

More of That
Eric Dybvig and Meredith Baker
Stories from people who are bringing others together — from local run clubs to global experience brands like Sofar Sounds.We talk to hosts, organizers, and quiet catalysts who are building community and creating shared experiences, and explore what happens when people start doing more of what they love, with people they love.Instagram: @more.of.that // Website: www.moreofthat.life
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 20, 2023 • 1h 21min
Oliver Evans (The KINN): Creating a hub for community and innovation
Oliver Evans is the founder of The KINN, a co-working space, community space, and incubation space in the heart of Venice (also where we've hosted many More of That events).Oliver talks about his early entrepreneurial pursuits - from working in nightlife and events in NY, to pivoting his purpose, getting into endurance events, and eventually ending up in LA. We discuss The KINN's mission to create an environment in Venice that transcends the profit-centric models of co-working space through intentional space design and engaging programming that can spark collaboration and fuel entrepreneurial spirits.As an advocate for personal and professional growth, Oliver reveals his plans for expanding The KINN internationally, building transformative educational experiences and a robust partnership network. He also gives personal insights into mindfulness practices like meditation and exercise, which keep him grounded amidst his ambitious endeavors.If you're looking at how to connect the dots in your own journey to bring you into your full purpose, this episode is for you.You can find out more about Oliver and The KINN at:https://thekinn.co/https://www.instagram.com/thekinn.co/https://www.instagram.com/_oliverrayevans/

Dec 12, 2023 • 19min
Meditation Episode: Listen to this before your holiday socializing!
With the holiday season upon us, which can be both beautiful and triggering, we wanted to provide you with tools to navigate social activities, release social anxiety, and show up as your best self. Through a guided meditation and questions for reflection, you'll feel reset, empowered, and ready to own your energy in any social interaction. We hope you enjoy!

Dec 6, 2023 • 1h 24min
Leah Zaccaria (shefayoga): from corporate burnout to wellness leader
Leah Zaccaria is founder of shefayoga studio here in Venice (where we've hosted many More of That events!), Shefayoga studio and Hauteyoga in Seattle, and author of Seen: A memoir.Leah is an absolute force in the Venice wellness scene and shares her inspirational story of going from being a burnt out CPA to finding her true passion in yoga and wellness to how she persevered and thrived amidst the challenges in stepping into her new passion.If you're wanting to learn to trust your inner voice and take action on your dreams, this episode is for you! Leah's IG: https://www.instagram.com/leahzaccaria/shefayoga Venice IG: https://www.instagram.com/shefayogavenice/Book a class at shefayoga Venice: https://shefayogavenice.com/yoga-classes/

Nov 22, 2023 • 35min
Helping your different worlds collide (solo episode with Mer + Eric)
In this mini solo episode, we talk about their tactics within and beyond More of That (especially recounting Meredith's recent festival wedding in the desert) to help friends and family from different worlds feel comfortable enough to expand outside of their comfort zone.Expect interesting tales and tactical takeaways of how you can host unforgettable experiences that leave all your guests feeling connected and inspired.

Oct 18, 2023 • 1h 5min
Aaron Suarez: From Remote Year to More of That
Aaron Suarez is a powerful force in More of That, helping us create magic for all of our events and vision of the movement for the last year and a half. In this episode, we sit down with Aaron and hear about his journey into community building - from organizing crazy adventures around the globe working for Remote Year to how the love of music has given him his community roots here in LA. We touch on a number of topics including social anxiety, the importance of pushing through discomfort, and the challenges of making and sustaining friendships in the gay community. Aaron also shares his approach for creating memorable experiences through putting himself in the mindset of attendees. You can check out more about Aaron at:https://www.instagram.com/aaronsuarez/

Sep 27, 2023 • 1h 26min
Blake Rose and Brian Price (OLA Beach Tennis): Finding flow state and bringing beach tennis to the masses
Blake Rose and Brian Price of OLA Beach Tennis join us in this episode to talk about building community through flow state and how they brought beach tennis from Brazil to West LA. They started their brand OLA last summer and they have already introduced thousands of people to this fast-growing beach sport via their weekly Open Play nights, tournaments, and corporate events.In addition to highlighting the powerful momentum OLA Beach Tennis has created in West LA, we also reminisce with Blake and Brian on how they were some of the first attendees of our More of That experiences which inspired them and provided creative direction for them to build their own community. If you're wanting to maximize your flow state and learn how to share it with others, this episode is for you!You can learn more about OLA on their Instagram or websitehttps://www.instagram.com/olabeachtennis/https://olabeachtennis.com/

Sep 7, 2023 • 59min
Alper Nakri and Deniz Hotamisligil (Turkish Breakfast Club): creating connection through food experiences inspired by Turkish traditions
During this episode, we sit down with our good friends Alper Nakri and Deniz Hotamisligil, founders of the Turkish Breakfast Club. Turkish Breakfast Club started out as a fun gift both wanted to share on the playa at Burning Man, where they suprised many Burners with an elaborate Turkish breakfast spread at sunrise. This soon became a HUGE hit when Alper and Denis took this concept to LA, and they've now hosted many Turkish Breakfast Clubs where people can connect authentically over food and good conversation.In this episode, Deniz and Alper share the origin story of Turkish Breakfast Club, how their cultural traditions in Turkey inspired this wonderous experience, and how they design the experience to create great conversation and connection amongst guests.If you're interested in attending a Turkish Breakfast Club experience, check them out here:Website: https://turkishbreakfast.club/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/turkishbreakfastclub/

Aug 24, 2023 • 1h 23min
Mary Davis (Worthy of Love): hosting birthday parties for families experiencing homelessness
In this episode, we are joined by the eternally inspirational Mary "Mandie" Davis who started Worthy of Love a decade ago in 2013 to provide birthday parties for children experiencing homelessness. Since then, Worthy of Love has thrown monthly birthday parties for over 10,000 children experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles and Houston, TX.Mary talks about how Worthy of Love was born, how it's grown, and how the movement has caught on and snowballed since. This is truly a tear-jerker episode and for anyone who is wondering how to create meaningful impact from the heart, this episode is for YOU!If you want to get involved with Worthy of Love, you can check them out here:https://www.worthyoflovela.org/

May 17, 2023 • 1h 10min
Zach Poll: Mental Health is HOTT
In this episode, we sit down with our friend Zach Poll, who founded Mental Health is Hott, an apparel company that sparks positive conversations around mental health and whose proceeds provide therapy for those who can't afford it. We sit down with Zach to talk about how mental health and vulnerability can bring us closer to others while also improving our relationship to ourselves. Topics Covered:What is Mental Health is HottZach’s story having a family member commit suicideBuilding community around mental healthWays to connect with people authentically around mental healthThe future hopes for Mental health is hottFor more information or to order your own hoodie, visit mentalhealthishott.com And if you or someone you know needs therapy and can't afford it, you can text this Mental Health is Hott number for further help:(973) 791-9109Connect with Zach:https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacharybrandonpoll/https://www.instagram.com/zacharybpoll/

May 10, 2023 • 1h 21min
Julia Grace: Creating belonging through dance with The Wave Silent Disco
In this episode, we talk with a community builder who has led thousands through dance and other forms of expression to combat loneliness and foster connection, Julia Grace. Julia is founder of The Wave Silent Disco, a "movement" movement that has led thousands of people through silent disco musical journeys to connect more deeply with themselves and each other and Alma Cares, an organization that helps combat loneliness in the elderly population through music, movement, and art. Julia grew up using dance to foster her own belonging in the world and has now turned it into her life purpose to help others connect more meaningfully through this modality.If you're looking to super-charge your purpose doing what you love, look no further than this episode.For more information on Julia Grace, The Wave, and Alma Cares visit:https://www.instagram.com/juliagracelove/https://www.almamovement.org/abouthttps://thewavemovement.com/


