Episodes

  • How Improv, Coaching & Connection Shape Us | Ep. 5 COH | Valerie Hope

    How Improv, Coaching & Connection Shape Us | Ep. 5 COH | Valerie Hope
    Sep 2 2025
    Welcome to The Circle of Hope Podcast! I’m Valerie Hope, and in this episode, I sit down with the creative dynamo Jeanne Lambin—facilitator, coach, storyteller, and connector. Together, we explore the art (and the heart) of building real community, showing up for each other without judgment, and crafting spaces where creativity, kindness, and meaningful connection can thrive.We talk about everything from tackling inner criticism, to “The Something” (a unique community writing group!), to what it means to truly repair relationships and nurture your inner and outer circle. Whether your “circle” is one trusted friend or a roomful of collaborators, this episode will inspire you to approach connection with more intention, gentleness, and maybe even a little improv.Watch This If:You’re over surface-level small talk, and crave spaces where you can truly show upYou want practical tips for facilitating genuine group experiencesYou’re battling inner judgment and need new models for self-kindness and supportYou dream of leading creative circles, workshops, or storytelling groupsYou want to UPLEVEL your “circle of hope” for more satisfying, reciprocal relationshipsKey Moments:00:00 – Jeanne and Valerie’s origin story & why names matter! 02:30 – Building safe, creative spaces: What is “The Something?” 04:54 – Bypassing inner judgment: How groups normalize our challenges 09:46 – Coaching that’s kind vs. coaching that’s firm—finding the balance 13:33 – Friendships, feedback, and learning to be a “collaborative challenger” 21:16 – What does it mean to “repair” a conversation or relationship? 29:30 – Presence over agenda: The power of pausing, improv, and reading the room 37:38 – Curating your circle: Who feeds your spirit vs. who drains you? 49:06 – What’s working and not working in connecting with others today 54:55 – Permission, time, and the challenge of asking for what you really need 59:25 – Understanding status — supporting each other without “lording” over 1:12:26 – Why the REAL work of connection always starts with self-awarenessQuotes to Remember:“One of the first rules of engagement is showing up.”“The idea is just to create a safe, supported space. There’s no sharing of the work. There’s no critique. It’s just: Write whatever you’re going to write.”“To meet your process without judgment, and be there for others to do the same.”“Listening trumps schedule or agenda.”“When you know what you need, you’re more apt to find the person who can fulfill that need.”“How do you want me to listen?”“If we can sit with our thoughts, you can’t change or transform what you don’t notice.”“Self-absorbed isn’t the same as self-aware. Circles of connection also exist inside ourselves.”What You’ll Learn:How to build creative, judgment-free spaces that foster real connection (and productivity!)Strategies to manage your inner critic—through facilitation, coaching, and peer supportThe art of balancing kindness and directness when guiding othersTechniques from improv and storytelling for better group engagementWhy pausing and adapting are the facilitator’s secret strengthsHow to nurture (and prune) your circle with reciprocity, honesty, and careFresh ways to ask for what you need and support others in your communityThe role of “status” in group dynamics—and how to build truly collaborative teamsContact Info:Guest: Jeanne LambinWebsite: https://www.thehumanimaginationproject.com/Website: http://jeannelambin.medium.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeannelambin/LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanne-m-lambin/Host: Valerie HopeWebsite:https://www.valeriehope.comInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/valeriehope/LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/valeriehope/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/ValerieVHopeYoutube:https://www.youtube.com/@ConnecttoJoyProduction Support: Lucy Hope - Podcast Editing, Copy, and Publishing.#CircleOfHope #MeaningfulConnections #Community
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    1 hr and 19 mins
  • What Happens When You Finally Choose Yourself? | Ep. 4 COH | Valerie Hope

    What Happens When You Finally Choose Yourself? | Ep. 4 COH | Valerie Hope
    Aug 19 2025
    In this episode of The Circle of Hope, I have the pleasure of sitting down with Michael Anderson, a dynamic leader whose journey is nothing short of inspiring. Our paths first crossed in a workshop at UT Dallas, where Michael, then a Deputy CTO, lingered after class to dive deeper into public speaking, coaching, and finding new purpose beyond the corporate grind. What began as a networking connection soon transformed into a supportive friendship rooted in curiosity and the desire for growth.Michael shares his story of overcoming adversity, from growing up in a tough environment with limited role models to finding new direction in the military and, ultimately, coaching others to greatness. He takes us through the emotional pivot that moved him (and his wife!) from executive life in Texas to entrepreneurship and expat living in Mexico—driven by a desire for meaningful relationships, work-life balance, and continuous learning. Along the way, we explore the challenges and joys of building a network from scratch in a new country, the deep fulfillment found in helping others unlock their potential, and the power of mindful intention in shaping our destinies. This episode is a testament to courage, connection, and the transformative impact of conscious choices.Watch This If:You’re navigating a major life or career transitionYou want to learn how to build powerful relationships and inner circlesYou’re curious about taking the leap to live or work abroad as an expatYou value stories of resilience, healing, and overcoming adversityYou seek inspiration for starting or deepening your personal development or coaching journeyQuotes to Remember:“What you see every single day in your community is a very, very small slice of what real life is actually like. You have to move. You have to do something to get outside of your immediate community.” – Michael Anderson“When she shared that…that said to me that…I’m in control of my destiny. I get to select what I become, what my legacy is going to be. I’m in firm control of that.” – Michael Anderson“If we can just, for a little while, each morning, dedicate a space of time…to mindfulness, only ten to fifteen minutes a day…there is no limit to what an individual can do.” – Michael Anderson“The drive for growing, for moving beyond the circumstances of your childhood, for healing aspects of your life that were hindering your progress…there’s a pattern that needs to be interrupted.” – Valerie HopeWhat You’ll Learn:How resilience, intentionality, and mentorship can transform your life and career trajectoryThe role of coaching not just as a profession, but as a tool for healing and fast-tracking growthStrategies for building and nurturing authentic relationships and support circlesThe realities and rewards of starting over in a new country and cultureWays to maintain and expand your network—even across distances and bordersThe importance of mindfulness and awareness in breaking limiting cycles and creating new possibilitiesThe value of curiosity, follow-through, and continuous personal development as lifelong assetsStay ConnectedGuest: Michael AndersonWebsite: http://www.yourthoughtlife.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/yorthoughtlifeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/your-thought-life-consulting/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Your-Thought-Life/100092172354902/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@yourthoughtlifeSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5kOXdyyGPwQgEdoz6aFu1oHost: Valerie HopeWebsite:https://www.valeriehope.comInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/valeriehope/LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/valeriehope/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/ValerieVHopeYoutube:https://www.youtube.com/@ConnecttoJoyProduction Support: Lucy Hope - Podcast Editing, Copy, and Publishing.Hashtags:#PersonalDevelopment #CircleOfHope #Resilience #CoachingJourney #ExpatLife
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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Your Intuition Is Right—Here’s How to Listen to It. | Ep. 3 COH | Valerie Hope

    Your Intuition Is Right—Here’s How to Listen to It. | Ep. 3 COH | Valerie Hope
    Aug 5 2025
    Welcome to The Circle of Hope Podcast! I’m Valerie Hope, and in this inspirational LIVE episode, I sit down with intuitive coach and master connector, Shoshanna French. We share real stories of accidental meetings (are they ever truly accidental?), the epidemic of loneliness, and actionable ways to find, nurture, and deepen your circle of influence. Explore why reciprocity, boundaries, energetic resonance, and intuition are at the heart of lasting, impactful relationships.An earlier conversation with her inspired me to start the podcast you’re listening to now. Don’t miss the stories and wisdom that could transform how you connect, network, and thrive!Watch This If:You’re tired of surface level networking and want MEANINGFUL connectionYou want actionable strategies to grow and nurture your inner circleYou’re curious about how intuition can guide your relationshipsYou want to build impactful personal, business, or spiritual communitiesYou need real examples of setting boundaries, curating reciprocity, and sparking engagementKey Moments:00:00 - How Valerie & Shoshanna met (and there are NO random meetings!)04:50 - The unexpected spark: Why this podcast was born08:44 - Are we out of practice with civility? The loneliness epidemic15:03 - Evaluating relationships: Who’s always generating? The reciprocity experiment27:26 - Game nights, spirituality & finding your community in adulthood37:38 - Connection tips: How to ask the right follow-up question (even at speed dating!)50:44 - Lessons from a year of "Dinner With Millionaires"1:05:16 - Leveraging intuition to decide where you belong1:10:52 - Why giving SPACE can be transformative1:15:14 - Takeaways and next steps for YOUR Circle of HopeQuotes to Remember:“I don’t believe in random.”“If you’re listening, the world is filled with potential connections.”“There is an epidemic of loneliness. People have gotten so out of practice with civility and respectful relationships.”“We have relationships for what we get out of them—even if sometimes, it’s just the satisfaction of knowing someone knows they are loved.”“Time, energy, and resources are finite. With whom and why do I want to share mine?”“Connection is about presence and the energy exchange—reciprocity is not keeping score but tracking mutual investment.”“My intuition responds to the questions I ask.”“Be more interested than interesting.”What You’ll Learn:Concrete ways to build or re-energize your circle of influenceHow to evaluate and nurture reciprocal relationshipsSecrets and mindset shifts learned from real millionairesUsing presence, patience, and intuition for deeper GET-TO-KNOW-YOU conversationsCreative rituals and community-building ideas (from game nights to manifestation circles)How to discern the right opportunities and the right people for youContact Info:Guest: Shoshanna FrenchWebsite: http://www.simplespirit.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/shoshannafrenchstokesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shoshannafrench/Host: Valerie HopeWebsite:https://www.valeriehope.comInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/valeriehope/LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/valeriehope/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/ValerieVHopeYoutube:https://www.youtube.com/@ConnecttoJoyProduction Support: Lucy Hope - Podcast Editing, Copy, and Publishing.#MeaningfulConnections#IntuitiveNetworking#CircleOfInfluence#RelationshipBuilding
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    1 hr and 19 mins
  • Why She Refused to Play Small—And You Should Too. | Ep. 2 COH | Valerie Hope

    Why She Refused to Play Small—And You Should Too. | Ep. 2 COH | Valerie Hope
    Jul 22 2025
    Welcome to Circle of Hope, my podcast where I explore how powerful human connections can ignite purpose, partnership, and community transformation. In this episode, I sit down with my dear friend Janet Morrison Lane, Executive Director of the Vickery Meadows Youth Development Foundation.We reflect on the moment we met, the spark that started it all, and how it’s evolved into years of collaboration, mentoring, and meaningful impact. Our story is rooted in volunteering, vulnerability, and deep friendship—and I’m so grateful to share it with you.Watch this if you’ve ever asked yourself:How do I build authentic relationships that last?Can volunteering really shape my career?What role does vulnerability play in friendship and leadership?How can I turn service into a source of growth and connection?What does it mean to show up consistently—for others and myself?Episode Highlights 0:00 – Welcome and meet Janet Morrison Lane 2:45 – How we met in 2018 (Thanks to Patty!) 8:15 – The first spark: volunteering with Eagle Scholars 14:00 – Creating “Raise Your Voice” and the power of public speaking 18:45 – From strangers to soul-level friends 24:20 – Circle of Influence: coaching, collaborating, and kindred spirits 32:00 – Friendship and growth through walks, talks, and coffee chats 42:00 – Volunteering as a lab for leadership 48:40 – Janet’s journey to Executive Director 58:00 – Listening as leadership 1:05:00 – “Sit down and get to know the guest.” 1:12:40 – Reflecting on the value of showing up 1:21:00 – Final words and enduring connectionQuotes to Remember “It always starts with connection.” – Valerie Hope “Sit down and get to know the guest.” – Janet Morrison Lane “You were my kindred spirit. I knew that.” “Volunteering became the way I got my first paid gig.” “We didn’t just work together. We grew together.”What You’ll Learn This isn’t just an episode—it’s a living lesson in servant leadership, friendship evolution, and community-building. Janet and I share how intentional outreach and meaningful service created a ripple effect that’s impacted hundreds of students. You’ll walk away with:Insights into long-term, intentional relationshipsHow persistence fuels friendshipStories from the Eagle Scholars programThe power of collaboration between nonprofits and volunteersWhy every act of service is a growth opportunityStay ConnectedGuest: Janet Morrison LaneInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/drjmo410/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janet-morrison-lane/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/drjmoYoutube:https://www.youtube.com/@janetmorrisonHost: Valerie HopeWebsite:https://www.valeriehope.comInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/valeriehope/LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/valeriehope/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/ValerieVHopeYoutube:https://www.youtube.com/@ConnecttoJoyBe Part of the Conversation What part of this episode moved you the most? Have you ever volunteered and felt transformed? Share your story in the comments. Know someone who needs to hear this? Forward the video and invite them into the Circle of Hope.#CircleOfHopePodcast #ValerieHope #JanetMorrisonLane #NonprofitLeadership #VolunteeringMatters #WomenInLeadership
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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • Reputation, Referrals & Real Talk | Ep. 1 COH | Valerie Hope

    Reputation, Referrals & Real Talk | Ep. 1 COH | Valerie Hope
    Jul 8 2025
    Welcome to Circle of Hope, the podcast where I explore the power of connection to spark transformation. In this episode, I have the joy of reconnecting with my longtime friend and colleague, Winn Fuqua, a former photographer turned handyman and aspiring speaker. Together, we dive into the meaningful (and often hilarious) ways that trust, referrals, and reputation shape both our personal and professional relationships. This conversation is a candid, deeply honest reflection on the evolution of connection—from a chance meeting at a speaker’s event to years of collaboration, creative projects, advice-sharing, and mutual support. Winn shares what it means to be “the guy” people call, the importance of being easy to talk to, and how relationships that start with service can grow into lifelong trust circles. Watch this if you're curious about:How to build a business (or life) on word-of-mouth and referralsThe role of service, friendliness, and responsiveness in earning trustHow to transition between careers while keeping your reputation strongWhy credibility, reliability, and low self-orientation are key to trustThe magic of staying top-of-mind without being transactionalWhat to do when you can’t help someone—but still want to add valueWhy some connections fade and others keep showing upHow to use LinkedIn (and your gut) to identify your real networkBuilding your “favorites list” of trusted referrals to uplift othersStay Connected:Guest: Winn FuquaWebsite: https://www.winnsrealhandy.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/winnsrealhandyFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/winnsahandymanOther Podcasts:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5I6q54CTzI0https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Z2268K3MU8Winn’s Favorite Companies (based in Dallas, Texas)Host: Valerie HopeWebsite: https://www.valeriehope.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/valeriehope/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valeriehope/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ValerieVHopeYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@ConnecttoJoyEpisode Highlights 0:00 – Welcome & meet Winn Fuqua 2:30 – How Valerie and Winn met (a speaker meeting meet-cute!) 6:45 – Creating Valerie’s first sizzle reel & building trust through service 14:10 – The evolution from videographer to handyman to speaker 22:45 – Why most people don't follow up—and what Winn learned the hard way 31:00 – Building your circle: who do you trust, and who would take your call? 38:00 – From casual client to trusted contact: how to stay in someone’s life 49:20 – Referrals as a currency of trust (and Winn’s “Favorites List”) 1:02:30 – How reputation is built in small ways (like calling people back) 1:14:00 – Giving advice vs. offering presence: the art of support 1:28:00 – Saying no, setting boundaries, and staying true to your values 1:35:30 – Why it’s okay to not be everything to everyoneWhat You’ll Learn: This episode is full of wisdom for entrepreneurs, professionals, and anyone working to cultivate a personal brand or build meaningful relationships. Valerie and Winn break down the “trust equation” and show how simple habits—like answering calls, being helpful, and knowing when to say no—are the foundation of a life well connected.You’ll walk away with insights on:Building your network by being generous and genuineBalancing service with boundariesHow to gracefully exit or decline a project while preserving trustWhy consistency and character matter more than expertiseHow to become the kind of person people want to referWhat it really means to grow a reputation—and why it’s worth protectingWhether you're building a business, reviving a career, or just looking to be a better friend or colleague, this episode will leave you with clarity, warmth, and a few laugh-out-loud moments.
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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • Introduction to the Circle of Hope Podcast

    Introduction to the Circle of Hope Podcast
    Jul 4 2025

    The "Circle of Hope” is a podcast hosted by Valerie Hope that explores how meaningful connections spark purpose, growth, and impact.

    Through real conversations with inspiring guests, each episode reveals how a single relationship can transform lives—and even spark a movement.


    Whether you’re looking to…

    • Grow your network with intention – beyond surface-level connections
    • Get practical strategies for building authentic, supportive relationships
    • Overcome the loneliness that comes with leadership or personal ambition
    • Find courage to ask for the guidance, support, or feedback you need
    • Feel inspired by real stories of vulnerability, hope, and triumph
    • Understand what it takes to cultivate joy in your circles and in yourself


    Subscribe to this podcast to stay connected and get exclusive content.
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    3 mins
  • How Our Growth Inspires Contribution | Ep. 78 NQS | Valerie Hope

    How Our Growth Inspires Contribution | Ep. 78 NQS | Valerie Hope
    Dec 7 2023

    Strangers: Felipe Ferreira & Valerie Hope

    From: Brazil/Germany & Panama/Texas, USA

    Connect With:

    · Felipe Ferreira

    · Valerie Hope

    Resources:

    · Gathering Behind the Scenes: Not Quite Strangers Spotify Playlist

    · Valerie Hope's TEDx Talk - How to Connect to Joy at Work

    Subscribe to my YouTube channel and access new and past episodes! To receive episodes and personal 'Connection Challenges' in your inbox, subscribe at www.NotQuiteStrangers.com.

    #NotQuiteStrangers #ConnectToJoy #Inspiration #Diversity #Inclusion #immigrant #entrepreneur #conversation #experiences #leadership #softlife #worklife #Balance #Career #Professional #Fun #Productivity #mindfulness

    Let's Connect:

    • Website
    • NQS Challenges
    • Instagram
    • Twitter
    • Facebook

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    1 hr and 8 mins
  • The Benefits Of Being An Outsider | Ep. 77 NQS | Valerie Hope

    The Benefits Of Being An Outsider | Ep. 77 NQS | Valerie Hope
    Dec 6 2023

    Stranger: Meet Nenuca Syquia

    From: Philippines/California, USA


    Connect With:

    Nenuca Syquia

    • LinkedIn

    • Website


    Resources:

    Valerie’s TEDx Talk: How to Connect to Joy at Work


    Subscribe to my YouTube channel and access new and past episodes! To receive episodes and personal 'Connection Challenges' in your inbox, subscribe at Not Quite Strangers.


    Let's Connect:

    • Website

    • NQS Challenges

    • Instagram

    • Twitter

    • Facebook


    #NotQuiteStrangers #ConnectToJoy #Inspiration #Diversity #Inclusion #immigrant #entrepreneur #conversation, #experiences, #leadership #Career, #Professional #Cooking
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    1 hr and 2 mins