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I was desperate. I’d just spent all of college buried in books, moved back in with my parents, remote job in tow, social life bleak. I hated the idea of relying on events to meet people. What to do? My solution was simple but radical: talk to a stranger every day.

 

The magic of this adventure lay in the variety of people I met. As someone whose childhood friends all came from the same world (sports), it was revelatory to suddenly be making friends with everyone from scientists to musicians.

 

Even in places where people of all backgrounds live close together, social circles remain sorted. But because of my project I can go to concerts where my friends are headlining; read newspaper articles my friends wrote, and scream from the stands at games my friends are competing in. I’m more invested in the events I attend, overflow with pride, and have sources of inspiration all around me. I’m convinced: life is more fun with people to cheer for.

 

That’s why I created Cheerbuds. I want you to have friends who inspire you in worlds you never thought you’d have connections to. The concept is simple: take two people who wouldn’t otherwise meet and sit them down for a conversation. I believe nothing is more urgent than human connection.

If you agree, I hope you’ll keep Cheerbuds in your earbuds!​

 

— Alex Chueh, creator and host