Not the one society tells you that you “should” want.
When you have nothing, you appreciate everything…
To that little girl who lay awake at night hoping someone would save her: You did it. You built yourself the village you always dreamed of. And now you’re showing others how to do the same.
That little girl doesn’t know it yet, but she’s about to become an accidental expert in building connection.
Not because she’s special… but because she’s desperate.
She’ll take risks, step outside of societal norms, and do just about anything to build the support system she needs.
Because somewhere deep inside, she knows what many of us forget: we were never meant to do this life alone.
Life has a way of serving up lonely moments – whether it’s the isolation of working from home, the overwhelm of caregiving, or the quiet aftermath of a major life change.
And in these moments, what do we hear?
“Just hang in there!”
“Give it time!”
“You’ll figure it out!”
But here’s what I know: We don’t need more empty advice. We need a real plan for building the support system we deserve. Because connection isn’t just about having people around – it’s about having people who will actually show up for us and vice versa.
That’s why I’m here – writing books, recording podcast episodes, and speaking on stages. Not to tell you that connection matters (trust me, you already know that), but to show you exactly how to build it. Because I learned the hard way that connection isn’t a nice-to-have – it’s survival.
And the best part? Once you know how to build the village you need with intention, you can do it again and again, no matter what life throws your way.
I believe connection is a skill, not a personality trait. And like any skill, it can be learned, practiced, and mastered – even if you weren’t given the blueprint growing up.
But here’s what makes my approach different: I don’t focus on networking tips or social skills. Instead, I believe we all have to learn through trial and error— that means taking small, brave actions and reflecting on whether they feel “right” to you or not. Over time, those small actions add up to create the relationships in the robust web of connections that supports you.
Meaningful relationships aren’t built in big, dramatic moments – they’re built in tiny decisions we make every day.
My philosophy is simple:
Whether you’re starting from scratch, add more connections to support a new area of your life, or rebuilding after a life change, I’m here to show you that creating your village is possible. Not through forced small talk or awkward networking events, but through authentic, intentional steps that feel true to who you are.
When I’m not working, you’ll find me in my sweatpants hanging out with friends (my place or theirs, doesn’t matter), convincing Michael we need to fly somewhere far away, or watching a romcom (that I’ve probably seen 10x before).
As a child, I pretended to be Martha Stewart—teaching imaginary audiences how to make mud pies or ‘take their gift wrapping to the next level.’ I spent hours performing for invisible cameras, so perhaps it’s no surprise I eventually found my way behind a microphone!
I met Michael at a college party junior year, and while we’ve been together ever since, we never became that couple who forgot about their friends. Actually, the opposite – we spent tons of time independently hanging out with our friends, setting a foundation for how we balance our romantic relationship and friendships today.
As that extroverted friend who’s always up for an adventure, I’ll try almost anything once. But fair warning: if it flops the first time, I’m probably not going back (just ask my friends about Zumba, curling, or honestly… anything involving hand-eye coordination).
If I won the lottery tomorrow, I’d still be doing exactly this work. Between my natural draw to the microphone and my passion for connection, I absolutely lose myself in these conversations. Building the support system I have now probably saved my life, and I believe it can do the same for others.
These past few years have really put my connections to the test. Now in my mid-30s, I’ve been navigating those heavy “Oh, Shit. We’re the adults in the room” moments with friends – the kind that shake your world and remind you how precious life is. Whether it’s supporting each other through profound losses, celebrating hard-won joys, or managing unexpected health journeys (including my own discovery of three chronic illnesses in late 2024), these experiences have deepened my conviction that this work matters. Because we all need people who show up, especially when life throws its curveballs.
Your weekly dose of connection inspiration, delivered as a voice note (What can I say?? I really like talking.). Each week, hear a real story of how someone just like you is building meaningful connections, plus practical ideas to try yourself. All in 5ish minutes – from my headphones to yours.
P.S. Prefer reading? No problem! I send the transcript to your inbox too – listen one week, read the next, whatever works for you!
The Less Lonely Club drops every Tuesday.