Check Out Moxies Here!

In this Project Connection episode, Coco speaks with Juliette Blake, founder of Moxies, about how to help young girls build healthy, meaningful connection in a digital world. Juliette shares why ethical tech matters, how the attention economy impacts girls' development, and what it looks like to design online spaces that prioritize safety, autonomy, and well-being over engagement.

Together, they explore digital literacy as a relational life skill, the role of parents and community in shaping girls' online experiences, and how open conversations about technology can foster trust, confidence, and authentic connection—both online and offline.

Takeaways:

• Connection restores depleted caregivers and families. 💛

• Moxies creates a safe, healthy digital space for girls. 🛡️

• Well-being matters more than engagement metrics. ⚖️

• Connection and autonomy support girls' development. 🌱

• Digital literacy is an essential life skill. 📚

• Parents and community shape kids' online experiences. 🤝

• Open tech conversations build trust. 💬

Chapters

00:00 End of Year Reflections and Feelings
02:56 The Launch of Moxies: A New Digital Platform
05:33 Prioritizing Safety and Wellbeing in Digital Spaces
08:12 The Importance of Digital Literacy for Kids
11:16 Building Healthy Relationships with Technology
13:52 The Role of Parents in Navigating Digital Spaces
16:37 Creating a Safe Digital Environment for Children
19:47 Community and Collaboration Among Parents
21:36 Measuring Positive Outcomes in Digital Engagement
24:13 The Future of Ethical Tech for Kids
26:58 Resources for Parents: Navigating Digital Content
29:45 Fostering Open Communication with Children
32:54 Conclusion: Meaningful Connections in a Digital World

Dan's Website

In this episode, Courtney sits down with Dan, founder of Get Your Marriage On, for an honest, energizing conversation about intimacy, desire, and what it really takes to keep passion alive in long-term relationships. Together, they unpack the complexities of sexual connection—from the ways our cultural and family histories shape intimacy, to how couples can navigate the very normal experience of desire discrepancy without shame or blame.

Dan shares the personal journey that led him to develop his intimacy app, offering practical and playful tools that help couples communicate better, understand their individual needs, and bring more intentionality into their sex lives. The conversation dives into the difference between "horizontal" novelty (new experiences, fun ideas, trying things) and "vertical" novelty (deepening emotional connection), highlighting why both matter for desire to thrive.

Throughout the episode, Courtney and Dan emphasize that great sex is built on a foundation of emotional intimacy, personal growth, and daily micro-moments of connection. From scheduling intentional time together to embracing small, consistent acts of affection, they offer couples a roadmap for reigniting passion in a way that feels authentic, sustainable, and deeply satisfying.

This episode is a reminder that sexual connection isn't something you luck into—it's something you build, nurture, and grow together. When couples invest in intimacy, they unlock not just better sex, but a deeper, more fulfilling partnership.

Takeaways

-Connection can be multifaceted, including cultural and familial ties.
-Sexual connection can be both a source of disconnection and connection in relationships.
-Desire discrepancies are common in marriages and can be managed through communication.
-The presence of desire differences isn't the problem; how couples handle them is key.
-Intimacy requires self-confrontation and understanding one's own needs and desires.
-Novelty in intimacy can be categorized into horizontal and vertical experiences.
-Personal growth is essential for maintaining passion in long-term relationships.
-Scheduling connection activities can enhance intimacy and lead to better sexual experiences.
-Small daily acts of intimacy can lead to significant progress in relationships.
-Intimacy is a foundation for great sex, and investing in it can unlock deeper connections.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Connection
03:31 Exploring Sexual Connection
09:00 The Journey to Intimacy
13:31 Desire Discrepancy in Relationships
18:04 Understanding Intimacy and Self-Confrontation
21:18 The Essence of Healthy Selfishness in Intimacy
24:38 Exploring Novelty in Long-Term Relationships
28:15 The Importance of Personal Growth in Relationships
30:44 Connection as the Foundation for Intimacy
42:03 Challenging the Norms of Passion in Relationships

In this heart-expanding episode, Coco Plank and Olivia Reighley explore the many layers of parenting — from building structure and instilling values to cultivating creativity, connection, and joy. Together, they reflect on how to nurture children with clear principles while leaving space for freedom, fun, and self-expression.

The conversation flows from family dinner rituals to ice cream moments, weaving in the role of creativity through clothing as a form of identity and play for kids. They discuss sharing, the importance of seeing the best in everyone, and the balance of energy within family relationships — how each person's rhythm affects the whole.

Coco and Olivia also reflect on the parable of the porcupines, a timeless story about community and connection — how we sometimes prick each other in closeness, yet still need one another to stay warm. It's a reminder that relationships, though imperfect, are where growth and grace live.

Ultimately, this episode is about finding the sweet balance — between discipline and delight, individuality and togetherness — and understanding that parenting, like connection itself, is an energy exchange grounded in love.

✨ Takeaways:

• Parenting thrives on both structure and spontaneity.

• Clear principles help children feel grounded and secure.

• Creativity in clothing and play allows self-expression.

• Sharing teaches empathy and community-mindedness.

• Believing in the best in others fosters connection.

• Energy balance within families shapes harmony.

• The porcupine parable reminds us that closeness can both comfort and challenge.

• Fun and flexibility are forms of nurturing.

• Relationships are the foundation for growth and joy.

• Parenting is an evolving dance of energy, love, and connection.

Sally's Website

In this heartfelt episode of Project Connection, we sit down with Sally Plank, LCSW, for a powerful conversation about healing from the inside out. Sally opens up about her personal experience with neurodivergence and how it has shaped her understanding of stress, regulation, and the nervous system. She shares what she calls "the stress edge" — that moment when overwhelm meets awareness — and how learning to ground herself transformed her relationship with her body and her life.

Through her story, Sally reminds us that healing isn't about perfection — it's about presence. From simple grounding practices to deep self-attunement, she offers wisdom on how to reconnect with yourself and find stability in a world that often feels too fast and too loud.

If you've ever felt stuck in stress or searching for balance, this episode will inspire you to slow down, tune in, and discover the power of coming home to your body.

www.myrelationshipfail.com

In this episode of Project Connection, host Coco Plank sits down with relationship expert Bryan Power to explore why love alone isn't always enough to sustain a healthy partnership. Power shares insights on the essential tools and skills couples need to navigate conflict, communicate effectively, and grow together over time. He also discusses how reflecting on past relationships can help individuals break unhealthy cycles and build stronger connections in the future. Whether you're single, dating, or deep into a long-term relationship, this conversation offers practical wisdom for keeping love resilient and real.

💡 Love isn't enough: Lasting relationships require tools and skills, not just strong feelings.

🧰 Build your toolkit: Communication, empathy, and conflict navigation are essential relationship skills.

🔄 Learn from the past: Reflecting on old patterns helps prevent repeating the same mistakes.

❤️ Intentional connection: Healthy relationships take awareness, effort, and growth from both partners.

🌱 Keep evolving: Personal development strengthens not only you, but every connection you build.

Check out Isabel's amazing work here!

In this episode of Project Connection, Coco Plank sits down with writer and former lawyer Isabel Cowles Murphy to explore the rich, often messy intersection of creativity, motherhood, and self-expression. Together, they unpack what it means to hold space for personal ambition while raising a family, and how the act of creating itself becomes a vital measure of well-being.

Isabel shares candid reflections on redefining success, letting go of societal expectations, and the courage it takes to nurture one's creative voice amidst the noise of responsibility and comparison. From the challenges of marketing creative work to the deeper call for authenticity, this conversation invites listeners to reconnect with their own creative pulse and find meaning in the process—not just the outcome.

✨ Takeaways

• Creativity reflects our overall well-being.

• Balancing motherhood and ambition is a shared struggle.

• Making art matters more than talking about it.

• Unlived parental dreams can weigh on the next generation.

• Self-worth often gets tangled with external validation.

• Creativity flourishes with time, space, and community.

• Marketing and authenticity can feel at odds.

• Joy and fulfillment come from redefining success on your own terms.

Chapters

00:00 Awakening Creativity After Motherhood
02:37 The Struggle of Self-Expression
05:51 Navigating Ambition and Motherhood
08:33 The Importance of Creative Practice
11:42 Balancing Personal and Creative Life
14:26 The Role of Caregivers in Family Dynamics
17:18 Finding Value in Creative Work
20:25 The Complexity of Identity and Self-Worth
23:05 The Game of Life and Creativity
25:56 Navigating External Expectations
29:06 The Challenge of Marketing and Authenticity
31:52 The Impact of Upbringing on Self-Perception
34:24 Writing About Family and Personal Experiences
37:12 The Balance of Personal and Professional Life
39:53 Transcending Pain Through Art
43:04 Reimagining Success and Community
45:44 The Illusion of External Validation
48:45 Finding Joy in the Journey
51:33 Embracing the Complexity of Life

In this episode, Coco Plank sits down with Brad Maisey, Head Pro at Willowbrook Swim & Tennis Club, to explore the connective tissue between tennis, coaching, and human connection.

Coco and Brad dive into the world of tennis not just as a sport, but as a mirror for life — where emotion, mindset, and connection all play a role. Brad shares his philosophy on creating a positive, supportive environment for players of all levels and how understanding each player's emotional landscape is just as important as refining their technique.

He and Coco discuss the delicate balance between competition and joy, the challenges of navigating player ratings and expectations, and the professional boundaries that keep a coaching relationship healthy. Throughout, Brad's deep appreciation for the game shines through — as does his belief that tennis can be a powerful vehicle for personal growth, community, and connection.

🎙️ Tune in to hear how tennis can teach us about life, resilience, and the beauty of showing up — on and off the court.

🎓 The college system in the U.S. offers unique opportunities for athletes.
⚖️ It's essential to balance skill development and enjoyment in clinics.
💭 Players' emotional responses to ratings can be challenging to navigate.
🏆 Team success is a reflection of the players' hard work.
🤝 Building connections with players enhances their experience.
🚧 Maintaining professional boundaries is crucial in coaching.
🌱 Tennis is a sport for life, fostering community and connection.
💫 The right coaching relationship can significantly impact a player's growth.

Chapters

00:00 The Journey Back to Tennis
02:35 Tennis as a Life Force
05:31 Creating a Positive Clinic Environment
07:59 The Emotional Landscape of Tennis
11:05 Navigating Ratings and Expectations
13:36 Team Success and Personal Growth
16:46 Building Connections Through Tennis
19:33 Maintaining Professional Boundaries
22:02 The Importance of Community in Tennis
25:14 Finding the Right Pro for You
27:56 The Power of Connection in Coaching

This podcast episode is extra special because Coco gets the opportunity to sit down with SErena, an old time friend about a recent experience that has ignited her passion for spreading the word on what was a transformational tool (MDMA therapy). Her recent article in Marie Claire READ IT HERE! highlights this story and more.

In this episode of Project Connection, Coco Plank talks with writer and producer Serena Turner about her journey of healing from childhood sexual trauma through creativity, self-awareness, and MDMA-assisted therapy. Serena shares how her past shaped her work, how writing became her pathway to understanding, and why she believes in exploring new approaches to therapy and growth.

💫 Takeaways
🎥 The role of a creative producer in shaping powerful stories
🌱 How childhood experiences influence adult life and creativity
🧠 MDMA therapy as a groundbreaking tool for trauma healing
💖 Awareness and honesty as keys to transformation
✍️ Writing as a way to process, integrate, and reclaim one's story
🔥 The power of confronting pain to move forward
🌈 A call to explore alternative paths when the old ways no longer serve