Connection Is a Vital Sign: Belonging, Loneliness & Group Work with Lori Schwanbeck

Scott Raymond and Warren Gendel sit down with licensed psychotherapist, mindfulness teacher and longtime Evexia member Lori Schwanbeck to explore why connection itself is a vital sign for health, happiness, and longevity. From a near-death cycling accident that reshaped her purpose, to the neuroscience of social bonds, Lori shares how real relationships change our biology—and why community is the antidote to our device-driven, AI-saturated world.

We talk about the origin of Evexia’s Connection Lab, what it means to “stretch, tone, and build” your connection muscles, and why even tiny micro-moments—eye contact at the coffee bar, a quick hello in the locker room—can literally change your mitochondria and your mood.

Lori also introduces Vital Signs, her new framework for tracking how alive you actually feel (not just what your wearables say), and offers a three-step daily “connection challenge” you can start today.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Why social connection is a stronger longevity predictor than many classic risk factors

How Lori’s near-death bike accident ignited a radical sense of gratitude and purpose

What interpersonal neurobiology is—and how other people’s nervous systems shape ours

The PEARL framework for better conversations (Presence, Empathy, Attention, Reciprocity, Letting go of judgment)

The difference between stretch, tone, and build in your connection “workouts”

Why loose ties (the barista, the front-desk team, fellow members) matter as much as deep friendships

How to navigate introversion, old stories, and fear of rejection when you want more connection

Lori’s 3-part daily challenge: 3 stretches, toning with regular touchpoints, and one deeper “build” outreach

About our guest:

Lori Schwanbeck is a licensed psychotherapist based in San Francisco and Marin with expertise in somatic and integrative approaches (including Hakomi, mindfulness, and interpersonal neurobiology). She is a certified Mindfulness Meditation Teacher, trained by Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach through the Greater Good Science Center. At Club Evexia, Lori facilitates the Connection Lab, men’s and women’s groups, and co-ed retreats that help members build real, durable community.

About The Evexia Exchange:

A podcast by Club Evexia—a wellness community in Southern Marin focused on fitness, longevity, and belonging. Founders Scott Raymond & Warren Gendel interview practitioners, members, and thinkers on living well together—from strength and recovery to relationships, purpose, and community. Produced by Resonate Studio, LLC.

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