Show notes
Can curiosity help me when I am feeling lonely?On this heartfelt episode of the hello community® podcast, host Catherine Jura talks with Ellen Cosgrove about her journey of moving from loneliness to connection by being both curious and brave. Ellen’s spellbinding, wise, and funny stories of building community will take you around the globe: Belfast, Ireland, Italy, NYC, and Albany NYIn this episode:· Discover how curiosity is a powerful remedy for fear, and supports connection· Learn how loneliness requires bravery, not perfection· Come to understand that connection requires that we be both courageous enough to ask questions and present enough to listen· Uncover new strategies that can encourage conversation· Learn how to use food to break barriers and spark meaningful connections through the Dinner in Dialogue initiativeThis episode isn’t just about conversation—it’s about transformation. It is a tender and powerful reminder that we don’t have to be perfect to belong—we just have to be brave. Ellen’s warmth and wisdom shine throughout as she encourages us to embrace curiosity, ask questions, and listen to others as a path towards connection and community.If you found this episode helpful, please share it with others so together we can build a world of connection.Till next time,CatherinePS If you’d like to get the most up to date bi-weekly episodes on creating connection and community, please subscribe to this podcast._______________________________________________________________Timestamps: Want to re-watch/re-listen to a favorite part–or don’t have time for the whole episode—the timestamp lays out the episode for you00:00 Introduction to the Podcast00:54 Meet Ellen Cosgrove02:21 Ellen's Personal Journey04:08 Professional Experience and Community Building08:21 The Importance of Listening12:17 Impact of COVID on Social Connections15:58 Personal Reflections on Loneliness18:45 Building Community and Overcoming Loneliness20:43 Embracing Curiosity in Social Situations21:19 The Influence of a Science Teacher Mom21:55 The Power of Curiosity Over Fear22:56 Using Food to Foster Connection25:38 Creating Safe and Brave Spaces28:33 Humanizing Everyday Interactions33:48 Practical Tips for Building Community37:24 Conclusion and Resources_______________________________________________________________Ellen’s biography:Ellen Cosgrove, MA Founder and CEO, Community In Context Ellen Cosgrove is a trauma-informed facilitator with over fifteen years’ experience in community-building and conflict resolution. Her diverse background spans peacebuilding, advertising, non-profit management, and eating delicious food.After working with PeacePlayers International on peacebuilding initiatives in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Ellen pursued her Master's in Coexistence and Conflict at Brandeis University. There, studying alongside international practitioners, she witnessed firsthand how shared meals created powerful spaces for authentic connection. This insight led Ellen to launch Dinner & Dialogue following her work with several non-profits. Her innovative bridging model leverages the transformative power of communal dining, storytelling, and active listening to cultivate social bonds, empathy, and community. Through themed conversations connecting food, life, and society, participants discover common ground.Ellen is dedicated to creating environments where people recognize each other's humanity and develop mutual trust. She believes these intentional interventions can help heal societal divisions while fostering greater understanding. Through her company, Community In Context, Ellen now facilitates impactful community-building programs for both non-profit organizations and corporate clients.Connect with Ellen:www.communityincontext.comwww.dinneranddialogue.org
