How do we truly build a sense of belonging? This week, we sit down with Joshua Cole, a mental health counselor specializing in working with neurodivergent individuals and helping kids and adults navigate anxiety, fear, and social connection. From exposure therapy to finding the right communities, Josh shares insights into how we can build stronger, more inclusive spaces where everyone feels seen and supported.
We also dive into:
✔️ Why avoidance makes anxiety worse—and how to take small steps forward
✔️ The power of identifying “protective factors” in your community
✔️ How Josh helps clients connect through shared interests like D&D, sports, and creative hobbies
✔️ Learning to be compassionate and supportive toward LGBTQ+ individuals
✔️ Why showing up matters—in mental health, parenting, and community-building
✔️ His Ukrainian family traditions, from pierogies to the Mariners
And of course, we wrap it up with some bad dad jokes—because Josh believes humor is a bridge to connection.
🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you stream!
