Connection From Here: Finding Community in a Changing World

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In this season finale of Connection from Here, hosts Ashley and Michele Perry take a heartfelt look back at the season, exploring the universal search for community, belonging, and meaning. Through their own reflections and memorable moments from past guest conversations, they unpack the lived experiences, personal stories, and lessons that connect us all, even in times of change and uncertainty.

Topics covered: 

• How sharing and listening to real experiences fosters empathy, connection, and community.
• The importance of being able to show up fully and imperfectly in communities that value psychological safety.
• Embracing discomfort, uncertainty, and openness as essential to learning and building stronger relationships.
• How small acts of inclusion, kindness, and courage can inspire broader community impact.
• Encouragement to stay connected by joining communities, continuing the dialogue, and reaching out to others on the same journey.

As you reflect on your own journey, remember: it’s okay to not have all the answers and to be in the “messy middle.” True connection starts with sharing your story, listening deeply, and staying open to growth.

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How does true community shape our sense of self, resilience, and purpose in a rapidly changing world?

This week on Connection From Here, host Ashley Perry welcomes guest host Rhiana Wiggins and changemaker, Bryony Schwan. Bryony shares her powerful journey from a community-rich childhood in Zimbabwe, through international moves, to spearheading innovative organizations such as Women’s Voices for the Earth and the Biomimicry Institute. 

Together, they discuss the complexity of building community across cultures and why authentic connection, belonging, and purpose are essential both for personal well-being and for creating a more just, sustainable world.

Bryony’s life has been one of remarkable creation. She founded Women’s Voices for the Earth, a non-profit environmental justice organization, which included GUTS, one of the first outdoor leadership programs for girls–as well as Coming Clean, a national alliance of health and environmental groups working to reform chemical policies. She then co-founded the Biomimicry Institute, establishing an international network for the creation of nature-inspired solutions for a healthier planet. She also founded KindKudos, which was a mobile app to help deepen social connection between people and decrease the human drive to over-consume. She has since become a consultant and coach and remains passionate about creating a more just and sustainable world.

Topics covered:

• Bryony’s early upbringing in Zimbabwe, where communal life played a central role and the experience of collective safety and belonging shaped her worldview.
• How moving countries brought challenges of isolation, highlighting the cultural contrasts in community-building and the importance of seeking connection in unfamiliar places.
• How Bryony found that the power of collective action is amplified when every individual feels seen, valued, and heard.
• Bryony’s work and her creation of the Kind Kudos app underscore that meaningful happiness comes from human connection, not material possessions.
• Small, intentional acts that make lasting impacts.

True belonging is cultivated through small acts of reaching out and seeing one another. 

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Consulting | Photography Site

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What does it mean to truly listen—both to ourselves and to others?

This week on Connection From Here, hosts Ashley Perry and Rhianna Wiggins sit down with Daniel Weinshenker, founder of EchoStory and a pioneer in digital storytelling. Together, they explore how sharing and witnessing stories creates authentic connection in a world where traditional community spaces can feel scarce or out of reach.

Daniel’s 25 years of experience helping people narrate their journeys—whether around a dinner table, in a workshop, or coping with life’s hardest moments—set the foundation for a discussion that weaves personal reflection, empathy, and the radical act of listening. From childhood memories to community myth-making, and from sitting with grief to empowering marginalized voices, this episode is an invitation to reimagine how we connect, heal, and grow together.

Daniel Weinshenker is the founder and director of EchoStory a storytelling organization based in Denver, CO. He is one of the most seasoned digital storytelling practitioners in the world, having spent 25 years with StoryCenter - the creators of the digital storytelling movement.

Over that time, Daniel has helped over 8000 people around the world find and tell their stories in the form of mini movies. He started the Nurstory program and has trained nurses and nurse educators in reflective storytelling for compassion fatigue, moral injury, burnout prevention and working through ethical dilemmas

Daniel is a TEDx speaker, has keynoted conferences around the world, and is a widely published writer. 

Topics covered: 

• How growing up in a caring family amidst silencing community norms fueled Daniel’s passion for agency in storytelling
• Why digital storytelling is a powerful tool for connection, allowing people to witness each other’s true experiences and break down barriers of loneliness and misunderstanding
• Why listening is an act of love and how it creates space for others and ourselves to feel seen, validated, and connected
• How safe spaces help people express and discover their truest selves across all stages of life

By holding space for your own story and listening with honesty and compassion, you build the foundation to truly witness and connect with others. 

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LinkedIn | YouTube | TEDx Talk | Talking Documentary Episode | The Impact That the Stories We Tell About Ourselves Have On Identity Formation

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Are you searching for an authentic community and deeper connection in today’s ever-changing world? 

This week on Connection From Here, host Ashley Perry sits down with longtime friend, author, and mom of four, Anna MacArthur. Together, they explore what it means to build intentional, supportive communities, both as parents and people looking for belonging beyond traditional institutions.

Anna shares insights from her debut book, Hope for Moms: It's Tough Out There, But So Are You, weaving together stories of her own evolving journey as a parent, her interracial family, and how learning to say “yes” to help and staying open to vulnerability transformed her family’s relationships and her understanding of community.

Anna McArthur is a mom to four kids, including two recent college grads and twin girls who are high schoolers.  She is a blogger, newspaper guest columnist, and contributor to parenting magazines and websites, including Her View From Home and the Motherly Collective.  Anna’s essays have recently been published by Grown and Flown and Business Insider. A graduate of Clemson University and Columbia Theological Seminary, Anna lives in Georgia with her husband and their teenage girls. 

Topics covered:

• How parenting can shift our understanding of community from proximity to intentional connection.
• The power of accepting help and embracing grace, humility, and vulnerability.
• Creating environments where children can be their authentic selves through continual learning and openness.
• Why building real relationships across differences is key to genuine inclusion.
• The importance of lending privilege and taking action, not just offering support.
• Asking “What is mine to do within 50 yards of me?” to inspire small, meaningful change.

Building communities where everyone can show up as their authentic self doesn’t mean being perfect. It means being open, humble, and willing to learn alongside those you love.

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Hope For Moms Book | Blog

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Content Warning: This episode includes discussion of religious trauma and self-harm.

One of the most important pillars of a good community is being able to show up as your whole self, being welcomed and accepted as such. But for many of us, it takes time to find this type of community for ourselves, and we go through a lot of heartache in the process. Today’s guest, Reverend Robert Arnáu, is no stranger to this journey and joins us to share his story of surviving conversion therapy and religious trauma to finding true belonging in an affirming spiritual community. Episode 8 of Connection from Here is about healing and authenticity beyond religious trauma. 

Rev. Robert Daniel Arnáu is a queer, neurodivergent spiritual director, coach, and minister based in Massachusetts. Raised in the Bronx by his fierce Puerto Rican abuela and Nuyorican mother, he is a survivor of conversion therapy and now offers trauma-informed spiritual direction and coaching for LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC/Latiné individuals healing from religious trauma. Ordained through the Metropolitan Community Churches, he currently serves as a minister with The Faith Community in Atlanta, GA. His spiritual path is expansive and deeply rooted in liberation, blending non-Christian-nationalist Christianity with secular Buddhism, reiki, tarot, and ecumenical mysticism. At the core of his work is a belief in the sacredness of bodies, stories, and chosen family. Rob is the author of Sabor Zen, a pocket prayer book inspired by Buddhist precepts and infused with cultural soul—a gentle yet grounded invitation into mindful and embodied living. His approach bridges the mystical and the practical, offering clarity, compassion, and a fierce commitment to justice and healing in every space he enters.

Topics covered: 

• The warmth– and the wounds– of being raised in a conservative church as a queer person. 
• Rob recounts his experience surviving conversion therapy, illustrating the deep psychological and spiritual scars it can leave.
• The search for community beyond traditional spaces and how Rob found acceptance and healing within an LGBTQ+ affirming church.
• How our wounds can become sources of wisdom and how reclaiming our narrative can become an inspiration to others on similar journeys.

Your need for connection is real, natural, and important. As Rob’s story powerfully reveals, the path to wholeness is often found in safe, affirming community, where every part of you is welcome. 

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Website

Sabor Zen, a pocket prayer book inspired by Buddhist precepts and

flavored with cultural soul

Sacred & Salty Newsletter (Substack)

Spiritual Directors International Profile

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True belonging isn’t just about being surrounded by people and fitting the mold– it’s about being seen and valued for who we truly are, imperfections and all. Today’s guest discovered this enlightenment when she embraced her voice, shared her story, and found community along the way. This week on the podcast, Mary Hoefler joins us for a vulnerable and empowering conversation about belonging, authenticity, and the power of telling your story. Episode 7 of Connection from Here is about how storytelling fosters authentic community and empathy. 

After finding herself on stage during an expanded state of consciousness, Mary Hoefler decided that it was about time to get writing and start talking. She found herself on The Moth stage for the first time in July of 2023 and never looked back. A 2025 Moth Grand Slam winner and a six-time StorySlam winner, Mary has also been showing up at venues all over Chicago to tell her truth. In her stories, she shares with bravery and vulnerability what it is like to feel invisible at her age and her lifelong journey of wanting to be seen and picked. Although storytelling is clearly in her DNA, it doesn’t pay the bills, so Mary spends her days as a psychotherapist, encouraging clients to find their voice, get loud, and share their own stories without any edits…because why edit who we are?!!

Topics covered: 

• The complex dynamics of being raised in an immigrant community, where survival and conformity were values, but true belonging and individuality were harder to find.
• Using storytelling as a tool to reclaim one’s identity and connect with others in an authentic way.
• The difference between “fitting in” and truly finding belonging by showing up as our true, messy selves. 
• Insights into finding and building community as an adult, embracing solitude, and holding space for others’ unique stories.

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Psychology Today | Mary Hoefler

The Moth Stories:

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1RKJl_72bxPmcSKAhNYGe_7krfbfOSYOR

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1d61g9kWucRUUaVtaGM3MsPYVUlXvZrBL/view

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QQf70imBXDW6HXYRfDuPmgwS87OITjyU/view

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We talk often on the podcast about how, long ago, community was built based on geography. Now that this is no longer the case, it’s up to us to get creative about how we find – and sometimes build – the communities we are a part of. Renowned author, humorist, and climate activist Andrew Boyd joins the podcast this week to explore how community, ritual, and a willingness to hold both grief and hope can help us navigate change, loss, and activism in powerful, life-affirming ways. Episode 6 of Connection from Here is about finding belonging through chosen family, rituals, and activism!

Andrew Boyd is an author, humorist, and climate activist. He is currently CEO - the “Chief Existential Officer” - of the Climate Clock, a global campaign he co-founded that melds art, science, technology, and grassroots organizing to get the world to #ActInTime. He also co-created the grief-storytelling ritual the Climate Ribbon, co-founded the progressive netroots powerhouse Other98%, and led the 2000s-era satirical campaign “Billionaires for Bush, which has recently evolved into “Trillionaires for Trump”. Andrew's most recent book is I Want a Better Catastrophe: Navigating the Climate Crisis with Grief, Hope and Gallows Humor (New Society Press, 20203). His other books include Beautiful Trouble: A Toolbox for Revolution; Daily Afflictions and Life’s Little Deconstruction Book

Topics covered: 

• Community is not always a given; oftentimes, we have to invent community for ourselves.
• Ways in which Andrew reinvigorates friendships and builds connection through rituals.
• Unpacking the concept of “chosen family” and how deep bonds and support can be formed outside of biological ties.
• The intersection of art, activism, and community through projects like The Climate Ribbon, which helps communities collectively process grief and commit to action.

Andrew’s story is a beautiful reminder that connection isn’t a given—it’s something we co-create with intention, ritual, and vulnerability. 

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AndrewBoyd.com

The Tragic Optimist (Substack)

We shall not be overwhelmed (Substack)

Latke Vodka Babka Kafka Tchotchke (Substack)

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When you open your mind up to what it takes to build a community, you start to find lessons everywhere you look. Take improv classes, for example. Improv isn't just about laughs & quick wit; it's a tool for teaching us about connection. When Michele dipped her toes into improv, she didn't expect it to reveal so much about building a community. That’s why in episode 5 of Connection from Here, we discuss what the fundamentals of improv can teach us about community building!

This week, we’re exploring the unexpected lessons that improv can teach us about community, connection, and personal growth. 

Topics covered: 

• Using the practice of “Yes, And” to validate and continue the conversation with others rather than shutting them down. 
• Cultivating trust and empathy through supporting others. 
• Seeing everyone’s unique contributions as a gift. 
• Embracing play and vulnerability to connect and bond with others. 
• Practicing active listening instead of listening just to respond. 
• Taking time to be consciously present in every moment. 

As you journey through your daily life, consider incorporating the lessons from improv into your interactions. Practice the "Yes, And" approach to conversations and strive to be present and attentive. Embrace vulnerability, support others, and actively listen to the gifts people offer. By doing so, you'll foster deeper connections and enrich your community experience. 

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Content Warning: This episode has brief mentions of religious trauma. 

We’ve made it abundantly clear that finding connection in community is important. However, the unspoken part is that finding the right fit in a community is the most important consideration. Rhiana Wiggins learned this the hard way after her search for belonging brought her into a group that was not authentic to her being. She joins us on the podcast this week to share her story of her search for connection, reflecting on experiences of loneliness, religious exploration, and the importance of finding authenticity in the paths we choose. Episode 4 of Connection from Here is about finding your place: the difference an authentic community can make!

Rhiana Wiggins came to Chaplaincy along a winding road from being an environmental activist, massage therapist, birth doula, whitewater guide, and then decades as an RN, predominantly working as a Hospice and Palliative Care nurse. Her theological degree is a Masters in Buddhist Studies from the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, CA, and her CPE training included a community hospital in Oakland, CA, and night ministry in San Francisco, CA. She also volunteered as a Chaplain in the prison system in CA. Rhiana is a lay ordained Zen Buddhist practitioner, as well as initiated in the Wiccan tradition. 

Topics covered: 

• Rhiana’s lack of community growing up led her to find community in places that were inauthentic to her. 
• The spiritual trauma shifted her perspective and led to a broader exploration of faith and spirituality. 
• Our modern transient nature offers opportunities for diverse experiences yet often amplifies feelings of isolation. 
• Community is a basic need, and a lack of it can have profound implications on our mental and physical health. 

Watch the episode on YouTube here!

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In a world where the word “community” is a term thrown around as frequently as your morning coffee order, how do we define genuine connection? More importantly, where can we find it beyond the conventional spaces of the past? In Episode 3 of Connection from Here we are talking about the essential elements of true community. 

This week, we’re reflecting on the vast changes in how we perceive and establish community and answer the question: what does genuine community look like?

Topics covered: 

• What it means to be in a community and how the perception of community has changed over time.
• While self-care and introspection are vital, true happiness comes from meaningful connections with others.
• There is a difference between interacting with friends and belonging to a community. 
• Difficulties people face when trying to find communities that align with their values and interests in the modern world.

In a time of changing landscapes in both physical and digital worlds, genuine communities are beacons of hope. Creating spaces where you can celebrate your true self and enrich others by contributing positively is needed now more than ever. Whether it's through engaging in new activities, joining interest groups, or simply reaching out, take that step towards finding your community. 

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Links Mentioned In This Episode:

New York Times- Ruth Whippman 2017 "Happiness is Other People"

Former Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy's Key Elements of Community

New York Times- Carina Chocano 2018 "What Good is Community When Someone Else Makes All the Rules?"

Podcast: The Double Shift

Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor

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