The Inner Circle w/ Dr. Thorpe Podcast

In this episode, Dr. Thorpe welcomes Dr. Jennifer Block Lerner, a psychologist and researcher who dives into the profound connection between humans and nature, and how this relationship shapes our well-being and interactions with one another.

Nature’s Impact on Well-Being

Dr. Lerner shares her personal journey of rediscovering the joy and grounding influence of nature, especially during the challenging times of COVID-19. She reflects on how experiences like hiking and road trips have awakened a sense of awe, pushing her to recognize the importance of these natural spaces for mental health.

“I have felt grounded and awake and alive in the woods, in green spaces... they are a wellspring for awe and wonder.”

This sentiment resonates deeply, as Dr. Lerner emphasizes that our historical relationship with nature has been disrupted, leading to a broader disconnect in how we treat each other and the planet.

The Relevance of Real Connections

As the conversation unfolds, Dr. Thorpe and Dr. Lerner discuss the current climate dominated by technology and artificial intelligence, raising concerns about how these advancements can diminish our human interactions.

Dr. Lerner states, “Commenting on social media does not take the place of real conversation.” This highlights a fundamental issue: as we lean on technology for efficiency, we risk losing rich, nourishing interactions that are essential for our humanity.

Reflecting on Personal Relationships

The discussion also delves into Dr. Lerner’s own life, particularly her evolving relationship with her husband as they transition into this new chapter as empty nesters.

“It’s like looking at each other and reintroducing yourselves. Where have you been?”

This candid reflection sheds light on the importance of nurturing our relationships, even amidst busy lives filled with work and family obligations. Dr. Lerner shares how they are intentionally making time for each other, recognizing the value of small moments together.

As listeners, we are reminded that reconnecting with nature is not just about the environment; it’s about fostering deeper connections with ourselves and those around us.

In a world that often feels overwhelming, this episode serves as a poignant reminder of the simple yet profound ways we can cultivate well-being through nature and meaningful relationships. If you’re seeking inspiration to reclaim your connection to the earth and the people in your life, this conversation is a must-listen.

Check out Dr. Thorpe’s new book:

Choose Your Circle: The Relationships That Shape Your Life, Work, and Legacy

Choose Your Circle: The Relationships That Shape Your Life, Work, and Legacy

So you've been intentional about your education, your career, and your goals. Have you been equally intentional about the relationships that you have in your life?

Dr. Thorpe invites us to reflect on the people who impact our future, choices, and opportunities.

Introducing "Choose Your Circle: The Relationships That Shape Your Life, Work, and Legacy"

Dr. Thorpe's upcoming book, Choose Your Circle: The Relationships That Shape Your Life, Work, and Legacy, will be available on November 2nd. This book isn't your typical self-help manual; instead, it follows the fictional life of Natalie Bennett, a woman navigating her journey from childhood to adulthood as a physician, a wife, a mother, and a business owner.

Dr. Thorpe shares, "This book is to challenge us to always hold on to that superpower, to dig a little deeper, and to really address some of the concerns that people have, including loneliness."

Reflecting on Relationships

Each chapter not only unfolds Natalie's story but also includes Dr. Thorpe's analysis and reflection questions. This format encourages readers to consider how their own relationships mirror Natalie's experiences. "The intention of this book is to not just read it, have it on the coffee table, put it on the shelf, but to really delve into it."

In a time when many feel isolated, particularly after the pandemic, the book urges us to confront our loneliness and cultivate deeper connections.

Join the Conversation

Dr. Thorpe will also host a virtual book club in the coming weeks to discuss the chapters and engage with readers. It's an invitation to connect, ask questions, and reflect on how we can evolve in our relationships.

As Dr. Thorpe challenges us, "How will you change and evolve into the next best you in your relationships after reading this book?"

Order your copy today and prepare to embark on a journey of self-reflection and connection that promises to transform your approach to relationships.

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Thank you for being part of this community. I look forward to connecting with you all and exploring how we can grow together in our personal and professional circles.

In this episode, Dr. Christine Thorpe interviews Xenia Ambatzoglou about her journey from financial services to founding Women Owned 88, a platform dedicated to women's economic empowerment. They discuss the significance of the Women's Business Ownership Act of 1988, building community, and creating a trusted support network to foster growth and legacy.

Xenia Ambatzoglou is the founder of 1988., a women's empowerment platform rooted in the Women's Business Ownership Act of 1988 — the landmark legislation that granted women the right to access business credit without a male co-signer. Xenia stumbled on that fact while building Women in Business programming inside a bank and realized she would have been on the wrong side of the desk.

That discovery became 1988.: a platform where speaking, community, and apparel work together to make women's economic history visible, wearable, and impossible to ignore. Today, her work sits at the intersection of storytelling, economic visibility, and collective power — using speaking engagements, curated gatherings, and apparel to explore how women gain access, ownership, and momentum through one another. Xenia speaks on women's economic access, community as capital, and t urning armor into ambition — blending cultural insight with grounded practicality.

Location: New York Metropolitan Area Focus Areas: Women’s economic visibility, ownership, community-driven growth, fashion as cultural narrative

Website: 1988brand.com

Instagram/FB: Xenia Ambatzoglou

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/xenia-ambatzoglou

This episode invites listeners into a more connected way of seeing relationships. Drawing inspiration from biology, it shows how interdependence, contribution, and support allow communities to thrive. At its heart, the episode is a reminder that healthy relationships grow when we move beyond transactions and choose interaction, leaving a legacy of connection rather than mere exchange.

Summary

Dr. Christine Thorpe discusses the importance of building intentional relationship systems in adulthood, focusing on the inner circle and trusted circle, and how these relationships influence personal and professional success.

Key Topics

* The difference between inner circle and trusted circle

* The importance of intentional relationship building

* How relationships influence personal and professional success

* The role of shared vulnerability and mutual influence

* Transitions into adulthood and relationship design

Take the 7-minute Alignyx(TM) Assessment and receive your personalized alignment profile:

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Learn more about more about our relationship alignment work and our executive development program.

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Follow on Instagram @StrongerTomorrowWellness

As you think about your own Inner Circle and Trusted Circle this week, consider:

Who has the greatest influence on my future?

Have I intentionally evaluated those relationships?

Where are we strongly aligned or misaligned?

What conversations have we avoided?

What assumptions have we made?

And what might change if we became more intentional about understanding alignment?

Reference:

Swarbrick, M. (2006). A wellness approach. Psychiatric rehabilitation journal, 29(4), 311.

In an age of AI, automation, and digital connectivity, relationships are becoming broader but shallower.

Real trust is not built through networking.

It is built through shared experiences, repeated interactions, and genuine human connection.

Reference: Hancock PA, Kessler TT, Kaplan AD, Stowers K, Brill JC, Billings DR, Schaefer KE and Szalma JL (2023) How and why humans trust: A meta-analysis and elaborated model. Front. Psychol. 14:1081086. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1081086

For more information, visit stronger-tomorrow.com and strongertomorrowfamily.com where you can take our Alignyx(TM) Assessment to understand strengths, gaps, and opportunities in your relationships.

Many couples think the goal is to stay together.But the real question is whether you are building the same life together.

For more information, visit stronger-tomorrow.com and strongertomorrowfamily.com where you can take our Alignyx(TM) Assessment to understand strengths, gaps, and opportunities in your relationships.

References:

Dunbar RIM. 1992. Neocortex size as a constraint on group size in primates. J Hum Evol . 22(6):469–493. doi: 10.1016/0047-2484(92)90081-J.

Overall, J. (2025). Strengthening co-founder partnerships: Applying couple therapy principles to STEM ventures. American Journal of STEM Education, 6, 94-111. https://doi.org/10.32674/jxqasz14

Who are the five people who shape your future?

For more information, visit stronger-tomorrow.com and strongertomorrowfamily.com where you can take our Alignyx Assessment to understand strengths, gaps, and opportunities in your relationships.

Music: credit: Nicholas Thorpe

Cover Art: Candace Thorpe

Welcome to The Inner Circle with Dr. Christine Thorpe, a weekly podcast that focuses on the relationships that shape your life, work, and legacy. Every episode we will ask, “Who belongs in your Inner Circle?” and “How should you intentionally build it?” Each episode will be grounded in research on relationships, and how it applies to who we align ourselves with and why. From time to time, we will have guests who will join us to explore how we curate our inner circle both professionally and personally.

For more information, visit stronger-tomorrow.com and strongertomorrowfamily.com where you can take our Alignyx Assessment to understand strengths, gaps, and opportunities in your relationships.