Reviving connection & community…one story at a time
The Art of Awareness seeks to tell the stories of our neighbors, highlighting good works, great organizations, and ways to connect with our West Michigan communities and beyond. We don’t just tell you the story of a non-profit or business, we dive into the purpose and passion of the people who work there. We explore high-level social issues by connecting you with local stories that inspire and engage. In a world of sound bites, algorithms, and social divisions, we revive the sense of connection and community by getting to know one another, exploring ways to give back, and celebrating the stories of those around us. Community is viral again with the Art of Awareness.
Podcast Episodes……coming February 2026
Featuring Chef Mandy and Amy Thomas-Mellema, Revive & Thrive: Food Is Medicine centers on how intentional nourishment can support individuals facing cancer, heart disease, and diabetes—connecting education, access, and hope to help people restore health and thrive.
1: The Art of Awareness: Our Story Laurie Duthie and Kristie Hollingsworth share how surviving cancer showed them the power of connection - and inspired The Art of Awareness, a podcast making community viral by sharing stories, sparking conversation, and reviving connection in West Michigan.
2: Food is MedicineCoral Reef is a home built on belonging, dignity, and connection. Featuring Connie Lettinga and Jason Madden, this podcast explores how Coral Reef is creating an inclusive community where adults with disabilities are supported, valued, and never isolated - because everyone deserves a place to thrive, contribute, and truly feel at home.
3: Dare to DreamLed by Colette Smiley, Dare to Dream Blood United brings awareness, education, and hope to those impacted by blood disorders—uniting community through courage, advocacy, and the belief that every dream still matters.
4: Independent but not alone
Community & Events
Come As You Are Gatherings are quarterly, in-person experiences created to extend the conversations from the Art of Awareness podcast into real life. These gatherings celebrate the individuals and groups featured on the podcast, creating space for authentic connection, shared stories, and meaningful community. Come exactly as you are — curious, open, and ready to connect. Launching Spring 2026.
About Us
Kristie Hollingsworth and Laurie Duthie are both cancer survivors who learned through personal struggles to find inspiration and passion from others’ stories. It is connecting with a community, in times of both need and giving, that is crucial to finding personal purpose and strength. They now share a passion for the serendipitous friendships that emerge from engagement with the local community.
Get in Touch
Have a story to share, want to collaborate, or interested in becoming a sponsor of an episode or our quarterly events?
Your support helps make this work possible and expands access, opportunity, and awareness.
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đź“© Email us at: info@theartofawareness.org