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 relationship

This 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/podcast

Connect with Yashodara Lal

• Instagram: Instagram.com/yashodharalal
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@YashodharaLalCouplesCoach
• Personal Website: yashodharalal.com
• Practice Website: allsomeness.in

Order the Book

📘 What They Don’t Tell You About Marriage… and What You Need to Know About Yours
Order here: bit.ly/WhatTheyDontTellYou 

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 perspective
• How Family and Friends shape you, ground you and hold you every time you fall
• Why religion matters, but shouldn’t divide
• Choosing people over profit
• Identity, craft, and conscious living
• What 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

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.

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.

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 compass

Know 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/cQUCHD

Follow for behind-the-scenes and reels: @EudaimoniaWithRhitu

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 growth
• The “prices we pay” for ambition and why that’s okay
• Building resilience and emotional regulation at work
• Coaching, journaling & mentorship as tools for clarity
• Women in leadership, navigating transitions, motherhood & support systems
• Why family, purpose, and patience matter as much as performance

A heartfelt conversation about work, worth, and the human behind the professional.

🎧 Listen now because flourishing at work begins with understanding yourself.

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 health
• Why gut health is central to both mental and physical wellbeing, according to Ayurveda and modern science
• The truth about supplements, plant-based diets, and why “hustle culture” damages your nervous system
• Why personalised, expert-led advice is more effective than generic wellness trends
• Practical tips for better sleep, balanced routines, and tuning into your body’s signals

Whether 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:  help@ohahealth.com

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: @EudaimoniaWithRhitu

Know more about Elise:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elisetemple/

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 her
• The decision that taught her why saving a life matters more than reaching the top
• Balancing science, research, and mountaineering with grit and grace
• The power of discipline over motivation
• Facing fear, loss, and physical pain with faith, love and focus
• What mountains teach us about patience, surrender, and resilience

Her 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.

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 ever

At 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 seniors

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/genslifeofficial/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gens-life/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@GenSLifeOfficial

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/genslifeofficial

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 ends

Whether 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

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 impossible

ABOUT 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/@sashicomedy

Instagram: 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.

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 priorities
• Why financial resilience is key to peace of mind and overall well-being
• The cultural habits holding Indians back from better investment returns
• Why financial literacy and inclusion matter for ourselves, our parents, and the people who work in our homes
• Planning for retirement, healthcare, and the emotional decision of buying vs. renting a home
• The role of continuous learning in adapting to technology, AI, and career shifts

From 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.

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/GaneshKumaresh

http://www.youtube.com/user/GKfiddlingmonks

https://twitter.com/GaneshKumaresh