Beyond the Table: Franck Raharinosy on Ping Pong, Purpose, and the Power of People
Franck
Raharinosy
Born France · raised Reunion Island · New York since 1999 · co-founder SPiN · Soul Through Sound
Some people you meet and instantly forget. Others, you meet and just know they will be a part of your story forever. His palpable passion for making a positive dent in the universe is what truly captivates: a passion for inspiring others to simply be, and do good.
Born in France and raised on the culturally rich Reunion Island near Madagascar, Franck arrived in New York in 1999 armed with little more than an open mind and a curious spirit. That curiosity has since blossomed into a multifaceted career and a life dedicated to connection and creation. He is an actor-producer, intuitive sound practitioner, social entrepreneur, and co-founder of SPiN Ping Pong Clubs with Jonathan Bricklin, Andrew Gordon and Susan Sarandon.
Genuine, humble, kind, sensitive people. It just feels good to be around them.
“People inspire me in general. Everyone has a story, something they are dealing with, something to say. I am deeply inspired by those who contribute and make a real difference in our world, the people who take risks and think outside the box. Genuine, humble, kind, sensitive people: it just feels good to be around them.”
“Collaborating with talented, creative people is also a huge source of inspiration. I feel lucky to have some truly good ones in my life. Each interaction pushes me and gives me the energy to do more myself. And it is not about fame. It is never about that.”
An idea that pulls you away from your phone.
“My curiosity has led me to try many different things: event production, media, fashion, hospitality, writing, and films. In today’s world, it is rare to create something truly new, an idea that is social, that everyone can enjoy, and that actually pulls you away from your too-smart-for-your-own-good, addictive phone.”
“Co-founding SPiN eight years ago with my best friend Jonathan Bricklin, Andrew Gordon, and Susan Sarandon is a huge point of pride. Seeing it grow with a dream team of passionate people who think of themselves as a family makes me extremely happy.”
“When I see people playing and having fun, I smile. I am proud.”
He did not hesitate for a second.
“I have been on a personal journey this past year, wanting to grow and evolve without fear of the unknown. That requires deep, vulnerable work, being open to what the universe brings. I had no Christmas plans when my friend Pushpa Basnet, founder of the Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC), was in New York to receive her CNN Super Hero Award. I had been helping her raise funds through events at SPiN. She invited me last minute to spend Christmas at her centre with the kids. I did not hesitate for a second.”
Pushpa is a very special woman. So young, with an old soul.
“It started 11 years ago in college when, on an internship, she visited a jail and saw a little girl who made her realise her own fortune. She started the process to take children out of prison with their mothers’ consent, providing them with a home, life, and education at the centre. She teaches the kids to be grateful for their parents, acknowledging that without them they would not be who they are today.”
“The kids are incredibly independent. They help each other and are constantly engaged in activities like music, yoga, sports, and meditation. I loved living on their schedule: waking up early to cook, walking the little ones to school, and yes, teaching them to play ping pong on their table!”
The centre currently supports 40 children and needs funding to rescue 15 more. You can help sponsor a child at ecdcnepal.org.
Since 2016, Franck has been an intuitive sound practitioner. His personal experience with sound showed him the power of slowing down, being more present and feeling grounded. The transformation that occurred made him want to study and practice this healing modality and share it as a gift. He has been guiding sound meditations since early 2016 in private, family, group and corporate settings, working with organisations including Tibet House US, Equinox, Habitas, and the National Arts Club.
“I am not a teacher. I am a practitioner. Without people attending, I would not be able to practice. I see it as a mutually beneficial experience. Sound meditation changed my life. Being able to serve other people through sound makes me happy.”
“We are opening new SPiN clubs. I am also producing and acting in some films going into production soon. Last summer, we shot Black Magic For White Boys, a feature directed by the talented Onur Tukel, where I played Fred, a guy who sells magical pills that solve all of life’s problems. I am also co-writing a screenplay with Edith Hagigi. The story is close to home, and I hope it will help others figure out their own paths in some way.”
Antakly Projects, originally Ninu Nina, has been in conversation with the most inspiring voices in art, photography, design and culture since 2003. Interview by Leila Antakly. Franck Raharinosy makes a positive dent in the universe, one sound bowl and one ping pong rally at a time.
Photos courtesy Franck Raharinosy and ECDC Nepal. Thank you to Franck for the conversation.
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Simply be, and do good. ✦
Cover photo by Cristina Macaya.