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. 3H AGO

    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
  2. 20H AGO

    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
  3. JAN 29

    Ep. 20: What Went Right Series- Jenny & Tony's Online Dating Meet Cute

    What actually makes online dating work? In this episode, we sit down with Tony and Jenny, a real-life couple who met through online dating 13 years ago and are still going strong. Together, we break down what went right in their dating experience—and what modern daters can learn from it today. We dive into the importance of being specific and intentional in your dating profile to attract the right matches, not just more matches. Tony and Jenny share honest insights about dating when one partner has kids, navigating co-parenting dynamics, and building trust while blending lives. We also explore how they discovered their shared values, communicated expectations early on, and recognized healthy attachment styles in each other. Whether you’re online dating for the first time, dating after divorce, or trying to build a more secure and aligned relationship, this episode offers practical dating advice, real relationship lessons, and a refreshing success story from the world of online dating. 🎧 Topics covered in this episode: Online dating success stories How to write a dating profile that attracts the right person Early dating phase while co-parenting with an Ex Identifying shared values in relationships Attachment styles and emotional compatibility Building healthy, long-term relationships If you’re looking for honest conversations about love, dating, and relationships—this one’s for you.

    41 min
  4. 12/24/2025

    Ep. 15 - Paving Your Own Path with Angela Scott

    Ever been so nervous in a meeting that you couldn't even remember your own name? That was Angela. She'd show up to status meetings, say "no updates," and pray no one would notice her. But here's what makes Angela's story so powerful: she didn't stay stuck there. In this episode, Angela takes us through her transformation—from the person who was too scared to ask questions in meetings, to someone who confidently walked away from corporate stability to build her own consulting business. And trust me, the journey wasn't pretty. She talks about wanting "the floor to swallow her whole" during her first Toastmasters sessions, and how it took four months before speaking up felt less threatening. What I love most about this conversation is how real Angela gets about the messy middle. She shares the exact moment a coworker gave her brutally honest feedback that changed everything. She talks about the director who noticed her transformation without her saying a word. And she opens up about why moving to the UK for love meant putting her entire career on the line—and how she became a remote work pioneer before it was even a thing. But this isn't just a feel-good story about following your dreams. Angela gets honest about what she struggled with when she went out on her own: networking felt unnatural, she spent too much time on accounting instead of hiring help, and she learned the hard way that there's a difference between your "zone of genius" and your "quicksand." The wisdom that hit me hardest? When Angela talks about getting feedback that she needed to "create her own opportunities" in corporate. At first, she raged against it. But then she realized: staying put and waiting for someone else to create experiences for her—that was the real risk. This episode is for you if: You've ever felt invisible or unheard at workYou're tired of waiting for permission to take the next stepYou're curious about Toastmasters but terrified to try itYou're thinking about leaving corporate but scared of the uncertaintyYou want to hear a real, unfiltered story about betting on yourselfWhat we talk about: How silence can actually create bigger problems than speaking upWhy Toastmasters changed everything (even though she almost quit)The surprising perks of being a remote work guinea pigWhat happens when you finally stop filtering everythingThe truth about starting a consulting business (spoiler: hire help sooner)Why "shoring up your weak spots" isn't always the answerHow volunteer leadership prepared her for paid leadershipThe moment she realized the risk was staying, not leavingKey takeaway: Confidence isn't something you're born with. It's something you build by showing up—especially when it feels uncomfortable. You don't have to transform overnight. You can take a break, come back, and eat the elephant one bite at a time. If this episode resonates with you, share it with someone who needs that nudge to bet on themselves. And as always, thank you for being here and choosing connection. Resources mentioned: Toastmasters InternationalJordan Harbinger's 6 Minute Networking"The Big Leap" by Gay Hendricks (Zone of Genius concept)About Connectedness:This is the space where we explore what it means to grow, connect, trust ourselves, and show up authentically with each other. Hosted by Fernanda, founder of Filled Cups. New episodes weekly about dating, relationships, friendships, and personal growth. Filled Cups Website📸 Instagram: @filled.cups

    26 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.