PODCAST · society
Friend Forward
by Danielle Bayard Jackson | Female Friendship Expert & Relational Health Educator
This is a podcast for modern women looking to understand the complexities of female friendship. Hosted by Danielle Bayard Jackson --female friendship coach and educator-- Friend Forward provides research, strategies, and tough-love truth to answer your questions about how to navigate relationships with other women. Tune in every week for new insights about how to create and maintain better female friendships. (And in between episodes, follow along on TikTok at @thefriendshipexpert or IG @daniellebayardjackson)
Episodes
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[Gathering Series] Why your gatherings feel like a chore (and how to fix it) with Amber Mayfield Hewett, author of "Your Turn to Host"
In this episode, we're kicking off our 4-week series on gathering, as we enter the holiday season. This week, host and friendship expert Danielle Bayard Jackson interviews Amber Mayfield Hewitt about the art of hosting, emphasizing authenticity, intentionality, and community building. They…
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You're invited to "Good Chemistry": Friend Forward Event Announcement
We're kicking off our gathering series with a gathering of our own... One November 7, we're hosting the first of our multi-city "Good Chemistry" Tour in Tampa, Florida at Gemma Floral Wine at 5pm. Attendees can expect speed-friending, mini connection masterclass, food + drinks, and a personal...
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7 Awkward Friendship Situations (and How to Handle Them like a PR pro)
In this episode, host Danielle Bayard Jackson steps into the role of your personal "friendship PR person," guiding you through some of the trickiest situations women encounter in their friendships. Drawing from her background in public relations and research on women's connection, Danielle Bayard...
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The self-worth "blind spot" that’s quietly shaping all your friendships, with Dr. Marisa G. Franco
You'd call yourself confident. You have high self-esteem. You show up for your people. So a book about worth? That's for someone else… right? That's exactly what Danielle thought before she cracked open Dr. Marisa G. Franco's new book and realized, ten pages in, that she had no idea how much of…
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Where Women Spend Their Time & Why Friendship Pays the Price
You know that you need to spend more time with your friends, but as a busy woman over 30, how exactly are you supposed to do that? In this episode, I'm sharing shocking data from the latest American Time Use Survey for 2025 to see where our time is actually going. Then I'm sharing a solution for...
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The 3 Pillars of Social Capital (And Why It's Not the Same as Friendship)
Social capital helps the quality of your friendships, and your friendships impact the quality of your social capital. Social capital is all about the value you get (and give) in your social network. And regardless of how introverted or extroverted you are, it's something we all need. TOPICS IN…
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The art of the "platonic wingwoman": Helping your friends make friends (Solo episode)
Platonic wingwomen are the backbone of society. Some people are reluctant to introduce their friends to one another, but society thrives on it. While it can be nerve-wracking to mix friend groups (we've covered this in a previous episode-- see below), it's a skill we should all have. In this...
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How is the "ambition paradox" impacting your friendships? -- A conversation with Dr. Anne Welsh, author or Ambitious Mother
How motherhood changes your closest friendships, with Dr. Anne Welsh You're crushing it at work, you're showing up for your kids, and you're trying… really trying… to also be a good friend. But the pursuit of excelling in all three keeps leaving you depleted and falling short across the board.…
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Should your friends like all your posts on social media? With JoJo Venant
You noticed she didn't share your last post. She liked her post but not yours. She hasn't watched your stories in weeks, but she's clearly online. And now you're spiraling, trying to figure out what that says about your friendship. Sound familiar? In this episode, Danielle sits down with licensed...
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Set these friendship goals before the summer ends
There's a psychological concept known as "the fresh start effect", and it can be helpful as you set your friendship goals for the summer. You've been wanting better friendships for a while now, but you're not quite sure where to start. We'll walk you through an exercise that includes more than 8...
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Why your friends' dating advice might be hurting you, with Yue Xu & Julie Krafchick
As much as we'd like to think our romantic relationships exist apart from our friendships, the research says otherwise. Your friends' opinions can determine whether a couple stays together, influence the values they hold in the relationship, and even shape the kinds of arguments they have. And…
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When female friendships get complicated in the workplace (and what to do about it), with Brooke Taylor, author of "Healing the Success Wound"
How to navigate friendship at work without losing the relationship, with Brooke Taylor She's your lunch buddy, your Slack confidante, your person at work. But what happens when boundaries get blurry, or you start sensing competition where there used to be camaraderie? Workplace friendships…
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Why “going analog” isn’t enough to make new friends: the rise of curated socializing
You've seen the articles. You've heard the discourse. People are pulling away from the digital sphere and opting for in-person connection instead: ditching dating apps, skipping the DMs, going analog. Google searches for "matchmaker near me" and "dating coach" are higher right now than they've…
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When his lack of friends becomes your problem: how the male loneliness epidemic affects women’s friendships
Everyone's talking about the male loneliness epidemic. But after six years of hosting this show and seven years of coaching women through their friendship issues, Danielle has noticed something that doesn't get nearly enough attention: men's friendship struggles don't stay contained. They spill...
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The grief of outgrowing a friendship because of misaligned values, with Gina Moffa
She's the same person you've loved for years… until suddenly she isn't. Maybe it was a comment that stopped you cold, or the slow realization that the worldview you thought you shared has been cracking underneath you for a while. How do you stay connected when you can no longer relate? Danielle...
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4 things I no longer believe about friendship (because learning THIS research changed my mind)
You've probably had at least one friendship belief you were sure about… until life proved you wrong. Maybe it was the idea that your two best friends are all you need, or that men just "do friendship better," or that conflict is the beginning of the end. These beliefs feel true until they don't.…
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Why some women rush platonic intimacy in new friendships, with Minaa B.
You finally meet someone you click with. You've got things in common, the conversation flows, and suddenly you're ready to tell her everything. But that hunger for closeness in a new friendship can actually push people away before the relationship has a chance to build. In this episode, Danielle...
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I asked women with a lot of friends to share their "social secrets". Here's what they said.
You know those women who seem to make friends everywhere they go? Have you ever wondered how they draw people to them so easily? When Danielle asked her audience about their "social secrets" , more than 500 women responded-- and the patterns were hard to ignore. In this solo episode, Danielle...
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Venting, co-rumination, and trauma dumping: what's the difference and where do we draw the line?
Venting used to just be what friends did. Now it feels like a social minefield; and we can't seem to agree on whether it's a sign of closeness or a boundary violation. You've probably caught yourself mid-vent wondering, am I being too much right now? Or maybe you're on the other side, nodding…
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When ambition makes friendship harder: how high-achieving women can bridge the gap between success and connection
You're driven, you're accomplished, and you've got no shortage of people in your life. So why do your closest friendships still feel like something's missing? In this episode, Danielle sits down with executive coach Monique R. Shields to unpack the ways ambition can quietly erode the depth and...
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Why making friends in your 30s feels impossible (and how you can make it happen anyway)
Why does friend-making feel especially challenging in our 30s? In this episode, host and friendship expert Danielle Bayard Jackson explores the unique challenges women face when making new friends in their 30s, offering practical strategies tailored to busy, depleted women. Drawing on recent...
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Why you feel anxious about inviting people over (and how to fix it) with Ashlee Gadd, Author and Founder of Coffee and Crumbs and Friendship expert Danielle Bayard Jackson
You want to host more often, but you're anxious about having people over. Why? (And how do you fix it?) In this interview with Ashlee Gadd, founder of Coffee and Crumbs and co-author of You're In Good Company: The Gift of Friendship, Motherhood, and Showing Up, you'll learn: 3 common fears about...
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The secret language of humor in women's friendships// Interview with comedy writer Nadia Casey and friendship expert Danielle Bayard Jackson
Research finds that shared humor is a predictor of women becoming best friends... but it's not a predictor for men. Why is that? In this week's episode of the Friend Forward podcast, friendship expert and relational health educator Danielle Bayard Jackson interviews Nadia Casey . Nadia is a…
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What role does commitment play in friendship? The "Rusbult Investment Model" might explain why your close friendships don't last
Is "commitment" a concept that only applies to romantic relationships? What role does it play in friendships when these are completely elective relationships unbound with contract and formal obligations? In this episode of the Friend Forward podcast, host and women's friendship expert Danielle...
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Yes, your friend's comments about her body will impact the way you view your own. Here's what the research says. An interview with Chrissy King of the Body Liberation Project, and Dr. Erin Nolen, researcher and assistant professor at the University of Arkansas
In this conversation, host and friendship expert Danielle Bayard Jackson explores the impact of close friendships on body image. She speaks with Chrissy King, author of The Body Liberation Project. Danielle also invites researcher and assistant professor Dr. Erin Nolen about the way women's...
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Friendship Surveillance: Are we obsessed with tracking each other? A conversation with tech writer Tatum Hunter and friendship expert Danielle Bayard Jackson
This conversation explores the complex relationship between surveillance and friendships in the digital age. This includes the habit of sharing locations with friends, monitoring social media activity and turning on features like "read receipts"-- all things that allow us to monitor each other's...
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4 things your newly divorced friend wishes you knew // a conversation with Oona Metz, author of Unhitched
Whether your friend is newly divorce or considering divorce, she'll likely expect you to provide emotional support throughout her journey. But the hard truth is that many women are falling short in the ways that they show up. In this conversation with Oona Metz, author of "Unhitched: The…
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You don't need MORE friends this year-- you need THIS instead. // The 5 components of social connection with friendship expert Danielle Bayard Jackson
Okay, well maybe you DO need new friends, but for many of us, that's not the primary reason we're feeling disconnected. There are four other components-- some quantifiable, others that are more subjective-- and simply knowing about each component can help you to position yourself to get more of…
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What we get wrong about "friendship audits" (and 8 signs that you might need one NOW)
In this episode of the Friend Forward podcast, we discuss the concept of friendship audits, emphasizing the importance of evaluating not just who to cut off from your life, but also the overall dynamics, practices, and satisfaction within friendships. In this episode, we outline eight signs that...
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How to Protect Yourself from the Loneliness Industrial Complex
Why does it feel like everyone's marketing their products and services as the solution for loneliness? The Loneliness Epidemic became a mainstream conversation in 2023 after then-Surgeon General Vivek Murthy made loneliness his top public health priority. And while that led to many helpful…
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The "Three C's" of staying friends when life transitions pull you apart
Whether you're having a baby, adopting a new worldview, or navigating a divorce, you'll find your friendships shifting by extension. Despite the history and affection we have for our friends, changing life circumstances can threaten to pull us away from one another. While some friendships may…
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Social clubs are trending on Google search. What does that mean (and how do you find the right one for you)?
In this episode of the Friend Forward Podcast, host Danielle Bayard Jackson unpacks a recent Google search that is taking over: social clubs. She discusses the differences between social clubs, which focus on socialization, and private members clubs, which often offer exclusive experiences....
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Leading an all-women group? Here are three things you should know (A conversation with Cassie Little of Her Sorority Journey)
Host and friendship expert Danielle Bayard Jackson speaks with with Cassie Little, advisory board member at the Women's Relational Health Institute as well as the founder of Her Sorority Journey. While Cassie's specialty is sororities, we are seeing trends between her observations in these spaces...
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THIS is the scientific reason why you're getting bored with friend "catch-ups"// a conversation with Creative Health Scientist Katina Bajaj
In this conversation, Danielle Bayard Jackson and Katina Bajaj explore the intersection of creativity, health, and social connections. Katina shares her insights on how creativity is essential for mental and emotional well-being, and how it can enhance our relationships. They discuss the…
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Is being "judgy" the reason you can't form deep friendships?
Many women have hopes of forming friendships that eventually reach some level of platonic intimacy. But for those with a tendency to perpetually make moral judgements on their friends' choices, lifestyle, and behaviors, connection might be limited. In this episode, host and women's friendship...
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The mother-daughter friendship trend that we need to get under control// a conversation with Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart
Over the last year of travelling for speaking engagements with universities, women's organizations, and sororities, host and friendship expert Danielle Bayard Jackson has noticed an unusual trend. In this episode, she shares "receipts" on the alarming shift in young women's friendship agency, and...
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7 Holiday-related friendship issues that you need to prepare for now// Friendship Expert Danielle Bayard Jackson
In this episode of the Friend Forward Podcast, host Danielle Bayard Jackson discusses the complexities of women's friendships during the holiday season. She outlines several common friendship issues that arise during this time, including the drama surrounding invitations, the challenges of...
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3 mistakes we make when "holding space" for female friends// Hosted by female friendship expert Danielle Bayard Jackson
In this episode of the Friend Forward podcast, host and female friendship expert Danielle Bayard Jackson explores the complexities of "holding space" in our female friendships. She discusses: the importance of holding space for friends the three types of support friends need common mistakes made…
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6 Psychological Reasons Why We Remain Friends with "Frenemies"
You recently realized that a friend in your life is more like a "frenemy", but for some reason you can't seem to end the relationship. Why is it so difficult to separate yourself from someone who doesn't always have your best interest at heart? In this week's episode, host and resident friendship...
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For the woman who has TOO many friends...
In this episode of the Friend Forward podcast, host Danielle Bayard Jackson speaks to women who -- in the midst of a loneliness epidemic-- actually have too many friends. If you're a woman who is highly visible and/ or highly social and are becoming resentful or burned out by your efforts to...
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The unique stress that women face (and how social support helps us through it)
In this episode of the Friend Forward podcast, host Danielle Bayard Jackson explores the unique stressors that women face and how their friendships serve as a crucial buffer against these stressors. The conversation delves into the biological, ecological, and social dimensions of stress,...
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How to create "community care plans" within your female friendships // A conversation with Dr. Ashley Gaddy Robbins
In this conversation, Dr. Ashley Gaddy Robbins discusses the importance of community care as a form of resistance, emphasizing the mutual support and holistic care that communities provide. Alongside host and women's friendship expect Danielle Bayard Jackson, Dr. Robbins defines community care,...
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How to be 'helpable' (and the power of the "Benjamin Franklin Effect")
Why is it hard to ask our friends for help? What are the benefits of becoming "help-seeking" women in our friendships? And once we do get the nerve to ask for support, how can we do it in a way that actually motivates people to show up for us? This is a pretty research-heavy episode, and it's…
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"Tell me what you want, what you really, really want."// 5 Most Common Contradictory Friendship Goals
In this episode of the Friend Forward podcast, resident friendship coach and women's relational health expert Danielle Bayard Jackson delves into five of the most common contradictions women face in their relational goals. Together we'll explore contradictions like the desire for siloed…
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Women feel more "interpersonal guilt" than men. Here's how that's impacting our female friendships.
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...
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Is ChatGPT impacting your friendships? These 7 questions will help you to know for sure.
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...
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No, she's not (always) "gaslighting" you // a conversation about "therapy speak" during friendship conflict with Dr. Isabelle Morley
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...
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When life transitions impact your friendships: A conversation with Almost 30 hosts Lindsey Simcik and Krista Williams
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...
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Trees, cars, and sidewalks: How poor urban planning hurts your social life // a conversation with Fatima Elkott, urban planner
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…
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"It's just easier to be friends with guys" -- a sentiment we need to unpack.
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…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
This is a podcast for modern women looking to understand the complexities of female friendship. Hosted by Danielle Bayard Jackson --female friendship coach and educator-- Friend Forward provides research, strategies, and tough-love truth to answer your questions about how to navigate relationships with other women. Tune in every week for new insights about how to create and maintain better female friendships. (And in between episodes, follow along on TikTok at @thefriendshipexpert or IG @daniellebayardjackson)
HOSTED BY
Danielle Bayard Jackson | Female Friendship Expert & Relational Health Educator
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Friend Forward have?
Friend Forward currently has 278 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Friend Forward about?
This is a podcast for modern women looking to understand the complexities of female friendship. Hosted by Danielle Bayard Jackson --female friendship coach and educator-- Friend Forward provides research, strategies, and tough-love truth to answer your questions about how to navigate relationships...
How often does Friend Forward release new episodes?
Friend Forward publishes regularly with 278 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Friend Forward?
You can listen to Friend Forward on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Friend Forward?
Friend Forward is created and hosted by Danielle Bayard Jackson | Female Friendship Expert & Relational Health Educator.
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