparked their book—and the deeper lessons it holds for reimagining inclusion. Together, they explore: Why storytelling with someone (not just about someone) creates a new kind of empathy How curiosity and compassion can disrupt stereotypes—without losing complexity The power of unlikely friendships to bridge global perspectives and lived experience Why choosing collaboration over competition is a radical act, especially in systems shaped by scarcity This episode is a refreshing reminder that sometimes, the best way to understand someone else’s story… is to co-write a new one. Resources mentioned: Adventures of a Migrant Heart by Lina Bahlawan & Yemi Adefulu Yemi Adefulu Campfire Kinship www.campfirekinship.com

What does it take to thrive as an immigrant woman—not just survive? In this episode of Hearth 2 Heart, Gayathri Shukla speaks with Najah Al-Atassi, founder of Al-Atassi Leadership Consulting and its Peaks Program, about the emotional resilience, bold dreaming, and grit it takes to build a life—and leadership—on your own terms in Canada. Through heartfelt storytelling and sharp insights, Najah shares: Why informed optimism gives way to informed realism—and how to stay motivated How rejection, assimilation pressure, and “Canadian experience” myths can erode confidence The power of perspective, networks, and beginner’s mindset in transforming your journey What allies can actually do to support immigrant women—without assuming superiority And why courageously being yourself is the first step to belonging 💡 Whether you’re new to Canada, navigating career transitions, or leading workplace inclusion, this episode is your reminder to dream boldly—and support others to do the same. 📚 Resources mentioned: Najah’s website Najah on LinkedIn Landed: Transformative Stories of Canadian Immigrant Women www.campfirekinship.com

What does it mean to feel at home—across lands, timelines, and technologies? This New Year special features an openhearted dialogue, where host Gayathri Shukla and guest Stanley Opara weave together their personal stories of migration, identity, and imagination. From oil-rich Nigeria to the majestic Rockies, this episode journeys through the past, present, and future, exploring: What it means to belong to a place, to people, and to oneself How stories shape our sense of home The impact of climate change on belonging The risks and possibilities AI poses for human connection Why humility, resilience, and hope are more urgent than ever This episode is an invitation to slow down, reflect, and come home to yourself, wherever you are. Resources mentioned: The Immigrant Story Podcast Stanley on LinkedIn Landed, Transformative Stories of Immigrant Women Campfire Kinship www.campfirekinship.com

What does it mean to lead with empathy in a world that seems increasingly polarized and divided? In this episode of Hearth 2 Heart , Gayathri Shukla sits down with Dr. Vidya Narasimhan - senior scientist at Eupraxia Pharmaceuticals and Chair of the Board at Lotus STEMM (2021-2025) to explore: Why empathy is a strategic strength, not weakness The tension of holding power and vulnerability - building on insights from the Breaking Barriers project at Lotus STEM Why “you shouldn’t have to be brave to belong” Tune in for this rich and reflective conversation on people-first leadership. Resources mentioned in the episode: Lotus STEMM Breaking Barriers Campfire Kinship Vidya’s LinkedIn www.campfirekinship.com

What does it mean to belong when your lived experiences are not always reflected in the very systems meant to support your growth? In this episode of Hearth 2 Heart, Gayathri Shukla sits down with Dr. Golnaz Golnaraghi, founder of Accelerate Her Future, for an intimate and powerful conversation about the career development experiences of Indigenous, Black, and racialized women in the workplace. Drawing from key findings of a national research project funded by the Government of Canada’s Future Skills Centre, they unpack career development needs and gaps, as well as promising practices and opportunities shared by women across sectors—pointing to what’s already working and what must shift. This episode invites us to reimagine career development for greater belonging. Resources mentioned in episode: Accelerate Her Future Research Report and 2025 Summit Dr. Golnaz Golnaraghi's website and TEDx talk Dr. Bharini Bhattacharya's research on Invisibility of Work Campfire Kinship www.campfirekinship.com

In this solo episode, Gayathri sharers her raw, unfiltered thoughts on a major career milestone: pursuing a PhD. Re-entering academia after two decades in industry and entrepreneurship, Gayathri pulls back the curtains on the hard questions, doubts, and insights that shaped her choice to enter University of Calgary's inaugural Transdisciplinary Research program. From a literal hammock moment of inspiration to mentors' future-oriented perspectives, she explores what it means to belong in academia. If you’ve ever wondered whether if a PhD is right for you - or if you’re simply curious about the behind-the-scenes journey - this episode is for you. Resources mentioned in episode: Kindle Your Spark Career Story Crafting On the transition to entrepreneurship - Podcast Episode On LotusSTEMM project with. Dr. Chaudhary - Podcast Episode On Vipassana - Podcast Episode Newsletter LinkedIn Instagram www.campfirekinship.com

What if the harshest critic you ever faced…was inside your own mind? In this episode of Hearth 2 Heart, Gayathri Shukla is joined by TEDx speaker and award-winning author Kalyani Pardeshi, who shares her deeply personal journey of overcoming burnout and self-bullying. Drawing on her bestselling book Beyond the Inner Critic, Kalyani unpacks the conscious and unconscious voices that shape our motivation, self-worth, and ability to belong. This conversation is an invitation to gently examine the stories we tell ourselves, and to remember that growth begins not in perfection, but in permission to feel, to pause, and to belong to ourselves. Resources mentioned in episode: Kalyani's website and Instagram Campfire Kinship www.campfirekinship.com

What happens when we redefine success by balancing the masculine and feminine energies in our lives? In this episode, Gayathri sits down with Kinia Romanowska, founder of Pros&Babes, to explore how these energies - logic and intuition, structure and creativity - manifest not as gendered traits but as complementary forces that drive personal and professional growth. Kinia shares insights from her journey as an entrepreneur and working parenthood strategist, offering actionable tips on energetic hygiene, healing, and embracing seasonality. Together, they discuss how mothers in STEM and other demanding fields can align their ambitions with well-being, rediscover their feminine power, and create spaces for authentic belonging. Resources mentioned in episode: www.engineerlikeamom.com www.campfirekinship.com www.campfirekinship.com

Content Note: This episode includes mention of sexual abuse. Please listen with care. "Belonging is what makes vulnerability survivable." In this episode of Hearth 2 Heart , Gayathri Shukla sits down with Andrea Silverstone and Carrie McManus from Sagesse to explore the deep connection between belonging and innovation, drawing lessons from their latest book, Innovation at the Back of the Bus. Through personal stories, they explore how feelings of worthiness - or the the lack of it - impact our ability to create, collaborate, and innovate for systemic change. Drawing from their new book Innovation at the Back of the Bus , they discuss how vulnerability is key to both belonging and innovation, wherein fun and failure coexist on the path to change. Resources: Innovation at the Back of the Bus book www.sagesse.org www.campfirekinship.com www.campfirekinship.com

What does decolonization have to do with belonging? More than you might think. In this powerful conversation, Gayathri Shukla sits down with Elaine Alec, author, speaker, and Indigenous leader, to explore her new book, Coming of Age, and lessons such as: - The real meaning of decolonization—beyond the fear and misconceptions - How colonial systems were built on control, exclusion, and shame - Why belonging starts with acknowledging and embracing our humanness If you’ve ever wondered how to approach the process of decolonization in your work and life, this episode is bound to inspire you! Resources mentioned: Elaine's LinkedIn Website and New Book, Coming of Age campfirekinship.com www.campfirekinship.com

What does it mean to belong when you’re constantly navigating the weight of cultural expectations, professional ambition, and personal identity? In this episode of Hearth 2 Heart, Gayathri Shukla is joined by Dr. Roopali Chaudhary, founder of Lotus STEMM, for a deeply personal conversation about the intersectional struggles South Asian women face in STEMM. From unspoken family pressures to the invisible load of being the "only" in a boardroom, they explore how identity shapes our choices and outcomes. They also further unpack the concept of "meta-reflexivity" - a promising early finding from their WAGE-funded project, Breaking Barriers, to advance systemic solutions for equity in STEMM. By weaving together story and insight, this episode invites us to reimagine belonging at the intersections of culture, gender, and science. Learn more at: lotusstemm.org campfirekinship.com www.campfirekinship.com

What if curiosity could be your greatest tool for fostering collaboration and belonging? In this episode, Gayathri sits down with Dr. Tarah Lynch, a scientist and diversity advocate, to explore how embracing your “inner scientist” can transform the way you approach diversity, teamwork, and emotional resilience. Dr. Lynch shares her journey of navigating dual cultural identities and burnout, highlighting the power of curiosity in breaking free from limiting assumptions and building meaningful connections. Through practical insights and personal stories, Tarah reveals how curiosity can help you move beyond judgment and create more inclusive spaces in STEM and beyond. Tune in to discover how staying curious can lead to deeper understanding, stronger teams, and a more fulfilling life. Resources Mentioned: Synergy Scientific Coaching and Consulting (Previously known as Diversity Scientific) Dr. Tarah Lynch on LinkedIn Gayathri Shukla on LinkedIn Campfire Kinship www.campfirekinship.com

Conversations about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in today's climate feel more polarized than ever. But what’s really behind the backlash? And how do we continue pushing forward when the work feels under attack? In this thought-provoking episode, Gayathri sits down with Erin Davis, an award-winning gender equity expert and inclusive leadership strategist, to explore how DEI efforts have evolved, why they face resistance, and how we can shift the conversation beyond acronyms to nuanced action. Gayathri and Erin share powerful insights based on their practice of navigating corporate culture shifts, unpacking the fear driving opposition, and identifying strategic “pressure points” to move meaningful change forward. This episode is a must-listen for anyone committed to creating workplaces where everyone belongs. Resources mentioned in the episode: www.erindavisco.ca www.campfirekinship.com Erin Davis LinkedIn Gayathri Shukla LinkedIn www.campfirekinship.com

How can authenticity and the power of community can shape your success? Originally recorded in 2021, Gayathri chats with Evelyne Nyairo, founder of Ellie Bianca Beauty, about her entrepreneurial journey, commitment to empowering women, and the importance of building community through storytelling. From embracing your unique gifts to breaking stereotypes, this conversation is packed with insights for anyone navigating their own career path. Resources mentioned in episode: Original video on Instagram www.campfirekinship.com www.elliebianca.com www.campfirekinship.com