From Presents to Presence: The Gift of a Birthday Circle

Most birthday celebrations are filled with gifts, cake, and casual conversation. But what if the real gift was presence—the kind that invites everyone to connect in a deep, meaningful way?

In this episode, Dre and Em are joined by Emily's best friend, David Perlman, who shares what it was like to celebrate his birthday in a completely different way: by sitting in circle. Instead of the usual dinner and side conversations, the group dropped into something sacred—an intentional space for reflection, vulnerability, and connection.

David reflects on how simply creating space for a shared experience, guided by Dre's facilitation, allowed everyone to be seen, heard, and moved—to laughter, to tears, and to something unforgettable.

Whether you're curious about circling or already hold space for others, this conversation is a beautiful reminder: we don't need a special occasion to create sacred connection. We just need the intention.

This episode is an invitation to rethink how we gather—not just for birthdays, but for life.

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@andreabendewald @circlethispodcast @emkratter @goodmessmedia @talkwithtrace

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