Claim OwnershipI Know Lonely Podcast by Only7Seconds®
Subscribed: 5Played: 21
Subscribe
© Only7Seconds®
Description
The I Know Lonely Project harnesses the power of stories, cultivates empathy & understanding, inspires meaningful connections, and helps people feel less lonely. The project is a set of stories produced by Only7Seconds, each episode you'll hear from different people sharing their life experiences. We believe stories have the power to remind us that we are not as alone as we may feel.
Learn more about Only7Seconds: www.only7seconds.com
Learn more about Only7Seconds: www.only7seconds.com
39 Episodes
Reverse
Here at Only7Seconds, we have sparked a conversation about loneliness and in this episode, we get to discuss broadening and shifting that conversation to one regarding social health.
One of our scientific advisory board members, Kasley Killam, who is a social health & connection expert along with the Social Health Labs Founder, came on the podcast to share about her new book “The Art and Science of Connection,” where she breaks down what it means to be proactively building and strengthening your social health.
For more information on Kasley and where to purchase her book, go to: www.kasleykillam.com
Meet Abbi Hamlin, our season 2 storyteller for the I Know Lonely Project this month. As a middle school athlete, Abbi struggled with a severe eating disorder. Through her journey, she shares about the power of friendships in her story and how connecting with the right therapist changed her healing journey.
Now, Abbi works as a sports nutritionist specifically with women and she gets to use her story to share hope and healing with others.
To watch Abbi’s video & and access resources: www.only7seconds.com/abbi
—
Learn more about the I Know Lonely Project here.
Connect with us on social media: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn
Music written & produced: Dash8
Meet Tyler Bjork, our season 2 storyteller for the I Know Lonely Project this month. Understanding the deep hurt that comes from bullying and feeling unseen, Tyler shares his story of loneliness. His story explains how where we feel seen, where we feel accepted and where we feel belonging are often the places we can be the most authentic. For him, that was spaces like theatre, choir, and performing arts and getting involved in Special Olympics. Connection thrives in spaces where we know we belong and Tyler’s story is an inspiring reminder to pursue places of belonging by showing up authentically.As a part of the I Know Lonely Project, here are a few of the ways you can engage with Tyler’s story:
▶️ Watch this short video
🎙️ Listen to his podcast episode (check the last episode!)💬 Access resources
—
www.only7seconds.com/tyler
Meet Tyler Bjork, our season 2 storyteller for the I Know Lonely Project this month. Understanding the deep hurt that comes from bullying and feeling unseen, Tyler shares his story of loneliness. His story explains how where we feel seen, where we feel accepted and where we feel belonging are often the places we can be the most authentic. For him, that was spaces like theatre, choir, and performing arts and getting involved in Special Olympics. Connection thrives in spaces where we know we belong and Tyler's story is an inspiring reminder to pursue places of belonging by showing up authentically.
To watch Tyler's video & and access resources: www.only7seconds.com/tyler
—
Learn more about the I Know Lonely Project here.
Connect with us on social media: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn
Music written & produced: Dash8
Meet Kevin Berthia, the first storyteller of 2024 for season 2 of the I Know Lonely Project. As a survivor of 22 suicide attempts, depression and a battle over mental health has always been a deep part of Kevin’s story. His journey hasn’t been an easy one, but Kevin lives life with hope. Kevin shared something really powerful in his podcast, he said “I think that we don't understand the void that we each fill in that world. There's something that you bring to the world that nobody else can bring. And as long as you're not bringing it, that void is not being filled.”
And as we kick off a new year, we hope his story reminds you how much YOU MATTER to the world. And that no matter how dark it gets, there’s always HOPE. Your story isn’t over yet.
To watch Kevin's video & and access resources: www.only7seconds.com/kevin
—
Learn more about the I Know Lonely Project here.
Connect with us on social media: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn
Music written & produced: Dash8
As Only7Seconds has heavily shifted our focus to youth, we wanted to bring on one of our partners to share a perspective on why youth belonging is critical to making change in the youth loneliness epidemic.
Our guest today is Erich Boltz from The Center For Educational Effectiveness (CEE). CEE develops and delivers quality surveys, data tools and services that catalyze community, district, school, and individual growth.
For more on this collaborative conversation, our team joined CEE on their podcast, you can listen to Eric Driessen & Luke Wall chat with the CEE team here.
Learn more about CEE and the work they do at www.effectiveness.org
—
Learn more about Only7Seconds
Connect with us on social media: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn
—
Music written & produced: Dash8
It's quite fitting the first story we share after our announcement about our focus shifting to youth & young adults over the next 3 years is a story from a teenager! Meet Apuroopa Kavikondala. As an ambitious high school student, Apuroopa is a 5x self-published author and mental health advocate. In her story, she shares about her experience with friendships and some of the lessons she's learned so far. One of the biggest lessons she's learned recently is how friendships change and evolve over time and how that's totally okay. She also shares how her strong family relationships have been a grounding force for her as she's explored her passions. Her joy, honesty, and passion are inspiring to us all. This is her story.
—
To watch Apuroopa's video, see the full show notes, and access resources: www.only7seconds.com/apuroopa
—
To learn more and support the I KNOW LONELY Project: click here.
Connect with us on social media: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn
Music written & produced: Dash8
Mike's story this month shared about the rich friendships he had and we wanted to bounce off of that topic by bringing on a friendship expert to talk about how we can build better friendships. In this bonus episode, Luke chats with speaker, author, and friendship coach, Kat Vellos about how we can have more meaningful friendships. Whether you are struggling to take the relationships you have to a deeper level or struggling to find friends in the first place, Kat shares some practical ways we can prioritize the friendships in our lives.
Notable links:
Kat's blogpost mentioned by Luke: How To Deal With A Friend Who Doesn't Text Back
The blogpost mentioned by Kat: What If Friendship Is Easier Than You Think?
—
Connect with Kat:
Website: www.weshouldgettogether.com
Instagram: @katvellos_author | Her book on Amazon: We Should Get Together: The Secret to Cultivating Better Friendships
—
Learn more about Only7Seconds
Connect with us on social media: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn
—
Music written & produced: Dash8
Each story we share holds a special place in our hearts because each of these humans are absolutely inspiring and incredible, but I think we all agree that this month's story is an extra special one. Meet Mike Elvasky. Mike is 100 years old and we had the honor of hearing his story and gaining some of the wealth of wisdom he has to share. Whether it was his time serving in World War II, his many years as a farmer and orchardist, or his career as a teacher and educator, Mike shares with us what he has learned to value the most— friendship and generosity.
As a part of the I Know Lonely Project, here are a few of the ways you can engage with Mike's story:
▶️ Watch this short video
🎙️ Mike doesn't have a podcast episode this month, however stay tuned for Friday's episode with our expert guest as we talk about friendship and some of the themes Mike shared in his video!
💬 Access the resources
—
You can access all of this on our website: www.only7seconds.com/mike
—
Learn more about the I Know Lonely Project here.
Connect with us on social media: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn
Music written & produced: Dash8
A near fatal car accident changed everything for 12 year old Kelly. After losing the use of her right arm, Kelly shares her story living with a physical disability. From being bullied in high school, to being told she’d never be able to reach her dream as a photographer with one arm, to losing mobility in both arms for extended parts of her life (not just once, but twice!)- her story will keep you on the edge of your seat, but over and over, you’ll see how she’s continued to push through the impossible. Want a spoiler for one of her secrets? It’s being surrounded by a strong and connected community of people.
To watch Kelly’s video & and access resources: www.only7seconds.com/kelly
—
Learn more about the I Know Lonely Project here.
Connect with us on social media: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn
Meet Kelly Lemon, a one-armed photographer and business woman and our second storyteller from SEASON 2 of the I Know Lonely Project. A near fatal car accident changed everything for 12 year old Kelly. After losing the use of her right arm, Kelly shares her story living with a physical disability. From being bullied in high school, to being told she’d never be able to reach her dream as a photographer with one arm, to losing mobility in both arms for extended parts of her life (not just once, but twice!)- her story will keep you on the edge of your seat, but over and over, you’ll see how she’s continued to push through the impossible. Want a spoiler for one of her secrets? It’s being surrounded by a strong and connected community of people.
One of the reasons we share stories like this is to build empathy and allow us to be better, kinder, and more compassionate humans. In her podcast episode, Kelly shares some helpful tools for us to have conversations around physical disabilities and how we can support those who live differently than us.
To watch Kelly’s video & and access resources: www.only7seconds.com/kelly
—
Learn more about the I Know Lonely Project here.
Connect with us on social media: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn
Music written & produced: Dash8
Coming from a childhood of adversity, Chris shares how he began striving for success by pursuing money, position, and relationships. But it was only when he gained understanding for the value of his story and the impact of healthy connections that he felt he was able to truly find success.
Chris mentions 5 Questions that were pivotal in helping him discover his story and we want you to be able to utilize those too! Download this FREE printable.
To watch Chris' video & and access resources: www.only7seconds.com/chris
—
Learn more about the I Know Lonely Project here.
Connect with us on social media: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn
Music written & produced: Dash8
Meet Chris Cruz, our first storyteller of SEASON 2 of the I Know Lonely Project. If you have followed along with Only7Seconds over the past year, we release a story every month of the school year in video & podcast form.
Coming from a childhood of adversity, Chris shares how he began striving for success by pursuing money, position, and relationships. But it was only when he gained understanding for the value of his story and the impact of healthy connections that he felt he was able to truly find success.
Chris mentions 5 Questions that were pivotal in helping him discover his story and we want you to be able to utilize those too! Download this FREE printable.
To watch Chris' video & and access resources: www.only7seconds.com/chris
—
Learn more about the I Know Lonely Project here.
Connect with us on social media: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn
Music written & produced: Dash8
Have you heard that loneliness is as dangerous as smoking 15 cigarettes a day? Not only has Dr. Julianne Holt-Lunstad been a pioneer in the research around loneliness and the importance of social health, but she is the academic researcher who led that study. More recently, she has served as the lead scientist on the historical advisory on social connection and loneliness released by the U.S Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy.
We are honored to have her join us for a special episode in honor of Loneliness Awareness Week. In this conversation, Dr. Holt-Lunstad shares more about the impact and dangers of loneliness on our physical health and life expectancy, defines the difference between loneliness and isolation, why our social health is so vital, and some easy action steps we can take to pursue better connections and ultimately, better health.
Stay connected with us on social media for #lonelinessawarenessweek and learn more about loneliness, why it matters, and how you can help be a part of the solution. Connect with us on social media: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn
—
Connect with Dr. Julianne Holt-Lunstad and learn more about her work: www.julianneholtlunstad.com
Learn more about Only7Seconds
—
Music written & produced: Dash8
It's our last episode of season 1! We thought it would be fitting to wrap up our first podcast season and our anniversary month with a bonus episode with our founder, Kristin Wall. In this episode, Kristin shares what inspired the initial vision of Only7Seconds, why she knew loneliness and isolation conversation was so necessary, and her perspective of the growth of Only7Seconds over the past 4 years. She also shares some of her own life experience with loneliness and encourages listeners to start with simple and intentional acts of connection, because you may never know how even the smallest interactions have meaningful impact.
—
Connect with Kristin: @kristin_wall
Learn more about Only7Seconds
Connect with us on social media: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn
—
Music written & produced: Dash8
Meet Lyndsey Sprinkle, this is her story. When 15 year old Lyndsey experienced a near-fatal car accident, she was forced to start over, back to the basics of learning to walk and talk again. Due to the extent of her injuries, she began to get into hardcore pain management and before she knew it, addiction took over. After years in the cycle of addiction and drug dealing, she reached a point of desperation. While she's walked through a difficult path to recovery, Lyndsey has found hope on the other side of addiction. She wants to use her story and experiences to remind others that they are not alone and that it's okay to ask for help.
—
To watch Izzy's video, see the full show notes, and access resources: www.only7seconds.com/lyndsey
—
To learn more and support the I KNOW LONELY Project: click here.
Connect with us on social media: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn
Music written & produced: Dash8
During this bonus episode, Luke sat down for a conversation with Abraham Sculley. Abraham is the founder and CEO of Speaks 2 Inspire, an educational consultant, mental health advocate, best-selling author, podcaster, and storyteller. His personal struggles with depression in college inspired him to use his platform to spread mental health awareness. In this episode, Abraham shares a bit of his lived experience with depression and how a friend taking only 7 seconds to reach out and start a conversation led him to getting the help he needed. He also shares about the importance of defining the difference between mental health and mental illness, why it's important to talk about suicide, what questions we should ask, and how we can support others who might be struggling.
—
Connect with Abraham:
Instagram: @speaks2inspire | Podcast: Unlearn the Lies
Website: www.speaks2inspire.com
—
Learn more about Only7Seconds
Connect with us on social media: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn
—
Music written & produced: Dash8
Meet Izzy Boring, this is her story. Between the incarceration of her father, her mom's journey raising 5 kids while battling cancer, Izzy was no stranger to suffering growing up. In freshman year, Izzy met her boyfriend Cade. As they started dating, they began to plan a life together- the dream was to go to the same college, play basketball together, and eventually get married. But all those plans suddenly shattered when Izzy lost Cade to suicide during their senior year of high school. Although Izzy's story is one she would have never chosen for herself, she knew she wanted to use her story and her voice to bring hope to other people by reminding them that they aren't alone and life is worth sticking around for.
In this podcast, Izzy shares more of her story. She shares her grief journey, some of the bullying she experienced growing up, her own struggle with mental health, what she's learned about social media, and what life living life day by day looks like for her now.
—
To watch Izzy's video, see the full show notes, and access resources: www.only7seconds.com/izzy
—
To learn more and support the I KNOW LONELY Project: click here.
Connect with us on social media: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn
Music written & produced: Dash8
This month, we were honored to have David Siegel as our bonus podcast guest. David Siegel is the CEO of Meetup, the largest platform for finding and building local community. He has over 20 years of experience as a technology and digital media executive leading organizations through innovative product development, rapid revenue growth, and digital traffic acceleration. He is an adjunct professor at Columbia University where he teaches strategic planning and entrepreneurship. He hosts the podcast Keep Connected which is dedicated to the power of community. David’s book, Decide & Conquer, lays out the framework for decision-making that leaders can use to ensure organizational and personal success.
This has quickly become one of our favorite conversations so far because David, not only deeply understands the deep need for connection, but he has practical tips that you can start implementing today to intentionally grow your connections with others.
—
Get connected throught Meetup
Connect with us on social media: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn
For more information about loneliness & the work we do here at Only7Seconds: www.only7seconds.com
—
Music written & produced: Dash8
Meet Ethan Wall. If you've been around the Only7Seconds world in the past few years, chances are you've probably heard a bit of Ethan's story. But in this episode, Ethan shares about the experience that led to inspire his mom, Kristin Wall to start Only7Seconds. He reflects on what he's learned about friendships, the importance of asking for help, and navigating differences in friendships.
He gets vulnerable by talking about the transitioning from high school in a small rural town to college in a suburb of Seattle and how that revealed some insecurities he was carrying. Lastly, he shares some of the values he's learned to live from that have grown his connection with others. He says: "When you are enthusiastic, like a joy-giver and life-bringer to a situation- it rubs off on people and you can see the result. That then creates a lot of deep bonds because then people love being around you and you love being around them."
Ethan is currently working as a graduate assistant as he pursues his master's degree at Northwest University.
—
To watch Ethan's short video, see the full show notes, and access resources: www.only7seconds.com/ethan
—
To learn more and support the I KNOW LONELY Project: click here.
Connect with us on social media: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn
Music written & produced: Dash8
We're back with another bonus episode, this time Luke sat down to chat with Alisa Keeton. Alisa Keeton is an author, speaker, and the founder and CEO of Revelation Wellness. As a fitness professional for nearly 30 years, Alisa carries a deep passion for bringing fresh meaning to the world of health and fitness.
Last fall, the community of RevWell rallied together to support Only7Seconds and our mission to end loneliness by donating 20% of their proceeds from their wellness challenge, Project Stress Relief. Together they raised nearly $14,000 towards our work to end loneliness. Today, Alisa is sharing part of her own story with loneliness. She shares how her faith and the power of community became a safe space, not only for her own story, but to invite others to find a place of belonging as well.
—
Connect with Alisa
Learn More about Revelation Wellness
Connect with us on social media: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn
For more information about loneliness & the work we do here at Only7Seconds: www.only7seconds.com
—
Music written & produced: Dash8
Meet Mariah Paz, our 6th storyteller for the I KNOW LONELY Project. Mariah shares her journey over the last 2 years since we originally sat down to hear her story. The video shares a lot of her early story, so we highly recommend taking a few minutes to watch that. You can find her video here: www.only7seconds.com/mariah. In this conversation, we pick up after that time and Mariah caught us up on what the past few years have been for her. Although there has been a lot of challenges, she's learned that healing takes time. But her heart to help other people and make a positive impact really shines through. We hope you love hearing from her!
—
To learn more and support the I KNOW LONELY Project: click here.
Connect with us on social media: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn
Music written & produced: Dash8
Join Luke as he chats with college football analyst for FOX & radio host, Brock Huard. As a starting quarterback for the University of Washington and later being drafted to the NFL and playing for both the Seattle Seahawks and the Indianapolis Colts, Brock shares a bit of his origin story and how sports are a base for connection. He also shares how he got connected to Only7Seconds and the , the power of influence, and so much more!
—
Connect with Brock: @brockhuard
Hear more from Brock on his podcast: Brock Huard's Above & Beyond: The Intersection of Faith and Sports
Connect with us on social media: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn
For more information about loneliness & the work we do here at Only7Seconds: www.only7seconds.com
—
Music written & produced: Dash8
Kicking off our first podcast of the 2023 with a solo episode from our host, Luke Wall. In this short episode, Luke takes some time to reflect on the highlights of 2022, some of the moments and stories that have been most impactful for him personally, and a little peak into some of our goals for 2023.
—
Connect with us on social media: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn
For more information about loneliness & the work we do here at Only7Seconds: www.only7seconds.com
—
Music written & produced: Dash8
It's "the most wonderful time of the year", but not for everyone.
Joining us for the final bonus podcast of 2022, our guest Kaylee Kron works as a community outreach liaison for Eating Recovery Center and Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center. With her 10 years in social work and grief counseling, we wanted to have a conversation about the loneliness of grief, especially during the holiday season. Kaylee has practical advice for how we can help support those who are grieving and how we can get curious about our own emotions and grief. Luke and Kaylee also share a little about parenting kids that are equipped with the emotional skills and language they need for future experiences with grief.
—
Connect with us on social media: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn
Connect with Kaylee: @the.exhausted.millennial
For more information about loneliness & the work we do here at Only7Seconds: www.only7seconds.com
For additional resources from Pathlight Eating Disorders and Mood & Anxiety Center, visit their website: www.pathlightbh.com
—
Music written & produced: Dash8
Meet Mac Potts, one half of our two-part story this month. Born totally blind, Mac discovered his love for music as a young child. While music quickly became a big part of his life, he shares that he often felt like a kid who struggled to find a place of belonging. But when he discovered he could just be authentically himself, he also discovered music could be used as a tool for connection. That connection with music is how he met Hailey, his now wife.
Hailey's early story also starts with music. As an extremely shy child who struggled with a lot of social anxiety, she found her voice through music. Music became her dream and although she almost gave up on it at one point, she has learned to be authentic with her story as well. Together with a sense of humor and their three little girls, Mac & Hailey are living out their dream as a full time recording artist and piano teacher.
—
To watch Mac & Hailey's video, see the full show notes, and access resources: www.only7seconds.com/the-potts
—
To learn more and support the I KNOW LONELY Project: click here.
Connect with us on social media: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn
Music written & produced: Dash8
This month's story from the I Know Lonely Project is a special one- meet Mac & Hailey Potts, our double feature storytellers.
Mac and Hailey share a video, but individually share their story in more depth on the podcast. Born totally blind, Mac discovered his love for music as a young child. While music quickly became a big part of his life, he shares that he often felt like a kid who struggled to find a place of belonging. But when he discovered he could just be authentically himself, he also discovered music could be used as a tool for connection. That connection with music is how he met Hailey, his now wife.
Hailey's early story also starts with music. As an extremely shy child who struggled with a lot of social anxiety, she found her voice through music. Music became her dream and although she almost gave up on it at one point, she has learned to be authentic with her story as well. Together with a sense of humor and their three little girls, Mac & Hailey share their journey.
—
To watch Mac & Hailey's video, see the full show notes, and access resources: www.only7seconds.com/the-potts
Stay tuned for Mac's side of this two-part story, releasing Tuesday December 6th.
—
To learn more and support the I KNOW LONELY Project: click here.
Connect with us on social media: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn
Music written & produced: Dash8
During this bonus episode, we were honored to chat with Ben Higgins. Ben is best known from season 20 of The Bachelor, but also co-founded Generous International, a for-purpose company dedicated to contributing profits to social issues around the world. In this episode, Ben shares his lived experience with loneliness and what inspired him to write his story in his book, Alone in Plain Sight. He discovered sharing his experience of loneliness and difficulty have become a place for connection. And that being honest about our pain might be what connects us the most to the people around us.
Connect with Ben:
Ben's Instagram: @higgins.ben
Ben's Podcast: Hope Still Wins
Ben's Book: Alone In Plain Sight
—
Learn more about Only7Seconds
Connect with us on social media: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn
—
Music written & produced: Dash8
Two months ago, we shared the first story of the I Know Lonely Project from Kealani Yamamoto. Today’s episode is a special bonus in collaboration with the Pathlight Behavioral Health and the Mental Note Podcast, where you’ll hear a bit of a continuance of Kea’s story. Together Ellie Pike (host of the Mental Note Podcast) and Kea cover how she mended relationships, what dating with a Bipolar diagnosis was like, and why she decided to become a mother despite the hereditary nature of her disorder.
As a teenager, Kea Yamamoto’s behaviors transformed from being respectful, creative, and empathetic to ones that alienated the people she cared most about. Not only did she lash out, but she also stopped sleeping, began hallucinating, and felt immune to consequences. Kea’s eventual diagnosis of Bipolar I Disorder proved to be both a relief and a frightening look into the unknown. Would she be able to enjoy the relationships and experiences that make life worthwhile? Or would she move deeper into isolation and pain?
To find Kea’s full story & the first podcast episode: www.only7seconds.com/kea
Additional Resources:
Mental Note Podcast: www.mentalnotepodcast.com
Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center Website: www.pathlightbh.com
Free Group Support: www.pathlightbh.com/support-groups
Free Evaluation with a Trained Pathlight Therapist: (877) 850-7199
Meet Vik Chopra, our third storyteller for the I KNOW LONELY Project. Vik shares his journey with addiction that led to the loneliest and darkest place of his life. He recounts how his story begins as a straight-A student in high school to experiencing a successful career in his early twenties and then eventually becoming someone he couldn’t recognize in the mirror. Being trapped in a cycle of opioid and meth addition eventually led to crime as a way of survival. When Vik was arrested and charged with 26 felonies, he decided this was a chance to change how his story ends.
Vik did change his story. What could have ended in tragedy is now a story of hope, connection, and triumph. Today, Vik is a filmmaker and co-founder of a passion project where he works to shift the collective consciousness from intolerance to redemption by humanizing the unincarcerated.
To watch Vik’s short video and access the full shownotes and resources: https://only7seconds.com/vik/
—
To learn more and support the I KNOW LONELY Project: click here.
Connect with us on social media: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn
—
Music written & produced: Dash8
In this special bonus episode, Luke sits down with Denise Waters, our school & youth program manager, to have a conversation about the Connection Curriculum. The Connection Curriculum is our school and youth program that is now available to be implemented in schools and youth programs all around the world.
During this conversation, Denise and Luke share how the Connection Curriculum grew from an idea to a pilot program with over 3,000 participating students and staff, to what it is today.
The Connection Curriculum is now available to purchase for individual classrooms, multiple classrooms, or school wide. Learn more & place your order: www.only7seconds.com/connection-curriculum
Meet Mario Gonzalez, as he shares his story as a part of the I KNOW LONELY Project. If you have followed along with Only7Seconds over the past 2 years, Mario is probably a familiar face. From SHARE Day videos, to film production, photography, and content creation, to having an internship with us this summer, he has been an integral part of creating Only7Seconds what it is today.
Growing up as a latchkey kid, Mario shares how loneliness led him into getting involved in substance, alcohol use, and negative decisions as young as 6th grade. When his mom suffered a severe stroke and suddenly passed away, 13 year old Mario made a promise to change.
As a first generation high school graduate from an immigrant family and now a senior in college, Mario reflects on the decisions- and more importantly, the people- that shaped him into who he is today. Mario also gets vulnerable by sharing about a dark time during his sophomore year of college and how a friend taking 7 seconds to reach out is why he is alive today. "I’m a living example of what this message can do”, he says. Mario is a communications major at Whitworth University, a photojournalist, and an artist and creative who is passionate about storytelling.
—
To watch Mario's video, see the full show notes, and access resources: www.only7seconds.com/mario
—
To learn more and support the I KNOW LONELY Project: click here.
Connect with us on social media: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn
Music written & produced: Dash8
For our first bonus episode, we are honored to have Colleen Hilton, a licensed marriage and family therapist with nearly 20 years of experience here with us. She has a passion to impact the world through mental health and creating thriving, scalable solutions.
Colleen shares about the intersection of mental health and loneliness, how to help better equip teens for success as a parent, and the impact loneliness has in relationships and marriages. She provides relevant, practical tools that can be applied in your life.
—
For more information about Colleen's work at Thrivelution, click here.
To support the work of Only7Seconds and the I KNOW LONELY Project: click here.
To hear Kea's story and view resources on bipolar: www.only7seconds.com/kea
Connect with us on social media: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn
—
Music written & produced: Dash8
Meet Kealani Yamamoto, the first storyteller for the I KNOW LONELY Project. Kea shares about her experience with bipolar disorder and rebuilding relationships with people she cares about. She also talks about the pressure of being the “tough one” one and that it is okay to be fragile. Kea has a passion for de-stigmatizing mental health. She was a superstar athlete and runner in high school and college. She is now a remarkable artist and designer.
To watch Kea's video and access the full shownotes and resources: www.only7seconds.com/kea
—
To learn more and support the I KNOW LONELY Project: click here.
Connect with us on social media: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn
—
Although this episode wasn’t centered around what’s happening currently in Kea’s life, she wanted to add a quick note. “I want to thank my husband, Cai. He takes little credit, but he makes me a better person and loves me unconditionally. On August 5th, 2022, we welcomed our son, Boulder Cal Yamamoto, into the world. We are excited to be on this wild adventure with him! I hope you enjoy hearing my story and I’m so grateful for Only7Seconds. —Kealani (Kea)"
Music written & produced: Dash8
In preparation for Global Loneliness Awareness Week (GLAW), June 10-June 16, 2024, we decided to bring on guest, colleague, and friend Jillian Kornmeier, who is the executive director for The Coalition to End Social Isolation and Loneliness (CESIL) in addition to the Foundation for Social Connection (F4SC).
In this episode, Jillian discusses ways in which we can promote socially healthy communities, the influence of technology and the role it plays in the loneliness epidemic, as well as why conversations around social connection matter.
For more information on what Jillian and her team are doing and attend the virtual GLAW event: click here
*The following story contains content around suicide & mental health struggles that may be sensitive to some viewers.
Meet Lorie, the final storyteller of season 2 for the I Know Lonely Project. Whewwww, we know all of these have been incredible, but this last one is one you don’t want to miss.
When her story took a different direction than she expected, Lorie found herself alone at the darkest point in her life. A friend reaching out with a simple message during a moment of crisis ended up changing the trajectory for her. She also shares about the loneliness in being “the strong friend” and how she’s discovered the safety of relationships with people who do care. Her hope is that her story will give others hope that there is light even when you can’t see it.
To watch Lorie's video & and access resources: www.only7seconds.com/lorie
—
Learn more about the I Know Lonely Project here.
Connect with us on social media: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn
Music written & produced: Dash8
Meet Kevin Berthia, the first storyteller of 2024 for season 2 of the I Know Lonely Project. As a survivor of 22 suicide attempts, depression and a battle over mental health has always been a deep part of Kevin’s story. His journey hasn’t been an easy one, but Kevin lives life with hope. Kevin shared something really powerful in his podcast, he said “I think that we don’t understand the void that we each fill in that world. There’s something that you bring to the world that nobody else can bring. And as long as you’re not bringing it, that void is not being filled.”And as we kick off a new year, we hope his story reminds you how much YOU MATTER to the world. And that no matter how dark it gets, there’s always HOPE. Your story isn’t over yet.As a part of the I Know Lonely Project, here are a few of the ways you can engage with Kevin’s story:▶️ Watch this short video🎙️ Listen to his podcast episode for a candid and more in-depth conversation (available on all streaming platforms)💬 Access the resources—You can access all of this for free on our website: www.only7seconds.com/kevin
Welcome to the first episode of the I Know Lonely Podcast, a project produced by Only7Seconds. This episode is a short introduction to the storytelling project, an overview on the loneliness epidemic, and how you can build resilience for the times you might experience loneliness.
For information about Only7Seconds, the I Know Lonely Project, and how you can join the movement: www.only7seconds.com
For more information on loneliness: click here.
Connect with us on social media: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn
Music written & produced: Dash8
The I Know Lonely Project harnesses the power of stories, cultivates empathy & understanding, inspires meaningful connections, and helps people feel less lonely. The project is a set of stories produced by Only7Seconds, each month you'll hear from different people sharing their life experiences. We believe stories have the power to remind us that we are not as alone as we may feel.
For more information about the project and Only7Seconds, visit: www.only7seconds.com
#Iknowlonely
Comments
Top Podcasts
The Best New Mark Levin Podcast Right Now - March 2025The Best New VINCE Podcast Right Now - March 2025The Best New Joe Rogan Experience Podcast Right Now - March 2025The Best New Sports Podcast Right Now - March 2025The Best New Business Podcast Right Now - March 2025The Best New News Podcast Right Now - March 2025The Best New Comedy Podcast Right Now - March 2025The Best New True Crime Podcast Right Now - March 2025
Download from Google Play
Download from App Store
United States