MUF #11 Why Connection Is the Cure? A Conversation with Andrew Parker
00:00
00:00
1x
- 0.5
- 1
- 1.25
- 1.5
- 1.75
- 2
This is a podcast episode titled, MUF #11 Why Connection Is the Cure? A Conversation with Andrew Parker. The summary for this episode is: <p>In this episode of <em>Mork Unfiltered</em>, I sit down with Andrew Parker, founder and CEO of Papa, to explore one powerful question: <em>Why is connection the cure?</em></p><p><br></p><p>What started as a way to support his grandfather has become a national platform delivering millions of visits and tackling loneliness as a true healthcare challenge. Andrew shares the personal stories that inspired Papa, the messy middle of building a purpose-driven company, and why companionship is more than kindness—it’s medicine.</p><p><br></p><p>If you’ve ever wondered how human connection can change lives, this conversation will give you both inspiration and practical lessons in resilience, leadership, and purpose.</p>
DESCRIPTION
Key Takeaways
- Why Andrew Parker believes connection is the cure and how it inspired Papa.
- The hidden costs of loneliness and why it should be treated like a disease.
- The personal story of helping his grandfather that sparked a nationwide movement.
- How Papa scaled to millions of visits while staying rooted in purpose.
- The messy middle of entrepreneurship: growth, setbacks, and resilience.
- Why building culture is just as important as building product.
- Lessons Andrew learned from his father about leadership, humility, and passion.
- How resilience, transparency, and authenticity shaped Andrew’s journey as a founder.
Today's Host

Patrick Mork
|Chief Storyteller
Today's Guests

Andrew Parker
|Founder & CEO, Papa
Andrew Parker is the founder and CEO of Papa, a fast-growing platform connecting older adults with companions known as Papa Pals. A Y Combinator alum and healthcare innovator, Andrew built Papa on the belief that connection is the cure, reshaping how we understand loneliness, care, and human health.
Andrew Parker Bio