The Friendship Challenge: Staying Connected as a Busy Professional episode artwork

EPISODE · Jun 12, 2026 · 26 MIN

The Friendship Challenge: Staying Connected as a Busy Professional

from Briefcase and Couch · host Briefcase and Couch — with Stephanie Sarkis Ph.D. and Valerie Matherne Esq.

Friendships often take a back seat to careers, caregiving, and daily responsibilities—but connection still matters. In this episode, we discuss how professional women can maintain meaningful friendships, navigate busy seasons of life, and create relationships that provide support, joy, and resilience.In this episode, Valerie and Stephanie are joined by a psychologist-attorney friend duo, Karestan Koenen, Ph.D., and Celia Eckert, Esq., to explore the challenges and rewards of maintaining friendships while balancing demanding careers and personal responsibilities.We discuss:Why friendships change throughout adulthoodCommon obstacles to staying connectedHow professional women can nurture relationships despite busy schedulesSetting realistic expectations for friendshipsPractical ways to strengthen and sustain meaningful connectionsWhether you’re feeling disconnected from friends or looking for ways to invest in your relationships, this episode offers practical strategies and encouragement.Hosts:Stephanie Sarkis, PhD — ⁠⁠⁠stephaniesarkis.com⁠⁠⁠Valerie Matherne, Esq. — ⁠⁠⁠zuberlawler.com/attorneys/valerie-theng-matherne/⁠Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as clinical, legal, or medical advice, nor as a substitute for professional judgment. The views expressed are those of the cohosts and guests and do not necessarily represent any organization. Listeners are encouraged to apply information in a manner consistent with their professional training, ethical guidelines, and applicable laws and regulations.

Friendships often take a back seat to careers, caregiving, and daily responsibilities—but connection still matters. In this episode, we discuss how professional women can maintain meaningful friendships, navigate busy seasons of life, and create relationships that provide support, joy, and resilience.In this episode, Valerie and Stephanie are joined by a psychologist-attorney friend duo, Karestan Koenen, Ph.D., and Celia Eckert, Esq., to explore the challenges and rewards of maintaining friendships while balancing demanding careers and personal responsibilities.We discuss:Why friendships change throughout adulthoodCommon obstacles to staying connectedHow professional women can nurture relationships despite busy schedulesSetting realistic expectations for friendshipsPractical ways to strengthen and sustain meaningful connectionsWhether you’re feeling disconnected from friends or looking for ways to invest in your relationships, this episode offers practical strategies and encouragement.Hosts:Stephanie Sarkis, PhD — ⁠⁠⁠stephaniesarkis.com⁠⁠⁠Valerie Matherne, Esq. — ⁠⁠⁠zuberlawler.com/attorneys/valerie-theng-matherne/⁠Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as clinical, legal, or medical advice, nor as a substitute for professional judgment. The views expressed are those of the cohosts and guests and do not necessarily represent any organization. Listeners are encouraged to apply information in a manner consistent with their professional training, ethical guidelines, and applicable laws and regulations.

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The Friendship Challenge: Staying Connected as a Busy Professional

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This episode was published on June 12, 2026.

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Friendships often take a back seat to careers, caregiving, and daily responsibilities—but connection still matters. In this episode, we discuss how professional women can maintain meaningful friendships, navigate busy seasons of life, and create...

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