Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Project Connection

In this episode of Project Connection, Courtney Plank, LCSW sits down with Whitney Voute, an organizational psychologist specializing in connection and conflict—both in and out of the workplace. Whitney shares how embracing both harmony and tension leads to meaningful interactions, success in business and life, and a deeper understanding of oneself.

Together, Courtney and Whitney explore:
✨ How connection fuels collaboration, innovation, and workplace culture
🔥 The surprising role of conflict as a catalyst for deeper relationships and growth
🔍 How understanding your own inner world leads to stronger external connections
🌎 The ripple effect of meaningful interactions in personal and professional life

With insights grounded in psychology, experience, and a touch of synchronistic magic, this conversation uncovers why true connection isn’t just about agreement—but about authenticity, vulnerability, and navigating the messy moments with intention.

Because whether in business, relationships, or self-discovery—connection is everything.

Tune in now for a transformative conversation! 🎧✨

Learn more about Whitney here!

In this heartfelt and humorous conversation, producer and Belletrist founder Karah Preiss joins Coco Plank to unpack the layered, often surprising role of connection in personal growth, creativity, and community. Growing up in the vibrant landscape of New York City 🗽, Karah reflects on how her upbringing shaped her relationship with connection, humor, and storytelling — and how those threads continue to weave through her life as a cultural curator, advocate for women’s voices, and champion of literature 📚.

From her unexpected journey from “hating reading” to co-founding Belltrist, a thriving book community for curious and connected minds, Karah shares how the loss of her father deepened her bond with stories and sparked a new way of understanding both grief and growth.

Together, Coco and Karah explore the synchronicities ✨ that nudge us forward, the importance of defining connection for ourselves, and how humor 😂 acts as both a creative tool and a survival skill in an often disconnected world.

This episode celebrates the magic that happens when curiosity meets vulnerability, the power of community in literature, and the quiet (but profound) work of being a mensch 💛 — someone who shows up with kindness and intention.

Whether you're a book lover, a creator, or simply navigating the art of human connection, this conversation offers both wisdom and wit, reminding us: life is not about the results, but about the relationships we build along the way.

Sound Bites

"Only connect!"
"I aspire to mensch-hood."
"Comedy is connection."

💡 Takeaways:

🔹 Connection is essential for personal growth and meaningful relationships.
🔹 Humor isn’t just entertainment — it’s a bridge to real human connection.
🔹 Growing up in a communicative environment shapes how we connect with the world.
🔹 Synchronicity often guides us, even when we don’t notice it.
🔹 True connection requires effort, vulnerability, and self-definition.
🔹 Books and storytelling create lasting communities and cultural curation.
🔹 Grief and loss can deepen your connection to memory and meaning.
🔹 Being a great producer is about connecting people and ideas to bring stories to life.
🔹 Life’s greatest rewards often come from authentic connection, not results.
🔹 There’s always room for laughter, literature, and human kindness.

Learn more about Karah & Belletrist here! 

Summary

In this introductory episode of Project Connection, therapist Courtney Rault shares her journey and the inspiration behind the podcast. She emphasizes the importance of connection in our lives, drawing from her personal experiences and professional background. The podcast aims to explore the art of connection through storytelling, psychology, and personal insights, encouraging listeners to deepen their relationships and understand the power of human connection.

"Connection isn't just for extroverts."
"Connection is a life force."
"I want to be a master connector."

Courtney Plank Rault, LCSW, is a relationship expert, therapist, and lifelong connector dedicated to helping people build deeper, more meaningful connections in every aspect of life.

After earning a Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work and Therapy from Columbia University and receiving clinical training at New York-Presbyterian Hospital Weill Cornell Medical Center, Courtney founded Coco Plank Therapy—a practice specializing in talk therapy for individuals and couples. With a background in finance and Spanish from UC Irvine and years working in finance in San Francisco and New York City, Courtney discovered her true calling in psychotherapy and human connection.

As the clinical director of Coco Plank Therapy, Courtney and her team use Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, Buddhist Psychology, and Strengths-Based Practices to empower clients to unearth unhelpful patterns and build healthier, more fulfilling relationships. With over a decade of experience in substance use recovery and mental wellness, Courtney has seen firsthand the profound impact of both connection and disconnection. She understands that when connection is missing—whether in relationships, communities, or within ourselves—the effects can be deeply painful, leading to loneliness, addiction, anxiety, and cycles of unhealthy behavior. But she also believes that with awareness, courage, and the right tools, healing and reconnection are always possible.

🎙️ Welcome to Project Connection – The Podcast That Redefines How We Relate to the World 🌍

What if connection isn’t just a skill—but the very essence of life itself? 💫

Join me, Courtney Plank, LCSW—relationship expert, connection addict, and deep explorer of what makes human connection the foundation of everything. In Project Connection, we go beyond small talk and surface-level interactions to uncover the magic of true connection—in relationships, in work, and in the moments that shape our lives.

Each episode brings together industry leaders, creatives, and visionaries to explore how deep connection fuels success, sparks creativity, and transforms the way we live. From unexpected encounters that change everything to the unseen forces that pull people together, we dive into synchronicities, intuition, and the hidden threads that weave our world. ✨

Because in the end, it’s not just about what you do—it’s about who you meet, how you connect, and the relationships that define your life. 💙 Ready to connect? Let’s dive in. 🔗💡

First episode is set to release April 24th, 2025! GET READY TO CONNECT