Adam Riehl
Healing
Helping Humans Heal
Third Place Sessions
Third Place Sessions is a podcast about the places where we gather, connect, and feel like we belong.
Friends and community-builders Carrie Hopperstad and Adam Riehl talk with storytellers, creators, and interesting people about the places that shaped their lives, from yoga studios and neighborhood bars to radio stations, tour buses, online communities, and beyond.
We explore why these places matter and what turns an ordinary space into somewhere you feel known.
Community isn’t just something we find. It’s something we create by showing up, participating, and noticing one another.
I appreciate people who aren't afraid to do things a little differently. The ones who question the rules, challenge expectations, and create something meaningful along the way.
For our first on-location episode, Carrie and I headed to Awaken Yourself in Everett to sit down with a good friend Ali D'Arco. Ali is a Reiki master, shamanic practitioner, community builder, and someone I affectionately describe as a little punk rock in the mystical world.
We chat about finding community in recovery to building a space where people can show up exactly as they are, Ali shares her journey of creating belonging when she didn't always feel like she belonged herself.
And yes, we talk about crystals, dragons, and a little bit of everything in between!
-Adam
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When I first started geeking out about the concept of third places, one of the examples I read was a "stoop." Immediately, what came to mind were the stoops on Sesame Street and 227 (Gen-X much?) But right after that, I was transported to the spring of 2020, the early days of Covid, and the online stoop that made my days "manageable".
In this episode, I introduce Adam to yoga teacher, community builder, and wellness coach Gina Caputo, as she joins us in our third place. She explains the intentionality behind the online neighborhood hangout that grew into a thriving community that continues today.
I particularly loved hearing Gina's honest take on keeping yourself in-check as a healing leader and community builder.
I hope you love this conversation as much as I did!
- Carrie
You know the song "Teenage Dirtbag" by Wheatus. I bet you already started singing it in your head ("I got two tickets to Iron Maiden baby, come with me Friday, don't say maybe...")
In this episode, I introduce Adam to Matt Milligan, bassist for Wheatus (among many other things) as we welcome him into our hang. Matt explores how a tour bus, a stage, and even a podcast can become a third place.
My favorite part of this episode was getting to experience both Adam and Matt's genuine love and appreciation for the music of Weird Al, and how influential he was to their musical development. It was a conversation I'll never forget!
- Carrie
There's a bench in the lobby of a yoga studio in Kirkland, Washington. It's where we sit before class, chatting, laughing, catching up, and getting and giving plant (and life) advice. It's a third place. And it's where we had the idea for this podcast.
Why does it feel so good to walk into a room and know someone is expecting you? How do these seemingly ordinary places become such important parts of our lives?
And what if we could create more of them?
In our very first episode, Adam and I explore the concept of third places, share some of our own experiences, and talk about why we think the world could use a few more places where everybody knows there's a spot for them.
We are so glad you're here.
— Carrie