Kat Vellos

Kat Vellos, author and friendship expert who helps design spaces for connection, shares practical ways to turn acquaintances into real friends. She talks about spotting warmth and mutual curiosity. She urges asking to hang out soon with specific plans and choosing memorable activities over forgettable coffee. She also covers respecting people’s capacity, asking deeper questions, and why some friendships naturally drift.

In this engaging discussion, Kat Vellos, author of 'We Should Get Together', shares her expertise on nurturing friendships and building community. She dives into overcoming busyness to cultivate meaningful connections and emphasizes moving beyond small talk. Kat introduces her four "seeds of connection" framework, offering practical strategies for deepening relationships. The conversation highlights the vital role of friendships in well-being and provides actionable tips for creating a supportive network in both personal and professional spheres.

I’ve spent a lot of time talking to guests about our relationships at work. For example, we’ve discussed how to listen better, how to navigate conflict, and how to influence others, just to name a few. What I’ve spent less time talking about are the relationships that go beyond work. That’s why I invited Kat Vellos on the show this week to talk about her amazing book, We Should Get Together: The Secret to Cultivating Better Friendships.  Kat’s book is more than a callout to the power of friendship. It’s a roadmap for making new friends, and, equally valuable, it’s an owner’s manual for deepening existing friendships. It's an episode that really resonated with listeners. With the holidays approaching - and opportunities for more time with friends and family - I wanted to rebroadcast it for you. Enjoy! Episode Links How Many Hours Does It Take to Make a Friend by Jeffrey A. Hall Better Than Small Talk The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker Donald Horton and Richard Wohl and Para-Social Communication Loneliness and Social Connections Choke by Sian Beilock Non-Violent Communication: A Language of Life by Marshall Rosenberg Kat Vellos TED Talk Happy City by Charles Montgomery Having and Being Had by Eula Biss The Team Learn more about host, Gayle Allen, and producer, Rob Mancabelli, here. Support the Podcast If you like the show, please rate and review it on iTunes or wherever you subscribe, and tell a friend or family member about the show. Subscribe Click here and then scroll down to see a sample of sites where you can subscribe.

Why workplace friendships are important, tips for making friends at work, and how to deepen connections with better conversations.View the full recap at ideou.com/blog__________Get episode recaps and register for free live podcast events at ideou.com/podcast.Build your creative problem-solving skills with IDEO U's online courses in human-centered design, AI, leadership, and more at ideou.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kat Vellos, an author and connection coach, explores the complexities of adult friendships and the impact of urban design on social connections. She shares insights on building community, emphasizing how our environments can either foster or hinder relationships. Kat discusses innovative strategies to combat loneliness, such as reimagining public spaces for spontaneous interaction and promoting local engagement. Through personal anecdotes and local initiatives, she inspires listeners to cultivate meaningful connections and enrich their communities.