What happened to community before, during, and after COVID, and where are we now?

In this episode of Hal’s Donut House: Don’t Be Afraid of Community, Tina Hilck, Melanie Brummer, and Hal Bleiweiss explore how the meaning of community has changed over the past several years.

Before COVID, many communities relied heavily on face-to-face interaction. During the pandemic, online spaces became essential for connection, support, work, and shared experiences. Today, people are searching for a better balance between digital access and meaningful in-person relationships.

The conversation examines why simply joining a group is no longer enough. Strong communities require people to participate, respond, contribute, and create together. Tina, Melanie, and Hal also discuss authentic communication, remote-work experiences, community monetization, the importance of providing real value, and why people increasingly connect with content that reflects their needs and identity.

This is an honest, unscripted conversation between three experienced community professionals who bring different cultural, geographic, and personal perspectives to the discussion.

Has community returned to what it was before COVID, or are we still creating something entirely different?

After listening, we challenge you to share your own experience in the comments. How did COVID change the way you connect with others, and what does community mean to you today? We genuinely value your perspective because your experiences can help continue this important conversation.

Please share this episode with someone whose story or viewpoint should be part of the discussion.

Pull up a chair, grab a donut, and join the conversation.

Rucks 2 Pucks is a non-profit 501c3 charity where our mission is to help veterans and their families by promoting an active lifestyle through hockey.

We promote the lifestyle to provide a sense of community and camaraderie, something veterans often lose once leaving the service. This is a key component in fighting veteran suicide and reducing the 22 a day.

This podcast is an honor to present to you.

I had the distinct honor of sitting with this most amazing human being.

Abagail McKiernan and I discussed the origins of HelpLink the 501-c3 charity that is redefining what it means to be a successful nonprofit by using their social media platform to connect people in need directly to resources and members in their community who are able to help in times of crisis.

Bring your tissues for this one, It is heartwarming and inspiring to say the least.

For more info:https://helplink.org/