Why are we so lonely? We spend most of our time on social media, yet feel more isolated than ever. Recapping David Brooks’ book "How to Know a Person", today I report research and reflect on friendship, the importance of being truly seen, and steps on how to implement human connection. Because after all, it is one of the most essential parts of a meaningful life.

RESEARCH & READING:

1. David Brooks, How to Know a Person — The Times Literary Supplementhttps://www.the-tls.com/politics-society/social-cultural-studies/how-to-know-a-person-david-brooks-book-review-joe-moran
2. The American Journal of Medicine — Research on Social Connection, Health & Well-Beinghttps://www.amjmed.com/article/S0002-9343(24)00772-1/pdf
3. Stanford University — Good Social Relationships Are the Most Consistent Predictor of a Happy Lifehttps://ccare.stanford.edu/press_posts/good-social-relationships-are-the-most-consistent-predictor-of-a-happy-life/
4. The Happiness Equation — Arthur C. Brookshttps://www.forbes.com/sites/timmaurer/2023/04/23/the-happiness-equation/
5. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs — Belonging, Connection & Human Needshttps://nordiccopy.com/maslows-hierarchy-of-needs/

After a long hiatus (blame the microphone cords), Cageless is back! And a lot has changed. I am officially 30, newly engaged, and planning two weddings across two continents. In this honest episode, I share the story behind my surprise East Texas proposal, what intercultural love has taught me about myself, and why I'm finally giving my younger creative dreams a second wind.

This episode explores creativity without a timeline, the loneliness of creating in isolation, and why the most important moments in life are rarely the ones you planned for. Plus: Saint Teresa of Avila, the cultural gap between French and American communication, and why your twenties are your primer, not your prime. ;)

Cageless is a podcast about creativity, personal growth, and living life outside the box.

What if moving abroad, writing online, or starting over in your 20s isn’t running away? What if it is expanding? And perhaps where ever you run; there you are...

Valerie Estrina doesn’t just write about girlhood, comparison, self-worth, and identity—she names the things most of us are too scared to say out loud.

She is a writer and founder of club reticent—a global community based on Substack of observant, quietly powerful women who are redefining vulnerability, boundaries, and belonging on their own terms.

In this conversation, we dive into:

• Comparison hinders progress and enjoyment of experiences
• Growing a community online
• Valerie finding Substack as a safe space for her to share her work
• Re-navigating self-discovery in your 20s
• Language barriers enhancing observational skills
• So much more!

If you’ve ever daydreamed about moving abroad, becoming a writer, starting over in your late teens or twenties, or finally letting yourself take up space—this is the episode you’ll feel.

Click play.

Join club club reticent: https://clubreticent.substack.com/

Watch the full video on Substack: https://thejennijohnson.substack.com/