Episode 3

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Published on:

28th Jun 2025

Finding Community in Surprising Places!

Building connection and community can feel like an overwhelming undertaking sometimes. But maybe not if it is done one smile, one conversation, one helping hand at a time.

Welcome to the hello community podcast with Catherine Jura.

In this deeply touching episode, we sit down with Jim Macris, who has found a lifetime of connection in everyday human interaction.

In this episode:

·       Learn how Jim’s definition of community is radical in its simplicity: everyone, everywhere, is part of it. Even people he may never see again.

 ·       His faith and Christian spirituality fuel his desire to listen, serve, and connect.     Service is not an obligation but an opportunity to build connection and community

·       His acts of kindness range from helping strangers at the grocery store to starting a conversation with the often overlooked in our society

·       He proves that age  isn’t a barrier to meaningfully contributing to the world Whether you're struggling with isolation or wondering how to find purpose in your day-to-day life,

Jim’s wisdom will remind you that reaching out—however small—can create profound connection. Tune in for a soul-filling story that proves community can be found in the most surprising places.

If you found this episode helpful, please share it with others so together we can build a world of connection.

Till next time,

Catherine

PS If you’d like to get the most up to date episodes, please subscribe to this platform.

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What We Discuss:

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:11 The Epidemic of Loneliness

01:31 Meet Jim Macris

02:39 Jim's Philosophy on Community

03:55 The Impact of COVID-19

12:22 Volunteering and Helping Others

20:14 Jim's Reflections on Life and Community

30:18 Closing Thoughts and Resources

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Jim’s biography:

Born in 1940 Jim’s career includes motion picture theatre management, FM radio announcer, sales rep. and general manager of a local Muzak office, Lutheran Liturgical and Preaching Deacon.

Jim is proud of his granddaughter who is a family counselor in Boulder Colorado.

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You can find Jim on Facebook

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About the Podcast

hello community®
Creating Connection and Community
Do you wish you had more connection and community in your life? Do you wonder how to move from feeling isolated and lonely to having a sense of belonging? Welcome to hello community®, a safe space where guests share their heartfelt, relatable stories of how they create the life of connection, community, and belonging they so desire. I am Catherine Jura, your host for this podcast, and I am so glad you found us!

It is my utmost hope that you feel a connection to my guests. Therefore I intentionally choose guests of varying age, sex, ethnic and cultural background as well as ability and health status. Equally important is that guests are willing to share their stories of creating connection, in a vulnerable and meaningful way. So every other week you will hear real life stories with actionable ideas that you can try out in your personal life, home, workplace, campus life, community, and beyond.

I am a Community Health Educator and my life’s work has been to support others to be healthier in every way. In 2023, the US Surgeon General reported that Americans are experiencing an epidemic of isolation and loneliness. If you are experiencing a sense of not belonging, it doesn’t make you different—but it might feel that way. I understand because I have felt these feelings too.

Please join us and learn how to create the life of connection, community, and belonging that you so desire.

I am happy you are here!
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