In this powerful episode of "If I'm Being Honest," hosts Nishani Jayawardena and Himgauri (Gigi) tackle a universal topic: The Power of Reaching Out and overcoming the deep-seated shame associated with asking for help. They dissect the cultural and personal beliefs that fuel resistance to seeking support, from the fear of being perceived as "weak" to the instinct to "figure it out alone."

Join them as they share raw, personal stories and insights, including: Nishani's perspective on the "building on fire" moment that often precedes professional help; Gigi's transformative experience with therapy after life-altering changes (like moving across countries) and its surprising impact on her self-perception (even her acne struggles!); and the funny, yet telling, story of the IKEA furniture and the pitfalls of hyper-independence.

Whether you are a verbal processor, struggle with setting boundaries, or want to know how to gently support a friend in need, this conversation is a must-listen. Remember, you are never alone in this journey.

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In this episode of "If I'm Being Honest," hosts Nishani Jayawardena and Himgauri (Gigi) dive into the complexities of maintaining genuine connections in our hyper-digital age. They explore the challenges of online authenticity, the impact of social media on personal relationships, and the balance between digital presence and real-life interactions. Join them as they share personal stories, insights, and the importance of staying true to oneself in a world that often demands a curated image. Tune in for an honest conversation that encourages listeners to embrace their unique journeys and find comfort in shared experiences.
Presence in a digital world often feels artificial; boundaries are crucial.

·       Voice notes provide a more personal, clear, and emotional touch in communication.

·       Authenticity is complex; most people curate their lives rather than share their struggles.

·       Digital platforms can foster community, but a disconnect often exists with real-life personas.

·       Embracing imperfection in your digital presence leads to more genuine interactions.

·       Digital habits should be mindful; it's vital to recognize when you are doom scrolling.

·       The digital world offers opportunities for personal growth and transformation.

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Is a real connection possible in a hyper-digital world? Hosts Nishani Jayawardena (therapist & founder of Attunigrate) and Himgauri “Gigi” Alvi (graphic designer & founder of Tessellations) get candid about digital vs. in-person connection, social media burnout, boundaries with constant notifications, and how to build a meaningful micro-community online—without losing yourself.

We cover remote work realities (“living at your job”), virtual therapy wins, long-distance love stories, dating apps (catfish & all), attention spans, and practical digital detox habits that actually fit real life.

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What does “home” mean when crossing countries, cultures, and identities? In this episode, hosts Nishani Jayawardena and Himgauri (Gigi) Alve open up about growing up in Sri Lanka, India, and Dubai, and building new roots in Detroit. They share stories of boarding school independence, expat life, chosen family, and the guilt of leaving parents behind. From celebrating Holi and Ganesh Chaturthi to the comfort of food and community meals, they explore how traditions travel with us, and how home can shift from a place to people or even your own body.

Takeaways:

• Home can be a place, people, or a feeling—sometimes all three.
• Chosen family creates belonging when distance and loss set in.
• Boarding school shaped independence, identity, and friendships.
• Migration brings both grief and guilt, especially around aging parents.
• Food and festivals ground us across continents.
• Detroit became “home base” through community, not just location.
• Identity evolves with every move; home evolves with it.
• It’s okay to outgrow old definitions—home can live in your body and daily rituals.
  

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How much is too much when it comes to communication? In this episode, hosts Nishani Jayawardena and Himgauri (Gigi) Alve unpack the messy, beautiful space between words and silence. From trauma and cultural expectations to body language and miscommunication, they explore how intention, context, and personal history shape the ways we connect and why both confrontation and compassion are key to honest dialogue.

Takeaways:

• Trauma can lead to overcommunication as a survival mechanism
• Cultural roots and gender dynamics shape how we speak and listen
• Nonverbal cues are just as powerful as words
• Adapting communication styles is vital in cross-cultural relationships

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Take a deep breath with us, you’re not alone here.

In this very first episode of If I’m Being Honest, your hosts Nishani, founder of Attunigrate, and Himgauri (Gigi), founder of Tessellations, sit down for a real, unfiltered conversation about who we are, why this podcast was born, and what it means to create space for honest connection in today’s fast-paced world.

We open up about the personal stories that shaped us—our cultural roots, career transitions, the leap of moving countries, and the quiet ache for community. Together, we reflect on what it means to slow down, speak up, and tune in.

This is a space for anyone navigating life’s in-betweens. If you’ve ever felt like you had to hold it all together while quietly falling apart, this episode is for you.

Topics We Touch On:

• What inspired this podcast
• Mental health in a hyper-productive world
• Moving countries and starting over
• Therapy, burnout, and being the “strong friend”
• Creating a community that listens deeply
  

Welcome to the conversation. Welcome home.

More from us:
Website: attunigrate.com
Instagram: @attunigrate
Facebook: Attunigrate
YouTube: @attunigrate

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