Friend Forward

Why is it hard to ask our friends for help? What are the benefits of becoming "help-seeking" women in our friendships? And once we do get the nerve to ask for support, how can we do it in a way that actually motivates people to show up for us?

This is a pretty research-heavy episode, and it's going to finally allow you to exhale. Truly.

Because host Danielle Bayard Jackson answering these questions and more on this episode of the Fri...

In this episode of the Friend Forward podcast, resident friendship coach and women's relational health expert Danielle Bayard Jackson delves into five of the most common contradictions women face in their relational goals.

Together we'll explore contradictions like the desire for siloed friendships versus wanting a friend group; and the temptation to hide your needs while always wanting to be deeply known.

Through these discussions,...

If you had one week where you couldn't experience guilt, how would that change your friendships? Would you end relationships? Would you set boundaries? Would you ask for help? Would you pull away from your family to spend more time with friends without feeling bad about it?

These questions were sparked by the book I'm reading, "The Guilt Pill" by Saumya Dave. In it, the main character, Maya, takes a new pill that numbs the part of h...

In this episode of the Friend Forward podcast, host Danielle Bayard Jackson explores the complex relationship between artificial intelligence, specifically ChatGPT, and women's friendships.

This episode offers seven questions that equip you to evaluate and interrogate ways that your ChatGPT use might be impacting the breadth, depth, and quality of your social landscape.

NOTE: You are listening to a complimentary excerpt of the full ...

In this conversation, Dr. Isabelle Morley (author of the book "They're not gaslighting you") and host Danielle Bayard Jackson discuss the increasing prevalence of therapy-related language in everyday conversations, particularly in the context of friendships and conflicts.

They explore the definitions and nuances of terms like gaslighting, narcissism, and boundaries, emphasizing the importance of using these terms responsibly. The d...

Want to two friends discuss the life transitions that strained their friendship?

In this conversation, Krista Williams and Lindsey Simcik, co-hosts of the Almost 30 podcast (title of their new book!), share their journey of navigating friendships through various life transitions.

They discuss the evolution of their friendship, the challenges they faced, and the lessons learned from conflicts. The conversation highlights the importan...

Okay, I know I shouldn't have favorites but this episode (and this guest!) might really be in my top 10 favorite episodes that we've produced in the show's five-year history.

In this conversation, urban planner Fatima Elkott discusses the significance of city design in shaping our environments and social interactions.

She emphasizes the impact of urban planning on community engagement, the importance of creating third spaces, and th...

In this episode of the Friend Forward podcast, host Danielle Bayard Jackson delves into the complexities of women's friendships, particularly the perception that friendships with men are easier.

She explores various factors contributing to this belief, including differences in:

• conversation styles
• bonding rituals
• emotional expectations
• safety concerns

Through research and personal reflections, Danielle emphasizes the impo...

In this conversation, host and friendship expert Danielle Bayard Jackson and Dr. Dylesia (@drdylesia) -- an expert on mother-daughter trauma and estrangement-- explore the intricate dynamics of mother-daughter relationships and how they influence women's friendships in adulthood.

They discuss the concept of 'mother wounds' and how unresolved issues with mothers can manifest in adult friendships. The conversation emphasizes the impo...

In this episode of the Friend Forward podcast, host Danielle Bayard Jackson explores the concept of 'friend fatigue,' a growing concern among women in their thirties and forties who are overwhelmed by their lack of "friend-life integration".

Danielle discusses the emotional and social labor involved in maintaining friendships, particularly in the context of modern life, which often prioritizes isolation and independence. Drawing on...

In this episode of the Friend Forward podcast, host Danielle Bayard Jackson explores the concept of 'third places'—social environments that are neither home nor work. She discusses the decline of these spaces, the importance of physical proximity (propinquity) in fostering relationships, and the goals individuals should consider when seeking out third places.

Danielle emphasizes the need for inclusivity, particularly regarding gend...

In this episode of the Friend Forward podcast, host Danielle Bayard Jackson presents three hard truths about:

• the shrinking nature of our social networks
• the importance of physical proximity in forming friendships
• and the subjective nature of friendship quality

By sharing research findings and personal insights, Jackson encourages listeners to take proactive steps in enhancing their social connections and understanding th...

Reciprocity is the cornerstone of any healthy female friendship, but what do you do with someone who's so fixated on reciprocity that it turns into scorekeeping? And why do some obsess over everything being perfectly even while others are able to let it go?

In this episode, host Danielle Bayard Jackson (relational health educator, female friendship expert, author of Fighting for our Friendships) shares research that explains the dif...

In this episode of the Friend Forward podcast, host and women's relational health coach Danielle Bayard Jackson discusses the importance of evaluating the sources of friendship advice that women often turn to. She emphasizes the need for validation of feelings, the importance of being equipped for better friendships, and the impact of resources on emotional well-being. Tune in to hear the four key questions to assess the health of ...

In this episode of the Friend Forward podcast, host Danielle Bard Jackson interviews Morgan Debaun, co-founder and CEO of Blavity and author of "Rewrite Your Rules" about ways to rewrite the rules that govern our friendships. This episode encourages listeners to interrogate their default settings in friendships and to embrace new ways of connecting with others, especially as high-achieving women.

• Get Morgan's new book here.
• Join ...

One of the most popular questions we receive on book tour, during workshops, or during panel Q&A's is about having a friend group. While it certainly becomes more challenging to form and maintain in adulthood, it's not impossible!

In this episode, host Danielle Bayard Jackson shares 4 things that are the key ingredients of forming a friend group that consistently interacts with each other.

FOR THE FULL EPISODE, JOIN US IN "OFFICE...

How do you talk to your friends about money? In this episode of the Friend Forward podcast, friendship expert and host Danielle Bayard Jackson interviews financial therapist Aja Evans whose book "Feel-Good Finance" is a total game-changer.

In this episode, we'll cover:

-reasons why talking about money in friendships is difficult

-research around women's friendship and comfort level with talking about finances

-tips from a financial...

We're sharing 5 signs that you may not be ready for authentic community.... yet. After we share these signs, you'll hear an excerpt from our interview with Cat Lantigua, author of the book Build It And They Will Come: A Guide To Architecting Intentional Community.

We end the episode with host Danielle Bayard Jackson sharing three ways she dropped the ball with community-building this year (and how she's attempting to recover).

Rememb...

*Announcement Edition*

We've got a few things happening behind the scenes that you should know about:

1. Our "For the Girls" challenge kicks off on Monday, February 3 If you're serious about improving the strength and health of your platonic connections with other women, this challenge is for you. Free for members of the "Dean's List" tier of our "Office Hours" community. Join now at Patreon.com/friendforward
2. Galentine's Day is c...