S2 Ep4: The Friendship Episode ft. Rudra Vishweshwar cover art

S2 Ep4: The Friendship Episode ft. Rudra Vishweshwar

S2 Ep4: The Friendship Episode ft. Rudra Vishweshwar

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 On Season 2 episode 4 of In Conversation with Ashwin, I chat with Rudra about a topic very close to both our hearts, Friendship. Rudra is my first and best friend and we met 27 years ago in a queue to our school admissions line up, not knowing that we'd be tied to the hip for years to come. There's so many things I admire about Rudra, but most of all his generosity and attentiveness to his friends. And his compulsive need to spread smiles everyday even if it means cracking the lamest dad joke three times in a row because he didn't get the timing right the first 2 times. Please enjoy this 45 min long conversation that I did not want, to end.

Childhood and Family Influence on Friendship: Rudra shared with Ashwin how his upbringing in a joint family in Chennai, especially his mother's kindness and selflessness, shaped his approach to friendship and hospitality, leading to a home that was always open to friends and fostering deep connections from an early age.

Evolution and Meaning of Friendship: Rudra and Ashwin explored how the meaning of friendship has evolved for Rudra over time, from seeking validation as a 'top friend' to embracing unconditional support, measuring life through relationships, and recognizing the importance of honest communication and growth.

Work, Boundaries, and Vulnerability in Friendship: Rudra explained to Ashwin that while friendship itself is not 'work,' it requires ongoing effort, including setting healthy boundaries and fostering vulnerability, which he learned through personal experiences and therapy, leading to more sustainable and supportive relationships.

Checking In and Communicating Needs in Friendship: Rudra discussed with Ashwin the importance of checking in on friends, adapting frequency and mode of communication to individual needs, and openly sharing both good and difficult experiences to foster trust and mutual support within friendships.

Book and Quote Recommendations: Rudra answered Ashwin's closing questions by recommending the Harry Potter series for its lessons on relationships and emotional growth, and shared his personal motto for a billboard: 'Spread a smile a day,' reflecting his ethos of making others feel special.

Timestamps:

2.50 - Rudra's house and how friendship became a way of life
7.00 - Understanding family
11.00 - What friendship means
17.00 - Is friendship work?
20 - Vulnerability
20.45 - Sleepovers and vulnerability
24.30 - Boundaries
33.10 - What does checking in on friendship look like?
41 - One book that Rudra would gift
44 - Quote
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