Finding Fast Friends and Building Genuine Community

Future of Social Situation

Trevor and Erin sit down for a candid, wide-ranging conversation that’s equal parts reflection and forward-looking reveal. They look back on what Social Situation became over time, including the unexpected moments, the big themes that kept resurfacing, and what they learned from hosting conversations in public rather than keeping them in their heads. Along the way, they share some behind-the-scenes stories: what surprised them, what challenged them, and which ideas changed shape once they met real people with real lived experience. But this isn’t just a look back. Trevor and Erin also share what’s next: the projects they’re building toward, the kind of conversations they want to create more space for, and how the community around the show can stay connected as things evolve. If you’ve ever listened and felt like you were part of the room, this episode is for you: a warm debrief, a few honest laughs, and a clear signal that the work (and the fun) is continuing — just in new forms.

Finding Fast Friends and Building Genuine Community

Building community isn’t about collecting contacts — it’s about creating connection that actually lasts. In this episode of Social Situation, hosts Trevor Loke and Erin Mogel sit down with Taylor Harrington, Head of Community at Dreamers & Doers, to break down how to make friends faster (without being weird about it) and how to design real community in a world full of surface-level networking. Taylor shares the practical mechanics behind belonging: how to start conversations that go somewhere, how to turn “nice meeting you” into genuine relationships, and how to build communities people want to show up for — again and again. In this episode, we cover: * The difference between audience, network, and community (and why it matters) * How to create “fast trust” and meaningful momentum with new people * Simple ways to be the connector everyone remembers (without burning out) * What makes events, group chats, and community spaces actually stick * Follow-up habits that turn one interaction into a real friendship If you’ve ever thought, “I know a lot of people… but I want my people,” this one’s for you.

Putting We Over I: Collective Leadership & Community

What happens when we stop optimizing for I and start building for we? In this episode of Social Situation, hosts Trevor Loke and Erin Mogel sit down with Lis Best, founder of Girls Club Collective, to talk about what it really takes to build brave, generous communities in a world obsessed with personal brands and individual success. Lis shares the story of launching her business in 2020, how her background in sustainability, communications, and government affairs shaped her approach to leadership, and why she believes community is a powerful antidote to burnout and isolation—especially for founders and solo-preneurs. Together, we unpack the difference between networking and true community, how collective leadership works in practice, and what it looks like to create spaces where people feel seen, supported, and invited to lead. If you’ve ever felt alone in your work, hungry for “your people,” or curious how to grow a community around your values—not just your ventures—this conversation is for you.

Creating Opportunity for New Entrepreneurs

Founder & CEO of Rising Kitchens Lauren A. Silverstein, Ph.D. joins Trevor and Erin to talk about building high-impact organizations, measuring what matters, and creating real opportunity in food entrepreneurship. Practical frameworks, no fluff. Booking note: Lauren also speaks and facilitates on impact strategy & measurement—connect with her on LinkedIn to inquire. Presented by Elevate Social Impact & Orgmatch • Hosts: Trevor Loke & Erin Mogel

Mentoring for Impact

In this inspiring episode of Social Situation, Trevor and Erin sit down with Walter Mendenhall — former NFL player, educator, and founder of the Male Mogul Initiative — to explore the power of mentorship and leadership in transforming young lives. Walter shares his journey from the football field to the frontlines of community leadership, and how he’s helping youth become heroes in their own neighborhoods. The conversation dives deep into what it takes to inspire purpose, resilience, and service in the next generation — and how we can all play a role in building stronger, more empowered communities.