Grandma Hobbies & Group Chats IRL: Why Community Matters More Than Ever
This week on Before We Get It Right, we’re talking about something so many people are craving right now: real community. Not the “like your Instagram story and keep scrolling” kind of connection, but the face-to-face, sit-around-a-table, laugh-with-strangers-until-they-don’t-feel-like-strangers-anymore kind.
From the rise of “grandma hobbies” like embroidery, baking, crafting, and knitting to the deeper reason people are longing for connection more than ever, this episode dives into why community matters so much in a world that feels increasingly disconnected. We talk about loneliness, nervous system regulation, shared hobbies, and the surprising power of simply being in the same room with other people.
Leah shares the story behind hosting Sip & Stitch nights at the store and how a simple embroidery class turned into something so much bigger: women connecting, opening up, laughing, and finding belonging around a table. We also talk about how you don’t need a storefront, a big following, or a perfectly planned event to create community. Sometimes it starts with a walk, a coffee shop meetup, or texting the group chat first.
In this episode, we talk about:
• Why loneliness has become such a widespread issue
• The difference between online connection and real-life community
• Why “grandma hobbies” are making a comeback
• How creativity and hands-on hobbies reconnect you to your inner child
• The mental health benefits of slow, repetitive activities like stitching and knitting
• How shared interests naturally create deeper connection
• Tangible ways to build community, even if you don’t have a physical space
• Why being willing to go first matters more than being perfect
This episode feels like a warm reminder that people are craving depth, presence, and belonging, and that community often starts with one person deciding to create space for it. If you’ve been wanting more connection in your life, consider this your sign to text the group chat, plan the thing, and just begin.
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