In this episode, I delve into the benefits of actively participating in society. Through the lenses of social psychology and personal interaction, I explore how engaging with others helps us make sense of the world, heal our traumas, and meet both basic and advanced needs. I also discuss the potential downsides of group involvement, such as conformity and loss of individuality, emphasizing the importance of intentional participation.

Don't forget to join the conversation by sharing your questions and stories in the comments! How has participation shaped your worldview? What challenges have you had?

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Substack: https://takepart.substack.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/takepartpod/

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

01:41 Making Sense of the World

09:00 Healing Through Participation

11:44 Meeting Our Needs Through Groups

15:12 Contradictions in Group Participation

18:28 Conclusion and Call to Action

In this episode, I am joined by Aimee Schlosser, a Seattle native who transitioned to life in San Diego as a military spouse. Aimee shares her journey of moving across state lines during the pandemic, becoming a military spouse, and finding new communities. She discusses the challenges of deployment, the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone, and offers valuable advice on how to forge meaningful connections in new environments. Tune in to hear how Aimee transformed her life through connection, community, and resilience.

Don't forget to join the conversation by sharing your questions and stories in the comments! Have you ever completely uprooted your life to a new area? How did you find connection?

Please Subscribe to follow along!

Substack: https://takepart.substack.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/takepartpod/

00:00 Welcome to Take Part

00:48 Meet Aimee Schlosser

01:34 Transitioning to a New Life

05:41 Challenges of Deployment

08:57 Finding Community and Support

22:03 Balancing Remote Work and Social Life

25:31 Final Thoughts and Advice

26:53 Closing Remarks

In this episode, I talk with Laura Kiniry, a freelance writer specializing in travel, food, and culture. We discuss the concept of 'third places' - social environments outside of home and work where people can build community connections. Laura shares her experiences with unique third places, like harvesting olives in Italy and enjoying local cafes. We also explore the impact of remote work on social isolation and the importance of face-to-face interactions. Tune in for an enlightening conversation on how fostering community connections can enhance well-being and bring joy to everyday life.

Don't forget to subscribe, follow, and join the conversation by sharing your favorite third places and stories in the comments!

Read Laura's lovely article on third places on the Smithsonian here:

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/third-places-are-being-reimagined-and-welcoming-travelers-in-the-process-180987159/

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Substack: https://takepart.substack.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/takepartpod/

00:00 Welcome to Take Part Podcast

00:49 Meet Laura Kiniry: Freelance Writer and Traveler

02:21 The Concept of Third Places

04:21 The Impact of Remote Work on Community

07:09 Personal Stories and Examples of Third Places

19:45 Creating and Finding Your Own Third Place

28:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode, I am joined by Terri Eccles to discuss the invigorating world of open water and cold water swimming. Terri shares how she got into open water swimming, the challenges she faced, and the incredible community she has built. From the formation of deep connections to the physical and mental benefits, Terri provides an insightful look into how open water swimming has transformed her life.

We also delve into the importance of setting boundaries and creating intentional community spaces. Join us for an inspiring conversation about taking part in something greater and finding personal fulfillment.

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Substack: https://takepart.substack.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/takepartpod/

In this episode, I get nerdy into the concept of individualism, exploring its historical roots and modern implications. Featuring insights on 'rugged individualism' as coined by Herbert Hoover, the transcendentalist movement, and the philosophies of anarchist Emma Goldman, we dig into how the concept of individualism has similarities and differences within wildly different contexts.

I also talk about the impact of individualism on society, especially in relation to scarcity, competition, and the hidden support systems behind individual achievements. I will offer four ways to redefine individualism in a way that will benefit you. Please let me know what you think! Do these four steps seem doable for your life?

In this episode, Madelyn Mills shares her experience with ham radio, a technology that is allowing her to build community and connection from home, without algorithms. Madelyn shares what this technology is, how it has impacted her, and even gets a surprise radio communication mid-podcast!

The National Association for Amateur Radio: https://www.arrl.org/

Puget Sound Repeater Group: https://web.psrg.org/

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/takepartpod/

Substack: https://takepart.substack.com

In this episode we have a conversation with JT Perry, a judge, former board member, and long-time supporter of FIRST Robotics. We talk about the program and the incredible impact it has on the kids who participate, as well as how it has changed JT's life to be involved.

Find FIRST Robotics here: https://www.firstinspires.org/

A video of a competition: https://youtu.be/HphdKkesWKI?si=_QgIP6t4qgwHmyq0

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/takepartpod/

Substack: https://takepart.substack.com

00:00 Welcome

01:00 JT intro

01:42 How JT got into FIRST Robotics

04:10 The first spark of interest

07:10 Leadership skills and inclusion are fundamental

09:06 The Challenges

13:57 How it's changed JT's life

19:25 Challenges these kids overcome in order to participate

23:15 What JT has learned about himself

27:03 JT's advice to listeners

29:51 Wrap-up

The Take Part podcast is coming! Episode one will launch October 1, 2025. Please comment with any ideas for topics or guests. If you'd like to be notified of all new episodes, subscribe at TakePart.Substack.com