Whether you're continents apart or just living on different schedules, long-distance love can bring its own struggles and strengths to a relationship. In this episode, we share personal stories from our own seasons of separation, surviving on handwritten letters that took weeks to arrive. We explore the value of intentional communication, the risk of growing too used to separate rhythms, and the often-overlooked challenge of reintegration after time apart. Whether you're currently navigating distance or just want to strengthen connection from wherever you are, this conversation offers honest reflections and hopeful takeaways for every couple.

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The excerpt from “Long Distance” (1941) was produced by Audio Productions and AT&T Licensed under Creative Commons

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Produced by Zach Van Dyke

Where do you go to gather? This week we're diving into the idea of “third places”—those everyday gathering spots that create space for connection, conversation, and community.

We start by reflecting on where we used to hang out as kids (baseball fields or malls, anyone?), then explore the sociological roots of the term coined by Ray Oldenburg. Third places—like libraries, parks, and coffee shops—are neutral, welcoming, and unstructured, offering room to just be with others. They're not just nice-to-haves; they're vital for emotional health, belonging, and the social glue that holds communities together.

We share stories of some of our favorite third spaces—from stroller walks in the mall to thermal baths in Hungary—and ask why these spaces seem to be disappearing... and why we need them more than ever.

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"Third Places, True Citizen Spaces" in the UNESCO Courier, 22 March 2023

Finlay J, Esposito M, Kim MH, Gomez-Lopez I, Clarke P. Closure of 'third places'? Exploring potential consequences for collective health and wellbeing. Health Place. 2019 Nov;60:102225. doi: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2019.102225. Epub 2019 Oct 14. PMID: 31622919; PMCID: PMC6934089.

Sones M, Holden M, Kestens Y, King AC, Rennie M, Winters M. (Dis)connected by design? Using participatory citizen science to uncover environmental determinants of social connectedness for youth in under-resourced neighbourhoods. BMC Public Health. 2024 Nov 11;24(1):3104. doi: 10.1186/s12889-024-20597-4. PMID: 39529084; PMCID: PMC11552136.

In this episode, we explore why real, face-to-face conversation feels harder than ever — and why it still matters so much. We reflect on the dying art of meaningful dialogue, and share why David’s teenage prank phone calls might have actually helped him practice tools for conversation. Whether you’re looking to connect more deeply or just get past awkward small talk, this episode offers thoughtful insights and practical tips to help you engage with others in a more curious, connected, and balanced way.

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We'd love a conversation with you! Find us on Instagram at @withuprojects or email us at withupodcast@gmail.com.

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Produced by Zach Van Dyke