Arati Kumar-Rao is an exceptional National Geographic Explorer, independent environmental photographer, writer, and artist dedicated to documenting the slow violence of ecological degradation. With unwavering passion, she traverses the South Asian subcontinent, embarking on captivating journeys that span seasons and sometimes years. Through her profound storytelling, Arati chronicles the ever-changing landscapes, climate, and their profound impact on livelihoods and biodiversity in South Asia. Arati's profound impact is not confined to her lens or pen; she employs a multidimensional approach, utilising the power of photos, long form narratives, and art to communicate her insights. Recently, she unveiled her debut book, "Marginlands: Indian Landscapes On The Brink," a poignant exploration now available in bookstores across India and on Amazon. Currently, Arati is engaged in a significant undertaking as she explores forced human migration in India, supported by a prestigious National Geographic grant. Her remarkable body of work has garnered recognition and has been featured in esteemed publications such as The National Geographic Magazine, Emergence Magazine, The Hindu, #Dysturb, The Guardian, BBC Outside Source, Hindustan Times, Mint, and other reputable outlets. Additionally, her artistic endeavours have been exhibited both in India and internationally, leaving an indelible mark on the global stage. When not immersed in her assignments, Arati finds solace and inspiration in the Western Ghats and Bangalore, where she cherishes being a loving mother to three rescued cats. *** Don't miss out on the latest episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast, released every Tuesday at 7am UK time! Be sure to hit the subscribe button to stay updated on the incredible journeys and stories of strong women.  By supporting the Tough Girl Podcast on Patreon, you can make a difference in increasing the representation of female role models in the media, particularly in the world of adventure and physical challenges. Your contribution helps empower and inspire others. Visit www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast to be a part of this important movement. Thank you for your invaluable support! *** Show notes Who is Arati? Being based in Bangalore when not travelling  Her role as an environmental chronicler  Being a slow journalist or a slow storyteller The types of story she tells  Her passion for photography and art  The tools she uses to tell the story  Working in the corporate world and making the decision to leave her job (2013) and start telling environmental stories  Her early years growing up and spending time in nature  Being inspired by the National Geographic Magazine  Wanting to tell stories of the land by walking  Making the transition from the corporate world to following her passion for storytelling  The practical steps involved 2 pivotal moments in her life Studying for a Masters in Physical and working in a lab and deciding it wasn’t the right job for her Having to choose between the Arts and the Sciences Moving back to India and working with Intel doing Market Research Falling ill with Typhoid in her 30s and starting to reflect on her life and thinking about what she really wanted to do Needing to make new connections and build new networks  Slowly starting to find her way and the power of social media to publish stories Slow story telling verses the speed of the internet Needing to upskill in photography, writing and art Taking out personal loads and writing for grants Getting the grant from National Geographic to study forced Human Migration across India due to environmental degradation  Doing a transect walk from the most easterly point of India to the most Westerly point.  Planning and starting a story - what that looks like  Following the threads and seeing where it leads Knowing when you are on the right path? Not finding any path to be wrong - there is always something to learn Taking a pause to reflect on the information that’s been gathe