Recently, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Jodi Crowley of North of Boston Lifestyle to talk about all of this. She asked me about Presence&Co — why I started it, what I think is getting in the way of real connection, and what it actually takes to show up in your community in a meaningful way.
I’ll be honest: I didn’t know how the conversation was going to go. But the moment we started talking, it just… flowed. We went deep fast. We talked about third places and adult friendship and the courage it takes to walk into a room full of strangers and decide to stay. We talked about how if you want the world to show up for you, you have to be willing to show up for it first. We talked about the discomfort of that — and why the discomfort is actually the whole point.
It was one of those conversations that reminded me exactly why I do what I do.
You can watch our full conversation, on Jodi’s Youtube Channel North of Boston Lifestyle (if you’re a local, subscribe to her channel full of community gems!)
And Jodi also wrote a beautiful article about Presence&Co that I am genuinely so proud of. She captured the mission in a way that made even me feel seen. Go read it over on North of Boston Lifestyle: Less Scrolling, More Living: Inside Presence&Co, the Massachusetts Social Club Reviving Real Connection.
Honestly? I’d recommend you do both. Watch the video AND read the article. They’re different, and they’re both worth your time.
I want to take a moment to say something about Jodi, because she deserves it.
Jodi Crowley
Jodi Crowley is a Massachusetts-based REALTOR® and local lifestyle writer dedicated to helping people discover the best of life north of Boston. A long-time resident, mom, and outdoor enthusiast, Jodi knows these communities not just professionally, but personally — whether she’s hiking local trails or exploring the area with her family. With deep roots in Woburn, Winchester, Burlington, Arlington, Lexington, Reading, Wakefield, and beyond, she brings firsthand knowledge of the neighborhoods, restaurants, events, and hidden gems that make this region a wonderful place to call home. Licensed with Lamacchia Realty (MA License #9037552), Jodi combines her passion for real estate with a genuine love for her community – making her a trusted resource for both homebuyers and longtime residents alike.
She is a connector. The real kind, not the kind who collects contacts, but the kind who genuinely lights up when she gets to introduce two people who should know each other. Her whole platform is built on shining a light on the places, businesses, and people that make this community worth living in. That kind of work matters. That’s how we find each other.
If you’re in the North of Boston area, go follow her.
Follow her on Instagram, check out her YouTube channel, bookmark her website. You will find gems. I promise you that.
If something in that article or that video made you feel a little less alone, come find us. Check out our calendar at presenceandco.net. Come as you are. We would love to have you.
— Hannah
P.S. Jodi is also our very first Venue Partnership Program partner, and we’re officially accepting founding partner applications through August 21st. If that sparks something for you, reach out.