Tackling Loneliness and Isolation in a Hyper-connected World

Despite all our technology, one in three adults in America reports regular loneliness. This week’s guest, Brad Steckart, founder of Sit By Me, shares how his own experience working remotely inspired him to create an app that helps people break down social barriers in everyday spaces like cafes, bars, and libraries.

You’ll hear the research behind the loneliness epidemic, the surprisingly scrappy sticky-note origins of Sit By Me, and how the app makes real-world connections safe, consensual, and effortless. Brad Steckart breaks down the user journey, startup launch lessons, and why community-driven relationships are a win for people – and the local businesses that bring them together.

In this episode, we explore:

(00:00) Loneliness and why connection matters

(06:10) Turning loneliness into real connection

(07:30) The sticky note experiment that sparked it all

(11:31) Simple icebreakers that actually work

(16:56) How conversations build real relationships

(20:36) How social media became passive consumption

(22:44) Creating real-world community connection points

(25:41) Why consistency and belief drive momentum

(27:57) Lessons on traction, timing, and startup reality

Links mentioned in this episode:

Sit By Me App

Brad’s Executive Briefing: Reconnecting in a Digital World

Connect with Bradley Steckart on LinkedIn