How Improv, Coaching & Connection Shape Us | Ep. 5 COH | Valerie Hope

Update: 2025-09-02

Description

Welcome to The Circle of Hope Podcast! I’m Valerie Hope, and in this episode, I sit down with the creative dynamo Jeanne Lambin—facilitator, coach, storyteller, and connector. Together, we explore the art (and the heart) of building real community, showing up for each other without judgment, and crafting spaces where creativity, kindness, and meaningful connection can thrive.

We talk about everything from tackling inner criticism, to “The Something” (a unique community writing group!), to what it means to truly repair relationships and nurture your inner and outer circle. Whether your “circle” is one trusted friend or a roomful of collaborators, this episode will inspire you to approach connection with more intention, gentleness, and maybe even a little improv.

Watch This If:

You’re over surface-level small talk, and crave spaces where you can truly show up
You want practical tips for facilitating genuine group experiences
You’re battling inner judgment and need new models for self-kindness and support
You dream of leading creative circles, workshops, or storytelling groups
You want to UPLEVEL your “circle of hope” for more satisfying, reciprocal relationships

Key Moments:

00:00 – Jeanne and Valerie’s origin story & why names matter!

02:30 – Building safe, creative spaces: What is “The Something?”

04:54 – Bypassing inner judgment: How groups normalize our challenges

09:46 – Coaching that’s kind vs. coaching that’s firm—finding the balance

13:33 – Friendships, feedback, and learning to be a “collaborative challenger”

21:16 – What does it mean to “repair” a conversation or relationship?

29:30 – Presence over agenda: The power of pausing, improv, and reading the room

37:38 – Curating your circle: Who feeds your spirit vs. who drains you?

49:06 – What’s working and not working in connecting with others today

54:55 – Permission, time, and the challenge of asking for what you really need

59:25 – Understanding status — supporting each other without “lording” over

1:12:26 – Why the REAL work of connection always starts with self-awareness

Quotes to Remember:

“One of the first rules of engagement is showing up.”
“The idea is just to create a safe, supported space. There’s no sharing of the work. There’s no critique. It’s just: Write whatever you’re going to write.”
“To meet your process without judgment, and be there for others to do the same.”
“Listening trumps schedule or agenda.”
“When you know what you need, you’re more apt to find the person who can fulfill that need.”
“How do you want me to listen?”
“If we can sit with our thoughts, you can’t change or transform what you don’t notice.”
“Self-absorbed isn’t the same as self-aware. Circles of connection also exist inside ourselves.”

What You’ll Learn:

How to build creative, judgment-free spaces that foster real connection (and productivity!)
Strategies to manage your inner critic—through facilitation, coaching, and peer support
The art of balancing kindness and directness when guiding others
Techniques from improv and storytelling for better group engagement
Why pausing and adapting are the facilitator’s secret strengths
How to nurture (and prune) your circle with reciprocity, honesty, and care
Fresh ways to ask for what you need and support others in your community
The role of “status” in group dynamics—and how to build truly collaborative teams

Contact Info:

Guest: Jeanne Lambin