Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sam & Elliot Archuleta. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Sam & Elliot, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today One of our favorite things to hear about is stories around the nicest thing someone has done for someone else – what’s the nicest thing someone has ever done for you?

The deeper we dive into human connection, the more it becomes clear that small things become big ones over time. The seemingly inconsequential moments like smiling at a stranger when you pass them on the sidewalk or offering to hold the elevator for the person an awkward distance behind you are moments that can turn a day around. The kindest thing anyone has ever done for us has truly been taking a few moments out of their day to reach out to us on Instagram or email, or even in person when the occasion calls for it, to tell us how encouraged they were after listening to an episode of our podcast, or telling us about what they learned or how they were inspired or challenged. Intentionally reaching out to other human beings is no longer as normal or as popular as it used to be. It’s an act of bravery in some cases, and it’s always beneficial to both parties involved. There are millions of human beings all over this planet right at this very moment who could monumentally benefit from some kind words from another human. If you’re reading this, reach out to someone right in this very moment to tell them that you’re proud of them or that you appreciate them. I promise the both of you will be so much better for it.

Sam & Elliot, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Something More Human is pioneering a movement to inspire a return to true connection. When we moved to a new city where we knew no one, we noticed a common theme in trying to make new friends and find community: post-pandemic it feels as though our social skills have atrophied. So, in November 2023 we launched our first ever podcast episode and Something More Human was officially brought to life. We’re seeking to ask and answer questions all about human connection. How do we make friends as adults? How do we build community? We host intimate podcast dialogues where we skip the surface level conversations and dive deep into personal stories, strategies, and tangible tips on cultivating deep and meaningful relationships.
Now, what is more exciting and fulfilling than feeling seen by your community? As an extension of these conversations, we also curate physical spaces through our event series, RETURN to REAL LIFE. This event series is a phone-free experience dedicated to creating opportunities for intentional conversation and authentic connection.

We are most proud of the community response and support of Something More Human’s mission. From back-to-back features in Apple Podcasts to sold out in-person events, the way our community has cheered us on is what fuels us to keep going. Something More Human truly wouldn’t exist without the humans who listen, show up, and cheer us on.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Absolutely! We think meaningful relationships are the key for a fulfilling life. Our mission through Something More Human is to offer tangible tools and physical spaces for bringing those meaningful relationships to life. You can interview people from all over the world, representing every major industry, and others outside of those industries, whether that’s in lesser developed countries or even largely uncontacted peoples–the evidence to us seems pretty clear: people are interested in people. No one wants to be all alone, even the most introverted human beings want at least one more person they can love and be loved by. Our mission is to be a place where people can go to feel inspired by the conversations we have with each other, with our guests, and with our community, to reach out to the people in their lives and go about their relationships with deep care, intention, and radical vulnerability. The more we put ourselves out there, yes the greater the risk, but also the greatest of rewards which is to have people in your life you truly love and are truly loved by. The rest of life will take care of itself.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

The lessons we have learned have been many since starting Something More Human. Mine (Elliot), perhaps more than Sam, since I learned it from her, has been to fail fast and often, to not let perfect be the enemy of creation. I have faltered so many times, or perhaps have avoided faltering by not even starting, which is a type of faltering in and of itself. But I have faltered so many times by not acting on an idea because in my eyes it had to be perfect before I started, and that’s just not the way life works. Sam told me long ago, when we released the first three episodes of Something More Human: “What if I told you that Episode 20 was the episode where we figured it all out and started seeing the success we know we’re capable of; how fast would you fail through the first 19 to get there?” And that is the motto I am trying my very best to live by and operate from. Failure is a rite of passage, it is a prerequisite to success. Fail now, fail tomorrow, fail as many times as you can as fast as you can, and watch yourself grow!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://somethingmorehuman.co/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/somethingmorehuman/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-archuleta-134910194/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCt6mVeguuxNRyjhPauip2xw
• Other: Listen to Something More Human
  on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/something-more-human/id1716186600
  on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Tniwh8UiwOX1W5yMu0etU