In this episode of Finding My User Manual, I sit down with multidisciplinary artist, designer and creative leader Riya Naskar for a thoughtful conversation about anxiety, overthinking, self-awareness, trust, creativity and what it means to build a life that feels peaceful and authentically aligned. Together, we explore how creativity can become a tool for reflection, self-compassion and emotional processing, especially when your mind has a habit of running ahead of you. Riya shares how her artistic practice helps her make sense of anxiety, navigate uncertainty, reconnect with herself and create space for curiosity, peace and personal growth. We also talk about trust, letting go, advocating for yourself in creative spaces, the relationship between science and art, and Riya’s unexpected journey from zoology into an international creative career. Along the way, we unpack what deep human connection really feels like, why lifelong learning matters, and how recognising the physical and emotional signs of peace can help us understand ourselves a little better. Whether you’re a creative, an overthinker, navigating anxiety, changing direction in your career, or simply trying to live more authentically, this conversation is a gentle exploration of what happens when we stop forcing ourselves into someone else’s version of a life well lived. TOPICS DISCUSSED • Anxiety, overthinking and learning to recognise your own patterns • Creativity as a tool for self-reflection and self-compassion • Trust, detachment and knowing when to let go • Building deeper, more meaningful human connections • Self-awareness and understanding what peace feels like in your body • Advocating for yourself in creative and professional spaces • Science, creativity and curiosity • Multidisciplinary art and developing an authentic creative practice • Lifelong learning, languages and following your curiosity • Creating space for rest, reflection and personal growth • Living authentically FIND RIYA NASKAR Instagram: www.instagram.com/riyanaskarstudio/ Website: www.riyanaskar.studio Artist Residency: www.twotwentytwo.space ABOUT TIGZ RICE Tigz Rice is an empowerment photographer and videographer based in London, UK. With an extensive background in burlesque and boudoir photography, she draws from her own lifetime of experience in defying beauty standards, along with more over 15 years of professional creative practise, to help others reconnect with their bodies, take up more space, curate their legacies and feel empowered, confident & seen. Beyond the studio, Tigz’s voice continues to shape the conversation around representation. Her podcast Finding My User Manual explores the challenges of navigating life when no one gave you the instructions, amplifying nuanced, diverse experiences with honesty and depth. Website: https://www.tigzrice.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tigzrice TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tigzrice Facebook: www.facebook.com/TigzRice Youtube: www.youtube.com/tigzrice PODCAST DISCLAIMER Finding My User Manual is a podcast exploring lived experience and personal reflection. All content is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute medical, psychological, legal, financial, or other professional advice. Listening does not create any professional or therapeutic relationship with the host or guests. While shared in good faith, no guarantees are made regarding accuracy or applicability. You are responsible for how you interpret and use this content. If needed, please seek guidance from a qualified professional. Some episodes may include sensitive topics. Listener discretion is advised. Any sponsored content will be clearly disclosed. All opinions remain independent. By listening, you agree that the host and guests are not liable for any actions taken based on this content. Take what resonates. Leave what doesn’t.
