Unthinking Space (formerly Design Feeling)

Hosted by Nirish Shakya

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Latest episode

Jun 2024

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About the show

Unthinking Space (formerly Design Feeling) is a podcast for people who feel stuck on autopilot and know there’s more to life, work and creativity than following inherited scripts. Hosted by Nirish Shakya - designer, educator and coach - the show explores self-awareness, creative courage and meaning through honest conversations, reflections and experiments. Each episode creates space to calm the noise of your mind so you can follow the whispers of your soul . We explore philosophies, mindsets and practical frameworks to unlearn conditioning, question familiar narratives and reconnect with your inner compass, so you can trust yourself to act with courage on what truly matters. You’ll hear: Conversations with thinkers, creators and practitioners across disciplines Solo reflections and frameworks to help you reframe your thinking and start moving Real stories of courage, identity shifts and choosing what actually matters This is not about optimisation, hustle or becoming someone new. It’s about unthinking who you were taught to be and becoming who you already are .

Listen to episodes

56 recent

June 28, 2024Episode 81 hr 25 min

Designing freedom in your career and life with Larry Cornett

Ever wondered how you can take control of your career and life to achieve true freedom and fulfilment?In this episode, Nirish Shakya engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Larry Cornett, a former designer and executive turned Freedom Coach. Larry shares his journey from Silicon Valley to a life of freedom near the mountains, revealing his strategies for achieving career invincibility. Emphasising the importance of finding joy and meaning in work, Larry discusses self-improvement, financial autonomy, and effective self-marketing as keys to a fulfilling career.Larry highlights the power of having options and not being overly reliant on a single job, which allows individuals to refuse unreasonable demands from their employers. The conversation underscores the balance between career growth and personal contentment, stressing the avoidance of external validation and regrets.Larry also talks about the significance of posting on social media as a way to build engagement and personal brand and shares practical advice for engaging on professional platforms like LinkedIn.Whether you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just looking for some motivation, this episode is packed with practical tips and thought-provoking advice.Connect with Larry Cornetthttps://larrycornett.coach/Schedule a free call with Larryhttps://www.invinciblecareer.com/schedule-a-complimentary-call/Other interviews with Larryhttps://open.spotify.com/episode/4wyClB5QGIKBckZAwZWJRW?si=dPoLnY4dTsSrp6c-qMtpfQhttps://open.spotify.com/episode/5VCcn1xaLpfycjJU5gpo9g?si=dz5uMX6CQGe_lvAFYjCkWwhttps://open.spotify.com/episode/0yg6wV46A01q7PIuxBeplM?si=jaOo_kqGS9SJlPxJUau0Ywhttps://paulhigginsmentoring.com/larry-cornett/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2c7G4Uh0u-8https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5eNJV8xRaAIllustrations by Isa Vicentehttps://www.instagram.com/isadezgz/Music by Brad Porterhttps://prtr.co/Follow Design Feeling on social!LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/designfeelingcoInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/designfeelingco/Twitterhttps://twitter.com/designfeelingcoTikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@designfeelingcoFacebookhttps://www.facebook.com/designfeelingco

May 23, 2024Episode 71 hr 29 min

Transforming self-perception: Petra Williams on authenticity, hope, and expression

In this episode, host Nirish Shakya speaks with motivational speaker, life coach and poet, Petra Williams. They explore the journey of overcoming societal standards and personal fears, the layers of identity with the inner illumination model, and transforming inspiration into actionable steps. Petra emphasises the importance of self-reflection, support networks, and managing ego. She also discusses the power of unfiltered self-expression through poetry, lessons from Viktor Frankl's 'Man's Search for Meaning,' and the critical role of hope and vision for the future. Tune in for Petra's advice on embracing authenticity, living life fully, and overcoming personal challenges.In this episode:Self-discovery of layers of identityOvercoming fear and shameThe power of choice and taking small stepsMeditation and self-reflectionThe role of support networksand much more!Get a free 20 minute coaching session with Petrafireypetrawilliams.comlinkedin.com/in/fireypetrawilliamsMeditationHQhttps://meditationhq.com.au/Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Franklhttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4069.Man_s_Search_for_MeaningWin a signed copy of the book ‘Designing Tomorrow’ by Martin Tomitsch and Steve BatyDrop a comment, DM or email nirish@designfeeling.co with your response to the question “What would you design about tomorrow?”Show creditsIllustrations by Isa Vicentehttps://www.instagram.com/isadezgz/Music by Brad Porterhttps://prtr.co/Follow Design Feeling on social!LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/designfeelingcoInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/designfeelingco/Twitterhttps://twitter.com/designfeelingcoTikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@designfeelingcoFacebookhttps://www.facebook.com/designfeelingco

April 18, 2024Episode 61 hr 17 min

Designing tomorrow beyond human-centricity with Martin Tomitsch and Steve Baty (plus free book giveaways!)

In this in-depth discussion, recorded at the UTS podcast studio in Sydney, Australia, Nirish Shakya talks with Martin Tomitsch and Steve Baty, co-authors of the book 'Designing Tomorrow.' Keep listening to win a free copy of the book!They delve into the shifting paradigms of the design industry, advocating for a life-centred approach that goes beyond human and business needs to consider the health of the planet and all its life forms.The conversation covers the essential mindsets, tools, and techniques for designers, changemakers, and entrepreneurs to foster more sustainable practices and product life cycles. It also touches on the importance of collaboration across disciplines and sectors to achieve significant, positive change.Highlighting the roles of education, corporate responsibility, and individual action, Martin and Steve share insights into making impactful changes within organisations and the broader societal context.To enter the free book giveraway of the book ‘Designing Tomorrow’, drop a comment on any of our social media channels or email us (nirish@designfeeling.co) with an example of an organisation or a local community group or an individual who's having a positive impact in a small but growing way.ShownotesOrder your copy of ‘Designing Tomorrow’https://www.designingtomorrowbook.comMartin Tomitschhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/martintomitsch/Steve Batyhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/stevebatyWebsite Carbon Calculatorhttps://www.websitecarbon.com/Good & Fuglyhttps://goodandfugly.com.au/Show creditsIllustrations by Isa Vicentehttps://www.instagram.com/isadezgz/Music by Brad Porterhttps://prtr.co/Follow Design Feeling on social!LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/designfeelingcoInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/designfeelingco/Twitterhttps://twitter.com/designfeelingcoTikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@designfeelingcoFacebookhttps://www.facebook.com/designfeelingco

March 28, 2024Episode 51 hr 29 min

The Power of Pointless Creativity Projects with Steve Chapman

This episode features a profound conversation with Steve Chapman, focusing on the liberation from societal constraints to embrace creative spontaneity and personal development. Steve shares his transition from as a organisational culture expert to pursuing artistic freedom, underlining the importance of lived experiences over traditional learning. Steve’s projects like 'Sound of Silence' and 'Lost Cat' underscore the value of initiating endeavours without fixed goals, highlighting an organic discovery process. Additionally, Steve discusses his mask workshops, derived from Keith Johnson's concepts and Gestalt therapy, which facilitate personal discovery by encouraging participants to express hidden facets of their identities. Through these workshops and his approach to creativity, Steve emphasises the significance of embracing life's uncertainties and contradictions, acknowledging 'not knowing' as an intrinsic part of the human condition and a gateway to deeper self-awareness and creative exploration.Show notesAttend Steve Chapman’s Mask Workshop on 17th May 2024 in Londonhttps://www.canscorpionssmoke.com/masks/Connect with Steve Chapmanhttps://www.canscorpionssmoke.com/https://www.instagram.com/stevexoh/Escape from Freedom by Erich Frommhttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25491.Escape_from_FreedomShow creditsIllustrations by Isa Vicentehttps://www.instagram.com/isadezgz/Music by Brad Porterhttps://prtr.co/Follow Design Feeling on social!LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/designfeelingcoInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/designfeelingco/Twitterhttps://twitter.com/designfeelingcoTikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@designfeelingcoFacebookhttps://www.facebook.com/designfeelingco

March 8, 2024Episode 41 hr 15 min

Decolonising ourselves: The journey to healing-centered ecosystems with Lana Jelenjev

In this deep conversation with consultant, facilitator, and mentor, Lana Jelenjev, and host Nirish Shakya, they delve into topics of self-discovery, healing-centred ecosystems, and building deep connections. They discuss the importance of pausing, self-reflection, decolonising oneself, and the role of body consciousness in healing. Lana shares her personal story, weaving through the stages of her life, from battling breast cancer to embarking on a self-discovery journey. This episode is packed with deep introspective discussions, powerful anecdotes, and significant insights about personal healing and how it radiates to form healing-centred ecosystems.In this episode:From breast-cancer to self-discoveryHealing-Centered ecosystemsMindset reframe: we’re all born self-actualisedDecolonising oneselfThe practice of Nemawashi: A new approach to problem solvingThe art of pausingAnd much more!Lana Jelenjev's work primarily focuses on the dreaming, designing, and illumination of new systems. She collaborates with impact-driven organisations that serve groups whose voices need to be amplified, whether through training, mentoring programs, or by weaving communities of practice to deepen and integrate change. In her roles as a consultant, facilitator, mentor, and board leader, Jelenjev supports the organizations she works with by helping them expand their vision, connect with their target audience, define strategic directions for their services, design meaningful and engaging training programs, community of practice, or cohort learning programs, and facilitate safer and brave spaces.ShownotesConnect with Lana Jelenjevhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/lanajelenjev/lanajelenjev.comBooks by Iyanla Vanzanthttps://www.goodreads.com/author/list/15508.Iyanla_VanzantShow creditsIllustrations by Isa Vicentehttps://www.instagram.com/isadezgz/Music by Brad Porterhttps://prtr.co/Follow Design Feeling on social!LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/designfeelingcoInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/designfeelingco/Twitterhttps://twitter.com/designfeelingcoTikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@designfeelingcoFacebookhttps://www.facebook.com/designfeelingco

February 23, 2024Episode 31 hr 13 min

Going to jail to save the world - Sam Griffiths

In this deep-dive interview, designer and activist Sam Griffiths details his journey from a design career into environmental activism, particularly with the organisation, Just Stop Oil. Sam discusses how entering the world of activism changed his perspective on the world and the importance of activism in our current climate crisis. Griffiths provides an insightful narrative on his confrontations with authorities, his experiences in prison, and the personal empowerment that arises as a result. He also shares advice for people feeling powerless in the face of massive systemic issues and emphasises the importance of collective action and resilience. Sam is also the founder of his business, Griffics, where he used play to help people access creativity through workshops and community projects.In this episode:Sam's arrest and experience in prisonCoping with confinement through art and mindfulnessChallenging the status quo in designThe role of designers in social changeThe power of stepping through fearAnd moreShownotesLess is More bookSam’s drawings in prisonjuststopoil.orgConnect with Samhttps://www.instagram.com/griffics/https://www.griffics.com/Show creditsIllustrations by Isa Vicentehttps://www.instagram.com/isadezgz/Music by Brad Porterhttps://prtr.co/Follow Design Feeling on social!LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/designfeelingcoInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/designfeelingco/Twitterhttps://twitter.com/designfeelingcoTikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@designfeelingcoFacebookhttps://www.facebook.com/designfeelingco

February 8, 2024Episode 21 hr 19 min

Unlocking your unique identity within liminal spaces with Tutti Taygerly

Nirish Shakya interviews Tutti Taygerly, leadership coach, author and ex-Design leader at Meta and Disney, on navigating uncertain times and finding their unique place in the world. Diving into the notions of identity, systems, and personal growth amidst transitions, they discuss embracing individual uniqueness and the concept of 'otherness'. Tutti shares valuable insights on experimenting with personal leadership, trusting the process, seeking validation, and a deeper understanding of our position in the larger system. They also talk about Tutti's prolific multicultural background and how it influenced her career. Tune in to glean enlightening advice from Tutti's personal journey and reflections.In this episode:Embracing individual uniquenessDealing with transitionsExperimenting with personal leadershipUnderstanding our place in the systemAdvice from Tutti's personal journeyAnd more!Connect with Tutti Taygerleyhttps://www.tuttitaygerly.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/tuttitaygerly/“Make Space to Lead” book by Tutti TaygerleyVisions in the Liminal Space Oracle Deck (new version of Postcards From the Liminal Space)How to sharpen your intuition as a designer using tarot with Dr. Adeola EnigbokanShow creditsIllustrations by Isa Vicentehttps://www.instagram.com/isadezgz/Music by Brad Porterhttps://prtr.co/Follow Design Feeling on social!LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/designfeelingcoInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/designfeelingco/Twitterhttps://twitter.com/designfeelingcoTikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@designfeelingcoFacebookhttps://www.facebook.com/designfeelingco

January 25, 2024Episode 116 min

Achieving last year’s goals hasn’t made me happy. Here’s what I’m doing in 2024 instead.

Welcome to Season 5! Let's face it, 2023 was a challenging year for many designers and techies, and 2024 might not show immediate signs of improvement. Amidst this prevailing uncertainty, you might be seeing an influx of social media posts about setting new goals, while you're still trying to recharge and find your bearings.Falling into a cycle of setting goals, achieving them, and then feeling guilty for not achieving more is all too common. But what if a small shift in mindset could change your experience of the year ahead? What if you could learn to enjoy the journey of 2024, instead of just racing towards its end?In this episode, I share my three intentions for the year that could help you relax your focus on rigid goals and purposes. I discuss how playing without purpose, expressing yourself more holistically and authentically, and having faith that things are unfolding in the right time, can transform your approach to life and work. Tune in to discover how these intentions might bring more joy and fulfilment to your 2024.In this episode:The vicious cycle of goal-setting, achievement and self-loathingPlaying without purposeExpressing yourself more holistically and authenticallyHave faith in the universeMultiple book recommendations!ShownotesFour Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkemanhttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55696318-four-thousand-weeksThe Creative Body Process by Sian Davey and Abbie Trayler-Smithhttps://www.thecreativebodyprocess.com/The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubinhttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59163301-the-creative-actThe Courage to Be Disliked: How to Free Yourself, Change Your Life, and Achieve Real Happiness by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Kogahttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40605300-the-courage-to-be-dislikedThe Tao of Pooh by Benjamin Hoffhttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/48757.The_Tao_of_PoohShow creditsIllustrations by Isa Vicentehttps://www.instagram.com/isadezgz/Music by Brad Porterhttps://prtr.co/Follow Design Feeling on social!LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/designfeelingcoInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/designfeelingco/Twitterhttps://twitter.com/designfeelingcoTikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@designfeelingcoFacebookhttps://www.facebook.com/designfeelingco

December 31, 2023Episode 1014 min

Bonus episode: 15 minute guided end-of-year reflection

The new year is a great time to reflect on the past year, recalibrate your direction and refocus your energy for the new year. There are lots of great reflection exercises out there but many can take at least a few hours to do. If you’ve been thinking of doing a reflection but haven’t been able to find the time, I’ve designed a condensed version for you that’s less than 15 minutes long.I’ll guide you through:a reflection of your past year - what energised you and what drained youa visualisation of your ideal future self 12 months from nowa prioritisation of the tiniest next step to get your startedFollow Design Feeling on social!LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/designfeelingcoInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/designfeelingco/Twitterhttps://twitter.com/designfeelingcoTikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@designfeelingcoFacebookhttps://www.facebook.com/designfeelingco

December 22, 2023Episode 91 hr 19 min

Reflecting on your year, riding the waves you’re on and being aware of the mountain you're climbing with Josie Downey and Jason Mesut

#047 - We wrap up Season 4 reflecting on some end of year reflection workshops I ran with Design Strategist, Josie Downey, to help designers and changemakers reflect on their year and refocus on 2024. We are also joined by Product Strategy Consultant, Jason Mesut, who attended one of those workshops.Have you reflected on your year and set your intentions for 2024? If you already have or if you’re thinking of doing one, this episode might give you some ideas and new ways of going about it.In this episode:Bringing your body into your reflection exerciseEmbracing your moments from the year as they were without judging themPlaying with crazy ideas for the new year and embracing the unknownThe power of visualising the future and trusting your inner selfand much more!ShownotesJosie Downeyhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/josiedowney/Jason Mesuthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonmesut/Resources for reflection curated by Jason MesutAndrea Mignolo’s At the end of a cyclehttps://methodandmatter.com/essays/end-of-a-cycle/The year compasshttps://yearcompass.com/Your data-informed self-reflectionhttps://medium.com/service-advent/your-data-informed-self-reflection-db9b96e24c7dShow creditsIllustrations by Isa Vicentehttps://www.instagram.com/isadezgz/Music by Brad Porterhttps://prtr.co/Follow Design Feeling on social!LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/designfeelingcoInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/designfeelingco/Twitterhttps://twitter.com/designfeelingcoTikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@designfeelingcoFacebookhttps://www.facebook.com/designfeelingco