Friend Forward

We know that vulnerability is important, but in our attempt to experience closeness with our friends, some of us may be going about things all wrong. This week, I speak with Dr. Marisa G. Franco -- a psychologist who specializes in friendship-- about what vulnerability really means, the misconceptions we have about how to practice it, and how to know when it's not genuine.   To sign up for Dr. Fra...

You're at brunch when the ladies at your table begin to gossip, and you're not sure how to shut it down. Today we're talking about the REAL definition of gossip, why women engage in it, and two things you can say if you ever need to shut it down.   While we provide 2 script responses in the show, the full list of gossip-stopping responses is housed in our private membership where you can pay as li...

How do we show up for friends with anxiety? And for those of us who struggle with the disorder, how can we help our friends understand what we need? Today we interview Dr. Lisa Martin --from HealwithDrLisa.com -- as she walks us through what anxiety is, how it impacts our friendships, and the things we can do to foster more understanding.   If you are looking for community as you work through this...

This week, we're practicing a little self-awareness as we review the 13 traits of a "good friend". I'm sharing Dr. Suzanne Deggges-White's list of essential qualities along with a series of questions I've created to walk you through each one. And if you want to follow along, download the list of traits at  www.betterfemalefriendships.com.

You hate to admit it, but you could really use a little help right now. How do you ask your friends for support without feeling like you're intruding or feeling like you're exposing your weaknesses? Today we're addressing the mindsets that hold us back from getting the support we need, and then we offer a few ways to build your "ask" the right way.   NEW: If you want to talk about this episode wit...

In this week's episode, we break from our normal format to pass the mic to our listeners. Today we share several stories from women-- who do and DON'T have children-- to speak on the ways in which motherhood caused shifts in their female friendships. And at the end of the episode, Danielle shares a recording from a conversation with one of her friends on the subject.   If you are getting more inte...

You can't help but notice that you weren't invited... again. But how are you supposed to respond? Today I'm walking you through the ABC's of managing your feelings around rejection, and I'm sharing excerpts from a recent conversation with my Instagram friend Noelle Rhodes, host of Friending, a hilarious podcast about female friendship.   In this episode, you'll learn: 1. the 3 reasons friends ofte...

In today's episode, we chat with Dr. Christina Marie Douyon about our expectations for platonic love in comparison to romantic love, and the ripple effects of how we prioritize each kind of relationship. During this conversation, we'll address: 1. how people define "friend" differently 2. the role our culture plays in how we value female friendships 3. whether or not the phrase "best friend" is pr...

You have friendships you enjoy, but secretly you're craving a little more depth. But how do you create more closeness? Today we're outlining the 5-step process to deeper friendships, and then we're equipping you with 5 prompts that you can use RIGHT NOW on your journey toward better female friendships.   If you want to join our community, visit us at  www.betterfemalefriendships.com/membership If...

Today we're talking about 1. the alternatives to ending a friendship 2. the one thing you have to do BEFORE you decide to end things  and 3. how to end a friendship with grace.   After you listen, join the Friend Forward membership to support you every time these tricky friendship issues arise so you can get the clarity and community you need to help you through it.

Danielle gives a "behind-the-scenes" look at her r ecent viral TikTok video , and she unpacks 1. What the more than 6,000 comments real about the state of female friendships and 2. Why the video is so popular.  As you listen, be sure to check out the video yourself on TikTok by following Danielle @thefriendshipexpert, and then join our community  on Instagram @friendforward .   Wann...

As we wrap season 1, we reflect on all that's happened since we first launched the podcast: features in national media outlets like NBC News and Psychology Today; having NYTimes Bestselling authors on the show as our guests; launching an exclusive friendship app-- it's all happening so fast! To give ourselves a chance to take it all in, we're wrapping season 1 and planning for season 2 in early 20...

Girl, that friendship ended two years ago, but you're still not over it. While grieving an old friend is normal, there are likely three things you're doing that are getting in the way of your ability to move forward. In this week's episode, we're walking you through the three reasons you're still not over your friendship break-up.  If you like what you hear and ready for the next level of getting...

Friendships can be complicated, but there are 5 new apps that have emerged to help get us through it. Today I'm giving my unfiltered opinion on a few apps that are growing in popularity to let you know my thoughts on the ways they help (and the ways they don't) when it comes to creating and sustaining strong female friendships. Be sure to let me know YOUR opinion of these apps on Instagram by foll...

You’ve been in the house for months, but now you’re itching to get back to hanging with your friends. But how do you navigate the uncertainty about staying safe, the judgment about returning outside, and the tension among friends who have varying levels of comfort with socializing during a pandemic? This week, I'm chatting with Michelle Sprott of Brunchista, because she's the ultimate social butte...

This week I've tossed out my notecards and I'm having an open conversation with Bailey T. Hurley-- writer/ speaker/ fellow friendship enthusiast-- about online friendships. We'll share our opinions on whether or not they count as "real" friendships, we'll talk about ways to take them to the next level, and we even share embarrassing moments of getting rejected by women we've reached out to. We use...

How do you respond to a friend who's jealous of you? And how do you know if it's even jealousy at all? In today's episode, Danielle's responding to a listener question, and breaking down:  1. The difference between jealousy and envy 2. The one thing women get wrong about "the jealous friend" 3. Signs your friend may be experiencing jealousy 4. How to address the elephant in the room ( and whe...

Most of the disappointment we experience in our friendships is due to unmet expectations. And if we're looking to create and sustain meaningful female friendships, it may be worth it to spend a little time examining what it is we actually require of our friends (and from friendship overall). I recently posted a question on my Instagram page that resulted in nearly 100 messages. I asked women, "Wha...

What were your friendships like when you were ten? Is it possible that the way you interacted with other girls in the 5th grade is still impacting you now? In this episode, I chat with children's book author Rachel Fisher who wrote "Backyard Girls Club" to help young girls learn how to navigate the complexities of friendship. We discuss the conversations she's having with young girls (and their mo...

It’s tempting to get so caught up in our work and our and kids that we begin to push our female friendships to the margins of life. But what is the cost of failing to prioritize friendship? If after listening to today’s episode you want to further explore ways to nurture your relationships with other women, book your coaching session at BetterFemaleFriendships.com .

Today's episode is in response to a listener's question about her husband's ongoing disapproval of one of her friendships.  How are you supposed to manage when you feel stuck in the middle? I'll explain the ways everyone involved has a role to play, and I'm even including comments I received on my Instagram page when I posted about this "Dear Abby" moment. If you're struggling in your female frien...

This week is for our audio book lovers! We're doing something a little different: On this episode I'm sharing chapter 1 from my book "Give it a Rest: The Case for Tough-Love Friendships". Why now? Quarantine has many of us reflecting on the state of our friendships, and this book helps us to begin finding the courage (and learning the strategies) necessary to show up boldly in our friendships. If...

The year 2020 is bringing up a lot of issues that are making us see our friends differently. Once you discover that you and your friend view the world differently, can the friendship survive? In this episode, I'm  sharing the 2 questions you have to ask yourself to know if it's time to walk away. If you're looking for more personalized support, visit BetterFemaleFriendships.com to book a coaching...

It's been days since you texted your friend Christina, and she still hasn't gotten back to you. What are you supposed to say? (And what should you do if you're typically the "Christina" in this situation?) Today we're talking about "bad texters" and the surprising ways this bad habit can put a strain on your friendships. If this episode resonates with you, let us know by sending us a message at he...

While meaningful friendships take time to cultivate, there are a few things you can do during the first interaction with someone to expedite the process. This week I'm outlining 6 things you can do to make women immediately say, "Hey, I think I like her." If after listening to this episode, you are looking for one-on-one help with this skill, reach out to us at BetterFemaleFriendships.com , and if...