Connectedness

Have you ever looked in the mirror and felt like the woman looking back at you didn't quite match who you've actually become? That is exactly where today's conversation begins. My guest is Donna Hundley, founder of The Designed Presence™ and also the founder of Curvy Chix Chariot, one of the nation's first mobile fashion boutiques for plus-size women. Donna spent over 25 years help...

[TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains a brief mention of sexual assault. Please take care of yourself as you listen.]What does it really mean to "find yourself" after trauma? In this deeply moving conversation, I'm joined by Caroline Wienecke, author, entrepreneur, and storyteller behind the novel Finding You: Beyond Broken Pieces, a story of a woman who must learn to reclaim her voice, her iden...

Are the expectations you're carrying into dating helping you find love — or quietly blocking it? In this episode of the Connectedness Podcast, I sit down with Amy Schoen, a certified professional life coach and ICF PCC-credentialed relationship coach who has spent 20 years helping marriage-minded singles find lasting, committed love. And yes, she's been in those shoes herself. Divorced in...

In this episode of The Connectedness Podcast, we sit down with Rita, founder of Simple Self-Care, to explore the powerful connection between self-care, stress management, mental health, and healthy relationships. After facing overwhelming stress, burnout, and thoughts of hopelessness while navigating the challenges of motherhood, Rita discovered that true self-care isn't about indulgence—it&#3...

Have you ever looked around at your life and thought:"Everything is fine... so why doesn't it feel right?"In this episode of Connectedness, Fernanda sits down with life coach and founder of Uncompromised, Elinor Miller, for a powerful conversation about self-trust, people pleasing, boundaries, personal growth, and what happens when you've outgrown the life you've worked so ha...

What if caring for a plant could help you care for yourself too? In this heartfelt episode of Connectedness, Fernanda sits down with Veronica Leon, founder of Verde Tribe, plant coach, community builder, and creator of the wildly popular Plant Bingo events in Charlotte. Together, they explore the deeper emotional connection between plants, mindfulness, wellness, and personal growth. Veronica share...

What if the secret to better communication, stronger relationships, and more confidence isn’t perfection… but play? In this episode of Connectedness, Fernanda sits down with Dayna Gowan: speaker, improviser, Distinguished Toastmaster, workshop facilitator, and host of the Improvly Speaking Podcast. They explore how improvisation can transform the way we communicate, connect, and show up in everyda...

What happens when the life you built no longer feels aligned with who you are? In this episode of Connectedness, Fernanda sits down with Paula Lesso, divorce coach, speaker, and advocate for women navigating major life transitions. Together, they explore the emotional reality of divorce, identity shifts, healing, self-trust, and how women can move from surviving to truly thriving. Paula shares her...

Friendships don’t always end with conflict — sometimes, they simply fade. But what if they’re not actually over? In this episode of Connectedness , we explore the idea that many friendships aren’t lost… they’re just unmaintained. Building on the concept of “ambient distance,” we shift the focus from why relationships drift to how we can repair, revive, and sustain meaningful connections. We talk a...

In this episode of Connectedness, Fernanda sits down with health coach Sylvie Brockman to explore the powerful connection between gut health, perimenopause, and menopause. And how supporting your body during this transition can help you feel more energized, balanced, and fulfilled. If you’ve been struggling with bloating, brain fog, low energy, mood swings, or hormonal changes, this conversation w...

Are you pouring energy into friendships that leave you feeling drained, obligated, or quietly lonely — even when your life looks full from the outside? You're not alone. In this episode of the Connectedness Podcast, we're doing something most people have never done: mapping their entire social ecosystem with intention. Inspired by evolutionary psychologist Robin Dunbar's groundbreaking research on...

In this episode of Connectedness , we explore social anxiety—what it really is, where it comes from, and how to begin overcoming it. Joined by psychotherapist Danielle Frouws https://daniellefrouws.com/ , we break down the difference between shyness and social anxiety, why so many people struggle with fear of judgment, and what’s actually happening in your mind and body during anxious social momen...

What does it really take to stay married — and stay connected — for 39 years? In this episode, I’m joined by Fabi Preslar, entrepreneur and author of Wilted and Worthy , to talk about the real foundations of long-term love: respect, honest communication, shared laughter, and continuous growth. Fabi and her husband not only built a 39-year marriage — they work together full-time and run a publishin...

Motherhood doesn’t always look like the highlight reel. In this episode, I’m joined by Crystal, founder of Rotten Lemons (not2rotten), a maternal mental health initiative creating safe, trauma-informed spaces for moms to share honestly — without shame. We talk about postpartum struggles, anxiety, rage, grief, and why maternal mental health is a critical health issue — not a personal shortcoming. C...

Why do friendships feel harder in adulthood — and what actually makes them grow? In this episode of Connectedness , Fernanda explores the core lessons from Friendships Don’t Just Happen by Shasta Nelson. She breaks down the author’s powerful Friendship Triangle model — Consistency, Vulnerability, and Positivity — and explains how these three elements determine the depth of our relationships. You’l...

Why is making friends as an adult so hard? In this episode of Connectedness , I’m joined by Zayne for an honest, thoughtful conversation about adult friendships, loneliness, and what it really takes to build meaningful connection later in life. We talk about why friendships often fade as responsibilities grow, the emotional barriers that keep people disconnected, and why so many adults quietly str...

Why is making friends as an adult so hard? In this episode of Connectedness , I’m joined by Zayne for an honest, thoughtful conversation about adult friendships, loneliness, and what it really takes to build meaningful connection later in life. We talk about why friendships often fade as responsibilities grow, the emotional barriers that keep people disconnected, and why so many adults quietly str...

What actually makes online dating work? In this episode, we sit down with Tony and Jenny, a real-life couple who met through online dating 13 years ago and are still going strong. Together, we break down what went right in their dating experience—and what modern daters can learn from it today. We dive into the importance of being specific and intentional in your dating profile to attract the right...

Can you stay fit and healthy without going hardcore? In this episode, I’m joined by personal trainer and dancer Dev (Devone Smith) to talk about how busy professionals can build a realistic and sustainable fitness routine — without burning out. We dive into: Why extreme diets and workout plans usually fail How to approach weight loss and exercise sustainably Dev’s top fitness and nutrition tips fo...

Why is dating in the digital age so frustrating? In this episode, I share key takeaways from a live singles dinner discussion I moderated, where people of all ages opened up about the struggles of modern dating. We covered everything—from how dating apps have changed the game (and not always for the better), to why ghosting has become the norm, to the growing sense that people have become “disposa...

In this episode of Connectedness , Fernanda explores one of the most unspoken truths about adult friendships: sometimes, we outgrow people — or realize they’re simply not for us . How do we handle those quiet realizations with honesty and compassion? How do we evaluate friendships through the lens of our values instead of guilt or obligation? And what does it look like to walk away — without drama...

In this episode of Connectedness , Fernanda dives into the powerful insights from David Richo’s transformational book, How to Be an Adult in Relationships: The Five Keys to Mindful Loving . We explore how childhood wounds shape our adult relationships — and how we can begin to heal them through self-awareness, presence, and compassion. Fernanda unpacks Richo’s “Five A’s” — Attention, Acceptance, A...

Ever been so nervous in a meeting that you couldn't even remember your own name? That was Angela. She'd show up to status meetings, say "no updates," and pray no one would notice her. But here's what makes Angela's story so powerful: she didn't stay stuck there. In this episode, Angela takes us through her transformation—from the person who was too scared to ask questions in meetings, to someone w...

In this episode of the Connectedness Podcast, I sit down with life and success coach Lu Tandazo to talk about one of the most powerful inner shifts we can make: rebuilding confidence from the inside out. Lu opens up about leaving an abusive marriage, losing her sense of self, and slowly rebuilding her life through personal development, a surprising love for tennis, and a big career pivot from teac...

In today’s podcast episode I’m talking about the power of community, chosen family, and what it really takes to feel like you belong. I sit down with my friend Geraldine, a Kenyan-born social worker and natural community builder, to explore how small, intentional moments can turn strangers into friends—and friends into family. Geraldine shares stories from growing up in Kenya in a home that was al...