Finding Hope Episodes

Friction Maxing: Why Frustration Might Be Exactly What We Need
March 8, 2026

Friction Maxing: Why Frustration Might Be Exactly What We Need

Frustration is something most of us try to avoid.But what if frustration is actually one of the most important tools we have for growth, creativity, and meaningful relationships?In this episode of Our Friendly World, Fawn and Matt explore the surprising role frustration plays in shaping our…
The Quiet Cost of Needing to Belong
Feb. 1, 2026

The Quiet Cost of Needing to Belong

The Quiet Cost of Needing to Belong explores what happens when the human need for belonging quietly replaces self-trust. In this episode, Fawn and Matt examine how fear, loneliness, shame, and uncertainty can drive people toward mass movements, rigid identities, and even unhealthy friendships—offer…
Why You Feel Lonely Even When You’re Doing Everything Right: Friendship, Class, and the Rise of Micro-Community
Jan. 25, 2026

Why You Feel Lonely Even When You’re Doing Everything Right: Friendship, Class, and the Rise of Micro-Community

Why does friendship feel so hard—even when you’re kind, self-aware, and doing your best?In this episode, we explore how loneliness is no longer a personal failure, but a structural outcome of modern life. From the collapse of local community and the flattening of class visibility, to hustle cul…
The Measuring Cup: Honesty, Self-Worth, and the Measure of Friendship
Jan. 4, 2026

The Measuring Cup: Honesty, Self-Worth, and the Measure of Friendship

The Measuring Cup: Honesty, Self-Worth, and the Measure of Friendship What does a measuring cup have to do with dating, friendship, and self-worth?In this episode of Our Friendly World with Fawn and Matt, we revisit the infamous 1990s dating book The Rules — not to praise or dismiss it, but to …
“The Invisible Beauty: Quiet Support and Unseen Effort in Friendship”
Nov. 9, 2025

“The Invisible Beauty: Quiet Support and Unseen Effort in Friendship”

In this episode, we explore the quiet beauty of things that work so seamlessly we hardly notice them at all. Whether in technology, weddings, artistry, or the friendships that sustain our lives, the best support often goes unseen.Fawn and Matt reflect on how a "good user interface" can be a met…
“Be Interesting, Be Interested: The Art of Real Connection”
Nov. 2, 2025

“Be Interesting, Be Interested: The Art of Real Connection”

In this episode of Our Friendly World with Fawn and Matt, the conversation revisits one of their favorite topics — “Be interested, not interesting” — and takes it a step further. What happens when curiosity crosses the line into gossip? How do we find that sweet spot between being genuinely curious…
Collective Mind & Community: Navigating Fear, Connection, and Public Spaces
Oct. 26, 2025

Collective Mind & Community: Navigating Fear, Connection, and Public Spaces

What influences the way we think — as a society, as neighbors, as humans?This week, Fawn and Matt go deep into collective consciousness and the emotional shifts happening in our communities today. From joyful moments like hearing a musician transform a parking lot into an oasis of connection… to …
“Kindness in the Chaos: Finding Light When the World Feels Heavy”
Aug. 3, 2025

“Kindness in the Chaos: Finding Light When the World Feels Heavy”

In this raw and heart-opening episode of Our Friendly World , Fawn and Matt revisit the theme of kindness —not as a fluffy or performative gesture, but as a deeply rooted life force that shows up when we need it most. Amid pe...
“Go With Loving Intention: How Setting Emotional Energy Changes Everything”
July 6, 2025

“Go With Loving Intention: How Setting Emotional Energy Changes Everything”

In this episode of Our Friendly World with Fawn and Matt, Fawn shares a powerful technique she learned from a casting director that transforms not just auditions, but everyday life—setting intentions with loving energy. Whether you're preparing for a Zoom meeting, a job interview, or simply heading…
The Spiritual Purchase Order: Letting Go and Trusting the Universe
May 11, 2025

The Spiritual Purchase Order: Letting Go and Trusting the Universe

Podcast Title: The Spiritual Purchase Order: Letting Go and Trusting the Universe ✍️ Episode Description: In this short and soulful episode of Our Friendly World with Fawn and Matt , we explore the concept of a purchase order...
Reclaiming Power: From Road Trips to Fart Rays
May 4, 2025

Reclaiming Power: From Road Trips to Fart Rays

In this episode of Our Friendly World with Fawn and Matt, Fawn opens up about a quiet moment on a road trip that sparked a deep realization — are we always trying to get something from life, or can we instead offer something to the world around us? This thought leads to a bigger discussion about wh…
“Revisiting Friendship: Core Values, Disappointments, and Growth”
April 20, 2025

“Revisiting Friendship: Core Values, Disappointments, and Growth”

This week, we explore the evolving nature of friendship—especially during times of uncertainty and change. Fawn opens up about feeling emotionally stuck and questioning the effort it takes to maintain friendships, while Matt reflects on the foundational values that sustain meaningful relationships.…
"What Is Cool, Really?"
April 13, 2025

"What Is Cool, Really?"

"What Is Cool, Really?"In this candid and fiery episode of Our Friendly World, Fawn and Matt deconstruct the elusive concept of “cool” — from childhood memories of Snoopy’s Joe Cool to painful moments of judgment in adulthood. Fawn opens up about a recent voiceover experience that triggered old wou…
Through the Lens: How We See Ourselves and Each Other
April 6, 2025

Through the Lens: How We See Ourselves and Each Other

Through the Lens: How We See Ourselves and Each OtherWhy do we cringe at the sound of our own voice or shy away from being photographed? In this episode, Fawn and Matt explore the emotional and psychological layers behind self-perception and how we interpret one another. From the science of heari…
"How to Walk Away: Exploring the Loud Quitting Phenomenon"
Jan. 20, 2025

"How to Walk Away: Exploring the Loud Quitting Phenomenon"

In this week’s episode of Our Friendly World with Fawn and Matt, we explore the intriguing concept of "loud quitting" and how it applies to friendships. Inspired by a viral story of a marching band resignation, Fawn and Matt reflect on the impact of how we choose to leave relationships—whether prof…
The War on Art and Friendship
Oct. 14, 2024

The War on Art and Friendship

This week's episode offers a vulnerable look at how self-doubt can creep in, even during moments of triumph, and the importance of recognizing, naming, and overcoming these inner barriers. Fawn offers her recent personal experience and the duo illustrate how these lessons extend beyond career into …
"Kintsugi and Friendship: How to Heal After Heartbreak and Strengthen Bonds"
Sept. 9, 2024

"Kintsugi and Friendship: How to Heal After Heartbreak and Strengthen Bonds"

"In this episode, Fawn and Matt discuss the universal experience of heartbreak and how to rebuild after emotional setbacks. Drawing inspiration from the Japanese art of kintsugi, they explore how the cracks left by heartbreak can be filled with new strength, much like how broken ceramics are mended…
"When Boundaries Break: Navigating Friendship Challenges and Personal Growth"
Aug. 19, 2024

"When Boundaries Break: Navigating Friendship Challenges and Personal Growth"

"When Boundaries Break: Navigating Friendship Challenges and Personal Growth"In this episode of Our Friendly World, we dive deep into the complex world of boundaries and how they impact our friendships and self-worth. Fawn shares personal stories of navigating difficult situations, where her b…
The World's Fair
July 1, 2024

The World's Fair

This week's episode dives deep into the concept of hope and community through the lens of historical and modern perspectives on World's Fairs. Join Matt and Fawn as they explore the legacy of World's Fairs, from their origins showcasing futuristic visions to today's societal challenges and the role…
Understanding Pain in Friendship
April 8, 2024

Understanding Pain in Friendship

In this week's episode, Fawn and Matt delve into the intricacies of friendship amidst pain. Fawn opens up about her recent struggles, highlighting how pain, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, can deeply influence our interactions with others. Drawing parallels between pain and behavior, the…
"Finding Happiness and Deepening Friendships: Embracing Rituals for Everyday Joy"
April 1, 2024

"Finding Happiness and Deepening Friendships: Embracing Rituals for Everyday Joy"

In this week's episode of "Perfect Days," Fawn and Matt dive into the importance of rituals and routines in finding happiness and deepening friendships. Inspired by a Japanese film titled "Perfect Days," the hosts explore how the protagonist's daily routines bring him peace and fulfillment, despite…
The Art of Joy
Feb. 12, 2024

The Art of Joy

This week's episode delves into the importance of joy in life, especially during challenging times, exploring the significance of creating art or engaging in creative activities every day to maintain balance and counteracting negative thoughts. The episode emphasizes the transformative power of joy…
The Art of Joy – How to Marry Joy with Hard Times
Oct. 30, 2023

The Art of Joy – How to Marry Joy with Hard Times

Like friends that are totally different from one another, coexisting through their different personalities and creating a healthy relationship with different perspectives, so too can joy and grief be friends in the same way.This week we ask how we marry joy with hard times, what happiness versus jo…
We Are a Murmur
Oct. 22, 2023

We Are a Murmur

A murmur is when hundreds or thousands of starlings flock together and create swooping swirling patterns in the sky. We've all seen it, you know, like all of a sudden, you look up because you hear something in the sky. You see just so many of them flying and they're in unison. They're in perfect ha…