In this hope-filled episode of “hello community®”, host Catherine Jura, and social worker and Director of the Albany NNORC Kira Alte, talk honestly and vulnerably about loneliness. Loneliness is something every human being experiences at some point. When we talk about it openly, we remove the shame and stigma that keep us isolated.

Kyra is deeply compassionate and very knowledgeable concerning loneliness. She discusses how loneliness can hide behind grief, anxiety, life changes, or the feeling that something is missing. Kira discusses the stigma surrounding loneliness and why it’s not a personal failure. Instead, loneliness is a natural human experience that reminds us how deeply we need connection.

In this episode:

Learn what loneliness is and how it can be different for each of us

Discover questions that can help us recognize loneliness

Come to understand the different types of loneliness people can experience

Explore common challenges to building connection and community

Learn how small acts of courage can lead us to the life of connection that we all need and desire

Understanding loneliness is the first step toward healing it. And as Kyra notes, “loneliness is . . . something that we can’t get out of alone.” Join us as we support you in your journey from loneliness to connection and community.

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Note from Catherine:

I am glad you are here! I hope you found some tips and inspiration to help you move towards the connection and community you desire!

If you would like to be notified about new episodes please subscribe.

Reviews are really important for getting the word out about “hello community®”! We sure would appreciate your thoughts: thank you!

If you found this episode helpful please share it with others, so together, we can build a world where everyone has the connection and community they need and want!

Till next time!

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Chapters/Timestamp:

00:00 - Introduction to the episode and its focus on hope and connection

00:29 - Reflection on previous deep dives into loneliness and personal stories

00:59 - The impact of loneliness on health and the importance of social connection

01:28 - Differentiating between the types of loneliness: interpersonal, societal, existential

02:28 - How loneliness can be normalized and stigma reduced

04:01 - Defining true loneliness as a perceived gap between desire and actual social connection

04:37 - The subjective nature of loneliness and individual experiences

06:14 - The different forms of loneliness and their personal impact

06:40 - Questions to identify loneliness, including support networks and feelings of purpose

07:36 - The importance of belonging and societal validation

08:21 - Self-assessment questions to recognize loneliness, like joy and support

09:02 - Challenges of recognizing loneliness in real-time and the importance of language

09:44 - The significance of community support, programs, and shared activities

10:47 - Questions about joy and meaningful activities as indicators of connection

13:01 - How hobbies, faith, and social groups can combat loneliness

14:58 - Using reflection and poetry as healing tools in group settings

16:11 - Normalizing loneliness as part of human experience, not a moral flaw

17:29 - Addressing stigma and mental health challenges linked to loneliness

18:26 - The importance of open conversations and reducing societal shame

20:25 - NORC programs designed to foster social connection and reflection

21:15 - Building a supportive environment to share vulnerability and emotions

22:22 - The commonality of fear in initiating connection regardless of age

23:17 - Resources for ongoing support and community building, including Project Unlonely and Facebook groups

25:05 - Encouragement to share the episode and foster conversations about loneliness and connectionResources & Links:

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Kyra’s Biography and Her Suggestions For Creating Connection and Community:

Biography:

Kyra is a geriatric social worker by trade, state licensed (LMSW), and has a background in care management. Kyra is the director of the Albany NNORC (Neighborhood, Naturally Occurring Retirement Community).

Suggestions For Creating Connection and Community:

1) NNORC (Neighborhood, Naturally Occurring Retirement Community). The “Albany NNORC” is a three square mile radius neighborhood in the city of Albany. All residents over the age of 60 and living within those boundaries are able to receive free services that include care management and a visiting nurse educator via home visits.

There are social, educational, and recreational programming: ways for folks to continue learning, to continue finding joy, and to continue connecting with each other.

There are NORCs (Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities) across the country and are set up to meet the needs of the community where they are found: both in terms of where the community is (i.e. Albany’s (in a neighborhood), New York City (in apartment buildings)) and the programs that are offered.

To contact Kyra or the Albany NNORC, a program of Jewish Family Services please visit http://jfsneny.org (NNORC link under "programs" tab)

2) Albany Jewish Family Services (JFS): a human services agency that serves all folks of all backgrounds, all religions.

JFS has counseling programs and support programs for both older adults and adults of all ages.

3) Seniors: Contact your county or state Office for the Aging.

4) Start a club: If you don't see the group that you need or the support you need, consider starting a club yourself or collaborating with others.

5) Findhelp.org https://www.findhelp.org/

Findhelp.org has resources for all kinds of resources by zip code: health care, food pantries and meal programs, housing, financial assistance, and much more!

Other Resources:

1) Project Unlonely: An interactive website:

http://www.artandhealing.org/project-unlonely/

Project UnLonely has three goals: to raise awareness of loneliness and its physical and mental health effects, to destigmatize (normalize) loneliness, and to make programming available to address loneliness.

a) On the landing page scroll down past the introduction to find the section that “feels” like you and “Find Out More.”

b) Under the tab “For Everyone” find:

• “Embrace Your Signal”: an award winning three minute film about the power of creative expression to heal loneliness.
• “Watch Project Unlonely Films”: as of March 2026 there are nine seasons of other award-winning short films that explore loneliness, connection, and the healing power of human relationships. These films are designed to raise awareness about loneliness, reduce the stigma around it, and foster a greater sense of belonging
• Creativity Hub: this webpage encourages you to be “UnLonely” through curiosity, creative expression, and conversation. This webpage will provide creative activities that can be enjoyed alone or with others. These activities will help you know yourself better and connect with others in a deeper way.·
• Project Unlonely (the book): Written by Dr. Jeremy Nobel this book provides insight into our new world of loneliness that offers solace, hope, and solutions.

2) “hello community®” Link Tree: in one click you will have access to our Facebook Page (and all our episode platforms) http://lnk.bio/hellocommunity

In this episode:

· Discover how a chance meeting at a community co-op sparked an intergenerational friendship

· Learn how courage and curiosity can support a new friendship

· Come to understand why “dual commitment to trying” is important

· Learn why navigating boundaries and “oops and ouch” moments require mutual respect

· Explore how finding a community may be the first step to a new friendship

This conversation is an invitation to step beyond your comfort zone and say yes to connection. A new friendship may be a single brave moment away.

Note from Catherine:

I am glad you are here! I hope you found some tips and inspiration to help you move towards the connection and community you desire!

If you would like to be updated on new episodes please subscribe.

Reviews are really important for getting the word out about “hello community®”! We sure would appreciate your thoughts: thank you!

If you found this episode helpful please share it with others, so together, we can build a world where everyone has the connection and community they need and want!

Till next time!

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Chapters/Timestamp

00:00:00 Introduction to Hello Community

00:03:00 Autumn and her journey to finding a new community

00:08:30 Catherine’s journey to loneliness

00:09:40 The surprising path to meeting each other

00:15:00 Brunch confirms the new friendship

00:16:20 The journey of friendship: building connection

00:23:15 Resources and support for building connection and community

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Autumn’s biography:

Autumn holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from SUNY New Paltz (2017), Masters of Science in Mental Health Counseling from University at Albany (2019), and a certification as a Grief Informed Professional. She currently works as a school-based trauma therapist at a victim assistance program.

Outside of her work, she can be found working out, running, perusing the farmers market, travelling near and far, and bagging groceries at Honest Weight Food Co-op.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/autumn-welch-degoski-lmhc-cgp-7b07a1154/

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Looking for more information?

· “hello community” link tree takes you in one click to our Facebook Page and all our episode platforms http://lnk.bio/hellocommunity

· Project Unlonely http://www.artandhealing.org/project-unlonely/

· Findhelp.org https://www.findhelp.org/

Findhelp.org can support your efforts to find the resources you need by using your zip code: health care, food pantries and meal programs, housing, financial assistance, and much more!

This episode of the “hello community®” podcast is a bold invitation to rethink what a neighborhood is and how loneliness can open the door to connection--wherever you live. Join host Catherine Jura as she welcomes social worker and director of the Albany NNORC Kyra Alte, to discuss loneliness and some practical questions listeners can use to explore their own experiences. They also discuss how loneliness is a universal human experience like hunger or thirst.

In this episode:

- Learn why it is important to understand the three types of loneliness: interpersonal, societal, and existential

- Come to understand why naming our loneliness is the first step toward healing

- Explore why we can’t get out of loneliness alone—and why that’s okay

- Learn how to intentionally build community in traditional and non-traditional neighborhoods (renting apartments on the same floor; family and friends living in the same cul-de-sac; NNORC)

- Discover how Albany, NY turned a neighborhood into a vibrant hub of connection for seniors: NNORC: Neighborhood Naturally Occurring Retirement Community

From naming our experience of loneliness to taking the first brave step—perhaps knocking on a neighbor’s door—this episode empowers listeners to become community builders wherever they live.

Note from Catherine:

I am glad you are here! I hope you found some tips and inspiration to help you move towards the connection and community you desire!

If you found this episode helpful please share it with others, so together, we can build a world where everyone has the connection and community they need and want!

If you would like to be updated on new episodes please subscribe.

Last but not least, reviews are really important for getting the word out about “hello community®”! We sure would appreciate your thoughts: thank you!

Till next time!

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Chapters/Timestamp

Introduction to Social Isolation - 00:00:00

Understanding NORCs - 00:03:00

Types of Loneliness - 00:09:00

Normalizing Loneliness - 00:15:00

Creating Community in Neighborhoods - 00:21:00

Resources and Support - 00:27:00

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Kyra’s Biography:

Kyra is a geriatric social worker by trade, state licensed (LMSW), and has a background in care management.

To contact Kyra or NNORC please visit http://jfsneny.org (NNORC link under "programs" tab)

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Looking for more information?:

“hello community” link tree takes you in one click to our Facebook Page and all our episode platforms http://lnk.bio/hellocommunity

Project Unlonely: http://www.artandhealing.org/project-unlonely/

On this episode of the hello community podcast with Catherine Jura, meet Lynn Underhill, a woman who built her career and a life of connection—by saying one bold word: YES! By repeatedly stepping into the unknown Lynn built meaningful relationships, a career in art and design, and a life of purpose and belonging.

•Discover the difference between alone and lonely?

•Lynn offers practical tips for uncovering the communities all around you.

•Never underestimate the possibilities from making one phone call.

•Be inspired as Lynn transforms a volunteer mural project into a thriving design career.

•Learn how one small act of human connection brought hope to Lynn’s grief after the loss of her husband.

Community isn’t always found—it’s built one yes at a time. If you’ve ever felt unsure where to begin, this episode offers gentle encouragement: trust yourself, take a step, and just say yes!

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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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Timestamp: Don’t have time for the whole episode, or want to re-watch/re-listen to a favorite part—the timestamp lays out the episode for you

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:56 Meet Lynn Underhill: Building Connections

01:43 The Power of Saying Yes

03:50 Finding Solitude in Community

06:09 Navigating Loneliness and Connection

10:05 Creating Community Through Family and Activities

14:05 Overcoming Tragedy and Expanding Community

17:12 Embracing New Experiences with Children

19:53 Embracing Solitude and Art

20:14 Volunteering and Discovering a Passion for Art

21:40 Turning Art into a Career

22:33 Community and Personal Growth

25:03 The Ronald McDonald House Project

32:49 Reflections on Life and Hope

36:58 Final Thoughts and Resources

Welcome to the hello community® podcast with Catherine Jura. In this inspiring episode, we meet the Peters family—Sue, Justin, Lucas and Sam—who share how three generations have found belonging and connection through the Scouts. Together, they explore what community really means—across ages, genders, and backgrounds.

From Girl Scouts to Cub Scouts to Scouts BSA to adult leadership, discover how a youth organization can foster emotional growth, connection, and community—for kids and adults alike.

In this episode:

•Sue shares how the Girl Scouts community provided a safe haven for self-expression.

•Justin reflects on how leadership of the Scouts community supported healing his social anxiety.

•Lucas and Sam, the newest generation, talk about adventure, learning, service projects, and feeling seen.

•The family highlights how Scouting fosters intergenerational friendships and leadership (no matter your age).

•Learn how today's Scouts embrace gender inclusion, teamwork, and growth.

This episode will touch your heart. It reminds us that connection isn’t just about common interests—it’s about shared experience, showing up for each other, and the courage to be seen. From quiet kids finding their voice to adults healing through leadership, this is community in its truest form.

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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Timestamp: Don’t have time for the whole episode, or want to re-watch/re-listen to a favorite part—the timestamp lays out the episode for you

00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the Podcast

00:52 Meet the Peters Family

02:24 Sue's Scouting Journey

05:43 Sam's Scouting Experience

06:28 Justin's Perspective on Scouting

10:27 Lucas's Scouting Story

11:21 Understanding Cub Scouts and Scouts BSA

12:52 Scouting in the Modern Era

16:26 Building Community Through Scouting

17:46 Building a Community Through Scouts

18:33 Parental Involvement in Cub Scouts

20:11 Transitioning to Scouts BSA

21:00 The Role of Den and Pack Leaders

22:58 The Value of Mixed-Age Interactions

25:27 Experiences with Different Leaders

28:18 Volunteer Opportunities in Scouting

30:33 Personal Reflections on Leadership

32:16 Community Service Projects

32:59 Final Thoughts on Community

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

On this heartfelt episode of the hello community® podcast, host Catherine Jura talks with Ellen Cosgrove about her journey of moving from loneliness to connection by being both curious and brave. Ellen’s spellbinding, wise, and funny stories of building community will take you around the globe: Belfast, Ireland, Italy, NYC, and Albany NY

In this episode:

· Discover how curiosity is a powerful remedy for fear, and supports connection

· Learn how loneliness requires bravery, not perfection

· Come to understand that connection requires that we be both courageous enough to ask questions and present enough to listen

· Uncover new strategies that can encourage conversation

· Learn how to use food to break barriers and spark meaningful connections through the Dinner in Dialogue initiative

This episode isn’t just about conversation—it’s about transformation. It is a tender and powerful reminder that we don’t have to be perfect to belong—we just have to be brave. Ellen’s warmth and wisdom shine throughout as she encourages us to embrace curiosity, ask questions, and listen to others as a path towards connection and community.

If you found this episode helpful, please share it with others so together we can build a world of connection.

Till next time,

Catherine

PS If you’d like to get the most up to date bi-weekly episodes on creating connection and community, please subscribe to this podcast.

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Timestamps: Want to re-watch/re-listen to a favorite part–or don’t have time for the whole episode—the timestamp lays out the episode for you

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:54 Meet Ellen Cosgrove

02:21 Ellen's Personal Journey

04:08 Professional Experience and Community Building

08:21 The Importance of Listening

12:17 Impact of COVID on Social Connections

15:58 Personal Reflections on Loneliness

18:45 Building Community and Overcoming Loneliness

20:43 Embracing Curiosity in Social Situations

21:19 The Influence of a Science Teacher Mom

21:55 The Power of Curiosity Over Fear

22:56 Using Food to Foster Connection

25:38 Creating Safe and Brave Spaces

28:33 Humanizing Everyday Interactions

33:48 Practical Tips for Building Community

37:24 Conclusion and Resources

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Ellen’s biography:

Ellen Cosgrove, MA Founder and CEO, Community In Context Ellen Cosgrove is a trauma-informed facilitator with over fifteen years’ experience in community-building and conflict resolution. Her diverse background spans peacebuilding, advertising, non-profit management, and eating delicious food.

After working with PeacePlayers International on peacebuilding initiatives in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Ellen pursued her Master's in Coexistence and Conflict at Brandeis University. There, studying alongside international practitioners, she witnessed firsthand how shared meals created powerful spaces for authentic connection. This insight led Ellen to launch Dinner & Dialogue following her work with several non-profits. Her innovative bridging model leverages the transformative power of communal dining, storytelling, and active listening to cultivate social bonds, empathy, and community. Through themed conversations connecting food, life, and society, participants discover common ground.

Ellen is dedicated to creating environments where people recognize each other's humanity and develop mutual trust. She believes these intentional interventions can help heal societal divisions while fostering greater understanding. Through her company, Community In Context, Ellen now facilitates impactful community-building programs for both non-profit organizations and corporate clients.

Connect with Ellen:

www.communityincontext.com

www.dinneranddialogue.org

Welcome to the hello community podcast with Catherine Jura.

In this deeply touching episode, we sit down with Jim Macris, who has found a lifetime of connection in everyday human interaction.

In this episode:

·       Learn how Jim’s definition of community is radical in its simplicity: everyone, everywhere, is part of it. Even people he may never see again.

 ·       His faith and Christian spirituality fuel his desire to listen, serve, and connect.     Service is not an obligation but an opportunity to build connection and community

·       His acts of kindness range from helping strangers at the grocery store to starting a conversation with the often overlooked in our society

·       He proves that age  isn’t a barrier to meaningfully contributing to the world Whether you're struggling with isolation or wondering how to find purpose in your day-to-day life,

Jim’s wisdom will remind you that reaching out—however small—can create profound connection. Tune in for a soul-filling story that proves community can be found in the most surprising places.

If you found this episode helpful, please share it with others so together we can build a world of connection.

Till next time,

Catherine

PS If you’d like to get the most up to date episodes, please subscribe to this platform.

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What We Discuss:

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:11 The Epidemic of Loneliness

01:31 Meet Jim Macris

02:39 Jim's Philosophy on Community

03:55 The Impact of COVID-19

12:22 Volunteering and Helping Others

20:14 Jim's Reflections on Life and Community

30:18 Closing Thoughts and Resources

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Jim’s biography:

Born in 1940 Jim’s career includes motion picture theatre management, FM radio announcer, sales rep. and general manager of a local Muzak office, Lutheran Liturgical and Preaching Deacon.

Jim is proud of his granddaughter who is a family counselor in Boulder Colorado.

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You can find Jim on Facebook

· Shameka’s story is a masterclass in uncovering how your current life may actually be guiding you towards the connections you desire

·   Discover how social media--when used with discernment and balance—can lead to a global community of friends

·   Shameka offers strategies on using boundaries to create a community that is nourishing—and not draining

·   Learn how using a gratitude journal can be part of a comforting spiritual life

·   Shameka shares how important it is to admit, ask for, and accept help: including therapy

Shameka has used a wheelchair for mobility her whole life—and this indeed impacts her daily life--but nevertheless she has blossomed into a traveling, dancing, vibrant women who revels in community building. Her spunk is captured in her contribution to the title of this podcast-- “Keep Rolling On: From Loneliness To Connection!”

If you found this episode helpful please share it with others

Subscribe to “hello community ®” podcast for more bi-weekly stories of connection and belonging

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What we discuss (timestamp):

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

01:21 Meet Shameka Andrews

02:35 Shameka's Early Life and Challenges

05:46 The Power of Books and Education

09:24 Discovering Social Media and Building Connections

15:41 Spirituality and Community

29:16 The Importance of Boundaries

36:26 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

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Shameka’s biography:

Shameka Andrews is the community outreach coordinator for the Self Advocacy Association of NYS she also the founder of Disability Empowerment Consulting where she provides disability workshops on self-care, self-advocacy and disability awareness

In 2006 she won the title of Ms. Wheelchair NY, and she has been the coordinator of the program since 2013. 2017 she wrote her first children’s book butterfly on wheels

She serves on the NYS Developmental Disabilities Planning Council, Developmental Disability Advisory Council for OPWDD and the NYS Human Rights Disability Committee

Follow and Contact Shameka at:

Email: disabilityempowered@gmail.com

YouTube--https://www.youtube.com/@shamekaandrews

FB-- https://www.facebook.com/ShamekaLAndrews

Instagram--https://www.instagram.com/disabilityempowered/

Linkedin--https://www.linkedin.com/feed/

Books Shameka Has Written: 

Behind the smile: 15 Women Who Survived the Storm

Buy the book

Butterfly on Wheels 

https://www.amazon.com/Butterfly-Wheels-Shameka-Andrews/dp/1535605634

• Andrew realizes that although he appears to “have it all” on the outside he is silently struggling on the inside 
• Discover how isolation can disguise itself as something useful
• Small moments matter: During an unexpected conversation with a stranger, Andrew realizes how disconnected—and lonely—he has been feeling
• Learn about the three types of loneliness and how Andrew uses this knowledge to uncover possibilities
• Follow Andrew’s story as he re-builds the life he once loved: meaningful connection with others and a life of purpose

Andrew’s story isn’t about dramatic life changes—it’s about how even one conversation can awaken your inner world. Let Andrew’s powerfully vulnerable story remind you that a life of connection begins with honesty.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

01:22 Meet Andrew Barnes

02:37 Andrew's Journey in Human Services

05:33 The Revelation of Loneliness

08:34 Understanding Different Types of Loneliness

10:39 The Impact of a Simple Conversation

16:15 Moving Forward and Finding Purpose

24:30 Final Thoughts and Resources