Connect to Joy Podcasts: Circle of Hope | Not Quite Strangers | Time to Come Alive

I invite you into a vulnerable, uplifting, and heart-to-heart “honorable closure” with my dear friend, Ingrid Gavshon, documentary filmmaker, executive coach, and one of the sparks behind my growth journey. In this milestone conversation, we reflect on over 30 episodes of Circle of Hope, the launch of my next adventure: writing a book on meaningful connection and personal growth, and the wisdom, joy, and challenge of closing one chapter so another can begin.

I share what this podcast has taught me about authentic relationships, leadership, and the beauty of pausing for real reflection as we grow. And in true Circle of Hope spirit, we go deep, exploring resilience, purpose-driven living, and the crucial difference between being in a relationship and talking about the relationship.

Watch This If:

• You want actionable inspiration for navigating life transitions with hope and resilience.
• You’re seeking more authentic leadership at work, at home, or within yourself.
• You crave personal growth conversations that connect head, heart, and humor.
• You value emotional intelligence and want to deepen the quality of your conversations.

Episode Highlights (with Timestamps):

• 00:00 – Why “Circle of Hope” and the power of purpose-driven podcasting
• 04:08 – Creating your circle of influencers & redefining mentorship
• 07:44 – My surprising biggest lesson: why talking about relationships amplifies their value
• 10:41 – How to expand your leadership range & let go of DIY mentality
• 23:59 – Overcoming isolation: the role band, family, and community played
• 35:25 – Actionable tips for reconnecting with family when trust is low
• 1:12:48 – My “sports team” metaphor for hope and resilience in polarized times

What You’ll Learn:

• How to start honest conversations about your relationships that foster deeper connection and trust
• Why thriving requires both self-awareness and the courage to ask for support
• Practical tips for communicating with emotional intelligence and leading with authenticity, especially during change

Resources

• Book: The Wisdom Hunter by Randall Arthur
• Book: A Course in Miracles
• Book: Nonviolent Communication by Marshall Rosenberg
• Book: The Cult of Trump by Steven Hassan
• Book: The Righteous Mind by Jonathan Haidt (this was “the book about morality”)
• Book: Infinite Games by James P. Carse
• The Berkeley Executive Coaching Institute
• Unity Church (spiritual community)
• 5 Calls

Contact Information:

Guest Host: Ingrid Gavshon

• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Circle of Hope Episode:
• YouTube
• Spotify

Host: Valerie Hope

●      Website: https://www.valeriehope.com

●      Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valeriehope/

●      LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valeriehope/

●      Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ValerieVHope

●      YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ConnecttoJoy

Production Support: Lucy Hope - Podcast Editing, Copy, and Publishing.

#ConnectToJoyPodcasts #CircleOfHopePodcast #MeaningfulConnection #HopeAndResilience #PersonalGrowthConversations #AuthenticLeadership

After 30 conversations on The Circle of Hope Podcast, this isn’t a typical episode…

It’s a pause.

In this reflection, I take a step back to share what this journey has revealed, not just about relationships, but about what happens when we take the time to talk about them.

What I discovered is this: It’s not just the relationships we have that matter… it’s the conversations we’re willing to have about them.

In this recording, I explore:

• The unexpected patterns that emerged across 30 conversations
• Why every meaningful relationship has a beginning, an exchange, and an impact
• The power of naming and expressing appreciation
• Questions to help you reflect on your own circle

This podcast may be pausing in its current form, but the exploration is far from over. There is one final episode coming soon, where I’ll be on the other side of the conversation.

💬 Reflection for you:

• Who is someone in your life that has shaped you, and have you to3000ld them?

If you’ve ever wished for your family to feel more like your inner circle, one that truly understands, uplifts, and connects, you’ll want to press play on this episode.

Welcome to another heartfelt episode of The Circle of Hope! I’m your host, Valerie Hope, and today I’m joined by my three amazing brothers, Eduardo (Dito), Ricardo (Ricky), and Rolando (Roli) Hope. For the first time, we open a window into our sibling dynamics, revealing how connection, difference, and intentionality have shaped our bond from childhood pranks to deep adult conversations.

Together, we share raw stories about growing up as military kids, our mischief in Panama, and the ways that time, distance, and personality differences have strengthened, not strained, our trust, communication, and support as adults.

If you’ve ever wondered what makes certain families truly “get” each other, or how to break out of sibling rivalry and into genuine influence, this unscripted family chat will grab your heart. Know someone with a sibling (or chosen family) who needs to be reminded of their own circle of hope? Share this episode and invite them to discover the power of deeper family connection. Subscribe for future insights, stories, and practical tools on leadership, influence, and connection.

Watch This If:

• You crave more meaningful, authentic relationships with family, even if you’re all different.
• You want to learn how to build trust, support, and emotional safety across generations.
• You’re curious how intentionality and humor can bridge distance or personality gaps.
• You’ve struggled with sibling competition or wish for more transparency and fun in your circle.
• You love real, vulnerable conversations that show how strong family bonds are built.

Episode Highlights (with Timestamps):

• 00:00 – Welcome & Meet the Hope Siblings
• 02:31 – Sibling Talk: How Childhood Experiences Shape Us
• 06:57 – The Surprising Power of Differences
• 18:33 – Each Sibling’s Perspective: Strengths & Styles
• 26:07 – Long Conversations & Emotional Support
• 40:29 – What Each Sibling Brings to the Circle
• 50:07 – How Our Parents Shaped Connection & Discipline
• 59:24 – Navigating Comparison, Competition & Life Paths
• 1:14:00 – How We Stay Connected (& Tips for Listeners!)
• 1:15:28 – Our Dream For the Future + Final Reflections

What You’ll Learn:

• How to nurture deep trust, openness, and emotional safety, even when personalities clash
• Practical ways to initiate connection with siblings (or chosen family)—and make it stick
• The role of shared experience vs. individual paths in forming a lasting family “circle of hope”
• Strategies to break the cycle of rivalry and show up as each other’s best cheerleader
• How being intentional, playful, and consistent transforms family relationships (even after years apart)

Contact Information:

Guest: Eduardo Hope

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eduardohopejr
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eduardohopejr/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eduardohopejr/

Guest: Ricardo Hope

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ricardo-hope-6544001/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ricardo.hope.5

Guest: Roland Hope

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RolandoHope2160841

Host: Valerie Hope

• Website: https://www.valeriehope.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valeriehope/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valeriehope/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ValerieVHope
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ConnecttoJoy

Production Support: Lucy Hope - Podcast Editing, Copy, and Publishing.

#ConnectToJoyPodcasts #CircleOfHopePodcast #FamilyBonding #SiblingConnection #IntentionalRelationships

If you’re a creative spirit who’s ever struggled to bring your vision to life—or wondered how true collaboration can elevate every single project you touch, this episode is for you.

Welcome to Circle of Hope, where I, Valerie Hope, invite you inside deeply personal conversations designed to illuminate the power of human connection. In this episode, I sit down with the brilliant (and family!) filmmaker and animator Nuria Dixon. Together, we peel back the curtain on creativity, collaboration, and what it really takes to build a dream team around your ideas.

From childhood radio shows on karaoke machines, to directing short films and animating kids’ stories, Nuria’s journey is a living lesson in resourcefulness and vision. We discuss our own family collaborations, the magic (and heartache) of finding the right creative partners, and the importance of alignment versus vibes. If you’ve ever wondered how to source passionate collaborators, when to share your vision, or why some referrals just don’t work out, you’ll feel right at home in this honest, laughter-filled circle.

Watch This If:

• You’re a creative professional, filmmaker, artist, or anyone building something from scratch
• You want to learn actionable strategies for vetting referrals, hiring freelancers, and structuring creative teams
• You’re searching for inspiration, validation, and practical wisdom about sustaining passion WITHOUT burning out

Episode Highlights (with Timestamps):

• 08:29 – Why Alignment Beats Referrals in Collaboration
• 15:32 – Lessons from Collaborations That Didn’t Work Out
• 25:45 – Managing Creative Projects when People Drop Out
• 33:30 – Vetting Feedback: How to Get the Insights You Actually Need
• 46:02 – Funding & Crowdfunding: The Stakes of Investing in Your Vision
• 54:01 – There Is No Deadline on Your Dreams: It’s Never Too Late

What You’ll Learn:

• The concrete steps for vetting creative partners and why “vibe” doesn’t always trump proven skill
• How to navigate setbacks, failed collaborations, and recover stronger (including hiring, firing, and realignment)
• How personal relationships, family collaborations, and intentional networking build a lasting creative support system

Resources:

• Redeploy (short film by Nuria Dixon): https://redeployfilm.info/
• Ethan’s Art Venture (animated series): https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0D4Z6HLZJ/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r
• Not Quite Strangers Episode #24 - https://youtu.be/QMVRb6OjKSk
• YearCompass: https://yearcompass.com/

Contact Information:

• Guest: Nuria Dixon
• Website: http://www.ethanartventure.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/connie-laufersky-0411b041/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ethan.art.venture/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@1SoulProduction
• Bonus Links: https://linktr.ee/NDixon?

• Host: Valerie Hope
• Website: https://www.valeriehope.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valeriehope/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valeriehope/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ValerieVHope
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ConnecttoJoy

Production Support: Lucy Hope - Podcast Editing, Copy, and Publishing.

#ConnectToJoyPodcasts #CircleOfHopePodcast #CreativeCollaboration #FilmmakingJourney #ShortFilm #Production

If you’re searching for deeper meaning, more joy, and authentic connection in your career (and life), this episode is just for you.

This week on The Circle of Hope, I sit down with a kindred spirit, Sandy Duhe, a leader, teacher, and pioneer in bringing love and well-being into business. Sandy’s journey takes us from the heights of corporate finance to classrooms, entrepreneurial ventures, and even the heart of a university living with students! We’ll uncover how courage, curiosity, and generosity spark life-changing connections and why spiritual groundedness matters when building a purposeful community.

Watch This If:

• You crave more meaning, impact, and fulfillment in your professional journey
• You want real talk on navigating career pivots, following your intuition, and embracing change
• You’re ready to hear bold ideas for creating well-being economies- with joy, resilience, and heart
• You appreciate stories of generosity, mentorship, and building connection across generations
• You need inspiration, hope, and actionable wisdom for cultivating soul-aligned leadership

 Episode Highlights (with Timestamps):

• 02:13 How Sandy found me—intentionally!—on social media & LinkedIn
• 11:05 How spirituality and intuition fuel career growth
• 25:14 Big ideas: Shifting to a well-being economy (and why it’s urgent!)
• 35:10 Generational shifts & the challenges of digital connection
• 47:28 Building hope, resilience, and authentic community
• 54:29 Sandy’s “day in the life”—the bookends of joy, peace, and productivity
• 1:01:16 Courage, kindness, and the generosity of following the spark

What You’ll Learn:

• How to recognize and act on life’s invitations to connect
• Ways to turn adversity and career pivots into unexpected opportunity and growth
• The power and possibility of building a well-being economy - where work, business, and life truly thrive

Resources:

• The Go Giver by Bob Burg and John David Mann - https://thegogiver.com/
• The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek - https://simonsinek.com/books/the-infinite-game/

Contact Information:

Guest: Sandy Duhe

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandyduhe/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sandy.duhe

Host: Valerie Hope

• Website: https://www.valeriehope.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valeriehope/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valeriehope/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ValerieVHope
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ConnecttoJoy

Production Support: Lucy Hope - Podcast Editing, Copy, and Publishing.

#CircleOfHopePodcast #PurposeDrivenCareers #WellBeingEconomy #LeadershipWithLove #AuthenticConnections

If you’re a leader looking to bring more joy, intentional authenticity, and emotional safety into your organization, or a parent, educator, or seeker craving deeper connection in all areas of life, this episode is for you. I sat down with my dear friend Connie Laufersky, master Montessori educator and leadership coach, to unravel the secrets to nurturing transformative relationships that span decades, weather storms, and inspire growth.

What happens when you bring intentionality, spiritual depth, and psychological safety to every relationship? Connie Laufersky and I reflect on nearly 10 years of friendship, our shared journey of personal development, and the principles that allow connections, at work, at home, and in life, to truly thrive. We explore practical tools from Montessori leadership, powerful books, and the lived wisdom that heals pain, empowers agency, and keeps us coming back for more.

Watch This If:

• Why asking for permission and empowering agency build trust
• How the Montessori approach transforms leadership, mentoring & parenting
• Creating a circle of influencers who uplift, challenge, and grow with you

Episode Highlights (with Timestamps):

• 4:40 – Intentionality: The Key to Deep, Mutual Support
• 7:40 – How Emotional Safety Is Built (and Rebuilt)
• 18:00 – Balancing Spirituality & Professionalism in the Workplace
• 29:45 – Thriving as an Entrepreneur—Lessons from Service
• 30:27 – Parenting Adult Children: Empathy, Boundaries & Evolving Connection
• 59:06 – Fulfillment vs. Success: Purpose in the Next Chapter

What You’ll Learn:

• Practical techniques from Montessori for empowering agency in adults and children alike
• Why and how to build your own “circle of influencers” for thriving support and growth

Resources:

• The How of Happiness: A New Approach to - Getting the Life You Want by Sonya Lyubomirsky
• Great by Choice by Jim Collins
• The Art of Living: Peace and Freedom in the Here and Now by Thich Nhất Hanh
• Practice Peace (Pocket Size Book) by Pema Chödrön
• Dare to Lead by Brené Brown
• The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown
• A Return to Love by Marianne Williamson

Contact Information:

• Guest: Connie Laufersky
• Website: http://www.montessoriconsultinggroup.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/connie-laufersky-0411b041/

• Host: Valerie Hope
• Website: https://www.valeriehope.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valeriehope/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valeriehope/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ValerieVHope
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ConnecttoJoy

Production Support: Lucy Hope - Podcast Editing, Copy, and Publishing.

#CircleOfHopePodcast #IntentionalConnection #EmotionalSafety #MontessoriWisdom #LeadershipGrowth

If you want more meaning, trust, and genuine connection in your work, community, and finances, this episode is for you.

Welcome to another episode of the Circle of Hope Podcast! In this heartfelt conversation, I dive deep with my longtime investment advisor, and now friend, Tyler Downing, exploring the art of cultivating trust, mentorship, and authentic connection, both professionally and personally. This isn’t just about investments, this is about finding your Circle of Influencers and building relationships that help you (and those around you) thrive.

Over the past eight years, Tyler and I have journeyed from a straightforward business meeting to sharing mentorship, volunteering with youth, and supporting each other's growth. We reveal how trust is built (and rebuilt!) in finance, coaching, youth sports, and everyday life. Tune in for practical insight, candid stories, and a warm reminder that authentic relationships are your greatest asset in business and beyond.

Watch This If:

• Want to know how to pick advisors you actually trust with life’s biggest decisions
• Wonder how connections can evolve beyond business into friendship and collaboration
• Lead, coach, or mentor—and want to help others and learn from them in the process
• Care about the impact of service and volunteering on youth, teams, and your own growth
• Know that joy and satisfaction flow from giving back, building trust, and being intentional

Episode Highlights (with Timestamps):

• 00:00 Intro—Setting the stage for relationship-based business
• 11:04 Learning from teaching—and why connection is always a two-way street
• 15:20 How business relationships become personal—and vice versa
• 26:00 Intentionality in choosing your circle and creating safe, fun environments
• 34:27 Trust in Finance: my debt-free journey, choosing advisors, and non-negotiable values
• 58:54 Balancing professional and personal relationships for real growth
• 1:07:46 Celebrating our circle: joy, energy, and the value of showing up
• 1:08:27 Final words & invitation: Bringing hope and connection to life

 What You’ll Learn:

• The “Trust Equation” for building lasting relationships in life and business
• How intentionality and openness turn colleagues into trusted allies
• Ways serving (as a mentor, coach, or advisor) multiplies your personal joy and impact
• How to invest in your own “Circle of Influence” for ongoing growth
• Practical tips for choosing trustworthy professionals, and becoming one

Resources:

• Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace (https://www.ramseysolutions.com/money/financial-peace)
• Book: Scarcity Brain by Michael Easter (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/75494984-scarcity-brain)
• Website: Ramit Sethi “I Will Teach You To Be Rich” (https://www.iwillteachyoutoberich.com/)
• Book: The Trusted Advisor by David H. Maister, Charles H. Green, and Robert M. Galford (https://trustedadvisor.com/books/the-trusted-advisor)

Contact Information:

• Guest: Tyler Downing
• Website: http://www.rlcwm.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-downing-cfp%C2%AE-575b7213/

• Host: Valerie Hope
• Website: https://www.valeriehope.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valeriehope/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valeriehope/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ConnecttoJoy

Production Support: Lucy Hope - Podcast Editing, Copy, and Publishing.

#CircleOfHopePodcast #ConnectionMatters #TrustedAdvisor #Mentorship #financial #AuthenticRelationships

If you long for deep, joyful connection in new places or just want permission to bring your whole self to every friendship and opportunity, this episode is for you.

In this soul-nourishing episode, I sit down with my vibrant friend Alice Tenjiwe Kabwe to unpack our unlikely friendship, sparked at a Nonviolent Communication retreat in Nairobi. From braids and belly laughs to creating space for vulnerability, we dive into the magic that happens when you lead with curiosity, courage, and authentic self-awareness, anywhere in the world! Together, we explore how to embrace your superpowers, stop overgiving, and choose connection with intention.

Watch This If:

• Are seeking to build authentic connections (even in unfamiliar places)
• Want to harness your “helper” or “systems-thinker” superpowers without feeling drained
• Are navigating the multicultural, immigrant, or third-culture experience
• Crave more joy, playfulness, and lightness in your relationships
• Need a permission slip to own your worth, celebrate your gifts, and set mindful boundaries

Episode Highlights (with Timestamps):

• 00:00 Welcome & My First Impressions of Alice
• 02:33 A Friendship Sparked by Sisterhood (and Locs!)
• 07:31 Finding Lightness & Joy—Even When Conversations Get Deep
• 15:54 Cultural Translation: How Alice Opened My World in Kenya
• 17:53 Why We’re Compelled to Help—and How to Choose Wisely
• 26:37 Childhood Roots & Middle Child “Superpowers”
• 31:44 Turning Your Service Into a Choice (Not a Compulsion)
• 39:41 Letting Go of Needing Validation
• 48:57 Building Community With Intention as an Expat & Professional
• 54:56 Making Room for What You Want—And Actually Receiving It
• 59:44 Parenting, Possibility & Watching Others Grow
• 1:05:03 Trusting Your Path, Letting Go of Pressure
• 1:11:59 Recap, Gratefulness, and Lasting Connection

What You’ll Learn:

• How to spot (and sustain) relationships that spark joy, growth, and belonging
• A fresh approach to using your “helping” gifts intentionally, rather than compulsively
• Ways to honor your story—cultural, professional, and familial—when building your circles of influence
• Simple practices to become more self-aware and tuned into your own needs
• Why reframing your “superpower” is the key to thriving—and not burning out—in service to others

Contact Information:

Guest: Alice Kabwe

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alicekabwe/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicetenjiwekabwe/

Host: Valerie Hope

• Website: https://www.valeriehope.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valeriehope/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valeriehope/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ValerieVHope
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ConnecttoJoy

Production Support: Lucy Hope - Podcast Editing, Copy, and Publishing.

#CircleOfHopePodcast #MeaningfulConnections #FriendshipAcrossCultures #ServiceLeadership #PersonalGrowth #CulturalAmbassador

If you’re looking to break through surface-level conversations and nurture bonds that truly matter in business or in life this episode is for you.

In this heartfelt episode of Circle of Hope, I sit down with the extraordinary Tildet Varon entrepreneur, coach, and author to explore how we can turn everyday encounters into meaningful human connections. We talk about our own journey from chance acquaintances at a nonviolent communication course in Nairobi to deeply supportive friends and open up about the simple practices and courageous conversations that help anyone at work, at home, anywhere find real belonging.

Watch This If:

• You want to foster deeper, more authentic connections at work or in your personal life
• You’re a leader, HR professional, or team manager seeking practical tools for empathetic leadership
• You’ve ever wondered how open conversation and vulnerability build trust
• You’re part of a family business (or any organization) craving less friction and more collaboration
• You want to learn how mindfulness and meditation can help you stay present and transform conflict into growth

Episode Highlights (with Timestamps):

• 02:27 – How our friendship began in Nairobi
• 06:00 – The power of sharing vulnerable experiences (including menopause)
• 10:35 – What makes us feel safe to open up
• 14:54 – Bringing these skills into professional settings
• 18:03 – Why triggers derail communication & what to do about it
• 22:11 – The role of meditation and mindfulness
• 31:45 – Practical tools for connecting in tough environments
• 36:58 – When family (and organizations) avoid going deep and how to break through
• 47:08 – Shifting company culture, one conversation at a time
• 53:31 – Generational divides: how younger and older leaders speak different “connection languages”
• 1:00:58 – Profits, people, and Tildet’s new book
• 1:03:40 – Final wisdom: “You Matter” the foundation of all thriving relationships

What You’ll Learn:

• How to invite open, trusting, and vulnerable conversations anywhere
• The science of triggers: why you shut down (and how to pause with compassion)
• Real-life tools for bringing empathy and presence to business, teams, or family
• Why mindfulness and meditation are secret weapons for deep listening
• Steps to building a “culture of safety” in even the toughest work environments

Resources:

• Book: The Thriving Family Business: Celebrating Peace at the Table and Profits to the Balance Sheet by Tildet Varon (https://www.tildet.com/book)
• Masterclass: https://www.tildet.com/masterclass

Contact Information:

• Guest: Tildet Varon
• Website: https://www.tildet.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innermasteryspecialist
•  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tildetvaron
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InnerMasterySpecialist
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@growingwithtruthstressmast5873

Host: Valerie Hope

• Website: https://www.valeriehope.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valeriehope/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valeriehope/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ValerieVHope
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ConnecttoJoy

Production Support: Lucy Hope - Podcast Editing, Copy, and Publishing.

#ConnectToJoyPodcasts #CircleOfHopePodcast #EmpatheticLeadership #WorkplaceCulture #AuthenticConnection #MindfulnessForLeaders #FamilyBusiness

Welcome back to Circle of Hope, the podcast that unpacks the spark, the soul, and the strategy behind life-changing human connections. I’m Valerie Hope, your host, and this week’s episode is a deep dive into connection, courage, and community with special guest Keveney Avila.

What happens when a successful entrepreneur deletes all her social media, then returns for one wild 30-day experiment to rebuild her network—one (virtual) coffee at a time? Keveney’s story is a masterclass in trusting intuition, setting energetic boundaries, and curating a meaningful, authentic Circle of Influence.

This episode is perfect for those craving more authentic connection in our noisy, digital-first world. Whether you’re a business owner, connector, or just ready to break out of a social rut, Keveney offers vulnerable insights and practical strategies to help you deepen your circle—while protecting your energy and honoring your purpose.

Watch This If you’re curious about :

• How to rebuild your network from scratch without relying on social media
• The real impact of a 5-year social media detox on business and wellness
• Techniques for energetic self-care, discernment, and intuition in networking
• Handling “crazy coffee chats,” unsolicited pitches, and protecting your boundaries online
• Harnessing connection as a conscious, intentional practice in business and life
• Differences between external validation vs. inner knowing—and how to trust yourself

Episode Highlights (with Timestamps):

• 4:41 - Why Keveney quit social media for 5 years—and what changed
• 13:20 - Deciding to consciously expand your circle beyond word of mouth
• 23:30 - The science behind “reading the room”—even on Zoom!
• 36:45 - Social noise, silence, and the art of inner listening
• 43:14 - Managing engagement while protecting your energy (and time)
• 49:34 - Saying YES to what energizes you, NO to what drains you
• 56:02 - The power of the “energy bath”—and other simple rituals
• 1:02:33 - Recap, takeaways, and how to connect with Keveney Avila

What You’ll Learn:

Unlock actionable, soulful takeaways for building authentic connections—even (or especially) if you’re tired of “hustle culture” or digital burnout. By the end of this episode, you’ll discover:

• Simple daily self-care rituals to “clear the energy” after draining meetings, calls, or online time.
• Why referrals, safe boundaries, and online credibility (like LinkedIn) matter for modern networking.

Resources:

• Discover Your Mystical Zone of Genius Free Quiz: https://quiz.keveneyavila.com/
• Schedule Virtual Coffee: https://keveneyevanne.as.me/connect
• Book: Lawyers, Lies & Labradors: One Woman's Search for Truth - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50392649-lawyers-lies-and-labradors
• Book: 10 Arguments for Deleting Your Social Media Right Now by Jaron Lanier
• Challenge: 30 Coffees in 30 Days Challenge (by Erica Bryant/Good Humans Growth Network)
• Vipassana Meditation - https://www.dhamma.org/en-US/index
• Book: Drive by Daniel Pink (mentioned in relation to intrinsic motivation and mastery)

Contact Information:

• Guest: Keveney Evanne Avila
• Website: http://www.keveneyavila.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keveneyavila/

Host: Valerie Hope

• Website: https://www.valeriehope.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valeriehope/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valeriehope/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ValerieVHope
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ConnecttoJoy

Production Support: Lucy Hope - Podcast Editing, Copy, and Publishing.

#ConnectToJoy #ConnectToJoyPodcasts #CircleOfHopePodcast #AuthenticNetworking #EnergyLeadership #SocialMediaDetox #IntuitiveBusiness