hello community®

“Loneliness is . . . something that we can’t get out of alone.” (Kyra Alte)In this hope-filled episode of “hello community®”, host Catherine Jura, and social worker and Director of the Albany NNORC Kira Alte, talk honestly and vulnerably about loneliness. Loneliness is something every human being experiences at some point. When we talk about it openly, we remove the shame and stigma that keep us isolated.Kyra is deeply compassionate and very knowledgeable concerning loneliness. She discusses how loneliness can hide behind grief, anxiety, life changes, or the feeling that something is missing. Kira discusses the stigma surrounding loneliness and why it’s not a personal failure. Instead, loneliness is a natural human experience that reminds us how deeply we need connection.In this episode:Learn what loneliness is and how it can be different for each of usDiscover questions that can help us recognize lonelinessCome to understand the different types of loneliness people can experienceExplore common challenges to building connection and communityLearn how small acts of courage can lead us to the life of connection that we all need and desireUnderstanding loneliness is the first step toward healing it. And as Kyra notes, “loneliness is . . . something that we can’t get out of alone.” Join us as we support you in your journey from loneliness to connection and community._______________________________________________________________Note from Catherine:I am glad you are here! I hope you found some tips and inspiration to help you move towards the connection and community you desire!If you would like to be notified about new episodes please subscribe.Reviews are really important for getting the word out about “hello community®”! We sure would appreciate your thoughts: thank you!If you found this episode helpful please share it with others, so together, we can build a world where everyone has the connection and community they need and want!Till next time!_______________________________________________________________Chapters/Timestamp:00:00 - Introduction to the episode and its focus on hope and connection00:29 - Reflection on previous deep dives into loneliness and personal stories00:59 - The impact of loneliness on health and the importance of social connection01:28 - Differentiating between the types of loneliness: interpersonal, societal, existential02:28 - How loneliness can be normalized and stigma reduced04:01 - Defining true loneliness as a perceived gap between desire and actual social connection04:37 - The subjective nature of loneliness and individual experiences06:14 - The different forms of loneliness and their personal impact06:40 - Questions to identify loneliness, including support networks and feelings of purpose07:36 - The importance of belonging and societal validation08:21 - Self-assessment questions to recognize loneliness, like joy and support09:02 - Challenges of recognizing loneliness in real-time and the importance of language09:44 - The significance of community support, programs, and shared activities10:47 - Questions about joy and meaningful activities as indicators of connection13:01 - How hobbies, faith, and social groups can combat loneliness14:58 - Using reflection and poetry as healing tools in group settings16:11 - Normalizing loneliness as part of human experience, not a moral flaw17:29 - Addressing stigma and mental health challenges linked to loneliness18:26 - The importance of open conversations and reducing societal shame20:25 - NORC programs designed to foster social connection and reflection21:15 - Building a supportive environment to share vulnerability and emotions22:22 - The commonality of fear in initiating connection regardless of age23:17 - Resources for ongoing support and community building, including Project Unlonely and Facebook groups25:05 - Encouragement to share the episode and foster conversations about loneliness and connectionResources & Links:___________________________________________________________Kyra’s Biography and Her Suggestions For Creating Connection and Community:Biography:Kyra is a geriatric social worker by trade, state licensed (LMSW), and has a background in care management. Kyra is the director of the Albany NNORC (Neighborhood, Naturally Occurring Retirement Community).Suggestions For Creating Connection and Community:1) NNORC (Neighborhood, Naturally Occurring Retirement Community). The “Albany NNORC” is a three square mile radius neighborhood in the city of Albany. All residents over the age of 60 and living within those boundaries are able to receive free services that include care management and a visiting nurse educator via home visits.There are social, educational, and recreational programming: ways for folks to continue learning, to continue finding joy, and to continue connecting with each other.There are NORCs (Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities) across the country and are set up to meet the needs of the community where they are found: both in terms of where the community is (i.e. Albany’s (in a neighborhood), New York City (in apartment buildings)) and the programs that are offered.To contact Kyra or the Albany NNORC, a program of Jewish Family Services please visit http://jfsneny.org (NNORC link under "programs" tab)2) Albany Jewish Family Services (JFS): a human services agency that serves all folks of all backgrounds, all religions.JFS has counseling programs and support programs for both older adults and adults of all ages.3) Seniors: Contact your county or state Office for the Aging.4) Start a club: If you don't see the group that you need or the support you need, consider starting a club yourself or collaborating with others.5) Findhelp.org https://www.findhelp.org/Findhelp.org has resources for all kinds of resources by zip code: health care, food pantries and meal programs, housing, financial assistance, and much more!Other Resources: 1) Project Unlonely: An interactive website:http://www.artandhealing.org/project-unlonely/Project UnLonely has three goals: to raise awareness of loneliness and its physical and mental health effects, to destigmatize (normalize) loneliness, and to make programming available to address loneliness.a) On the landing page scroll down past the introduction to find the section that “feels” like you and “Find Out More.”b) Under the tab “For Everyone” find:“Embrace Your Signal”: an award winning three minute film about the power of creative expression to heal loneliness.“Watch Project Unlonely Films”: as of March 2026 there are nine seasons of other award-winning short films that explore loneliness, connection, and the healing power of human relationships. These films are designed to raise awareness about loneliness, reduce the stigma around it, and foster a greater sense of belongingCreativity Hub: this webpage encourages you to be “UnLonely” through curiosity, creative expression, and conversation. This webpage will provide creative activities that can be enjoyed alone or with others. These activities will help you know yourself better and connect with others in a deeper way.·Project Unlonely (the book): Written by Dr. Jeremy Nobel this book provides insight into our new world of loneliness that offers solace, hope, and solutions.2) “hello community®” Link Tree: in one click you will have access to our Facebook Page (and all our episode platforms) http://lnk.bio/hellocommunity

Have you been wanting a new friend but are not sure where to begin? Welcome to this fun and inspiring episode of “hello community®” where host Catherine Jura and Autumn Welch-Degoski share the amazing story of how an unexpected friendship began between them—two women separated by nearly 40 years in age, yet connected in many surprising ways.In this episode:· Discover how a chance meeting at a community co-op sparked an intergenerational friendship· Learn how courage and curiosity can support a new friendship· Come to understand why “dual commitment to trying” is important· Learn why navigating boundaries and “oops and ouch” moments require mutual respect· Explore how finding a community may be the first step to a new friendshipThis conversation is an invitation to step beyond your comfort zone and say yes to connection. A new friendship may be a single brave moment away.Note from Catherine:I am glad you are here! I hope you found some tips and inspiration to help you move towards the connection and community you desire!If you would like to be updated on new episodes please subscribe.Reviews are really important for getting the word out about “hello community®”! We sure would appreciate your thoughts: thank you!If you found this episode helpful please share it with others, so together, we can build a world where everyone has the connection and community they need and want!Till next time!__________________________________________________________Chapters/Timestamp00:00:00 Introduction to Hello Community00:03:00 Autumn and her journey to finding a new community00:08:30 Catherine’s journey to loneliness00:09:40 The surprising path to meeting each other00:15:00 Brunch confirms the new friendship00:16:20 The journey of friendship: building connection00:23:15 Resources and support for building connection and community__________________________________________________________Autumn’s biography:Autumn holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from SUNY New Paltz (2017), Masters of Science in Mental Health Counseling from University at Albany (2019), and a certification as a Grief Informed Professional. She currently works as a school-based trauma therapist at a victim assistance program.Outside of her work, she can be found working out, running, perusing the farmers market, travelling near and far, and bagging groceries at Honest Weight Food Co-op.Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/autumn-welch-degoski-lmhc-cgp-7b07a1154/__________________________________________________________Looking for more information?· “hello community” link tree takes you in one click to our Facebook Page and all our episode platforms http://lnk.bio/hellocommunity· Project Unlonely http://www.artandhealing.org/project-unlonely/· Findhelp.org https://www.findhelp.org/Findhelp.org can support your efforts to find the resources you need by using your zip code: health care, food pantries and meal programs, housing, financial assistance, and much more!

Will you be my neighbor?This episode of the “hello community®” podcast is a bold invitation to rethink what a neighborhood is and how loneliness can open the door to connection--wherever you live. Join host Catherine Jura as she welcomes social worker and director of the Albany NNORC Kyra Alte, to discuss loneliness and some practical questions listeners can use to explore their own experiences. They also discuss how loneliness is a universal human experience like hunger or thirst.In this episode:- Learn why it is important to understand the three types of loneliness: interpersonal, societal, and existential- Come to understand why naming our loneliness is the first step toward healing- Explore why we can’t get out of loneliness alone—and why that’s okay- Learn how to intentionally build community in traditional and non-traditional neighborhoods (renting apartments on the same floor; family and friends living in the same cul-de-sac; NNORC)- Discover how Albany, NY turned a neighborhood into a vibrant hub of connection for seniors: NNORC: Neighborhood Naturally Occurring Retirement CommunityFrom naming our experience of loneliness to taking the first brave step—perhaps knocking on a neighbor’s door—this episode empowers listeners to become community builders wherever they live.Note from Catherine:I am glad you are here! I hope you found some tips and inspiration to help you move towards the connection and community you desire!If you found this episode helpful please share it with others, so together, we can build a world where everyone has the connection and community they need and want!If you would like to be updated on new episodes please subscribe.Last but not least, reviews are really important for getting the word out about “hello community®”! We sure would appreciate your thoughts: thank you!Till next time!_______________________________________________________________Chapters/TimestampIntroduction to Social Isolation - 00:00:00Understanding NORCs - 00:03:00Types of Loneliness - 00:09:00Normalizing Loneliness - 00:15:00Creating Community in Neighborhoods - 00:21:00Resources and Support - 00:27:00____________________________________________________________________________Kyra’s Biography:Kyra is a geriatric social worker by trade, state licensed (LMSW), and has a background in care management.To contact Kyra or NNORC please visit http://jfsneny.org (NNORC link under "programs" tab)________________________________________________________________Looking for more information?:“hello community” link tree takes you in one click to our Facebook Page and all our episode platforms http://lnk.bio/hellocommunityProject Unlonely: http://www.artandhealing.org/project-unlonely/

How do I find the community and connection I so want? On this episode of the hello community podcast with Catherine Jura, meet Lynn Underhill, a woman who built her career and a life of connection—by saying one bold word: YES! By repeatedly stepping into the unknown Lynn built meaningful relationships, a career in art and design, and a life of purpose and belonging.•Discover the difference between alone and lonely?•Lynn offers practical tips for uncovering the communities all around you.•Never underestimate the possibilities from making one phone call.•Be inspired as Lynn transforms a volunteer mural project into a thriving design career.•Learn how one small act of human connection brought hope to Lynn’s grief after the loss of her husband.Community isn’t always found—it’s built one yes at a time. If you’ve ever felt unsure where to begin, this episode offers gentle encouragement: trust yourself, take a step, and just say yes!___________________________________________________________A Note from Catherine:If you find this episode helpful, please share it with others so together we can build a world of connection. Thank you!If you’d like to get the most up to date bi-weekly episodes on creating connection and community, please subscribe to this podcast.Till next time___________________________________________________________Timestamp: Don’t have time for the whole episode, or want to re-watch/re-listen to a favorite part—the timestamp lays out the episode for you00:00 Introduction to the Podcast00:56 Meet Lynn Underhill: Building Connections01:43 The Power of Saying Yes03:50 Finding Solitude in Community06:09 Navigating Loneliness and Connection10:05 Creating Community Through Family and Activities14:05 Overcoming Tragedy and Expanding Community17:12 Embracing New Experiences with Children19:53 Embracing Solitude and Art20:14 Volunteering and Discovering a Passion for Art21:40 Turning Art into a Career22:33 Community and Personal Growth25:03 The Ronald McDonald House Project32:49 Reflections on Life and Hope36:58 Final Thoughts and Resources

Might an intergenerational community be a place of connection for you?Welcome to the hello community® podcast with Catherine Jura. In this inspiring episode, we meet the Peters family—Sue, Justin, Lucas and Sam—who share how three generations have found belonging and connection through the Scouts. Together, they explore what community really means—across ages, genders, and backgrounds.From Girl Scouts to Cub Scouts to Scouts BSA to adult leadership, discover how a youth organization can foster emotional growth, connection, and community—for kids and adults alike.In this episode:•Sue shares how the Girl Scouts community provided a safe haven for self-expression.•Justin reflects on how leadership of the Scouts community supported healing his social anxiety.•Lucas and Sam, the newest generation, talk about adventure, learning, service projects, and feeling seen.•The family highlights how Scouting fosters intergenerational friendships and leadership (no matter your age).•Learn how today's Scouts embrace gender inclusion, teamwork, and growth.This episode will touch your heart. It reminds us that connection isn’t just about common interests—it’s about shared experience, showing up for each other, and the courage to be seen. From quiet kids finding their voice to adults healing through leadership, this is community in its truest form.A Note from Catherine:If you find this episode helpful, please share it with others so together we can build a world of connection. Thank you!If you’d like to get the most up to date bi-weekly episodes on creating connection and community, please subscribe to this podcast.Till next time___________________________________________________________Timestamp: Don’t have time for the whole episode, or want to re-watch/re-listen to a favorite part—the timestamp lays out the episode for you00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the Podcast00:52 Meet the Peters Family02:24 Sue's Scouting Journey05:43 Sam's Scouting Experience06:28 Justin's Perspective on Scouting10:27 Lucas's Scouting Story11:21 Understanding Cub Scouts and Scouts BSA12:52 Scouting in the Modern Era16:26 Building Community Through Scouting17:46 Building a Community Through Scouts18:33 Parental Involvement in Cub Scouts20:11 Transitioning to Scouts BSA21:00 The Role of Den and Pack Leaders22:58 The Value of Mixed-Age Interactions25:27 Experiences with Different Leaders28:18 Volunteer Opportunities in Scouting30:33 Personal Reflections on Leadership32:16 Community Service Projects32:59 Final Thoughts on Community

I’m lonely but where do I start?In this inspiring episode of the hello community ® podcast with Catherine Jura, guest Marilyn Dyer reflects on how community isn’t built all at once—it’s grown, often through loss and courage. If you’ve ever felt scared to walk into a room full of strangers, or like you've lost your place in the world, this conversation will gently walk with you toward belonging.Marilyn shares her profound journey of losing and rebuilding community multiple times throughout life—after a big move, through marriage and motherhood, as a pastor's wife for 25 years, and eventually, in widowhood. Marilyn shows that community can be grown at any age, in any place, and sometimes with just one brave first step.· Discover how changes that seem exciting—like a big move or having a baby—can bring loss and loneliness as well.· What does community—and the loss of it—feel like· Ordinary moments can become extraordinary bridges. Learn how joining a group that seems interesting—i.e. a fitness group--just might be the beginning of lifelong friendships· Deepen friendships by adding a focus, purpose, or service based activities· Learn tips for joining new groups or activities even when it feels scaryWhatever life events have brought you to a place of isolation and loneliness, this conversation gives practical insights into overcoming the fear of starting over and cultivating connection and community. Marilyn reminds us that starting over is possible—at any age. And sometimes, it really is only hard the first time.A Note from Catherine:If you find this episode helpful, please share it with others so together we can build a world of connection. Thank you!If you’d like to get the most up to date bi-weekly episodes on creating connection and community, please subscribe to this podcast.Till next time___________________________________________________________00:00 Introduction to the Podcast00:54 Guest Introduction: Marilyn Dyer01:17 Defining Community02:50 Losing and Rebuilding Community06:08 Creating Community Through Shared Activities09:37 Life as a Pastor's Wife13:02 Coping with Loss and Transition20:40 Overcoming Fear to Build Community28:43 Final Thoughts and Resources___________________________________________________________Connect with Marilyn on Facebook

Can curiosity help me when I am feeling lonely?On this heartfelt episode of the hello community® podcast, host Catherine Jura talks with Ellen Cosgrove about her journey of moving from loneliness to connection by being both curious and brave. Ellen’s spellbinding, wise, and funny stories of building community will take you around the globe: Belfast, Ireland, Italy, NYC, and Albany NYIn this episode:· Discover how curiosity is a powerful remedy for fear, and supports connection· Learn how loneliness requires bravery, not perfection· Come to understand that connection requires that we be both courageous enough to ask questions and present enough to listen· Uncover new strategies that can encourage conversation· Learn how to use food to break barriers and spark meaningful connections through the Dinner in Dialogue initiativeThis episode isn’t just about conversation—it’s about transformation. It is a tender and powerful reminder that we don’t have to be perfect to belong—we just have to be brave. Ellen’s warmth and wisdom shine throughout as she encourages us to embrace curiosity, ask questions, and listen to others as a path towards connection and community.If you found this episode helpful, please share it with others so together we can build a world of connection.Till next time,CatherinePS If you’d like to get the most up to date bi-weekly episodes on creating connection and community, please subscribe to this podcast._______________________________________________________________Timestamps: Want to re-watch/re-listen to a favorite part–or don’t have time for the whole episode—the timestamp lays out the episode for you00:00 Introduction to the Podcast00:54 Meet Ellen Cosgrove02:21 Ellen's Personal Journey04:08 Professional Experience and Community Building08:21 The Importance of Listening12:17 Impact of COVID on Social Connections15:58 Personal Reflections on Loneliness18:45 Building Community and Overcoming Loneliness20:43 Embracing Curiosity in Social Situations21:19 The Influence of a Science Teacher Mom21:55 The Power of Curiosity Over Fear22:56 Using Food to Foster Connection25:38 Creating Safe and Brave Spaces28:33 Humanizing Everyday Interactions33:48 Practical Tips for Building Community37:24 Conclusion and Resources_______________________________________________________________Ellen’s biography:Ellen Cosgrove, MA Founder and CEO, Community In Context Ellen Cosgrove is a trauma-informed facilitator with over fifteen years’ experience in community-building and conflict resolution. Her diverse background spans peacebuilding, advertising, non-profit management, and eating delicious food.After working with PeacePlayers International on peacebuilding initiatives in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Ellen pursued her Master's in Coexistence and Conflict at Brandeis University. There, studying alongside international practitioners, she witnessed firsthand how shared meals created powerful spaces for authentic connection. This insight led Ellen to launch Dinner & Dialogue following her work with several non-profits. Her innovative bridging model leverages the transformative power of communal dining, storytelling, and active listening to cultivate social bonds, empathy, and community. Through themed conversations connecting food, life, and society, participants discover common ground.Ellen is dedicated to creating environments where people recognize each other's humanity and develop mutual trust. She believes these intentional interventions can help heal societal divisions while fostering greater understanding. Through her company, Community In Context, Ellen now facilitates impactful community-building programs for both non-profit organizations and corporate clients.Connect with Ellen:www.communityincontext.comwww.dinneranddialogue.org

Building connection and community can feel like an overwhelming undertaking sometimes. But maybe not if it is done one smile, one conversation, one helping hand at a time.Welcome to the hello community podcast with Catherine Jura.In this deeply touching episode, we sit down with Jim Macris, who has found a lifetime of connection in everyday human interaction.In this episode:·       Learn how Jim’s definition of community is radical in its simplicity: everyone, everywhere, is part of it. Even people he may never see again. ·       His faith and Christian spirituality fuel his desire to listen, serve, and connect.     Service is not an obligation but an opportunity to build connection and community ·       His acts of kindness range from helping strangers at the grocery store to starting a conversation with the often overlooked in our society·       He proves that age  isn’t a barrier to meaningfully contributing to the world Whether you're struggling with isolation or wondering how to find purpose in your day-to-day life, Jim’s wisdom will remind you that reaching out—however small—can create profound connection. Tune in for a soul-filling story that proves community can be found in the most surprising places. If you found this episode helpful, please share it with others so together we can build a world of connection.Till next time,CatherinePS If you’d like to get the most up to date episodes, please subscribe to this platform.______________________________________________________________What We Discuss:00:00 Introduction to the Podcast00:11 The Epidemic of Loneliness01:31 Meet Jim Macris02:39 Jim's Philosophy on Community03:55 The Impact of COVID-1912:22 Volunteering and Helping Others20:14 Jim's Reflections on Life and Community30:18 Closing Thoughts and Resources________________________________________________________________Jim’s biography:Born in 1940 Jim’s career includes motion picture theatre management, FM radio announcer, sales rep. and general manager of a local Muzak office, Lutheran Liturgical and Preaching Deacon.Jim is proud of his granddaughter who is a family counselor in Boulder Colorado.________________________________________________________________You can find Jim on Facebook

Have you been wishing for a path to building community but don’t know where to start? On this inspiring episode of hello community®, Shameka Andrews, shares with host Catherine Jura, how she journeyed from a life of isolation to a life of global connections: one step, one book, one bus ride, one friendship at a time.· Shameka’s story is a masterclass in uncovering how your current life may actually be guiding you towards the connections you desire·   Discover how social media--when used with discernment and balance—can lead to a global community of friends ·   Shameka offers strategies on using boundaries to create a community that is nourishing—and not draining·   Learn how using a gratitude journal can be part of a comforting spiritual life·   Shameka shares how important it is to admit, ask for, and accept help: including therapyShameka has used a wheelchair for mobility her whole life—and this indeed impacts her daily life--but nevertheless she has blossomed into a traveling, dancing, vibrant women who revels in community building. Her spunk is captured in her contribution to the title of this podcast-- “Keep Rolling On: From Loneliness To Connection!” If you found this episode helpful please share it with othersSubscribe to “hello community ®” podcast for more bi-weekly stories of connection and belonging________________________________________________________________What we discuss (timestamp):00:00 Welcome and Introduction01:21 Meet Shameka Andrews02:35 Shameka's Early Life and Challenges05:46 The Power of Books and Education09:24 Discovering Social Media and Building Connections15:41 Spirituality and Community29:16 The Importance of Boundaries36:26 Final Thoughts and Contact Information________________________________________________________________Shameka’s biography:Shameka Andrews is the community outreach coordinator for the Self Advocacy Association of NYS she also the founder of Disability Empowerment Consulting where she provides disability workshops on self-care, self-advocacy and disability awareness In 2006 she won the title of Ms. Wheelchair NY, and she has been the coordinator of the program since 2013. 2017 she wrote her first children’s book butterfly on wheels She serves on the NYS Developmental Disabilities Planning Council, Developmental Disability Advisory Council for OPWDD and the NYS Human Rights Disability CommitteeFollow and Contact Shameka at:Email: [email protected]://www.youtube.com/@shamekaandrewsFB-- https://www.facebook.com/ShamekaLAndrewsInstagram--https://www.instagram.com/disabilityempowered/Linkedin--https://www.linkedin.com/feed/Books Shameka Has Written: Behind the smile: 15 Women Who Survived the StormBuy the bookButterfly on Wheels https://www.amazon.com/Butterfly-Wheels-Shameka-Andrews/dp/1535605634    

Could I possibly be lonely? On this deeply moving episode of hello community®, host Catherine Jura talks with Andrew Barnes on how he came to recognize loneliness within himself and the steps he has taken to re-build connection.Andrew realizes that although he appears to “have it all” on the outside he is silently struggling on the inside Discover how isolation can disguise itself as something usefulSmall moments matter: During an unexpected conversation with a stranger, Andrew realizes how disconnected—and lonely—he has been feelingLearn about the three types of loneliness and how Andrew uses this knowledge to uncover possibilitiesFollow Andrew’s story as he re-builds the life he once loved: meaningful connection with others and a life of purposeAndrew’s story isn’t about dramatic life changes—it’s about how even one conversation can awaken your inner world. Let Andrew’s powerfully vulnerable story remind you that a life of connection begins with honesty.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction to the Podcast01:22 Meet Andrew Barnes02:37 Andrew's Journey in Human Services05:33 The Revelation of Loneliness08:34 Understanding Different Types of Loneliness10:39 The Impact of a Simple Conversation16:15 Moving Forward and Finding Purpose24:30 Final Thoughts and Resources