S3E147: Healing Through Words: Sonia Mehta on Children’s Stories, Emotional Intelligence & Finding Your Voice
In this episode of The AboutHer Show, I’m in conversation with children’s author Sonia Mehta, who has spent over two decades shaping young minds through storytelling.
At the heart of her work lies the idea of healing through words, using stories to help children understand and process their emotions and feel less alone. Through books like On Air with RJ Rini, she gently creates spaces where children can find their voice and visibility, learning to express themselves in a world that often speaks for them.
We explore how storytelling can build emotional intelligence, nurture confidence, and remind children that their thoughts and feelings truly matter.
Because sometimes, the right story doesn’t just entertain, it helps a child feel seen, heard, and understood.
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Chapters:
(0:00) 🌱 Beginnings & Belief in Stories
A gentle introduction to Sonia Mehta and her belief in the power of imagination.
(3:20) ✨ Two Decades of Writing Magic
Sonia reflects on her journey of writing for children for over 20 years.
(7:30) 🎭 Many Hats, One Calling
From journalism to entrepreneurship—how every role shaped her path to children’s books.
(13:24) 👩👧 Motherhood & Meaningful Stories
How storytelling for her own children influenced her voice and perspective.
(16:07) 🎙️ Finding Voice with RJ Rini
The inspiration behind On Air with RJ Rini and its message of courage and self-expression.
(22:43) 💛 Writing Emotional Intelligence
Why is helping children understand their feelings central to her work?
(27:51) 🌿 Stories, Not Sermons
How Sonia weaves values into stories without turning them into moral science lessons.
(34:18) 📖 A Story Close to the Heart
A personal reflection on the book that means the most to her.
(37:10) 🗣️ Giving Children a Voice
Exploring how stories can help children express themselves and feel seen.
(40:22) 🤝 When Books Say What Adults Can’t
The role of books in validating children’s emotions and inner worlds.
(45:18) 🌍 Where Voice & Visibility Begins
Why must confidence and expression be nurtured from childhood?
(48:53) 🌈 One Feeling to Take Away
What Sonia hopes every child carries with them after reading her books.
(50:45) 💼 Building a Creative Life as a Woman
Her journey of balancing creativity, entrepreneurship, and identity.
(54:57) ⚡ Rapid Fire Fun
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