A short audio essay from the heart by Adam Wilder of Togetherness. Social distancing does not mean isolation, so remember to get your dose of human connection during these crazy times. I challenge you to implement a new one this week.

Making A Scene: Build Community IRL

10 Ways to Stay Connected During the Pandemic – Adam Wilder, Togetherness

Incredible rappers were emerging from Europe but weren't getting any love in their own countries. So Yared Abraham left his job at MTV and founded Virtual Love to create cell-phone free concerts, music industry events, and international tours with artists like Kelvyn Colt, Olah Bliss, and Sugaboy.

Berlin's Underground Hip-Hop Scene – Yared Abraham, Virtual Love Collective

Cole NeSmith is the founder of Orlando’s grand experimental art festival, Immerse (FKA Creative City Project.) The annual event brings the creativity of over 1,000 artists to the streets of downtown Orlando. We talk a lot about the inner workings of his festival, and he helps me understand his through-line from being a spiritual leader to starting a creative festival.

Finding Meaning Through Shared Experiences – Cole NeSmith of Immerse Festival

Yuan Chang is the co-founder and homeowner of the Peanut Butter Palace–a food forest slash cooperative living community smackdab in suburban Orlando, Florida. We talk about how to start and sustain a co-op, the art of community events, and how to build an organization that doesn't depend on one person.

A Permaculture Community House in the Suburbs - Yuan Chang of Peanut Butter Palace

Harry Foreman is a talented designer who throws innovative screenprinting parties. We talk about the low point that led him to graphic design, how to get great work from a designer, and the full print party playbook.

Print Parties and the Orlando Design Scene – Harry Foreman of Akyros

Brent Henderson is the founder of Zupp – an app that rewards college kids for going out to local bars and restaurants. I'm usually skeptical of startup dudes trying to "connect people," but Brent really does care about bringing friends together IRL. We get real philosophical about bar culture and the nature of going out for college kids. Bar owners have never had to compete against such powerful couch magnets as Netflix and the (mostly) empty calories of Instagram connection, but we talk about the bars that are innovating beyond drinks and a dance-floor. We also get into Brent's incredible social media playbook. This one bops. Learn more at our website: https://philsantos.net/

Designing experiences that facilitate connection – Brent Henderson from Zupp

A podcast about building community IRL. I interview founders of music events, conscious gatherings, and other counterculture movements, digging deep into the tools, tactics, and rituals that help their communities thrive.

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Making A Scene: Build Community IRL

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