hello community®
hello community®
Podcast Description
Do you wish you had more connection and community in your life? Do you wonder how to move from feeling isolated and lonely to having a sense of belonging? Welcome to hello community ® , a safe space where guests share their heartfelt, relatable stories of how they create the life of connection, community, and belonging they so desire. I am Catherine Jura, your host for this podcast, and I am so glad you found us!
It is my utmost hope that you feel a connection to my guests. Therefore I intentionally choose guests of varying age, sex, ethnic and cultural background as well as ability and health status. Equally important is that guests are willing to share their stories of creating connection, in a vulnerable and meaningful way. So every other week you will hear real life stories with actionable ideas that you can
try out in your personal life, home, workplace, campus life, community, and beyond.
I am a Community Health Educator and my life’s work has been to support others to be healthier in every way. In 2023, the US Surgeon General reported that Americans are experiencing an epidemic of isolation and loneliness. If you are experiencing a sense of not belonging, it doesn’t make you different—but it might
feel that way. I understand because I have felt these feelings too.
Please join us and learn how to create the life of connection, community, and belonging that you so desire.
I am happy you are here!
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Click the Subscribe button to receive the most current hello community® episode
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast focuses on themes of connection, community, and belonging, with episodes covering real-life experiences such as Jim Macris finding community in everyday interactions and Shameka Andrews using social media to build a global support network, emphasizing the importance of vulnerability and shared experiences in overcoming isolation.
Do you wish you had more connection and community in your life? Do you wonder how to move from feeling isolated and lonely to having a sense of belonging? Welcome to hello community®, a safe space where guests share their heartfelt, relatable stories of how they create the life of connection, community, and belonging they so desire. I am Catherine Jura, your host for this podcast, and I am so glad you found us!
It is my utmost hope that you feel a connection to my guests. Therefore I intentionally choose guests of varying age, sex, ethnic and cultural background as well as ability and health status. Equally important is that guests are willing to share their stories of creating connection, in a vulnerable and meaningful way. So every other week you will hear real life stories with actionable ideas that you can try out in your personal life, home, workplace, campus life, community, and beyond.
I am a Community Health Educator and my life’s work has been to support others to be healthier in every way. In 2023, the US Surgeon General reported that Americans are experiencing an epidemic of isolation and loneliness. If you are experiencing a sense of not belonging, it doesn’t make you different—but it might feel that way. I understand because I have felt these feelings too.
Please join us and learn how to create the life of connection, community, and belonging that you so desire.
I am happy you are here!
__________________________
Click the Subscribe button to receive the most current hello community® episode
I’m lonely but where do I start?
In this inspiring episode of the hello community ® podcast with Catherine Jura, guest Marilyn Dyer reflects on how community isn’t built all at once—it’s grown, often through loss and courage. If you’ve ever felt scared to walk into a room full of strangers, or like you’ve lost your place in the world, this conversation will gently walk with you toward belonging.
Marilyn shares her profound journey of losing and rebuilding community multiple times throughout life—after a big move, through marriage and motherhood, as a pastor’s wife for 25 years, and eventually, in widowhood. Marilyn shows that community can be grown at any age, in any place, and sometimes with just one brave first step.
· Discover how changes that seem exciting—like a big move or having a baby—can bring loss and loneliness as well.
· What does community—and the loss of it—feel like
· Ordinary moments can become extraordinary bridges. Learn how joining a group that seems interesting—i.e. a fitness group–just might be the beginning of lifelong friendships
· Deepen friendships by adding a focus, purpose, or service based activities
· Learn tips for joining new groups or activities even when it feels scary
Whatever life events have brought you to a place of isolation and loneliness, this conversation gives practical insights into overcoming the fear of starting over and cultivating connection and community. Marilyn reminds us that starting over is possible—at any age. And sometimes, it really is only hard the first time.
A Note from Catherine:
If you find this episode helpful, please share it with others so together we can build a world of connection. Thank you!
If you’d like to get the most up to date bi-weekly episodes on creating connection and community, please subscribe to this podcast.
Till next time
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00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
00:54 Guest Introduction: Marilyn Dyer
01:17 Defining Community
02:50 Losing and Rebuilding Community
06:08 Creating Community Through Shared Activities
09:37 Life as a Pastor’s Wife
13:02 Coping with Loss and Transition
20:40 Overcoming Fear to Build Community
28:43 Final Thoughts and Resources
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Connect with Marilyn on Facebook
Disclaimer
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