My Friend Ron

Kayla Markham

This podcast explores how we rebuild a genuine sense of community in a time when loneliness has become increasingly common, especially among younger generations. Through honest conversations, shared experiences, and reflections on modern life, it looks at why disconnection is so widespread and what it actually takes to feel more grounded, seen, and connected to the people around us. At its core, it’s about moving away from isolation and toward something more human, local, and real.

Episodes

  1. 6d ago

    Mental Fortitude vs Society (and a Little Bit of Marathon Running)

    How do we seize the day and achieve our goals even when the process is uncomfortable? In this episode, we explore the power of mental fortitude through the experiences of marathon runner and world traveller, Bonnie Burgess. Together, we unpack what resilience looks like in the face of both physical and mental challenges, how to keep moving when every part of you wants to quit, and the incredible places life can take you when you're willing to push beyond your perceived limits. But resilience isn't just about enduring hardship—it's also about having the courage to connect with others. Bonnie shares how travelling with an open mind, saying yes to new experiences, and embracing discomfort has led to genuine friendships and unforgettable encounters with people from all walks of life. In a time when loneliness is becoming increasingly common, we discuss how curiosity can replace judgment, and how stepping outside your comfort zone is often the first step towards finding community. Whether you're chasing an ambitious goal, navigating uncertainty, or looking to build deeper connections, this conversation is a reminder that growth—and belonging—often begin where comfort ends.

  2. Jul 15

    How to Talk to People (A Step-by-Step Guide)

    Talking to new people can feel awkward, intimidating, or downright impossible but it doesn't have to be. In this episode of My Friend Ron, we break down and analyse the art of conversation with the bright, bubbly and utterly articulate real estate agent Eleanor Currie. Whether you're trying to make new friends, expand your social circle, or simply feel more confident speaking to strangers, you'll learn how to start conversations naturally, keep them flowing, avoid common mistakes, and leave people wanting to talk to you again. If building stronger communities starts with stronger connections, this episode will give you the tools to take that first step, one conversation at a time.

  3. Jul 8

    The First Step to Changing the World - Learning to Be Brave

    Changing the world can feel impossible—until you realise it starts with one decision: choosing to be brave. In this episode of My Friend Ron, we explore how to find the courage to step out of your comfort zone and why its important in fostering community. From starting conversations with strangers to standing up for what matters, every meaningful change begins with someone willing to take the first step. If we want to start tackling the loneliness epidemic, we can't wait for someone else to do it. We have to be the ones who go first. Because changing the world doesn't begin with millions of people. It begins with one brave person, then another and then somewhere along the way we will find human connection. Presented with the ever animated and utterly captivating Leslie Matthew.

  4. Jul 3

    Be Selfish and Volunteer

    What if being a little selfish is exactly what the world needs? Volunteering is often framed as an act of pure selflessness. But what if we stopped pretending that helping others doesn't help us too? In this episode, we explore the surprising benefits of giving your time, from building connection and community to improving your mental health and creating a stronger sense of belonging. We challenge the idea that doing good has to come at your own expense and argue that volunteering might be one of the most rewarding things you can do for yourself. Presented with the gorgeous, gracious and utterly kind hearted Seline Mehmet.

  5. Jun 28

    A man named Ron changed my life...

    There are moments in your life that are rare and seemingly small, yet change your outlook entirely. This is what happened when I met Ron. Suddenly, I realised problems that needed to be talked about, things that we all seem to acknowledge but as a vast majority don't know how to address. It was like the blindfold had been taken off and I was looking at things to which I had previously cast a blind eye or simply accepted as a way of society. This is the moment in which the 'My Friend Ron' mission was born; to re-establish a sense of community and fight the loneliness epidemic. On this podcast I have some utterly brilliant guests lined up to talk on all aspects of our mission, spanning topics far and wide in initial apparent relevance through the lens of current society. Now more than ever it is important to be kind, brave and selfless - let's work on this together. Welcome to the My Friend Ron podcast.

  • 5 Episodes

About

This podcast explores how we rebuild a genuine sense of community in a time when loneliness has become increasingly common, especially among younger generations. Through honest conversations, shared experiences, and reflections on modern life, it looks at why disconnection is so widespread and what it actually takes to feel more grounded, seen, and connected to the people around us. At its core, it’s about moving away from isolation and toward something more human, local, and real.

Information

  • Creator
    Kayla Markham
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    5
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Kayla Markham
  • Show Website
    My Friend Ron