In this episode of How We Connected from the US Chamber of Connection, hosts Charlotte Massey and Aaron Hurst catch up on their weekends - Charlotte's elaborate reality-TV-themed 30th birthday party planning and Aaron's dinner debate about whether vampires are cannibals. Aaron shares updates on the upcoming Connected Cities Summit in Seattle, including plans for a "Declaration of Interdependence.” They welcome guest Ren Yu, co-founder of the New York Philosophy Club, who shares how he went from being an only child to building a community of over 6,000 members in New York City.

Ren describes how the club works: attendees receive a sheet of questions exploring a single word - topics like suffering, longing, or death - and discuss in small groups of four or five, rotating through three 30-minute sections before heading to a jazz bar or park for informal after-party. He talks about keeping moderation light, costs low, and the format intentionally accessible - no philosophy degree required. Ren shares the club's vision for expanding to other cities, piloting in high schools, and potentially adapting the model for other settings, while preserving the quality and magic of the experience.

00:00 Introduction

02:29 Birthday Plans and Sexy Vampires

12:51 Connected Cities Summit

18:36 Interview: Ren Yu of NY Philosophy Club

24:30 What is Philosophy Club?

31:40 Growing to 6,000+ Members

33:40 Future Expansion

41:49 Reflection

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How We Connected explores the conversations that power communities across the United States. Aaron Hurst and Charlotte Massey share what they’re building at the US Chamber of Connection and speak with leaders whose work strengthens local connection. Episodes offer human stories, practical insights, and ideas you can use in your own community.

Aaron Hurst, Co-Founder of the US Chamber of Connection, is a longtime entrepreneur focused on purpose and community. He founded Imperative and the Taproot Foundation and wrote The Purpose Economy.

Charlotte Massey, Co-Founder of the US Chamber of Connection, leads community programs nationally. A Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree and former organizer and founder, she works at the intersection of civic life and entrepreneurship.

Connect with Us

www.chamberofconnection.org

New York Philosophy Club

https://philosophy.club/

Ren Yu, Co-Founder, New York Philosophy Club

Ren is a co-founder of the New York Philosophy Club, a free public gathering where strangers discuss a single word, ike suffering, longing, or beauty, in small groups across three rotating rounds. Featured by Vogue as one of New York's hottest gatherings, the club has grown to over 6,000 subscribers and hosts hundreds of guests each week across multiple neighborhoods. Ren finished high school early, attended Brandeis at 16 on a merit scholarship, and later transferred to NYU, where he balanced studies with a career in finance. What started as informal discussions in his apartment merged with two other small salons to become one of the city's most in-demand community experiences. The club is now expanding to other cities and piloting in high schools.

Heylo

https://www.heylo.com

Heylo is a community-management platform built for real-world groups of every kind, giving leaders a clean, branded home base to run events, manage members, communicate clearly, and handle payments without friction. It brings scheduling, RSVPs, waivers, announcements, topic-based chats, and membership tools into one place so clubs, teams, and interest groups can stay organized and connected without the noise of traditional social platforms.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of How We Connected from the US Chamber of Connection, hosts Charlotte Massey and Aaron Hurst discuss what’s happening at the Chamber. They welcome guest Haley, a community builder in Pittsburgh, who shares her background growing up in a small town, studying sociology and psychology, and moving to Pittsburgh during the pandemic. Dog walking helped her explore the city and meet people, leading her to start a transplant meetup that grew from 14 attendees to a much larger community. She describes how her work evolved into Pittsburgh Social Health, focused on third spaces, offline meetups, and interactive programming.

Haley talks about her upcoming “Connection Expo,” a college-style club fair for adults on Pittsburgh’s South Side, featuring 80 organizations and roughly 400 RSVPs - and the challenges in sustaining community work, including time demands on volunteer leaders, keeping events accessible and low-cost, using partnerships with local business. She shares how she measures success through participant sentiment, feelings of safety and belonging, and actionable next steps.

00:00 Introduction

01:30 Weekend Catch-Up

09:11 Conference Strategy

18:54 Introducing Haley Ingersoll

20:09 Growing Up in a Small Town

21:36 Moving to Pittsburgh During the Pandemic

23:53 From 14 People to 400: Growth Story

25:14 The Connection Expo

29:20 Building Community Between Events

36:01 Economics and Sustainability

41:34 Reflection and Takeaways

46:44 Closing Thoughts

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How We Connected explores the conversations that power communities across the United States. Aaron Hurst and Charlotte Massey share what they’re building at the US Chamber of Connection and speak with leaders whose work strengthens local connection. Episodes offer human stories, practical insights, and ideas you can use in your own community.

Aaron Hurst, Co-Founder of the US Chamber of Connection, is a longtime entrepreneur focused on purpose and community. He founded Imperative and the Taproot Foundation and wrote The Purpose Economy.

Charlotte Massey, Co-Founder of the US Chamber of Connection, leads community programs nationally. A Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree and former organizer and founder, she works at the intersection of civic life and entrepreneurship.

Connect with Us

www.chamberofconnection.org

Pittsburg Social Health

www.instagram.com/pghsocialhealth

Haley Ingersol, Founder, Pittsburg Social Health

Haley Ingersol is the founder of Pittsburgh Social Health, a grassroots initiative dedicated to helping people build meaningful connections in the city. With a background in social work and experience spanning human services, academia, government, start-ups, and hospitality, she brings a cross-sector lens to community building. Haley believes social connectedness is essential to overall well-being. Through social and sightseeing meetups, she creates welcoming spaces for new and returning residents to find belonging. Her work centers on equity, comprehensive wellness, and reducing social isolation. Above all, she is committed to shaping a more connected social future.

Heylo

https://www.heylo.com

Heylo is a community-management platform built for real-world groups of every kind, giving leaders a clean, branded home base to run events, manage members, communicate clearly, and handle payments without friction. It brings scheduling, RSVPs, waivers, announcements, topic-based chats, and membership tools into one place so clubs, teams, and interest groups can stay organized and connected without the noise of traditional social platforms.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the US Chamber of Connections podcast, hosts Aaron Hurst and Charlotte Massey discuss the importance of building connections and the role of repetition in forming strong friendships. They welcome guest Darilys, a community builder who shares her experiences and challenges in creating social groups in Boston. Darilys touches on the cultural differences between Puerto Rico and mainland U.S. and the impact of hostility towards immigrants on her Latino-focused group. She also discusses the strategies she employs to foster connections, including hosting coffee socials and leveraging technology platforms.

00:00 Introduction: The Mission

14:59 Welcome Darilys

16:10 Origin Story: Moving to Boston

20:48 Starting Friends Beyond Boston

23:20 Platform Changes & Moving to Heylo

27:03 Coffee Socials

30:49 Cultural Differences: Puerto Rico vs Boston

35:16 Advice for Community Builders

38:17 Reflection

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How We Connected explores the conversations that power communities across the United States. Aaron Hurst and Charlotte Massey share what they’re building at the US Chamber of Connection and speak with leaders whose work strengthens local connection. Episodes offer human stories, practical insights, and ideas you can use in your own community.

Aaron Hurst, Co-Founder of the US Chamber of Connection, is a longtime entrepreneur focused on purpose and community. He founded Imperative and the Taproot Foundation and wrote The Purpose Economy.

Charlotte Massey, Co-Founder of the US Chamber of Connection, leads community programs nationally. A Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree and former organizer and founder, she works at the intersection of civic life and entrepreneurship.

Connect with Us

www.chamberofconnection.org

Raices Latinas / Friends Beyond Boston

raiceslatinas.walthamsocial.com

walthamsocial.com

Darilys, Founder, Raices Latinas/Friends Beyond Boston

Darilys is the Founder of Raíces Latinas and Friends Beyond Boston. A Puerto Rican community leader based in Boston, she focuses on building belonging and cultural pride. Her work centers Latino voices while creating bridges across communities. Through events, storytelling, and partnerships, she strengthens civic connection and mutual support.

Heylo

https://www.heylo.com

Heylo is a community-management platform built for real-world groups of every kind, giving leaders a clean, branded home base to run events, manage members, communicate clearly, and handle payments without friction. It brings scheduling, RSVPs, waivers, announcements, topic-based chats, and membership tools into one place so clubs, teams, and interest groups can stay organized and connected without the noise of traditional social platforms.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of 'How We Connected,' hosts Aaron Hurst and Charlotte Massey talk about some unique celebrations and Charlotte's plans for her 30th birthday party. The main interview features an insightful conversation with Liz Cahill, a community builder in San Francisco, who shares her journey from feeling isolated in Philadelphia to creating vibrant, inclusive community spaces. Liz discusses her experience of hosting events in various settings, including her Mission live-work warehouse, and highlights the importance of creating 'yummy' spaces that foster connection and comfort. The discussion also touches on Liz's commitment to the Bay Area and her efforts to support the local community through Decentered Arts.

00:00 Introduction

00:23 Charlotte's 30th Birthday Party

01:00 Reality TV Weekend Plans

08:24 Interview with Liz Cahill

08:57 Liz's Early Years

09:54 College & Finding Community

11:54 Moving to San Francisco

15:21 Building Decentered Arts

18:30 The Uzi Gallery Warehouse

20:57 Creating Yummy Spaces

24:04 Commitment to the Bay Area

30:00 Reflection

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How We Connected explores the conversations that power communities across the United States. Aaron Hurst and Charlotte Massey share what they’re building at the US Chamber of Connection and speak with leaders whose work strengthens local connection. Episodes offer human stories, practical insights, and ideas you can use in your own community.

Aaron Hurst, Co-Founder of the US Chamber of Connection, is a longtime entrepreneur focused on purpose and community. He founded Imperative and the Taproot Foundation and wrote The Purpose Economy.

Charlotte Massey, Co-Founder of the US Chamber of Connection, leads community programs nationally. A Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree and former organizer and founder, she works at the intersection of civic life and entrepreneurship.

Connect with Us

www.chamberofconnection.org

Decentered Arts

decentered.org

Liz Cahill, Co-Founder, Decentered Arts

Liz Cahill is a poet, producer, artist and curator based in the Mission, San Francisco. Her writing explores the impacts of late stage capitalism, income inequality and waste, while trying to find beauty in the garbage age. She’s the co-founder of Decentered Arts, a non-profit building community through art of all mediums and the Piles Collective. Her first book Garbage Age lady is fourthcoming on Decentered Press.

Heylo

https://www.heylo.com

Heylo is a community-management platform built for real-world groups of every kind, giving leaders a clean, branded home base to run events, manage members, communicate clearly, and handle payments without friction. It brings scheduling, RSVPs, waivers, announcements, topic-based chats, and membership tools into one place so clubs, teams, and interest groups can stay organized and connected without the noise of traditional social platforms.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of 'How We Connected,' hosts Aaron Hurst and Charlotte Massey plan for birthdays, travel and the glamour of the Grammies - as well as the latest at the US Chamber of Connection. The episode features an engaging and entertaining conversation with Lionel Brodie, founder of Original Propaganda Athletic Club (OPAC) in Philadelphia. Lionel discusses his journey from founding a high school club to building a thriving running community and apparel brand. Highlighting the importance of inclusivity, collaboration, and balancing community-building with financial sustainability, Lionel shares valuable insights and anecdotes that are both inspiring and practical for aspiring community builders.

00:00 Introduction & Weekend Updates

09:58 Meet Lionel Brodie

11:16 Origin Story: The Varsity

13:51 Starting OPAC Running Club

19:55 Building Community & Membership Model

25:33 Economics & Sustainability

35:28 Accessibility & Inclusion

39:47 Advice for New Community Builders

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How We Connected explores the conversations that power communities across the United States. Aaron Hurst and Charlotte Massey share what they’re building at the US Chamber of Connection and speak with leaders whose work strengthens local connection. Episodes offer human stories, practical insights, and ideas you can use in your own community.

Aaron Hurst, Co-Founder of the US Chamber of Connection, is a longtime entrepreneur focused on purpose and community. He founded Imperative and the Taproot Foundation and wrote The Purpose Economy.

Charlotte Massey, Co-Founder of the US Chamber of Connection, leads community programs nationally. A Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree and former organizer and founder, she works at the intersection of civic life and entrepreneurship.

Connect with Us

www.chamberofconnection.org

O.P.A.C

www.opac.club

Lionel Brahim Brodie III, Founder, Original Propaganda Athletic Club

Lionel is the founder of OPAC, a Philadelphia-based running community he launched in 2012 after starting his first run crew at Villanova University, where he served as Director of Equipment for 24 NCAA varsity sports. What began as a way to get free sneakers has grown into one of Philly's most inclusive athletic communities, built on the philosophy of "all faces, all paces." Brodie also co-founded Original Propaganda, a private-label apparel line that merges athletic function with high fashion. Under his leadership, OPAC has partnered with Nike, Lululemon, and Hoka, and produces signature events including OPAC Relays, Philly United, and OPAC Expo. A West Philadelphia native, Brodie is known for delivering Olympic-level experiences to runners of all skill levels, from couch-to-5K beginners to Boston Qualifiers.

Heylo

https://www.heylo.com

Heylo is a community-management platform built for real-world groups of every kind, giving leaders a clean, branded home base to run events, manage members, communicate clearly, and handle payments without friction. It brings scheduling, RSVPs, waivers, announcements, topic-based chats, and membership tools into one place so clubs, teams, and interest groups can stay organized and connected without the noise of traditional social platforms.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Seattle's Sauna Community Third Space

In this episode of 'How We Connected,' hosts Aaron Hurst and Charlotte Massey share their weekend highlights and dive into their mission at the US Chamber of Connection. Their guest this week is Hannah Goldstein, founder of Tuli Lodge, a social sauna experience in Seattle. Hannah discusses how a trip to Norway inspired her to create a community-focused sauna garden in the heart of Seattle - one that promotes wellness and connection. The conversation touches on the challenges of operating in Seattle, building a supportive environment for conversations, and future expansion plans. Aaron shares a personal confession about owning an unused sauna and the two hosts reflect on the broader significance of creating accessible third spaces.

00:00 What’s happening this week at the Chamber of Connection?

16:39 Hannah Goldstein, Tuli Lodge

17:44 What is Tuli Lodge?

19:47 Early Entrepreneurial Spirit

21:55 The Pants Debate

24:06 Norway Inspiration

26:05 Building Community Through Design

35:23 Collaborations & Events

39:06 Future Growth

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How We Connected explores the conversations that power communities across the United States. Aaron Hurst and Charlotte Massey share what they’re building at the US Chamber of Connection and speak with leaders whose work strengthens local connection. Episodes offer human stories, practical insights, and ideas you can use in your own community.

Aaron Hurst, Co-Founder of the US Chamber of Connection, is a longtime entrepreneur focused on purpose and community. He founded Imperative and the Taproot Foundation and wrote The Purpose Economy.

Charlotte Massey, Co-Founder of the US Chamber of Connection, leads community programs nationally. A Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree and former organizer and founder, she works at the intersection of civic life and entrepreneurship.

Connect with Us

www.chamberofconnection.org

Tuli Lodge

www.tuli-lodge.com

Hannah Goldstein, Founder, Tuli Lodge

Hannah is the founder and CEO of Tuli Lodge, a social sauna experience on the Seattle waterfront that combines wood-fired saunas and cold plunges with a community-oriented atmosphere. She developed the concept after a 2023 trip to Norway where she encountered casual Nordic sauna culture and saw an opportunity to bring something similar to Seattle. Before launching Tuli Lodge, she worked in the tech industry, including a role at TikTok, before shifting her focus to wellness and community experiences. Tuli Lodge officially opened its winter season on Pier 62 in late 2025 and aims to create a space that feels like a neighborhood hangout rather than a luxury spa. Goldstein’s work centers on helping people unplug, reconnect with nature, and build social connections through shared wellness rituals.

Heylo

https://www.heylo.com

Heylo is a community-management platform built for real-world groups of every kind, giving leaders a clean, branded home base to run events, manage members, communicate clearly, and handle payments without friction. It brings scheduling, RSVPs, waivers, announcements, topic-based chats, and membership tools into one place so clubs, teams, and interest groups can stay organized and connected without the noise of traditional social platforms.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Building Community Through Outdoor Adventure

In this episode of 'How We Connected,' hosts Aaron and Charlotte discuss the importance of community and connection in America - and the launch of the State of Connection report. Their guest today is Tracy Stephens, founder of the BLK Hiking Club. Tracy shares his journey from a novice hiker to leading a thriving community of black hikers in the south. The episode explores the challenges and triumphs the group faces, the transformative power of outdoor activities, and Tracy's vision for expanding the group. Aaron and Charlotte also share personal stories about their weekends and reflect on the broader impact of fostering inclusive spaces in the outdoor industry.

00:00 Introduction & Chamber Updates

15:23 Tracy's Origin Story

17:27 Discovering Hiking

22:49 The Moment That Started BLK Hiking Club

25:57 Growing the Community

31:59 Expanding Beyond Hiking

34:55 The South's Unique Context

39:21 Closing Thoughts

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How We Connected explores the conversations that power communities across the United States. Aaron Hurst and Charlotte Massey share what they’re building at the US Chamber of Connection and speak with leaders whose work strengthens local connection. Episodes offer human stories, practical insights, and ideas you can use in your own community.

Aaron Hurst, Co-Founder of the US Chamber of Connection, is a longtime entrepreneur focused on purpose and community. He founded Imperative and the Taproot Foundation and wrote The Purpose Economy.

Charlotte Massey, Co-Founder of the US Chamber of Connection, leads community programs nationally. A Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree and former organizer and founder, she works at the intersection of civic life and entrepreneurship.

Connect with Us

www.chamberofconnection.org

BLK Hiking Club

www.blkhikingclub.com

Tracy Stephens, Founder, BLK Hiking Club

Tracy started hiking back in 2018. He was introduced to hiking after his boss invited him to go to the mountains. He was hesitant because he always kind of lived by that stereotype that “Black people don’t hike”. He decided to take the chance and go on the hike. He fell in love with it immediately. Soon he was telling his friends about the hobby, hoping to get people together to hike with him. For the next three years he hiked on his own. In 2020, he created a logo for a group he would come to call “BLK Hiking Club,” but he was hesitant to get started. New Years Day of 2021 came around and he went hiking with a friend. They met a Black woman on the trail who spoke with them about her experiences. She talked about the traumas of hiking alone, seeing signs and political messages that made her fearful. Coming back down the mountain, Stephens realized what he had to do. He had the idea; the logo already solidified. It was time to make a plan and put it in action. He went home, created a social media page and the rest was history.

Heylo

https://www.heylo.com

Heylo is a community-management platform built for real-world groups of every kind, giving leaders a clean, branded home base to run events, manage members, communicate clearly, and handle payments without friction. It brings scheduling, RSVPs, waivers, announcements, topic-based chats, and membership tools into one place so clubs, teams, and interest groups can stay organized and connected without the noise of traditional social platforms.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when you invite people to walk together and really see their city?

In this episode of How We Connected, Aaron Hurst and Charlotte Massey talk with Holden Minor Ringer, a Seattle community builder and transit advocate who believes walking is one of the simplest ways to fight isolation. Holden shares the story of walking more than 4,500 miles across the United States, relying on the kindness of strangers and gaining a front-row view of how cities either support or hinder human connection.

That experience inspired the Seattle Super Saunter - a 22-mile walk across Seattle that drew 300 people, even in pouring rain. Holden explains how walking creates natural, low-pressure connection, why accessibility and flexibility matter, and how the saunter model can be replicated in other cities.

This conversation is about movement, community, and the power of doing something simple together.

00:00 Introduction

04:10 Community Reflections

10:32 Meet Holden

14:41 Walking Across America

21:46 Creating the Seattle Super Saunter

29:20 Connecting Walking to Transit Advocacy

36:48 Replicating the Model

39:52 Wrap-up and Reflections

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How We Connected explores the conversations that power communities across the United States. Aaron Hurst and Charlotte Massey share what they’re building at the US Chamber of Connection and speak with leaders whose work strengthens local connection. Episodes offer human stories, practical insights, and ideas you can use in your own community.

Aaron Hurst, Co-Founder of the US Chamber of Connection, is a longtime entrepreneur focused on purpose and community. He founded Imperative and the Taproot Foundation and wrote The Purpose Economy.

Charlotte Massey, Co-Founder of the US Chamber of Connection, leads community programs nationally. A Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree and former organizer and founder, she works at the intersection of civic life and entrepreneurship.

Connect with Us

www.chamberofconnection.org

Seattle Super Saunter

www.seattlesupersaunter.com

Holden Minor Ringer

Holden is the primary organizer for the Seattle Super Saunter. Prior to returning to Seattle in May of 2024 Holden walked across the country starting March 8th from La Push, WA and over the course of 423 days, 4,500+ miles and 20 states, completed his journey in New Haven, CT on May 4th 2024. Before his journey, Holden had walked all around the Pacific Northwest to prepare, having walked from Everett to Seattle, Seattle to Tacoma, all around Lake Washington, from Ballard to Tiger Mountain (and back), as well as from Vancouver, BC back to Seattle. To make a long story short, he's a big walker.

Heylo

https://www.heylo.com

Heylo is a community-management platform built for real-world groups of every kind, giving leaders a clean, branded home base to run events, manage members, communicate clearly, and handle payments without friction. It brings scheduling, RSVPs, waivers, announcements, topic-based chats, and membership tools into one place so clubs, teams, and interest groups can stay organized and connected without the noise of traditional social platforms.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.