In this follow-up episode of the Curiosity Podcast, I explore parasocial relationships—one-sided connections we form with media figures, creators, and increasingly, AI. Building on a previous conversation with Dr. Harry Owen Taylor, I sit down with Dr. Carol Jarzina to dig deeper into how these relationships shape belonging, loneliness, and social well-being.We talk about where parasocial relationships come from, why they can feel safer than traditional connections, how AI changes the dynamic, and where the real benefits—and risks—start to emerge. No easy answers here, just better questions about balance, ethics, and what it means to stay human in a digital world.Stay curious. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit curiositypro.substack.com

Chris and Deb are back after a month of cruising north aboard CDN, and this leg of their Great Loop adventure delivered everything from mechanical trouble to once-in-a-lifetime celebrations.The journey begins at Myrtle Beach Yacht Club, where a diver discovers a damaged propeller just days before departure. After replacing a massive starter battery, they finally head north along the Intracoastal Waterway, stopping in Southport, Wrightsville Beach, Mile Hammock Bay, Beaufort, River Dunes, Belhaven, Coinjock, and Portsmouth.Along the way, they encounter soft groundings, strong currents, gusty anchorages, a live military firing range, a dock line wrapped around a propeller, a record-breaking marlin tournament, a violent storm with nearly 70-mile-per-hour winds, and a rough crossing of the Albemarle Sound.The trip ends on an unforgettable high note when they arrive at Tidewater Yacht Marina just in time for Sail250 Virginia. From the top of CDN, they watch an international parade of tall ships and enjoy two nights of spectacular fireworks over the Norfolk waterfront.Now safely in the Chesapeake, Chris and Deb face their next big Great Loop decision: continue pushing north toward the Great Lakes or slow down and spend the summer exploring the Chesapeake Bay.Featured destinations: Southport, Wrightsville Beach, Mile Hammock Bay, Beaufort, Oriental, Belhaven, Coinjock, Portsmouth, and Norfolk.Episode topics: Great Loop cruising, Intracoastal Waterway travel, ICW anchorages, Albemarle Sound crossing, boat maintenance, docking in strong winds, severe weather aboard a boat, Sail250 Virginia, Norfolk tall ships, and Chesapeake Bay cruising

Mid-hiatus special episode of Leader Lounge: Amy, Nick, Renee, and guest host Paul Reed, CEO and Chairman of Farmers Bank, reflect on the kind of leadership growth that happens over time. From Paul’s deep Ohio University roots to his journey from young bank president to community-minded leader, this conversation explores delegation, vision, reputation, lifelong learning, and what it really takes to move from managing tasks to leading people. It is a thoughtful episode full of practical wisdom for students, emerging leaders, and anyone trying to grow into bigger responsibility.