Tackling Loneliness and Isolation in a Hyper-connected World

About this episode

Brad Steckart discusses his app Sit By Me, which aims to combat loneliness and foster real-world connections in a digital age.

Despite all our technology, one in three adults in America reports regular loneliness. This week’s guest, Brad Steckar t, 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…

People in this episode

Host: Bill Mitchell

Guest: Brad Steckart

Topics covered

• loneliness
• social connection
• remote work
• community
• technology
• entrepreneurship

Keywords

• loneliness
• Sit By Me
• social barriers
• community connection
• remote work
• startup lessons
• real relationships

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Sit By Me

More episodes of ConversActions

• Food Videography, Visual Storytelling, and Finding Authentic Connection Through Content · June 11, 2026 · 31 min
• Nick Netley on Innovation, Risk-Taking, and Competitive Advantage in the Express Car Wash Industry · May 21, 2026 · 30 min
• Digital Innovation in Survey Tech: Bridging Physical and Digital Infrastructure with Mike Klonsinski · April 23, 2026 · 26 min
• Building Strategic Financial Foundations for Small Business Success · March 19, 2026 · 28 min
• Chef John Bogan on Seasonality, Local Pride, and Creating Unforgettable Culinary Experiences · March 5, 2026 · 31 min
• Embracing Change in Cheese: Family, Technology, and Global Tastes · January 29, 2026 · 28 min