Twenty-five years ago, I wrote my first published article. One word, I now realize, could have changed its meaning. September 12, 2001, was my first day as a published journalist. I was a college student writing for my student newspaper, and my editor was asking for an opinion piece about the attacks of September 11. Its title was “Tragedy strikes but everyday life goes on.” … Continue reading Remembering 9/11 Through the Power of Words
Communication is often discussed as if it were a single skill, but in reality it operates on multiple levels. Two of the most important—but often conflated—forms are intrapersonal communication and interpersonal communication. Understanding the difference between them, and learning how they shape one another, can fundamentally change how we relate to ourselves and to others. One of the most powerful ways to strengthen both is … Continue reading Intra- vs Interpersonal Communication
Held February 27, 2026 in Lakeway, Texas, Stephanie Threinen, founder of Cool, Comms, Collected was invited as an attendee and presenter of “Active Listening is a Superpower” at the third annual Mental Health Symposium hosted by the Engage and Heal Foundation, a local mental health advocacy non-profit. Both energizing and deeply meaningful from the moment participants arrived for a light breakfast and conversation, there was … Continue reading 3rd Annual Mental Health Symposium Recap
In a world that’s more connected than ever through technology, many people report feeling isolated, misunderstood, or unheard. What we’re missing isn’t the ability to communicate, but the ability to truly connect. At its core, human connection is the lifeblood of meaningful relationships, resilient communities, and mental well-being—and it begins with how we listen, respond, and relate to one another. Why Human Connection Matters Human … Continue reading Why Human Connection Matters—and How to Strengthen It
You are not your thoughts. You have thoughts, yes—but you can also watch them rise and fall, come and go, like clouds passing across a sky. Effective communicators understand this because being able to observe your thoughts allows you to regulate your emotions, practice active listening, and respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively. What Does It Mean to Observe Your Thoughts? Observing your thoughts means … Continue reading Observing Your Thoughts
Background: House Bill 1481 is now in effect (effective as of August–September 2025), banning students in Texas public (and open-enrollment charter) schools from using personal communication devices—like cell phones, smartwatches, tablets, and the like—during the school day, from the first bell to the last. Districts must enforce this with written policies, confiscation procedures, and disciplinary measures, while allowing limited exceptions for individuals with medical or … Continue reading Why It’s More Important Than Ever for Texas Students to Practice In-Person Communication
