hello community®

Audio Only Episode Welcome to the “hello community®” podcast! Join us as Host Catherine Jura speaks with Tina Fitzgerald of Syracuse, NY. Tina shares how profound loss led her into isolation—and how small, safe steps helped her develop community again. Today, her calendar is filled “from dusk till dawn” with work, service, leadership, and community. Her message is bold and unforgettable: keep tryi...

“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...

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 co...

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....

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 betwee...

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...

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. M...

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 NY In this epis...

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: ·   ...

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 actu...

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 some...