WATCH: Creating third spaces with Common Ground’s Tommy Oakes

A resurgence of third spaces could be one solution to what the U.S. surgeon general has declared an "epidemic of loneliness." One study found that more than half of American workers report feeling lonely. One factor behind the trend is the loss of third spaces, or places where people can gather outside of work and home. Data shows the world is more connected than ever: The average user spends about 33 hours online each week, roughly 18 of which go to social media. Yet despite that time online, people still struggle to connect in real life. A conversation has started, though, about the consequences of the digital age and what it means for communities like Wilmington going forward.

https://youtu.be/j_7Z-apcYEE

New businesses popping up around Wilmington signal that people want to rebuild those physical ties. I sat down with Tommy Oakes, Founder of Common Ground Classes, and one of the city's newest entrepreneurs. By day, Oakes works as a senior product operations manager; outside of work, he's a local musician and an active participant in Wilmington's wellness community, regularly attending classes through Common Ground and local studios. With his mentor's help, he created Common Ground, a community-based wellness platform that connects local teachers, students and venues through accessible, pay-per-class experiences. From yoga and meditation to tai chi, pilates, self-defense and more (with unique offerings such as kitten and goat yoga!) - Common Ground brings classes into local businesses and community spaces while creating opportunities for people to stick around, connect and build friendships after class. In this interview, Oakes—accompanied by his dog, Hazelnut—talks about the growing need for third spaces and how movement, wellness and shared experiences can help build a more connected community in Wilmington.

Oakes is quick to point out that Common Ground has become a community effort. He credits the growing team of teachers who bring the classes to life, the core group who has helped build the foundation behind the scenes, the local venue partners who have opened their spaces, and the 200-plus students who have signed up, returned, shared feedback and helped shape Common Ground as it grows. He also credits his friends and family, along with Wilmington's Downtown Business Alliance, 1 Million Cups and UNCW's CIE, for their continued support. And he gives special thanks to his mentor, Matt Burdumy, whose original idea helped plant the seed for what Common Ground has become.

For more on Oakes and Common Ground, visit commongroundclasses.com or follow him on Instagram: @whoistommyoakes.