How do we truly build a sense of belonging? This week, we sit down with Joshua Cole, a mental health counselor specializing in working with neurodivergent individuals and helping kids and adults navigate anxiety, fear, and social connection. From exposure therapy to finding the right communities, Josh shares insights into how we can build stronger, more inclusive spaces where everyone feels seen and supported.

We also dive into:

✔️ Why avoidance makes anxiety worse—and how to take small steps forward

✔️ The power of identifying "protective factors" in your community

✔️ How Josh helps clients connect through shared interests like D&D, sports, and creative hobbies

✔️ Learning to be compassionate and supportive toward LGBTQ+ individuals

✔️ Why showing up matters—in mental health, parenting, and community-building

✔️ His Ukrainian family traditions, from pierogies to the Mariners

And of course, we wrap it up with some bad dad jokes—because Josh believes humor is a bridge to connection.

🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you stream!

From the marching band field to the choir classroom, JoLyn Glenn has spent her life creating communities driven by shared purpose. As a high school choir director, musician, and entrepreneur, JoLyn opens up about how teamwork and intentionality have shaped her leadership journey. She shares the lessons she's learned in the music world, her self-development path through The Miracle Morning, and how she balances teaching, family life, and a thriving entrepreneurial spirit.

🎧 Whether you're an educator, a musician, or someone seeking personal growth, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable wisdom.

Rose Gilliam, Assistant Principal at Chiawana High School, shares her journey from growing up on an asparagus farm in Grandview, WA, to becoming a leader in education. With a deep sense of commitment to family, community, and personal growth, Rose discusses what it takes to avoid burnout, navigate difficult conversations, and lean into intentionality in life and leadership.

Tune in as Rose reflects on growing up in a small town, learning resilience through hard work, and the magic of programs that bring schools and communities together. From her love of Orange Theory Fitness to her basketball family era, this episode is packed with inspiration and laughs.

🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts—link in bio!

Join us as we sit down with Chris Wagar, Associate Professor, Instructional Designer, and owner of Time Magic Studios. Chris's journey is deeply rooted in storytelling, service, and community-building—from growing up alongside his mom's ESL students to serving in the Peace Corps in St. Lucia.

In this episode, Chris shares how music, food, and art are the foundations of every thriving community, his passion for nonprofit work, and how his video production agency inspires action across the Tri-Cities. We also explore his love for Latin dance, the lessons he learned through cultural exchange, and why he believes a few people can make a huge difference locally.

Get ready for an inspiring conversation filled with actionable advice for fostering connection and understanding through storytelling.

🎧 Tune in now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen!

In this episode of Let's Circle Back to That, we chat with Becca Allen— pelvic health specialist, mom of 3, choreographer and community builder. From growing up in the Tri-Cities theater scene to helping moms connect and thrive, Becca's story is a testament to the power of showing up and supporting one another.

We dive into topics like:

• The ties that bond a theater cast and the magic of the stage

• Stepping out of your comfort zone with courage and community

• What women really want to know about pelvic health

• Finding balance as a helper and a leader

Plus, Heather and Anne break the ice with some Y2K flashbacks argue about the best way to deal with emails…

🎧 Tune in for an inspiring, laugh-out-loud conversation about leadership, resilience, and the importance of asking for help—link in bio!

Kick off the new year with Anne and Heather as they once again keep their promise to "circle back"! That's right, every ten episodes, we revisit the random tangents we boldly wandered into without a map—because nothing says podcasting excellence like fact-checking... eventually.

This time, we're diving into the charming history of American Girl Dolls (the nostalgia is real), the fascinating world of the East Opera Company (bringing high notes to unexpected places), and the internet challenges that made us all question humanity (cinnamon and milk gallons, anyone?). Plus, we geek out on STEAM education, explore the global magic of Ubuntu (it's not just fun to say), and debate whether pickleball is a wholesome pastime or an orthopedic surgeon's dream.

Whether you're here for laughs, learning, or the fun of watching us try to stay focused, this one's for you.

🎧 Tune in now for our special New Year's episode—link in bio!

From the ice rink to leading Girls on the Run in the Tri-Cities, Misty Fewell has embraced collaboration and community in every chapter of her life. Join us as Misty shares her journey from competitive ice skating to advocating for young girls, the joy of goal-setting, and the importance of showing up. Misty's story is one of resilience, leadership, and finding joy in the little things. Don't miss this inspiring conversation packed with lessons on building and sustaining community!

Meet Ted Miller, a lifelong advocate for community and connection, with a passion for storytelling and bridging generational gaps. In this episode, Ted shares his journey from growing up in a small town to becoming a mentor and leader who inspires others to show up authentically in their communities.

From his work in education to his reflections on legacy and mentorship, Ted's stories will leave you feeling inspired to lean into your own connections. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation about relationships, resilience, and finding purpose through community.

🎧 Available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you listen.

Get ready for a heartfelt and hilarious journey through 20 years of friendship! Carson Roach and Morgan Thompson, best friends since 3rd grade, share their story of staying connected through laughter, letters, and life's ups and downs. From Bee Gees singalongs to choir tours and annual cabin trips, these two have built a bond that's unshakable. They discuss how they've grown individually and together, tackling challenges like sobriety, grief, and the journey of self-discovery. This episode will inspire you to cherish your own friendships and build connections that last a lifetime.

✨ Tune in for the joy, the laughs, and the wisdom on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.

In this episode, we sit down with Erin Dickey, an English teacher, theatre enthusiast, and community builder, who shares her perspective on grace as the foundation for meaningful connections. From her role at Hanford High School to her involvement in countless arts communities, Erin brings wisdom, humor, and insight into how we can foster stronger, more inclusive spaces. She discusses the importance of showing up, leading with generosity, and inviting others into the room, even when it's uncomfortable. Plus, we dive into her love of American Girl Dolls, the Libby app, and how her multigenerational, eclectic communities shaped her view of the world. Tune in for heartfelt stories, practical advice, and plenty of laughs!

🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.