From Being on {THE AND} to Becoming a Skin Deep Connector: Meet Aubrey Aust
“Real connection starts here” it's more than a tagline for us. It’s the heart of what we do at The Skin Deep. To carry those connections beyond our own spaces, we partner with amazing humans, like Aubrey, through our Connectors program.

One of those Connectors is Aubrey Aust, a speaker, researcher, and educator based in Brooklyn, New York. Aubrey’s work looks at what makes people feel safe in their own bodies, in their relationships, and in the communities they belong to. She blends academic research with real-world practice to explore themes like trust, desire, and what it means to truly connect.
Here’s the story behind Aubrey’s work and her journey with The Skin Deep:
Aubrey’s Work
Aubrey helps people build safety within themselves so they can meet others without losing who they are. She hosts live events in New York, from small salons on the philosophy of love to workshops on the authentic self. She also works remotely with individuals, couples, and small groups helping them explore authentic connection, reclaim desire, and create relationships that feel both alive and self-honoring.

How She Found The Skin Deep
Aubrey’s connection to The Skin Deep goes back to 2018, when she and her then-partner discovered our Emmy Award winning series {THE AND} and used to share the videos with each other as a way to feel closer. Years later, after their relationship had ended, they signed up to be on the series themselves. In 2023 they sat face to face as exes in their {THE AND} episode called Exes: I Wouldn’t Change A Single Thing, which reached over 126,000 viewers on YouTube.
Since then, she’s continued to play the games, follow the content, and let the conversations inspire her work.
Why Human Connection Matters
In Aubrey's POV, connection is not just small talk. It’s the very thing that allows us to grow, heal, and make meaning in our lives. Real connection goes beyond pleasant conversations. It’s about creating the psychological and emotional safety to be truly seen, and to truly see someone else. That’s a belief we at The Skin Deep share with Aubrey, and it’s what keeps this partnership aligned.
“Who we are emerges in the space between us. Without practices of trust and presence, we risk living surrounded by people yet untouched by real connection,” she explains.
We live in a time when people can message, scroll, and “connect” with thousands at any moment, yet still feel deeply alone. Aubrey believes that is exactly why intentional practices of connection matter so much today. Deeper connection is not a luxury — it’s essential for our health, our relationships, and our communities. It reminds us of our shared humanity, grounds us in care, and helps us build a future rooted in belonging rather than isolation.
What This Partnership Looks Like
As a Connector, Aubrey brings {THE AND} card games into her workshops and live events to spark conversations that move beyond the surface. At a recent gathering in New York called Open Loops, she had some of our cards with her to support the experience and invite deeper connection.
In her work, Aubrey often uses a variety of {THE AND} decks, including the Self Edition, Healing Edition, Strangers Edition, and Dating Edition. Each one opens a different door: the Strangers and Dating Editions are great for connecting with new people or rediscovering someone you already know; the Self Edition creates space for self-awareness and reflection; and the Healing Edition makes room for honesty and care. For Aubrey, these tools add depth and structure to the spaces she’s already creating. They make it easier for people to meet with presence, honesty, and curiosity. And for us at The Skin Deep, it’s a joy to see how our card games can live outside the screen and come to life in community spaces like hers.
Beyond her events, we’ve also collaborated with Aubrey on content for Instagram, sharing her perspective and bringing her voice to our community online.

How You Can Support Aubrey
Follow her on social media, explore her free resources, and subscribe to her newsletter for updates on events and workshops:
Want to Become a Connector?
The Skin Deep Connectors Program partners with creators, events, and storytellers who bring our mission into the real world. If you love what {THE AND} stands for and want to bring it into your community, we’d love to have you join our Skin Deep Connectors Program. As a Connector, you’ll receive:
- A 15% discount code to share with your audience
- 15% commission on qualifying sales
- Product donations or bulk discounts for events
- Joint giveaways
- A chance to co-create meaningful content and experiences with us
Visit our Community page to apply and become a Connector.
Luana Costa
The Skin Deep Head of Social Media & Community
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