Keep Connected with Meetup CEO David Siegel

Rachel Herman was a graduate student at NYU when she discovered her calling to support pet owners in need. Now she’s the executive director of Pets Are Wonderful Support 

(PAWS), the largest organization in New York City that pairs volunteers with senior pet owners facing physical and financial burdens. Through her work with PAWS, Rachel has been recognized as the New Yorker of the Week, a Top 40 under 40 figure, and a New York Time...

Brandon Emerick, the organizer of the Permaculture/Sustainable Living Meetup Group, used to not believe in climate change. One high school research assignment and a few hours on Google Scholar later, he was convinced. These days, Brandon is deeply dedicated to educating the world about sustainable living. He and David sit down to discuss everything from energy-efficient appliances and co-housing arrangements to running for local go...

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, Bradi Nathan joins the podcast to talk about the life and legacy of her son, Jack. He set up an art studio in the basement of his fraternity house to channel his feelings of anxiety and depression. Soon after, he parlayed his love of art into a way to help other kids who felt the way he did. Jack founded a website called Happy Jack’s World, to support mental health organizations. Sadly, Ja...

David Meltzer is a three-time international best-selling author, top 100 business coach, host of top entrepreneurial podcast The Playbook, and so much more. It’s easy to see why David Siegel thinks he “may be the busiest person alive!” The two Davids sit down to discuss Mr. Meltzer’s transformative path from multi-millionaire business prodigy to losing it all, then building his life and career back the right way. They touch on the ...

Arjay Ruggles has done it all. He was a self-described Neopets supernerd, a successful makeup artist, an IT specialist, and a sex worker before founding HomeRoom, the first-ever Discord community management agency. These days, Arjay is on the cutting edge of community-centered business, helping companies navigate the evolving tech landscape while retaining real-world values. He and David discuss the dos and don’ts of startups, user...

Danielle Bayard Jackson taught high school English for six years, where she learned a thing or two about coaching people through interpersonal issues. Now, as a certified friendship coach, Danielle helps adults improve their overall wellbeing by teaching them how to make new connections and create more depth in their relationships. She and David chat about why adult friendships are a necessity, not a luxury. From there, they dive i...

Gerald Soriano grew up in Hawaii, then lived in Milwaukee, Cleveland, and the Bay Area. Everywhere he’s gone, Meetup has played an important role in his story. From helping him land a pivotal internship to making lifelong friendships, Meetup became a constant in Gerald’s life. These days, he’s using the platform as a leadership opportunity through co-organizing the AR/VR Creators Meetup group. Gerald chats with David about spreadin...

We’re flipping the script on Keep Connected! In this episode, host becomes guest and guest becomes host when author, CEO, and founder of Daybreaker, Radha Agrawal interviews Meetup CEO and Keep Connected host David Siegel. This episode delves into topics from David’s new book, Decide & Conquer, a guide for decision-making that’s sure to help new and seasoned leaders alike. Don’t miss this chance to hear from the leader of Meetu...

Jenn Bane and Trin Garritano are the duo behind the cult favorite podcast Friendshipping, as well as a book of the same name that explores the art of finding friends. No strangers to the Meetup community, Jenn and Trin’s Meetup Live event had the most RSVPs of 2021. They’re back to discuss creating new friendships, deepening current friendships, and reconnecting with friends from your past. The conversation expands to the parallels...

Nearly 10 years ago, Nina Baltierra founded the Bull City Beer Runners in Durham. Now her group is one of Meetup’s largest running communities, with more than 1600 members. Not a pure running lover by heart, Nina’s group has been a huge source of personal motivation and accountability. Over time, Beer Runners has evolved into a “home base” for friends who support each other in all kinds of ways, like weeding poison ivy from a membe...

Daniel Findlay used to struggle with social anxiety and a lack of confidence: now he teaches social skills to CEOs. His coaching method helps clients develop confidence and self-esteem by focusing on listening skills, small talk, building rapport, and polite assertiveness. Learn from a self-described introvert how to use simple conversation hacks that inspire genuine connection. As someone whose life was transformed by becoming a M...

Steven Petrow, Washington Post columnist and author of Stupid Things I Won’t Do When I Get Old, joins the Keep Connected podcast to discuss community building at any age. In this talk on aging gracefully and living well, you’ll learn to fight loneliness, make new friends, and hear the difference between being alone and being lonely. Find out how to spot inauthentic relationships and cultivate authentic ones that will last well into...

Author and recipient of Forbes’ elite 50 Over 50 distinction, Susan McPherson is making waves in the world by helping people connect and amplify their impact. The message in her book The Lost Art of Connecting is clear: the best way to make lasting relationships is to start with how you can help others instead of the other way around. Learn how you can find your greatest assets and discover why connecting with new people is at the ...

From a young age, Carrie Melissa Jones has benefitted from the support of a strong community. By joining online music forums and chat rooms as a teen, Carrie was able to spark connections with new people, find her voice, and flourish into a leader. Today, Carrie is an author and the leader of a community for other community leaders. Hear her advice on hosting meaningful events and finding the people who will help you thrive.

Ranked ...

Cherie Werner is a people connector. Her monthly events draw students, entrepreneurs, investors, and networkers to her Austin-based Meetup group, which now has more than 1500 members. Learn how Cherie practices deep listening skills to match members with like-minded people. Discover what listening to others can teach you about yourself.

Ranked as one of the top 25 CEO podcasts on Feedspot, Keep Connected with Meetup CEO David Siege...

Matt Schneider is changing parenting norms in a big way. His Meetup group, NYC Dads, was originally designed to help stay-at-home dads like him share advice. Now, the group helps dads from all walks of life navigate parenthood. Now in 40+ cities, Matt’s group helps fathers, parents, and guardians find a childcare arrangement that works for their families—regardless of society’s expectations. Learn how to make parenting an equit...

What can you do when your friend group becomes toxic? If you’re Marissa Meizz, it’s simple: launch a massive friendship movement. When a video about her friends’ plot to exclude her from their plans went viral on TikTok, Marissa Meizz used an unpleasant experience to find healthier friendships and help others do the same. She created No More Lonely Friends and hosted socializing pop-ups around the country to bring people together. ...

For Tal Ben-Shahar, happiness is a study and a practice. In this episode of Keep Connected, Tal breaks down steps that anyone can take to lead a happier life, from developing meaningful relationships to keeping a gratitude journal. Learn from the bestselling author and instructor of one of Harvard University’s most popular courses on how to live a happier, healthier life today!

For more details on this and other episodes, visit: ht...

Christina Howell knows the power of the written word. Her writing Meetup groups, Happy Writing: Munich and Shut up & Write!, have helped thousands of writers make time to put pen to paper. In this episode, you’ll hear how Christina quit her job as a project manager to become a memoirist living in her dream city, all while running a thriving global writing community. Tune in for practical advice on overcoming imposter syndrome, ...