We sit down with Priya, founder of the decentralized tech community Fractal. Priya shares her journey from isolation and career uncertainty to building an interconnected network that feels like living on a college campus. Discover how Fractal has grown from hosting dinners in New York to expanding internationally, providing spaces for activities, classes, and co-living. Priya also discusses her upbringing in Palo Alto, the impact of having a social hub at home, and the pivotal moments that shaped her life, including her transition to software engineering. Learn actionable insights on building your community from zero, finding fulfilling work, and creating supportive networks. Whether you're feeling isolated or looking to enhance your social capital, this episode offers invaluable advice on creating a life rich in connections and happiness.

00:00 Introduction to Priya and Fractal
01:54 The Growth of Fractal Communities
05:16 Personal Reflections and Early Influences
08:00 Challenges and Growth in Early Adulthood
11:51 Discovering Software Engineering
13:54 Building Community and Finding Purpose
19:00 Starting a Subculture: Fractal U
19:44 Fractal's Campus Accelerator Program
19:58 Coding Bootcamp and Career Transformation
20:27 How to Start Hosting
21:54 Overcoming Perfectionism in Hosting
23:01 The Importance of Friendship Hours
24:39 Navigating Rock Bottoms and Seeking Help
26:33 The Value of Social Capital
30:16 The Concept of Senius and Historical Examples
34:14 Personal Reflections and Chris' Rock Bottom
35:05 A Note on Parenting

In this debut episode, Lyle Drescher (aka. Therapy Gecko or "Geck") recounts his journey from living in his parents' basement, raising funds for a gecko suit through GoFundMe, to achieving considerable online success with millions of followers on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. He discusses his mental health struggles during the pandemic, the importance of community, and how he navigated existential depression. Through thoughtful conversation and humorous anecdotes, Lyle shares insights into his creative process, the impact of parental influence, and the evolution of his Internet presence as a therapy gecko.

00:00 The Gecko Head Dilemma
00:41 Basement Beginnings: Raising Funds for a Gecko Suit
01:04 GoFundMe and Crazy Ideas
01:27 Therapy Geckos and ADHD Moments
02:16 Monkey Brains and Human Behavior
02:54 Sweaty Days in New York
03:07 Furry Confessions and Social Media Success
04:13 The Chipotle Economy
05:41 Living in the Basement During the Pandemic
07:40 Parental Relationships and Gratitude
08:37 Optimism and Parental Influence
09:50 Rebecca Black and the Nature of Negativity
16:14 Existential Dread and Personal Struggles
21:18 Reflecting on Rock Bottom
21:53 Advice to My Past Self
23:11 Finding a New Routine
24:59 The Importance of Community
27:51 Navigating Mental Health
35:11 Travel Stories and Synchronicity
36:34 Final Thoughts and Fun Questions