If I Am Being Honest

It's officially been one year since we hit record for the first time. In this special anniversary episode of If I'm Being Honest, Gigi and Nishani sit down just the two of them to reflect on a full year of podcasting the doubt, the growth, and everything they've learned along the way. We talk about why we started this podcast to "end the fluff," the fear of listening to our own voices, what it's r...

What if acupuncture is not just about pain relief, but a way to support your nervous system, reduce stress, and feel more grounded? In this episode of If I’m Being Honest, Gigi and Nishani sit down with Kat Barber, a nationally board-certified acupuncturist licensed in Michigan with over 16 years of experience. Kat shares her journey from working as an HIV case manager in Chicago to practicing Chi...

In this episode of If I’m Being Honest , we sit down with Calvin Anderson, an MBACP Registered Psychotherapist and host of The Check-In With Podcast . Calvin shares his journey into therapy, from realizing he had always been a “professional listener” to finding the path that finally felt like home. Together, we talk about what it means to hold space for people, how culture shapes the way we give a...

What if coffee wasn’t just something we drink, but something that helps us slow down, connect, and start the day with intention? In this episode of If I’m Being Honest , we sit down with Jeremy Lambert of Integrity Coffee for a warm and honest conversation about small-batch coffee roasting, morning rituals, local business, and what it means to create something with care. Jeremy shares how Integrit...

What if art wasn’t just something we create but something that helps us heal? In this episode of If I’m Being Honest, we’re joined by Edmund Alyn Jones, actor, author, playwright, entrepreneur, teaching artist, and Detroit creative, for a powerful conversation about theater, creativity, neurodivergence, identity, emotional wellness, and the healing power of storytelling. Eddie’s story begins in a...

What if “natural” wasn’t actually supporting your health? In this episode of If I’m Being Honest , we’re joined by Mary Beth Potrykus, a Wellness Educator and founder of Mama Bear Productions, to talk about clean living, supplements, women’s wellness, and what it really means to support your body without extremes. After a “natural” weight-loss product left her physically and mentally depleted, Mar...

What if your anxiety or emotional patterns didn’t start with you? In this episode of If I’m Being Honest , we’re joined by Leora Edut, a family constellations facilitator, somatic healer, and founder of Goddess On The Go, to explore how generational trauma, ancestral patterns, and family dynamics shape our lives in ways we don’t always see. Through her work helping individuals reconnect with their...

The podcast conversation delves into the challenges and experiences of entrepreneurship, highlighting the raw and unfiltered realities of starting and running a business. It explores the themes of resilience, self-worth, and the emotional journey of entrepreneurship. The conversation covers the challenges of entrepreneurship, mental health, and the importance of a strong support system. It also de...

In this episode of If I’m Being Honest , hosts Nishani and Himgauri (Gigi) sit down with financial strategist, ordained minister, and spiritual guide Rhonda Hemphill for a powerful conversation about the deeper connections between money, emotions, and spiritual alignment. Rhonda shares her unique journey from working as a cardiovascular specialist in the medical field to guiding women through fina...

In this episode of If I’m Being Honest , hosts Nishani Jayawardena and Himgauri (Gigi) continue their Culture of Coexisting conversation—this time with their first-ever guest, Dr. Zachary McKinley . Together, they dig into the real mechanics of culture: how it shapes behavior, communication, and power dynamics—and why good intentions aren’t always enough. Drawing from Zach’s global travel and rese...

In this episode of “If I’m Being Honest,” hosts Nishani Jayawardena and Himgauri (Gigi) explore the complicated reality of cultural coexistence, adaptation, and the immigrant experience —including the idea of the “immigrant bargain.” They discuss how many immigrants feel pressured to trade pieces of their cultural identity in exchange for stability, opportunity, or acceptance in a new country. Thr...

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 the...

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, insight...

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 re...

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 t...

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 hone...

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...