The Support & Kindness Podcast with Greg and Rich

Episode 5: What Do You Do When You Have Nobody to Talk To

Summary: As the season shifts and people spend more time indoors, feelings of isolation can grow. Greg and Rich share practical ways to find connection when you don’t have anyone to talk to—from using AI tools and online communities, to city exploration, curated social media, gratitude practices, journaling with care, meetups, and crisis resources like 988 and warm lines. They emphasize safety, accessibility, and real-life strategies that help in the moment and build supportive routines over time.

Key Topics Covered:

• Seasonal isolation and why connection gets harder in fall and winter
• Using AI companions and custom chats for conversation and idea bouncing
• Online communities: Discord, Reddit, GoBrunch groups, and city subreddits
• Exploring your city like a tourist to rediscover local gems
• Social media curation for a positive feed experience
• Safety and support: 988, international help directories, and warm lines
• Hobbies and meetups (virtual and in-person) to find your people
• Journaling tips, gratitude jars, and “future self” emails for encouragement

Notable Quotes:

• Greg: “You don’t have to be alone.”
• Rich: “It took a while to get rid of the toxic things on social media… but I’ve got a pretty positive feed now.”
• Greg: “If you respond to negative stuff, negative stuff will come at you.”
• Rich: “View your city from the eyes of somebody who’s never been there… and make you appreciate it.”
• Greg: “If you’re not suicidal and you call and say… ‘I really need to talk to somebody,’ you’ll be fine.”

Highlights from Greg:

• AI companions and custom bots can remember context and be tailored for supportive conversation.
• 988 is available even if you’re not in crisis; clearly state you’re not at risk if that’s the case.
• Warm lines and international directories can connect you to local, free resources.
• Gratitude practices: build a jar of notes you can revisit on tough days.
• Journaling can be helpful but use caution if you’re struggling—keep it focused on gratitude or prompts that support safety.

Highlights from Rich:

• Online communities like Discord and Reddit can match specific interests.
• NotebookLM helped his wife simulate a “study group” discussion around her novel—solo, but social.
• City subreddits and tourist perspectives can refresh your appreciation for where you live.
• Curating social media feeds reduces negativity and increases uplifting content.
• Fun, niche content (e.g., music/video mashups) can offer light connection and entertainment.

Main Takeaways:

• Connection can be built through tools, routines, and communities—even solo.
• Be intentional with technology: AI chats, curated feeds, and structured tools can help.
• Safety first: Crisis lines, warm lines, and clear communication about risk matter.
• Rediscover local life: Explore your city through tourist guides and community forums.
• Add supportive practices: gratitude jars, future-self emails, and meetups.

Actionable Tips:

• Try an AI chat that remembers context; set boundaries and goals for conversations.
• Join interest-based communities:
  • Reddit: hobby, city, and support subreddits
  • Discord: topic servers
  • GoBrunch: Greg and Rich’s community groups (Brain Injury Mondays, Chronic Pain Tuesdays, Mental Health Wednesdays)
• Curate social media:
  • Unfollow or mute accounts that raise anxiety
  • Interact only with content that supports your mood and values
• Use support lines:
  • 988 (USA): Call or text if you need someone to talk to; state if you’re not at risk
  • Warm lines: non-crisis emotional support; search your state or region
  • International directories: find local free resources by country
• Build a gratitude jar: Add small notes daily; read them on hard days.
• Email your future self: Schedule encouraging messages to arrive later.
• Explore locally: Use city subreddits and travel sites to plan mini-adventures.
• Find meetups: Meetup.com for virtual or in-person hobby groups.

Resources Mentioned:

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (USA): Call or text 988
• Find a Helpline - Global Support at Your Fingertips 24/7 https://findahelpline.com/
• Warm lines: Search “[your state] warm line” for non-crisis support
• International help directories: Use country-based mental health resource lists
• GoBrunch community groups by Greg and Rich:
  • Monday: Brain Injury Support
  • Tuesday: Chronic Pain Support
  • Wednesday: Mental Health Support
• Meetup.com for interest groups
• NotebookLM for document-based conversations and idea bouncing
• City subreddits, TripAdvisor, and similar travel sites for local exploration

Call to Action:

• Share your topic ideas or questions at kindnessrx.org using the contact form.
• Subscribe, rate, and comment to help others find the show.
• If you need someone to talk to right now, call or text 988 in the U.S. If you’re not in crisis, say so clearly and ask for someone to talk to.