Product Therapy: The collective spirit, hiring(!) and vinyl + threads
Musings from October 2025
Analog Experiences
On Friday, I placed an early ballot for the New York mayoral race and found myself emotional watching ballot workers whoop and holler for first-time voters. There was an abundance of spirit as voters celebrated fulfilling a basic civic duty.
By early evening, I was on camped out on my Brooklyn stoop, sitting alongside my neighbors, handing out piles of candy to local trick-or-treaters. These were people I shared the sidewalks with every single day yet never have conversations with. We engaged in costume conversation and poured swigs of wine for parents.
Saturday, I posted up at a local coffee shop, spinning tunes for throngs of Saturday foot traffic in Cobble Hill. From 2 to 5, there was a consistent stream of families, couples, friends in conversation noshing on pastries, sipping warm beverages. I had the opportunity to play the soundtrack to their IRL interactions.
In the evening, my husband and I made conversation with a hostess who eventually helped seat us at a coveted restaurant. It was refreshing to get a table this way instead of relying on a finicky reservation app on my phone.
And, well, don’t even get me started about Sunday.
Sunday was the New York City Marathon, the most uplifting day in the city. Merely standing and watching runners brought me to tears. This year, I had the privilege of cheering on brave friends complete the five borough feat. When I wasn’t tracking my friends, I was cheering on Susan who was struggling at mile 8 and John who was needing another push from the crowd. And, when my friend was passing by, my fellow spectators joined in screaming her name to ensure she caught our cheers.
The collective spirit of the weekend was unusual and unordinary. It was electric.
Most days, I find myself amongst the same people I encountered over the course of these three days. Except we’re headphones in, screens shoved in front of our face, shuffling to an fro our destinations in silence. These days were comprised of screenless interaction. Friendly encounters, cheerful small talk and teamwork.
It was New York City at its finest.
Before I shrivel back into my screen dominated life, I’m thinking about how to carry that energy into November. Maybe I’ll ride the subway without headphones in my ear. Or I’ll compliment someone’s outfit on the street if I feel moved. I might even strike up a conversation with the doorman at work?! The possibilities for in person human interaction are endless. But they’re not default anymore. My personal mission: bring IRL back into the fold and make it default again.
Pieces I wrote
This month I shared a photo heavy piece from the Coaching Corner retreat. It was IRL on steroids. 3 days and 2 nights camped out at a gorgeous retreat center in the Hudson Valley. Minimal tech, lots of face time. It was glorious.
Connie Liu covered the retreat from the community angle on Medium.
And Kelly Liu gave us the full peek behind the current on Substack.
I’m hiring!
And again, speaking of IRL: I’m so excited to be hiring for an incredibly unique role on my team at Hampton. I’m a product person who’s focused on delivering exceptional IRL experiences to founders. And I need help. Read more about it and apply here (or pass along!) if this sounds interesting!
Other content I enjoyed
Some Mel Robbins wisdom that everyone needs to hear on repeat…
Scrolling on your phone, as seen through a 5-year-old’s eyes…from Nicole Garelick
#155 AND #156 by Jonathan Yagel
Managing up by Ravi Mehta - bc I’m doing a lot of this lately.
Culture Clicks
I fell in love with Vinyl + Thread in Dumbo 🎵. I want to throw a party there. On the local Brooklyn thrifting front, Front General Store expanded! And Foyer is the best thrift secret in my neighborhood.
Olmo in Bed Stuy transported me to Mexico City. I am so excited to bring my favorite soup recipe back for Fall. I’m wondering why Hale + Hearty had to go? Can we campaign to bring it back?The tahini + grape fro yo at Shukette tastes like Fruit Loops, not peanut butter and jelly.
This candle is transforming our home. To those familiar with the headphone saga, I got Air Pods with foam attachments which was maybe was the secret all along. I devoured Emily Sundberg’s Social Skills report.
Finally, leaving you with some smooth then thumpy tunes from my baby DJ set this weekend! Check out Bolo Bolo in Cobble Hill. It’s a vibe.
Happy resetting clocks week on the East Coast!
found this randomly and loved reading this little rundown of your weekend!! the mix of voting, neighbors, music and random chats paints such a great picture of the city when it’s at its best!
Love this! And honored to be included in such an uplifting post. IRL NYC!
(Also: How did I not know that you DJ!? So cool 🙌 )