Dear Nina: Conversations About Friendship

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#219 - “She Was Never Your Friend” is Not Good Advice

2026-11-0815:14

Just because a friendship ended doesn't mean it wasn't real. In this solo episode, Nina challenges the common advice, “She was never really your friend,” and explains why a painful ending doesn't erase years of meaningful connection. She also explores how to think about friendships that have faded and how to support someone grieving a friendship without rewriting its entire history. Special thank you, as always, to my assistant producer, Rebekah Jacobs!

#218 - Why We Should Be a Little More Social (Even When We Don't Feel Like It) - Nicholas Epley

2026-11-0238:32

What if being a little more social could make us happier, even when we don't feel like reaching out? Psychologist and University of Chicago professor Nicholas Epley, author of A Little More Social, joins me to discuss the fears and assumptions that keep us from connecting with others. Nick shares surprising research on introverts and extroverts, why we underestimate how positively people will respond when we reach out, and how hearing someone's voice can create a stronger connection than texting. We also discuss why small social choices can make a meaningful difference in our friendships and everyday happiness—without requiring us to change who we are. Special thank you, as always, to my assistant producer, Rebekah Jacobs!

#217 - The Friendship Conversation You've Been Avoiding (Jewel Hohman)

2026-10-2751:27

Have you been avoiding a difficult conversation with a friend? Maybe you're hurt by something they said, frustrated by uneven effort, or feeling a friendship drift apart. Friendship coach Jewel Hohman joins me to discuss when to speak up, when to let something go, and how to address hurt feelings without turning every disappointment into a major confrontation. We share practical scripts, discuss reasonable expectations, and explain why giving a friend the chance to understand what's bothering you can strengthen the friendship—even when the outcome isn't what you hoped for. Special thank you, as always, to my assistant producer, Rebekah Jacobs!

#216 - Are You Expecting Too Much From One Friend? (Sally Vardaman)

2026-10-1934:02

Are you expecting too much from a friend, or are you accepting too little? When friendship needs don't match, it can be hard to tell the difference between a one-sided friendship and two people who simply have different expectations. Host Nina Badzin and author Sally Vardaman discuss unmet emotional needs, friendship resentment, insecurity, and boundaries. Sally shares how she navigated years of disappointment in a close friendship without ending the relationship. Learn why having different friendship needs doesn't necessarily make either person a bad friend, how to set healthy boundaries, and why one friend can't always meet all your emotional needs. Special thank you, as always, to my assistant producer, Rebekah Jacobs!

#215 - When Your Child Gets Dropped From a Friend Group

2026-10-1241:58

What can you do when your child gets deliberately pushed out of a friend group? Andrea, founder of Strong Mom, Strong Girl, joins me to discuss the difference between ordinary friendship disappointments and targeted exclusion, why parents shouldn't try to fix every social problem, and how our own reactions can make a difficult situation better or worse. We talk about navigating relationships with the other parents, helping kids move forward, and Andrea's powerful reminder that our children can “borrow your peace rather than pick up on your panic.” Special thank you, as always, to my assistant producer, Rebekah Jacobs!

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Dear Nina: Conversations About Friendship