Leveled Up Friendships

Have you ever been in a conversation that went from calm to defensive in seconds, and you had no idea why? Chances are, you used one of five danger words that instantly put people on edge. Most of us say them without even realizing it. But once you know what they are, you’ll start catching them everywhere… and you’ll be able to stop yourself before you make things worse. In this episode, I break d...

Starting a hard conversation with a friend can feel impossible. In this video, I’ll show you the best way to start THAT talk so it doesn’t blow up and ruin your friendship. You’ll learn practical steps to ease tension, open the door for honesty, and create trust instead of defensiveness. This is Part 1 of a 2 Part series, so be sure to subscribe and turn on your notifications to get Part 2 next we...

If you're "the fixer" in your relationships, you NEED to watch this episode, because I wish I had learned what I'm about to share with you much earlier in life. Being the “fixer” in your friend group can feel like a badge of honor! People come to you for advice, solutions, and insight. But what if your eagerness to help is actually pushing friends away? In this episode, I share...

Why is it so hard to find real community as an adult?! In this episode, I’m joined by my real-life friend and actual community legend Mackenzie T'eo, founder of Bag + Barre gym, and someone I literally call the “Mayor of Sewickley” (where she lives) to talk about what it really takes to build meaningful friendships and lasting community when you move to a new town, and open a brick and mortar...

Watching a friend go through a massive struggle is so painful, especially if there is nothing you can do to fix it. BUT, there is still a way you can help. If your friend is currently going THROUGH IT, and you want to support (or don't want to do the wrong thing and make it worse), this video is for you. This past year, I was that struggling friend, and based on my own experience of what work...

Adult friendships are hard. With all the buzzwords flying around like toxic friendships, cutting people off, and protecting your peace, it’s no wonder so many of us are silently wondering when it's time to end a friendship, how to know if it's actually over, and what to do if you want to keep the friendship alive. In this episode, I’m breaking down 5 clarity-building questions that will...

Have you ever thought about someone from your past and wondered if you should reach out and reconnect with them… but then stopped yourself because you didn’t want it to feel awkward, forced, or flat-out rejected? Then this episode is for you. Whether it’s an old friend, someone who meant a lot to you years ago, or a relationship that just faded with time, I’m breaking down exactly how to reach out...

I'll be honest, I did NOT hold back in this episode. Let me ask you a question: would you replace your best friend with AI? Mark Zuckerberg thinks you will. In this reaction episode, I'm breaking down the Wall Street Journal article, “Zuckerberg’s Grand Vision: Most of Your Friends Will Be AI.” As a creator on a mission to rebuild human connection, I unpack the unsettling trend of artifi...

It happens to the best of us, but that doesn't make it any less uncomfortable. Forgetting someone's name feels quite embarrassing, and, here's how to fix it. In this episode, we are breaking down 7 different phrases you can choose from, and use when you forget someone's name! Support the show Want to work with Zoe 1-on-1 for personalized friendship coaching for that extra push...

Struggling with social anxiety but still craving real connection? You're not alone—and this episode is for you. In this episode, I'm sharing the exact mindset shifts and practical strategies I used to break the grip of social anxiety and start forming rich, meaningful friendships—without faking it or forcing it. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed walking into a room full of strangers or anx...

I love superhero movies, but Marvel's new Thunderbolts movie hit different. I was stunned by what the secret theme and message of the movie was all about, and I'm giving my full reaction in this episode. Support the show Want to work with Zoe 1-on-1 for personalized friendship coaching for that extra push and source of accountability? Zoe has limited slots available on a rolling basis, s...

Struggling to make friends? You’re not alone—and it’s not because something is wrong with you. In this episode, we’re unpacking the five sneaky reasons why you might be having trouble building close friendships, and more importantly, what to do about it. Help me (Zoe) get to know YOU (yes, you, the person behind this screen) with this quick 2-minute form . As a thank you, I’ll email you my "A...

Struggling with how to make a great first impression? Want to feel more confident when meeting someone new? In this video, you’ll learn five powerful, science-backed ways to make better first impressions, boost your confidence instantly, and stop feeling awkward in social situations. Whether it’s a networking event, a first date, or a casual conversation with a stranger, these simple yet effective...

If you've ever wondered whether hitting "record" on a voice memo was worth it, this video is your answer. In this heartfelt and insightful reaction, Zoe takes us through a TIME article that argues voice notes aren’t just convenient communication tools—they’re small acts of love. From the very first words, she explores how sending a quick voice message can become a deeply human way t...

Can you really trust them? These signs will reveal someone's true character. In this episode, Zoe shares how to spot the subtle (and not-so-subtle) signs that someone is truly trustworthy and a safe friend. If you’ve ever questioned someone’s intentions, felt anxious in a friendship, or had your trust broken in the past, this video gives you clarity on what to look for in real, honest relatio...

We're tackling a feeling we’ve all had but rarely talk about—what it’s like to need help but feel paralyzed by guilt, fear, or pride. Asking friends for help can feel uncomfortable, awkward, or even shameful. Whether you’re afraid of seeming too needy, being rejected, or coming off as incapable, Zoe shows how to push through that discomfort and actually create deeper, more authentic relations...

As adults, finding time for friendships can feel impossible. Between work, family, responsibilities, and personal commitments, maintaining social connections often takes a backseat. But research shows that strong friendships are not just a luxury—they’re essential for mental and physical health. In fact, studies suggest that loneliness can be as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. So how do yo...

Yes, it's possible to go to a bar by yourself and enjoy making friends with strangers (even if you're an introvert like me!) But how do you confidently strike up conversations with strangers without looking creepy? In this episode, I'm sharing real-life strategies that will help you start meaningful conversations, overcome social anxiety, and make new friends at a bar—without the fe...

After a while, it gets exhausting and unnerving. We're always the ones making the plans! It makes us feel like our friends don't care about us because...if they did, they would initiate plans sometimes too! Right?! Let's break down what could be going on, and how to navigate this situation in your friendships Support the show Want to work with Zoe 1-on-1 for personalized friendship...

It's the worst. We put ourselves out there, only to get so anxious, paranoid, and ultimately risk feeling rejected by someone else. So, when it happens, how do we overcome the fear? And, how can we think about rejection differently so that it doesn't stop us from building meaningful friendships? Let's go! Support the show Want to work with Zoe 1-on-1 for personalized friendship coac...

It sucks so bad. AND, it doesn't need to continue sucking. 2025 is a wild ride so far...the last thing we need is more complexities in friendship. I'm breaking down the 3 steps you need to build meaningful adult friendships this year, and if followed, these steps will not only help you make true friends, but build your confidence and courage too! (And yes, I am also an introvert :) Suppo...

A familiar scene: you're meeting someone new and don't know what questions to ask! And small talk sucks! Yes, I totally agree, so let's talk through 15 questions that you can ask to help get PAST small talk when you're having a conversation with someone new so that you can build a real connection and have a meaningful conversation! These ALL work and they are ALL my go-to quest...

This is the exact method I used to execute my New Year's resolution to stop being lonely. If you watch this video, you will not only leave feeling encouraged but will be able to steal the exact same method I used and implement it in your own life this year. You're worth it! Support the show Want to work with Zoe 1-on-1 for personalized friendship coaching for that extra push and source o...

Houston, we have a problem. A New York Times article recently revealed some alarming new research about the drastic shift in how and where Americans are spending their time...and the impact its going to have on us in the next decade. I'm doing a live-time reaction to the article, and figuring out how we can destroy our loneliness in spite of the obstacles in front of us. Special thank you to...

Hopefully we all have figured out our "green flags" in friendship, but the red flags can be a little bit sneakier. We are unpacking 8 absolute EW'S (friendship turnoffs) that are red flags to look out for when you're forming a new friendship. And, we discuss what to do if you do experience one of these red flags, and how you can navigate it through conversation. Let's go....