Living BIG w/ Meredith Garwood: Adult Friendship, Authenticity, and Finding Your People

In this episode of Living BIG, things are getting a little more... friendlyBecca officially welcomes returning guest Meredith Garwood as the new co-host of the podcast, and together they dive into a conversation about adult friendship, authenticity, vulnerability, and what it actually takes to build meaningful community as grown-ups.From motherhood and marriage to loneliness, show choir, ADHD, and the pressure to curate a “perfect” life, this episode explores why genuine connection matters more than appearances—and why brave friendships require intentionality, reciprocity, and the courage to show up as your real self.They unpack the realities of making friends in adulthood, the difference between supportive and draining relationships, and how communities like BIG become spaces where people can truly belong.If you’ve ever wondered:Why making friends as an adult feels hardHow to find “your people”What healthy friendship actually looks likeOr how authenticity changes relationships…this conversation is for you.Living BIG is about creativity, courage, community, and becoming fully yourself.Learn more at biginc.org.Episode Chapters:00:00 Authentic vs Curated Lives00:45 Meet the New Co-Host02:08 Why Friendship Matters03:25 Building Intentional Community04:34 Friendship Through Showing Up06:34 The Search for Adult Friendships08:06 What Adults Really Want in Friendship09:31 Why Show Choir Builds Community09:54 Friendship Through Life Stages11:20 What Makes a Great Friend?12:52 ADHD, Friendship, and Staying Connected14:17 Authenticity & Self-Awareness in Relationships15:26 Reciprocal Friendship & Matching Energy16:13 Inner Circles & Vulnerability17:59 Authenticity vs the “Perfect Life”20:00 Building Brave & Supportive Communities21:42 Standing Up for Friends in Rooms They’re Not In22:25 Mel Robbins & The Three Pillars of Friendship23:48 Proximity, Timing, and Energy25:25 Intentionality in Adult Relationships26:34 Checking In on Your People27:54 How to Build Lasting Community28:56 You Have to Be a Friend to Make Friends