The Belonging Podcast by Elev8 Villages

Melissa Kaye
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Society & Culture

Real conversations with real people exploring where they’ve belonged, where they haven’t, and how those experiences shaped who they are becoming. Honest stories, gentle curiosity, and a belief that we all belong to each other. 

  1. 6d ago

    You Belong Anywhere: The Power of Curiosity & Human Connection

    Send us Fan Mail What if belonging begins with something as simple as returning to the same coffee shop until someone recognizes you? Wesley Warshawer spent five years as a digital nomad, living throughout the United States, Latin America, and Africa. Along the way, he discovered that unfamiliar places become personal through repeated presence, genuine curiosity, and the courage to begin conversations with people whose lives may look very different from our own. In this episode, Wesley joins Melissa Kaye to explore the invisible “bubbles” we each inhabit and what becomes possible when we step outside them. He shares humorous and humbling moments from South Korea, Togo, Kenya, and small-town America that challenged his assumptions and helped him see both his country and himself with fresh eyes. Wesley also offers a hopeful perspective on America’s presumed divisions. When we move beyond political labels and ask people to “paint a picture” of the future they desire, he believes we discover far more shared values than the loudest public narratives suggest. Together, Melissa and Wesley explore becoming recognizable, creating connection in unfamiliar places, approaching difference without judgment, and choosing to belong wherever we find ourselves. His closing invitation is timely and powerful: reject the culture of ridicule. When we stop using other people’s mistakes and differences to feel superior, we make room for humility, conversation, and belonging. Read Wesley’s travel reflections at https://wesleywarshawer.substack.com/ and learn more about Elev8 Villages at https://www.elev8villages.org/. The Belonging Podcast is generously underwritten by Deana Laughlin. This podcast exists because we believe belonging is not a luxury. It’s a human need. Every story shared here helps us imagine a world where no one has to walk alone.  If this conversation resonated with you, please follow, rate, or share the show with someone who might need it today. To learn more about the movement we’re building (or to get involved) visit Elev8Villages.org. Thank you for joining us for this episode of The Belonging Podcast by Elev8 Villages - where belonging becomes a place we build together.

    You Belong Anywhere: The Power of Curiosity & Human Connection

  2. Aug 7

    Belonging Anywhere | Identity, Family, Music & Finding Contentment with Jermaine Ee

    Send us Fan Mail What if being an outsider isn’t evidence that you don’t belong, but part of the path toward discovering who you are? Jermaine Ee attended 14 schools while growing up between cultures, continually learning how to enter unfamiliar places as “the new kid.” Music became one of his first safe places, while the unwavering love of his mother taught him that his worth was never dependent on achievement. In this deeply reflective conversation, Jermaine shares how his immigrant family shaped his understanding of sacrifice, success, identity, and home. He takes us from an American high school music room to USC, from helping immigrant families access financial aid to humanitarian work in Ukraine and ultimately to the creation of HeirLight, inspired by intimate conversations with his mother about mortality, money, and what we leave behind for the people we love. Along the way, Jermaine discovered the power of his own voice and began redefining the identity he once tried to escape: “Being an outsider is where I belong.” Together, Melissa and Jermaine explore what it means to live between cultures, how a parent’s love can anchor us through uncertainty, why clarity can be an expression of care, and whether home is something we find in a place or cultivate within ourselves. This is a conversation about legacy in its most human form: not simply what we leave behind, but how deeply we help others know that they are loved. The Belonging Podcast is presented by Elev8 Villages, a nonprofit creating holistic, resource-rich villages where young adults who have experienced foster care can find stability, opportunity, and—most importantly—belonging. This podcast exists because we believe belonging is not a luxury. It’s a human need. Every story shared here helps us imagine a world where no one has to walk alone.  If this conversation resonated with you, please follow, rate, or share the show with someone who might need it today. To learn more about the movement we’re building (or to get involved) visit Elev8Villages.org. Thank you for joining us for this episode of The Belonging Podcast by Elev8 Villages - where belonging becomes a place we build together.

    Belonging Anywhere | Identity, Family, Music & Finding Contentment with Jermaine Ee

  3. Jul 30

    The Journey Into Belonging

    Send us Fan Mail Twenty-five conversations. One extraordinary journey. When I began The Belonging Podcast, I thought I was collecting interviews. Instead, I found myself collecting pieces of a puzzle. Over the past six months, I sat down with psychologists, pastors, educators, entrepreneurs, foster care advocates, coaches, and changemakers from many different walks of life. Each arrived with their own story, their own language, and their own understanding of belonging. What surprised me most wasn't their differences. It was how often they finished one another's thoughts. Although none of these guests have ever met, their voices weave together into one continuous conversation about one of the deepest human longings we all share: To know that we matter. The Journey Into Belonging is not a "best of" episode. It is a documentary created entirely from the wisdom of the remarkable people who have joined us throughout this first season. As you listen, you may discover that this isn't simply their journey. It may become your own. Thank you for walking this road with us. And thank you for helping create a world where more people know what it feels like to belong. With gratitude, Melissa Kaye Founder, Elev8 Villages To support this work go to: https://givebutter.com/Z0LM5V To learn more about Elev8 Villages go to: https://www.elev8villages.org/ This podcast exists because we believe belonging is not a luxury. It’s a human need. Every story shared here helps us imagine a world where no one has to walk alone.  If this conversation resonated with you, please follow, rate, or share the show with someone who might need it today. To learn more about the movement we’re building (or to get involved) visit Elev8Villages.org. Thank you for joining us for this episode of The Belonging Podcast by Elev8 Villages - where belonging becomes a place we build together.

    The Journey Into Belonging

  4. Jul 25

    Running Toward Tomorrow

    Send us Fan Mail At sixteen years old, Majd Abdallah entered foster care with nothing more than a backpack and an uncertain future. What he discovered over the years wasn't just safety—it was family, purpose, and a profound sense of belonging. In this powerful episode of The Belonging Podcast, Melissa Kaye sits down with Majd Abdallah, founder of Foster the Bear, to explore his remarkable journey through foster care, healing, identity, and the relationships that transformed his life. Majd shares the unexpected moments that helped him discover who he was meant to become—from finding freedom in early morning runs to realizing, during his high school graduation party, that his foster parents had quietly become his forever family. Together, Melissa and Majd explore what it truly means to belong, why community is essential to healing, and how simple acts of compassion can change the trajectory of a young person's life. This conversation is a moving reminder that belonging is not about where you come from—it's about the people who choose to walk beside you. In this episode you'll discover: How belonging shapes identity and resilienceThe emotional journey of entering foster care as a teenagerWhy relationships matter more than programsHow sports, mentorship, and community create lasting transformationThe inspiring story behind Foster the Bear and its mission to support children and young adults experiencing foster careWhy every young person deserves to know they are worthy, valued, and never aloneWhether you're connected to foster care, work with young people, are a foster parent, or simply care about building stronger communities, this episode offers hope, wisdom, and a fresh perspective on what it means to truly belong. About our guest Majd Abdallah is the founder of Foster the Bear, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting children and young adults who have experienced foster care through comfort, connection, scholarships, and community awareness. Drawing from his own lived experience, Majd is helping ensure that no young person feels forgotten as they navigate life's most challenging transitions. If this conversation resonates with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who believes that every person deserves to belong. Learn More:  TedX Talk: https://youtu.be/atEFz5DwkiQ?si=DvLaMMRq12i5KF7C Foster The Bear: https://www.fosterthebear.org/ Learn More About Elev8 Villages: Website: https://www.elev8villages.org/ Download your FREE Belonging Kit: https://www.elev8villages.org/FREEkit 💭 If this episode inspires you, don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE! This podcast exists because we believe belonging is not a luxury. It’s a human need. Every story shared here helps us imagine a world where no one has to walk alone.  If this conversation resonated with you, please follow, rate, or share the show with someone who might need it today. To learn more about the movement we’re building (or to get involved) visit Elev8Villages.org. Thank you for joining us for this episode of The Belonging Podcast by Elev8 Villages - where belonging becomes a place we build together.

    Running Toward Tomorrow

  5. Jul 4

    The Truth About Belonging No One Talks About

    Send us Fan Mail The Belonging Podcast by Elev8 Villages | 025 | Pastor Shawn Have you ever felt like you didn't truly belong anywhere? In this inspiring episode of the Belonging Podcast, Melissa Kay sits down with Pastor Sean to explore identity, neurodiversity (ADHD), belonging, authentic living, faith, leadership, and the power of radical acceptance. Pastor Sean shares his personal journey of never quite fitting into traditional spaces—from church to business—and explains why creating communities built on love, safety, and acceptance is more important than ever. Together they discuss how belonging differs from simply fitting in, why diversity strengthens communities, how ADHD shaped Pastor Sean's life, and what it means to create environments where everyone feels seen and valued. In This Episode: - Belonging vs fitting in - ADHD and neurodiversity - Authentic leadership - Faith and inclusion - Love over division - Building safe communities - Diversity and acceptance - Foster care and belonging - Creating meaningful relationships - Community building If you've ever struggled to find your place, this conversation will encourage you to embrace who you are and help create spaces where others feel they belong too. Follow Pastor Shawn: TACA Church: https://taca.church/ TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@shawnriffraff Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taca.church/ Learn More About Elev8 Villages: Website: https://www.elev8villages.org/ Download your FREE Belonging Kit: https://www.elev8villages.org/FREEkit 💭 If this episode inspires you, don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE! #belonging #belongingpodcast #pastorsean #community #authenticity #adhd #neurodiversity #leadership #faith #acceptance #personalgrowth #mentalhealth #podcast #foryou This podcast exists because we believe belonging is not a luxury. It’s a human need. Every story shared here helps us imagine a world where no one has to walk alone.  If this conversation resonated with you, please follow, rate, or share the show with someone who might need it today. To learn more about the movement we’re building (or to get involved) visit Elev8Villages.org. Thank you for joining us for this episode of The Belonging Podcast by Elev8 Villages - where belonging becomes a place we build together.

    The Truth About Belonging No One Talks About

  6. Jun 26

    From People Pleasing to Belonging: Healing Codependency, Boundaries and Childhood Trauma

    Send us Fan Mail The Belonging Podcast by Elev8 Villages |Episode 024 | Kathleen White What happens when your need for love, acceptance, and belonging leads you to become a people pleaser? In this powerful episode of the Belonging Podcast, Melissa Kaye sits down with Coach Kathleen White to discuss codependency, toxic relationships, childhood trauma, boundaries, self-worth, and the journey toward healing. Kathleen shares her personal story of growing up in a dysfunctional home, navigating unhealthy relationships, and discovering how to break free from people-pleasing patterns. Together, they explore why so many people struggle to say no, seek validation from others, and lose themselves in relationships. You'll learn practical insights on setting healthy boundaries, building self-confidence, overcoming codependency, and creating genuine belonging in your life. Topics Covered: - Codependency and people pleasing - Childhood trauma and emotional healing - Healthy boundaries - Self-worth and self-respect - Toxic relationships - Foster care and belonging - Personal growth and recovery - Learning to say no - Emotional healing and resilience If you've ever struggled with self-worth, unhealthy relationships, or feeling like you don't belong, this conversation is for you. Connect with Kathleen White: Facebook Business page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573485023496  Instagram Business account: https://www.instagram.com/whtkthln  YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PhoenixRisingLLC-e7y Website: https://phoenixrisingllc.org/ This podcast exists because we believe belonging is not a luxury. It’s a human need. Every story shared here helps us imagine a world where no one has to walk alone.  If this conversation resonated with you, please follow, rate, or share the show with someone who might need it today. To learn more about the movement we’re building (or to get involved) visit Elev8Villages.org. Thank you for joining us for this episode of The Belonging Podcast by Elev8 Villages - where belonging becomes a place we build together.

    From People Pleasing to Belonging: Healing Codependency, Boundaries and Childhood Trauma

  7. Jun 19

    Building a Better World Through Joy, Belonging and Community

    Send us Fan Mail The Belonging Podcast by Elev8 Villages |Episode 023 | Kara Stonehouse  What if joy not fear, guilt, or outrage was the key to creating lasting change? In this inspiring episode of The Belonging Podcast, host Melissa Kaye sits down with Kara Stonehouse, founder of Love Organized, to explore how communities can create meaningful transformation through belonging, collective intelligence, spiritual connection, and joy. Kara shares lessons from eco-villages around the world, the importance of conflict resolution, conscious communication, and her ambitious five-step framework for building regenerative economies and thriving communities. Topics Covered: - Belonging and human connection - Joy as a catalyst for change - Eco-villages and sustainable communities - Conflict resolution and conscious communication - Collective intelligence and leadership - Love Organized framework - Regenerative economies - Spirituality and systems thinking Whether you're passionate about leadership, sustainability, personal growth, social innovation, or community building, this conversation offers a hopeful vision for the future. Connect with Kara on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/karastonehouse/ Love Organized:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/122863923 The Hague Center: https://www.linkedin.com/company/77635540/ Webpage: http://www.loveorganized.com, Kara’s TEDxtalk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ejjjeruh7hE Learn More About Elev8 Villages: Website: https://www.elev8villages.org/ Download your FREE Belonging Kit: https://www.elev8villages.org/FREEkit 💭 If this episode inspires you, don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE! #belongingpodcast #KaraStonehouse #communitybuilding #joy #leadership #podcast This podcast exists because we believe belonging is not a luxury. It’s a human need. Every story shared here helps us imagine a world where no one has to walk alone.  If this conversation resonated with you, please follow, rate, or share the show with someone who might need it today. To learn more about the movement we’re building (or to get involved) visit Elev8Villages.org. Thank you for joining us for this episode of The Belonging Podcast by Elev8 Villages - where belonging becomes a place we build together.

    Building a Better World Through Joy, Belonging and Community

  8. Jun 1

    A Neurosurgeon's Journey Back to Belonging

    Send us Fan Mail In this powerful conversation, host Melissa Kaye sits down with Dr. Li-Mei Lin, a world-class neurosurgeon who spent decades at the pinnacle of medicine before stepping away from the operating room to explore a deeper question: What does it truly mean to belong - to yourself? Dr. Lin shares her remarkable journey from elite achievement and high-performance success to a life centered around self-leadership, inner authority, authenticity, and personal transformation. Together they explore: - Why external success doesn't always create inner fulfillment - The difference between empathy and being empathic - How high achievers often lose connection with themselves - The neuroscience behind intuition and self-awareness - Why many people stay loyal to identities and systems that no longer serve them - The courage required to leave familiar paths and answer a new calling - How to develop self-trust and inner authority - The connection between belonging, purpose, and personal growth - What self-mastery really means - Practical ways to reconnect with your authentic self Whether you're an entrepreneur, leader, healthcare professional, creative, or someone navigating a major life transition, this conversation offers profound insights into creating a life that feels aligned from the inside out. Follow Dr. Li-Mei Lin Website: https://www.truewhealthness.com/mawy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlimeilin/, https://www.instagram.com/true_whealthness/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlimeilin/ Substack: https://morethanneurosurgeon.substack.com/ Learn More About Elev8 Villages: Website: https://www.elev8villages.org/ Download your FREE Belonging Kit: https://www.elev8villages.org/FREEkit Subscribe for more conversations about belonging, purpose, community, healing, and human connection. #belongingpodcast #selfleadership #personalgrowth #authenticity #DrLeeMayLin #selfmastery  #innerauthority #belonging #podcast #trending #foryou This podcast exists because we believe belonging is not a luxury. It’s a human need. Every story shared here helps us imagine a world where no one has to walk alone.  If this conversation resonated with you, please follow, rate, or share the show with someone who might need it today. To learn more about the movement we’re building (or to get involved) visit Elev8Villages.org. Thank you for joining us for this episode of The Belonging Podcast by Elev8 Villages - where belonging becomes a place we build together.

    A Neurosurgeon's Journey Back to Belonging
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Real conversations with real people exploring where they’ve belonged, where they haven’t, and how those experiences shaped who they are becoming. Honest stories, gentle curiosity, and a belief that we all belong to each other. 

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