Thanks to everyone who tuned into my live video broadcast with artist and intimacy cultivator Sharlene Durfey Francois, who was kind enough to join me today from her home in Berlin.
Part of my ongoing “Healthy Deviant Friends” series, this conversation was a exploration of how we can all create more meaningful connections in what often feels like an alienating, lonely, downright scary world.
In addition to investigating the intersections of energy, attention, vulnerability, and sensory perception, we discussed how simple social containers and “gamification” strategies can help make non-romantic intimacy-building feel less risky — and way more fun.
I shared my enthusiasm for Sharlene’s beautiful illustrated deck of Intimacy Cards, her incredible mushroom-inspired art (wait until you hear about her forthcoming mushroom museum!), her “Beyond the Surface” live events, her fast-growing intimacy movement, and more.
If you can’t imagine the connection between mushrooms and intimacy, you really gotta check out the video of our chat. It’s both inspiring and thought-provoking.
To learn more about Sharlene and her work, visit at these sites and feeds:
Oh, and here’s the Substack post of mine that originally connected Sharlene with my work and inspired her to reach out. It was previously in my paid-subscriber archive, but I’ve made it available free for all for now …
Want more of this good stuff, more conversations with fascinating folks like Sharlene Durfey? I’d love to have you subscribe (and if you can manage a paid subscription, I’d be extra grateful).
Meanwhile, thanks for being part of my weird little world, and having the courage to do things a bit differently.
P.S. If you enjoyed this post and video, please like, comment, and restack your little heart out. Those of us who persist in doing real-human creative work in an AI-dominated world can use all the support we can get.
