Connectedness

Fernanda Brasileiro

Connectedness is a podcast about the magic and mess of being human together. Hosted by Fernanda, founder of Filled Cups, this show dives into the real, vulnerable, and often bumpy journey of building meaningful relationships - platonically, romantically, and with yourself. Expect thoughtful solo episodes, heart-opening stories from real people, and practical tools to help you show up fully in your relationships and build a fulfilling life.

  1. 5D AGO

    Ep: 27 From Bloated to Balanced: Gut Health, Hormones & Feeling Like Yourself Again | Connectedness Podcast

    In this episode of Connectedness, Fernanda sits down with health coach Sylvie Brockman to explore the powerful connection between gut health, perimenopause, and menopause. And how supporting your body during this transition can help you feel more energized, balanced, and fulfilled.If you’ve been struggling with bloating, brain fog, low energy, mood swings, or hormonal changes, this conversation will help you understand what’s really happening inside your body—and what you can do about it.Sylvie shares her personal journey of healing her gut and reclaiming her energy, along with practical, approachable tips to help you support your own health. Together, we explore how gut health impacts hormones, mood, digestion, and overall well-being, and why this stage of life can actually be an opportunity for deeper connection with yourself.In this episode, we cover:* What gut health really means (and why it matters more than you think)* The link between **gut health and menopause symptoms*** How hormones affect digestion during perimenopause* The gut-brain connection and its impact on mood and mental clarity* Simple daily habits to improve gut health naturally* How to feel more energized, confident, and connected in your body* What health coaching looks like and how Sylvie supports women 40+Whether you’re entering perimenopause, in the middle of menopause, or simply want to feel better in your body, this episode will leave you feeling informed, empowered, and supported.Connect with Sylvie Brockman:Website: https://www.sylviebrockman.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/holisticsylvie/Her next event on May 7 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nourish-restore-a-wellness-event-for-women-tickets-1986920803610?📌 Don’t forget to:Like 👍Subscribe 🔔Share this episode with someone who might need it#GutHealth #Menopause #Perimenopause #HormoneHealth #WomensHealth #HolisticHealth #HealthyGut #WellnessPodcast #ConnectednessPodcast #SelfCare #HormoneBalance #PodcastForWomen

    36 min
  2. MAR 30

    Ep 26: The Friendship Audit: How to Map Your Social Circle & Stop Feeling Drained

    Are you pouring energy into friendships that leave you feeling drained, obligated, or quietly lonely — even when your life looks full from the outside? You're not alone. In this episode of the Connectedness Podcast, we're doing something most people have never done: mapping their entire social ecosystem with intention. Inspired by evolutionary psychologist Robin Dunbar's groundbreaking research on how humans actually organize their relationships, we explore the concept of friendship circles — and why understanding which ring your friends live in can completely change how you show up for them (and for yourself). In this episode we cover:✔ Robin Dunbar's circles of connection — and what they mean for your friendships today✔ Why the "best friend" label might be doing you more harm than good✔ The difference between a friendship that needs tending vs. one that has run its course✔ How to know if your energy is going to the right places✔ What reciprocity actually looks like in adult friendships✔ A simple exercise to map your own social ecosystem This is not about cutting people off. It's about getting clear — so you can invest your heart in the right places and finally stop feeling guilty about the rest. Referenced in this episode:📖 Friends — Robin Dunbar📖 Friendships Don't Just Happen! — Shasta Nelson 📖 Platonic — Dr. Marisa Franco🌐 We Should Get Together — Kat Vellos (weshouldgettogether.com)——————————————————————————————🌸 ABOUT FILLED CUPS & THE CONNECTEDNESS PODCASTFilled Cups is a community and connections brand based in Charlotte, NC, dedicated to helping people build meaningful friendships, find their people, and show up authentically in their relationships.The Connectedness Podcast drops bi-weekly and explores what it really means to grow, connect, and trust yourself — in friendship, community, and beyond. Hosted by Fernanda Brasileiro — people development consultant, community builder, and founder of Filled Cups.——————————————————————————————📲 CONNECT WITH USInstagram: @filledcupsTikTok: @filledcupsWebsite: [your website]——————————————————————————————⏱ TIMESTAMPS0:00 – Introduction0:50 – What the friendship audit actually is (hint: not a purge)2:00 – Robin Dunbar's circles of connection explained4:30 – Why your circles shift over time — and why that's okay6:30 – Where is your energy actually going?9:00 – Needs tending vs. run its course11:30 – How to use this going forward13:30 – Closing reflection & questions to sit with——————————————————————————————#friendship #adultfriendships #loneliness #personalgrowth #friendshipadvice #connections #selfawareness #filledcups #connectednesspodc #robindunbar #meaningfulrelationships

    13 min
  3. MAR 19

    Ep 25: How to Overcome Social Anxiety | Therapist Explains

    In this episode of Connectedness, we explore social anxiety—what it really is, where it comes from, and how to begin overcoming it. Joined by psychotherapist Danielle Frouws https://daniellefrouws.com/, we break down the difference between shyness and social anxiety, why so many people struggle with fear of judgment, and what’s actually happening in your mind and body during anxious social moments. Danielle also shares both professional insight and personal experience with social anxiety, offering practical tools you can start using right away—from grounding techniques and mindset shifts to exposure-based strategies that help you build confidence over time. If you’ve ever overthought a conversation, avoided social situations, or felt like social anxiety is just “who you are,” this episode will help you understand that change is possible—and give you a path forward. What social anxiety actually is (and how it’s different from shyness) Why fear of judgment feels so intense Common thought patterns and physical symptoms How avoidance makes anxiety worse over time Practical tools to manage anxiety in the moment How to gradually build confidence through exposure Why social anxiety doesn’t have to define you Whether your anxiety is mild or more intense, this conversation is designed to leave you feeling empowered, understood, and less alone. 🎧 Listen now and take the first step toward feeling more confident and connected. #SocialAnxiety #MentalHealth #SelfGrowth #AnxietyHelp #Therapy #Confidence #ConnectednessPodcast

    29 min
  4. FEB 8

    Ep 21-part 2: Friendship Coach Zayne helps us Unpack the Art of Making Friends

    Why is making friends as an adult so hard?In this episode of Connectedness, I’m joined by Zayne for an honest, thoughtful conversation about adult friendships, loneliness, and what it really takes to build meaningful connection later in life. We talk about why friendships often fade as responsibilities grow, the emotional barriers that keep people disconnected, and why so many adults quietly struggle with loneliness. Zayne shares personal insights on social anxiety, fear of rejection, and how past friendship experiences shape the way we show up today. Rather than offering quick fixes, this episode explores friendship as a skill—something we were never taught, but can learn with intention, self-awareness, and compassion. If you’ve ever felt awkward reaching out, unsure how to deepen friendships, or wondered if something is “wrong” with you for feeling lonely, this conversation is for you. In this episode, we discuss: Why adult friendships feel harder than they used to Loneliness, shame, and the unspoken struggle to admit disconnection Emotional blocks like fear, awkwardness, and past friendship wounds What healthy, realistic adult friendships actually look like Small mindset shifts that make connection feel more possible This episode is for anyone craving deeper connection—and reassurance that you’re not alone in feeling this way. 🎧 Listen, reflect, and share with someone who might need it.

    23 min
  5. FEB 7

    Ep 21: Friendship Coach Zayne helps us Unpack the Art of Making Friends - part 1

    Why is making friends as an adult so hard? In this episode of Connectedness, I’m joined by Zayne for an honest, thoughtful conversation about adult friendships, loneliness, and what it really takes to build meaningful connection later in life. We talk about why friendships often fade as responsibilities grow, the emotional barriers that keep people disconnected, and why so many adults quietly struggle with loneliness. Zayne shares personal insights on social anxiety, fear of rejection, and how past friendship experiences shape the way we show up today. Rather than offering quick fixes, this episode explores friendship as a skill—something we were never taught, but can learn with intention, self-awareness, and compassion. If you’ve ever felt awkward reaching out, unsure how to deepen friendships, or wondered if something is “wrong” with you for feeling lonely, this conversation is for you. In this episode, we discuss: Why adult friendships feel harder than they used to Loneliness, shame, and the unspoken struggle to admit disconnection Emotional blocks like fear, awkwardness, and past friendship wounds What healthy, realistic adult friendships actually look like Small mindset shifts that make connection feel more possible This episode is for anyone craving deeper connection—and reassurance that you’re not alone in feeling this way. 🎧 Listen, reflect, and share with someone who might need it.

    21 min

About

Connectedness is a podcast about the magic and mess of being human together. Hosted by Fernanda, founder of Filled Cups, this show dives into the real, vulnerable, and often bumpy journey of building meaningful relationships - platonically, romantically, and with yourself. Expect thoughtful solo episodes, heart-opening stories from real people, and practical tools to help you show up fully in your relationships and build a fulfilling life.