Connection From Here: Finding Community in a Changing World
Feeling disconnected? In today's world, building a genuine community can feel harder than ever, especially for those of us who have stepped away from religion. Join mother-daughter duo Ashley and Michele Perry, co-founders of HopeBase, as they explore the evolving landscape of connection and community in the Connection from Here podcast.
Ashley, a former pastor turned secular chaplain and Gen Z thinker Michele, explore secular spirituality, answer the big questions about belonging, interview fascinating guests, and share real stories of how people are (and aren't) finding community in these changing times.
New episode out every other Wednesday!
Connection From Here: Finding Community in a Changing World
Finding Belonging Through Chosen Family, Rituals, and Activism with Andrew Boyd
We talk often on the podcast about how, long ago, community was built based on geography. Now that this is no longer the case, it’s up to us to get creative about how we find – and sometimes build – the communities we are a part of. Renowned author, humorist, and climate activist Andrew Boyd joins the podcast this week to explore how community, ritual, and a willingness to hold both grief and hope can help us navigate change, loss, and activism in powerful, life-affirming ways. Episode 6 of Connection from Here is about finding belonging through chosen family, rituals, and activism!
Andrew Boyd is an author, humorist, and climate activist. He is currently CEO - the “Chief Existential Officer” - of the Climate Clock, a global campaign he co-founded that melds art, science, technology, and grassroots organizing to get the world to #ActInTime. He also co-created the grief-storytelling ritual the Climate Ribbon, co-founded the progressive netroots powerhouse Other98%, and led the 2000s-era satirical campaign “Billionaires for Bush, which has recently evolved into “Trillionaires for Trump”. Andrew's most recent book is I Want a Better Catastrophe: Navigating the Climate Crisis with Grief, Hope and Gallows Humor (New Society Press, 20203). His other books include Beautiful Trouble: A Toolbox for Revolution; Daily Afflictions and Life’s Little Deconstruction Book
Topics covered:
- Community is not always a given; oftentimes, we have to invent community for ourselves.
- Ways in which Andrew reinvigorates friendships and builds connection through rituals.
- Unpacking the concept of “chosen family” and how deep bonds and support can be formed outside of biological ties.
- The intersection of art, activism, and community through projects like The Climate Ribbon, which helps communities collectively process grief and commit to action.
Andrew’s story is a beautiful reminder that connection isn’t a given—it’s something we co-create with intention, ritual, and vulnerability.
Watch the episode on YouTube here!
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Learn more about HopeBase at https://www.gethopebase.com/
Other Ways to Connect with Andrew:
The Tragic Optimist (Substack)
We shall not be overwhelmed (Substack)
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