Connectedness

Ep 30: Saying "Yes, and" to Life with Dayna Gowan

What if the secret to better communication, stronger relationships, and more confidence isn’t perfection… but play?In this episode of Connectedness, Fernanda sits down with Dayna Gowan: speaker, improviser, Distinguished Toastmaster, workshop facilitator, and host of the Improvly Speaking Podcast. They explore how improvisation can transform the way we communicate, connect, and show up in everyday life.Dayna shares how improv helped her overcome fear, embrace uncertainty, become a more confident speaker, and develop deeper human connections. Together, Fernanda and Dayna dive into the powerful improv principle of “Yes, And," how listening is a communication superpower, why adults lose touch with playfulness, and how creativity can improve relationships, parenting, leadership, and mental well-being.This conversation is filled with practical insights, vulnerable stories, laughter, and mindset shifts that can help anyone become a more authentic communicator and more connected human being.✨ In this episode, we discuss:-How improv builds confidence and reduces self-judgment- The “Yes, And” mindset for relationships and personal growth- Why active listening matters more than having the perfect response- How improv improves communication skills and social confidence- The connection between creativity, play, and emotional well-being- Why brainstorming often fails in corporate environments- Parenting, public speaking, and handling uncertainty through improv- Finding joy and humor in everyday life- How improv creates instant human connection🎧 About Dayna Gowan:Dayna is the founder of Improvly Speaking, where she helps individuals and organizations use improvisation skills to improve communication, leadership, creativity, and confidence. She also hosts the Improvly Speaking podcast and offers workshops, coaching, and corporate training.🔗 Connect with Dayna:Website: https://www.improvlyspeaking.com [https://www.improvlyspeaking.com]LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daynagowan [https://www.linkedin.com/in/daynagowan]Podcast: Improv Speaking on Spotify & Apple Podcasts💛 If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who could use a little more joy, confidence, and connection in their life.Learn about the power of Improv to change your life!

Ep. 29: Navigating Divorce with the help of a Divorce Coach - Paula Lesso

What happens when the life you built no longer feels aligned with who you are?In this episode of Connectedness, Fernanda sits down with Paula Lesso, divorce coach, speaker, and advocate for women navigating major life transitions. Together, they explore the emotional reality of divorce, identity shifts, healing, self-trust, and how women can move from surviving to truly thriving.Paula shares her personal story of going from being a “comfortable” people-pleaser in marriage to rediscovering herself after divorce—and how that journey inspired her work helping women through every stage of the divorce process.Whether you’re questioning your relationship, currently going through a divorce, healing after one, or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers compassion, clarity, and hope.In this episode, we discuss:- The emotional stages of divorce- Rebuilding your identity after separation- Why so many women lose themselves in relationships- The role of mindset and movement in healing- Learning to trust yourself again- Navigating uncertainty and major life transitions- Creating a fulfilling life after divorce- Finding connection and support through difficult seasonsIf this episode resonates with you, please like, comment, and subscribe to Connectedness for more conversations about growth, authenticity, healing, and human connection.Show Notes & Resources🌿 Connect with Paula Lesso:https://paulalesso.com/🌿 Second Saturday Charlotte (mentioned in this episode):https://www.secondsaturdaycharlotte.com/🌿 Connect with Fernanda & Filled Cups:https://www.filledcups.com

Ep. 28: Not Lost, Just Unmaintained: How to Revive Your Friendships

Friendships don’t always end with conflict — sometimes, they simply fade. But what if they’re not actually over? In this episode of Connectedness, we explore the idea that many friendships aren’t lost… they’re just unmaintained. Building on the concept of “ambient distance,” we shift the focus from why relationships drift to how we can repair, revive, and sustain meaningful connections. We talk about the small, intentional actions that keep friendships alive, why reaching out can feel harder than it should, and how different people — especially across gender lines — approach maintaining relationships in different ways. If you’ve ever thought about someone you “used to talk to” and wondered if it’s too late… this episode is for you. ✨ In this episode, we cover: * Why friendships fade without conflict * What “ambient distance” really means * How to revive a friendship that feels distant * Simple, practical ways to maintain connection * Gender differences in emotional connection and friendship styles * Letting go of perfection when reconnecting 💭 Reflection questions: * Who in your life feels “paused” rather than finished? * What’s one small way you can reconnect this week? If this resonated, consider sharing it with someone you’d love to reconnect with 🤍 — 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on self-trust, emotional growth, and meaningful connection. #Friendship #Connection #PersonalGrowth #EmotionalWellbeing #Loneliness #Relationships #SelfGrowth #MentalHealth #Authenticity #SocialConnection

Ep. 27: From Bloated to Balanced: Gut Health, Hormones & Feeling Like Yourself Again | Connectedness Podcast

In this episode of Connectedness, Fernanda sits down with health coach Sylvie Brockman to explore the powerful connection between gut health, perimenopause, and menopause. And how supporting your body during this transition can help you feel more energized, balanced, and fulfilled.If you’ve been struggling with bloating, brain fog, low energy, mood swings, or hormonal changes, this conversation will help you understand what’s really happening inside your body—and what you can do about it.Sylvie shares her personal journey of healing her gut and reclaiming her energy, along with practical, approachable tips to help you support your own health. Together, we explore how gut health impacts hormones, mood, digestion, and overall well-being, and why this stage of life can actually be an opportunity for deeper connection with yourself.In this episode, we cover:* What gut health really means (and why it matters more than you think)* The link between **gut health and menopause symptoms*** How hormones affect digestion during perimenopause* The gut-brain connection and its impact on mood and mental clarity* Simple daily habits to improve gut health naturally* How to feel more energized, confident, and connected in your body* What health coaching looks like and how Sylvie supports women 40+Whether you’re entering perimenopause, in the middle of menopause, or simply want to feel better in your body, this episode will leave you feeling informed, empowered, and supported.Connect with Sylvie Brockman:Website: https://www.sylviebrockman.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/holisticsylvie/Her next event on May 7 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nourish-restore-a-wellness-event-for-women-tickets-1986920803610?📌 Don’t forget to:Like 👍Subscribe 🔔Share this episode with someone who might need it#GutHealth #Menopause #Perimenopause #HormoneHealth #WomensHealth #HolisticHealth #HealthyGut #WellnessPodcast #ConnectednessPodcast #SelfCare #HormoneBalance #PodcastForWomen

Ep 26: The Friendship Audit: How to Map Your Social Circle & Stop Feeling Drained

Are you pouring energy into friendships that leave you feeling drained, obligated, or quietly lonely — even when your life looks full from the outside? You're not alone. In this episode of the Connectedness Podcast, we're doing something most people have never done: mapping their entire social ecosystem with intention. Inspired by evolutionary psychologist Robin Dunbar's groundbreaking research on how humans actually organize their relationships, we explore the concept of friendship circles — and why understanding which ring your friends live in can completely change how you show up for them (and for yourself). In this episode we cover:✔ Robin Dunbar's circles of connection — and what they mean for your friendships today✔ Why the "best friend" label might be doing you more harm than good✔ The difference between a friendship that needs tending vs. one that has run its course✔ How to know if your energy is going to the right places✔ What reciprocity actually looks like in adult friendships✔ A simple exercise to map your own social ecosystem This is not about cutting people off. It's about getting clear — so you can invest your heart in the right places and finally stop feeling guilty about the rest. Referenced in this episode:📖 Friends — Robin Dunbar📖 Friendships Don't Just Happen! — Shasta Nelson 📖 Platonic — Dr. Marisa Franco🌐 We Should Get Together — Kat Vellos (weshouldgettogether.com)——————————————————————————————🌸 ABOUT FILLED CUPS & THE CONNECTEDNESS PODCASTFilled Cups is a community and connections brand based in Charlotte, NC, dedicated to helping people build meaningful friendships, find their people, and show up authentically in their relationships.The Connectedness Podcast drops bi-weekly and explores what it really means to grow, connect, and trust yourself — in friendship, community, and beyond. Hosted by Fernanda Brasileiro — people development consultant, community builder, and founder of Filled Cups.——————————————————————————————📲 CONNECT WITH USInstagram: @filledcupsTikTok: @filledcupsWebsite: [your website]——————————————————————————————⏱ TIMESTAMPS0:00 – Introduction0:50 – What the friendship audit actually is (hint: not a purge)2:00 – Robin Dunbar's circles of connection explained4:30 – Why your circles shift over time — and why that's okay6:30 – Where is your energy actually going?9:00 – Needs tending vs. run its course11:30 – How to use this going forward13:30 – Closing reflection & questions to sit with——————————————————————————————#friendship #adultfriendships #loneliness #personalgrowth #friendshipadvice #connections #selfawareness #filledcups #connectednesspodc #robindunbar #meaningfulrelationships