22 Comments
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Rick Lewis's avatar

Hey Brandon, now I get the context of Hot Tub Talks, what they represent, and the role they play in your life. The David Brooks quote so eloquently and precisely captures the spirit of vulnerable sharing between friends and what is possible as a result. I have these relationships in my own life and as a man from an earlier generation it took me a long time to open up to that kind of sharing and find male friends willing to go there. But I don't have a hot tub, so these conversations usually take place via a walk or bike ride through the woods. It might be useful if you put together a list of substitute "tubs". : )

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Brandon Dang's avatar

Thanks Rick! I love hearing where other people find themselves in good tub talks

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Brian Wiesner's avatar

Never heard of the concept of moai, now you gave me some rabbit holes to go down!

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Kristie D's avatar

This was a good one Brandon! :’)

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Brandon Dang's avatar

I appreciate that a lot :')

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Ari's avatar

Excellent post! Can't wait to read more.

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Dhanesh Neela Mana's avatar

I love how this article turned out be. Clear, engaging and impactful. I am looking forward to read more from you!

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Carly Valancy's avatar

YES!!!! This is so good 😍❤️

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Brandon Dang's avatar

🙏Grateful for all your help !

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Clare Chandler's avatar

Hi Brandon!! You are a beautiful writer and this article resonates SO much right now. I am craving connection and the idea of a structured time to dig deep is so appealing. I want to have a Maoi with our wonderful Daph. BTW, my Subaru has a rattle too.

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Brandon Dang's avatar

Hi Clare! Im glad this hit for you and I hope you guys do something! I'd love to see what it inspires y'all to do

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Christina Ducruet's avatar

This is just BRILLIANT in all the ways. Soooo pumped for our tub talk

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Justin Lind's avatar

Love this Brandon. I happen to have the same duvet installation technique haha. Looking forward to getting together soon.

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Brandon Dang's avatar

Haha thanks man - same here 🤝

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Kyleigh's avatar

Can definitely relate to the “have I been talking about myself too much” dilemma!

Would love to hear more about logistics, always a zoom call? Do ppl ever cancel? What happens if they do?

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Brandon Dang's avatar

Hey! I'd love for it to be in person, but since we're scattered thats only happened a couple times. Logistically it can be tough to find time that works for everyone, but I think thats why something like this is special - it creates real commitment and prioritization. We've also joked that breaking of commitments should result in a Venmo penalty that goes towards our next moai trip together haha

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Kat Koh's avatar

Hi Brandon, this was a fantastic mishmash of humorous, helpful, illustrative, poignant. Loved it

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Brandon Dang's avatar

Thank you Kat! Glad you're down with the mishmash and thanks for the kind words

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Montana Miller's avatar

no because i need to know absolutely everything about Richy’s proprietary duvet attachment technique….

But I definitely went through a really similar path from everything being right on paper (but feeling so devoid of connection and consumed with dread) to making some pretty massive (and incremental) life changes to support connection, creativity, and community. big ups to you broski 💕

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Brandon Dang's avatar

Haha coming to a masterclass soon..

Happy to hear your path led you to some good changes and I appreciate your words!

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Jayden's avatar

I loved this so much! Thank you for creating & sharing. So beautifully communicated!

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Brandon Dang's avatar

Much love Jayden!!

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