Hello Hayes

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Hello Hayes is a weekly advice show hosted by Alexandra Hayes Robinson…but you can call her Hayes. Every episode features three letters. The stories are maddening. Complex. And deeply, utterly human. New episodes on Tuesdays wherever you get your podcasts, videos on YouTube. 

Alexandra Hayes Robinson


    • May 20, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekly NEW EPISODES
    • 40m AVG DURATION
    • 51 EPISODES

    Ivy Insights

    The Hello Hayes podcast is an absolute gem in the world of podcasts. Each week, I eagerly anticipate the release of a new episode, as it never fails to bring me a sense of joy, inspiration, and wisdom. The host, Hayes, has a way of delivering her insightful responses and navigating through life with such grace and power that it's truly awe-inspiring. She has an incredible ability to make you feel better about being human and reminds us all that we are capable of greatness.

    One of the best aspects of The Hello Hayes podcast is Hayes' ability to provide profound insights on various topics. Whether she is discussing relationships, self-improvement, or just sharing her thoughts on life in general, every episode is filled with nuggets of wisdom that resonate deeply. Her words are relatable yet empowering, making you feel like you can conquer any challenge that comes your way.

    Furthermore, Hayes' authenticity shines through in each episode. She doesn't shy away from sharing her own struggles and vulnerabilities, which makes her advice and perspectives even more valuable. It's refreshing to listen to someone who isn't afraid to be genuine and unfiltered. This vulnerability creates a genuine connection between the listener and the host, making it easier to absorb and apply the lessons learned from each episode.

    However, no podcast is without its flaws. One aspect that some listeners may find disappointing is the frequency of releases. While The Hello Hayes podcast consistently delivers high-quality content when it does release episodes, the wait between episodes can sometimes feel quite long. This can be frustrating for devoted fans who crave regular doses of Hayes' wisdom. However, it's important to note that quality often trumps quantity when it comes to podcasts.

    In conclusion, The Hello Hayes podcast is truly one of a kind. It has become my favorite series of TikToks transformed into my favorite activity – listening to podcasts. With her insightful responses and graceful approach to life, Hayes has created a space where listeners can feel better about being human. Her words of wisdom, relatability, and authenticity make The Hello Hayes podcast a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration, guidance, and an uplifting perspective on life. I cannot recommend it enough and look forward to continuing this incredible journey with Hayes each week.



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    Latest episodes from Hello Hayes

    3 Ways You Might Be Sabotaging True Friendship (and How to Build an Inner Circle)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2025 44:38


    Everyone wants (and) deserves an inner circle full of people they trust, but sometimes we get in our way own while searching for them. In this episode, we're talking about the three main ways we sabotage building our inner circle, how we can begin to properly build our inner circle brick by brick, and at the end, I'm answering an advice submission from someone who feels like everyone else has tight knit friends except for them. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Why Friends Flake (and When to Forgive Them)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2025 21:05


    Flaky friendships are tricky. Sometimes it's about priorities, sometimes it's burnout, and sometimes… it's just poor communication. In this rapid-fire Q+A, I'm answering your questions about what it really means when friends flake — and how to tell the difference between a friendship worth saving and one that's run its course. Thank you to everyone who submitted on Instagram! (https://www.instagram.com/afhayes) This episode was actually recorded six months ago as a bonus I never released (I'm sorry), but it's still relevant today. Whether you're hurt by a friend who keeps canceling or you're the one who flakes and feels guilty about it, there's something here for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Doing Things You're Bad At (For Love)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2025 34:05


    Soooo, my husband bribed me to run a 10K for diamond earrings. That's SIX POINT FOUR MILES! But this episode isn't really about running. It's about love, discomfort, and doing things you're not good at…on purpose. In this episode of Hello Hayes, we talk about why I said yes to something I hate, what it means to show interest in your partner's world, and why it's worth stepping outside your comfort zone. Whether you're a runner or not, this one's for anyone who's ever avoided something just because they might fail. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Simple Questions I Hate: "Have You Made A Lot of Friends?"

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2025 28:24


    In this episode of Hello Hayes, I'm unpacking one of the most common — and surprisingly complicated — questions I get when I tell people I moved across the country: "Have you made a lot of friends?" I share why that question trips me up, how my answer has evolved after moving to a new city, and why focusing on the amount of friendships might not be the most helpful way to think about building your life. Whether you're trying to make new friends, feeling stuck socially, or rethinking what friendship even means, this episode is for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    I Adopted a Puppy. Will I Lose Myself?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2025 33:28


    In this episode, I tell you all about why Brian and I decided to adopt a dog and give you an honest recap of what the first week has been like. We dive into the wonderful parts...and the parts that are truly scaring the shit out of me. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    The Hidden Ego of “Natural Aging” (Why I Haven't Done Botox)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2025 31:35


    This week on the Hello Hayes pod, I'm reflecting on my beliefs about Botox. Why haven't I done it yet? Is it moral superiority or genuine disinterest? No final answers here, just honest questions and an eyebrow or two (literally) raised. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    "Should I Say Something or Move On?"

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2025 54:46


    What do you do when something doesn't sit right, but addressing it feels risky? In this episode of Hello Hayes, I'm answering three advice letters that circle around one big question: Should I speak up, or move on? We're talking about backhanded compliments, financial secrets, flaky friendships, and the moment you start to wonder if you're asking too much — or just finally seeing things clearly. If you've ever questioned whether to confront someone or let it go… this one's for you. 0:00 Introduction 2:35 Letter 1: "He Says the Wrong Thing About My Body" 22:04 Letter 2: "I Don't Trust My Fiance With Money" 35:18 Letter 3: "This Friendship Feels One-Sided" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Is Therapy Making Everyone Selfish?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2025 63:23


    Is therapy making everyone selfish? A friend asked me this question the other day...and I have thoughts. So in this episode of the Hello Hayes podcast, I'm sharing my personal journey with therapy and tackling your biggest therapy questions — from knowing when therapy is working to dealing with therapists who overshare, and the fear of facing what you might find out about yourself. Let's dive in :)  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    12 Life Lessons That Made Me Happier at 32

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 25, 2025 50:52


    in this episode, I'm sharing 12 lessons I learned at 31 that helped me get to a happier place — from rethinking success and letting my friends show up for me, to embracing fear and finding joy in the little moments. Whether you're in your 20s, 30s, or just navigating life, I hope these lessons help you find happiness, too.

    The Art of Giving Good Advice

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2025 45:23


    It's the Hello Hayes Guide to Giving Good Advice! If you've ever struggled with knowing what to say when a friend asks for guidance (or felt frustrated when someone gave you bad advice), this episode is for you. As an advice columnist (Hello Hayes), I've spent years answering your letters and helping people navigate life's toughest situations. In this episode, I'm breaking down how to actually help YOUR people — without being overbearing, judgmental, or just plain unhelpful. We'll talk about: ✔️ Why advice isn't a prescription—it's a map ✔️ How to support people without controlling them ✔️ The difference between helping and fixing ✔️ Why people don't always want your advice (and what to do instead) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    BONUS: A Friendship Theory to Change Your Life (Six Besties Theory)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2025 20:25


    [Originally published on YouTube.] Introducing, the Hello Hayes Six Besties Theory. This friendship theory has changed my life and I'm so excited to share it with you. In this explainer video, we're diving deep into the six essential bestie archetypes: The North Star, The Seasonal, The Good Time, The OG, The Dead Body, and The Work Bestie. But this isn't just a list! By the end of the video, you'll learn the real life scenarios that inspired this theory, how my friendships have evolved over time, why some besties stick around while others fade away, and a problem I ran into when I shared this theory for the first time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    The Feelings We Pretend We Don't Have (But Definitely Do)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2025 40:31


    We all have feelings we wish we didn't. Jealousy, resentment, comparison...the kind of emotions that make us feel a little gross, even though they're totally human. In this advice column episode, I'm answering three Hello Hayes advice letters about:

    Six Besties Theory FAQ

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2025 48:12


    Can my significant other or sibling be my best friend? Do North Star besties have to be reciprocal? Is there any type of friend who I can expect to text every day? In this episode, I'm answering your most frequently asked questions about my Six Besties Theory! If you're not familiar with the theory, you can watch my Six Besties, Explained video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CY5v2LreUrU&t=1s Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    How Do I Get Closer With My Siblings?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 18, 2025 39:49


    this week we're talking about sibling relationships, age gaps, and growing up with divorce. I recently posted about the 8.5 year age gap between me and my younger brother, and how, as a kid, I often felt like a third parent to both of my siblings (can't forget my sister, the sweet middle child!). i wrote that this dynamic has definitely impacted our sibling relationship today, as well as my own feelings about becoming a mom. i was BLOWN AWAY by how many of you responded with similar feelings, or just generally asked me to talk more about this topic. so in this episode of Hello Hayes, we're diving into all those feelings. thanks for being here and let me know what your relationship with your siblings is like! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Is This Podcast a Failure?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 28, 2025 55:44


    my loves, welcome back! after taking a much-needed podcasting break, I'm back with a reimagined vision for the Hello Hayes pod. in this episode, I share why I almost walked away for good and the lessons I learned about failure, growth, and change. plus, I answer an advice submission about finding direction in life when you feel like you're starting from square one. whether you're navigating your own reset or just need a little inspiration, this episode is for you. You can find me on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/afhayes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    A Voicemail from Hayes

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 26, 2024 4:51


    See you next year, Hayeselnuts! Hello Hayes survey: https://forms.gle/Jtv2BKr2Wafy75gh6 In the meantime, connect with me on Substack, YouTube, and Instagram. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    The Reality of Long Distance Friendship

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 12, 2024 60:11


    In this episode of Hello Hayes, we're talking about long distance friendship: how to make friends when you move somewhere new, but also, how to maintain the friendships that are now separated by miles and miles and miles. Hayes invites one of her North Star besties Matt onto the show to discuss. References: Dear Noah: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dfAzhnguXBc 00:00 Cold open 00:42 Topic intro: Long-distance Friendships 2:23 Meet Matt 4:43 Our first impressions of each other 10:03 Be each other's biggest fans 12:14 Making friends in a new city 16:43 Scoping people out on Instagram 18:25 The risk of rejection 21:50 How to go from self-pity to action  23:30 20s vs 30s & NYC vs Chicago  24:53 “Do I want to quit?” 26:26 Nostalgia vs regret 28:17 It's OK to be sad 31:53 Hayes and NYC 33:07 Getting honest about our LDF  35:40 “Is it my fault?” 36:25 Having trust in your friendships 38:00 Inside Out 2 40:10 What happened on Hayes's birthday 43:00 The challenges of long distance friendship 47:00 It's hard to say THIS 48:11 Feeling pressure to check-in 50:00 Team Voicemails  54:00 A secret Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    The Flaky Friend Problem

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 5, 2024 54:01


    [Watch on YouTube.] This week on Hello Hayes, we're talking about flaky friends. Hayes answers three advice submissions about a distant childhood friend, feeling disconnected from your single besties, and how to deal with someone who always cancels. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Hayes Gives Herself Advice (on Grief, Ambition, and Other Stuff)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 29, 2024 30:45


    (Watch on YouTube.) This week on Hello Hayes, I'm answering an advice letter....from myself. After experiencing what I call a "grief explosion" last week, I needed to give myself some advice. Thanks for being here while I talk it out with you. Crying is OK. Grieving is OK. Trying new things is OK. Planning to protect yourself...is OK!!! Please let me know what you thought of this episode. If it goes well for all of us, I might incorporate more of these "solo" episodes in the future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Talking About Sex

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 22, 2024 57:51


    Content warning: Letter 2 includes a brief reference to SA, no details. It's not the focus of the letter, but I do bring up the context of being a survivor. If this makes you uncomfortable, see the timestamps below to skip. This week on Hello Hayes, Hayes answers three advice submissions about how to balance two people's physical needs in a romantic relationship, advocating for our needs and fantasies in bed, and whether it's okay to talk to your friends about your sex life. (PS: If you have any personal experiences to share about asexuality, polyamory, ethical non-monogamy, and/or open relationships, please tell us in the comments! This is a very nuanced conversation and I realize I'm just scratching a surface in the first letter. Would love to hear from all of you and keep the convo going.) 00:00 Introduction 00:36 Talking about sex 02:44 “What will make us satisfied?” 07:51 What is asexuality? 10:17 Compromise is necessary 13:49 Define intimacy as a couple 18:39 Ethical non-monogamy 26:45 “I want more adventurous $ex" 29:06 Speaking up for what you want 31:16 Unpacking expectations 33:57 Taking the lead & communicating 38:13 Contextualizing being a survivor 40:52 When to bring it up 43:21 “Can I talk to a friend about my relationship?” 44:31 Sharing experiences individually 49:18 Trust in a confidant 51:14 Proceed with caution The Trevor Project is a great source of information and support for the LGBTQ+ community. Website here: https://www.thetrevorproject.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    The Cost of Being the Chill Girlfriend

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 15, 2024 63:03


    [Watch on YouTube.] In this episode, Hayes answers three letters from women who feel like they (and their feelings, boundaries, and bodies) are too much. We explore the question: is it selfish...or is it self-worth? Letter one features a man who insists on being besties with his exes. Letter two, from someone whose boyfriend told her he's losing attraction towards her because of her weight gain. (If you're uncomfortable with the topic of weight, feel free to skip to letter 2. Timestamp in the description!) And letter three is from a soon-to-be 21-year old whose boyfriend...doesn't "get" birthdays. Enjoy! 00:00 Introduction 00:25 The question of being “too much” 02:55 Overview of the 3 letters 03:56 Empathy and expectations for letter writers  06:54 Letter 1: “Not so chill girlfriend”   09:06 Having a reaction making you “not chill”  11:12 Unpacking the boyfriend details  17:32 Insecurities vs something to be insecure about  28:56 Letter 2: “Body size and attraction”  29:54 Angry about perceptions of weight  31:36 You are desirable  35:57 Coming back with better tools  37:50 Referencing “Fatphobia Is Not A Sexual Preference by Sonalee Rashatwar” 39:44 Reality of body changes  42:33 Sample script  44:55 Letter 3: “Birthday ‘brat'”  46:51 Being celebrated & celebrating others  49:26 Expectations and flexibility  52:14 Storytime when my birthday was ruined by a man  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    An Honest Advice Session with Justine Snacks

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2024 76:34


    In this episode, Hayes is joined by recipe developer, food creator, and soon to be debut cookbook author Justine Doiron, aka Justine Snacks. For the first time on the show, Justine brings her own Hello Hayes letter to discuss with Hayes, focused on some of the pressures she feels around the success and promotion for her cookbook Justine Cooks. We also talk about dealing with imposter syndrome in our careers, what happens when self-worth is too tied up in accomplishment, and whether "authenticity" on the internet is desired or even real anymore. At the end, Justine gives Hayes some tough-love advice she really needed to hear. Enjoy! Pre-order Justine's cookbook Justine Cooks here (Out 10/27). Follow Justine on Instagram here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Read Aloud with Hayes: Right Person, Wrong Time

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 1, 2024 47:20


    Hello! In today's episode, which is an audio exclusive, I'm reading three columns from the Hello Hayes archive...a read aloud, if you will! These pieces can all be read in their original form on my Substack, hellohayes.substack.com. This is where my writing lives and where you can support Hello Hayes financially, if you're able. Paid subscribers get a priority pass on submissions! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Navigating Uncomfortable Living Situations

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 24, 2024 42:54


    In today's episode we're talking about something that has one of the biggest impacts on our mental well-being, whether we're happy or distressed….and that's our living situations. Thinking back on my own life, some of the most tumultuous times for me were exacerbated by the fact that I was living in places I didn't feel comfortable in. Whether it was living in my sorority, or trying to figure out how to live alone for the first time, wanting to move in with Brian. Stressful.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Hayes and Brob: 10 Lessons From 10 Years

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 17, 2024 53:59


    In honor of our anniversary, Brob joins the pod to talk about 10 lessons we've learned over 10 years together. He's a little camera shy but I think he did great :) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    "I Feel Like a Liar. Am I Marrying the Wrong Person?"

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 10, 2024 32:14


    (Watch this episode on YouTube.) Today's episode is all about the thrilling yet sometimes messy and confusing world of crushes. We've got three letters: "I have a pattern of falling for people who are unavailable. Should I tell my new friend that I have a crush on her, even though she's in a longterm relationship?" "I told my coworker I had feelings for him. I think he has feelings for me too but...he has a girlfriend." "I'm engaged to my boyfriend of 7 years, but I have a relentless crush on someone new. Should I still get married?" Send your letters to hellohayesadvice@gmail.com. 0:00 What to expect in this video 00:47 This week's letters  1:22 Letter 1: “Can I be friends with my crush?” 2:50 Response to Letter 1 begins  4:43 How we use B&W thinking to protect ourselves 9:00 Failure is not regression  12:21 Script: “We can't be friends”  13:02 Letter 2: “I'm in love with my co-worker” 14:45 Response to Letter 2 begins 15:55 What's spiking my Hayesy senses  18:30 Stop hoping he's going to change  20:59 Finding the love you deserve 21:31 Letter 3: “I'm not sure I want to marry my fiance”  22:43 Response begins  24:45 Pros of couple therapy  25:41 Hayes's thoughts on “forever” 27:25 “Relationships are hard” 28:00 What your crush means Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    "Should I Go To The Event By Myself?"

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 3, 2024 31:44


    What do you do when you're invited to an event with a plus one...but you have no one to bring? Is it better to go alone or to bring a friend? On this week's episode of the Hello Hayes podcast we're chatting going to events solo, finding confidence in yourself, and doing the hard thing because you can. I also share the story of how I embarrassed myself in front of my work hero a couple of weeks ago...and how I'm reframing it so I don't obsess about this any further!

    "I Don't Like My Best Friend's Boyfriend"

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2024 39:53


    Watch on YouTube. (9am EST) 0:00 - Introduction 1:04 - Overview of the 3 letters 1:46 - Letter 1: Estranged from family 3:50 - Response to letter 1 begins  5:02 - Why certain phrases trigger us 7:12 - What I've noticed making an internet advice column 9:37 - Ideas for the future 12:03 - Why it doesn't feel sustainable to bite your tongue 16:05 - Being honest about your reaction 17:33 - Letter 2: Don't like best friend's boyfriend 19:02 - Response to letter 2 begins 20:30 - The lost dream of being “couple friends” 22:56 - When your friend gets cheated on 24:31 - Reflection questions when you don't like your friend's bf/gf 28:24 - Do this for your friend 29:28 - Letter 3: Your BFF is always in and out of relationships  30:30 - Response to letter 3 begins 31:00 - Having self-awareness 31:51 - Inserting ourselves into other people's problems  32:30 - Breaking our own patterns 33:43 - Having a tough conversation  35:26 - Getting clear on YOUR terms  39:00 - Exclusive question for Hayeselnuts

    Slut Shamed, Stressed Sister, and Not So Privileged

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 20, 2024 40:05


    Watch on YouTube. 1:11 - Letter 1: “My friends are slut shaming me” 4:42 - Don't call it a “hoe phase” 8:47 - Apologizing when you didn't do anything wrong 10:37 - Should a man be ready to marry you after 1 year? 15:16- The 4 questions to ask before confronting someone 17:00 - Letter 2: “My sister makes me feel bad about my body” 19:00 - Sibling dynamics 20:32 - Pick your battles 22:24 - The pros/cons of sarcasm 23:30 - An earnest conversation (add HALEY CONVO HERE) 26:30 - If they never stops bullying you 28:25 - Letter 3: “My friend thinks I'm more privileged than I am”  30:00 - Confronting our pleasure 32:30 - Intersectionality matters 33:40 - You still have a right to your pain 34:43 - Knowing your audience  36:30 - The friend's comments 37:41 - The question you should always remember

    When Instagram Creates Jealousy in Your Friendships

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 13, 2024 40:54


    Watch this episode on YouTube. What do you do when your best friend's live in a different city than you and are always posting about how close they are? What about if most of your bridesmaids don't post pictures from your wedding, even though you posted pictures from theirs? How do you talk to a friend (who is also an influencer) who's always posting stuff on social media when you're together? In this week's episode of Hello Hayes, we're talking about social media, jealousy, and friendship. Send your letters to hellohayesadvice@gmail.com mwah 0:00 - Overview of the three letters 2:33 - Letter 1: My BFFs always post each other 3:30 - How feeling lonely impacts our life 5:26 - Feelings are different than reality 6:56 - What IS the reality in this situation? 13:33 - How do we stop feeling left out? 15:33 - How to handle this moving forward 17:13 - Should you tell them how you feel? 20:30 - Letter 2: Bridesmaids didn't post about my wedding 23:42 - The case for practicing restraint 25:50 - Is a wedding an achievement? 27:48 - Feeling inadequate 28:00 - A reframe to help 29:55 - Speaking your truth 32:00 - Letter 3: OG bestie is an influencer 34:10 - Am I (Hayes) an influencer? 35:00 - Showing empathy for your friend 37:23 - Reflection question to ask yourself 38:00 - How to talk to her in the moment

    Friendship Breakups and Coworker Crushes with Haley Jakobson

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2024 69:24


    On today's episode I'm joined by writer and fellow internet advice giver, Haley Jakobson. When I teased this episode on insta stories a couple of weeks ago, saying “the guest wrote a book on friendship breakups,” dozens of you guessed it would be Haley, and alas, you were right!!! Haley is the author of OLD ENOUGH, a novel that explores, yes, friendship breakups, but also queerness and bisexuality and being a survivor and growing up and away from who we in the Hello Hayes universe call an OG bestie. As I shared with Haley in our 1hr+ conversation, her depiction of friendship explosions were so vivid and familiar that I felt physically uncomfortable while reading. The novel can be heavy but in the safe and skilled hands of a writer like Haley, I felt held the entire time. OLD ENOUGH has the full weight of a Hello Hayes book recommendation!   Our conversation covers what we've learned about ourselves as writers, why friendship break-ups are so painful, a Hello Hayes (and Haley) question about having a crush on a coworker while you're in a relationship, and so much more. I cry at one point, obviously. 0:00 - Who is Haley Jakobson? 4:20 - Selling her first book 8:00 - Stepping in front of the lens 10:30 - Writing about pain 13:23 - Our love of book "Acknowledgments" sections 14:00 - Earnestness is underrated 15:30 - A hate comment that I still think about 19:00 - Friendship break-ups 19:30 - Vow of celibacy from best friendship 25:18 - What does the patriarchy have to do with it? 32:00 - Why Hayes admires Haley & unexpected tears 35:42 - On not being an "Emily Henry" type of writer 37:00 - The duality of Haley & the creation process 41:45 - The worst question aspiring writers ask 43:00 - What Hayes has learned about herself as a writer 45:30 - "Creative foreplay" 45:00 - Spontaneous vs responsive desire 49:23 - Writing sex scenes 53:00 - Hello Hayes letter 1:05:44 - The story behind the title OLD ENOUGH  

    Navigating the Complexities of Travel and Friendship

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2024 47:18


    Travel and friendship can be complicated, especially when it comes to group dynamics and exclusion. In this week's Hello Hayes, we're talking about how to navigate the complexities of travel and friendship. 0:00 - Introduction 4:28 - Overview of the 3 letters 5:48 - Letter 1: “My OG besties went on a trip without me” 8:21 - My personal experience getting “excluded” 10:30 - Why it hurts to fall out of touch with 12:10 - How to handle the situation 15:00 - Should you ask: Why wasn't I invited? 15:58 - What to say instead 16:40 - Feeling like everyone's talking about you 18:14 - Letter 2: “How do we tell someone why they were excluded?” 19:25 - The problem with exclusion 20:03 - Tough love 22:52 - The responsibility of being in a friend group 23:50 - What to do in the future 26:10 - Why this isn't about “boundaries” 27:44 - Why I chose this letter 28: 27 - Letter 3: “My friend won't stop texting her boyfriend on vacation” 30:00 - Why I don't watch TV with friends 31:25 - From WTF to compassion 36:25 - Script 1 39:00 - Communication tip: “Keep it consistent” 39:50 - Script 2 43:45 - On being “jealous” 45:45 - Hayes's phone etiquette rules You can find me on Instagram here. Watch episodes of Hello Hayes here.

    Do I Have to Invite My Fiance's Sister Wedding Dress Shopping?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 23, 2024 39:14


    I'm back to reading three letters today! Yay! This week's episode is wedding-themed, but I promise the details in each letter are relevant even if you're not engaged yourself.

    Should I Move Across the Country for Him?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2024 20:08


    I'm not a fan of reading my published writing months/years after it's been published, but I'm making an exception today. In this week's episode, I'm reading the first ever Hello Hayes column I ever wrote. Thanks for being here with me. Subscribe to my Substack here!

    Plane Anxiety

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2024 14:56


    Live from the east coast! This week I'm telling you about a lesson I learned on my recent flight from LAX to Boston (thx for teaching it, Brob). While this experience didn't cure my turbulence-related anxiety completely, it's getting me a little closer...and is also helping me reframe some other challenges in life. xx Hayes

    Should I Confront My Work Bestie?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 25, 2024 33:32


    Today's episode covers work friendships, the pitfalls of perfectionism, the merits of over-communication, what I wish I knew when I started working, how to have awkward conversations with work besties, and probably more. Who knows where this brain will go!

    "Can My Relationship Survive Social Media?"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2024 40:09


    [Watch video on YouTube.] "My girlfriend and I have different relationships with our appearances, and social media is a part of that. We're both girls in our early 20s and this is my first serious relationship. She loves to get dressed up and take photos and videos of herself to post, whereas I don't really post selfies at all. What a silly thing to worry about, right? And yet, I find that I continue to struggle with it." Welcome to Hello Hayes, an advice podcast where we don't claim to have all the answers, but we do try to find them. Together. In today's episode, we're talking about how to handle social media in relationships -- specifically when one person likes to post selfies and the other doesn't. You can find me on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/afhayes Follow along for more episodes of Hello Hayes: https://www.youtube.com/@alexandrahayesrobinson?sub_confirmation=1

    Finding Motivation in Hard Times

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2024 39:06


    Watch this episode on YouTube. In this episode, Hayes celebrates getting her motivation back and shares the top 10 tips that have helped her this year.

    "No More Small Talk" (aka, How to Connect With New Friends)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2024 17:26


    [Watch this episode on YouTube.] In this week's episode of the HELLO HAYES podcast, I answer an advice letter about how to deepen connections with new friends in a new city. Send me your letters at hellohayesadvice at gmail dot com. Listen to Carlye's podcast here: https://open.spotify.com/show/6aarIjhCYglA4gn8e1H2nl

    The Friend Who Feels Excluded

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2024 50:42


    [Watch this episode on YouTube] Today I'm answering two letters from our community about feeling excluded: one takes place in a wedding (bridesmaid stuff), another in a group chat. I also give the full backstory on the Reese Witherspoon story I shared on my Instagram (@afhayes) last week, and why that moment feels so important for me.

    Why We Cry On Our Birthdays

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2024 27:16


    [video available on YouTube] Today on the pod I talk about turning 31 and unpack all the complicated and contradictory things I feel about my birthday. Then, around 15 minutes in, I do a rapid fire Q+A of some of YOUR questions about birthdays, including (but not limited to): Is it fair to expect my partner to throw me a birthday party? Why am I always disappointed even though I expect NOTHING on my birthday? How do you (me, Hayes) feel about physically aging? AND MORE! There's no longform Hello Hayes advice column this week, just the two of us chatting. I hope you enjoy the change of pace, it was nice to just sit and reflect with you. See you next time!

    A Conversation with Shame

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2024 17:11


    In this episode, Hayes writes a letter to IMPENDING 50-YEAR-OLD-VIRGIN, who is in her mid-20s and feels embarrassed...about everything. We talk about shame and how to wrangle it, and model what a truly loving conversation with yourself feels like. Thanks for listening!

    Hayes Gets Advice From Happiness Expert (and Bestie) Stephanie Harrison

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2024 65:15


    This week on the show, for the very first time, Hayes sits down to get advice from her dear friend and author of NEW HAPPY, Stephanie Harrison. We talk about everything from how to support friends during a tough season of their life to Hayes's very personal (and hopefully relatable!) struggle with work. Pre-order Stephanie's book here. Follow The New Happy here. Follow Stephanie here.

    How to Handle Jealousy (and Envy) in Your Relationships

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 23, 2024 38:36


    In this week's episode, Hayes dives into a subset of emotions we're usually too ashamed to talk about: jealousy. And envy. Because apparently they're two different things?? Up until last week, Hayes was using the words synonymously...but not anymore. Hayes gets personal in this episode, sharing her contradicting feelings about her 2020 wedding to how her relationship with "beauty" has evolved over time. We have letter writers, too, all in tough situations: First we have Third Wheel, who has concerns about her husband's flirtatious friendship with a college friend. Then there's Aching Auntie, who isn't ready to have a baby herself...but feels jealous of her pregnant sister-in-law. And at the end we hear from Resentful Roommate. This one has a friend, also a roommate, who's always been “the pretty one” of the group. Now that friend has what seems like the perfect boyfriend, and, our letter writer just can't feel happy for her.  Send your advice letters to hellohayesadvice@gmail.com Follow Hayes on Instagram and TikTok. Watch the episode on YouTube.

    Tough Conversations About Money

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 16, 2024 24:31


    Hello Hayeselnuts! In this week's (shorter) episode, we're talking about money. Specifically...how to handle sensitive, awkward, and sometimes painful conversations about it. Send your advice letters to hellohayesadvice@gmail.com Follow Hayes on Instagram and TikTok. Watch the episode on YouTube.

    Your Friendship Break-Up Survival Guide

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 9, 2024 63:48


    [Video only on YouTube.] In this week's episode of Hello Hayes, we're talking about friendship break-ups: what leads to them, how we process them, and if we can prevent them from happening. Hayes explains the differences between friendship break-ups and friendship shifts, and why it's so important we understand the nuances of our feelings (and the situations that cause them!). Plus we set the record straight once and for all: friendship break-ups are just as painful and real as romantic ones. Send your advice letters to hellohayesadvice@gmail.com Follow Hayes on Instagram and TikTok. Watch the episode on YouTube.

    How to Feel Confident in Your Relationships (And Yourself)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 2, 2024 49:33


    In the first episode of 2024, Hayes answers three advice column submissions about feeling inadequate. In the first letter, we hear from someone who has yet to find a lasting love…all the relationships ended amicably, but they can't help but wonder if there's something wrong with them? In the second letter, a high school student notices a change in their friendships, and asks me: how do I stop comparing myself to other people and start putting effort into things that give effort back to me? And in the third letter, we hear from someone who is worried that jealousy will ruin their current relationship. They ask, how can I improve my self-esteem and stop living in the past? Send your advice letters to hellohayesadvice@gmail.com Follow Hayes on Instagram and TikTok. Watch the episode on YouTube.

    What Do We Owe Our Single Friends?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 26, 2023 38:01


    In today's episode of Hello Hayes we're talking about how romantic relationships can impact our friendships, for better….or for worse. We get a refresher on the often overlooked but essential archetype in the six bestie theory: the seasonal bestie. We learn from a single person and a partnered person, and even though we all come to this conversation from a different view point, I hope we leave it feeling like we understand each other a little bit better.  Send your advice letters to hellohayesadvice@gmail.com Follow Hayes on Instagram and TikTok. Watch the episode on YouTube.

    Home for the Holidays

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2023 43:58


    (VIDEO ONLY ON YOUTUBE) it's HOLIDAY SZN and with it comes a whole lotta feelings. who better to talk about them with than Hayes? (your therapist. your therapist is probably a good person to talk about them with, too.) in this episode of hello hayes, we hear from three letter writers who have specific concerns about the week ahead: there's a sister who's navigating a major conflict within her family, a girlfriend who wonders why her boyfriend doesn't want to celebrate the holidays together, and a daughter who wants to put her mom's food shaming to bed once and for all. Follow Hayes on Instagram and TikTok. Watch the episode on YouTube.

    Managing Friendship Expectations

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2023 43:39


    (VIDEO ONLY ON YOUTUBE) in our season one premiere of Hello Hayes, we hear from three letter writers who are all struggling in some way with expectations of their friendships. whether it's a close friend who doesn't talk about their *personal life* (ahem, i'm talking PERSONAL) or an old friend who doesn't seem as invested in the friendship, Hayes shows us how the six besties framework can help us process and reframe our relationships. plus, she corrects a misconception about north star besties, shares how to stop comparing yourself to other people's friends, and explores why some people get sooooo caught up in their weddings. Follow Hayes on Instagram and TikTok. Watch the episode on YouTube.

    Hello Hayes Teaser Episode

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 4, 2023 2:50


    starting tuesday, december 12, TikTok's favorite advice column Hello Hayes is finally available as a weekly podcast. each week, Hayes responds to three letters from the community of Hayeselnuts...these are the stories that are too complex for a 3-minute TikTok — they're surpising, heart wrenching, and deeply human. video available on YouTube!

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