Episode 8

full
Published on:

10th Dec 2025

Will you be my neighbor?

Will you be my neighbor?

This episode of the “hello community®” podcast is a bold invitation to rethink what a neighborhood is and how loneliness can open the door to connection--wherever you live. Join host Catherine Jura as she welcomes social worker and director of the Albany NNORC Kyra Alty, to discuss loneliness and some practical questions listeners can use to explore their own experiences. They also discuss how loneliness is a universal human experience like hunger or thirst.

In this episode:

- Learn why it is important to understand the three types of loneliness: interpersonal, societal, and existential


- Come to understand why naming our loneliness is the first step toward healing


- Explore why we can’t get out of loneliness alone—and why that’s okay

- Learn how to intentionally build community in traditional and non-traditional neighborhoods (renting apartments on the same floor; family and friends living in the same cul-de-sac; NNORC)


- Discover how Albany, NY turned a neighborhood into a vibrant hub of connection for seniors: NNORC: Albany Neighborhood Naturally Occurring Retirement Community


From naming our experience of loneliness to taking the first brave step—perhaps knocking on a neighbor’s door—this episode empowers listeners to become community builders wherever they live.


Note from Catherine:


I am glad you are here! I hope you found some tips and inspiration to help you move towards the connection and community you desire!


If you found this episode helpful please share it with others, so together, we can build a world where everyone has the connection and community they need and want!


If you would like to be updated on new episodes please subscribe.


Last but not least, reviews are really important for getting the word out about “hello community®”! We sure would appreciate your thoughts: thank you!


Till next time!

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Chapters/Timestamp


Introduction to Social Isolation - 00:00:00

Understanding NORCs - 00:03:00

Types of Loneliness - 00:09:00

Normalizing Loneliness - 00:15:00

Creating Community in Neighborhoods - 00:21:00

Resources and Support - 00:27:00

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Kyra’s Biography:


Kyra is a geriatric social worker by trade, state licensed (LMSW), and has a background in care management.

To contact Kyra or NNORC please visit http://jfsneny.org (NNORC link under "programs" tab)

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Looking for more information?:


“hello community” link tree takes you in one click to our Facebook Page and all our episode platforms http://lnk.bio/hellocommunity


Project Unlonely: http://www.artandhealing.org/project-unlonely/

Show artwork for hello community®

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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