Hot Girls Build Cults

The Art of Circling with Benzi Holler

megan liken — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 14:19:04 GMT

In this episode I sit down with Benzi Holler and discuss the practice of circling and authentic relating. We explore the art of circling as a group verbal mindfulness meditation, its impact on building empathy, and the dynamics of facilitating such spaces. Benzi shares insights on the challenges faced in circling, including power dynamics and the importance of maintaining a safe container. Our discussion also touches on the influence of circling on personal relationships and its potential application in corporate environments, emphasizing the value of vulnerability and connection in community building.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Circling and Authentic Relating

03:09 Benzie's Journey into Circling

06:01 The Impact of Circling on Relationships

08:31 Circling's Role in Building Empathy

10:22 Navigating Conflict in Circling

12:33 Online vs. In-Person Circling

15:04 Trust and Dependency in Circling

17:57 The Importance of Staying Present

20:40 Circling's Influence on Daily Life

23:39 Empathy and Conflict Resolution through Circling

26:04 Common Challenges in Circling

28:20 Meeting Edges and Personal Growth

30:40 Power Dynamics in Circling

35:03 Scaling Circling Practices

37:02 Closed vs. Open Circles

39:21 Bringing Circling to Communities and Workplaces

Connect with Megan

Connect with Benzi

Keywords

circling, authentic relating, mindfulness, community building, empathy, conflict resolution, vulnerability, personal development, leadership, group dynamics

Picnic Pals: Building Community in Tucson with Emiliya Dale | Ep.13

megan liken — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 04:04:42 GMT

In this episode Megan sits down with Emiliya Dale a Tucson local, comedian, and founder of Picnic Pals. What began as a sweet little idea to help young adults make friends and has since become a full-blown social club. From community picnics to comedy shows to interactive dating events like Pitch A Pal, Blind Date, and The Love Operator, she’s helping Tucson get offline, laugh loudly, and maybe fall in love. At the heart of it all, Emiliya is creating the kind of community where showing up alone is brave, normal, and probably the start of a great story.

Chapters

00:00 Building Community Through Events

04:10 The Origin of Picnic Pals

07:49 Challenges in Community Building

11:07 The Importance of Passion in Community

14:18 Facilitating Connections in Social Settings

18:38 Favorite Events and Personal Connections

20:43 Rebranding Community Events

21:20 The Unique Experience of Picnic Pals

22:49 Inclusivity in Community Building

24:40 Navigating the Singles Scene

26:25 The Importance of Authenticity

28:25 Advice for Aspiring Community Builders

30:23 Overcoming Competition in Community Spaces

32:07 The Journey of Personal Development

38:58 Connecting with Picnic Pals

Connect with Emiliya

Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/picnic.palz

Website - https://picnicpalz.com/

Connect with Megan

Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/hotgirlsbuildcults/

Linkedin -https://www.linkedin.com/in/meganliken/

community building, inclusive events, Tucson, Picnic Pals, social clubs, event planning, community engagement, networking, event marketing

How NARU Reinvents Community Building for Impact and Connection | Ep. 12

megan liken — Sun, 17 May 2026 23:59:26 GMT

In this insightful episode Michelle, CEO and founder of NARU, shares her innovative approach to community building focused on impact, accountability, and genuine connection. Discover how her platform fosters vulnerability, habit formation, and meaningful engagement beyond traditional social media.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to NARU and Its Purpose

01:20 The Unique Approach of NARU

04:15 The Importance of Accountability in Community

07:00 Building Habits and Identity Through Community

09:36 How NARU Facilitates Accountability

12:32 The Social Component of NARU

15:09 Creating Meaningful Connections in Communities

17:57 The Role of Structure in Community Success

20:17 Transformative Experiences and Community Impact

23:16 The Future of Online Communities and Loneliness

29:39 The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health

30:52 The Evolution of Dating Apps

32:19 Technology's Profit Motive vs. User Well-being

34:04 AI's Role in Human Connection

36:23 The Importance of Authentic Human Interaction

39:00 Building Trust in Community Engagement

40:45 Creating Safe Spaces for Youth

47:33 NARU's Community Programs and Their Impact

Resources

NARU Official Website - https://www.naru.com.au/

Michelle's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-ew

Megan's Linkedin -https://www.linkedin.com/in/meganliken/

keywords

community building, impact, accountability, belonging, habit formation, online communities, NARU, social platforms, mental health, connection

How Rossy Burgos Built a Thriving Pop up Wellness Community from Scratch | Ep. 11

megan liken — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 04:11:09 GMT

In this episode, I sit down with Rossy Burgos, a community builder and wellness entrepreneur, to explore her journey of creating impactful wellness events, building community, and navigating the business side of hosting social clubs. Rossy shares insights on sustainability, authenticity, and the power of intentional community building.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Upleveled Wellness

06:17 Event Structure and Themes

12:21 Navigating Partnerships and Venues

18:16 Sustainability in Event Planning

24:10 Managing Growth and Opportunities

30:16 Differentiation in a Crowded Market

37:38 Understanding Event Goals and Community Impact

44:04 Building a Sustainable Community and Business

51:38 Facing Fears and Expectations in Business

57:11 Self-Discovery Through Community Building

01:04:02 Advice for Aspiring Community Leaders

Connect with Rossy

https://www.instagram.com/rossy.upleveled/

https://www.instagram.com/upleveled.wellness/

Connect with Megan

https://www.linkedin.com/in/meganliken/

https://www.instagram.com/megan.liken/

https://www.instagram.com/hotgirlsbuildcults/

keywords

community building, wellness events, entrepreneurship, sustainability, social clubs, women entrepreneurs, event planning, business strategy, authentic community, wellness community

How CEO Besties Empowers Women Entrepreneurs Through Community| Ep. 10

megan liken — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 01:07:15 GMT

In this episode, I sit down with Natalie Bernacchi and Emily Collins of CEO Besties to dive into how intentional community and focused execution can elevate ambitious women entrepreneurs. Together, they unpack the power of surrounding yourself with the right people, cultivating a resilient mindset, and building a business that grows sustainably.

You’ll hear about:

Creating powerful, supportive communities for women entrepreneurs
Why focus and prioritization are the real drivers of business growth

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to CEO Besties

00:45 The Birth of CEO Besties

05:14 The Evolution of Community Needs

07:06 Understanding Overwhelm in Entrepreneurship

09:18 The Power of Connection and Support

12:10 Breakthroughs in Community

15:09 Curating the Right Community

17:59 The Difference Between Community and Mastermind

18:59 Building Community: The Importance of Connection

20:04 Learning from Experience: Failures as Growth Opportunities

22:48 The Power of Focus: Momentum in Business

24:44 Engagement Strategies: Keeping Members Active

26:36 Surprising Transformations: The Impact of Community

28:27 Personal Growth: Lessons from Leading a Community

31:17 The Evolution of Business: Adapting to Change

33:10 Future Aspirations: Growing the CEO Besties Community

35:24 NEWCHAPTER

Connect with us

CEO Besties on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theceobesties/

CEO Besties Website - https://ceobesties.com

Connect with Megan -https://www.linkedin.com/in/meganliken/

https://www.instagram.com/megan.liken/

keywords

women entrepreneurs, community building, CEO Besties, mindset, business growth, women supporting women, mastermind, virtual community, in-person retreats, entrepreneurial success

Community building vs fan clubs vs cult brands with Ari McDaniel | Ep. 9

megan liken — Sun, 22 Mar 2026 21:25:33 GMT

In this week's episode I sat down with Ari McDaniel an award-winning leader in startup and tech PR, known for turning under-the-radar founders into cultural movements people can’t help but join. She’s the creator of Cult Communications, a PR framework behind today’s most magnetic brands, and the founder of Cult Worthy, a network dedicated to scaling community-driven companies. We discussed her unique approach to building cult brands through community and narrative. Discover how PR can be a powerful tool for startups to create obsession, loyalty, and meaningful engagement in the modern digital landscape.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Cult Communications and PR for Startups

03:08 Understanding Cult Brands and Their Unique Characteristics

06:03 The Role of Community vs. Fan Clubs in Brand Loyalty

09:02 The Importance of a Strong Brand Narrative

11:59 Thought Leadership and Founder Visibility

14:59 Innovative Community Building in Tech and AI

17:57 Strategies for Deepening Brand Loyalty

20:58 Cult Communications: Blending PR and Community Building

23:58 Challenges in B2B Cult Branding

27:24 The Human Element in Brand Communities

28:56 Common Mistakes in Building Fan Communities

30:15 Strategies for Engaging Fan Clubs

32:08 The Rise of Software Influencers

34:05 The Impact of AI on Cult Brands

36:50 Evolving Communication in Tech

38:01 The Full Scope of PR Beyond Media Relations

41:31 Exclusivity and Belonging in Brand Communities

44:29 The Irreplaceable Nature of Community in the AI Era

48:45 The Future of PR and Community Building

Cultworthy Substack

Connect with Ari on Linkedin

Connect with Megan on Linkedin

keywords

Cult brands, community building, PR strategy, startup growth, brand loyalty, narrative, social media, AI, brand storytelling, community engagement

Evolution of community strategies in coaching with Johanna Adriaansen | Ep 8

megan liken — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 01:42:43 GMT

In this episode I sit down with Johanna, a somatic therapist and coach with over seven years of experience in trauma healing, nervous system regulation, attachment theory, and inner child work.

Johanna shares why she shifted from selling standalone courses to building Becoming Secure, a membership community designed to help women build self-trust and create more secure, grounded relationships.

We talk about what wasn’t working with the traditional course model, what makes a community emotionally “sticky,” and how creators can design spaces where real transformation happens.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Johanna and Her Work

01:00 The Journey to Somatic Therapy and Healing

03:41 Evolution of Coaching Offers

06:32 Building Community and Membership Dynamics

09:07 Onboarding and Member Experience

11:57 Creating Emotional Stickiness in Community

14:44 Surveying and Understanding Community Needs

17:01 Community as a Product vs. Support

17:27 Fostering Community Engagement

19:36 Building Meaningful Communities

22:22 The Coaching Industry Landscape

28:35 Creating Content and Community

31:36 Evolving Coaching Models

35:50 Facilitating Connection and Transformation

Johanna's Instagram

Healing Anxious Attachment Podcast

Connect with Megan

keywords

community building, coaching memberships, community software, engagement strategies, nervous system healing, attachment theory, somatic therapy, coaching industry

Building a Successful Mastermind: Megan Reed’s Community-First Approach | Ep. 7

megan liken — Sun, 08 Mar 2026 00:27:41 GMT

In this episode, I sit down with Megan Reed who is a Quantum Life + Business Coach, Best-Selling Author, Speaker, and Energy Healer here to help you own your weird and unleash your Main Character Energy. She’s the founder of the Creating Confidence® Society and the Book Baddies mastermind. She's on a mission to help people discover the magic of who they truly are so they can ditch their inner critic, get out of their own way, and unapologetically achieve their wildest dreams.

She shares her journey from corporate to coaching, her innovative community-building strategies, and her successful book writing mastermind. Discover how to create engaging communities, support members effectively, and turn your expertise into a bestselling book.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Megan Reed and Her Journey

03:01 Evolution of the Creating Confidence Society

05:58 The Importance of Community in Coaching

08:29 Adapting to Member Needs and Feedback

11:38 Community as a Product vs. Support

14:24 The Role of a Community Leader

17:25 Innovations in Coaching Models

20:18 The Book Baddies Mastermind Concept

22:12 The Birth of Book Baddies

23:38 Inside the Book Baddies Mastermind

26:57 Creating a Supportive Writing Environment

30:22 The Importance of Commitment in Writing

33:27 Overcoming Challenges in the Writing Process

36:33 The Role of Mindset in Writing

38:57 Future Directions and Community Engagement

42:30 NEW CHAPTER

Connect with Megan Reed

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heymeganreed/

Website - https://heymeganreed.com/

Connect with Megan Liken -https://www.linkedin.com/in/meganliken/

https://www.instagram.com/megan.liken/

keywords

coaching, community building, book writing, mastermind, personal development, online community, entrepreneurship, self-publishing, mindset, leadership

Building Community Through Curated Dinners: Insights from Rae Lambert | Ep. 6

megan liken — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 05:31:31 GMT

In this episode, I sit down with Rae Lambert, CEO and co-founder of DNNR—a platform bringing people together through curated, in-person dinners for brands, creators, and communities. We break down how DNNR works and what it takes to start your own dinner club, while also diving into Rae’s entrepreneurial journey from starting River to pivoting to DNNR and everything in between.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Rae Lambert and DNNR

02:35 The Evolution of Community Building

05:20 The Journey of River and Its Challenges

08:02 Pivoting from River to DNNR

10:55 Understanding the Dinner Club Concept

13:19 The Mechanics of DNNR

16:17 The Psychology Behind Dinner Parties

19:06 The Matching Algorithm and User Experience

24:18 Monetizing Dinner Clubs

26:31 Building Community Through DNNR

28:53 Dinner Clubs as a Revenue Model

31:30 The Future of Distributed Dinner Clubs

34:24 Community Building Insights

41:32 Embracing Technology for Community Building

Links

keywords

community building, dinner clubs, startups, entrepreneurship, in-person events, platform development, networking, community strategies, Rae Lambert, Megan Liken

How Brands Build Cult-Like Communities Through Co-Creation with Kaylan Sliney | Ep. 5

megan liken — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 20:58:57 GMT

In this episode I sat down with Kaylan Sliney the CEO and co-founder of MAGNETIQ — the experience layer for cult brands. She builds at the intersection of culture, consumer behavior, and technology, with a focus on co-creation and emotional loyalty. A former corporate lawyer turned founder, she’s known as the “Unsubscribe Queen” for calling out noisy, distractive marketing and for building systems that replace attention with belonging

In this conversation, we discuss the evolution of community engagement and the importance of co-creation in building cult brands. We explore how brands can foster emotional connections with consumers, the significance of authentic engagement, and the role of community in driving brand loyalty. Kaylan shares insights on MAGENETIQ, a platform designed to facilitate meaningful interactions between brands and their consumers, emphasizing the need for brands to involve their audience in the creation process. Our discussion highlights the shift from traditional marketing strategies to a more community-driven approach, where consumer insights and emotional bonds play a crucial role in brand success.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Magnetic and Kaylan Sliney

01:41 The Concept of Emotional Loyalty in Marketing

04:47 The Birth of Magnetic: A Solution to Consumer Chaos

07:31 Understanding Consumer Behavior and Data Utilization

10:44 The Importance of Co-Creation in Brand Strategy

13:38 Building Community Beyond Transactions

16:23 Earning Engagement: The Value of Active Participation

19:20 Navigating Co-Creation and Avoiding Performative Actions

22:04 The Role of Magnetic in Diverse Industries

24:29 Conclusion and Future of Community Engagement

Connect with Kaylan

Work with Kaylan

Connect with Megan

Keywords

community, co-creation, brand loyalty, consumer engagement, emotional connection, Magnetic, cult brands, marketing strategy, customer insights, digital clubhouse

Community Engagement Strategies That Actually Drive Retention with Becky Pierson Davidson | Ep. 4

megan liken — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 20:34:10 GMT

In this episode, I sat down with Becky Pierson Davidson, founder of Affinity Collective and former Head of Product at BossBabe, where she helped scale one of the fastest-growing memberships for women entrepreneurs. With a background in product strategy, user experience, and community design, she now helps businesses turn community into a real growth engine.

In this conversation we explore the evolving landscape of community building, emphasizing the importance of creating meaningful connections and engagement strategies. We discuss the shift from traditional content libraries to more interactive and personalized onboarding experiences, the significance of member journeys, and the role of feedback in enhancing community experiences. Becky shares insights from her work at Affinity Collective, detailing her framework for building successful memberships and the importance of product strategy in community development.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Community Building

01:06 The Evolution of Community Models

02:38 Shifting from Content Libraries to Actionable Programming

06:53 Onboarding and Time to Value in Memberships

11:04 Designing for Community Connection

14:54 Distinguishing Between Community and Fan Clubs

17:48 Co-Creation in Community Experiences

19:57 Setting Expectations for Community Engagement

23:44 Becky's Signature Framework for Memberships

25:24 Scaling Community Dynamics

30:36 Data-Driven Engagement Strategies

34:03 The Power of Podcasting in Community Building

39:00 Building a Community Business Model

44:11 Navigating Community for Brands

Connect with Becky

Work with Becky

Connect with Megan

Keywords

community building, membership models, engagement strategies, onboarding, member journey, podcasting, community connection, fan clubs, product strategy, feedback collection

Why the Best Entrepreneurs Focus on Community, Not Networking with Marcel Wijermars | Ep. 2

megan liken — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 03:25:38 GMT

In this conversation, Marcel Wijermars shares his journey of building the Amsterdam Founders Club, a community for entrepreneurs that began with intimate dinners in Bali. He discusses the evolution of the club, the importance of intentional networking, and how to effectively build connections as a nomad. Marcel emphasizes the value of consistency in community engagement and offers insights on how to show up meaningfully at events. He also shares his current project, 'Super Connected Founder,' aimed at helping entrepreneurs build local networks wherever they are.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Marcel Wijermars

00:52 The Birth of Amsterdam Founders Club

03:32 Transitioning from Dinners to Larger Events

07:12 Building Community as a Nomad

10:08 The Introverted Founder: Networking Efficiently

12:22 Creating Events to Fill Gaps in the Community

15:26 The Value of Providing Connections

15:32 Consistency in Community Engagement

22:16 Current Focus: The Super Connected Founder Course

25:21 Final Advice on Networking and Community Building

Connect with Marcel

SuperConnected Founder

Connect with Megan

Keywords

Amsterdam Founders Club, community building, networking, digital nomads, entrepreneurship, events, intentional connections, introverted founders, personal growth, local networks

From Kickstarter to Cult Brand: The Heroes Journal Story with Kyle Cole | Ep. 1

megan liken — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 01:35:14 GMT

Empowering Your Inner Hero: The Story Behind the Heroes Journal

Discover how The Hero's Journal transformed a simple idea into a thriving community-driven brand. Learn the secrets behind community building, product co-creation, and creating emotional connection through storytelling and shared purpose.

In this episode, you will learn:

The origin story of the Heroes Journal and its community-centric approach
How storytelling, frameworks, and product co-creation fuel engagement
Strategies for turning customers into passionate community advocates
The role of community metrics and how to measure true engagement
The importance of intentionality and higher purpose in sustaining communities
Insights into launching storytelling themes and seasonal product updates
How to handle community growth during unpredictable times like 2020
Differentiating between loyalty programs and authentic community building
How to leverage feedback and co-create a delightful customer experience
The evolving landscape of online communities and future trends

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to Hot Girls Build Cults and today's guest, Kyle Cole
00:31 - Kyle's background and the inspiration behind the Heroes Journal
01:13 - The pivotal moment: From a pitch to a startup success story
02:11 - Scaling: From Kickstarter to millions in sales during the pandemic
03:55 - Community growth during COVID-19: Going live and engaging directly
06:13 - The power of doing the next right thing
07:48 - Creating a narrative universe around the journal with co-created lore
09:29 - Strategic product updates: The multiverse story and new designs
12:09 - Building products that embody larger ideals and collective identity
13:03 - Balancing vision with customer feedback in product development
15:08 - Launching new story themes: From Lord of the Rings to wizard adventures
16:30 - The impact of stretch goals and Kickstarter's role in scaling community support
18:25 - Customer support as community investment: The “Beanie Baby” moment
20:43 - Stepping away: Maintaining a community beyond the founders’ involvement
21:00 - The difference between free and paid communities: Value and trust
22:58 - Building community around professional pursuits, like sports training
27:51 - Community as a reflection of higher purpose: Mission-driven vs. mercenary mindsets
30:02 - Systematizing community values and creating opportunities for co-creation
32:08 - Combatting superficial loyalty programs with meaningful engagement
34:36 - The importance of connecting community efforts to emotional and time value
38:32 - The future of community: From online fatigue to intentional engagement in 2026
41:02 - Practical tips for entrepreneurs: Grounding communities in higher purpose
43:05 - How to work with Kyle

Resources & Links

This episode offers actionable insights for entrepreneurs, community builders, and product creators aiming to foster authentic engagement and sustainable growth through storytelling and shared purpose.