In this episode, host Beth Cougler Blom talks with Pete Bombaci, founder of the Genwell Project, about the power of human connection and Canada's newly announced social connection guidelines. They explore why social well-being is crucial for our health, happiness, and longevity—and what facilitators can do to foster connection in their workshops, meetings, and daily lives.

Beth and Pete also talk about:

• The story behind the Genwell Project and its mission to promote social health
• What the social connection guidelines are and why they matter
• How facilitators can create spaces that foster belonging and inclusion
• The role of workplaces in encouraging meaningful human interaction
• Practical ways we can all strengthen our social connections, both inside and outside of workshops

Engage with Pete Bombaci, GenWell

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/genwellproject/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/genwellproject/posts/

Links From the Episode

• Canadian Alliance for Social Connection and Health Social Connection Guidelines
• Robert Waldinger
• John Cacioppo
• Robert D. Putnam, author of Bowling Alone
• Julianne Holt-Lunstad
• Dr. Kiffer Card, Simon Fraser University
• Michael Smith Health Research BC
• Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Canada
• Victoria BC's Vital Signs Report

Connect with the Facilitating on Purpose podcast:

• Follow Facilitating on Purpose on Instagram, LinkedIn, or YouTube
• Show notes and transcripts available at facilitatingonpurpose.com

Connect with Host Beth Cougler Blom:

• Give feedback or suggest upcoming show topics or guests at [email protected]
• Visit bcblearning.com to explore Beth's company's services in facilitation and learning design
• Purchase a copy of Beth's book, Design to Engage
• Follow Beth on Instagram or LinkedIn

Podcast production services by Mary Chan of Organized Sound Productions