Connection Artist Ana Luca
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- Society & Culture
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Welcome to Connection Artist, the podcast for building better relationships by design. Love and human connection are fundamental needs for all of us. But how do we cultivate lasting, emotionally healthy, fulfilling relationships with ourselves and others? I’m your host, Ana Luca, and I invite you to join me in meeting everyday people from diverse backgrounds who all have one thing in common: success in fostering meaningful connections. You’ll hear their heartwarming stories and practical advice for building lasting marriages, lifelong friendships, and self-love. Visit: www.AnaLuca.com
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Ep 15: From Friendship to Forever with Nate & Chesney
Ana Luca (www.AnaLuca.com) interviews Nate & Chesney, a mid-30s couple who have shared 12 years of love, friendship, and growth. From their early beginnings as platonic friends to dancing their way into each other’s hearts, Nate and Chesney have evolved their relationship and themselves across six years of marriage. They discuss how they’ve navigated personal and relationship growth, which wasn’t always easy. What kept their commitment strong? As Nate put it, “Life is hard, and having someone beside me who I trust and enjoy as a person has been the most important thing for me.” They share how they’ve grown together, navigated the complexities of partnership, and built a thriving marriage.
In this conversation, they discuss various aspects of their relationship journey, including:
Approaching dating with the intention of finding a life partner
Striving to improve yourself while improving the relationship at the same time
Dating a friend’s ex and navigating the impact on the friendship
Building a strong friendship foundation to enhance the compatibility of a romantic connection
Prioritizing compatibility over fleeting chemistry and physical attraction when making long-term relationship decisions
Finding pride and joy in being with each other
Utilizing personality assessments to understand each other’s psychology and communication styles for improved interactions
Adapting to each other’s communication styles over time
Balancing the need to work on yourself while also working on the relationship
Negotiating win-win compromises with your partner during times of disagreement
Sustaining commitment through challenges by aligning on core values and remembering your “why” for choosing your partner
Respecting each other’s beliefs and boundaries without trying to change one another
Through their love story, Nate and Chesney have grown together and maintained their close connection. What is the key relationship success factor they’ve learned over their 12 years together? According to Nate, the key to building a lasting marriage is having a growth mindset and a willingness to improve yourself while also improving your relationship at the same time.
IF THIS EPISODE WAS HELPFUL, PLEASE SUPPORT ME BY BUYING SOMETHING I MADE WITH MY HEART & SOUL FOR YOU TO ENJOY:
Ana Luca hosts Connection Artist: Building Better Relationships by Design. She is also an artist, author, speaker, and relationship enthusiast who enjoys connecting with people. Visit www.AnaLuca.com to learn about Ana Luca and get more relationship and heart-centered resources.
FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM & TIKTOK: @AnaLucaOfficial
WEAR LOVE: Discover hand-designed abstract hearts painted by Ana Luca and featured on art prints & hoodies, perfect for gifting to loved ones or as a reminder of your self-love
Purchase hoodies HERE : www.artbyanaluca.com
Purchase art prints HERE
Learn about the Crypto Love Drops collection HERE www.cryptolovedrops.com
READ ABOUT LOVE: Enjoy poetic stories for transforming your relationship with yourself and others, written by Ana Luca
Purchase HERE on www.artbyanaluca.com
Purchase on Amazon HERE
FIND LOVE: Spend a weekend diving into Ana’s short, self-paced e-course on finding your most compatible dating partner using AI technology (“Well Matched” digital course)
Purchase HERE
BUILD SELF-WORTH & CONFIDENCE: Build your confidence in 30 days with Ana’s unique 15-minute Daily Guided Journal for a Confident Mindset “Yes I Can”
Purchase HERE on www.artbyanaluca.com
WEAR YOUR SELF-WORTH : Explore Ana’s hand-illustrated “I Am Important” hoodies and t-shirts available at www.laughstoself.com
Purchase HERE
BECOME A GUEST: Email myconnectionartist@gmail. -
Ep 14: Accepted and Loved with Donna & Sue
Ana Luca (www.AnaLuca.com) interviews Donna and Sue, a dynamic female same-sex couple in their mid-40s. With 14 years of togetherness and a decade of marriage under their belts, Donna and Sue share their inspiring journey of love, laughter, and lifelong partnership that is relatable to people of all backgrounds. Throughout our interview, Donna and Sue share their humor, innovative communication tactics, relatable anecdotes, and experiences navigating relationship challenges that all couples face. They explain the key factors that have helped them build a thriving relationship for over a decade.
In this delightful and heartwarming conversation, we discuss:
· Understanding what it feels like to find the right person for you, someone who makes your life better
· Nurturing playfulness and spirit of adventure in your relationship
· Matching values, interests, and communication styles to enhance relationship ease and harmony
· Practicing healthy communication habits and having brave, honest conversations with your partner
· Discontinuing unproductive communication patterns learned from upbringing
· Practicing effective communication skills with your partner
· Embracing collaborative problem-solving, where you and your partner unite against challenges rather than fighting against each other
· Recognizing and accommodating differences in communication preferences, displaying adaptability and empathy in the relationship
· Harnessing the five love languages express care and thoughtfulness toward your partner
· Articulating your needs and feelings to your partner with vulnerability and transparency
· Holding check-ins with your partner to learn where you can better support one another
· Balancing career and relationship commitments, finding both professional and personal satisfaction
· Making your partner feel safe to be themselves
In their parting words of wisdom, Sue and Donna remind listeners not to settle for a partner who doesn’t treat you as you would like. Sue adds, “Through relationships that don’t work, you learn more about yourself and the partner you want to have in the future.” Together, they’ve found a life partner who amplifies their joy and allows them to be their best self. This episode will inspire you to find the same.
IF THIS EPISODE WAS HELPFUL, PLEASE SUPPORT ME BY BUYING SOMETHING I MADE WITH MY HEART & SOUL FOR YOU TO ENJOY:
Ana Luca hosts Connection Artist: Building Better Relationships by Design. She is also an artist, author, speaker, and relationship enthusiast who enjoys connecting with people. Visit www.AnaLuca.com to learn about Ana Luca and get more relationship and heart-centered resources.
FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM & TIKTOK: @AnaLucaOfficial
WEAR LOVE: Discover hand-designed abstract hearts painted by Ana Luca and featured on art prints & hoodies, perfect for gifting to loved ones or as a reminder of your self-love
Purchase hoodies HERE : www.artbyanaluca.com
Purchase art prints HERE
Learn about the Crypto Love Drops collection HERE www.cryptolovedrops.com
READ ABOUT LOVE: Enjoy poetic stories for transforming your relationship with yourself and others, written by Ana Luca
Purchase HERE on www.artbyanaluca.com
Purchase on Amazon HERE
BUILD SELF-WORTH & CONFIDENCE: Build your confidence in 30 days with Ana’s unique 15-minute Daily Guided Journal for a Confident Mindset “Yes I Can”
Purchase HERE on www.artbyanaluca.com
WEAR YOUR SELF-WORTH : Explore Ana’s hand-illustrated “I Am Important” hoodies and t-shirts available at www.laughstoself.com
Purchase HERE
BECOME A GUEST: Email myconnectionartist@gma -
Ep 13: Finding Forever with Newlyweds Jessie & Cory
Ana Luca (www.AnaLuca.com) interviews Jessie and Cory, a male same-sex couple in their mid-30s, who share their modern love story of meeting on a dating app two years ago and recently marrying. When asked why they chose each other, Jessie remarked of Cory, “He is a light in this world.” This sweet newlywed couple shares the same communication challenges as any couple. They discuss how they are learning to communicate with more vulnerability, make life decisions together as a team (from financial management to home-buying), and understand each other’s different life experiences.
In this candid conversation, we cover a variety of topics, including:
Finding a like-minded partner who carries himself well
Making your partner feel prioritized, valued, and considered early in the dating process
Welcoming your partner into your friend circle
Choosing a partner with an equally generous spirit
Remarking how your partner makes you feel in the relationship (happy, prioritized, positive, seen, included)
Understanding how early life and family dynamics affect adult relationship dynamics and embracing each other’s diverse life experiences
Attending couples therapy to practice having vulnerable conversations together, elevate your relationship, and strengthen your bond
Communicating your needs to your partner rather than expecting them to mind-read
While Jessie and Cory are in a same-sex relationship, their challenges and learnings about relationships are universal and illuminate that we are all learning how to love better in this lifetime. Whether you are straight or gay, this episode offers fresh perspectives and tips for enhancing your connection with loved ones using communication.
IF THIS EPISODE WAS HELPFUL, PLEASE SUPPORT ME BY BUYING SOMETHING I MADE WITH MY HEART & SOUL FOR YOU TO ENJOY:
Ana Luca hosts Connection Artist: Building Better Relationships by Design. She is also an artist, author, speaker, and relationship enthusiast who enjoys connecting with people. Visit www.AnaLuca.com to learn about Ana Luca and get more relationship and heart-centered resources.
FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM & TIKTOK: @AnaLucaOfficial
WEAR LOVE: Discover hand-designed abstract hearts painted by Ana Luca and featured on art prints & hoodies, perfect for gifting to loved ones or as a reminder of your self-love
Purchase hoodies HERE : www.artbyanaluca.com
Purchase art prints HERE
Learn about the Crypto Love Drops collection HERE www.cryptolovedrops.com
READ ABOUT LOVE: Enjoy poetic stories for transforming your relationship with yourself and others, written by Ana Luca
Purchase HERE on www.artbyanaluca.com
Purchase on Amazon HERE
BUILD SELF-WORTH & CONFIDENCE: Build your confidence in 30 days with Ana’s unique 15-minute Daily Guided Journal for a Confident Mindset “Yes I Can”
Purchase HERE on www.artbyanaluca.com
WEAR YOUR SELF-WORTH : Explore Ana’s hand-illustrated “I Am Important” hoodies and t-shirts available at www.laughstoself.com
Purchase HERE
BECOME A GUEST: Email myconnectionartist@gmail.com to potentially be featured on a future episode.
LISTEN TO SOULFUL MUSIC: Listen to Ana’s self-composed, self-produced instrumental music album “Reprise” on Spotify HERE
FIND LOVE: Spend a weekend diving into Ana’s short, self-paced e-course on finding your most compatible dating partner using AI technology (“Well Matched” digital course)
Purchase HERE
LOVE YOURSELF: Strengthen your self-worth with Ana’s 31-page ebook “Well Valued”
Purchase HERE -
Ep 12: Growing Together in Marriage with Britt & Tyler
Ana Luca (www.AnaLuca.com) interviews Brittney and Tyler, a young married couple ages 26 and 31, who share their inspiring journey in growing a healthy relationship and finding their best friend in a life partner. Their love story began four years ago with a chance encounter on a dating app and grew into a marriage. Throughout this touching interview, Britt and Tyler reflect on the joys and challenges they’ve faced as a couple, express appreciation for one another’s support, and tear up as they realize they hit the relationship jackpot. Their story is a testament to the power of communication necessary to grow a thriving relationship. Learn the creative approaches they’ve used to build a beautiful, loving partnership with wisdom far beyond their years.
In this heartwarming episode, we cover topics for identifying and building a healthy relationship, including:
Feeling free to express your goofiness and vulnerability in a healthy relationship
Recognizing the “green flags” in a partner, such as dedication, understanding, and effective communication
Setting standards for healthy relationships
Cultivating connection early on in the dating phase
Marrying your best friend and overcoming fear of marriage with a family history of divorce
Operating as a unified team through good times and bad
Supporting each other’s emotional well-being and navigating challenges together
Dividing household responsibilities and expressing needs within the relationship using creative strategies
Approaching disagreements with a spirit of curiosity and genuine desire for understanding
Finding a partner who is a reciprocal giver
Acknowledging the challenges some men have with discussing their feelings and overcoming societal expectations of masculinity
Britt and Tyler share their relatable experiences and perspectives for navigating relationships, highlighting the importance of empathy, patience, and commitment. Tune in to discover the transformative power of a healthy relationship and glean inspiration from their self-awareness and collaboration.
IF THIS EPISODE WAS HELPFUL, PLEASE SUPPORT ME BY BUYING SOMETHING I MADE WITH MY HEART & SOUL FOR YOU TO ENJOY:
Ana Luca hosts Connection Artist: Building Better Relationships by Design. She is also an artist, author, speaker, and relationship enthusiast who enjoys connecting with people. Visit www.AnaLuca.com to learn about Ana Luca and get more relationship and heart-centered resources.
FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM & TIKTOK: @AnaLucaOfficial
WEAR LOVE: Discover hand-designed abstract hearts painted by Ana Luca and featured on art prints & hoodies, perfect for gifting to loved ones or as a reminder of your self-love
Purchase hoodies HERE : www.artbyanaluca.com
Purchase art prints HERE
Learn about the Crypto Love Drops collection HERE www.cryptolovedrops.com
READ ABOUT LOVE: Enjoy poetic stories for transforming your relationship with yourself and others, written by Ana Luca
Purchase HERE on www.artbyanaluca.com
Purchase on Amazon HERE
BUILD SELF-WORTH & CONFIDENCE: Build your confidence in 30 days with Ana’s unique 15-minute Daily Guided Journal for a Confident Mindset “Yes I Can”
Purchase HERE on www.artbyanaluca.com
WEAR YOUR SELF-WORTH : Explore Ana’s hand-illustrated “I Am Important” hoodies and t-shirts available at www.laughstoself.com
Purchase HERE
BECOME A GUEST: Email myconnectionartist@gmail.com to potentially be featured on a future episode.
LISTEN TO SOULFUL MUSIC: Listen to Ana’s self-composed, self-produced instrumental music album “Reprise” on Spotify HERE
FIND LOVE: Spend a weekend diving into Ana’s short, self-paced e-course on finding your most compatible dating partner using AI technolo -
Ep 11: The Art of Friendship with Mary Jane and Sharon
Ana Luca (www.AnaLuca.com) interviews Mary Jane and Sharon, two lovely ladies in their 60s and 70s who have become close friends over the past year. Together, they discuss their friendship and the importance of friendships throughout their lives. Drawing from decades of experience building and maintaining meaningful friendships, Mary Jane and Sharon offer a unique perspective to younger generations on cultivating real, authentic, lasting friendships in the digital age of connection.
Throughout this engaging conversation, we cover a range of topics, including:
Finding the courage to step out of your comfort zone, engage in the community, and make new friends
Demonstrating honesty, empathy, and genuine care for others to grow connections
Strengthening bonds through thoughtful gestures and acts of kindness
Connecting friends and helping them form new friendships to foster community
Making a conscious effort to stay in touch with friends over the years
Identifying the personal qualities and dynamics of compatible friendships
Distinguishing between mere acquaintances and genuine friends
Being mindful of people-pleasing habits that may hinder genuine connections
Cultivating your chosen family of friends
Embracing friendships as a source of entertainment, emotional support, and companionship throughout life
Promoting inclusivity by blending your friend circles and creating a sense of belonging for all
With their youthful energy and candid storytelling, Mary Jane and Sharon offer wisdom and inspiration that will motivate you to nurture your friendships with the same intentionality and care as you do with other relationships. Enjoy stories and laughs throughout this enriching conversation.
IF THIS EPISODE WAS HELPFUL, PLEASE SUPPORT ME BY BUYING SOMETHING I MADE WITH MY HEART & SOUL FOR YOU TO ENJOY:
Ana Luca hosts Connection Artist: Building Better Relationships by Design. She is also an artist, author, speaker, and relationship enthusiast who enjoys connecting with people. Visit www.AnaLuca.com to learn about Ana Luca and get more relationship and heart-centered resources.
FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM & TIKTOK: @AnaLucaOfficial
WEAR LOVE: Discover hand-designed abstract hearts painted by Ana Luca and featured on art prints & hoodies, perfect for gifting to loved ones or as a reminder of your self-love
Purchase hoodies HERE : www.artbyanaluca.com
Purchase art prints HERE
Learn about the Crypto Love Drops collection HERE www.cryptolovedrops.com
READ ABOUT LOVE: Enjoy poetic stories for transforming your relationship with yourself and others, written by Ana Luca
Purchase HERE on www.artbyanaluca.com
Purchase on Amazon HERE
BUILD SELF-WORTH & CONFIDENCE: Build your confidence in 30 days with Ana’s unique 15-minute Daily Guided Journal for a Confident Mindset “Yes I Can”
Purchase HERE on www.artbyanaluca.com
WEAR YOUR SELF-WORTH : Explore Ana’s hand-illustrated “I Am Important” hoodies and t-shirts available at www.laughstoself.com
Purchase HERE
BECOME A GUEST: Email myconnectionartist@gmail.com to potentially be featured on a future episode.
LISTEN TO SOULFUL MUSIC: Listen to Ana’s self-composed, self-produced instrumental music album “Reprise” on Spotify HERE
FIND LOVE: Spend a weekend diving into Ana’s short, self-paced e-course on finding your most compatible dating partner using AI technology (“Well Matched” digital course)
Purchase HERE
LOVE YOURSELF: Strengthen your self-worth with Ana’s 31-page ebook “Well Valued”
Purchase HERE -
Ep 10: The Journey to Love: Perspectives from Sydney, Bri, & Carolyn
Ana Luca (www.AnaLuca.com) interviews Sydney, Brianna, and Carolyn, three work friends in their late 20s and early 30s, each at different relationship stages: single, divorcing, and getting engaged. They share wisdom from navigating their romantic journeys, overcoming narcissistic relationships, and discovering the transformative power of self-love. You will gain valuable perspectives to help you recognize relationship red flags, raise your dating standards, and identify key compatibility factors to achieve deeper self-understanding and fulfillment in your dating life.
In this fascinating group discussion, we explore a range of topics, including:
Feeling the societal pressure to achieve the ideal of marriage, career, and family in your 20s
Prioritizing your happiness and fulfillment within your relationships
Healing, discovering, and learning to love yourself after a breakup or divorce
Learning from failed relationships and using them as stepping stones for growth
Setting higher standards in dating and relationships
Developing a strong relationship with yourself before getting into a relationship with someone else
Navigating the aftermath of a narcissistic relationship
Recognizing signs of a healthy versus unhealthy relationship
Identifying compatibility factors crucial for relationship success
Engaging in self-reflection and personal growth to enhance your relationship life (doing “the work”)
Understanding the dynamics of masculine and feminine energy in relationships
Becoming aware of the influence parental relationships play in your romantic relationships
Whether you’re a man seeking insights into the female perspective on relationships or a woman seeking relatable advice from a close-knit group of girlfriends, this episode promises to deliver thought-provoking conversation and meaningful discussion.
IF THIS EPISODE WAS HELPFUL, PLEASE SUPPORT ME BY BUYING SOMETHING I MADE WITH MY HEART & SOUL FOR YOU TO ENJOY:
Ana Luca hosts Connection Artist: Building Better Relationships by Design. She is also an artist, author, speaker, and relationship enthusiast who enjoys connecting with people. Visit www.AnaLuca.com to learn about Ana Luca and get more relationship and heart-centered resources.
FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM & TIKTOK: @AnaLucaOfficial
FIND LOVE: Spend a weekend diving into Ana’s short, self-paced e-course on finding your most compatible dating partner using AI technology (“Well Matched” digital course)
Purchase HERE
LOVE YOURSELF: Strengthen your self-worth with Ana’s 31-page ebook “Well Valued”
Purchase HERE
WEAR LOVE: Discover hand-designed abstract hearts painted by Ana Luca and featured on art prints & hoodies, perfect for gifting to loved ones or as a reminder of your self-love
Purchase hoodies HERE : www.artbyanaluca.com
Purchase art prints HERE
Learn about the Crypto Love Drops collection HERE www.cryptolovedrops.com
READ ABOUT LOVE: Enjoy poetic stories for transforming your relationship with yourself and others, written by Ana Luca
Purchase HERE on www.artbyanaluca.com
Purchase on Amazon HERE
BUILD SELF-WORTH & CONFIDENCE: Build your confidence in 30 days with Ana’s unique 15-minute Daily Guided Journal for a Confident Mindset “Yes I Can”
Purchase HERE on www.artbyanaluca.com
WEAR YOUR SELF-WORTH : Explore Ana’s hand-illustrated “I Am Important” hoodies and t-shirts available at www.laughstoself.com
Purchase HERE
BECOME A GUEST: Email myconnectionartist@gmail.com to potentially be featured on a future episode.
LISTEN TO SOULFUL MUSIC: Listen to Ana’s self-composed, self-produced instrumental music album “Reprise” on Spotify HERE
Customer Reviews
Communication is key
So far I have listened to both Donna and Sue’s interview and Marybeth and Bill’s interview. I was enthralled - listening to the very last second. I learned so much from Donna and Sue about communication and noticed communication is the common thread between both couples and the key to a long lasting and healthy relationship. I can’t wait to listen to the others!!