Project Connection

In this episode, Coco Plank sits down with Brad Maisey, Head Pro at Willowbrook Swim & Tennis Club, to explore the connective tissue between tennis, coaching, and human connection.

Coco and Brad dive into the world of tennis not just as a sport, but as a mirror for life — where emotion, mindset, and connection all play a role. Brad shares his philosophy on creating a positive, supportive environment for players of all levels and how understanding each player's emotional landscape is just as important as refining their technique.

He and Coco discuss the delicate balance between competition and joy, the challenges of navigating player ratings and expectations, and the professional boundaries that keep a coaching relationship healthy. Throughout, Brad's deep appreciation for the game shines through — as does his belief that tennis can be a powerful vehicle for personal growth, community, and connection.

🎙️ Tune in to hear how tennis can teach us about life, resilience, and the beauty of showing up — on and off the court.

🎓 The college system in the U.S. offers unique opportunities for athletes. ⚖️ It's essential to balance skill development and enjoyment in clinics. 💭 Players' emotional responses to ratings can be challenging to navigate. 🏆 Team success is a reflection of the players' hard work. 🤝 Building connections with players enhances their experience. 🚧 Maintaining professional boundaries is crucial in coaching. 🌱 Tennis is a sport for life, fostering community and connection. 💫 The right coaching relationship can significantly impact a player's growth.

Chapters

00:00 The Journey Back to Tennis 02:35 Tennis as a Life Force 05:31 Creating a Positive Clinic Environment 07:59 The Emotional Landscape of Tennis 11:05 Navigating Ratings and Expectations 13:36 Team Success and Personal Growth 16:46 Building Connections Through Tennis 19:33 Maintaining Professional Boundaries 22:02 The Importance of Community in Tennis 25:14 Finding the Right Pro for You 27:56 The Power of Connection in Coaching

In this episode, Coco Plank sits down with Eliah Seton — CEO of SoundCloud — for a rich and reflective conversation about the art of connection, both in music and in life. Together, they explore the fluid nature of conversation, the beauty and complexity of parenting, and how music shapes memory, emotion, and human bonds.

Eliah opens up about what it means to lead with authenticity, build culture through trust, and share the mental load of family life. Coco and Eliah reflect on how direction, vulnerability, and community guide both leadership and love — and how integrating work and life can bring deeper fulfillment.

✨ Takeaways

• Conversation is an art — fluid, organic, and deeply human.

• Parenting invites growth through different perspectives and challenges.

• Music connects us, shaping memories and deepening relationships.

• Work-life integration fuels both purpose and peace.

• True leadership is rooted in vulnerability, trust, and authenticity.

• Connection — at home, at work, and through sound — is what makes us whole.

🎶 A thoughtful exploration of how music, leadership, and love all play in harmony.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Conversation Style 01:33 Navigating Public Life and Family Dynamics 02:18 The Importance of Making Memories 04:26 The Journey into Music and SoundCloud 09:46 The Power of Music and Emotional Connection 14:35 Building a Community and Company Culture 19:40 The Role of Vulnerability in Leadership 21:42 Growing Up in a Unique Environment 24:51 The Importance of Relationships 26:37 Music as a Connection Tool 29:39 Navigating the Mental Load in Relationships 37:11 The Role of Music in Personal History 42:06 Leadership and Company Culture

This podcast episode is extra special because Coco gets the opportunity to sit down with SErena, an old time friend about a recent experience that has ignited her passion for spreading the word on what was a transformational tool (MDMA therapy). Her recent article in Marie Claire READ IT HERE! highlights this story and more. In this episode of Project Connection, Coco Plank talks with writer and producer Serena Turner about her journey of healing from childhood sexual trauma through creativity, self-awareness, and MDMA-assisted therapy. Serena shares how her past shaped her work, how writing became her pathway to understanding, and why she believes in exploring new approaches to therapy and growth.

💫 Takeaways 🎥 The role of a creative producer in shaping powerful stories 🌱 How childhood experiences influence adult life and creativity 🧠 MDMA therapy as a groundbreaking tool for trauma healing 💖 Awareness and honesty as keys to transformation ✍️ Writing as a way to process, integrate, and reclaim one's story 🔥 The power of confronting pain to move forward 🌈 A call to explore alternative paths when the old ways no longer serve

This week, come with us to explore the interworkins of Eve Ruff's wisdom and power. Coco and Eve dive into connection and the ways shared experiences shape who we are. Together, they explore themes of self-discovery, resilience, and the essential role community plays in personal growth. Eve opens up about parenting, spirituality, and how our personal histories influence the choices we make today. With warmth and wisdom, the discussion emphasizes living authentically, communicating openly, and finding beauty in life's moments—even during times of uncertainty and challenge.

• 🌱 Self-discovery is a lifelong journey.

• 💪 Resilience grows through life's challenges.

• 👨‍👩‍👧 Parenting is both a mirror and a teacher.

• 🙏 Spirituality helps ground us in uncertain times.

• 🧩 Our personal history shapes present choices.

• 🤝 Community is essential for growth and healing.

• 💬 Open communication deepens connection.

• 🌸 Authentic living brings freedom and joy.

• ⏳ Even in adversity, there is beauty in the moment.

In this heartfelt conversation, Coco Plank sits down with Jack Ciapciak to explore the universal experience of grief and the healing that can emerge from it. Jack shares his deeply personal story of losing his fiancé and how community, storytelling, and connection have helped him navigate profound loss. Together, they discuss the cultural taboos that often surround grief, the importance of acknowledging and sharing our pain, and the ways kindness and connection can bring light in the darkest times. This episode is a reminder that while grief is universal, so is our capacity to heal, grow, and find meaning in the midst of loss.

✨ Grief is universal, but so is our capacity to heal. 🤝 Community and connection are essential in navigating loss. 🗣️ Storytelling helps break the silence around grief. 💔 Acknowledging pain is the first step toward healing. 🌎 Cultural taboos often keep us from talking openly about loss. 💡 Purpose and meaning can be found, even in deep pain. 🌸 Kindness—to ourselves and others—makes space for healing.

Dana's Website In this inspiring episode of Project Connection, Coco Plank sits down with Dana Springer to explore the intersections of personal growth, creativity, and living with ADHD. Together, they reflect on the power of saying yes to opportunities, finding balance between work and passion, and the courage it takes to ask for what you truly want. Their conversation highlights the transformative shift from scarcity to abundance, reminding us that embracing our unique journey—and the stories of others—opens the door to deeper connection and fulfillment.

• 🙌 There was a period of life where saying yes to everything opened unexpected doors.

• 🌱 Every experience is a chance to learn what's possible.

• 👂 Listening deeply to someone's story creates connection.

• 🔥 If it's not a hell yes, it's a no.

• 🚪 The worst outcome? Someone says no—and that's okay.

• 🔄 Opportunities always come back around.

• 💬 Curiosity and love for people fuel meaningful conversations.

• 🧠 A passion for mental health can guide life's direction.

• 🎟️ Sometimes we don't even realize we need permission until we give it to ourselves.

• ✨ Belief is the foundation—you have to believe it really can be that way.

This week's podcast is in collaboration with The Morning Ritual.

In this soulful conversation, Coco Plank and Lilly Balch dive into the intersections of spirituality, creativity, and connection. Together, they explore the art of trusting life's timing, the grounding role of rituals in parenting, and the transformative practice of self-inquiry paired with intentional action.

Drawing from personal stories and their experiences with mindfulness and Buddhism, they reflect on the ways authenticity shapes both podcasting and life itself. At the heart of their dialogue is a celebration of love, presence, and the connections that guide us forward.

🌿 Takeaways ✨ Trust the timing of your life. 🤝 Connection is the antidote to disconnection. 🪷 Every moment is empty of meaning—be present. 🎨 Creativity is a natural part of being human. 🕯️ Rituals help ground us in daily life. 🔎 Self-inquiry must be paired with action. 🧘 Mindfulness is essential for living in the present. 🕊️ Nonviolent communication fosters deeper connections. 💞 Love and support create a sense of calm. 🌊 Finding flow in creativity enhances our experiences.

Liza's Roeckl Website

✨ In this episode, Liza Roeckl and Coco Plank dive into the deep connection between fertility, healing, and spirituality. Together, they reflect on the power of self-belief, the courage it takes to step into the role of healer, and the importance of community and support along the way. 💫

Their conversation explores the necessity of patience, emotional release, and trusting both the body and divine timing. Through a mix of personal stories and professional wisdom, Liza and Coco illuminate how connection and self-care can transform even life's most challenging seasons. 🌱💖

✨ Self-belief is crucial in the journey of fertility. 🧘 Trusting your body is essential for healing. ⏳ Healing is a process that requires patience. 🤝 Community support plays a vital role in healing. 💧 Emotional release is important for overall well-being. 🌀 Mindset shifts can lead to significant life changes. 🙏 Spiritual practices can enhance the healing journey. 🌙 Divine timing is key in life's unfolding events. 🌸 Self-care routines help maintain balance. 🔥 The journey of becoming a healer is deeply personal and transformative.

Victoria's Company, The Stax In this soulful episode of Project Connection, Coco sits down with the luminous Victoria Lampley to explore what it truly means to connect — with ourselves, with others, and with the legacies we carry. Together, they reflect on the power of chosen family, the imprint of upbringing on how we relate, and the courage it takes to show up authentically.

Victoria also shares her deep knowledge of mourning jewelry — a beautiful, symbolic tradition that honors loved ones who have passed — and how grief can be a portal to deeper connection. The two explore the delicate balance between work and personal life, the importance of inclusivity in community building, and what it means to leave behind a meaningful legacy.

This conversation is both intimate and expansive — a reminder that connection is not only about where we come from, but also about the people and values we choose along the way.

🫂 Chosen family matters — Connection can be consciously created, not just inherited. 🌱 Upbringing shapes our wiring — But awareness allows us to grow beyond it. 💬 Authenticity invites connection — Vulnerability is the bridge to deeper relationships. 💍 Mourning jewelry as memory — Objects can carry emotional legacy and help us grieve. ⚖️ Work-life balance is ongoing — Creating space for both ambition and presence is key. 🌈 Inclusivity strengthens community — True belonging welcomes difference. 💀 Talking about death is connecting — Legacy and remembrance can deepen our humanity.

In this engaging conversation, Coco sits down with Chesley Andrews Sjulsen, a digital design director and strategist with nearly 20 years of experience helping mission-driven companies and nonprofits bring their ideas to life. After a long stint at Etsy, Chesley now works at Betterment and pours her creativity and passion for sustainability into her local Bedford community, where she co-hosts seasonal "Sip and Swaps."

Together, Chesley and Courtney explore the intersection of creativity, sustainability, and community through the lens of fashion and clothing swaps. They discuss the joy of gathering people together, the importance of sustainability in fashion, and how personal style evolves over time. The conversation highlights the emotional connections we form with clothing and the transformative power of sharing and repurposing garments. At its core, this dialogue emphasizes the need for community and connection in a world often dominated by fast fashion and consumerism.

Takeaways ✨ 👗 Clothing carries stories, energy, and emotional meaning. ♻️ Swapping is a fun, sustainable alternative to fast fashion. 🤝 Community gatherings like sip & swaps spark belonging and joy. 🎨 Personal style is creative, evolving, and deeply personal. 🌍 Small acts of sharing can ripple into collective change.