Eudaimonia with Rhitu

What helps us live in alignment?In this conversation, I sit down with R. S. Prasanna to explore storytelling not only as craft, but as a philosophy for living.There’s a thread in this episode that stayed with me:That the way we make films… build teams… choose work…and define success… all reveal what we value.We spoke about underdog stories, the influence of his father, why he walked away from a massive film opportunity, and how he thinks about creativity, faith and decisions through what he calls a Personal Happiness Index.There’s also a beautiful conversation here about Vasana - the restlessness that tells you what makes you come alive.In this episode:• The underdog as the most human story• Values over money• Creativity cannot be reduced to a checklist• Building trust-led teams• The Personal Happiness Index• Spirituality as a practical tool• What makes us come alive• A film school dream for childrenThis isn’t only about filmmaking. It’s about how we build a life we can stand inside honestly.If you spend time with it, I’d love to know what stayed with you.Chapters:00:00:00 Intro00:00:47 Prasanna’s Influences growing up00:04:27 Favourite Movies and Why00:08:15 Prasanna’s Dad: His Hero00:14:42 Eklavya and Prasanna’s Production House00:17:49 Favourite Book Recommendations00:20:22 Learnings from each blockbuster movie: Process over Product00:27:09  Crewing up a stellar team00:30:39 Picking 10 neurodivergent actors from 250000:43:23 What the World is missing out on today00:52:54 Spirituality and Faith - A useful construct?00:56:47 Personal Happiness Index01:00:06 Ram Sampath and filling up voids01:03:33 Forging meaning in Pain01:11:15 Happy places and dreams about the future🔗 References from this conversationSome of the ideas discussed in this episode were inspired by or connected to these conversations and thinkers:• Diary of a CEO with Gelong Thubten https://youtu.be/RiM5a-vaNkg?si=sn8amLU5oyY2sAYB• Andrew Solomon (writer & thinker on identity, meaning and human experience)• Full episode with R.S. Prasannahttps://youtu.be/vIbLQQ1i56Y?si=4oD0IFLrgdlxnzZs

What does it actually take to make a relationship work?In this conversation, I sit down with Yashodara Lal - author, columnist, and someone who brings a rare mix of honesty, humour, and lived experience to conversations around relationships and modern life.There’s a thread through this episode that stayed with me.The idea that we’re often trying to “get it right” choosing the right partner, saying the right things, finding the right balance.And yet, so much of what makes relationships difficult isn’t about getting it wrong. It’s about not fully understanding what we’re carrying into them.We spoke about things that don’t always get said out loud - how the early stages of love are often built on illusion, why conflict feels so personal and how patterns we don’t even realise we have… quietly shape the way we show up.There’s also something grounding in the way this conversation unfolds.No quick fixes. No oversimplified advice.Just an honest look at how relationships evolve and how much of that evolution begins with self-awareness.In this episode:• Why we often end up marrying the “wrong” person• The different stages of a relationship — and why the honeymoon phase fades• How childhood patterns influence adult relationships• Why there’s no real “objective truth” in a conflict• The pressure of balance in marriage, parenting, and identity• Desire, resentment, and the conversations we avoid• Why understanding yourself might matter more than fixing the relationshipThis isn’t just a conversation about relationships.It’s about how we understand ourselves within them.If you do spend time with it, I’d love to know, what stayed with you?If this conversation sparked something for you and you’d like to explore relationships more deeply, here are a few thoughtful resources for the layperson:Relationship Resources • The Couples Institute Blog: https://www.couplesinstitute.com/couples-blog/ • The Gottman Institute Blog: https://www.gottman.com/blog/ • The Secure Relationship: https://www.thesecurerelationship.com/ • Esther Perel Podcast: https://www.estherperel.com/podcastConnect with Yashodara Lal• Instagram: Instagram.com/yashodharalal • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@YashodharaLalCouplesCoach • Personal Website: yashodharalal.com • Practice Website: allsomeness.inOrder the Book📘 What They Don’t Tell You About Marriage… and What You Need to Know About Yours Order here: bit.ly/WhatTheyDontTellYou 

What does it really mean to live well?In this conversation, I sit down with Suvir Saran — Michelin-recognized chef, author, and someone whose life has moved through success, loss, identity, and reinvention in ways that feel deeply human.There’s a moment in this episode where he speaks about losing everything, financially, professionally and yet saying, very simply, that he feels “richer.”Not in a dramatic or inspirational way. Just… with clarity.That stayed with me.We spoke about things that don’t always make it into public narratives — what failure actually feels like when it’s happening, how identity can be expansive rather than divisive, and the quiet choices that shape who we become over time.There’s also something very grounding about the way he sees the world.Whether it’s religion, relationships, or success, nothing feels performative. Just thought through, lived, and understood.In this episode:What losing everything taught him about perspectiveHow Family and Friends shape you, ground you and hold you every time you fallWhy religion matters, but shouldn’t divideChoosing people over profitIdentity, craft, and conscious livingWhat it really means to feel “rich”This isn’t just a conversation about success. It’s about how we live through what doesn’t work out.If you do spend time with it, I’d love to know - what stayed with you?Production: Shreemayee Das DOP: Vivian Castelino Camera Operator: Ujjwal Equipment: Video Plus Venue: Jashn Studios Edited By: Kartik Katkar, Malay Jain, Portal Stamp Studios

What does it take to stay at the top of your craft for 53 years—without burning out, losing joy, or compromising who you are?In this deeply inspiring episode of Eudaimonia, I sit down with legendary Carnatic violin virtuosos Ganesh & Kumaresh Rajagopal, brothers who began playing at ages 2 and 3 and have performed for over five decades with unmatched mastery, simplicity, and grace.This conversation is not just about music—It’s about sadhana, discipline, humility, parenting, values, and the mindset required to build a lifelong career.Whether you’re an artist, parent, teacher, leader, or someone building a meaningful life, this episode is filled with timeless wisdom.🎻 WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:• The secret to 53 years of mastery:Why true greatness comes from deep practice (sadhana), not just talent.• Being siblings AND gurus:How one brother became the other’s teacher—and how humility makes learning possible.• The simplicity behind virtuosity:Why the greatest masters stay grounded, grateful, and childlike.• Growth mindset through music:How music teaches discipline, focus, resilience, and lifelong curiosity.• Parenting for life skills:Why their father believed in “earn it yourself,” and how that shaped their values.• Discipline = freedom:Why discipline is your best friend, not your enemy—and how it leads to true creative freedom.• Childhood stories that shaped them:Including earning ₹1000 at age 10 from temple donations to buy their own TV.• Humility & the Guru-Shishya Parampara:How surrendering to the guru opens the mind, softens the ego, and strengthens mastery.• Handling distractions & modern life:Why today’s generation struggles with focus—and how to rebuild it.• Why lifelong learning is non-negotiable:What keeps them excited after 50+ years on stage.ABOUT THE GUESTS:http://ganeshkumaresh.org/https://www.facebook.com/GaneshKumareshhttp://www.youtube.com/user/GKfiddlingmonkshttps://twitter.com/GaneshKumaresh

What happens when you take your career out of your identity?In this episode of Eudaimonia with Rhitu, Shubha Pai, Head of YouTubeSales and Solutions, and one of India’s most grounded corporate leaders reflects on self-awareness, ambition, motherhood, and finding meaning beyond our job titles.From learning to embrace imperfection to understanding the price of every “yes,” Shubha shares stories that blend honesty, humor, and hard-earned wisdom.✨ In this episode:How self-awareness and feedback shape growthThe “prices we pay” for ambition and why that’s okayBuilding resilience and emotional regulation at workCoaching, journaling & mentorship as tools for clarityWomen in leadership, navigating transitions, motherhood & support systemsWhy family, purpose, and patience matter as much as performanceA heartfelt conversation about work, worth, and the human behind the professional.🎧 Listen now because flourishing at work begins with understanding yourself.

What drives someone to climb five 8,000-meter peaks including Mount Everest and still come back saying “IF the mountain allows you”?In this inspiring episode of Eudaimonia with Rhitu, Priyanka Mohite, one of India’s most celebrated mountaineers and recipient of the Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award, opens up about the courage, clarity, and quiet discipline behind her extraordinary journey.From turning back just 400 meters from the Everest summit to learning what true willpower means, Priyanka’s story is not just about mountaineering, it’s about life itself.🌄 In this episode:How she found purpose through the mountains that nearly broke herThe decision that taught her why saving a life matters more than reaching the topBalancing science, research, and mountaineering with grit and graceThe power of discipline over motivationFacing fear, loss, and physical pain with faith, love and focusWhat mountains teach us about patience, surrender, and resilienceHer story is a reminder that the summit is never the goal, it’s the person you become on your way up.🎧 Tune in to this extraordinary conversation about passion, perseverance, and the purpose found in stillness.

"I'm not striking a deal with my friends, but I think I am," Ruchita Raicha admits with a laugh. And she means it—literally. From drawing up contracts with her sister about who opens the door for the household help, to seeing her parents as "Alka and Harish in their 50s living their lives," Ruchita has rebuilt every major relationship in her life with radical honesty and intentionality.In this conversation, we explore what happens when you move from a conventional 80-person joint family to choosing your own family. Ruchita shares her journey from childhood people-pleasing to adult boundary-setting, the moment she started showing anger to her mother (and why it changed everything), and why she's "incapable of small talk".This is a conversation about the safety of true friendship, the courage it takes to see your parents as flawed humans, and why sometimes protecting someone means refusing to protect them. Raw, funny, and deeply moving.

We're only at 5% of AI development. What comes next will redefine what it means to be human. In this eye-opening conversation, Yale PhD and AI expert Sahil Agarwal reveals the uncomfortable truths about artificial intelligence that nobody's talking about: AI is your yes man, digital isolation is real, and we're training ourselves to be dangerously dependent on technology. 🚨 KEY TOPICS COVERED: → Why we're only at 5-7% of AI's true potential (and what pseudo-human AI looks like) → The "yes man" problem: How AI echoes your beliefs and creates digital isolation → Technology vs humanity: Why technology will win if we're not careful → The propaganda problem: How AI blurs the line between truth and misinformation → Career survival: Why you can't be average anymore in the age of AI → Domain expertise: The one thing that makes you irreplaceable → AI guardrails: What we need to protect kids and vulnerable users → Focus on problems, not models: How to use AI effectively without the overwhelm 💡CRITICAL INSIGHTS: AI doesn't challenge you, it agrees with everything (and why that's dangerous) The divide AI is creating in society (and how to avoid it) How to empower yourself WITH AI instead of depending ON it Why becoming "more human" is your competitive advantage The framework for choosing AI tools without getting overwhelmed 🎧 LISTEN NOW to learn how to stay human in an increasingly artificial world.

After 15 years as an immigration lawyer, Sashi Perera was burnt out,  depressed, and trying desperately to have a baby. Then came the fourth miscarriage and the decision that changed everything.In this raw conversation, Sashi opens up about navigating IVF, clinical depression, antidepressants, and the moment she chose her mental health over motherhood.IN THIS EPISODE:✨ Why she finally went on antidepressants (and the stigma she had to overcome)✨ The fourth miscarriage that made her choose herself✨ Walking away from a stable legal career at 40 with no safety net✨ How comedy became her lifeline during the darkest time✨ What her dad's death taught her about rest and burnout✨ Why "rest isn't lazy, it's survival"✨ How her relationship survived when everything else was falling apart✨ Redefining success when the original goal becomes impossibleABOUT SASHI PERERA:Sashi is a Melbourne-based comedian and author of "Stand Still." She spent 10 years in immigration and refugee law before burning out completely and discovering stand-up comedy during her master's degree. Her comedy explores identity, mental health, and the human condition with unflinching honesty and warmth.🎭 FOLLOW SASHI:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sashicomedyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sashbomb/📖 GET "STAND STILL":https://www.amazon.in/Standstill-evading-problems-across-continents-ebook/dp/B0DWYLWQL3💬 Have you experienced a major career shift or struggled with similar challenges? Share your story in the comments.👍 If honest conversations about mental health and life transitions resonate with you, hit that like button.🔔 Subscribe to Eudaimonia with Rhitu for weekly conversations about the human condition, mental health, and finding meaning in life's struggles.

What does financial security really mean and how does it connect to the way we live, work, and dream?In this episode of Eudaimonia with Rhitu, I sit down with Venkat Chalasani, CEO of the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) and former senior banker at SBI, to explore the intersection of money, well-being, and meaningful living.We unpack India’s growth story and its future as a global economic leader, while also reflecting on the everyday financial decisions that shape our lives. Venkat shares insights from over 37 years in banking and financial services, weaving together practical advice and human stories:How to set financial goals that align with your life prioritiesWhy financial resilience is key to peace of mind and overall well-beingThe cultural habits holding Indians back from better investment returnsWhy financial literacy and inclusion matter for ourselves, our parents, and the people who work in our homesPlanning for retirement, healthcare, and the emotional decision of buying vs. renting a homeThe role of continuous learning in adapting to technology, AI, and career shiftsFrom serving small villages in his SBI days to shaping India’s mutual fund industry today, Venkat brings clarity, perspective, and purpose to the way we think about money.This is more than a conversation about finance. It’s about resilience, growth, and building lives that feel secure and meaningful ✨ 🎧 Tune in to hear Venkat’s journey and reflections on what it takes to flourish in today’s changing India.

Discover the powerful connection between your gut, mind, and sleep in this transformative conversation with functional medicine and Ayurveda expert, Deepa Kannan.In this episode of Eudaimonia with Rhitu, host Rhituparna Bhattacharya explores why anxiety, gut issues, and sleepless nights are on the rise and why quick fixes or social media health hacks rarely work.✨ Here’s what you’ll learn:How stress, anxiety, and sleeplessness create a vicious cycle that impacts overall healthWhy gut health is central to both mental and physical wellbeing, according to Ayurveda and modern scienceThe truth about supplements, plant-based diets, and why “hustle culture” damages your nervous systemWhy personalised, expert-led advice is more effective than generic wellness trendsPractical tips for better sleep, balanced routines, and tuning into your body’s signalsWhether you’re struggling with anxiety, curious about Ayurveda, or looking for holistic ways to restore balance, this conversation offers actionable insights and myth-busting wisdom.🎧 Tune in for a blend of ancient knowledge, modern science, and practical strategies for real healing.Know more about Deepa:LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/deepa-kannan-52a85b37/]Book Strategy Call by writing to:  [email protected]

What happens when a straight-A student drops out of college and gets arrested at 19, as part of a peace march? Meet Dr. Elise Temple, whose unconventional path from college dropout to corporate neuroscientist proves there's no single blueprint for a meaningful life.At 19, Elise was a lost soul on a nine-month peace march across America when she met her future husband Knox, both of them college dropouts with no clear direction. Fast-forward four decades, and they're still together, having built a life that defied every expectation. Elise didn't return to college until 27, as a mother of two, yet went on to earn her PhD from Stanford and become a respected professor before transitioning to corporate neuroscience.In this deeply honest conversation, Elise shares how a teenage mental health crisis stripped her down to her core and ultimately became the foundation for everything that followed. She reveals how embracing uncertainty and refusing to pretend she had it all figured out became her greatest strength—both in her unconventional career and in maintaining a 40-year marriage that friends describe as a fairy tale.From navigating academia as a non-traditional student to supporting each other through multiple career pivots, Elise and Knox demonstrate how genuine partnership can weather any storm. Their secret? "Do you want to be right, or do you want to be together?"This episode challenges the myth that success follows a linear path and explores how authenticity, even when it looks like failure to the outside world, can lead to a deeply fulfilling life. Elise's story is a masterclass in listening to your inner voice amid external pressures and proof that sometimes the most beautiful lives emerge from the messiest beginnings.Key themes: Non-traditional paths to success, authentic living, long-term relationships, mental health recovery, academic vs. corporate worlds, redefining success on your own terms.🎧 Tune in for a conversation that’s thoughtful, relatable, and deeply human.Listen to the full episode on your favourite podcast platform: [Insert podcast link]Follow for behind-the-scenes and reels: @EudaimoniaWithRhituKnow more about Elise:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elisetemple/

What does it really take to pursue your passion, stay grounded, and build meaningful relationships in a fast-paced world? In this candid episode, Carnatic vocalist Sandeep Narayan joins Rhitu for a conversation that goes far beyond music.From his journey moving from Los Angeles to Chennai, to the discipline and patience behind artistic mastery, Sandeep shares:Why patience and repetition matter more than chasing success• The realities of balancing fame, humility, and personal growth• The challenge (and joy) of making classical music relevant for new audiences• Navigating identity, ego, and the pressures of social media• How honest feedback and mutual respect shape strong relationships• What it means to live a fulfilled life—and why the journey never really endsWhether you’re an artist, a seeker, or simply curious about living with intention, this episode is packed with insights, laughter, and a touch of music.Know more about Sandeep Narayan:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandeepnarayan/Website: https://sandeepnarayan.in/?fbclid=PAZXh0bg...Write to him on: https://tr.ee/1Dm_34cxbF

What holds us back from leading more fulfilling lives?In this deeply reflective conversation, Rhitu sits down with Vijayraj Kamat - a leadership development professional, coach and TEDx speaker to unpack the emotional and psychological patterns that shape our choices, suffering, and  growth.We explore:• Why we often chase goals that aren’t truly ours• The difference between control and agency• How our own identity can sometimes block our progress• Why thinking isn’t always the answer and how feelings can guide us• The power of self-awareness and listening to your inner compassKnow more about Vijayraj:Linkedin profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vijayrajkamat/Weekend workshops on “Understanding Yourself” : (https://tinyurl.com/yelynuqv)To receive his articles on career, relationships, spirituality in your inbox, sign up here: http://eepurl.com/cQUCHDFollow for behind-the-scenes and reels: @EudaimoniaWithRhitu

What does it mean to truly flourish — at any age? In this episode, Rhitu sits down with Meenakshi Menon: media trailblazer, organic farmer, deep-sea diver, and passionate advocate for women’s health and the environment. With over four decades of experience across advertising, marketing, and social impact, Meenakshi is now challenging the narrative around ageing through her vibrant community, Gen S Life.Join us for a heartfelt conversation on:• Reinvention and finding purpose at every stage of life• Lessons from legendary mentors like Alyque Padamsee, Shunu Sen, and Subhash Chandra• Parenting, growth mindset, and the power of friendships and mentorships• Building resilience through setbacks and embracing change• Why boundaries, responsibility, and lifelong learning matter more than everAt 66, Meenakshi is still growing strong and her energy and wisdom might just inspire you to live your own life in full colour.Know more about Meenakshi Menon:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meenakshim/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meenmenon/Gen S Life - Her startup for working with seniorsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/genslifeofficial/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gens-life/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@GenSLifeOfficialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/genslifeofficial