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Friend Forward

Author: Danielle Bayard Jackson -- Female Friendship Expert

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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)
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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 research and personal insights, she shares:4 unique challenges of this particular decadefriend-making strategies from other listeners3 evidence-based ways to attract new friends (when you're short on time and energy)JOIN OFFICE HOURS AND GET *MORE*Members of our private $9 Office Hours community will receive bonus material, including a "gathering kit" to help you host a lowkey gathering for new friends you're meeting in your 30s.NEW: On Thursday, March 26, members can join our fireside chat with former NYT "friendship correspondent" Anna Goldfarb, author of the book Modern Friendship. Talk at 1:00pm EST. Learn 4 strategies for maintaining friendships as a tired woman. Join now (with a free trial!) to attend.Join NOW for a 14 FREE TRIAL!!!!!https://www.betterfemalefriendships.com/podcastGET DANIELLE'S BOOKGrab your copy of Fighting for our Friendships: The Science and Art of Conflict and Connection in Women's Relationships.Want to see other (fiction) friendship books releasing this spring? Check-out our latest roundup at betterfemalefriendships.com/articles.INVITE DANIELLE TO SPEAK AT YOUR EVENTIf you're looking for a speaker to share the research about women's cooperation, communication, and conflict, invite Danielle Bayard Jackson for your event. Learn more about her work, experience, and services at daniellebayardjackson.com. Then send your speaking inquiry to info@tellpublicrelations.com today.
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 hosting in your home (and how to get over them)2 ideas for lowkey gatheringshow to bridge the gap between Pinterest-worthy hangs and pajama-themed get-togethersJOIN OFFICE HOURS AND GET *MORE*Members of our private $9 Office Hours community will receive bonus material (6 extra minutes!) from this episode, a bonus "lowkey hang" idea, and an excerpt from Ashlee's book.Join NOW for a 14 FREE TRIAL!!!!!https://www.betterfemalefriendships.com/podcastGET ASHLEE'S BOOKGet Ashlee's book "You're in Good Company" here: https://www.coffeeandcrumbs.net/book/INVITE DANIELLE TO SPEAK AT YOUR EVENTIf you're looking for a speaker to share the research about women's cooperation, communication, and conflict, invite Danielle Bayard Jackson for your event. Learn more about her work, experience, and services at daniellebayardjackson.com. Then send your speaking inquiry to info@tellpublicrelations.com today.
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 comedy coach and comedy writer who teaches people how to be funny for a living, and in this episode, she shares how your humor reveals your values, invites like-minded people to your life, and functions as a bonding agent.She also teaches exactly how to be funnier in aw ay to connect with new potential friends.JOIN NADIA'S WORKSHOPThis workshop is for people who want to learn to be naturally funnier in real life situations with other people. it'll be perfect to learn tactical strategies to increase playfulness and connection. March 19, 2026. Register here.ACCESS BONUS CONTENTAs a member of our private digital community, you'll get BONUS content which includes Nadia's favorite shows, a strategy for bouncing back after a joke doesn't land, and links to three of her favorite "bits". Join now at betterfemalefriendships.com/podcast.READ "FIGHTING FOR OUR FRIENDSHIPS" WITH YOUR BOOK CLUBGrab your copy of Danielle Bayard Jackson's Fighting for our Friendships to read and discuss with your next book club.BOOK DANIELLE TO SPEAKIf you're looking for a speaker to share the research about women's cooperation, communication, and conflict, invite Danielle Bayard Jackson for your event. Learn more about her work, experience, and services at daniellebayardjackson.com. Then send your speaking inquiry to info@tellpublicrelations.com today.
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 Bayard Jackson explores what it looks like to "promise before the preview."Want more?Members of "Office Hours" (our digital community) will enjoy access to the bonus: an extended discussion, including:an extra video explaining the difference in the types of investments you can make in friendshipa "close read" of an article that explains the formula for satisfactionbonus reflection questions and connection questions to inspire conversation with friends about friendship commitmentWANT TO BE FEATURED ON THE SHOW?Send your questions, hot takes, or personal friendship stories via Instagram @friendforward (go the to direct messages, hold the microphone icon down and proceed with your voice note) or send a video/ voice note to us via email at hello@betterfemalefriendships.com.BRING THIS CONVERSATION TO YOUR ORGANIZATIONIf you're looking for a customized, research-driven experience with a balance of education and humor, book Danielle Bayard Jackson to speak at your upcoming event. To make it happen, contact us at info@tellpublicrelations.com and inquire today.
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 feminist ideals positively impact their friends' regard for their bodies.You'll also hear from real women who submitted their personal stories to the show.Research study: Dr. Nolen's research “Your Body Is Not Representative of Who You Are”: Exploring the Relations Between Feminist Attitudes, Feminist Identity, and Responses to Negative Body Talk Among Women - Erin Nolen, Taryn A. Myers, Adrienne Kvaka, Sarah K. Murnen, 2023-----------------------------------GET BONUS CONTENT IN "OFFICE HOURS", OUR PRIVATE COMMUNITYGet bonus episodes, behind-the-scenes content, book club membership, access to (exclusive!) fireside chats with experts, downloadable guides and more in our private community. Join now at betterfemalefriendships.com/podcast.WANT TO BE FEATURED ON THE SHOW?Send your questions, hot takes, or personal friendship stories via Instagram @friendforward (go the to direct messages, hold the microphone icon down and proceed with your voice note) or send a video/ voice note to us via email at hello@betterfemalefriendships.com.BOOK DANIELLE TO SPEAKIf you're looking for a customized, research-driven experience with a balance of education and humor, book Danielle Bayard Jackson to speak at your upcoming event. To make it happen, contact Samantha at Sam@tellpublicrelations.com and inquire today.
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 activity.Host and friendship expert Danielle Bayard Jackson interviews Tatum Hunter-- a technology and culture writer, formerly of the Washington Post.Together, Tatum and Danielle explore the ways in which technology impacts our connections and the emotional consequences of monitoring each other's lives.This conversation will also highlight the benefits and drawbacks of location sharing, the role of social media in shaping perceptions of closeness.Members of the private "Office Hours" community will receive the full episode, which includes Tatum's predictions for emerging trends in digital privacy.TikTok videos highlighted in this episode:https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8xdjjE3/https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8xeKyhe/---------------------------------------------------------------------FRIENDSHIP ELEVATEDWould you like a supportive community and personal friendship coach to walk with you over the next few months? You have two days left to join Friendship Elevated, our group coaching program. Learn more at betterfemalefriendships.comWANT TO BE FEATURED ON THE SHOW?Send your questions, hot takes, or personal friendship stories via Instagram @friendforward (go the to direct messages, hold the microphone icon down and proceed with your voice note) or send a video/ voice note to us via email at hello@betterfemalefriendships.com.BOOK DANIELLE TO SPEAKIf you're looking for a customized, research-driven experience with a balance of education and humor, book Danielle Bayard Jackson to speak at your upcoming event. To make it happen, contact Samantha at Sam@tellpublicrelations.com and inquire today.
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 Essential Divorce Guide for Women" a therapist who's been facilitating divorce groups for women for over 30 years, she'll share 4 myths about beliefs concerning friends who are going through this kind of painful separation.And if this episode isn't enough, become a member of Office Hours where we've posted extended content so you can enjoy more of Oona's gems on divorce, social support, and friendship expectations.Become a member any time at betterfemalefriendships.com/podcast.2026 GROUP COACHINGWe're launching the sixth cohort of Friendship Elevated in February 2026. Those on the waitlist will gain access to "early bird" pricing. Join the waitlist at betterfemalefriendships.com/friendship-elevated
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 the social and relational satisfaction that you're looking for.-----------------------------------------------------------------THANK YOU!Thank you to Mel Robbins for naming Danielle Bayard Jackson as one of your "Top 9 Experts of 2025"! We appreciate you.If you'd like to book Danielle to speak at your event or hire her to for consulting or curriculum design, please contact us at hello@betterfemalefriendships.com.OFFICE HOURSThe conversation doesn't end when the podcast is over. Become a member of our "Office Hours" community and get access to bonus episodes, resources, and virtual events. Sign-up any time at betterfemalefriendships.com/podcast.2026 GROUP COACHINGWe're launching the sixth cohort of Friendship Elevated in February 2026. Those on the waitlist will gain access to "early bird" pricing. Join the waitlist at betterfemalefriendships.com/friendship-elevatedOnly want a single, one-off session? Book yours now (for a limited time!) at betterfemalefriendships.com/coaching
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 indicate it's time for a formal and intentional friendship audit and encourage listeners to take a comprehensive look at their friendship landscape. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to engage in self-reflection and consider coaching options for deeper support.Resource: For tip #3 in today's podcast, Danielle mentions a free resource to help you with the activity that she described. You'll find that resource here at betterfemalefriendships.com/dynamicsHost: Danielle Bayard Jackson, Women's friendship expert and relational health educator-------------------------------------------------------THANK YOU!Thank you to Mel Robbins for naming Danielle one of the Top Experts of 2025! We appreciate you.If you'd like to book Danielle to speak at your event or hire her to for consulting or curriculum design, please contact us at hello@betterfemalefriendships.com.OFFICE HOURSThe conversation doesn't end when the podcast is over. Become a member of our "Office Hours" community and get access to bonus episodes, resources, and virtual events. Sign-up any time at betterfemalefriendships.com/podcast.2026 GROUP COACHINGWe're launching the sixth cohort of Friendship Elevated in February 2026. Those on the waitlist will gain access to "early bird" pricing. Join the waitlist at betterfemalefriendships.com/friendship-elevated
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 changes, it was also a moment that products, services, and tech companies began to exploit.In this episode, Danielle Bayard Jackson teaches three things you should know to help you understand loneliness more deeply so that you can begin to differentiate between the things are genuinely help and those that are... not.-------------------------------THANK YOU!Thank you to the organizations who most recently hired Danielle Bayard Jackson to partner with them either as a keynote speaker or a partner in designing their programming and curriculum: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, The Loveland Foundation with Rachel Cargle, Hoda Kotb's new Joy 101 app, and various sororities across the country. We appreciate you.If you'd like to book Danielle to speak at your event or hire her to for consulting or curriculum design, please contact us at hello@betterfemalefriendships.com.OFFICE HOURSThe conversation doesn't end when the podcast is over. Become a member of our "Office Hours" community and get access to bonus episodes, resources, and virtual events. Sign-up any time at betterfemalefriendships.com/podcast.2026 GROUP COACHINGWe're launching the sixth cohort of Friendship Elevated in February 2026. Those on the waitlist will gain access to "early bird" pricing. Join now at betterfemalefriendships.com/friendship-elevated
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 need to end, others just need a little creativity. In this episode, host Danielle Bayard Jackson shares the "three C's" of staying friends when life transitions change the way you relate to one another.-----------------------------------------------"OFFICE HOURS" PRIVATE COMMUNITYWant to claim the bonus resources for this episode (as well as gain access to bonus episodes, resources, and virtual events)? Become a member at betterfemalefriendships.com/podcastGROUP COACHING 2026The waitlist for our Friendship Elevated Group Coaching Program is open (the program kicks off on Galentine's Day 2026). Exclusive rates available ONLY to those who are on the waitlist. Join now at betterfemalefriendships.com.BOOK DANIELLE TO SPEAKWant to bring these conversations to your organization, campus, or business group? Reach out to our team at info@tellpublicrelations.com (and download Danielle's speaking kit here).
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. Danielle also provides insights into how to find the right social club for your individual needs and shares statistics on social engagement and loneliness in America.----------------------------------------"OFFICE HOURS" PRIVATE COMMUNITYWant to hear the extended version of this episode (as well as gain access to bonus episodes, resources, and virtual events)? Become a member at betterfemalefriendships.com/podcastGROUP COACHING 2026The waitlist for our Friendship Elevated Group Coaching Program is open (the program kicks off on Galentine's Day 2026). Exclusive rates available ONLY to those who are on the waitlist. Join now at betterfemalefriendships.com.BOOK DANIELLE TO SPEAKWant to bring these conversations to your organization, campus, or business group? Reach out to our team at info@tellpublicrelations.com (and download Danielle's speaking kit here).
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 and what I'm seeing in other women-dominated spaces.In this conversation, we talk about three things women leader should know about leadership woes, member conflict, and new member fears.------------Resources mentioned in this episode:The impact of all-male, all-female groups (Pew Research Center)Women's Relational Health 2025 Outlook ReportFor the full episode, you've got to be a member of "Office Hours"! Join anytime at betterfemalefriendships.com/podcastBook Danielle to speak about the science of women's conflict and connection at your next event: daniellebayardjackson.comFollow us on Instagram (@friendforward)
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 importance of play and leisure in a productivity-driven culture, and how redefining our understanding of creativity can lead to deeper connections with ourselves and others. The conversation also touches on the challenges of perfectionism and the need to prioritize leisure time for a fulfilling life.For the full episode, you've got to be a member of "Office Hours"! Join anytime at betterfemalefriendships.com/podcastRead Katina's Substack (it's actually so good!): Creative Health with Daydreamers | Substack-------------------------------------Book Danielle to speak about the science of women's conflict and connection at your next event: daniellebayardjackson.comFollow us on Instagram (@friendforward)
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 expert Danielle Bayard Jackson shares 4 reasons we tend to judge our female friends... and 4 strategies to help us stop (or at least, do it a little less).---------------------------------To become a member of "Office Hours" (and enjoy free guides, bonus episodes, and extra BTS vlogs), join at betterfemalefriendships.com/podcast***********Book Danielle to speak at daniellebayardjackson.com. (She has spoken for companies like TikTok, Etsy, NBA, NFL, and Bumble... invite her to share her insights with your organization, too!).***********Buy Fighting for our Friendships: The Science and Art of Conflict and Connection in Women's Relationships and read it with your book club as the year comes to a close (or to ring in 2026!).
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 then calls in an expert to help make sense of it all.In this episode of the Friend Forward podcast, Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart (pediatric psychologist and author of the new book Love the Teen You Have) shares insights that will be helpful to two groups: moms who want to stop projecting their unhealed friendship issues on their daughters and women who want to better understand how their adolescent friendships shaped the female friendship attitudes they have today.-------------------------------------------------------------------------To learn more about booking Danielle as a speaker to address issues on the science of women's conflict and connection, visit daniellebayardjackson.com.To become a member of "Office Hours" to claim bonus episodes and exclusive resources, visit betterfemalefriendships.com/podcast.
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 reuniting with former friends, financial considerations, and the dynamics between single and partnered friends. Danielle also emphasizes the importance of being proactive in addressing these issues to foster healthier relationships and maintain emotional well-being. *For the full episode and bonus resources, join us in "Office Hours" by visiting betterfemalefriendships.com/podcast.
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 friendsthe three types of support friends needcommon mistakes made in providing emotional supporteffective strategies to "hold space"Through evidence-based insights and personal anecdotes, Danielle emphasizes the significance of understanding emotional needs and the impact of inadequate support on friendships. The episode concludes with practical tips for listeners to improve their ability to hold space for friends in need.---------------------------------------------------SPEAKINGWant to book Danielle to speak at your event? Contact her management at samantha@tellpublicrelations.com.VIDEOSWant to watch Danielle's latest viral video about sorority friendships and connections? Click here.TRAININGInterested in doing what Danielle does for a living as a women's relational health coach? Learn more at womensrelationalhealthinstitute.comPARTNERSHIPSWant to partner with Danielle for an upcoming campaign (Fall, Friendsgiving, Christmas, New Years)? Reach out to us at hello@betterfemalefriendships.comVISIBILITYIf you have a business or brand and want the same kind of visibility that Danielle Bayard Jackson has enjoyed (brand deals, book deals, media appearances, speaking engagements), join her visibility boot camp. Details here at tellpublicrelations.com"WHO IS THIS WOMAN?"Learn about Danielle's book, research, partnerships, and media appearances at daniellebayardjackson.com.
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 expert Danielle Bayard Jackson shares what the research has to say about these kinds of friend dynamics, along with ways that you can navigate these tense relationships.NOTE If you want access to the full episode (including the corresponding guide!), join us in "Office Hours (our Patreon community), including bonus episodes and resources. Join NOW at betterfemalefriendships.com/podcastWant to read more about "frenemies"? Read this Huffpost article.---------------------------------------------------SPEAKINGWant to book Danielle to speak at your event? Contact her management at samantha@tellpublicrelations.com.VIDEOSWant to watch Danielle's latest viral video about sorority friendships and connections? Click here.TRAININGInterested in doing what Danielle does for a living as a women's relational health coach? Learn more at womensrelationalhealthinstitute.comPARTNERSHIPSWant to partner with Danielle for an upcoming campaign (Fall, Friendsgiving, Christmas, New Years)? Reach out to us at hello@betterfemalefriendships.comVISIBILITYIf you have a business or brand and want the same kind of visibility that Danielle Bayard Jackson has enjoyed (brand deals, book deals, media appearances, speaking engagements), join her visibility boot camp. Details here at tellpublicrelations.com"WHO IS THIS WOMAN?"Learn about Danielle's book, research, partnerships, and media appearances hat daniellebayardjackson.com.
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 maintain multiple connections, this episode is for you.Danielle discusses the reasons behind this feeling, including identity issues, fear of missing out, and societal pressures. Then, she provides four tactical strategies for managing friendships effectively. (This portion of the show is reserved exclusively for members of "Office Hours". Join any time at betterfemalefrindships.com/podcast.)
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