#18: Reliving Childhood Through Parenthood, ft. Karandeep Kapany

Karan, Regional Marketing Director at Duolingo, shares his deeply personal journey through parenthood and life’s complexities in this episode. A storyteller at heart, Karan draws on his experiences as a father to Ziyah, his five-year-old daughter, and a partner to Reety, a molecular biologist at CRISPR-Bits. Together, they’ve created a life filled with rituals, humor, and deep introspection. In this conversation, Karan candidly discusses the joys, challenges, and transformative lessons he’s encountered while juggling his roles as a parent, partner, and professional.

This episode dives into the essence of modern parenting, exploring themes like boundary-setting, unlearning societal pressures, and finding beauty in the mundane. Karan also reflects on how his partnership with Reety has evolved over nearly two decades and how they’ve managed to keep the spark alive while growing individually.

Key Highlights

• Karan’s perspective on unlearning cynicism and rediscovering the world through his daughter’s eyes.
• The power of rituals, from storytelling to Sunday breakfasts, in building meaningful family bonds.
• Why emotional intelligence and boundary-setting are cornerstones of effective parenting.
• The dynamic balance between career, family, and personal growth.

Why You Should Listen

This episode is a heartfelt mix of practical wisdom and endearing anecdotes. Whether you’re a parent seeking inspiration, a professional balancing work and home life, or someone navigating relationships, Karan’s reflections will leave you with valuable takeaways.

References & Recommendations

• Books: While no specific titles were mentioned, Karan emphasizes the importance of reading to children. He credits Reety’s nightly reading habit for Ziyah’s advanced vocabulary and love for language.
• Movies: Ziyah’s favorite movies include Pixar’s Luca and Inside Out, which Karan describes as regulars in their family movie nights.
• Pop Culture: Karan mentions Ziyah’s admiration for cricketers like Mithali Raj and Virat Kohli, showcasing how sports inspire her enthusiasm.
• Rituals and Food: The family cherishes small joys, like weekend trips to Cubbon Park, and Sunday breakfasts with filter coffee and masala dosas.
• Art and Community: Karan describes Ziyah’s participation in a Sonic Picnic activity at Cubbon Park, which combined storytelling, art, and interactive installations.
• School and Nature: Ziyah’s Montessori school, The Earth School, is noted for its focus on nature and creativity, which aligns with her love for gardening, insects, and outdoor exploration.

Memorable Moments:

• Karan recalls Ziyah’s heartfelt comment introducing him as “the best storyteller in the world.”
• The transformative experience of watching Ziyah delight in nature, such as finding a leaf and calling it “the best day of her life.”
• His candid advice to his pre-parenting self: “Sleep as much as you can—it’s a rare luxury after kids.”

About the Guest

Karandeep is the Regional Marketing Director at Duolingo, known for his wit, leadership, and storytelling abilities. With a knack for balancing professional demands with his personal life, Karan brings a unique perspective on parenting, marriage, and finding joy in the small moments. His wife, Reety, a molecular biologist, complements his creative approach with her scientific rigor, and together, they are raising Ziyah in a home filled with love, laughter, and curiosity.

Follow Karan:

• Instagram: .css-j9qmi7{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;font-weight:700;margin-bottom:1rem;margin-top:2.8rem;width:100%;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:start;justify-content:start;padding-left:5rem;}@media only screen and (max-width: 599px){.css-j9qmi7{padding-left:0;-webkit-box-pack:center;-ms-flex-pack:center;-webkit-justify-content:center;justify-content:center;}}.css-j9qmi7 svg{fill:#27292D;}.css-j9qmi7 .eagfbvw0{-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;color:#27292D;}