Our Origin Story, Mission, and Vision

How it started, and where it's going at the Social Circle.

My background is math and physics; for my PhD research, I studied how ant communities communicate and organize themselves. And soon after, I got a job doing machine learning for a biotech startup in San Francisco. Working with AI was my dream come true. But, after moving 3000 miles west for this dream, I experienced something that would lead me in the complete opposite direction.

I’d struggled with feelings of isolation before, but this was different. In SF, I knew no one, had no community, no one to really rely on. My body ached from the work stress and lack of sleep. But the worst part was the nagging feeling that I was unsafe. Loneliness to the max.

I blamed myself—convinced something must be wrong with me.

But it wasn’t me. It was the conditions I was in, the way our society is structured, and a host of systemic factors that go largely unnoticed because they feel so normal.

That experience changed everything. I came to understand that connection and belonging are among the most essential human needs.

After getting laid off, I moved back east, but my priorities had shifted. I started hosting open-invite social events—something I’d never done as a shy, introverted type. I pivoted my YouTube channel from science to videos on social skills—not because I was bored of science, but because something else was more pressing. It was the last thing I ever expected to be teaching. And now, I speak on topics relating to connection and belonging.

We’re facing a defining crisis of our generation—one that’s growing worse: loneliness, isolation, and the lack of belonging. It affects more people than almost any other issue, yet it remains one of the least talked about.

Here is where my community, The Social Circle, takes action. We believe we can fight loneliness by providing a community that can welcome and care for people. But to do that requires equipping ourselves.

Our goal is personal growth, with a focus on social self-improvement. Not for personal gain, but so that we can help as many people as possible. I want members to take pride in how they treat people. To identify as someone with excellent communication and people skills.

To this end, our gatherings combine education with intentional social experiences where everyone contributes. For me, this involves teaching on a range of topics and crafting social activities conducive to connection. Importantly, connection itself is not the end goal. But I see it as one of the pathways that leads to a caring community. (It’s easier to care for someone you feel connected with).

We teach on topics like authenticity, vulnerability, social skills, shame, and belonging, often with a Biblical influence. Faith or relationship with God is one of the most powerful connective forces because it enables people to love more. Together, this helps root the community in values that make real connection and belonging possible.

What I’ve learned: the message matters, but it’s not the most powerful part. Participation is. We have guided group discussions and activities that create an opportunity for authentic sharing. This intentional sharing allows people to feel seen and accepted where most events don’t. This is key for combating feelings of isolation.

Imagine the trends of loneliness actually reversing. Imagine newcomers to DC having a place to go where they’re welcomed, supported, and understood. It takes all of us to rebuild connection into our society. That’s exactly what we’re doing.