Welcome to the second episode of “Conversations with Jeff,” a podcast where I talk to interesting people and explore topics at the forefront of politics, work, culture, and personal development.
How do you find your place in the world as a shapeshifter? What is it like going from being an MIT-educated software engineer who worked at Substack to embracing a new identity as a coach and artist? Find out this and much more by listening to this podcast episode. Come get woo-woo with us.
Rishi’s Journey of Self-Discovery, Fluidity, and Performance
I met Rishikesh Tirumalai when I put out a call for coaches who work with men and created a mini-directory, which you can find here. Rishikesh, who goes by Rishi, was trained by the same coaching company I was, the CoActive Training Institute. We hit it off immediately.
When I checked out Rishi’s website, it took me a while before I noticed how his name changes in the upper-left corner. Shapeshifting is a central part of his identity, which is ironic when you think about it. Rishi embraces fluidity and performance as tools for belonging. He hosts workshops, leads rituals, and lives and works in different locations. He’s hosting a virtual workshop on Generational Activism this Sunday, July 7th, and you can still register here.
In our conversation, we discuss Rishi’s journey of self-discovery and various aspects of his work and outlook. He shares his experiences with hosting rituals and creating transformative experiences for people. We talk about shame, digital nomadism, and the power of being seen. He shares programs that have been useful in his journey including Co-Active Coach Training, sobriety, Touchy Feely at Stanford GSB, and Yes Jam. We touch on his South Indian heritage and the importance of learning from different cultures and perspectives.
Show Topics
Embracing Change and Exploring the Unknown
Creating Transformative Experiences
Singing His Way into MIT
Being Seen and Sharing His Voice
Building Relationships and Holding Space
Naming and De-shaming Shame
Reinventing the American Dream
Generational Activism: Challenging Cultural Norms
Somatic Witnessing: Being Present in Your Body
Exploring Somatic Intelligence and Emotional Awareness
The Impact of Societal Systems on Individual Well-being
Connecting with Nature and Cultural Identity
The Power of Faith and Trust in the Flow of Life
Learning from Different Cultures and Perspectives
Sound Bites
"I like creating new experiences for people that they didn't, like maybe bringing a sense of the transgressive or a sense of divinity into everyday spaces."
"I recorded it. And I made a little video, a cute little, like all the lyrics were, you know, it's kind of an ode to MIT's culture."
"I'm willing to admit that I have something to say, which is why I put myself out there when you put out the call."
"I feel light. I feel like the river, the river of idea exchange is flowing."
"What is the language our bodies are telling us?"
"My body reacted of like, you know what, something feels kind of off."
Links to check out:
Rishi’s website: https://rishi.garden
Rishi’s Substack: https://substack.com/@rishi
Rishi’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rishter
Rishi’s Generational Activism workshop via Zoom July 7: https://lu.ma/generational
Stanford GSB Touchy Feely exec ed program: https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/exec-ed/programs/interpersonal-dynamics-high-performance-executives
Yes Jam: https://yesworld.org
RISHI TIRUMALA: Embracing your inner shapeshifter