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hello community®

hello community®

Written by: Catherine Jura
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Do you wish you had more connection and community in your life? Do you wonder how to move from feeling isolated and lonely to having a sense of belonging? Welcome to hello community®, a safe space where guests share their heartfelt, relatable stories of how they create the life of connection, community, and belonging they so desire. I am Catherine Jura, your host for this podcast, and I am so glad you found us! It is my utmost hope that you feel a connection to my guests. Therefore I intentionally choose guests of varying age, sex, ethnic and cultural background as well as ability and health status. Equally important is that guests are willing to share their stories of creating connection, in a vulnerable and meaningful way. So every other week you will hear real life stories with actionable ideas that you can try out in your personal life, home, workplace, campus life, community, and beyond. I am a Community Health Educator and my life’s work has been to support others to be healthier in every way. In 2023, the US Surgeon General reported that Americans are experiencing an epidemic of isolation and loneliness. If you are experiencing a sense of not belonging, it doesn’t make you different—but it might feel that way. I understand because I have felt these feelings too. Please join us and learn how to create the life of connection, community, and belonging that you so desire. I am happy you are here! __________________________ Click the Subscribe button to receive the most current hello community® episodeCopyright 2026 Catherine Jura Hygiene & Healthy Living Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Relationships Self-Help Social Sciences Success
Episodes
  • The Surprising Path to My New Friend!

    The Surprising Path to My New Friend!
    Feb 2 2026

    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 community co-op sparked an intergenerational friendship

    · Learn how courage and curiosity can support a new friendship

    · Come to understand why “dual commitment to trying” is important

    · Learn why navigating boundaries and “oops and ouch” moments require mutual respect

    · Explore how finding a community may be the first step to a new friendship

    This conversation is an invitation to step beyond your comfort zone and say yes to connection. A new friendship may be a single brave moment away.

    Note from Catherine:

    I am glad you are here! I hope you found some tips and inspiration to help you move towards the connection and community you desire!

    If you would like to be updated on new episodes please subscribe.

    Reviews are really important for getting the word out about “hello community®”! We sure would appreciate your thoughts: thank you!

    If you found this episode helpful please share it with others, so together, we can build a world where everyone has the connection and community they need and want!

    Till next time!

    __________________________________________________________

    Chapters/Timestamp

    00:00:00 Introduction to Hello Community

    00:03:00 Autumn and her journey to finding a new community

    00:08:30 Catherine’s journey to loneliness

    00:09:40 The surprising path to meeting each other

    00:15:00 Brunch confirms the new friendship

    00:16:20 The journey of friendship: building connection

    00:23:15 Resources and support for building connection and community

    __________________________________________________________

    Autumn’s biography:

    Autumn holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from SUNY New Paltz (2017), Masters of Science in Mental Health Counseling from University at Albany (2019), and a certification as a Grief Informed Professional. She currently works as a school-based trauma therapist at a victim assistance program.

    Outside of her work, she can be found working out, running, perusing the farmers market, travelling near and far, and bagging groceries at Honest Weight Food Co-op.

    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/autumn-welch-degoski-lmhc-cgp-7b07a1154/

    __________________________________________________________

    Looking for more information?

    · “hello community” link tree takes you in one click to our Facebook Page and all our episode platforms http://lnk.bio/hellocommunity

    · Project Unlonely http://www.artandhealing.org/project-unlonely/

    · Findhelp.org https://www.findhelp.org/

    Findhelp.org can support your efforts to find the resources you need by using your zip code: health care, food pantries and meal programs, housing, financial assistance, and much more!
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    26 mins
  • Loneliness: A Hope-filled Conversation!

    Loneliness: A Hope-filled Conversation!
    Mar 31 2026
    “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 isolated.Kyra is deeply compassionate and very knowledgeable concerning loneliness. She discusses how loneliness can hide behind grief, anxiety, life changes, or the feeling that something is missing. Kira discusses the stigma surrounding loneliness and why it’s not a personal failure. Instead, loneliness is a natural human experience that reminds us how deeply we need connection.In this episode:Learn what loneliness is and how it can be different for each of usDiscover questions that can help us recognize lonelinessCome to understand the different types of loneliness people can experienceExplore common challenges to building connection and communityLearn how small acts of courage can lead us to the life of connection that we all need and desireUnderstanding loneliness is the first step toward healing it. And as Kyra notes, “loneliness is . . . something that we can’t get out of alone.” Join us as we support you in your journey from loneliness to connection and community._______________________________________________________________Note from Catherine:I am glad you are here! I hope you found some tips and inspiration to help you move towards the connection and community you desire!If you would like to be notified about new episodes please subscribe.Reviews are really important for getting the word out about “hello community®”! We sure would appreciate your thoughts: thank you!If you found this episode helpful please share it with others, so together, we can build a world where everyone has the connection and community they need and want!Till next time!_______________________________________________________________Chapters/Timestamp:00:00 - Introduction to the episode and its focus on hope and connection00:29 - Reflection on previous deep dives into loneliness and personal stories00:59 - The impact of loneliness on health and the importance of social connection01:28 - Differentiating between the types of loneliness: interpersonal, societal, existential02:28 - How loneliness can be normalized and stigma reduced04:01 - Defining true loneliness as a perceived gap between desire and actual social connection04:37 - The subjective nature of loneliness and individual experiences06:14 - The different forms of loneliness and their personal impact06:40 - Questions to identify loneliness, including support networks and feelings of purpose07:36 - The importance of belonging and societal validation08:21 - Self-assessment questions to recognize loneliness, like joy and support09:02 - Challenges of recognizing loneliness in real-time and the importance of language09:44 - The significance of community support, programs, and shared activities10:47 - Questions about joy and meaningful activities as indicators of connection13:01 - How hobbies, faith, and social groups can combat loneliness14:58 - Using reflection and poetry as healing tools in group settings16:11 - Normalizing loneliness as part of human experience, not a moral flaw17:29 - Addressing stigma and mental health challenges linked to loneliness18:26 - The importance of open conversations and reducing societal shame20:25 - NORC programs designed to foster social connection and reflection21:15 - Building a supportive environment to share vulnerability and emotions22:22 - The commonality of fear in initiating connection regardless of age23:17 - Resources for ongoing support and community building, including Project Unlonely and Facebook groups25:05 - Encouragement to share the episode and foster conversations about loneliness and connectionResources & Links:___________________________________________________________Kyra’s Biography and Her Suggestions For Creating Connection and Community:Biography:Kyra is a geriatric social worker by trade, state licensed (LMSW), and has a background in care management. Kyra is the director of the Albany NNORC (Neighborhood, Naturally Occurring Retirement Community).Suggestions For Creating Connection and Community:1) NNORC (Neighborhood, Naturally Occurring Retirement Community). The “Albany NNORC” is a three square mile radius neighborhood in the city of Albany. All residents over the age of 60 and living within those boundaries are able to receive free services that include care management and a visiting nurse educator via home visits.There are social, educational, and recreational programming: ways for folks to continue learning, to continue finding joy, and to continue connecting with each other.There are NORCs (Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities) across the country and are set up to meet the ...
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    26 mins
  • Will You Be My Neighbor?

    Will You Be My Neighbor?
    Dec 10 2025

    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. They also discuss how loneliness is a universal human experience like hunger or thirst.

    In this episode:

    - Learn why it is important to understand the three types of loneliness: interpersonal, societal, and existential

    - Come to understand why naming our loneliness is the first step toward healing

    - Explore why we can’t get out of loneliness alone—and why that’s okay


    - Learn how to intentionally build community in traditional and non-traditional neighborhoods (renting apartments on the same floor; family and friends living in the same cul-de-sac; NNORC)


    - Discover how Albany, NY turned a neighborhood into a vibrant hub of connection for seniors: NNORC: Neighborhood Naturally Occurring Retirement Community


    From naming our experience of loneliness to taking the first brave step—perhaps knocking on a neighbor’s door—this episode empowers listeners to become community builders wherever they live.


    Note from Catherine:


    I am glad you are here! I hope you found some tips and inspiration to help you move towards the connection and community you desire!


    If you found this episode helpful please share it with others, so together, we can build a world where everyone has the connection and community they need and want!


    If you would like to be updated on new episodes please subscribe.


    Last but not least, reviews are really important for getting the word out about “hello community®”! We sure would appreciate your thoughts: thank you!


    Till next time!

    _______________________________________________________________


    Chapters/Timestamp


    Introduction to Social Isolation - 00:00:00

    Understanding NORCs - 00:03:00

    Types of Loneliness - 00:09:00

    Normalizing Loneliness - 00:15:00

    Creating Community in Neighborhoods - 00:21:00

    Resources and Support - 00:27:00

    ____________________________________________________________________________


    Kyra’s Biography:


    Kyra is a geriatric social worker by trade, state licensed (LMSW), and has a background in care management.


    To contact Kyra or NNORC please visit http://jfsneny.org (NNORC link under "programs" tab)

    ________________________________________________________________


    Looking for more information?:


    “hello community” link tree takes you in one click to our Facebook Page and all our episode platforms http://lnk.bio/hellocommunity


    Project Unlonely: http://www.artandhealing.org/project-unlonely/
    Show More Show Less
    39 mins
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