I Explored Raleigh’s Wildest Social Scene and Found 45,000 Cousins

August 21, 2025

 @itravelforculture  – Today, Gibbs is hitting Raleigh, NC, to uncover some real-deal stories that prove connection is the secret sauce. First stop? Meeting Michele Paul — the fierce founder of Let’s Get Social Raleigh, a badass movement that started as a tiny Facebook meet-up and exploded into a powerhouse of over 45,000 “cousins” — all about good vibes, real talk, and rebuilding community from the ground up. Michele’s story is raw, inspiring, and full of grit — a retired Marine turned community hero who’s fighting isolation with nature, play, and a whole lotta love.

But wait — it gets crazy! Gibbs crashes a house party at a local spot — think adult playground with board games, karaoke smackdowns, card battles, and laughter that echoes through the room. Then, just two days later, he’s sweating it out on a 3-mile trail hike with Michele, soaking in the healing power of nature and fresh air.

Michele’s not stopping here — she’s taking her “Let’s Get Social” magic beyond Raleigh, dreaming of a bigger, bolder movement that’s all about trust, unity, and real community vibes across the country.

In this video:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letsgetsocialraleigh/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letsgetsocialraleigh/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCZ_InG_bnc9dkMgP0jzXUJA

iTravelforCulture links:

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TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itravelforculture/

 

0:00 – 0:59 Introduction

1:00- – 1:19 iTravel Prelude

1:20 – 1:30 Together is Better

1:30 – 2:53 The Beginning

2:54 – 4:17 Pillar 1 – Nature

4:18 – 5:50 Pillar 2 – Play

5:51 – 6:48 Pillar 3 – Community

6:47 – 7:08 Your Invitation

7:09 – 7:38 Credits & A Word From Gibbs

 

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