Unthinking Space (formerly Design Feeling)

Unthinking Space (formerly Design Feeling)

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.

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Recent Episodes

Designing freedom in your career and life with Larry Cornett
8
June 28, 2024

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, fina
Transforming self-perception: Petra Williams on authenticity, hope, and expression
7
May 23, 2024

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
Designing tomorrow beyond human-centricity with Martin Tomitsch and Steve Baty (plus free book giveaways!)
6
April 18, 2024

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 t
The Power of Pointless Creativity Projects with Steve Chapman
5
March 28, 2024

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 dis
Decolonising ourselves: The journey to healing-centered ecosystems with Lana Jelenjev
4
March 8, 2024

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 w
Going to jail to save the world - Sam Griffiths
3
Feb. 23, 2024

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

About the Host

Nirish Shakya Profile Photo
Nirish Shakya

UX designer, Educator and Coach, Nirish Shakya, is the founder and host of the Design Feeling Podcast. For the past 15 years, he has been helping organisations across the UK, Europe and the Asia-Pacific put their customers first and create impactful customer experiences by empowering organisations to increase their design thinking maturity.

He has been teaching UX, Design Thinking and Innovation for almost a decade at General Assembly, Jolt, UK Government, European Commission, corporates and startups.

He is currently focusing his energy on transforming individuals and teams into being more self-aware, creatively confident and purposeful problem-solvers.