When I started Her Village, I thought I was creating a place where women could make new friends.

What I didn't expect was what those first few months would teach me—not just about friendship, but about belonging.

In this solo episode, I'm sharing some of the biggest lessons I've learned while building this community from the ground up. From women nervously walking into events alone to conversations that linger long after the official end time, I've realized that what so many of us are searching for isn't simply more friends—it's a place where we can show up as ourselves and feel genuinely connected.

If you've ever wondered why making friends as an adult feels so different, or if you've found yourself craving deeper connection in this season of life, this episode is for you.

In this episode, I share:

• Why I realized women aren't just looking for more friends—they're looking for belonging.
• What surprised me most after hosting Her Village events.
• The biggest misconception about adult friendship.
• Why meaningful connection takes intention in this stage of life.
• Small, brave steps you can take to begin building your own village.

Whether you're navigating motherhood, a new city, a career change, or simply a season where life feels a little lonely or disconnected, I hope this conversation reminds you that you're not the only one looking for your people.

And maybe… your village starts with one conversation, one invitation, or one courageous "yes."

🌻 Connect with Her Village

If you're local to the Chicago suburbs and looking for meaningful connection with other women, I'd love to welcome you to an upcoming Her Village gathering.

Learn more at joinhervillage.co

Follow along on Instagram: @hervillagehq

Support the show

__________________________________________________________________________________

If you enjoyed this episode, consider sharing it with a friend or leaving a review. These conversations help more women feel seen, supported, and a little less alone.

Her Village is more than a podcast—it’s a space for real connection, honest conversations, and meaningful friendships in the places we live.

If you want to go deeper and stay connected beyond the podcast, you can join us here: joinhervillage.co 💛

__________________________________________________________________________________

When we're kids, friendship just... happens.

We're surrounded by classmates, teammates, roommates, and neighbors. But somewhere between careers, motherhood, relationships, and the never-ending to-do list, making meaningful friendships can start to feel surprisingly difficult.

In this episode, I'm joined by licensed clinical social worker, therapist, and founder of Bluebird Counseling Services, Alexandria Gohla, to unpack why connection feels so much harder in adulthood—and why so many women find themselves longing for something deeper than another group chat.

Alex shares insights from her work with women, the inspiration behind her upcoming book, More Than the Group Chat, and the importance of vulnerability, intentionality, and creating spaces where women feel safe to truly belong.

Together, we explore:

• Why adult friendships require more intention than they did growing up
• What's really keeping women from forming deeper connections
• The difference between being surrounded by people and feeling genuinely known
• How vulnerability strengthens relationships
• Practical ways to begin building meaningful friendships—even if you're starting from scratch
• Why online communities can be a starting point, but in-person connection still matters

If you've ever caught yourself thinking, "I wish I had people like that," this conversation is for you.

Connect with Alex:

• Blue Bird Counseling Services
• More Than the Group Chat

Connect with Her Village:

If you're longing for deeper connection and you're local to the Chicago suburbs, I'd love to meet you at an upcoming Her Village event!

🌻 Learn more: joinhervillage.co

📸 Instagram: @hervillagehq

Support the show

__________________________________________________________________________________

If you enjoyed this episode, consider sharing it with a friend or leaving a review. These conversations help more women feel seen, supported, and a little less alone.

Her Village is more than a podcast—it’s a space for real connection, honest conversations, and meaningful friendships in the places we live.

If you want to go deeper and stay connected beyond the podcast, you can join us here: joinhervillage.co 💛

__________________________________________________________________________________

She Left Her Career to Raise Her Kids. Then She Started Again.

What happens when the life you've built no longer fits the woman you're becoming?

This week on the Her Village Podcast, Jacqueline sits down with Dr. Vandana Arcot to talk about identity, ambition, motherhood, and the courage it takes to reinvent yourself.

After a successful global health career spanning more than a decade and work across 13+ countries, Dr. Arcot made the decision to step away from her professional life to focus on raising her children. Years later, she found herself navigating the vulnerable process of returning—not to who she used to be, but to a new version of herself.

Together, Jacqueline and Dr. Arcot explore:

• The emotional realities of stepping away from a career to focus on family
• Losing—and rediscovering—your sense of identity
• The guilt and fear that can come with wanting something more
• How motherhood reshaped Dr. Arcot's definition of success and leadership
• The pressure women feel to choose between caregiving and ambition
• Why reinvention isn't about becoming someone new—it's about reclaiming the parts of yourself that were waiting to be rediscovered
• The permission to evolve through different seasons of life

Dr. Arcot is the founder of Komselj, a strategy firm advancing women's and children's health and empowerment worldwide, and VUND, a home décor and fragrance company that supports women-led beekeeping initiatives. Her work has helped raise millions for global health causes while empowering women and communities around the world.

If you've ever wondered whether it's too late to dream again, pivot careers, pursue a passion, or redefine what success means to you, this conversation is for you.

Because every season changes us—and sometimes beginning again is exactly what we're meant to do.

Connect with Dr. Vandana Arcot:

• Website: https://www.komselj.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drvandanaarcot/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drvandanarcot

Support the show

__________________________________________________________________________________

If you enjoyed this episode, consider sharing it with a friend or leaving a review. These conversations help more women feel seen, supported, and a little less alone.

Her Village is more than a podcast—it’s a space for real connection, honest conversations, and meaningful friendships in the places we live.

If you want to go deeper and stay connected beyond the podcast, you can join us here: joinhervillage.co 💛

__________________________________________________________________________________