The Monday Media Diet with Esha Chhabra

On Bhutan, Gardener's World, and Indian trains

Esha Chhabra (EC) is a journalist with a new book coming out on social impact (details below). We’re happy to have her on the page with us today. Have a great week. -Colin (CJN)

Tell us about yourself.

I’m a writer and journalist who has focused on sustainability, mission-driven companies, and social impact for over a decade now. I’ve spent the last few years working on my first book, coming out this March, Working to Restore. It chronicles the stories of over 30 companies that are using their business model to create environmental and social impact. In addition, I’ve been collaborating with the No. 29 team on their Enough podcast; the new season, which debuts this spring, will include a news segment at the end of each podcast done by yours truly. 

Describe your media diet. 

I tend to read stories mostly on sustainability. Rather than sticking to a particular publication, I have alerts set up on keywords that help me track environmental stories. Plus, I use Apple News’ Climate vertical to track coverage of the space, and listen to longer format pieces. I think Bloomberg Green also does a fantastic job of covering sustainability with some depth, and much needed constructive criticism.

Aside from that I like listening to podcasts and interviews. I’ve been enjoying Rangan Chatterjee’s podcast that’s focused on health lately (perhaps the result of aging? lol).  And Diary of CEO which has featured business leaders, scientists, thinkers from around the world. Monocle has a shorter one, about 20 minutes, called The Entrepreneurs which profiles interesting up-and-coming companies. If I’m doing mundane household chores, I’ve probably got an hour-long podcast playing in my ears.

What’s the last great book you read?

Pico Iyer, The Art of Stillness. I tend to re-read this every year or so to remind myself to slow down, and not get caught up in the rat race. :) 

What are you reading now?

To be honest, I’ve spent the last few months reading my own manuscript for editorial reasons. But I’ve just recently picked up a book on bread baking: Flour Water Salt Yeast: The Fundamentals of Artisan Bread and Pizza. So my spare time is spent trying to understand flour to water ratios. I’ve always been fascinated by bakers for ages, and while I can make a semi-decent loaf, I’d like to improve. I feel like it’s a life skill we should have all probably learned in school (dare I say, more helpful than Calculus to most of us?)

What’s your reading strategy when you pick up a print copy of your favorite publication?

I’m typically allured in by pretty images. So if it’s a magazine that has beautiful photography, I’m often more enticed by it. I feel like we’re losing those visuals because of cost. But I’ve loved more niche magazines that celebrate slow living, the outdoors, nature, and a simple life. I’ll skim through the whole magazine first and then go back to the pieces that interest me, and read it in parts, not in one-go. 

Who should everyone be reading that they’re not?

Going back to Iyer’s The Art of Stillness. It's a philosophy that I’d like to see more in society. We are living in an era of speed. And it’s doing a number on our brains. So many calls, emails, deadlines. It’s all a bit frantic. 

What is the best non-famous app you love on your phone? 

Most of the apps on my phone are for banks, credit cards, investment portfolios, booking plane/train tickets and really boring things. I rarely seek out new apps on my phone; in fact, I try not to use my phone and laptop on the weekends, beyond what’s needed, to have some less screen time.

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Plane or train?

Train, for sure! There is something so beautiful and romantic about train rides, especially longer train journeys. If I have the time, and there is a viable route, I’d much rather take the train. I’ve had the good fortune of doing a train journey across the US, across parts of Europe, and in Asia. I love all types of trains from the super clean and timely Swiss trains to the more “rugged” trains, shall we say, of India. I would really love it if California got a train between LA and SF in the near future that works; I’ve wanted to do that so many times, but the current route takes longer than driving. 

What is one place everyone should visit? 

I’m not sure how I feel about everyone going here but my favorite travel experience has been Bhutan. It’s a beautiful Himalayan kingdom with stunning scenery, warm hospitality, and some thoughtful practices on how to live in harmony with nature. 

Tell us the story of a rabbit hole you fell deep into.

Shortly before the pandemic I discovered the TV show, Gardeners’ World, from my friends in the UK. Let’s just say I’ve seen all the episodes uploaded on YouTube, and now officially follow Monty Don, the host, on Instagram. It’s just one of the most relaxing programs on TV, and as an amateur gardener, it’s so inspiring to see what people can create in challenging climates and on tight budgets. (EC)

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Thanks for reading,

Noah (NRB) & Colin (CJN) & Esha (EC)

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