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 her brain that feels guilt and... well, it's quite a ride. So I r...
Jun 27, 2025•24 min•Season 6Ep. 20
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 episode which is housed exclusively in "Office Hours", our priva...
Jun 23, 2025•24 min•Season 6Ep. 19
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 discussion highlights the dangers of social media in shaping per...
Jun 13, 2025•19 min•Season 6Ep. 18
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 importance of trust, communication, and the ebb and flow of relationship...
Jun 06, 2025•32 min•Season 6Ep. 17
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 the role of civic participation in urban planning. Elkott also add...
May 29, 2025•20 min•Season 6Ep. 16
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 importance of understanding these dynamics and encourages listeners to apprecia...
May 22, 2025•14 min•Season 6Ep. 15
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 importance of understanding these dynamics, identifying healthy ver...
May 15, 2025•23 min•Season 6Ep. 14
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 research and cultural comparisons, Danielle emphasizes the impor...
May 09, 2025•18 min•Season 6Ep. 13
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 gender, and encourages listeners to diversify their social needs by e...
May 02, 2025•20 min•Season 6Ep. 12
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 the dynamics of their relationships. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: May 11 Live W...
Apr 25, 2025•23 min•Season 6Ep. 11
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 different kinds of "giving" in relationships-- and how to manage it...
Apr 17, 2025•20 min•Season 6Ep. 10
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 these sources and shares valuable resources for fostering better ...
Apr 14, 2025•13 min•Season 6Ep. 9
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 Friendship Elevated Group Coaching for your (last?) chance to work ...
Apr 05, 2025•25 min•Season 6Ep. 8
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 HOURS", OUR PATREON COMMUNITY. www.betterfemalefriendships.com...
Mar 27, 2025•14 min•Season 6Ep. 7
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 therapist about how to have tough conversation whether you make ...
Feb 07, 2025•20 min•Season 6Ep. 6
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). Remember, the FULL EPISODE is available EXCLUSIVELY at "Office Hour...
Feb 01, 2025•13 min•Season 6Ep. 5
*Announcement Edition* We've got a few things happening behind the scenes that you should know about: 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 Galentine's Day is coming up, and it's the perfect time to round up some of your girls and...
Jan 27, 2025•8 min•Season 6Ep. 4
Research shows that cynicism is on the rise. What does that mean for your ability to create and maintain deep friendships? In this episode of the Friend Forward podcast, we review some key points from the book "Hope for Cynics" by Jamil Zaki and think through the relational consequences of this trend. Remember, the full episode is available exclusively in "Office Hours", our Patreon network. ----- *Attend our annual Women's Connection Summit on 3/7-8/2025 **Serious about making new friends in th...
Jan 25, 2025•11 min•Season 6Ep. 3
Why does it seem like women are always talking about "fake friends"? While SOME women really ARE actively betraying their friends and operating with bad intentions, there's actually more to the story. In this episode of the Friend Forward podcast, host, author and relational health educator Danielle Bayard Jackson shares her analysis of the popular phrase. In this EXCERPT of the Friend Forward Podcast, we'll explore: 4 theories for why women talk about "fake friends" 3 ways to position yourself ...
Jan 16, 2025•12 min•Season 6Ep. 2
Welcome back to a new season, baby! (And we're on YouTube! ) ---- Listen, I know this might sound harsh, but hear me out: There is a research study that examines the ways that certain aspects of your personality impact the way you form and maintain friendships. This week we're : digging into the study to better understand how we can better show up in friendships evaluating the personality domains that most impact relationship quality getting homework to help us adapt the parts of our personality...
Jan 09, 2025•16 min•Season 6Ep. 1
With the election, hurricane evacuations, holidays, and behind-the-scenes projects, the Friend Forward team is taking a break. In this episode, friendship expert and host Danielle Bayard Jackson shares three reasons we're in our "rest era" and what you can expect when we return. ---- *Book Danielle to speak at your event at info(at)tellpublicrelations(dot)com. *Suggest a topic for the episode at betterfemalefriendships.com *Grab a copy of Fighting for our Friendships: The Science and Art of Conf...
Nov 04, 2024•8 min•Season 5Ep. 214
How do you know if you're showing care or showing codependency? How do you deal with a friend who's involvement in your life feels overwhelming? How do we show love for one another without losing ourselves? In this week's episode of the Friend Forward podcast, we'll speak with psychotherapist Terri Cole whose new book -- Too Much: A Guide to Breaking the Cycle of High-Functioning Co-Dependence -- aims to answer those very questions. ---------------- Shhhhh! Details for our Women's Summit were qu...
Oct 17, 2024•21 min•Season 5Ep. 213
Reality tv often gets a bad wrap, but for girlfriends who watch together, it becomes a bonding agent. Why is that? The hosts of the wildly popular "2 Black Girls, 1 Rose" podcast are real life besties who break it all down on this week's episode. Be sure to listen to their show wherever you listen to podcasts, and join their Patreon for a deeper dive into all things reality tv. ----- To learn more about what the research reveals about the mechanics of women's friendships, buy your copy of Daniel...
Oct 03, 2024•28 min•Season 5Ep. 212
Research finds that on the other side of healthy conflict, people report feeling closer to one another. But what happens when we don't actually have the skills to navigate hard conversations? Domenique Harrison offers therapy at the intersection of race and relationships, and in this episode, she shares some of the key skills necessary to walk through difficult interactions with people we care about (whether or not racialized issues are at the heart of the conversation). If you know you need to ...
Sep 28, 2024•22 min•Season 5Ep. 211
The word "community" is being thrown around by a lot of brands and organizations, but what does that word really mean? Whether you're a community builder or a woman looking to experience a real sense of community, listen to this episode of Friend Forward to learn four traits of authentic community so you can find spaces where you truly belong. Host and friendship educator Danielle Bayard Jackson breaks it down for you. --- Want an in-person community experience? Save the date and book a flight t...
Sep 19, 2024•18 min•Season 5Ep. 210
Is "friendship poaching" really a thing? And when it happens to you, what should you do? In part 1, we looked at the benefits and risks of introducing friends to one another, but in part 2, we'll unpack the anxiety around "friend stealing". ------- Want vlogs, bonus episodes, a monthly book club, and additional friendship research? Join the Friend Forward Group Chat . -------- Grab your copy of " Fighting for our Friendships: The Science and Art of Conflict and Connection in Women's Relationship...
Sep 13, 2024•21 min•Season 5Ep. 209
Should you introduce your friends to one another? In this episode, we'll explore the benefits of having what network researchers refer to as high friendship overlap. We'll also look at the main reason women are reluctant to connect their friends: the potential for "poaching", which we'll address in part 2. Want vlogs, bonus episodes, a monthly book club, and additional friendship research? Join the Friend Forward Group Chat . -------- Grab your copy of " Fighting for our Friendships: The Science...
Sep 12, 2024•22 min•Season 5Ep. 208
In this week's episode of the Friend Forward podcast, host and friendship expert Danielle Bayard Jackson shares insights for women who feel like they've passively cultivated a friendship network filled with relationships that they don't even really want. Tune in to learn how to navigate this situation with more clarity and confidence. ------- Looking for your next book club read? Order your copy of Fighting for our Friendships: The Science and Art of Conflict and Connection in Women's Relationsh...
Aug 29, 2024•16 min•Season 5Ep. 207
Got trust issues? In this week's episode, host and friendship expert Danielle Bayard Jackson shares 4 ways to gradually and responsibly allow yourself to be more trusting in your female friendships. Want two bonus strategies? We reserve extra content (including bonus episodes!) for members of the private Friend Forward Group Chat. Join here. ----- LAST CHANCE TO JOIN OUR GROUP COACHING PROGRAM, "FRIENDSHIP ELEVATED". We have our welcome call kicking off next week which means you have three days ...
Aug 22, 2024•20 min•Season 5Ep. 206
People are turning to "artificial companions" to supplement (and sometimes replace) what they're getting from real-life friends. What are the pros and cons of using A.I for friendship? Why do people seek this kind of connection? And what are the broader implications of this trend? In this week's episode of the Friend Forward podcast, Danielle Bayard Jackson actually formed her own A.I friend and is reporting back. Listen to this episode to learn more about friendship at the intersection of artif...
Aug 15, 2024•26 min•Season 5Ep. 205
