Reconnect Where It Matters Most

For years, I’ve been fascinated by the possibility of virtual telepresence to increase our connection to each other. The promise of realistic avatars making us seem “right there” in a virtual reality experience is so close. My hope was that it could flip the script on technology separating us from one another. But after 10 years of believing we are 5 years away, it’s time face the truth. VR isn’t going to grow like the smart phone did. It’s more likely a generational technology whose adoption will be driven by the youngest generations.

So if we can’t rely on technology to connect us, what can we do?

The Tech Paradox

Technology has made incredible things possible, but it’s also made it easier to drift apart from the people we care about most. With loneliness on the rise, many of us feel pulled in every direction—by work, social media, and the endless to-do lists of daily life—while our closest connections quietly take a back seat.

I know this all too well. After a 25-year marriage, raising three kids, and juggling the demands of startups, my relationship hit a breaking point. Despite therapy and our best efforts, my ex-wife and I eventually decided it couldn’t be salvaged. It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever faced, but it taught me invaluable lessons about the power of communication and connection.

The Lab of Bob and Kylie

Since then, I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting and integrating those hard-earned lessons. For the last nine years, my partner, Kylie, and I have worked to create a relationship built on intentionality and connection.

Together, we’ve turned our relationship into a real-life lab—experimenting, testing, and learning what works (and what doesn’t) for us. Along the way, we’ve developed tools and frameworks that have helped us build the deepest connection I could ever imagine.

Our Greatest Discovery: The FrameUp

At the center of our work together lies the FrameUp—a simple set of 15 questions that, when practiced weekly, help reduce conflict, strengthen communication, and deepen relationships. It’s been transformative for us, and for the couples around the world who’ve encouraged us to share it more widely.

To share what we’ve learned, Kylie and I created "Dinner and Conversation." This online program combines the comfort of sharing an intimate meal at home with actionable tools for building stronger relationships. Over 10 monthly dinners, couples dive into the FrameUp practice, explore guided exercises, and reflect together—all designed to deepen communication, trust, and intimacy.

The online program has up to 20 couples coming together for one online dinner per month. Each dinner features three courses over three hours, with every course introducing a key concept and exercise related to the FrameUp practice. Couples can prepare their meals at home or order takeout, creating a relaxed, shared experience to strengthen their bond.

One Saturday, Feb 1, we will be running a Beta Test of the dinner concept in the evening in US time zones, and I’m inviting you to join us. If you’re in Australia, you can make it Sunday Brunch!

Here’s what to expect:

• It is an intimate Saturday evening to reconnect, reflect, and spark deeper conversations.

• You'll prepare your own meal (or arrange for takeout), sharing a dining experience with intention.

• The evening focuses on exercises to improve listening, explore values, and increase intimacy.

• An emerging community of intentional couples sharing their experiences to create more conscious relationships. 

• It’s only $49 for the Tasting Dinner to make sure it’s accessible yet everyone. That’s 75% off the regular price in the series. In return, we will ask for feedback in the weeks following to improve the experience.

At the end of the first dinner, you'll be ready to start applying the FrameUp in your relationship. You'll be on a path towards a more fulfilling life together. 

Join Us on This Journey

If you’ve ever felt the pull of daily distractions taking time away from your relationships—or if you simply want to strengthen the connection with your partner—we invite you to join us on this journey.

Extended Reality

My Dropping In newsletter will continue to explore virtual reality, but also the nature of reality itself. Don Miguel Ruiz wrote in his best-selling book, The Four Agreements, that we all create a virtual reality in our minds. Over the last decade I’ve been studying this concept; from an experiential, spiritual, philosophical, and neuroscientific standpoint.

Our experience as humans is deeply colored by our experiences. In a world where that experience is now dominated by technology, it’s more important than ever to focus on what makes us truly human. I hope you stay with me.

With love,

Bob Cooney

P.S. - When you're ready, here are a few ways we can work together:

1. If you’re interested in the location-based VR market, sign up for the INSIDE VR newsletter. 

2. Come to the VR Arcade and Attraction Summit in Las Vegas, March 17-18, 2025

3. Need to increase your visibility and generate more business? Ask about my Influencer Programs

4. Want to improve your communication skills and have better relationships? Sign up for our Between Us newsletter.