『Connect to Joy Podcasts: Circle of Hope | Not Quite Strangers | Time to Come Alive』のカバーアート

Connect to Joy Podcasts: Circle of Hope | Not Quite Strangers | Time to Come Alive

Connect to Joy Podcasts: Circle of Hope | Not Quite Strangers | Time to Come Alive

著者： Valerie Hope
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Connect to Joy Podcasts: Our Story and Mission


Welcome to Connect to Joy Podcasts—your trusted space to rediscover hope, nurture connection, and ignite joy in every aspect of your life. My journey in creating this brand began with a heartfelt desire to help people bridge gaps, embrace diversity, and foster genuine relationships. I believe that in a world buzzing with noise, taking time to connect with joy—on a personal and collective level—is nothing short of revolutionary.

Connect to Joy Podcasts is home to three transformative shows: The Circle of Hope, Not Quite Strangers, and Time to Come Alive. Each podcast is a unique doorway into meaningful conversations, personal growth, and authentic human connection.


The Circle of Hope is a beacon for those seeking light amidst life’s challenges. Here, we come together to share powerful stories of resilience, explore practices for emotional healing, and encourage each other to find hope where it’s hardest to see. My aim is to create a nurturing space where vulnerability is honored, and hope is always within reach.


Not Quite Strangers is for the curious souls eager to dismantle barriers and build bridges. In this podcast, I invite strangers from all walks of life to engage in rich, unscripted conversations. By celebrating our differences and common ground, we prove that meaningful connection is possible—even between people who have just met. These candid dialogues foster empathy, courage, and the realization that we're never as far apart as we think.


Time to Come Alive is your personal invitation to awaken your mind, body, and soul. Here, I offer uplifting interviews, reflective exercises, and practical guidance to elevate your daily existence. Each episode inspires self-discovery, awareness, and purposeful action—empowering you to infuse every moment with curiosity and joy.


At the heart of Connect to Joy Podcasts is my unwavering commitment to inspire positive change—within you and around you. I believe in the power of storytelling to heal wounds, transform perspectives, and unite communities. Through compassionate conversations, shared wisdom, and the courage to be authentic, we can all connect to a deeper wellspring of joy.


As your host and fellow journeyer, I am here not just to facilitate discussions but to participate in them—with openness, humility, and a deep respect for every voice. My vision is to cultivate a diverse, supportive community where you are seen, heard, and valued.

Whether you’re searching for hope, seeking meaningful connection, or ready to come alive in new ways, Connect to Joy Podcasts is your guiding light. Let’s embark on this journey together, embracing our shared humanity and celebrating the extraordinary power of joy.

Discover your circle. Find your hope. Connect to your joy.


Subscribe to the latest episodes at connecttojoypodcast.com

Valerie Hope
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  • Secrets to Thriving as a Teen: How Listening & Invitations Open Doors | Ep. 16 COH | Valerie Hope

    Secrets to Thriving as a Teen: How Listening & Invitations Open Doors | Ep. 16 COH | Valerie Hope
    2025/12/16
    In this lively, heartfelt episode of The Circle of Hope, I sit down with my niece Lucy Hope, a rising high school senior—and, fittingly, my summer virtual assistant! We unravel the power of curiosity, listening, and connecting with those who help us grow. From Lucy’s early days as the inquisitive toddler in our family kitchen to her navigation of high school clubs, friendships, and the dynamic landscape of a big, bustling household, we explore how quietly observed details can lead to genuine influence and leadership.Lucy shares her journey as a naturally introverted observer who discovered that being a good listener can make you not only a better friend, but also a thoughtful gift-giver, a connector, and, unexpectedly, a leader. We dive into fascinating discoveries about “human design,” how understanding your preference for invitations (“wait to be invited” versus “initiate or respond”) can shape your opportunities and confidence. Along the way, we discuss sibling relationships, family dynamics, generational gaps, and practical advice for both adults and teens about listening, mentoring, and finding “your people.” Whether you’re a quiet teen, a parent, or anyone hungry for authentic connection, this is a must-listen for practical wisdom infused with warmth and humor.Watch This If:You’re a teen (or parent of one) navigating friendships, clubs, or new environments.You want to communicate better with young people in your life.You appreciate the hidden power of being a great listener or want to develop it.You’re interested in self-awareness approaches like “human design” or discovering your strengths.You value real-life stories and advice about forging meaningful connections and support circles.You’re curious about relatable intergenerational family wisdom and advice.Quotes to Remember:“Just being able to understand other people and then give them the empathy that they deserve … is really important.” – Lucy Hope“There’s nothing worse than telling yourself you’re too old to try this or you couldn’t try this … If it interests you, just do it.” – Lucy Hope“You don’t need to have one person be everything for you. … We do need a circle of people.” – Valerie Hope“Sometimes, it’d be more helpful if, instead of me saying, ‘This is what’s happening at school,’ they asked, ‘How is school? What’s going on?’ … Sometimes I don’t want to be complaining … just having that space to bring it up in a conversation is really helpful.” – Lucy HopeWhat You’ll Learn:Why listening quietly can make you more influential and empathetic—especially in friendships and family.How your unique style of initiating, waiting for invitations, or responding can open doors to new opportunities—and why it matters for teens and adults.The power and practicality of forming your “circle of hope” with different people for different needs (not expecting one person to be your “everything”).Helpful ways for parents and adults to support and communicate with teens (hint: don’t rush to “fix” every problem!).Real advice for young people feeling alone or starting fresh: how to make friends, be yourself, and build authentic connections.The surprising benefits of trying new activities, being open to invitations, and knowing when to move on (“never feel boxed in”).Generational wisdom: stories of resilience, reinvention, and curiosity passed through family.Contact Information:Guest: Lucy HopeInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/i.love.llucyy/Host: Valerie HopeWebsite:https://www.valeriehope.comInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/valeriehope/LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/valeriehope/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/ValerieVHopeYoutube:https://www.youtube.com/@ConnecttoJoyProduction Support: Lucy Hope - Podcast Editing, Copy, and Publishing.#CircleOfHope #TeenWisdom #ActiveListening #FamilyConnections #HumanDesign
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    1 時間 11 分
  • How to Truly See People, in the Midst of Conflict | Ep. 15 COH | Valerie Hope

    How to Truly See People, in the Midst of Conflict | Ep. 15 COH | Valerie Hope
    2025/12/09

    In this special episode of The Circle of Hope, I’m joined by the incredible Ingrid Gavshon—accomplished documentary filmmaker, masterful coach, and a dear friend who truly embodies compassion and connection across cultures. Our conversation is a soulful exploration of how meaningful relationships are fostered, especially with those who may seem different from us on the surface. Ingrid draws from her rich experiences growing up in South Africa during apartheid, traveling the world, and sitting across from controversial figures as a filmmaker. Her insights remind us how vital it is to move past headlines and labels, and to “see people for who they are, rather than what they represent.”


    Together, we talk about the power of asking real, curious questions, how to navigate cultural differences with humility, and the courage it takes to find humanity even in the most polarizing situations. We share personal stories—everything from dealing with tough conversations in family, learning to listen for what’s not being said, to transforming friction in teams and cross-cultural encounters into genuine understanding. If you’ve ever wondered how to hold space for difficult dialogue, become a better listener, or simply rekindle the joy of human connection in a divided world, this conversation is for you.


    Watch This If:

    • You want to learn how to connect deeply with people across cultural, political, or personal divides
    • You struggle with “hot button” conversations and are looking for ways to navigate them gracefully
    • You’re curious about the behind-the-scenes work of a documentary filmmaker
    • You value empathy, curiosity, and courageous conversations
    • You want practical tips to foster belonging and understanding at work or in your personal life


    Quotes to Remember:

    • “We both see people for who they are rather than for what they represent.” – Ingrid Gavshon
    • “If you really know somebody else, you probably find some level of commonality… but it’s about listening for what’s not being said.” – Ingrid Gavshon
    • “Our job is to get in alignment with that way of serving... There’s not one right way to do it.” – Valerie Hope
    • “People aren’t their politics. They have lives… hopes and dreams and struggles.” – Ingrid Gavshon


    What You’ll Learn:

    • How to ask deeper questions that invite openness, not defensiveness
    • The difference between seeking to understand vs. seeking to win debates
    • Cross-cultural communication insights—preparation vs. organic connection
    • Strategies for defusing tension and bringing humanity back to polarized topics
    • The transformative power of storytelling, curiosity, and community
    • How to identify your own intentions in difficult conversations
    • That there are many valid ways to contribute to social change


    Contact Information:


    Guest: Ingrid Gavshon

    • LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/ingrid-gavshon
    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ingrid-gavshon


    Host: Valerie Hope

    • Website:https://www.valeriehope.com
    • Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/valeriehope/
    • LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/valeriehope/
    • Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/ValerieVHope
    • Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/@ConnecttoJoy


    Production Support: Lucy Hope - Podcast Editing, Copy, and Publishing.


    #CircleOfHope #CourageousConversation #CuriosityConnects #GlobalCitizenship #EmpathyInAction
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    1 時間 30 分
  • She Escaped Conflict, Now She Teaches Peace. | Ep. 14 COH | Valerie Hope

    She Escaped Conflict, Now She Teaches Peace. | Ep. 14 COH | Valerie Hope
    2025/12/02
    In this powerful episode of The Circle of Hope, I’m thrilled to welcome Linda Balola, a lecturer and peacebuilder whose journey from the Democratic Republic of Congo to Rwanda has been marked by transformation, learning, and the courage to shift entire communities toward healing. Our story together began serendipitously in Nairobi, Kenya, when Linda recognized me from my TEDx talk—a beautiful reminder of how messages ripple globally, touching lives we may never even imagine reaching.Linda opens up about her personal evolution, moving from deep-seated judgments and cultural stereotypes to embracing the transformative principles of Nonviolent Communication (NVC). We dig into how she not only teaches these practices at the Protestant University of Rwanda but lives them—helping young people from conflict-impacted backgrounds explore empathy, process trauma, and rewrite how they relate to themselves and others. Our candid conversation explores the role of needs, feelings, and strategies for authentic connection and dives into our own real-life struggles and triumphs using NVC (including my very human experience navigating emotions at Costco!). If you’re curious about building peace in divided communities, shifting personal relationships, or simply want to understand yourself and others more deeply, this heartfelt exchange is for you.Watch This If:You’re curious about how Nonviolent Communication (NVC) works in real lifeYou want practical strategies for transforming conflict—personally or within your communityYou're interested in peacebuilding, empathy, and authentic relationshipsYou’ve ever struggled with communicating your needs, expressing emotions, or breaking through stereotypesYou’re looking for inspiration from someone living and teaching hope amid challenging circumstancesQuotes to Remember:“Everything we do, we do to meet the needs... Even if you commit something that is not good, know that you still have something good inside.” – Linda Balola“Sometimes our needs are not meant to be met by other people. The need that we have are needs that we need to fulfill—we then select strategies that would address that need for us.” – Valerie Hope“Nonviolent Communication is not a therapy session, but it can heal.” – Linda Balola“Beyond right or wrong, we can still connect.” – Linda BalolaWhat You’ll Learn:The fundamental components of Nonviolent Communication and their practical applicationHow to shift from habitual judgment (“jackal”) to empathic (“giraffe”) listening and expressionThe importance of identifying and owning your own needs in moments of conflictHow transparency and self-connection foster resilience and understanding, even in trauma-impacted settingsWays to compassionately hold space for strong emotions—both your own and others’Why cultural and personal stereotypes can be overcome through intentional connectionHow even compliments and praise can be forms of judgment, and the value of specificity in affirmationContact Information:Guest: Linda BalolaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindaducc?igsh=am44NDBpOTFxNDNlLinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/linda-balola-sylvine-2a2b36183Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1HwgWCZrm1/?mibextid=wwXIfrHost: Valerie HopeWebsite:https://www.valeriehope.comInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/valeriehope/LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/valeriehope/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/ValerieVHopeYoutube:https://www.youtube.com/@ConnecttoJoyProduction Support: Lucy Hope - Podcast Editing, Copy, and Publishing.#CircleOfHope #NonviolentCommunication #PeaceBuilding #Empathy #TransformConflict
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    1 時間 16 分
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