In this Sparkle Snack episode of Stay Sparked, John Halcyon (Hug Nation) and Betsy Finkel (Power Affirmation Project) explore socializing, awkwardness, and simple tools for feeling more relaxed and confident in social situations.

If parties, networking events, or even casual gatherings tend to spark anxiety or self-doubt, this conversation offers gentle, practical strategies to help you break the ice and stay grounded—without pretending to be someone you’re not.

Together, they share:

• Easy “pocket stories” and specific questions to spark meaningful conversation
• How to steer conversations away from small talk and toward genuine connection
• Mindfulness tools for calming the nervous system in social environments
• Why curiosity and listening are more powerful than performing
• Letting go of self-judgment, social labels, and the fear of being “awkward”
• The surprising power of honesty and self-compassion in social moments

This episode is a reminder that social ease is a learnable skill, not a personality trait—and that connection gets easier when we stop auditioning and start being present.

✨☕ This episode is sponsored by www.BecomeLucid.com Lucid is a functional mushroom and nootropic brand designed to fuel mental clarity, focus, and long-term brain health. Their flagship product is a premium mushroom coffee blend infused with clinically studied nootropics—crafted to deliver clean energy without the crash.

✨🎶 MASSIVE Thank you to Dub Sutra for their beautiful opening music. Check out their incredible music catalogue online. https://dubsutra.com