Hey, I Know Brenda!

Welcome to Hey, I Know Brenda!, a newsletter and community board for people connected by one common thread: they know me, Brenda Tran.  

I know, it sounds self-absorbed and conceited. It kind of is. This project started out with me thinking to myself, “I am a woman of taste—surely the world needs to know about my amazing playlist making and improv cooking skills!” I wanted to find a way to creatively express and validate myself. What better way to do it than to shove my own curated thoughts and feelings into someone else’s cluttered inbox? 

But then I backpedaled because we’re in the middle of a global pandemic and being in my own head more than usual seemed like a bad idea. Then I thought about how much I miss people. 

And I know some really cool people. 

People like you, dear reader. 

Think of this project as a riff on Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon, a parlor game based on the “six degrees of separation” concept, which posits that any two people on Earth are six or fewer acquaintance links apart. I am Kevin Bacon and rather than arbitrary Hollywood actors, you are all a part of my wonderful ecosystem. The point of this newsletter is to explore our interconnectedness.

So here’s how it works: I write and curate the newsletter. You submit juicy nuggets of your own thoughts and feelings to me. Playlists, recipes, personal ads, unsolicited advice, full blown essays, you name it. Everyone in the Hey, I Know Brenda! circle gets a glimpse into your beautiful mind. The eligibility requirements are simple: we know each other, and I don’t hate you. And considering most of us are within 6 degrees of separation, there’s a good chance you qualify. It goes without saying that gross and hateful content will not be accepted. For now, I am aiming to send something out bi-weekly.

To sign up for the newsletter, fill out this form. 

To submit to the newsletter, email me through this website or directly to breendatran@gmail.com (yes, with two E’s) with the subject line: HEY, I KNOW BRENDA! Upon your submission’s approval, you will have the option to include a headshot, short bio, and connection to Brenda.

It’s gonna be litty!

With love, 
Brenda