Connection Club with Phil Santos Phil Santos

Inspired by Tibetan Buddhist teacher Chogyam Trugpa’s Book “Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism,” we brought together community leaders, from festival organizers to Sufi mystics and indigenous elders, in order to discuss the development of spirituality in Miami.

"On Spiritual Materialism" was hosted by Keysel Pelaez, along with panelists Giselle World, Kaheal Head, Ivan Lopez, Shamelle Gonzalez, and Ivan Waiki Poma.

A short audio essay from the heart by Adam Wilder of Togetherness. Social distancing does not mean isolation, so remember to get your dose of human connection during these crazy times. I challenge you to implement a new one this week.

Cole NeSmith is the founder of Orlando’s grand experimental art festival, Immerse (FKA Creative City Project.) The annual event brings the creativity of over 1,000 artists to the streets of downtown Orlando. We talk a lot about the inner workings of his festival, and he helps me understand his through-line from being a spiritual leader to starting a creative festival.

Yuan Chang is the co-founder and homeowner of the Peanut Butter Palace–a food forest slash cooperative living community smackdab in suburban Orlando, Florida. We talk about how to start and sustain a co-op, the art of community events, and how to build an organization that doesn't depend on one person.

Brent Henderson is the founder of Zupp – an app that rewards college kids for going out to local bars and restaurants. I'm usually skeptical of startup dudes trying to "connect people," but Brent really does care about bringing friends together IRL.

We get real philosophical about bar culture and the nature of going out for college kids. Bar owners have never had to compete against such powerful couch magnets as Netflix and the (mostly) empty calories of Instagram connection, but we talk about the bars that are innovating beyond drinks and a dance-floor. We also get into Brent's incredible social media playbook. This one bops.