

Watch & Listen to this podcast Episode.
In this episode of the Arts to Hearts Podcast, host Charuka Arora sits down — just her and the mic — for a conversation that wasn’t planned but turned out to be just what was needed.
Recorded in her studio after a guest didn’t show up, Charuka shares where she’s been, why she stepped away for a while, and what it’s taken to come back. She talks about the ups and downs of building a creative life, the pressure of doing it all, and the questions she’s still figuring out.
This episode marks the start of a new season, where the focus is simple — honest conversations between creative people, just like you and me. Whether you’re here for the first time or have been listening for years, this one feels like a catch-up with a good friend.
This set effectively summarizes and segments the detailed content of the interview into easily navigable chapters for viewers.
00:00 Returning to Solo Episodes
00:57 Reflecting on the Year
02:54 Business Growth and Challenges
05:46 Community and Artist Support
09:03 Future Aspirations and Podcast Evolution
Charuka (00:01.036)
Hey you, welcome back to the Arts2Huts Podcast. I’m your host, Arka Iroda, artist, creative, founder of Arts2Huts Project. I’m very very excited to be back. And I know I haven’t, I had promised to come back much earlier, but I am so excited that I finally made this happen because to be honest, coming back wasn’t easy. It’s a lot of work, things have grown.
I’ve had so many new ships and it’s been a while but I am very excited to be back. can’t tell you how this time away from the podcast has made me so so wanted like I am really looking forward to it. So but let me also tell you this wasn’t this episode wasn’t supposed to be recorded right now it wasn’t supposed to be recorded as ads I’m speaking at least not like this but I’m known to be
recording prompt. I am known to be not having scripts so I’d go with the flow. I would go with it. So I’m going with the flow, you know. I did have my mic set up, there was a guest lined up, the questions were prepared, the research was done and the guest didn’t show up. This is what happens a lot of times when you run a podcast and I think from the last season there was a lot of burnout for me when it came to recording and know lining up things and then…
people often not showing up or rescheduling that I decided to take some time away and even today I felt a little bit of frustration that came staring at my know screen and just waiting and coordinating and then something shifted and I was like you know what maybe this is an opportunity for me for you to be able to speak to each other and to actually begin this
podcast in the most honest, the most imperfect, but in the most real way.
Charuka (02:03.446)
But before we dive in, can I ask you something? And this is something that I’m asking myself also and I will answer this for you. But where are you right now? Where are you? And I just don’t mean physically, I mean emotionally. Where are you? It’s been so long that I’ve spoken to you, that I’ve heard from you and…
I want to know what’s happening. know if you’re a regular listener or you’re listening and tuning in for the first time, I want to know who you are and how are you doing, what stage are you in your life right now and what’s working and what are you looking forward to and what’s holding you back and what is that you were carrying in your heart the most. I would really, really, really love to hear from you.
because that’s the entire point of having this podcast and if I’m being honest you know I’m recording this from my studio I have my teeth that’s gone stale now and I’ve been thinking a lot you know I’ve been thinking a lot about different things but there’s this feeling in my heart even now
with so many things I’ve done over the years with building hearts to hearts with the podcast, the business with my own practice with you know I think I’ve shared this journey with each one of you over the past four five years from you know dealing with grief dealing with building my own career then building a business that I never planned for truly in a sense that’s happened now and then
I have still this part in me that I feel like amidst this I had to let go of a few dreams, of a few things that I really wanted and I’m still asking myself, am I still allowed to want this dream and is it really worth it? Am I not appreciating what I have or my heart still is looking for something that it wants that…
Charuka (04:28.972)
the meaning, the connection, the art. Trying to find that balance has not been easy for me. Finding the balance between my personal life, finding the balance between my art life and my business life. And while you’re growing a business, think a lot of things get so chaotic and erratic that it’s taken a toll. But I’m back, you know, I woke up today at 4 a.m. I painted, I wrote, I journaled and
I have this fresh energy and I was like you know what if I want this I’ll have to really really grab it by the neck and you know put all of mine and let these questions just sit by me that am I asking for too much? Should I be wanting this? Am I even allowed to want it? Or if it’s still worth it? I don’t know. I don’t even have those answers but I’m going to follow my heart here and
I’m just going to always, always give my best to it. So, if you’ve also ever felt that too, like I do and as I’ve shared, and if the answer is yes, then welcome home because this is the space, this is you and me, all of us. This podcast has always meant to hold that part of me and all of you and specifically you. This is not like this perfectly curated version where I’m just…
intimate and like you know I don’t tend to share so many things as easy but with this podcast I’ve been able to do that and it’s been a journey for me and I’m coming back to it and it’s like always it’s messy it’s real it’s magical and it’s it’s a version of its own every day it becomes into something but what’s with this season? This season I want to change things up
Charuka (06:52.404)
So I’m talking about not only talking about the art world, no. Let’s go deeper. I want to talk to you and with you. Like an artist to artist and to heart to heart, which is what arts to hearts is. And you know, lately, like I said, I’ve been moving through a season of lot of shifts and asking myself that how do I slow down and find out this time to be able to create this space for myself and for you.
and to look at my own practice as not a ladder to climb up to like I have to go here and there but as a mirror and I’ve been using that like you know I’ve been doing a lot of things that have just been me and they’ve been a lot of my own inner self-reflection than anything else and you know while I’ve been doing the work I’ve been also asking myself questions like what is my work actually saying? Why am I doing this?
in my head again and again and I’m like what would happen if I am allowed to lead with softness and if I am allowed to you know bring more love whatever I do with more intention something that I’m super super super super focused on and if these questions resonate with you then you’re also not alone because we are in this together right and maybe this season for both of us
for you and me. It’s about returning
Charuka (09:16.306)
and honest conversations, that’s something I’ve always tried and I’ve always committed to. Deep and honest conversations with women, artists and artists beyond that who are making really powerful work but also have really powerful stories to share. Experiences, chapters from their lives that we all can learn from and dive into and stories from curators, writers, creative leaders, people who different walks of life, dancers.
Why not, right? And taking inspiration from different parts and things, we’re things exploring creativity actually differently. And topics like burnout, creative fear, the female power, or redefining success in the arts, truly asking ourselves what this means. But more than anything, this season, my focus is between you and I. I want this to be a two-way conversation.
not a monologue. I want this for you and me. I want both of us to be able to connect to each other. You should not… I want to hear you. It’s just not about me hearing you. So, I am asking you now, what do you need to hear this season? What are you craving in your creative life right now that we all could do something good about, right? So you have to now quickly take a pause, hold on to the episode, go on Charukka Rora
or you can find me also at Arts2Huts project and tell me what are you craving for right now in your creative life? What do you need the most this season? Tell me where you are, tell me what hurts, tell me what’s lighting you up because this isn’t just my podcast, this is Arts2Huts podcast, this is our podcast and I want to make sure that we’re not just saying this, this something that we all feel.
we make it a place that feels like ours. So I want to leave you with a prompt. If you have a notebook nearby, you can write it down, pick up your phone or you know, just create space for that. What do I want most?
Charuka (11:35.857)
charukaarora23@gmail.com and you know I think
You’re not too late, you’re not too much and you’re absolutely allowed to want more. Until next time, keep creating with love, with courage and always always with our hearts. Thank you so much. Ciao.
.
About the Guest(s):
Charuka Arora is the founder of the Arts to Hearts Project and Host of the Arts to Hearts Podcast. She is also an acclaimed Indian artist known for her contemporary embellished paintings. Her unique blend of gouache, collage, embroidery, painting, and drawing explores the intersection of art, culture, heritage, and womanhood. Through her work, she tells stories of female strength and encapsulates them in pieces that can be treasured for generations.

Episode Summary:
In this solo episode, Charuka reflects on her journey over the past year, discussing the growth of her business, the challenges faced, and the importance of community and support for artists. She shares her aspirations for the future, including the evolution of her podcast and the goals for the upcoming year.
Key Takeaways
- This year has been a mix of highs and lows.
- I want to do everything with love.
- Supporting my team during transitions is crucial.
- Small, consistent progress is key to success.
- The growth of Arts2Huts is a collective effort.
- I want artists to feel valued in our projects.
- Feedback from the community is essential for growth.
- The podcast will evolve to include new ideas.
- I aim to expand our book distribution next year.
- Creating a supportive environment is my priority.
Notable Quotes:
“I’m very excited to reflect back on how this year has been.”
“I wanted to support them as much as I can.”
“I think that is the beauty of life.”
Charuka Arora is the founder of the Arts to Hearts Project and Host of the Arts to Hearts Podcast. She is also an acclaimed Indian artist known for her contemporary embellished paintings. Her unique blend of gouache, collage, embroidery, painting, and drawing explores the intersection of art, culture, heritage, and womanhood. Through her work, she tells stories of female strength and encapsulates them in pieces that can be treasured for generations.

Charuka’s work draws inspiration from Hindu mythology, recognizing women as vessels of Shakti, the cosmic energy. She beautifully portrays powerful goddesses like Durga Maa riding a tiger or lion, symbolizing their unlimited power to protect virtue and combat evil.
Through her art, Charuka invites us into the world of women, showcasing their beauty, strength, and resilience. Her creations not only exhibit exceptional talent but also serve as an inspiration and a symbol of hope for those challenging societal norms.

Arts to Hearts Podcast is a show delving into the lives and passions of renowned artists. From running creative businesses and studio art practices to cultivating a successful mindset, Charuka Arora engages in heartfelt conversations with her guests. Experience your personal happy hour with your favorite artists right in your studio.
Through candid discussions, Charuka and her guests reveal the joys and challenges of a vibrant creative life, both within and beyond our studios. Get ready to be inspired and uplifted as you tune in.
Charuka Arora is the founder of the Arts to Hearts Project and Host of the Arts to Hearts Podcast. She is also an acclaimed Indian artist known for her contemporary embellished paintings. Her unique blend of gouache, collage, embroidery, painting, and drawing explores the intersection of art, culture, heritage, and womanhood. Through her work, she tells stories of female strength and encapsulates them in pieces that can be treasured for generations.
Charuka’s work draws inspiration from Hindu mythology, recognising women as vessels of Shakti, the cosmic energy. She beautifully portrays powerful goddesses like Durga Maa riding a tiger or lion, symbolising their unlimited power to protect virtue and combat evil.
Through her art, Charuka invites us into the world of women, showcasing their beauty, strength, and resilience. Her creations not only exhibit exceptional talent but also serve as an inspiration and a symbol of hope for those challenging societal norms.

Welcome Back to the Studio: A New Chapter Begins
After a much-needed break, Charuka Arora returns to the Arts to Hearts Podcast with a fresh voice and a candid moment of spontaneity. This episode wasn’t planned — no scripts, no guests, just Charuka, her tea (which has gone cold), and a heart full of thoughts. As she hit record in her studio, what was meant to be a guest episode transformed into an unexpected and honest catch-up between her and you, the listener.

When Plans Fall Through, Something Else Shows Up
Charuka opens up about how this episode wasn’t even supposed to happen. A guest didn’t show up, questions were ready, the mic was set — but life had other plans. Instead of walking away in frustration, she leaned into the moment. What followed is a reminder that sometimes the best conversations come from the unexpected, especially when we stop trying to perfect everything.

So… Where Are You Really?
Mid-episode, she pauses and asks something simple yet weighty: “Where are you right now?” And she doesn’t mean just physically. She means emotionally. She invites listeners to reflect on what they’re holding, what’s heavy, what’s exciting, and what feels stuck. This space isn’t just for listening — it’s meant to feel like a conversation. One where you are part of it, not just tuning in from the outside.
You’re not too late, you’re not too much, and you’re absolutely allowed to want more.
Charuka Arora- Arts to Hearts podcast s05e01

What Happens When You Let Go of the Plan?
Charuka shares how stepping back from the podcast wasn’t easy. Between running Arts to Hearts, building a creative practice, and navigating life’s turns, burnout crept in. She talks about feeling like she had to put some dreams on the shelf to make others work — a feeling many creatives can relate to. She’s not here with a shiny, fixed plan. Instead, she’s letting the podcast grow into what it needs to be right now.

This Season Is for You and Me
This new season of the podcast isn’t about just the art world. It’s about what it feels like to live a creative life — the joy, the chaos, the questions. Charuka wants to slow down, have richer conversations, and explore topics like burnout, fear, shifting definitions of success, and how to lead with more intention. She wants to talk to dancers, curators, writers — people who live creatively, even outside the visual arts.
Let’s Make This Podcast Ours
Charuka invites you to speak up — to email her, to message her, to share what you need right now. What are you craving in your creative life? What are you missing? What would make this space feel more like home? She doesn’t want this to be a monologue. She wants to build something together — something that holds space for all of us who are figuring things out as we go.
As the episode closes, Charuka leaves listeners with a question to sit with:
What do I want most?
Not what’s expected of you. Not what others think is realistic. But what do you want? It might be a dream you’ve been quietly carrying. It might be something new. Either way, you’re allowed to want it.
Click here to read more about the Arts to Hearts Podcast and its episodes.
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