Want a Break From Surface-Level Conversations? Here’s the Wellness Group Building Real Connection

Wellness starts with connection. That’s the philosophy behind Hike + Heal founder Brandi Aulston, whose work has grown from a personal search for community into a multi-city network spanning Philadelphia, New Jersey, New York, and Delaware.

Rather than focusing solely on fitness, Brandi’s approach centers on creating intentional spaces where people can step outside their routines and engage with each other more meaningfully. Her events often blend movement with conversation, encouraging participants to slow down, be present, and build relationships that extend beyond the moment.

At Be Well Philly Fest Presented by Premier Orthopaedics & Philadelphia Hand to Shoulder Center, Brandi will bring that same mindset to her interactive “Connection Lab,” a session designed to help attendees engage more authentically with the people around them. Ahead of the event, we asked her about the inspiration behind Hike + Heal, why connection is such a powerful part of wellness, and what she hopes attendees take away from the experience.

What drew you to work in the wellness space?

During my last year of undergrad at Temple University, I was navigating my own wellness journey. Like many students, I had stepped away from the sports and activities that once kept me grounded—dance, cheerleading, and soccer—and I could feel the difference. I started exploring group fitness classes like yoga, Zumba, and cycling, and quickly realized how much movement impacted not just my physical health but also my mental and emotional well-being.

In 2012, I became a group fitness and Zumba instructor, which was my first real introduction to holding space for others in their wellness journeys. That experience stayed with me and continued to shape how I thought about health, not just as something individual, but something that could be shared and experienced in community.

Years later, while working full-time and completing my dual master’s degrees in Health Education and Health Administration, I had a moment that would ultimately lead to Hike + Heal. After a trip to Colorado sparked my curiosity about hiking, I realized I still hadn’t created space in my life to explore it. When I finally decided to look for a hiking group, I couldn’t find one that felt aligned with what I was seeking…something that felt welcoming, intentional, and community-driven. So I created it.

How would you describe the mission behind your business?

At its core, the mission of Hike+Heal is to create accessible spaces where women feel connected to themselves, to others, and to the world around them. We’ve created a safe haven for women to connect, share their experiences, and build a supportive SISTERHOOD through outdoor activities and mindfulness experiences that prioritize self-care.

Hike+Heal takes a holistic approach to making hiking accessible to inner-city women through community, connection, and social impact. Whether it be a healing hike, wellness event, or a signature retreat experience, our mission is to create a safe space for women who want to prioritize their self-care all while connecting together in a powerful and healing way in nature and beyond.

What can attendees from your session at this year’s Be Well Philly Fest?

“Connection Lab” is an interactive experience designed to help people move beyond surface-level conversations and into something more meaningful.

Attendees can expect guided prompts, light facilitation, and intentional moments to connect with new people in a way that feels natural and supportive but not forced. It’s less about networking and more about creating space for real, human connection.

What do you hope people walk away feeling after your session?

I want people to walk away feeling lighter, more open, and genuinely connected…not just to the people they met, but to themselves. We’re living in a time where so many people are experiencing loneliness, even in spaces where they’re surrounded by others. There’s a real gap between being around people and actually feeling seen or connected.

My hope is that this experience gently closes that gap, even if just for a moment. That someone leaves feeling like, “I had a real conversation today,” or “I felt understood,” or even “I’m not the only one navigating this.”

Because those small moments matter more than we realize. They can shift your mood, your mindset, and your sense of belonging. If people leave with even one meaningful connection or a renewed openness to connecting with others, then the experience did what it was meant to do!

Be Well Philly Fest brings together so many perspectives on wellness. What part of the event are you most looking forward to?

I’ve actually been attending Be Well Philly Fest since around 2011 or 2012, so it’s really special to now be a part of the experience in this way. I’ve seen it change and grow over the years, and one thing that has always stood out is the energy. You can literally see the joy on people’s faces throughout the day. There’s a lightness and openness that fills the space.

I think what makes it so powerful is that it’s not just about individual self-care, it’s self-care experienced in the community. And that creates a different level of joy. I’m really looking forward to being part of those in-between moments this year, where people are together.

Join Brandi (and a lineup of other wellness leaders) at Be Well Philly Fest Presented by Premier Orthopaedics & Philadelphia Hand to Shoulder Center on Sunday, May 17, at Bok. Tickets are available at phillymag.com/bewellphillyfest.