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

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

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

Von: Valerie Hope
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Connect to Joy Podcasts: Our Story and Mission


Connect to Joy Podcasts is a home for meaningful connection, hope and resilience, and personal growth conversations that remind us we are not alone.


Created and hosted by Valerie Hope, leadership coach, facilitator, and guide, Connect to Joy Podcasts exists to support people through life transitions, deepen emotional intelligence, and inspire purpose-driven living. In a world full of noise and division, this network offers thoughtful conversations that bridge differences, foster understanding, and awaken authentic human connection.


Connect to Joy Podcasts includes three distinct yet aligned shows: The Circle of Hope, Not Quite Strangers, and Time to Come Alive. Together, they explore what it means to live with openness, courage, and heart—both personally and collectively.


🌿 The Circle of Hope

The Circle of Hope is a podcast centered on hope and resilience in real life. Through intimate storytelling and reflective dialogue, this show explores emotional healing, inner strength, and the power of community during challenging seasons. Each episode offers encouragement, perspective, and gentle wisdom for navigating uncertainty with compassion and courage.


🤝 Not Quite Strangers

Not Quite Strangers invites listeners into unscripted conversations between people who have just met. Designed to dissolve barriers and spark empathy, this show highlights the magic of meaningful connection across differences. These honest, human conversations demonstrate how emotional intelligence and curiosity can transform strangers into neighbors—and foster more authentic leadership in everyday life.


Time to Come Alive

Time to Come Alive is an invitation to reconnect with yourself and what truly matters. Through uplifting interviews, reflective practices, and practical guidance, this podcast supports personal growth, self-awareness, and aligned action. Each episode encourages listeners to awaken their purpose, navigate life transitions with intention, and live with renewed energy and joy.


💛 Our Shared Intention

At the heart of Connect to Joy Podcasts is a deep belief in the power of storytelling to heal, unite, and inspire change. Through personal growth conversations, compassionate listening, and shared wisdom, this network supports individuals and communities in cultivating hope, connection, and a more purposeful way of living.


As your host and fellow journeyer, Valerie brings openness, humility, and respect to every conversation, creating a space where all voices are valued and authentic expression is welcomed.


Whether you’re seeking hope, longing for deeper connection, exploring authentic leadership, or standing at the edge of a life transition, Connect to Joy Podcasts offers conversations that help you reconnect—to yourself, to others, and to the joy already within you.


  • Discover your circle.
  • Find your hope.
  • Connect to your joy.


🎧 Subscribe and explore the latest episodes at connecttojoypodcast.com


🎥 Watch full episodes and extended conversations on YouTube

Valerie Hope
Alternative & Komplementäre Medizin Beziehungen Erfolg im Beruf Hygiene & gesundes Leben Management & Leadership Persönliche Entwicklung Persönlicher Erfolg Seelische & Geistige Gesundheit Sozialwissenschaften Spiritualität Ökonomie
  • Why Start at the Edge of Your Comfort Zone | Ep. 25 COH | Valerie Hope
    Feb 17 2026

    If you long for deep, joyful connection in new places or just want permission to bring your whole self to every friendship and opportunity, this episode is for you.


    In this soul-nourishing episode, I sit down with my vibrant friend Alice Tenjiwe Kabwe to unpack our unlikely friendship, sparked at a Nonviolent Communication retreat in Nairobi. From braids and belly laughs to creating space for vulnerability, we dive into the magic that happens when you lead with curiosity, courage, and authentic self-awareness, anywhere in the world! Together, we explore how to embrace your superpowers, stop overgiving, and choose connection with intention.


    Watch This If:

    • Are seeking to build authentic connections (even in unfamiliar places)
    • Want to harness your “helper” or “systems-thinker” superpowers without feeling drained
    • Are navigating the multicultural, immigrant, or third-culture experience
    • Crave more joy, playfulness, and lightness in your relationships
    • Need a permission slip to own your worth, celebrate your gifts, and set mindful boundaries

    Episode Highlights (with Timestamps):

    • 00:00 Welcome & My First Impressions of Alice
    • 02:33 A Friendship Sparked by Sisterhood (and Locs!)
    • 07:31 Finding Lightness & Joy—Even When Conversations Get Deep
    • 15:54 Cultural Translation: How Alice Opened My World in Kenya
    • 17:53 Why We’re Compelled to Help—and How to Choose Wisely
    • 26:37 Childhood Roots & Middle Child “Superpowers”
    • 31:44 Turning Your Service Into a Choice (Not a Compulsion)
    • 39:41 Letting Go of Needing Validation
    • 48:57 Building Community With Intention as an Expat & Professional
    • 54:56 Making Room for What You Want—And Actually Receiving It
    • 59:44 Parenting, Possibility & Watching Others Grow
    • 1:05:03 Trusting Your Path, Letting Go of Pressure
    • 1:11:59 Recap, Gratefulness, and Lasting Connection


    What You’ll Learn:

    • How to spot (and sustain) relationships that spark joy, growth, and belonging
    • A fresh approach to using your “helping” gifts intentionally, rather than compulsively
    • Ways to honor your story—cultural, professional, and familial—when building your circles of influence
    • Simple practices to become more self-aware and tuned into your own needs
    • Why reframing your “superpower” is the key to thriving—and not burning out—in service to others


    Contact Information:

    Guest: Alice Kabwe

    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alicekabwe/
    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicetenjiwekabwe/

    Host: Valerie Hope

    • Website: https://www.valeriehope.com
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valeriehope/
    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valeriehope/
    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ValerieVHope
    • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ConnecttoJoy


    Production Support: Lucy Hope - Podcast Editing, Copy, and Publishing.

    #CircleOfHopePodcast #MeaningfulConnections #FriendshipAcrossCultures #ServiceLeadership #PersonalGrowth #CulturalAmbassador

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    1 Std. und 13 Min.
  • How to Build Trust & Empathy in Teams (and Families)|
    Feb 10 2026
    If you’re looking to break through surface-level conversations and nurture bonds that truly matter in business or in life this episode is for you.In this heartfelt episode of Circle of Hope, I sit down with the extraordinary Tildet Varon entrepreneur, coach, and author to explore how we can turn everyday encounters into meaningful human connections. We talk about our own journey from chance acquaintances at a nonviolent communication course in Nairobi to deeply supportive friends and open up about the simple practices and courageous conversations that help anyone at work, at home, anywhere find real belonging. Watch This If:You want to foster deeper, more authentic connections at work or in your personal lifeYou’re a leader, HR professional, or team manager seeking practical tools for empathetic leadershipYou’ve ever wondered how open conversation and vulnerability build trustYou’re part of a family business (or any organization) craving less friction and more collaborationYou want to learn how mindfulness and meditation can help you stay present and transform conflict into growthEpisode Highlights (with Timestamps):02:27 – How our friendship began in Nairobi06:00 – The power of sharing vulnerable experiences (including menopause)10:35 – What makes us feel safe to open up14:54 – Bringing these skills into professional settings18:03 – Why triggers derail communication & what to do about it22:11 – The role of meditation and mindfulness31:45 – Practical tools for connecting in tough environments36:58 – When family (and organizations) avoid going deep and how to break through47:08 – Shifting company culture, one conversation at a time53:31 – Generational divides: how younger and older leaders speak different “connection languages”1:00:58 – Profits, people, and Tildet’s new book1:03:40 – Final wisdom: “You Matter” the foundation of all thriving relationships What You’ll Learn:How to invite open, trusting, and vulnerable conversations anywhereThe science of triggers: why you shut down (and how to pause with compassion)Real-life tools for bringing empathy and presence to business, teams, or familyWhy mindfulness and meditation are secret weapons for deep listeningSteps to building a “culture of safety” in even the toughest work environments Resources: Book: The Thriving Family Business: Celebrating Peace at the Table and Profits to the Balance Sheet by Tildet Varon (https://www.tildet.com/book)Masterclass: https://www.tildet.com/masterclassContact Information: Guest: Tildet VaronWebsite: https://www.tildet.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innermasteryspecialist LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tildetvaronFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/InnerMasterySpecialistYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@growingwithtruthstressmast5873Host: Valerie HopeWebsite: https://www.valeriehope.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/valeriehope/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valeriehope/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ValerieVHopeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ConnecttoJoyProduction Support: Lucy Hope - Podcast Editing, Copy, and Publishing. #ConnectToJoyPodcasts #CircleOfHopePodcast #EmpatheticLeadership #WorkplaceCulture #AuthenticConnection #MindfulnessForLeaders #FamilyBusiness
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    1 Std. und 5 Min.
  • Building Powerful Connections WITHOUT Social Media | Ep. 23 COH | Valerie Hope
    Feb 3 2026
    Welcome back to Circle of Hope, the podcast that unpacks the spark, the soul, and the strategy behind life-changing human connections. I’m Valerie Hope, your host, and this week’s episode is a deep dive into connection, courage, and community with special guest Keveney Avila.What happens when a successful entrepreneur deletes all her social media, then returns for one wild 30-day experiment to rebuild her network—one (virtual) coffee at a time? Keveney’s story is a masterclass in trusting intuition, setting energetic boundaries, and curating a meaningful, authentic Circle of Influence.This episode is perfect for those craving more authentic connection in our noisy, digital-first world. Whether you’re a business owner, connector, or just ready to break out of a social rut, Keveney offers vulnerable insights and practical strategies to help you deepen your circle—while protecting your energy and honoring your purpose.Watch This If you’re curious about :How to rebuild your network from scratch without relying on social media The real impact of a 5-year social media detox on business and wellness Techniques for energetic self-care, discernment, and intuition in networking Handling “crazy coffee chats,” unsolicited pitches, and protecting your boundaries online Harnessing connection as a conscious, intentional practice in business and life Differences between external validation vs. inner knowing—and how to trust yourselfEpisode Highlights (with Timestamps):4:41 - Why Keveney quit social media for 5 years—and what changed 13:20 - Deciding to consciously expand your circle beyond word of mouth 23:30 - The science behind “reading the room”—even on Zoom! 36:45 - Social noise, silence, and the art of inner listening 43:14 - Managing engagement while protecting your energy (and time) 49:34 - Saying YES to what energizes you, NO to what drains you 56:02 - The power of the “energy bath”—and other simple rituals 1:02:33 - Recap, takeaways, and how to connect with Keveney AvilaWhat You’ll Learn:Unlock actionable, soulful takeaways for building authentic connections—even (or especially) if you’re tired of “hustle culture” or digital burnout. By the end of this episode, you’ll discover: Simple daily self-care rituals to “clear the energy” after draining meetings, calls, or online time. Why referrals, safe boundaries, and online credibility (like LinkedIn) matter for modern networking. Resources:Discover Your Mystical Zone of Genius Free Quiz: https://quiz.keveneyavila.com/Schedule Virtual Coffee: https://keveneyevanne.as.me/connectBook: Lawyers, Lies & Labradors: One Woman's Search for Truth - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50392649-lawyers-lies-and-labradorsBook: 10 Arguments for Deleting Your Social Media Right Now by Jaron LanierChallenge: 30 Coffees in 30 Days Challenge (by Erica Bryant/Good Humans Growth Network)Vipassana Meditation - https://www.dhamma.org/en-US/indexBook: Drive by Daniel Pink (mentioned in relation to intrinsic motivation and mastery) Contact Information:Guest: Keveney Evanne AvilaWebsite: http://www.keveneyavila.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keveneyavila/ Host: Valerie HopeWebsite: https://www.valeriehope.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/valeriehope/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valeriehope/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ValerieVHopeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ConnecttoJoyProduction Support: Lucy Hope - Podcast Editing, Copy, and Publishing. #ConnectToJoy #ConnectToJoyPodcasts #CircleOfHopePodcast #AuthenticNetworking #EnergyLeadership #SocialMediaDetox #IntuitiveBusiness
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    1 Std. und 4 Min.
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