Friend Request

Sandra is a fun-loving school psychologist who discusses everything from trauma in high school to Black Lives Matter protests. She also talks about her divorce, getting back in touch with who she is, and what it's like being the middle sister. Facebook & Instagram: @FriendRequestPod Twitter @FriendRequestJL

Before the 8/31 premier of the second season, listen to a sneak peek of some of the guests coming to Friend Request! Everything from a high school counselor to a local news cameraman to a reality TV star. We run the gambit of interesting stories by interesting people, and that's just the first few episodes! Season 2 proves to be the best yet! Subscribe now to make sure you don't miss a beat! Follo...

Justin shares his experiences in identifying systemic racism within himself and opens up a dialogue for all of you to join in on.

The season one finale is epic as Justin finally gets to sit down with his friend, Brad. Brad came from divorce and sexual abuse to a world of drugs, addiction, and even homelessness. Now, over 16 years sober, Brad has gotten his degree and now runs two separate companies as well as teaches at Oakland University. His story is amazing, inspiring and can be helpful to anyone going through a tough tim...

Lauryn is a photographer, business owner, wife, and mother. She talks about the lessons she learned about herself opening up to emotional intimacy, the successes and failures of her photography business, and what it's like being a new mom. Lauryn also discusses compassion and what it's like to confront the idea of marriage again, after being divorced. Facebook and Instagram: @FriendRequestPod Twit...

In this episode, we follow-up with some of our most popular guests on how the are coping with the current global situation and how it has effected them personally. Guests include Antonio, Truly, Dan, Stacy, Beka, and Chad. Some great advice from a lot of unique perspectives, including Chad's adventure coming home from Europe during the peak of the shutdown. Facebook and Instagram: @FriendRequestPo...

Lindsey discusses immigrating to America as a teenager and becoming a U.S. citizen. She also discusses her lifelong battle with endometriosis and how she has learned more about vulnerability as her group of friends has changed over the years. Facebook and Instagram: @FriendRequestPod Twitter: @FrendRequestJL Email: JustinsFriendRequest@gmail.com

Jesse is an infertility advocate, lawyer, wife, mother, and all around fantastic person. Aside from discussing the genius idea of using your job to travel the country, Jesse discusses becoming an adult and finding her place in the world. She is also promoting RESOLVE: Federal Advocacy Day. Learn more at Resolve.org Facebook and Instagram: @FriendRequestPod Twitter: @FriendRequestJL

Toren is a friend from the fabled California years of Justin. Toren talks about his times in California, teaching at an Arthur Murray dance studio, working on a weed farm, and turning an imaginary one night stand into a long-term relationship complete with a relocation. Facebook and Instagram: @FriendRequestPod Twitter: @FriendRequestJL JustinsFriendRequest@gmail.com

Adam Lamb, a former body builder, entrepreneur, and father of two, discusses growing up with divorced parents, and how money has played a critical role in building his identity and determination. Adam, who is Justin's older brother, also goes over how his wife inspired him to get his stuff together and find new levels of success. He also talks about being a father and how he found out a few years...

This week's guest, Rebekah, talks about being an unplanned baby and arriving in this world dead. She also discusses how her family dynamic was triggering for her growing up and how she found her true calling helping people in the foster system! Facebook and Instagram: @FriendRequestPod Twitter: @FriendRequestJL

Be Casper is a stand-up comedian, podcast host, artist, survivor, and outspoken advocate for all that is right in the world. Her story is so beautifully tragic, she has an entire podcast about her life called That Time I Got Arrested. From a traumatic childhood with a father in prison and a mother addicted to drugs, her life has had ever kind of up and down you can imagine. Follow her @be_casper a...

Leslie Bailey is the co-founder of the women's lifestyle company Indy Maven. She is an expert creative with a world of experience and history at her back. Leslie discusses navigating her mother's multiple bouts with cancer, meeting her husband, and discovering her own self-worth in the world of writing, editing, and all around creative entrepreneurship. Follow her and her company at IndyMaven.com...

This week, Wil Black discusses major loss in his life, from his brother to his niece, and the inspiration he has drawn from it. He also discusses how music has been a part of his life since before he could speak. Wil talks about how he stopped limiting himself and began releasing songs, albums, videos and more, without precaution and without conviction. Find him at BlackGypsyMusic.com Facebook and...

Megan McIsaac is an artist and photographer from Clarkston, MI. In this week's episode, she discusses growing up in a broken home and finding self-potarits and photography at a young age. From being homeless in Portland to starting a women's movement in Los Angeles. Megan continues to do amazing things and have amazing experiences. You can see her life through the lens at MeganMcIsaac.com and foll...

This week's guest, Nicole Breadon, is running for State Representative of Michigan's 43rd District. She discusses taking care of her mother during a rough battle with Rheumatoid Arthritis and raising children with Spina Bifida and developmental disorders. Nicole also discusses her stance on a number of Michigan's issues, encouraging everyone everywhere to get out there and educate yourself on wher...

Billy is a multi-talented musician and songwriter from Clarkston, MI. He discusses growing up in a tight-knit neighborhood, meeting and dating his wife, having a child, and going through a divorce. Billy also discusses the therapy he found in music and songwriting and how he uses his time with different musicians as a timeline of his life. Facebook and Instagram: @FriendRequestPod Twitter: @Friend...

This week, Ryan discusses losing his mother to cancer at a young age and the vandalizing onslaught that followed that up and landed him in jail at 17. He also discusses what made him join the army and what his time was like there. Facebook and Instagram: @FriendRequestPod Twitter: @FriendRequestJL

This week's guest, Don, talks about growing up on the south side of Chicago, going to an all boys catholic school, and traveling for work during the entire span of his career. Don also talks about marrying outside his religion, adopting a child, and what it  was like to lose his career and almost his house, while going through three jobs in a span of four years. Facebook and Instagram: @FriendRequ...

This week, Lisa discusses growing up in an alcoholic household and how that trend continued into her adult life. She talks about finally ending a sexless marriage to her manipulative ex-husband, and the multiple suicide attempts that followed that, until she eventually found sobriety and learned to love herself. For information and resources for anyone feeling suicidal, reach out the the National...

This week's guest, Kelsey, opens up about her struggles with anxiety, depression, and manic episodes. She also discusses her large family made up of herself and multiple half siblings and how that dynamic changed her role as a child. Facebook and Instagram: @FriendRequestPod Twitter: @FriendRequestJL

This week's guest, Ian Staley, discusses growing up in a household of scientists and  transitioning into college, having to be responsible for himself. He also talks about taking care of his father after a chronic illness sets in and inadvertently leads to his passing. Ian talks about everything from nepotism to Superman to marriage. Facebook and Instagram: @FriendRequestPod Twitter: @FriendReques...

This week, Chad Nini details his history in the entertainment business and bartending before going in-depth about his struggles with ADHD and Asperger's. Chad can be followed along on his future travels at http://www.youtube.com/chad9e and on Instagram at @chad9e Follow along with Friend Request at: Facebook and Instagram: @FriendRequestPod Twitter: @FriendRequestJL

Celeste Smith is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with a master's in education (MEd). In this bonus episode we discuss relationships: from dating to marriage to expectation to sex, and all of communication involved in every step of the way. Facebook and Instagram: @FriendRequestPod Twitter: @FriendRequestJL

This week's guest, Matt, discusses the painful divorce he went through and how he found a way out of his own darkness through woodworking and religion. Matt's projects can be found through his Instagram at @mmashni, by searching for Dovetail Fine Woodworking or by emailing him directly at matt.mashni@gmail.com Facebook and Instagram: @FriendRequestPod Twitter: @FriendRequestJL