Why We're Starving for Community and Why the Village We're Missing Is the Cure with Laura Ambrosio, founder of Aspen & Elder

In this episode, Riva sits down with Laura Ambrosio, founder of Aspen & Elder, to talk about what it really takes to build community in a culture that often rewards isolation. Laura shares the personal story behind her work, including her own childhood experience of navigating shame and confusion after abuse, and how that search for safety and belonging eventually led her to years of travel and self-discovery. She opens up about the contrast between individualistic Western culture and the collective, reciprocal community she experienced abroad, and how that shaped her vision for Aspen & Elder.The conversation moves into what authentic friendship actually requires: showing up as the friend you want to have, having the hard conversations, and resisting the pull of "artificial intimacy" that social media offers instead of real connection. Laura also shares how embracing her feminine and manifestor energy (rather than pushing through in a masculine, hustle-driven way) has changed how she's building this next chapter, including asking for help with things like grant writing instead of trying to do it all alone.Key Topics DiscussedLaura's early experience of feeling misunderstood in a religious household, and how that shaped her search for belongingHer personal healing journey and how it led her to years of travelWhat she learned abroad, particularly contrasting Brazilian community culture with American "bootstraps" individualismWhy she built Aspen & Elder: intergenerational connection, humanizing people across political and religious linesThe real cost of "artificial intimacy" and social media on friendshipWhat it actually looks like to become the kind of friend you want to haveHow conflict, handled well, can deepen a relationship (including in marriage)Leading Aspen & Elder through her feminine and manifestor energy in human designWhat's next: renovating a vacant Sacramento building into a community art hub and space for female entrepreneursResources & Links🤲🏼🌹Learn more about Aspen & ElderSupport the Kickstarter to open Aspen & Elder Community Wellness SpaceConnect with Laura on InstagramSend us Fan Mail Our intro and outro song, Reclamation (Reborn), is an anthem of remembering.This song was created as a companion for the healing journey, especially for women reclaiming their voices, their rhythms, and their belonging in a world shaped by patriarchy.You’re invited to listen, feel, and let the music meet you wherever you are.Looking for support? Here's how to go deeper:Book a Somatic Assessment: Your 75-min 1:1 virtual session to explore what your body is holding and shape a personalized care plan. Book HereFree Trauma Recovery Mini-Course: A self-guided intro to trauma recovery and nervous system care. Download Here1:1 and Group Support: Virtual and in-person offerings. Learn MoreMeditations on Insight Timer: Guided practices for nervous system regulation. Listen HereWatch Reclamation: A music video and expressive arts project. Watch HereFollow on Instagram: @healingherstorypodcastSubscribe so you never miss an episode. Email [email protected] or DM @healingherstorypodcast on Instagram.