The Kids Voice Podcast

This Diwali, Can You Have Your Mithai Or Go For SugarFree Versions

Festivals and sweets go hand in hand in India. But as concerns about diabetes, obesity and rising sugar consumption grow, many people are turning to jaggery, honey, dates and artificial sweeteners, believing these are healthier alternatives to sugar. Are they really? Can sugar-free mithai be a better choice, and what should people with diabetes look out for? In this episode of Raising India, we speak to nutritionist Ishi Khosla about the science behind sweeteners, the claims made by the sugar-free food industry, and how to enjoy festive treats without being misled by the promise of guilt-free indulgence.

Breast Cancer: Know What’s Normal, Check What’s Not

Breast cancer is increasingly affecting younger women in India, with cases being reported even among those in their 30s. Recognising warning signs, understanding risk factors and seeking timely medical advice can make a difference. In this interview, Dr Geeta Chadha, Senior Consultant in the Department of Gynaecology, Indraprastha Apollo, New Delhi explains the symptoms women should watch for, the role of family history and hormones, and the importance of breast awareness and screening.

Children’s Mental Health: Why Connection Matters More Than Ever

In a world where screens compete for our attention, are we truly connecting with our children? Children’s irritability, shorter attention spans and difficulty expressing emotions may be signs of something deeper. Often, what they need most is not another activity or distraction, but a safe space to be heard and understood. In this episode, we speak to Dr Jitendra Nagpal, senior psychiatrist and director psychiatry and mental health service Moolchand Mediciy and explore why emotional connection matters, how parents can recognise distress, and why a child’s ability to speak up can make all the difference.

Your Child Doesn’t Need Every Supplement:The Risk Behind Gummies And Nutrition Mixes

AI and Children: Is Technology Helping Them Grow or Changing The Way They Think

AI is rapidly becoming part of children’s everyday lives — from learning and homework to conversations and emotional support. But what does this growing dependence mean for their developing minds and relationships? To understand the impact of AI on children, we speak to Dr Nimish G. Desai, senior psychiatrist and former Director of the Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences (IHBAS), New Delhi, who has worked extensively in the field of mental health. In this conversation, we explore how children are using AI, where the concerns around dependence lie, and how parents can help children use technology without allowing it to replace human connection.

The Ultra-Processed Food Trap: What Parents Need to Know? Dr Arun Gupta Explains

In this episode, child paediatrician and public health activist Dr. Arun Gupta, convenor of Nutrition Advocacy in Public Interest (NAPi), sits down with health journalist Toufiq Rashid to unpack the growing debate around ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and the proposed health warning labels. What makes ultra-processed foods a concern, particularly for children? What are their potential health risks? How does aggressive and often unnecessary advertising influence what children and families eat? And, most importantly, why do warning labels matter?