EP1: Feeling at Home in Girl Talk

Join Julie and Shannon for their first episode of “Love, Girl Talk.” In this first "chapter" you will learn about the mission of Girl Talk, get to know our founder and program director, and dive into the heart of Girl Talk hospitality. As our first pillar of Girl Talk, hospitality serves as the foundation for our sisterhood of self-worth. What does it mean to be really seen? How does something as simple as a candle influence my self-worth? Discover the answers to these questions and more as we unpack the definition of Girl Talk hospitality. Love, Girl Talk.

Girl Talk Website: www.ourgirltalk.org

Co-Host Bios:
Julie Larkin (Founder & Executive Director): Julie is passionate about inspiring and encouraging women. In 2012, she began Girl Talk after hearing too many friends doubt their inherent value and witnessing the loneliness that comes from heartbreak of any kind. Her mission is to remind women that they are not alone, by creating a sisterhood of self-worth—with authentic friendship at its core. With her undergraduate degree in psychology and masters in business, Julie has spent several years working in higher-ed, not-for-profits, and startup organizations. She loves developing ideas, experiencing them come to life, and witnessing lives transformed in the process! Although she currently resides in our nation’s capital, Julie is a Jersey girl at heart, with a weakness for Wawa, a love of board games, and an addiction to snapping too many pictures.

"I Girl Talk because of Rachel. And Vanessa. And Caitlin. For all my residents who inspired this storytelling venture, and for all my friends who continually remind of the need for courageous vulnerability. For every girl who has ever felt alone.”

Shannon White (Program Director): Shannon is a Boston girl who came to DC to study and follow her dreams of helping others. She has seen Girl Talk through all its stages as a Girl Talk participant, the president at her university, and currently serves as the Girl Talk Program Director. Shannon is also a pediatric nurse at Children's National Medical Center. On her days off, you can find her baking for her housemates, hosting game nights with friends, and watching every Shonda Rhimes show under the sun. She lives by quotes and thrives by asking questions.

“I Girl Talk because I love learning over and over again that women who I think seem so different than me are actually so similar to me. I love learning that there is something I can love in every woman I meet.”

Quote leading discussion:
“For me, hospitality is the gracious and generous welcoming and care of another person (friend, family member, acquaintance, or stranger). Everyone hungers in some way--for food, drink, safety, a desire to be heard, a desire for connection, and a desire to belong. Done well, hosp. Creates a sanctuary of comfort through a place, food, event, and/or conversation that leads to satisfying those innate hungers. When people are content and in a happy place, it eases the opening up of conversations between individuals and hopefully deeper relationships.” — Angelica Tom

Follow us:
Instagram: @ourgirltalk

Send Questions or Comments:
info@ourgirltalk.org