🎧 Episode Synopsis:

In this heartfelt episode of Your Neighborhood Show, host Carolyn welcomes longtime friend and community builder Christine Bagley-Jones—an experienced psychologist, author of Creative Connections, and mother of five. Together, they explore the deeply human experience of connection and disconnection through personal stories, childhood reflections, and professional insights.

Christine shares her journey from childhood loneliness on rural acreage to building intentional community, both as a young girl and as a grown woman. With warmth and wisdom, she opens up about her family, marriage, and the pivotal experiences that shaped her understanding of belonging. She also dives into her creative projects, including an online retreat and her acclaimed book, all crafted to help others navigate disconnection and rediscover purpose and self-connection.

Listeners will walk away inspired to reflect on their own relationships, find strength in vulnerability, and be more intentional about creating community around them.

🗂️ Episode Breakdown:

00:00 – 03:00 | Welcome & Backstory
Carolyn introduces the show’s origins, rooted in her personal journey from a connected childhood in Mumbai to experiencing isolation in Australia. The podcast aims to normalize disconnection and celebrate reconnection.

03:00 – 06:00 | Meet Christine Bagley-Jones
Christine is introduced as a longtime neighbor, psychologist, author, and mother of five. Carolyn highlights her impactful work, including My Finest Life and her book Creative Connections.

06:00 – 13:00 | Childhood Loneliness & the "Fun Club"
Christine reflects on her childhood growing up in isolation and her creative ways of seeking connection, like starting a neighborhood "Fun Club" at just 11 years old.

13:00 – 19:00 | Parental Influence & Marriage Reflections
The two discuss the subtle disconnect within their parents' relationships and how that shaped their own expectations of love and partnership.

19:00 – 26:00 | Choosing the Right Partner & Relationship Insights
Christine opens up about her 25+ year marriage to David, the qualities that make their relationship work, and the importance of emotional support, humility, and mutual growth.

26:00 – 29:00 | Christine the Introvert?
A surprising twist—Christine, a self-described extrovert, now cherishes solitude and solo pursuits as a way to recharge from her high-connection lifestyle.

29:00 – 33:00 | Creative Work: From Book to Retreat
Christine explains the roots and purpose behind her book Creative Connections and her online retreat course My Finest Life, offering tools to overcome disconnection and deepen self-awareness.

33:00 – 36:00 | Family, Legacy & Final Reflections
Christine shares her greatest life achievement—fostering deep bonds among her children—and the intentional parenting that helped nurture love, resilience, and communication within her family.

📚 Featured Resources:

• Book: Creative Connections by Christine Bagley-Jones (Available on Amazon)
  
  
• Course: My Finest Life Project – Online Retreat at plenmindhealth.com.au
  
  
  

Perfect For Listeners Who:

• Crave deeper connection in their lives
• Are navigating loneliness or life transitions
• Want insights on parenting, relationships, or self-growth
• Love real, inspiring conversations grounded in lived experience