Coworking Out Loud Archives - Cat Johnson Co: Recent Episodes
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In this episode of Coworking Out Loud, Cat Johnson sits down with Alyssa Pressler, owner of That’s Novel Books in Charlotte, NC; founder of the Charlotte Silent Book Club; and head of Moonshot Marketing, for a joyful conversation about how something as simple as reading together can build real belonging.
Together, they explore why silent book clubs have become a worldwide movement, and what this low-pressure, come-as-you-are format teaches us about creating community anywhere, coworking spaces included.
Here’s what you’ll discover in this engaging episode:
- Why silent book clubs work as a zero-pressure way to connect: no RSVPs, no small talk required, just showing up and being present
- The simple format behind Charlotte’s 100+ person Silent Book Club gatherings, and how structured social time before and after reading creates space for real connection
- Why belonging is a feeling, not a checklist, and how quiet, consistent presence contributes just as much as active participation
- Practical steps for starting your own reading club or Silent Book Club chapter, from choosing consistent timing to removing barriers to entry
- Why the strongest communities aren’t built for ROI, and how showing up for people (not transactions) creates the most loyal advocates
Whether you’re a coworking operator, community builder, or someone who’s ever wished a certain kind of community existed and wondered if you could just start it yourself, this episode is a reminder that belonging often begins with one person deciding to show up.
Chapters:
00:00 INTRO: Running That’s Novel while Marketing Hygge Coworking
05:21 Discovering Silent Book Club
06:14 Starting a silent book club
11:23 Silent book club community
13:19 Silent book club format details
18:28 Making the writing club inclusive
20:14 Loving the reading community vibe
25:32 Choosing a Book Club Time
27:11 Planning events around holidays
29:57 Building community through events
35:41 Creating your own pathway
37:51 Love for co-working spaces
Follow Alyssa:
That’s Novel Books: https://www.thatsnovelbooks.com/
That’s Novel Books Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatsnovelbooks
Charlotte Silent Book Club Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cltsilentbookclub
Alyssa Pressler Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/readinginclt
Watch the full episode on YouTube and subscribe to get first-access to episodes.
Music by Grip Grand
The post What Reading Clubs Teach Us About Belonging, with Alyssa Pressler from the Charlotte Silent Book Club appeared first on Cat Johnson Co.
In this episode of Coworking Out Loud, host Cat Johnson welcomes placemaking expert Chip, host of the Sidewalk Ballet podcast, for an insightful conversation about what it truly means to belong, whether it’s in a coworking space, a city, or your favorite third place.
Together, they discuss the real, everyday efforts that transform spaces into welcoming, thriving communities, and offer practical wisdom on fostering genuine connection.
Here’s what you’ll discover in this engaging episode:
- Why service, both giving and receiving, is fundamental to building a sense of belonging and community ownership
- The important distinction between “fitting in” and authentically contributing to a group or space
- How public spaces, like parks or libraries, become vibrant hubs through ongoing public stewardship and collective use
- Why emotional factors such as joy, trust, and recognition are essential to lasting, successful communities, and how these elements drive true engagement
- Actionable placemaking principles backed by real-life examples from coworking, city life, and grassroots community projects
Whether you’re a community builder, coworking operator, or simply interested in what makes a place feel like “home,” you’ll walk away with fresh ideas and inspiration for creating environments where everyone feels they truly belong.
Connect with Chip on LinkedIn and check out his podcast, Sidewalk Ballet.
Watch the full episode on YouTube and subscribe to get first-access to episodes.
Music by Grip Grand
The post Pathways to Belonging, with Chip and Cat Johnson appeared first on Cat Johnson Co.
In this episode of Coworking Out Loud, Cat Johnson talks with Jason Vana, a brand strategist and founder of SHFT Agency. Jason is a brand building powerhouse, whose smart insights and no BS approach to brand strategy have made him a favorite on LinkedIn and beyond.
Buckle up for a fantastic conversation about brand strategy for coworking spaces.
Connect with Jason Vana:
SHFT Agency
Jason Vana on LinkedIn
Watch the full episode on YouTube and subscribe to get first-access to new episodes.
Links + PropsResources for coworking space operators at catjohnson.co
Register for the next Coworking Convo
Join The Lab, the marketing club for indie coworking spaces
Music by Grip Grand
Recorded on Riverside.fm
The Coworking Letter For coworking pros Get insights, strategies and practical to-do's every Thursday. Subscribe Thanks! Keep an eye on your inbox for updates. The post Brand strategy for coworking spaces, with Jason Vana [Coworking Out Loud Ep. 42] appeared first on Cat Johnson Co.
In this episode of Coworking Out Loud, Cat Johnson chats with Caleb Parker founder and CEO of the Brave Corporation. A longtime thought leader in coworking and the flexspace industry, Caleb is also a talented brand builder and content creator.
Connect with Caleb Parker:
Caleb Parker on LinkedIn
Brave Corporation
Misfits Mindset Podcast
Watch the full episode on YouTube and subscribe to get first-access to new episodes.
Links + PropsResources for coworking space operators at catjohnson.co
Register for the next Coworking Convo
Join The Lab, the marketing club for indie coworking spaces
Music by Grip Grand
Recorded on Riverside.fm
The post Embracing your inner misfit, with Caleb Parker [Coworking Out Loud Ep. 41] appeared first on Cat Johnson Co.
In this episode of Coworking Out Loud, Cat Johnson talks about what the co in coworking means to her and why she believes in the power of community and connection to carry us through to a new era of humanness.
Watch the full episode on YouTube and subscribe to get first-access to new episodes.
Links + PropsResources for coworking space operators at catjohnson.co
Register for the next Coworking Convo
Join The Lab, the marketing club for indie coworking spaces
Music by Grip Grand
Episode recorded on Riverside.fm
The post The co in coworking, with Cat Johnson [Coworking Out Loud Ep. 40] appeared first on Cat Johnson Co.
In this episode of Coworking Out Loud, Cat Johnson talks with Reuben Lau, founder of Spacefully. Reuben is a digital marketing expert specializing in helping coworking spaces attract members.
I love talking marketing with Reuben as our skillsets and specialties compliment each other very well.
Have a listen and join us in The Lab for access to Reuben’s workshop on creating high-converting calls to action on your website.
Connect with Reuben Lau:
Spacefully
Reuben Lau on LinkedIn
Watch the full episode on YouTube and subscribe to get first-access to new episodes.
Links + PropsResources for coworking space operators at catjohnson.co
Register for the next Coworking Convo
Join The Lab, the marketing club for indie coworking spaces
Music by Grip Grand
Episode recorded on Riverside.fm
Elevate your indie coworking space and brand in The Lab.Get the education, support and community you neeD
Learn moreThe post Measurable marketing for coworking spaces, with Reuben Lau [Coworking Out Loud Ep. 39] appeared first on Cat Johnson Co.
In this episode of Coworking Out Loud, Cat Johnson talks with Lauren Walker, CMO at Coworks. Lauren is one of the best creators in coworking, full stop.
It was a pleasure to dig into content creation, content marketing and coworking with her.
Enjoy the show.
Connect with Lauren Walker
Coworks
Lauren Walker on LinkedIn
Watch the full episode on YouTube and subscribe to get first-access to new episodes.
Links + PropsResources for coworking space operators at catjohnson.co
Register for the next Coworking Convo
Join The Lab, the marketing club for indie coworking spaces
Music by Grip Grand
Episode recorded on Riverside.fm
Elevate your indie coworking space and brand in The Lab.Get the education, support and community you neeD
Learn moreThe post Coworking and the power of content marketing, with Lauren Walker [Coworking Out Loud Ep. 38] appeared first on Cat Johnson Co.
In this episode of Coworking Out Loud, Cat Johnson talks with Craig Baute from Denswap and Creative Density. Craig has 12 years of experience running indie coworking spaces and has a wealth of data and insights gathered from his work with Denswap.
It’s always a pleasure to learn from Craig and hear his heartfelt thoughts and tips for indie coworking space operators.
Enjoy the show.
Connect with Craig Baute:
Denswap
Creative Density
Craig Baute on LinkedIn
Watch the full episode on YouTube and subscribe to get first-access to new episodes.
Links + PropsResources for coworking space operators at catjohnson.co
Register for the next Coworking Convo
Join The Lab, the marketing club for indie coworking spaces
Music by Grip Grand
Episode recorded on Riverside.fm
Elevate your indie coworking space and brand in The Lab.Get the education, support and community you neeD
Learn moreThe post Real talk about indie coworking, with Craig Baute [Coworking Out Loud Ep. 37] appeared first on Cat Johnson Co.
In this episode of Coworking Out Loud, Cat Johnson talks with Kevin Whelan from Everspaces. Kevin is a fantastic content creator, advisor and more. He also understands coworking and the power of content marketing.
It’s always a pleasure to learn from Kevin and nerd out on marketing, content and brand with him.
Enjoy the show.
Connect with Kevin Whelan:
Everspaces
Kevin Whelan on LinkedIn
Watch the full episode on YouTube
Links + PropsResources for coworking space operators at catjohnson.co
Register for the next Coworking Convo
Join The Lab, the club for indie coworking spaces
Music by Grip Grand
Episode recorded on Riverside.fm
Elevate your indie coworking space and brand in The Lab.Get the education, support and community you neeD
Learn moreThe post Content strategy for coworking spaces, with Kevin Whelan [Coworking Out Loud Ep. 36] appeared first on Cat Johnson Co.
In this episode of Coworking Out Loud, I talk with the one and only Garrett Tichy, who is a dear friend and the mastermind behind Hygge Coworking and now part of the Cohatch empire. Garrett is real deal. He’s authentic, he’s vulnerable, he’s open. And he knows what he’s doing. He’s built some amazing things […]
The post Keeping it real in your brand and community, with Garrett Tichy [Coworking Out Loud Ep. 35] appeared first on Cat Johnson Co.
In this episode of Coworking Out Loud, Cat Johnson talks with powerhouse and all-around go-getter Kate Schwarzler from Indy Commons in Independence, Oregon. Kate is hyper-focused on the regional economic and social impact coworking can make through supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses. Connect with Kate Schwarzler and Indy Commons:indycommons.comKate on LinkedIn Watch full episode on […]
The post Impact and entrepreneurship through rural coworking, with Kate Schwarzler [Coworking Out Loud Ep. 33] appeared first on Cat Johnson Co.
Here’s a Coworking Out Loud Hot Take for you. A common mistake that I see coworking space operators make is to try to build community from the outside or from above as though you’re building something that’s separate from you. You must embed yourself within the community. All of your members are little points of […]
The post You can’t build community from above [Coworking Out Loud Hot Take Ep. 33] appeared first on Cat Johnson Co.
In this episode of Coworking Out Loud, Cat Johnson talks with video creator, community builder, AV professional and all-around amazing human Alesia Hendley about being willing to be uncomfortable, the slow roll as a creator and using our differences to grow communities and careers. Connect with Alesia Hendley:thesmoothfactor.comLinkedInTwitter Watch full episode on YouTube Links + […]
The post Creating, building community and finding your swag, with Alesia Hendley [Coworking Out Loud Ep. 32] appeared first on Cat Johnson Co.
In this episode of Coworking Out Loud, somatic psychotherapist and coworking pioneer Laura Shook Guzman talks with Cat Johnson about entrepreneurial mental health, getting curious about what drives you abd the challenges of living up to your potential.
Connect with Laura Shook Guzman:
laurashookguzman.com
Tools4Founders
Founders Taboo
Women Who Cowork
Laura on LinkedIn
Watch full episode on YouTube
Links + Props More resources for coworking space operators at catjohnson.co
Register for the next Coworking Convo
Join The Lab, the club for indie coworking spaces
Music by Grip Grand
Recorded on Riverside.fm
The post Entrepreneurial mental health, with Laura Shook Guzman [Coworking Out Loud Ep. 31] appeared first on Cat Johnson Co.
In this episode of Coworking Out Loud, DeShawn Brown from Coworks and Cat Johnson talk about being a product of coworking, the intersection of community and tech, and how coworking space operators have a ridiculously challenging job that involves high emotional work and being able to task switch constantly.
Connect with DeShawn Brown on LinkedIn
Connect with Coworks:
Website
Coworks Blog
Instagram
LinkedIn
Watch full episode on YouTube
Links + Props More resources for coworking space operators at catjohnson.co
Register for the next Coworking Convo
Join The Lab, the club for indie coworking spaces
Music by Grip Grand
Recorded on Riverside.fm
The post Community and Technology, with DeShawn Brown [Coworking Out Loud Ep. 30] appeared first on Cat Johnson Co.
In this episode of Coworking Out Loud, Liz Elam and Cat Johnson talk about coworking’s return to “co,” the power of community to support and create well-being, the bonkers lineup for GCUC Chicago in April and more.
Connect with Liz Elam on LinkedIn
Connect with GCUC (The Global Coworking Unconference Community)
gcuc.co
Instagram
LinkedIn
Facebook
Watch full episode on YouTube
Links + Props catjohnson.co | Coworking Convo | The Lab
Music by Grip Grand
Recorded on Riverside.fm
The post The power of connection and community, with Liz Elam [Coworking Out Loud Ep. 29] appeared first on Cat Johnson Co.
In this episode of Coworking Out Loud, Ev Chapman and Cat Johnson talk about the inner work of becoming a creator, how coworking space operators should think about their content, and the fact that brands that don’t invest in content will get left behind because the creators are coming for you.
Connect with Ev Chapman:
evchapman.com
Twitter
Instagram
YouTube
Watch full episode on YouTube
Links + Props catjohnson.co | Coworking Convo | The Lab
Music by Grip Grand
Recorded on Riverside.fm
The post The Creators are Coming for You, with Ev Chapman [Coworking Out Loud Ep. 28] appeared first on Cat Johnson Co.
In this episode of Coworking Out Loud, Cat Johnson talks with Karina Patel, COO at Her First $100K and the Marketing Coach at CJCo, about social media for coworking spaces and community builders, avoiding overwhelm, choosing the right channels and more.
Karina spent eight years at Pacific Workplaces as their Marketing Director & CMO, and has collaborated with me and CJCo for five years. She now heads operations for a media company that produces a top charting business podcast called Financial Feminist and recently published the New York Times bestseller Financial Feminist.
Take the Social Media Audit: 5-Day Challenge
Connect with Karina Patel on LinkedIn and Instagram.
Links + Props catjohnson.co | Coworking Convo | The Lab
Music by Grip Grand
Watch full episode on YouTube
Recorded on Riverside.fm
The post Social Media for Community Builders with Karina Patel [Ep 27] appeared first on Cat Johnson Co.
In this episode of Coworking Out Loud, I chatted with Matthew Holman, head of growth at Qpilot, a tool to help you manage your subscription software.
Matthew caught my attention when he was incredibly brave and vulnerable with some content he shared.
We talked about his transition from being incarcerated to being a community builder, his approach to content and marketing and the vision for a world we’d both like to live in.
Learn more about QPilot
Connect with Matthew Holman on LinkedIn
Check the episode out and let me know what you think.
Links + Props catjohnson.co | Coworking Convo | The Lab
Music by Grip Grand
Watch full episode on YouTube
Recorded on Riverside.fm
The post From Incarceration to Community Building and Creating with Matthew Holman [Coworking Out Loud Ep. 26] appeared first on Cat Johnson Co.
In this episode of Coworking Out Loud, I chat with John Huntinghouse, the VP of Marketing at TAB Bank about challenging your marketing assumptions, creating truly customer-driven brands and his unusual path from pre-med to
The post Creating Customer-driven Brands and Challenging Marketing Assumptions with John Huntinghouse [Ep. 25] appeared first on Cat Johnson Co.
In this episode of Coworking Out Loud, I chatted with Emilie Lashmar, creative director at Platf9rm, a brilliant coworking brand and community out of Brighton and Hove in East Sussex, England.
Emilie
The post Coworking Brand, Content and Vibe with Emilie Lashmar [Ep. 24] appeared first on Cat Johnson Co.
In this episode of Coworking Out Loud, I chatted with Corrales Cachola about community, Web3 and more. If you leave this episode with more questions than answers, you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be.
The post Community and Web3 with Corrales Cachola [Ep. 23] appeared first on Cat Johnson Co.
In this episode of Coworking Out Loud, Cat Johnson talks with Anne Kirby from The Candy Factory coworking space in Lancaster, PA about marketing a coworking space, being intentional about building community in your workspace,
The post Coworking Out Loud with Anne Kirby from The Candy Factory [Ep. 22] appeared first on Cat Johnson Co.
After a short break turned into three years and a wild ride through a pandemic, Coworking Out Loud is back! A podcast for workspace operators, community builders and creators, Coworking Out Loud is an exploration
The post Coworking Out Loud Relaunch 🎉 appeared first on Cat Johnson Co.
When I set up a call with my friend Garrett Tichy from Hygge Coworking in Charlotte, North Carolina, my intention was to talk about how the recent shooting on the UNC campus affected Tichy and the Hygge community.
We touched
The post Coworking Out Loud 019 – Getting Real with Garrett Tichy from Hygge Coworking appeared first on Cat Johnson Co.
My first great a-ha moment with coworking came in 2015.
I was in Berkeley covering GCUC for a publication.
Tony Bacigalupo, who I didn’t know at the time but who has become a dear friend, opened GCUC by asking the
The post Coworking Out Loud 018 – The One and Only Tony Bacigalupo of New Work Cities appeared first on Cat Johnson Co.
Tara Everett is passionately pursuing her vision to open Canoe Coworking, an indigenous coworking space in Manitoba, a Canadian prairie province.
Tara’s plan for Canoe is to create a space that honors indigenous cultural roots and traditions while supporting local
The post Coworking Out Loud 017 – Tara Everett of Canoe Coworking on Launching an Indigenous Coworking Space appeared first on Cat Johnson Co.
Sam Rosen from Deskpass is a self-described “coworking grandpa.”
He’s been active in the coworking movement since the early days, he has the perspective of a coworking member, a space operator and a visionary as a founder of Deskpass.
And,
The post Coworking Out Loud 016 – Sam Rosen of Deskpass on Being a Coworking Grandpa, Supporting Indie Spaces and the Future of the Movement appeared first on Cat Johnson Co.
Kaya Lindsay of One Chick Travels inspires me daily. A fellow member of the NextSpace Santa Cruz community, Kaya lives, works and travels in her Sprinter van, she climbs rocks like a rockstar, and she’s a savvy social media pro
The post Coworking Out Loud 015 – Kaya Lindsay of One Chick Travels on VanLife and Coworking as Unofficial Business School appeared first on Cat Johnson Co.
Susan Dorsch, who co-founded Office Nomads, the longest running coworking space in Seattle, is a quiet giant of coworking (and a dear friend of mine).
I’m thrilled to have Susan as my first guest as the Coworking Out Loud Podcast
The post Coworking Out Loud Podcast 014 – Susan Dorsch, a Quiet Giant of Coworking appeared first on Cat Johnson Co.
Belonging is a core part of being human.
Without a circle of people around us, life on earth would be challenging, indeed.
Some people find that sense of belonging in our family and friends. Others find it in social groups,
The post Coworking Out Loud Podcast 013 – Stream of Connection appeared first on Cat Johnson Co.
My mom is from a musical family and she made sure my siblings and I learned to play instruments.
She said we’d thank her one day, and she was right. I’m really grateful to have a solid musical foundation.
My
The post Coworking Out Loud Podcast 012 – Grace at the Detention Center appeared first on Cat Johnson Co.
Recently, one of my best coworking pals found herself back at NextSpace Santa Cruz after a year away.
Her second day back, something magical happened in the space—and I happened to catch it on my recorder.
This episode is a
The post Coworking Out Loud Podcast 011 – Eruption of Cheers appeared first on Cat Johnson Co.
You might have noticed from all the rainbow flags in your social media feeds that we are well into Pride Month.
In this week’s episode of the Coworking Out Loud Podcast, I dive into the deeper meaning behind community pride,
The post Coworking Out Loud Podcast 010 – A Search for Belonging appeared first on Cat Johnson Co.
I recently found myself at a gathering of introverts. It was new territory for me, but I learned a lot about myself…and about how important it is to find ways for everyone to contribute to conversations.
It’s not always the
The post Coworking Out Loud Podcast 009 – A Gathering of Introverts appeared first on Cat Johnson Co.
My worst interview ever was with Erika Wennerstrom from the Heartless Bastards. I was a mess, everything was going wrong, and it was not great. At all.
Recently I had the opportunity to change the ending to that story when
The post Coworking Out Loud Podcast 008 – Worst Interview Ever appeared first on Cat Johnson Co.
I think of my grandparents pretty much every day. Bud and Ethel were great role models. They were loving, accepting, committed and fun.
Grandma and grandpa taught me a lot about the importance of community. Several times a week they
The post Coworking Out Loud Podcast 007 – Grandparents and Community appeared first on Cat Johnson Co.
Whew, last week’s episode on vulnerability was a doozie.
As you might recall, I waited days to publish it because I was not at all sure that I wanted to share such a raw, emotional post.
But I did, and
The post Coworking Out Loud Podcast 006 – Trust appeared first on Cat Johnson Co.
Heads-up: This episode is emotional, raw and real. If that’s not your thing, or if you’re not in the space to go there right now, better skip this one.
This episode of the Coworking Out Loud Podcast terrifies me.
The
The post Coworking Out Loud Podcast 005 – Vulnerability When Things Are Falling Apart appeared first on Cat Johnson Co.
I come from a family of storytellers and bookworms.
Stories were an everyday part of my childhood, especially stories about our family.
The stories helped us understand who we were and where we came from.
Storytelling is an important part
The post Coworking Out Loud Podcast 004 – Language of Story appeared first on Cat Johnson Co.
At GCUC Canada in October I found myself unexpectedly singing and crying among hundreds of coworking friends.
It was a flawed, human moment brought on by beauty, sadness, loss and a collective spirit of vulnerability.
Subscribe to the Coworking Out Loud
The post Coworking Out Loud Podcast 003 – How the Light Gets In appeared first on Cat Johnson Co.
When I was in my early twenties, I moved by myself to Santa Cruz, California.
I was doing some soul-searching at the time, trying to figure out what I wanted from life.
One day I was walking, asking for clarity,
The post Coworking Out Loud Podcast 002 – Clarity appeared first on Cat Johnson Co.