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

In this episode of The Circle of Hope, I’m joined by Dr. Carla Pulliam for an open-hearted, insightful exploration of what it really takes to bring diversity, connection, and intentionality into our circles of influence. We reminisce about our first meeting—volunteering for a college readiness mentoring program where a simple conversation soon spiraled into deep dives on topics like critical race...

Welcome to The Circle of Hope Podcast! I’m Valerie Hope, and in this episode, I sit down with the creative dynamo Jeanne Lambin—facilitator, coach, storyteller, and connector. Together, we explore the art (and the heart) of building real community, showing up for each other without judgment, and crafting spaces where creativity, kindness, and meaningful connection can thrive. We talk about everyth...

In this episode of The Circle of Hope, I have the pleasure of sitting down with Michael Anderson, a dynamic leader whose journey is nothing short of inspiring. Our paths first crossed in a workshop at UT Dallas, where Michael, then a Deputy CTO, lingered after class to dive deeper into public speaking, coaching, and finding new purpose beyond the corporate grind. What began as a networking connect...

Welcome to The Circle of Hope Podcast! I’m Valerie Hope, and in this inspirational LIVE episode, I sit down with intuitive coach and master connector, Shoshanna French. We share real stories of accidental meetings (are they ever truly accidental?), the epidemic of loneliness, and actionable ways to find, nurture, and deepen your circle of influence. Explore why reciprocity, boundaries, energetic r...

Welcome to Circle of Hope, my podcast where I explore how powerful human connections can ignite purpose, partnership, and community transformation. In this episode, I sit down with my dear friend Janet Morrison Lane, Executive Director of the Vickery Meadows Youth Development Foundation. We reflect on the moment we met, the spark that started it all, and how it’s evolved into years of collaboratio...

Welcome to Circle of Hope, the podcast where I explore the power of connection to spark transformation. In this episode, I have the joy of reconnecting with my longtime friend and colleague, Winn Fuqua, a former photographer turned handyman and aspiring speaker. Together, we dive into the meaningful (and often hilarious) ways that trust, referrals, and reputation shape both our personal and profes...

The "Circle of Hope” is a podcast hosted by Valerie Hope that explores how meaningful connections spark purpose, growth, and impact. Through real conversations with inspiring guests, each episode reveals how a single relationship can transform lives—and even spark a movement. Whether you’re looking to… Grow your network with intention – beyond surface-level connections Get practical strategies for...

Strangers:  Felipe Ferreira & Valerie Hope From:  Brazil/Germany & Panama/Texas, USA   Connect With: ·         Felipe Ferreira ·         Valerie Hope   Resources: ·        Gathering Behind the Scenes: Not Quite Strangers Spotify Playlist ·  &...

Stranger:  Meet Nenuca Syquia From:  Philippines/California, USA Connect With: Nenuca Syquia •         LinkedIn •         Website Resources: Valerie’s TEDx Talk: How to Connect to Joy at Work Subscribe to my YouTube channel and access new and past episodes! To receive episodes and personal 'Connection Challen...

Being a Successful Mompreneur |Ep. 76 NQS | Valerie Hope Strangers: Meet Gabbie Kelly & Keisha Ricks From: New Hampshire, USA & North Carolina/Texas, USA Connect with:      ·    Gabbie Kelly - Instagram      ·    Keisha Ricks - Instagram Resources:      ·    Book : Becoming Better Grown...

How to Balance Being Productive and Relaxed. | Ep. 75 | Valerie Hope Strangers: Meet Jamal Martin & Sky Jarrett From: Mississippi, USA & Jamaica/Florida, USA Connect with:   Jamal Martin ·    LinkedIn     Sky Jarrett ·    LinkedIn ·    Websites Resources: ·   Sky’s TEDx Talk - Finding Joy i...

Raising Mixed Race Families | Ep. 74 NQS | Valerie Hope Strangers: Karabi Acharya & Sara Emond Hope From: India/Illinois, USA & Vermont/Texas, USA Connect with:     Karabi Acharya      ·      Instagram: We Are Multitudes      ·       Twitter      ·&nbs...

Supporting the Well-being of Men | Ep. 73  | Valerie Hope Strangers: Bala Subramanium & Ben Garcia From: India/Texas, USA & Texas, USA Connect with:   Bala Subramanium ·       Facebook ·       LinkedIn     Ben Garcia ·       Facebook ·   &nbs...

What it takes to end human trafficking | Ep. 72 | Valerie Hope Strangers: Lisa Welch & Rebecca Jowers From: Texas, USA; Texas, USA Connect with: Lisa Welch ·       LinkedIn Rebecca Jowers – ·       LinkedIn ·       Website Resources: ·       Documentary: The Wisdom of Trauma...

Our Heart Trumps the Mind and the Body  | Ep. 71  | Valerie Hope Strangers: Jérôme Vaillancourt & Saoussan Ghandour From: Montreal, Canada & Lebanon/United Arab Emirates Connect with: Jérôme Vaillancourt · jerome.vaillancourt@hotmail.com Saoussan Ghandour · selfleadershipjourney@gmail.com   Resources: · Book: Gabor Mate - When the Body Says No · Video: Thomas Hubl...

Strangers: Bway Paw & Dar Cuai  From: Thailand/Texas, USA & Myanmar/Texas, USA  Subscribe to my YouTube channel and access new and past episodes! To receive episodes and personal 'Connection Challenges' in your inbox, subscribe at  www. NotQuiteStrangers.com . Let's Connect: ·         Website ·       ...

Teachers Make a Profound Impact | Ep. 69 | Not Quite Strangers Strangers: Meet David Bolich & Eddie Watkins From: Alabama, USA; Alabama, USA Connect with: David Bolich – ·   Facebook   Eddie Watkins – ·   Facebook ·   Email   Subscribe to my YouTube channel and access new and past episodes! To receive episodes and personal 'Connection...

How Men Make Friends and Keep Them | Ep. 68 | Not Quite Strangers Strangers: Abhijit Solanki, James Haney, and Sammy Haddad From: India/California, USA; Texas, USA; Lebanon/Texas, USA Connect with: ·       Abhijit Solanki LinkedIn   ·       James Haney LinkedIn   ·       Sammy Haddad LinkedIn Subscr...

Learning From the LGBTQIA+ Community: What it Means to Be an Ally | Ep. 67 | Valerie Hope Strangers: Ash Desai & Doy Charnsupharindr From: India/Pennsylvania, USA & Thailand/California, USA Connect with: Ash Desai ·    Instagram ·    LinkedIn Doy Charnsupharindr ·    Instagram ·    LinkedIn   Subscribe to my YouTube channel a...

Strangers: Meet Marcia Dawood & Romone Penny From: Pennsylvania/North Carolina, USA & Illinois, USA Connect With: Marcia Dawood ·         LinkedIn ·         Website ·         Podcast: The Angel Next Door ·         Venture Capitalist...

Strangers: Andy Thomas & Tommy McDowell From: Richardson, Texas & Denton, Texas   Connect With: ·        Andy Thomas ·        Tommy McDowell - LinkedIn   Resources: PSYCH-K ·         Workshops ·         What is PSYCH-K Vid...

What is the Wisdom of Wellness? | Ep. 64 NQS | Valerie Hope Strangers: Meet Heather McNabb & Jennifer DeFeo From: Forney, Texas & Plano, Texas Connect with: Heather McNabb ·       Website ·       Instagram ·       Facebook Jennifer DeFeo ·       Facebook Resources: ·&nbsp...

Ep. 63 - Not Quite Strangers: Meet Heidi Jackson Everett & Patricia Bradley From: Kentucky/Washington D.C/USA & Philadelphia/Texas, USA Talk About: Blazing a Trail and Being Responsible Women Connect with: Heidi Jackson Everett ·       LinkedIn ·      Instagram: @heidijeverett  and @star_cypress ·    &nbsp...

Strangers: Meet Indiya Martinez & Nadia De Col From: Nebraska/Texas/USA & Italy/Switzerland   Connect With: Indiya Martinez ·         TikTok ·        Websites: o   TequilaGypsy Bonanaza Booth o   TequilaGypsy Nuuly Thrift   Nadia De Col ·       &n...

Strangers: Meet Maurine Duhart & Tami Lee From: Chile/Brazil & Canada/Germany Talk About: Healing cancer with soul   Connect with: Maurine Duhart - LinkedIn Tami Lee - LinkedIn   Resources: ·         Max Gerson Foundation ·         Netflix series: “Another Self” ·      &n...