In a world that often feels more divided than ever, true connection is becoming harder to come by. As I launch this new podcast, Seeking the Overlap, I find myself reflecting on why connection, both with ourselves and others, is not just important but essential. As someone who's built a career around helping people form relationships, I’ve learned that connection isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a lifeline.
This project feels deeply personal to me, not only because of where I am in life—celebrating my 40th birthday as I record this first episode—but also because of the world we’re living in. We’re more “connected” than ever through technology, yet so many of us feel isolated. That sense of disconnection, from ourselves and others, is exactly why I felt compelled to launch Seeking the Overlap. This isn’t just another podcast. It’s a call to action.
Do We Really Need Another Podcast?
If you’ve ever wondered whether the world really needs another podcast, trust me, I asked myself the same question. This is my third podcast, and let me tell you, podcasts take a lot of work! So why do it again? Because we are living through some of the most divisive times in human history. You don’t have to look far to see how disconnected people feel—from each other, yes, but more fundamentally from themselves.
This disconnection is what’s driving so much of the loneliness, fear, and even hatred we see around us. People aren’t connecting in meaningful ways, and it’s showing up in all areas of life, from personal relationships to global crises. So, yes, another podcast is necessary—especially one that can help us explore how to reconnect in a deeply meaningful way.
The Power of Self-Connection
You might wonder why I’m talking about self-connection so much. After all, why do we need to connect with ourselves when we’re already… us? But here’s the thing: without a solid relationship with ourselves, it’s almost impossible to form deep, authentic connections with others. This has been one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned as I’ve gotten older.
Turning 40 has made me more reflective. I’ve had to ask myself hard questions about my relationships. Do I feel close to the people in my life? Can I call on them when I need support? And perhaps the toughest question: do these friendships align with who I am now, or are they relics of who I was 10 or 20 years ago?
Self-connection is about continuous reflection. As we grow and evolve, our desires, goals, and even our friendships change. If we don’t check in with ourselves, we end up maintaining relationships that no longer serve us—or worse, we lose ourselves entirely in those relationships. Knowing who we are now, in this moment, is the key to maintaining connections that feel aligned and fulfilling.
Reflecting on Relationships: Quality Over Quantity
I've always been someone who thrives on relationships (I'm a "Professional Friend-Maker" after all) and I was the girl in high school who flitted between 10 different lunch tables, collecting friends from every social circle. But lately, I've been reflecting not just on the number of friends I had, but on the quality of those relationships.
We often think that the more connections we have, the better off we are. But quantity doesn't always equal depth—you can be surrounded by people and still feel deeply lonely. And that's why I felt the need to start this podcast—to have conversations that dig deeper, to help people (myself included) forge stronger bonds both with themselves and others.
In today's divisive times, feeling connected is more crucial than ever. Throughout this season, I talk about the significance of community, meaningful relationships, and how being deeply connected can transform our lives.
The 3Cs: Community, Connection, and Collaboration
At the heart of this podcast, and much of my work, are the 3Cs: Community, Connection, and Collaboration. I genuinely believe that these three elements are key to saving humanity. Building community, deepening our connections, and collaborating with others are not just nice things to do—they’re essential for our survival.
Connection, in particular, takes work. It requires intentionality, empathy, and vulnerability. And while those things may make us uncomfortable, the rewards are well worth it. Disconnection may be easy and even comfortable at times, but it’s also isolating and lonely. When we prioritize connection—real, meaningful connection—we create space for a more fulfilling and supportive life.
What to Expect This Season
Throughout this first season of Seeking the Overlap, I’ll be speaking with some incredible guests—people who have done the research on connection and have practical advice to share. From mental health experts who can help us connect with ourselves to community builders who know how to bring strangers together, these conversations are packed with insights.
We’ll dive into why connection feels so hard sometimes and explore real solutions for making it easier. Along the way, I’ll also be sharing my own experience of deepening my self-connection and relationships.
If you’ve ever felt disconnected, alone, or just overwhelmed by the idea of building deeper connections, this podcast is for you. Together, we’ll work on creating a more connected world—one conversation at a time.
Until next time, happy connecting!
Baily Hancock is a Connection Strategist, Keynote Speaker, and Host of the “Seeking the Overlap” Podcast who teaches people how to build, nurture, and leverage relationships to navigate challenges, thrive during transitions, and achieve greater success with the support of their community. Head to OverlapCollective.com to learn more, or comment below and say hello!
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