What if everything you thought about workplace connection was wrong—and remote workers are actually the most connected employees of all?

In this eye-opening episode, Lou Diamond welcomes back human connection expert Jason Lauritsen to reveal the surprising and actionable findings from a groundbreaking study on connection at work. Discover why connection isn't just a nice-to-have, but the upstream force driving motivation, inclusion, and real organizational performance.

Key highlights include the two forms of workplace connection (and the critical prerequisite that makes them work), why clarity from leadership matters more than ever, and how being able to "be yourself" at work is the secret ingredient for engagement and results. Plus, Jason Lauritsen offers simple, high-impact ways leaders and managers can immediately start building a more connected—and higher-performing—organization.

Tune in to learn the science behind true connection and how to power up your team's performance with proven, practical steps.

To Download the Connection Diagnostic - app.connectedperformancegroup.com/connection-diagnostic

To connect directly with Jason Lauritsen - https://schedule.jasonlauritsen.com/preview/xOZpJLTiVsO9IZ0Wv2NL?notrack=true

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Episode intro and welcome00:55 Why study human connection at work?03:37 Study design, participants, and methodology06:38 Demographics, tenure, and industries represented10:16 How connection was measured13:14 What surprised—and didn’t—in the findings15:37 Remote vs. on-site: The real story of connection18:01 Two types of connection and the “identity congruence” prerequisite23:24 How leaders can drive better connection26:00 The manager’s crucial role in fostering connection29:47 The connected performance system: practical applications34:12 Sports analogies, team connection, and energy37:12 What’s next for Jason Lauritsen and how to learn more39:51 Episode outro

What if the real magic of sports isn’t the game, but the way it weaves generations, cultures, and total strangers together?

In this special solo episode of "Thrive LouD," experience the electric atmosphere as the New York Knicks chase their first championship in 53 years while the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off across North America.

Dive into a powerful exploration of how sports go beyond wins and losses, teaching lessons in loyalty, igniting shared memories, and connecting people in ways few things can. Discover why these moments become lifelong legacies and how, right now, New York stands at the heart of it all.

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Kickoff: Setting the scene—historic sports moments collide00:25 Knicks in the Finals & World Cup arrives in North America01:49 Generational connection and Knicks fandom02:25 Three generations of hope: the family legacy03:00 Sports as a global connector03:26 The three powerful types of connection explained04:40 Loyalty, hardship, and celebration: Life lessons from teams05:00 The gravity and culture of major events06:22 Joy as a universal connector—sports as a shared language07:25 The multiplying power of shared joy07:38 Why this summer is truly rare08:29 Connection is everything—passing the torch08:54 Closing and call to embrace the moment09:14 Episode outro

What if the secret to finding love—at any age—has nothing to do with apps, luck, or even your own timeline, but starts with how you see (and show) yourself to the world?

On this episode of Thrive LouD, Lou Diamond sits down with internationally renowned confidence therapist, dating strategist, and image expert Kimmy Seltzer for a refreshingly candid conversation that will challenge everything you think you know about dating—especially after 40.

From her transformational "outside-in" approach and the viral story behind her life-changing red dress, to advice for men and women re-entering the dating scene and fresh insights drawn from coaching "Golden Bachelor" contestants, Kimmy Seltzer unpacks how style, vulnerability, and mindset shape romantic success in today's world.

Whether you're ready for love, afraid to start, or just want to boost your confidence, this episode is filled with actionable strategies, personal stories, and a ton of positive encouragement. Plus: Behind-the-scenes makeovers, the truth about "fishing in the dating pool," and how Kimmy Seltzer helps people fall in love with themselves first.

Episode Overview:00:00 Episode introduction and Kimmy Seltzer’s background02:05 How dating has changed and Kimmy Seltzer’s current focus04:13 When people typically seek out dating help06:03 The “fisherman” metaphor and dating later in life07:29 The Charisma Quotient explained10:00 Three pillars of the Charisma Quotient13:00 How Kimmy Seltzer approaches style/image for men and women17:08 Makeover stories and building confidence18:26 Dating strategy, chemistry, and timing20:26 Working with The Golden Bachelor contestants22:06 The rise of later-life dating and resources23:10 The biggest gift from creating her podcasts25:08 Upcoming events, workshops, and where to find Kimmy Seltzer26:28 Speed round: favorites, activities, and fun facts32:29 The “fish in a barrel” dating myth and mindset shift35:18 Outro and ways to connect