Friendshipable

How do you identify a woman who can be a good mentor?Who do you listen to, how old are they, where are they in their life and career? How do you start a mentoring relationship? How do you gracefully end one? Listen in to this latest episode to think about who you want as a mentor and how to achieve it with our guest Charlynn Ruan.Dr. Charlynn Ruan is a Clinical Psychologist and the founder of a large group practice, Thrive Psychology Group. As a Psychologist and a founder/CEO, she works extensively with female founders and CEOs. She is an expert in meditation & mindfulness-based treatments, EMDR, CBT for Insomnia, Attachment-Focused EMDR, neuropsychology, postpartum mental health, trauma, anxiety, ADHD, biofeedback, sleep, entrepreneurship, career assessment/counseling, and healing for adult children of narcissists. Dr. Ruan is an expert in women's mental health including trauma recovery and post-traumatic growth, women's empowerment and peak performance, fertility treatments, pregnancy, motherhood, the mental health impact of perimenopause and menopause, stress management and reduction, optimal performance, overcoming shame, self-esteem, boundary development, and personal growth and development. You can learn more about Dr. Ruan on her website or Instagram, or you can reach her via email at: dr.ruan@mythrivepsychology.com#BeAFriend Support us: PatreonEmail: friend@project-bff.comShare the love: subscribe + rate us in your favorite podcast app + tell your friendsWe use Buzzsprout to host our podcast + we love it. They make it so easy!Support the Show.

Is it possible to have a friend that you've never met in real life? In our modern times the answer is: definitely.We can keep in touch virtually. Video calls, texting, keeping tabs on social media. Meeting in real life absolutely has its advantages. But it isn't the only way we can build friendships. You can build connection virtually, though it is different than in person. It requires trust and setting boundaries.Sara Miley is an experienced crisis advocate and an IFS-informed trauma recovery coach, owner and coach of Full Circle Wellspring LLC, the founder and coachsultant of the Personalized Trauma Healing System™, and the host of the Trauma Survivorhood podcast.Through her own learned and lived experiences, she is passionate about helping survivors find the roots of their suffering. By making sense of their trauma, they can make meaning out of their healing. You can reach her on her website Full Circle Wellspring and on Instagram. Listen to her podcast Trauma Survivorhood.#BeAFriend Support us: PatreonEmail: friend@project-bff.comShare the love: subscribe + rate us in your favorite podcast app + tell your friendsWe use Buzzsprout to host our podcast + we love it. They make it so easy!Support the Show.

Making friends in the era of platonic romance. The fact is that friendship is the new marriage. We can find intimacy without sex, be invested in each others lives, and grow in friendship together.Just us as we talk with Rachel Steinman and Rachel Winter, authors of the book Stay Golden, Girls as we chat about the importance of women's friendships and their lifelong bonds that contribute to the foundation of a happy and fulfilling life.Rachel Steinman is a writer, teacher, and mental health advocate. She hosts the Dear Family, Podcast with inspirational guests who have overcome mental health obstacles to thrive. Rachel Winter is a writer, director, and an Academy Award®-nominated producer for Dallas Buyers Club. Along with LeBron James, Winter produced James' biopic Shooting Stars. She also produced and directed the audio drama Supreme: The Battle for Roe, a nine-part series that weaves together the incredible story of the young female lawyer who argued Roe v. Wade in front of the Supreme Court and the Justice who wrote the opinion. You can learn more about the book on the website or on Instagram or Etsy.#BeAFriend Support us: PatreonEmail: friend@project-bff.comShare the love: subscribe + rate us in your favorite podcast app + tell your friendsWe use Buzzsprout to host our podcast + we love it. They make it so easy!Support the Show.

Jodi Samuels is a connector who shares much of her life on social media. As a result her life is full of friends, followers, and buddies. Virtual friendships have advantages in modern times, especially the ability to break cultural barriers and make connections between people with diverse needs.As we get older our friendships become fewer and more meaningful--because our friendships change throughout our lives and circumstances. And vritual friendships can be an integral part of our lives as we change.Jodi Samuels is a speaker, entrepreneur, and passionate advocate for children with special needs. Her memoir "Chutzpah, Wisdom and Wine: The Journey of an Unstoppable Woman" shows how to use resilience and humor to face life's challenges and come out on top.You can reach Jodi on her website, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or email her at: jodi@jodisvoice.com.#BeAFriend Support us: PatreonEmail: friend@project-bff.comShare the love: subscribe + rate us in your favorite podcast app + tell your friendsWe use Buzzsprout to host our podcast + we love it. They make it so easy!Support the Show.

How do you handle boundaries in a friendship? Have you ever had a conversation with a friend about your values, to get on the same page?Joins us as we chat with Jan and Jillian Yuhas about boundaries and self-worth, and why they matter in our relationships. We learn how an ultimatum is not a boundary and the importance of thinking about "we" in a relationship versus "me."Jan Yuhas, M.A., MFT and Jillian Yuhas, M.A., MFT are Relationship Experts, Boundary and Conflict Resolution Consultants, and the authors of Boundary Badass: A Powerful Method For Elevating Your Value and Relationships. Jan and Jillian are devoted to helping value-driven entrepreneurs and companies cultivate mutually beneficial relationships, resolve conflict respectfully, and master the art of setting boundaries. With over two decades of interpersonal psychology and mediation experience, the sisterly duo specializes in unlocking others' inherent power, voicing their value, and paving the way toward growth and success worldwide. Join their mission at www.janandjillian.com, follow them on Instagram, and learn more about their book Boundary Badass.#BeAFriend Support us: PatreonEmail: friend@project-bff.comShare the love: subscribe + rate us in your favorite podcast app + tell your friendsWe use Buzzsprout to host our podcast + we love it. They make it so easy!Support the Show.

Does fear play a role in your friendships?We chat with Dawn Bennett about how fear shuts down our ability to be open and can create a divide in our relationships, how to do the emotional work around our own reactions to people, and how that all relates to the human need to connect.Dawn Bennett is a trainer, coach, and accredited EFT practitioner. If you are ready to transform your life and your relationships, Dawn is ready to help, She works with a blend of powerful techniques that are based in both quantum energy and science. That looks like pinpointing the root of your challenges, envisioning your future and tuning into the most effective and efficient path for you to get where you need to go.You can reach Dawn on LinkedIn, and learn more about Unified Mind on TikTok, Facbeook, and YouTube.#BeAFriend Support us: PatreonEmail: friend@project-bff.comShare the love: subscribe + rate us in your favorite podcast app + tell your friendsWe use Buzzsprout to host our podcast + we love it. They make it so easy!Support the Show.

How can we maintain healthy boundaries with our friends in the workplace?Join us as we chat with Tina Baxter about how we have friends we work with, and also make friends with people at our work. There are things to consider in terms of these relationships, i.e., boundaries, for things like social media (what can or should you be sharing, or not sharing, about work).Tina M. Baxter is the owner of Baxter Professional Services, LLC, a consulting firm that provides legal nurse consulting services for attorneys and insurance professionals, wellness and chronic disease management coaching, and customized educational and operational resources to healthcare organizations. She is also an advanced practice registered nurse and a board-certified gerontological nurse practitioner through the American Nurse Credentialing Center (ANCC). She is the founder of The Nurse Shark Academy, where she coaches nurses to launch and scale their businesses, and the host of The Nurse Shark Academy show, which interviews and spotlights nurse business owners and leaders in healthcare. You can learn more about Tina and her work on her Linktree, #BeAFriend Support us: PatreonEmail: friend@project-bff.comShare the love: subscribe + rate us in your favorite podcast app + tell your friendsWe use Buzzsprout to host our podcast + we love it. They make it so easy!Support the Show.

How comfortable are you with yourself?That makes a difference in how you show up, for yourself and your friends. When you know and care for yourself you don't need to take what others say or do personally. And you can understand where your friend is coming from--and that it isn't about you. We project a lot onto other people (in some ways, your relationship with a friend is only in your own head), but when we know and understand who our friends are, there is nothing to take personally.Join us as we speak with Jamie Lerner, therapist and co-author of the book The Ever-Loving Essence of You, who can put a fresh spin on just about anything that anyone throws her way.You can learn more about Jamie on her website, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. #BeAFriend Support us: PatreonEmail: friend@project-bff.comShare the love: subscribe + rate us in your favorite podcast app + tell your friendsWe use Buzzsprout to host our podcast + we love it. They make it so easy!Support the Show.

The line between work friends and office politics can be blurry! We dive into the world of professional friendships with Mark Hershberg, author of The Career Toolkit: Essential Skills for Success That No One Taught you. We explore how to leverage the power of connection while avoiding the pitfalls of favoritism.Hear expert advice on: The benefits of strong work relationships and tips for building genuine connections, especially in a hybrid work environment.Navigating friendships at work while maintaining professionalism and team trust.Join us as we untangle the complexities of workplace friendships and empower you to build a thriving professional network!Mark Herschberg is the author of The Career Toolkit: Essential Skills for Success That No One Taught You and creator of the Brain Bump app. From tracking criminals and terrorists on the dark web to creating marketplaces and new authentication systems, Mark has spent his career launching and developing new ventures at startups and Fortune 500s and in academia. He helped to start the Undergraduate Practice Opportunities Program, dubbed MIT's “career success accelerator,” where he teaches annually. He also works with many non-profits, currently serving on the board of Plant A Million Corals. He was one of the top-ranked ballroom dancers in the country and now lives in New York City, where he is known for his social gatherings, including his annual Halloween party, as well as his diverse cufflink collection.Learn more about Mark and his work on his website, LinkedIn, Facebook, or Instagram.#BeAFriend Support us: PatreonEmail: friend@project-bff.comShare the love: subscribe + rate us in your favorite podcast app + tell your friendsWe use Buzzsprout to host our podcast + we love it. They make it so easy!Support the Show.

Are you socially connected at work?Those who work typically spend a lot of time at work. And work friendship are a benefit, but can get complicated. We want to find our own tribe within the workplace, but what do we do when someone leaves--does the friendship end? As we get older, our roles in the workplace evolve, and that can change friendship relationships, too. Ellen Rothstein is a certified life transition coach and writes about friendship, aging, parenting adult children, empowerment, re-invention and relationships. Her coaching focus is helping people facing any type of life transition to create a positive vision for the next phase of their life, by identifying their values and collaborating on an actionable plan to implement change.You can learn more about Ellen on her website, by reading her blog, or by emailing her at ellen@ellenrothstein.com.#BeAFriend Support us: PatreonEmail: friend@project-bff.comShare the love: subscribe + rate us in your favorite podcast app + tell your friendsWe use Buzzsprout to host our podcast + we love it. They make it so easy!Support the Show.

We have social expectations for the ending of romantic relationships, but we don't have many for the ending of a friendship.Join us as we talk with Emily Cox about the role of our social life in our identity and how we develop that, and how common an experience it is for us to struggle with friendship, especially when many of us didn't get many of the tools we need to navigate friend relationships.Emily Cox is a licensed clinical mental health counselor and licensed clinical addictions specialist offering therapy sessions for children, teens, and young adults in North Carolina and South Carolina. She focuses on supporting children working through big feelings, adolescents navigating transitions, and emerging adults exploring identity;  and helping those who feel stuck, misunderstood, or unheard find their voice and use it with confidence.You can learn more about Emily and her work on her website and on Instagram.#BeAFriend Support us: PatreonEmail: friend@project-bff.comShare the love: subscribe + rate us in your favorite podcast app + tell your friendsWe use Buzzsprout to host our podcast + we love it. They make it so easy!Support the Show.

What are the benefits of having a female mentor--in business or in life?We sat down with Melissa Snow to discuss how to find a community to support you and how to create genuine connections. We talked about the role of networking (it's not just about making connections), the value in finding someone who believes in you, and who you trust, to be a mentor, and how women mentors offer particular advantages to other women. And, spoiler alert, a mentor doesn't have to be someone who is farther along in their career than you are.Melissa Snow is a business relationship strategist dedicated to empowering women in entrepreneurship and the founder of the Powerful Women Rising Community, which provides women with essential support and resources for business growth. Melissa's mission is to revolutionize networking, promoting authenticity and genuine connections over sleazy sales tactics. She lives in Colorado Springs with her husband, two dogs and three cats. She loves iced coffee, true crime, Taylor Swift and buying books she'll never read.You can learn more about Melissa and her work on the Powerful Women Rising website and Instagram.#BeAFriend Support us: PatreonEmail: friend@project-bff.comShare the love: subscribe + rate us in your favorite podcast app + tell your friendsWe use Buzzsprout to host our podcast + we love it. They make it so easy!Support the Show.

As we get older, our friendship circles often get smaller. We know who we are. Truths come out. We look for comfort. We seek stability and will let go of things, including friendships, that don't feel balanced. Listen in on our conversations with transformational book coach Susie Schaefer, who counts many of her clients as life-affirming friends. She believes books are a gateway to creating a movement and empowers storytelles to be part of a global conversation and create a ripple effect for humanity.You can find Susie on her website, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. Or you can email her at susie@finishthebookpublishing.com.#BeAFriend Support us: PatreonEmail: friend@project-bff.comShare the love: subscribe + rate us in your favorite podcast app + tell your friendsWe use Buzzsprout to host our podcast + we love it. They make it so easy!Support the Show.

Why are we sometimes so afraid to use our voices?Our voice sets us apart from other mammals, yet we can be so afraid to use it. For fear that our ideas will not be interesting enough or not have enough value. Even among our friends.Listen in on our conversation with voice coach Erin Roberts as we talk about how our hearts and minds live in our bodies until we speak. And how it is up to each one of us to say what matter is on our mind and what matters to us to be seen fully by those who love us.Erin Roberts is a singer, actress, teacher, partner, mother, sister, and spirit goddess who is passionate about self-expression. She teaches singers, actors, speakers, and everyday conversationalists how to use their voice and body to express themselves clearly, powerfully and confidently. She is the creator of Vocally Empowered (TM), a method that combines the science of speaking, the art of expressing, and the energy of our voices into a powerful process for using the voice with confidence. Erin's mission is to lead a movement in elevating women's voices everywhere, and supporting women in being heard worldwide.You can learn more about Erin on her website, on Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube. And you can reach her by email at erin@erinroberts.co.#BeAFriend Support us: PatreonEmail: friend@project-bff.comShare the love: subscribe + rate us in your favorite podcast app + tell your friendsWe use Buzzsprout to host our podcast + we love it. They make it so easy!Support the Show.

Have you ever thought about the benefits of working out with a friend?Listen in on our conversation with personal trainer Sarah Parise as we discuss how our friends can keep us accountable to our exercise programs and can encourage us to be more adventurous. We talked about how to start small with an exercise program if you are starting from scratch and how to build a consistent exercise habit.Sarah Parise is an ACE Certified personal trainer, a postpartum wellness specialist, yoga instructor, and visionary CEO. But more importantly, Sarah is a fellow mom who understands the ups and downs of motherhood firsthand. Sarah's journey into motherhood was a dream come true and a nightmare realized. Through postpartum depression, mom guilt, and anxiety, her own struggles became the driving force behind her mission to redefine the motherhood narrative and empower moms everywhere.Through Great Days By Sarah and HAF Enterprises, LLC, she invites mothers to prioritize themselves for just 2% of the day – a small commitment that yields immeasurable benefits. You'll feel more energized, focused, and ready to tackle whatever life throws your way!Learn more about Sarah and her work on her website or on Instagram.#BeAFriend Support us: PatreonEmail: friend@project-bff.comShare the love: subscribe + rate us in your favorite podcast app + tell your friendsWe use Buzzsprout to host our podcast + we love it. They make it so easy!Support the Show.

Have you ever considered the power of mentoring in catapulting leaders to all-star status? Beyond just being a guiding hand, it can be a powerful tool in fostering authentic leadership and team development.In this episode, we talk about the essence of female mentorship and why it is crucial in today's professional landscape. With our guest, Sharlee Lyons, we explore how mentoring goes beyond traditional roles, shifting from being the "sage on the stage" to a "guide on the side." It's not solely about age or experience; rather, mentoring is also about having someone who will advocate for you even when you're not in the room. And we know that asking someone to be your mentor can be uncomfortable, yet the value that stems from these relationships is immeasurable.Sharlee Lyons is a dynamic leader with a background in athletics and leadership development. Her book, "Average to All-Star," reflects her passion for helping individuals reach their full potential. As a former Division 1 athlete, she understands the dedication and resilience required to excel. Currently, Sharlee focuses on developing authentic emerging leaders and leadership teams, emphasizing the transformative power of mentorship. Her insights shed light on the importance of fostering meaningful connections and supporting one another's growth journeys.You can learn more about Sharlee on her website or on LinkedIn.#BeAFriend Support us: PatreonEmail: friend@project-bff.comShare the love: subscribe + rate us in your favorite podcast app + tell your friendsWe use Buzzsprout to host our podcast + we love it. They make it so easy!Support the Show.

From Project BFF HQ, Terri and Manya riff on how confidence can be the antidote to feelings of isolation in disconnect in our relationships, with fun and confidence coach Tamara Pflug.We are wired for survival. Our brains are on the lookout for danger, that is how it keeps us alive. Being part of a tribe is safety, and there is value for us in feeling seen and heard. We can train our brains to feel confident and that strengthens our friendships.Tamara Pflug is your Swiss fun & confidence coach. She helps people who are feeling stuck in life and have tried everything on their own, without anything shifting. You don't have to feel powerless, helpless, and hopeless anymore.  Tamara can help.Listen to her podcast: Get Confident, Get Happy.You can learn more about Tamara on her website, Facebook, LinkedIn, or Instagram.  Or book a FREE & FUN consultation: https://calendly.com/tamaraconfidencecoach/golden-ticke#BeAFriend Support us: PatreonEmail: friend@project-bff.comShare the love: subscribe + rate us in your favorite podcast app + tell your friendsWe use Buzzsprout to host our podcast + we love it. They make it so easy!Support the Show.

From Project BFF HQ, Terri and Manya riff on the concept of clutter in our friend relationships, with coach and professional declutterer Julie Caraccio.We discussed the role of boundaries, how to be confident in your boundaries, and how to make real change (hint: It involves awareness and action). We also asked the question: what is the clutter in your life or friendships costing you?Julie Coraccio is an award-winning professional life, and end-of-life, organizer, certified life coach, and professional declutterer. She is passionate about supporting people in clearing clutter in all areas of their lives; getting organized; and becoming more mindful and aware. For over a decade she hosted the popular podcast, Clear Your Clutter Inside & Out and is the author of 15 books.You can find Julie on her website Reawaken Your Brilliance, on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, or via email julie@reawakenyourbrilliance.com#BeAFriend Support us: PatreonEmail: friend@project-bff.comShare the love: subscribe + rate us in your favorite podcast app + tell your friendsWe use Buzzsprout to host our podcast + we love it. They make it so easy!Support the Show.

From Project BFF HQ, Terri and Manya riff on dealing with emotions like anger in friendship, with psychotherapist and anger expert Bronwyn Schweigerdt.We talk about the importance of recognizing when one is feeling anger--you have to validate it, name it to tame it. We went into detail about how anger is a secondary emotion, there is always another emotion underneath it. And how we may need to heal our relationship with anger because we judge it and feel that it is bad to feel anger, when it is an emotion and is neither good nor bad. It is like a light on the dashboard telling us that something is wrong.Bronwyn Schweigerdt is a marriage and family therapist and the host of the podcast Angry At The Right Things, which is conversations on how to channel our anger in a healthy way.#BeAFriend Support us: PatreonEmail: friend@project-bff.comShare the love: subscribe + rate us in your favorite podcast app + tell your friendsWe use Buzzsprout to host our podcast + we love it. They make it so easy!Support the show

From Project BFF HQ, Terri and Manya riff with Terry Tucker, about stop worrying about dying and focusing on living. He is a cancer patient, and he shares with us some of what he has learned about friendship through this journey. He reminds us of the importance of being there to support our friends when they are going through a difficult time. Also, he used to be a hostage negotiator and that came up a couple of times.  7-38-55: Learn about why these numbers matter when we are communicating. Terry Tucker is a motivational speaker, author, and international podcast guest on the topics of motivation, mindset, and self-development. He has a business administration degree from The Citadel (where he played NCAA Division I college basketball) and a master's degree from Boston University. In his professional career, Terry has been a marketing executive, a hospital administrator, a SWAT Team Hostage Negotiator, a high school basketball coach, a business owner, a motivational speaker, and for the past twelve years, a cancer warrior (which has resulted in the amputation of his foot in 2018 and his leg in 2020). He is the author of the book, Sustainable Excellence, Ten Principles To Leading Your Uncommon and Extraordinary Life. Learn more about Terry on his website Motivational Check, on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and Facebook.#BeAFriend Support us: PatreonEmail: friend@project-bff.comShare the love: subscribe + rate us in your favorite podcast app + tell your friendsWe use Buzzsprout to host our podcast + we love it. They make it so easy!Support the show

From Project BFF HQ, Terri and Manya riff with John "JR" Rennie about leadership, mentorship, and friendship. We talk about relying on others--friends or mentors--to give us direction when we are facing the unknown, wise bits of advice from a trusted source can make all the difference in the world. In addition, we discussed how to be a good mentor to someone who is looking for guidance from us.JR is the founder of a 30+ year business software company. All that changed in 2015 when God redirected him to his true purpose, when he founded the BrushFires Ministry, a ministry that helps other believers discover their purpose and destinyThe BrushFires Ministry has a program and toolset that allows believers to discover their strengths and weaknesses.  Once they have done this for themselves, they can discover this for their family, friends and other ministry members.  There is nothing worse than feeling you are being misunderstood, overlooked and spinning your wheels as a believer. You can learn more about BrushFires Ministry or reach JR via email: jjrear@hotmail.com.#BeAFriend Support us: PatreonEmail: friend@project-bff.comShare the love: subscribe + rate us in your favorite podcast app + tell your friendsWe use Buzzsprout to host our podcast + we love it. They make it so easy!Support the show

From Project BFF HQ, Terri and Manya riff on building deeper levels of friendship with Ashley Carver. We discuss how friendships evolve over time, what role fear may play in our relationships, how our ideals for friendship may change as we get older, and why it is important for our friendships that we know ourselves, as well.Ashley Carver is a spiritual somatic embodiment guide, trained to help individuals and couples work through the roadblocks that present themselves as keys to their deepest healing and authentic expression. She has the lived experience of how embodiment and nervous system regulation are key to our satisfaction, healing, and growth in this life, and she shares this with her clients through the lens of her deep personal spirituality.You can learn more about Ashley on her website or on Instagram, or email her at:  love@ashleycarver.com#BeAFriend Support us: PatreonEmail: friend@project-bff.comShare the love: subscribe + rate us in your favorite podcast app + tell your friendsWe use Buzzsprout to host our podcast + we love it. They make it so easy!Support the show

From ProjectBFF HQ, Terri and Manya riff on the topic of friendship with relationship expert Tamika Carlton. We talked about the fact that studies show that only 14% of people are truly happy and what does that really mean. We know that friendships contribute to our happiness and we talked about how we have to invest in our relationships.We also discussed how importnat it is to get to know yourself in order to be a good friend, a theme we've heard in a lot of our interviews recently.Tamika Carlton is a relationship and communications expert. She knows firsthand that quality relationships (romantic and platonic) are the key to unlocking happiness, increasing your income, and improving overall health. As the CEO and Founder of Couples Experience, Tamika is changing lives through inclusive and luxurious retreats, and curated subscription gift boxes. With features on The Oprah Winfrey Show, the Hello Seven Podcast, Authority Magazine, and more, Her work has helped countless entrepreneurs, parents, coaches, investors, individuals, and couples create lasting connections.You can reach Tamika on her website CouplesExperience and on Instagram.#BeAFriend Support us: PatreonEmail: friend@project-bff.comShare the love: subscribe + rate us in your favorite podcast app + tell your friendsWe use Buzzsprout to host our podcast + we love it. They make it so easy!Support the show

From Project BFF HQ, Terri and Manya riff about the unique challenges of friendship for women in leadership roles, with leadership coach Jennifer Wilson.We discussed some of the difficulties of mixing friendship and leadership--especially the power balance and how the need for confidentiality can be a challenge for friend relationships at work. And we discussed the joys of having work friends, and the boundaries one must create to maintain those two roles. We also talked about how work friendships are also generational--older workers may not consider friendships appropriate in the workplace, while many younger employees have specific expectations for finding friends in the workplace.Jennifer Wilson is a leadership coach, writer and speaker. She recently stepped back from a 17-year career in her family's business, The Canada Homestay Network (CHN) and now chairs their Board of Directors. Jennifer has worked as a registered midwife, is a certified Kolbe Consultant, and is trained in Crisis Intervention and compassion fatigue. She also holds an Associate Certified Coach credential with the International Coaching Federation.Learn more about Jennifer's coaching on her website Oak Bay Coaching and Consulting or find her on LinkedIn.#BeAFriend Support us: PatreonEmail: friend@project-bff.comShare the love: subscribe + rate us in your favorite podcast app + tell your friendsWe use Buzzsprout to host our podcast + we love it. They make it so easy!Support the show

From Project BFF HQ, Terri and Manya riff about the value of friendships with Peg Doyle. We talk about how friendships change as our life situation changes, the value of social connections, and how important it is to make friends with yourself in order to be a good friend.Peg Doyle is a motivational health & wellness speaker and author of the book Food Becomes You - Simple Steps for Lifelong Wellness. A nationally recognized authority on health and wellness, Doyle speaks to corporations and organizations about the keys to achieving and maintaining excellent health. Topics include healthy aging, 5 pillars of lifelong wellness, the role of nutrition and corporate wellness. She loves sharing her knowledge and passion about health and how positivity impacts every part of a person's life.You can find Peg on her website Wellness and You, on the Wellness and You Facebook group, or via email: peg@wellnessandyou.com or call or text her at: 508-359-6804.#BeAFriend Support us: PatreonEmail: friend@project-bff.comShare the love: subscribe + rate us in your favorite podcast app + tell your friendsWe use Buzzsprout to host our podcast + we love it. They make it so easy!Support the show

From Project BFF, Terri and Manya riff on the topic of finding your hype squad with the fabulous author, speaker and founder 'Tine Zekis.'Tine wrote the book (literally) on finding your hype squad, and here is an article on the topic:  Assemble Your Hype Squad. In this episode, we talk about what a hype squad is, why having one can make a real difference in your career--for black women especially, and how to strategically build a group of friends, family, mentors, and like-minded individuals who can keep you motivated, share your dreams, and stand by your side through thick and thin.Christine ('Tine) Zekis is an educator turned software engineer, international speaker, and author of Overcoming Imposter Syndrome at Work: The Black Woman's Guide to Conquer Perfectionism, Stop Overthinking & Thrive in Your Career. She is the Founder and CEO of Getting Black Women Paid, which empowers Black women professionals to accelerate their careers and soar past the six-figure mark. 'Tine is a sought-after speaker on panels and at tech conferences where she discusses salary negotiation, career changers, imposter syndrome, and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging in the industry.You can find 'Tine on her website Getting Black Women Paid, and on Facebook,  Instagram, and YouTube.#BeAFriend Support us: PatreonEmail: friend@project-bff.comShare the love: subscribe + rate us in your favorite podcast app + tell your friendsWe use Buzzsprout to host our podcast + we love it. They make it so easy!Support the show

From Project BFF HQ, Terri and Manya riff on how change in your life and friendship is inevitable and how to deal with that, with Lesley Jane Seymour.We talked about how it is lonely at the top for executives, how to share with others that you are lonely and looking to build friendships, and how a Zoom call with friends can be as good as going out to lunch.Lesley Jane Seymour is founder of CoveyClub, launched in 2017. CoveyClub holds a space for women 40+ while they figure out what is next for them. CoveyClub offers classes, a blog, a weekly podcast (Reinvent Yourself with Lesley Jane Seymour), networking groups, and a private social app. From 2008 to 2016, Seymour served as Editor-In-Chief of More Magazine. In July of 2015, Seymour created history by having the First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama, guest edit an entire issue. Before taking over More, Seymour served as the Editor-in-Chief for Marie Claire, Redbook, and YM. She is the author of two books: On the Edge, 100 Years of Vogue and I Wish My Parents Understood. Seymour is a certified Tiny Habits coach.Learn more about Covey Club on their website, Instagram, and Facebook. Listen to Lesley's podcast: Reinvent Yourself.#BeAFriend Support us: PatreonEmail: friend@project-bff.comShare the love: subscribe + rate us in your favorite podcast app + tell your friendsWe use Buzzsprout to host our podcast + we love it. They make it so easy!Support the show

From Project BFF HQ, Terri + Manya riff on some deep and some fun topics. And we get to know each other better. And acknowledge that we missed posting new episodes the last two weeks, thanks to life getting in the way.We dive into a list of questions from this article: 80 fun questions to ask your friends to get to know them on a deeper level.Specifically, we discuss:Which book or movie impacted you most growing up?What is the most exciting adventure you have been on?What are two places you want to go to before you die?#BeAFriend Support us: PatreonEmail: friend@project-bff.comShare the love: subscribe + rate us in your favorite podcast app + tell your friendsWe use Buzzsprout to host our podcast + we love it. They make it so easy!Support the show

From Project BFF HQ, Terri + Manya riff on some deep and some fun topics. And we get to know each other better. We dive into a list of questions from this article: 80 fun questions to ask your friends to get to know them on a deeper level.Specifically, we discuss:What three words describe what you are grateful for?What is most important to you now? What movie or show do you keep rewatching?#BeAFriend Support us: PatreonEmail: friend@project-bff.comShare the love: subscribe + rate us in your favorite podcast app + tell your friendsWe use Buzzsprout to host our podcast + we love it. They make it so easy!Support the show

From Project BFF HQ, Manya (minus Terri) riffs with Nisha Lehmann about games for mental health and the role of our friends in supporting us as we deal with mental health challenges.We discussed the app she designed, Confidential Conversations, which offers anonymous and affordable peer-led online support groups for a wide array of mental health issues. We also talked about the role that stigma and shame can play in who we choose to speak to about our mental health issues and how that sometimes means that a good friend might not be the best person sometimes.Nisha Lehmann is a mobile developer by day. By night, she is a staunch advocate for better mental health. You can reach her and learn more about the app at Confidential Conversations, or on X (Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook.#BeAFriend Support us: PatreonEmail: friend@project-bff.comShare the love: subscribe + rate us in your favorite podcast app + tell your friendsWe use Buzzsprout to host our podcast + we love it. They make it so easy!Support the show

From Project BFF HQ, Terri and Manya riff on the topic of how to talk about race with friends, with special guests Marci Duncan and Kerry Sandell, authors of the play Dissonance.We discuss how these two friends first started having conversations about race, how to broach a difficult topic with a friend, rather than tiptoeing around it, and how to approach these difficult topics with curiosity. We also touched on why it's important that we are willing to be vulnerable with our friends , that we create a safe space for each other to be vulnerable, and that we seek to understand each other, not win an argument. Website: https://www.dissonanceplay.com; email: contact@dissonanceplay.com; Social Media (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Youtube): @dissonance_the_play Marci J. Duncan and Kerry Sandell are Florida-based emerging playwrights with fresh, powerful voices and a desire to bring love and light to historically difficult and emotionally charged conversations. We are professional actresses with extensive performance experience in theatres across the South and East Coast.Learn more about the play on the website Dissonance, on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok, or email Marci and Kerry at:  contact@dissonanceplay.com#BeAFriend Support us: PatreonEmail: friend@project-bff.comShare the love: subscribe + rate us in your favorite podcast app + tell your friendsWe use Buzzsprout to host our podcast + we love it. They make it so easy!Support the show

From Project BFF HQ, Terri and Manya riff about how to have hard conversations with friends, with coach and blogger Midori Doumani.  We discuss how to engage in difficult conversations with friends holistically and leaning into discomfort.Midori Doumani is a wife, mom, employee, blogger, friend, wife and so much more. She teaches adults how to have successful relationships and helps people understand how past trauma makes it harder for us to connect with others. She loves meeting new people, diving deep into relationships, having life's hard conversations and exploring how to live life to the fullest to have the biggest impact. SimplyMidori offers a lifeline to others just like she and her husband—through marriage counseling, seminars, and retreats tailored for the everyday couple grappling with life's demands. You can learn more about Midori on her website SimplyMidori.com, or on Facebook or Instagram.#BeAFriend Support us: PatreonEmail: friend@project-bff.comShare the love: subscribe + rate us in your favorite podcast app + tell your friendsWe use Buzzsprout to host our podcast + we love it. They make it so easy!Support the show

From Project BFF HQ, Terri + Manya riff on what happens to friendships when one of you gets divorced, with divorce and life coach Joy Bartholomew. Friend and family relationships change through divorce, so it's more than just losing a spouse.How can you decide who has your best interest at heart? And who is in your corner?How can you grow those true friendships to an even deeper level?Part of divorce is creating your new life. How can you find and create new friendships?Joy is a divorce and life coach for women who are in the midst of divorce. She helps them through the divorce process as part of the divorce team, helping them manage emotions and expectations, helping them effectively co-parent, and helping them make the transition into single mom life.As a yoga teacher and meditation facilitator, Joy brings in a holistic approach with breathwork and movement to help her clients reduce stress and find the clarity they need. You can read Joy on her website, The Divorce Confidante ,and on Instagram.#BeAFriend Support us: PatreonEmail: friend@project-bff.comShare the love: subscribe + rate us in your favorite podcast app + tell your friendsWe use Buzzsprout to host our podcast + we love it. They make it so easy!Support the show

From Project BFF HQ, Terri + Manya riff on what it's like to work with your best friend, with Abigail Griebelbauer and Cecilia Edwards. We had a fabulous conversation about how they met and built their friendship and what it is like to work together and be friends. Abigail and Cecilia believe in the power of inclusion and representation, which is what underlies the founding of their business, Passage Press and their books: A is for Anthony, Not ADHD and D is for Darcy, Not Dyslexia, both part of the Empower Empathy Early series, and their newest book: Winter Break at the Beach.Cecilia illustrates the books, Abigail writes them, and they both publish them. These fabulous friends met while studying abroad during college. Little did they know that less than a decade later, they would be publishing their third book together. They started The Passage Press, which currently publishes their children's books. However, this is only the beginning for them, and they have many ideas for the future.Find more about Passage Press on the website or via Instagram.  And check out Abigail and Cecilia on Instagram.#BeAFriend Support us: PatreonEmail: friend@project-bff.comShare the love: subscribe + rate us in your favorite podcast app + tell your friendsWe use Buzzsprout to host our podcast + we love it. They make it so easy!Support the show

From Project BFF HQ, Terri + Manya riff on how to be our best selves with coach and author Kimberly Spencer. In addition to how friendships help us be our best selves, we discussed the value of community, friends being of service to each other, and why it is important to remember that you are worthy, just because you are.Kimberly Spencer is an award-winning high-performance, trauma-informed coach and trainer, Amazon best-selling author, TEDx speaker, and the founder of CrownYourself.com, helping visionary leaders transform their self-limiting stories,  build their empire, stand out fearlessly, and make the income and the impact they deserve.You can learn more about Kimberly on her website: CrownYourself.com, on Facebook, and Instagram.  Visit her website for links to more social media for Kimberly and Crown Yourself.#BeAFriend Support us: PatreonEmail: friend@project-bff.comShare the love: subscribe + rate us in your favorite podcast app + tell your friendsWe use Buzzsprout to host our podcast + we love it. They make it so easy!Support the show

From Project BFF HQ, Terri + Manya riff about how to deal with a friend who has hurt you, or when you have been hurt by a friend, with counselor Keith Wilson.We discussed the concept of constructive conflict, apologizing and taking responsibility for one's role in the difficulties, and finding personal peace amid conflict with a friend.Keith Wilson is a licensed mental health counselor in private practice in Rochester, NY. He's had more than thirty-five years' experience with as diverse populations as: troubled youth, troubled marriages, domestic violence victims and perpetrators; addicts and alcoholics; sexual abuse offenders, survivors, and non-offending spouses; the seriously mentally ill, the worried well, and the people who love all the above. He is the author of three self-help books, three novels, and innumerable articles on mental health and relationships.You can learn more about him on his website.#BeAFriend Support us: PatreonEmail: friend@project-bff.comShare the love: subscribe + rate us in your favorite podcast app + tell your friendsWe use Buzzsprout to host our podcast + we love it. They make it so easy!Support the show

From Project BFF HQ, Terri + Manya riff on traveling and buiding a network of friends with writer Betsy McMillan.Join us as we discuss how to start a friendship with someone you just met (hint: it's all about being willing to start a conversation). For some of us, aging can lead to isolation and being able to have conversations and build connections is a vital skill to keep us healthy.Betsy is a writer, who can and will write anything, whether it's a scientific research article, a humorous children's book, a harlequin romance, or a thriller. She is a renaissance creative and multitasker, will try any artistic project that appeals to her, and sings at the drop of a hat, with or without accompaniment. And she loves interacting with new people.You can find Betsy on Substack or Facebook.#BeAFriend Support us: PatreonEmail: friend@project-bff.comShare the love: subscribe + rate us in your favorite podcast app + tell your friendsWe use Buzzsprout to host our podcast + we love it. They make it so easy!Support the show

From Project BFF HQ, Terri + Manya riff with Paul Wrightson, founder of Live Fully Now, about how the death of his good friend changed his life and how we shouldn't wait until something drastic happens in our lives to make positive changes. We also discussed the importance of making friends with yourself and to do something every day that lifts us up You can reach Paul on his website Live Fully Now, Instagram or Facebook, or via email at hello@livefullynow.com.au. Paul is the founder of Live Fully Now, The Complete Man, and Yoga Anywhere, different offerings and services, that guide and support men and women to break down barriers and past beliefs and to connect them to their true selves, to live their ultimate lives. He is passionate about sharing the simple ways in which connecting oir breath and body can change how we function, how we think, how we process emotions, and even how we age.#BeAFriend Support us: PatreonEmail: friend@project-bff.comShare the love: subscribe + rate us in your favorite podcast app + tell your friendsWe use Buzzsprout to host our podcast + we love it. They make it so easy!Support the show

From Project BFF HQ, Terri + Manya chat with author and mindset coach Sharon Hefetz about connections between women, soul-led conversations, and how our friends are holders of our stories and keepers of our secrets.Sharon is a coach, mother of 3, entrepreneur, and published author who has dedicated her life to empowering women to reach their full potential. She focuses on creating balance and self-confidence to encourage her clients to embrace authenticity, live guilt-free, and invite abundance into their lives. A believer in the law of attraction, intrigued by quantum physics, Sharon's mission is to serve as a catalyst for women, helping them build productive, harmonious lives by reconnecting and rediscovering their true selves and desires.Find Sharon on her website Sharon Hefetz Consulting, Facebook, Instagram, Facebook, and also check out the Happy Balanced Mom Facebook group:  Or send her an email: mindset@sharonhefetzcoach.com#BeAFriend Support us: PatreonEmail: friend@project-bff.comShare the love: subscribe + rate us in your favorite podcast app + tell your friendsWe use Buzzsprout to host our podcast + we love it. They make it so easy!Support the show

From Project BFF HQ, Terri + Manya riff on social fitness with coach and marketing executive Katie Jesionowski.We discussed relationships as journeys, the role friendships have played in her life,  thoughtful ways to contribute to social fitness, and the Harvard Study on Adult Relationships.Katie Jesionowski is the Chief Marketing Officer at Total Family Management. She spent the first 7 years of her professional career in advertising where she specialized in media planning for brands like JP Morgan Chase and Verizon. From there, she took 2 years off after the birth of her twin daughters before co-founding an organic kids snack food company that she ran for 10 years with her best friend. During nine months off from work, Total Family Management crossed Katie's path and she was immediately drawn to its why “to show up and help families”. Personally drawn to self-development work and connecting with people, Katie joined the leadership team in the fall of 2022.You can reach Katie via email: katie@totalfamily.io#BeAFriend Support us: PatreonEmail: friend@project-bff.comShare the love: subscribe + rate us in your favorite podcast app + tell your friendsWe use Buzzsprout to host our podcast + we love it. They make it so easy!Support the show

From Project BFF HQ, Terri + Manya riff with author Leia Johnson about friendships she has built with fostering families who are raising biologically related children. We talked about the power of the foster care community, the math of friendship, and how to look for people who when they talk, it matters.Leia first picture book is Sister, a book about a young girl experiencing both the joy and grief of building a family through fostering and adoption. She believes in the power of storytelling as a healing agent. When she is not auditioning for American Idol or climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, Leia spends her time reading, eating cheese, and being the most enthusiastic cheerleader at all her kids' activities. As an Air Force spouse and parent through birth, fostering, and adoption, Leia spends most of her days arranging the family calendar, packing snacks, and helping everyone figure out what to do when things don't go as planned. Sister is her first picture book. Visit Leia's website to learn more about her and her book:  www.leiamjohnson.com or find her on Instagram or Facebook.#BeAFriend Support us: PatreonEmail: friend@project-bff.comShare the love: subscribe + rate us in your favorite podcast app + tell your friendsWe use Buzzsprout to host our podcast + we love it. They make it so easy!Support the show

From Project BFF HQ Terri + Manya answer a few questions from this article on PyschCentral: 45+ Deep Conversation Starters to Bond with Friends and Family.This week we answer: What was your favorite novel as a kid?Has your character been shaped by anyone?What subject did you look forward to in school?We hope this inspires you to have some deep conversations with your friends and loved ones.#BeAFriend Support us: PatreonEmail: friend@project-bff.comShare the love: subscribe + rate us in your favorite podcast app + tell your friendsWe use Buzzsprout to host our podcast + we love it. They make it so easy!Support the show

From Project BFF HQ, Terri + Manya riff on talking with friends and other tips about strengthening these relationships with renowned relationship expert Dr. Heather Browne. We discussed how important it is for our friendships that we work on ourselves--and bring a better version of ourselves to our relationships. We also learned that a conversation starts before you've even said the first words. And how important it is that before we speak we consider how we are feeling.Dr. Heather Browne is a psychotherapist and a mother who is excellent at helping people change sticky thought processes and see the other side of challenging situations. Her specialties are couples communication and intimacy, grief and loss, spirituality and faith, and transforming lives into expressions of beauty and joy. She uses metaphor, storytelling, imagery, and humor in her work. Her greatest desire is to support you in drawing closer to your true self, your inner wisdom, and your purpose. Our lives are an amazing adventure and blessing, given freely to us to explore and to share love, our uniqueness, and our stories. You can find Dr. Browne on her website, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.#BeAFriend Support us: PatreonEmail: friend@project-bff.comShare the love: subscribe + rate us in your favorite podcast app + tell your friendsWe use Buzzsprout to host our podcast + we love it. They make it so easy!Support the show

From Project BFF HQ, Terri + Manya riff with Peter Bombaci, the founder of the GenWell Project, about the power of human connection for health, happiness, longevity, and improving society.We talked about several studies that show how bad loneliness is for us as humans, including the Harvard Study on Adult  Development, which looks at human happiness.  And we discussed how we can make connections a priority in our lives. Pete Bombaci is a business and social change leader who believes that doing the right thing every day creates exceptional results. He believes that building a more connected world will lead to happier and healthier people and society for all. He is the founder of the GenWell Project to educate, empower, and catalyze people around face-to-face social connections, with the goal of building a more Connected Canada and world.Learn more about the GenWell Project on their website, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn.#BeAFriend Support us: PatreonEmail: friend@project-bff.comShare the love: subscribe + rate us in your favorite podcast app + tell your friendsWe use Buzzsprout to host our podcast + we love it. They make it so easy!Support the show

From Project BFF HQ, Terri + Manya are joined by Juli Shulem to talk about what productivity has to do with friendships. Listen in as we talk about the importance of scheduling time with friends--it helps us stay connected with each other and also helps reduce feelings of being overwhelmed. And, we also learn about Juli's pen pal, who she has written letters to for the past 43 yeras. Quite a friendship!Juli is a speaker and productivity coach who helps her clients organize their lives, using one-on-one coaching, group coaching, workshops, and seminars.  She sometimes calls upon her previous career as a business consultant and her degree in industrial organizational psychology to teach the skills that will help her clients level up.  She moves people out of the messy place they are in so they can get out of their own way. You can learn more about Juli on her website Coach Juli, on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. You can email her at: Balance@CoachJuli.com.#BeAFriend Support us: PatreonEmail: friend@project-bff.comShare the love: subscribe + rate us in your favorite podcast app + tell your friendsWe use Buzzsprout to host our podcast + we love it. They make it so easy!Support the show

From Project BFF HQ, Terri + Manya riff about adulting and why friendships matter with coach, speaker, and mentor Sara Deacon.We had such a great time talking with Sara and we learned about Sara's work with teens and young adults, how friend and peer relationships are so influential at that time of life, and how our choices of friends matter. We also talked about how being an adult means creating an identity that isn't related to school or sports.Sara is the Adulting Coach, and she empowers young people to design their own lives based on who they are, independent of other people's expectations.You can reach Sara via her website: SaraDeacon.com or email her: sara@saradeacon.com. Or follow her on social media:  Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X/Twitter, or YouTube.#BeAFriend Support us: PatreonEmail: friend@project-bff.comShare the love: subscribe + rate us in your favorite podcast app + tell your friendsWe use Buzzsprout to host our podcast + we love it. They make it so easy!Support the show

From Project BFF HQ, Terri + Manya speak with Cindy Burns a widow who found a new purpose in life as a grief doula, a certified life purpose life coach, and a happiness coach. Listen in as we talk about the fact that life doesn't stop when we lose a spouse, how to manage grief, and how to help a friend who is grieving (spoiler alert: the key is to just show up and be there as support).Widows and widowers can join Cindy's private Facebook group: Widows & Widowers Support Group, Finding Purpose or learn about her work on her website CindyJBurns.com.  You can find Cindy on Instagram or email Cindy at: cindy@cindyjburns.com #BeAFriend Support us: PatreonEmail: friend@project-bff.comShare the love: subscribe + rate us in your favorite podcast app + tell your friendsWe use Buzzsprout to host our podcast + we love it. They make it so easy!Support the show

From Project BFF HQ, Terri and Manya talk with Karen Viesta, a certified health and life coach and host of the podcast Wellegant Woman: Redefining Midlife.We discussed the importance of friendship in midlife, looking at friendships as an investment, being intentional about who we bring into our inner circle, and how friendships can give us purpose as we age.Karen works with women over 40 who want to transform their bodies and their lives. She is the founder of Wellegant Woman Coaching and host of the podcast Wellegant Woman. After going through her own midlife reinvention, Karen is passionate about helping women in midlife to age powerfully, create extraordinary health and vitality, and make each new decade even better than the last.You can reach Karen at Wellegant Woman Coaching, on Instagram, or Facebook. Email her: wellegantwoman@gmail.com. Or listen to the podcast where she shares information, strategies, and inspiration to redefine midlife, reimagine what's possible, and experience more energy, vitality, confidence, and joy than ever before.#BeAFriend Support us: PatreonEmail: friend@project-bff.comShare the love: subscribe + rate us in your favorite podcast app + tell your friendsWe use Buzzsprout to host our podcast + we love it. They make it so easy!Support the show

From Project BFF HQ, Terri + Manya speak with Craig Colby, an award winning television producer, storyteller, coach, advisor, and author of ALL CAPS: Stories That Justify an Outrageous Hat Collection.Listen in as we talk about the stories in the book and his friend Dave and how that relationship changed both their lives in high school and how his death didn't end their friendship. We also discussed what qualities make a good friend--including really listening and appreciating your friend and seeing the best in them, no matter that you may also know the worst.You can reach Craig on his website: ColbyVision.net, on Twitter, and Instagram. Or email him at: craig@colbyvision.net #BeAFriend Support us: PatreonEmail: friend@project-bff.comShare the love: subscribe + rate us in your favorite podcast app + tell your friendsWe use Buzzsprout to host our podcast + we love it. They make it so easy!Support the show

From Project BFF HQ Terri + Manya answer a few questions from this article on PyschCentral: 45+ Deep Conversation Starters to Bond with Friends and Family.This week we answer: What is a quote that inspires you?Are your priorities different from what they were 10 years ago?What is your greatest achievement so far?We hope this inspires you to have some deep conversations with your friends and loved ones.#BeAFriend Support us: PatreonEmail: friend@project-bff.comShare the love: subscribe + rate us in your favorite podcast app + tell your friendsWe use Buzzsprout to host our podcast + we love it. They make it so easy!Support the show

From Project BFF HQ Terri + Manya answer a few questions from this article on PyschCentral: 45+ Deep Conversation Starters to Bond with Friends and Family.This week we answer: Who is your role model? What do you like most about being you?What is your #1 goal right now?We hope this inspires you to have some deep conversations with your friends and loved ones.BTW...Manya's number one goal right now is building her keynote speaking business, so check her out at ManyaChylinski.com. #BeAFriend Support us: PatreonEmail: friend@project-bff.comShare the love: subscribe + rate us in your favorite podcast app + tell your friendsWe use Buzzsprout to host our podcast + we love it. They make it so easy!Support the show