Connection often starts in simple ways: a shared workspace, a casual introduction, a conversation after an event. Sometimes, those connections grow into something far larger than anyone expected.
For Megan Hall and Rabbi Barry Dolinger, what began as simply crossing paths at CIC Providence evolved into a powerful storytelling partnership that ultimately led to the launch of the Getting Free podcast.
Their collaboration shows what’s possible when proximity, shared resources, and meaningful opportunities to connect come together in one place.
Building the Foundation
Megan’s relationship with CIC Providence began before the doors even opened.
“I remember driving through Providence when the building was still under construction,” she says. “You could see the bare light bulbs inside.”
As a professional radio journalist and founder of The MHC Group, Megan was immediately interested in the possibility of a dedicated podcast studio inside the new CIC Providence innovation campus. She worked with early CIC team members to find the quietest room and shape a professional-grade recording space.
“I joined CIC because I was excited about the building and wanted to help create a podcast studio that would be a useful resource for others in the building and for myself.”
Today, Megan records in CIC’s Creator Studio, producing projects including the Boston Globe Rhode Island Report, Possibly, and Brown University’s Humans in Public Health. She also offers free podcast consultations to CIC members, an offering that would later spark an unexpected partnership.
A “Terrible” Idea — and a Great Friendship
In 2019, a CIC team member connected Megan with Barry, who was considering launching a food podcast.
“When we met, I told him his plan was overly ambitious,” Megan says with a laugh. “He wanted to record a ten-part series in two days. I told him it was a terrible idea, but he took it in stride and invited me to one of his meditation sessions at CIC Providence.”
Barry, a rabbi and lawyer, co-founded Mitzvah Matzos, leads Lighthouse Kosher, serves as executive director of the International Beit Din, and facilitates Midday Mindfulness meditation sessions at CIC Providence.
That first meeting led Megan to attend these weekly sessions. “I had recently completed mindfulness training at Brown and was trying to maintain my meditation practice,” she explains. She began recording the sessions using her professional audio equipment so they could be shared with the CIC community.
When the pandemic began, CIC shared the recordings with members seeking support. What started as a small collaboration quickly became a meaningful resource during an uncertain time.
A Connection Built Through Proximity
Their professional relationship expanded naturally over time.
Barry became a listener of Megan’s public radio show, Possibly, which explores environmental decision-making through a practical lens.
“We bonded over that,” Megan says. “I attended his mindfulness sessions, and he listened to my show.”
For Barry, the environment at CIC made that relationship possible.
“One of the things I love about Providence is its creative ecosystem,” he says. “The city is small enough that universities, nonprofits, businesses, government, and foundations can collaborate and actually make things happen.”
He was looking for a space that fostered organic collaboration, along with strong amenities and good coffee. “Being here creates opportunities for partnerships that wouldn’t happen otherwise.”
Proximity mattered.
“Being in the same building makes it easy to meet or bump into each other,” Megan adds. “You can quickly duck into a conference room to talk through an idea.”
A Podcast with Purpose
When Barry approached Megan again, it was with a very different idea.
As Executive Director of the International Beit Din, an organization that supports Jewish women seeking to leave abusive marriages, Barry and his colleagues wanted to create a high-production-value podcast centered on survivors’ stories and focused on dispelling misconceptions about domestic abuse that affect women across all backgrounds.
After getting to know Megan and her work at CIC Providence, Barry felt confident she was the right partner for the project.
“Megan’s background in public health and journalism, along with her personality, made me confident she could create a safe environment while honoring these stories with professionalism,” he explains.
Together, they decided to move forward and partner on bringing the podcast to life.
The Power of Place
“The CIC Creator Studio is incredibly convenient,” Megan says. “It’s a professional, accessible downtown space where I can pop in to record narration and maintain consistent sound quality.”
For her, that professionalism extends beyond the studio itself. “Collaboration happens naturally here and CIC staff are responsive and flexible. When we had noise issues in the studio, they listened and relocated it. That kind of adaptability is rare.”
Barry values the space just as highly. “It’s a productive work environment with high-quality amenities and opportunities to form genuine connections,” he says.
For him, the setting reinforces the seriousness of the work. “When we bring in clients and experts, often from out of town, the professionalism of the space matters. The meeting rooms, coffee, and overall environment set a standard of excellence.”
Megan also records Possibly in the studio, often bringing Brown University students with her.
Beyond the studio, District Hall, a free coworking space within CIC Providence that offers meeting rooms and event spaces for rent, has supported live recordings and community gatherings Megan has turned into podcasts.
And for Barry, the impact extends beyond professional collaboration. “I’ve made real friends here, not just work connections,” he says. “That’s more than I expected from a coworking space.”
Tune into the Getting Free Podcast
Getting Free, a six-episode limited series, launched on March 1. Listeners can tune in here or wherever they get their podcasts.
For Barry, bringing the project to life at CIC feels especially meaningful. “CIC Providence has been a launchpad for a podcast that challenges stereotypes and aims to create real change.”
CIC’s flexible workspaces create the conditions for meaningful work to take shape. It’s where relationships form, ideas sharpen, and mission-driven projects move from concept to impact. If you’re ready to come see it for yourself, schedule a tour at one of our locations around the world here.
