The Friendship Tour

In this heartfelt episode of The Friendship Tour, I sit down with an old friend, Mia Overton-Smith, for a deep, honest conversation that starts with confidence—and goes so much further. Together, we explore where confidence really comes from and what happens when we struggle to believe we're enough. As the conversation unfolds, we dive into topics like self-love, body image, healing from internal lies, faith, and the powerful act of being a good friend to yourself. It's the kind of real, vulnerable dialogue that only happens between trusted friends—and we're so glad to share it with you.

In this episode of The Friendship Tour, I share real insights from real women who are part of the Women, Friendship, and Community Facebook group. From friendship breakups to mom friends to the wisdom we wish we'd had years ago—this one's full of heart, truth, humor, and wisdom. As a group, we recently explored four questions: ✨ Are you team “No New Friends”—or do you stay open to new connections?

Have you ever been ghosted by a friend — with no warning, no explanation, just silence? You're not alone, and you're likely not exaggerating the pain. In this episode of The Friendship Tour, I'm diving into one of the most confusing and surprisingly common experiences in adult friendships: ghosting. Whether it's someone you were just getting to know or a longtime friend who suddenly disappeared, ghosting hurts — and it often leaves us with more questions than answers. In this episode, I explore: What ghosting in friendship really means Why ghosting happens in adult friendships How emotional avoidance, low investment, or personal overwhelm can play a role What ghosting might say about them — and what it might reveal about us How to heal, reflect, and keep showing up as the kind of friend you want to be This episode offers real talk, encouragement, and friendship tips and advice rooted in love. If you've ever asked yourself, “What did I do wrong?” or “How do I move forward after being ghosted?” — this one's for you.

Moving to a new city or town as an adult can feel exciting — and also incredibly lonely. In this episode of The Friendship Tour, we're sharing real-world tips for how to make friends and build connection when you're new in town. Whether you've relocated for a new job, a new relationship, the end of a relationship, your grandkids, or just a bit of adventure, this episode covers the strategies, mindset shifts, and small steps that can lead to genuine, lasting friendships in your new community. We'll talk about: - How to understand your current needs and what kind of friendships you're truly looking for - Why trying new places matters when you're looking to meet people - Why other newcomers can be some of the easiest people to connect with - The importance of making at least one local friend - How to respectfully adapt to local culture and avoid social missteps - The power of focusing on similarities rather than differences - Why some locals might not be looking for new friends - Encouragement to keep going, even when connection takes time This is your go-to guide for making adult friendships in a new place from someone who's been there more than once or twice.

Motherhood is beautiful, exhausting, and—let's be honest—a little lonely sometimes. That's why mom friends matter so much. In this special Mother's Day episode of The Friendship Tour, I'm diving into the unique bond between moms who truly understand what it means to juggle parenting, identity, and friendship. From diaper changes and picky eaters to deep conversations and encouragement, mom friends are the lifelines we didn't know we needed—and the ones who help us remember who we are beyond “Mom.” In this episode, I'm joined by guest Yaritza Pluguez for a meaningful conversation about what defines a mom friend, why these connections are so important, and how friendship helps us protect our identity in the chaos of motherhood. Whether you're in the early baby stages or figuring out what it means to parent adults, this episode is for you. Topics in this episode include: What exactly is a “mom friend”? How motherhood changes our friendships—and our sense of self Navigating loneliness and finding new connections The importance of staying connected to who you are, not just what you do Want more episodes about amazing moms? Check out: 10 | The Baddest Chick on the Block - A Mother's Day Tribute 28 | Thankfulness Isn't Just for Thanksgiving - It's a Huge Part of Healthy Relationships - featuring Alberta Minters

Have you ever felt that sting of not being invited? Was there a text you didn't get, a party you weren't invited to, a group chat you didn't even know existed? If your heart has ever whispered, “Why not me?” — this episode of The Friendship Tour is for you. In this episode, we're talking about being left out — and how sometimes, it's not rejection… but redirection. What if the closed doors, missed invites, and friendships that drifted away were actually forms of divine protection? Whether you've been excluded from a girls' trip, feel like the outsider in your friend group, or are just in a season of disconnection, this episode will help you: Understand the difference between true exclusion and misalignment Find peace in knowing that what is meant for you will not pass you by

This week on The Friendship Tour, Cecelia Curtis shares why community matters more than we sometimes realize—and how a simple Friday night at the football field reminded her of that truth. We're talking about the difference between friendship and community, and the three big reasons why having a village around you makes life a little easier, a little lighter, and a whole lot more joyful. If you've ever felt stretched too thin, emotionally drained, or just wished someone else could pick up your kids or drop off dinner—you're not alone. This episode is your gentle reminder that you don't have to do it all by yourself. Because the truth is: you need community. And it needs you, too. After the episode, join the growing online community women like you - women who are passionate about friendship and community. Join us in the Women, Friendship, and Community Facebook group. Want more episodes like this one? Listen to the episodes below! Or, find another that speaks to you. BONUS - Virtual Book Club Invitation 46 | What Are Deep Friendships, and How Are They Formed? - featuring Lisa Jones Clinton 41 | What is Community? It Might Be More Than You Think 6 | Childhood Neighbors Make the Best Friends! - featuring Nadeen Gayle *BE A GOOD FRIEND!*

Hi Friends! Let's read a book together! Why? So we can connect with other amazing women. And, because I personally want to read more and scroll less. I'm just being honest. If you want to join me for a virtual book club, please send a message to ccurtis@thefriendshiptourpodcast.com. Don't wait too long, though! I want to make sure the groups are small enough for women to engage with one another, so we only have room for a small group of women. Registration will remain open until Wednesday, April 16th or until all spots have been filled, whichever comes first. A few more details... 1. We're reading Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty. 2. The group will meet once or twice between now and the end of May. 3. I'll ask all ladies to keep their cameras on for the Book Club since we want to get to know one another.   I look forward to reading with you soon!  

Women often talk about wanting more friends and/or deeper friendships, but you know what we don't often talk about? How exhausting it can be to make new friends! The whole process is a bit like dating - you meet someone you think is cool, but is the feeling mutual? How do you exchange contact information? And, once you DO exchange phone numbers and follow one another on all the socials, what's next? How often should you text? How much is too much? How frequently should you hang out? How much is too much? You want to show interest, but not come on too strongly. AAAGGGHHH! There's so much to think about. In this episode, my lifelong friend, Kina Thornton-Frazier, and I discuss all the little ways in which new friendships can be a bit tiring AND all the ways new friendships can be absolutely AMAZING and oh so worth the effort. After the episode, be sure to leave a 5-star review and share the podcast with a friend. Then, explore more episodes about lifelong friendship! 1 | What is a True Friend? - featuring Lauren Gray 3 | Do You Want Lifelong Friends? Learn to Forgive and Ask for Forgiveness - featuring Dr. L'Tanya Morrow-Cain 6 | Childhood Neighbors Make the Best Friends - featuring Nadeen Gayle 7 | We Were on a Break! How Two Friends Grew Apart, Then Back Together (part 1) - featuring Wendy Alleyne 8 | We were on a Break! How Two Friends Grew Apart, Then Back Together (part 2) - featuring Wendy Alleyne

You want friends. You NEED friends. But you keep thinking about all the previous friendships that didn't work out. Or, perhaps a bad relationship has shaken your confidence in yourself and in forming new relationships. Maybe you grew up in a toxic or unhealthy family and never really learned how to form healthy relationships. You might even be playing the same old unhealthy scenarios in your mind over and over and over again. Sounds like you might have baggage. And that baggage could be holding you back from establishing and maintaining healthy friendships.   If you want to hear more about how baggage might be ruining your friendships before they even get started, check out this full episode.   If you feel like baggage really, truly is the problem, and you need help dealing with it, please contact a qualified therapist or counselor in your area.   If you want to connect with an amazing group of women on a regular basis, join the Women, Friendship, and Community Facebook group.   Want to hear more episodes like this one? Check out the list below.   44 | Does Your Friend Need Mental Health Support? Here are 6 Ways You Can Help - featuring Dr. Kandece Skinner   32 | Feeling Left Out? You're Not Alone - featuring Lauren Gray   29 | Boundaries - What They Are, Why We Need Them, and How We Establish Them - featuring Ashley Cook

“Birds of a feather flock together.” “Show me your friends, and I'll show you your future.” We've all heard sayings that encourage us to be mindful of the company we keep - and for good reason! Our relationships, whether familial, romantic, or platonic, have the ability to influence our success, or lack thereof, in life.   Join Michelle Dallas and me for a conversation about iron sharpening iron. Listen in as we discuss pushing, encouraging, and motivating one another to be the best versions of ourselves. Sometimes, the push and encouragement is through spoken words. Other times, it's not a push or a nudge at all - it's just a matter of being awesome and letting that awesomeness rub off.   In the best of circumstances, our friends push us to be better, while still respecting all the things that make us unique as individuals.   After the episode, let's keep the conversation going in the Women, Friendship, and Community Facebook group. I'd love to hear about a friend who encourages YOU to succeed in life.   Want to hear more from Michelle and other amazing women? Check out the episodes below.   31 | What Do You Do When a Friend Moves Away (other than cry, of course)? - featuring Michelle Dallas   43 | STOP KEEPING SCORE! Aim for Tranformational, Not Transactional Friendships - featuring Stewanna Dasari   37 | GIRL! You Trippin'! How a Friend's Honesty Helped My Marriage - featuring Alicia Matthews Final thoughts... 1. If you love The Friendship Tour, please leave a review and share with a friend. 2. *BE A GOOD FRIEND!*

Have you ever met someone who seemed nice, engaged with her a few times, then something happened that made you think, “NOPE! This friendship isn't for me.” Perhaps that happened to you. You met, hung out, then nada - you never heard from her again. What happened???   We all have our relationship warning signs or red flags - the things that make us think the relationship just won't work out. And other people have them, too. And, that's okay! Those little warning signs are how we protect ourselves from relationships that just aren't right for us - for whatever reason.   When you see the warning signs, what do you do? Do you try to power through and build a friendship anyway (not advised) or do you move on to someone who might be a better fit for you?   Everyone is different, and everyone has their own relationship warning signs. In this episode, I share five of the warning signs I just can't ignore when making new friends. You may have a different list, but it IS important to give some thought to which behaviors and habits you will and will not tolerate in a relationship. Then, if you're serious about making and keeping friends, consider if there's anything YOU'RE doing that might be a turnoff to others.   Next Steps: Listen to the episode. If you like the episode, share it with a friend or on social media. Leave a comment about the episode in the Women, Community, and Facebook group. Talking about friendship is a lot more fun when I get to hear YOUR thoughts, too.   Do you like this episode? Here are two more you might enjoy.   29 | Boundaries - What They Are, Why We Need Them, and How We Establish Them - featuring Ashley Cook   18 | CHEMISTRY! When it Comes to Relationships, You Either Have it or You Don't - featuring Dr. Bryan Curtis

I keep seeing the same joke about introverts on social media…”How do introverts make friends? They wait for extroverts to find them, like them, and adopt them.” Funny, but not funny.   If you're an introvert who struggles with making friends, this episode is for you. In this episode, you'll hear 4 ideas for making friends as an introvert. The first idea is the biggest one - change your mindset. Being an introvert is not a disadvantage or a problem. It's just who you are. It's what makes you YOU! So, embrace it!   If you want to hear the other 3 tips for making friends as an introvert, check out the full episode.   After the episode, share your thoughts in the Women, Friendship, and Community Facebook group.   Want More Episodes About Making New Friends? Check out any one of my episodes with a guest! We almost always share how we met and a favorite friendship moment. Don't feel like scrolling through the episode list? No problem. See the list below for a few episodes about making friends.   34 | 5 Tips for Making New Friends 45 | 5 MORE Tips for Making Friends 30 | How to Start and Nurture a New Friend as an Adult - featuring Jenai Eustache 11 | How to Make New Friends - Airport Edition - featuring Kinnari Patel *BE A GOOD FRIEND*

This episode is so simple. If you love them, tell them. Maybe they really need to hear it today. Maybe you really need to say it today. You may not get another chance. You might 1,000 more chances. Say it in ways big and small, and make sure they hear it. I love you. Tell them.

When life gets tough, who has your back? When you have good news to share, who do you call? When you need help with your kids or you're struggling with your health, who's there for YOU? If you're not sure how to answer these questions, this episode is for you. Ideally, friendship provides strength, support, inspiration, encouragement, and so much more. Still, many women, even those who appear to have multiple friends, find themselves coming up short when it comes to deep friendships - the kind of friendships that help you grow, feel supported, and feel less alone in life. In this episode, Lisa Clinton and I discuss what deep friendships are and how they're formed. Tune in to hear Lisa recall where she met her lifelong friends, the simple way she broke the ice with a potential friend, her thoughts on where to meet positive, like-minded women, and how deep friendships are established. Next Steps: Listen to the episode. Leave a 5-star review in Apple Podcasts. Share the podcast with a friend. Want to Stay Connected? Join the Women, Friendship, and Community Facebook group! It's a lot of fun! Want to hear more episodes like this one? See the related episodes below. 1 | What is a True Friend? - featuring Lauren Jones Gray 2 | Authenticity: The Key to Deeper Friendships, Personal Freedom, and Peace - featuring Alexandria Fichera 9 | Faith-Building Friends - featuring Theresa Johnson

What do you do when you meet someone interesting, cool, or fun - someone who you'd like to be friends with? What are the next steps? In episode 34, I shared 5 tips for making new friends. Here in episode 45, I'm sharing 5 MORE tips for making new friends. Why? Because friendship is so important! And, despite many of us having hundreds or thousands of social media friends or followers, many of us are still longing for deeper, more meaningful connections in real life. This episode was adapted from an article I wrote for Just Between Us Magazine several years ago. You can find the full article here: https://justbetweenus.org/christian-relationship-advice/real-friendships/10-tips-for-making-new-friends/. Want more episodes about making new friends? 11 | Making New Friends-Airport Edition - featuring Kinnari Patel  30 | How to Start and Nurture a New Friendship as an Adult - featuring Jenai Eustache  34 | 5 Tips for Making New Friends Let's keep the conversation going! Join the Women, Friendship, and Community group on Facebook! We'll talk about the The Friendship Tour podcast episodes and all things friendship!   *BE A GOOD FRIEND!*

Is your friend just not herself? Does her behavior, sudden distance, or physical appearance have you concerned? Maybe she needs mental health support.   Many of us have found ourselves in this situation - where we see that something is different and we genuinely want to help, but we just don't know what to do.    In this important episode, Dr. Kandece Skinner, a licensed educational psychologist, shares 6 ways you can help a friend who might be struggling. Dr. Skinner also shares 3 things NOT to do when you're trying to help a friend, including:   Do not try to diagnose your friend. Do not try to fix your friend. Do not judge your friend.   If we live long enough and encounter enough people, we'll likely need to put Dr. Skinner's advice into practice at least once or twice. Or, perhaps a loving friend will use this information to help us, if needed.   RELATED EPISODES: 29 | Boundaries - What They Are, Why We Need Them, and How We Establish Them - featuring Ashley Cook 7 | We Were on a Break! How Two Friends Grew Apart…and Back Together (Part 1) - featuring Wendy Alleyne 8 | We Were on a Break! How Two Friends Grew Apart...and Back Together (Part 2) - featuring Wendy Alleyne   OTHER NOTES: We have a great group of women in the Women, Friendship, and Community Facebook group! Join the group to keep this important conversation going. Don't forget to leave a written review in Apple Podcasts!   *BE A GOOD FRIEND!*

Hey Friends!   This is the final call for the Galentine's Day giveaway!   REMINDER: I'm giving away a $50 Amazon Gift Card as my small way of HAPPY GALENTINE'S DAY.   To make the gift card yours, you'll need to do just a few things: 1. Listen to an episode of The Friendship Tour podcast. 2. Leave a written review. 3. Take a screenshot of your review. 4. Post the screenshot in the Women, Friendship, and Community Facebook group OR send an email with your screenshot to ccurtis@thefriendshiptourpodcast.com.   You must enter the contest no later than Thursday, February 20, 2025 at 11:59pm PST.   Good luck!     Cecelia

Do you find yourself keeping score in friendship? It goes something like this… “I went to her kid's birthday party, but she didn't come to my kid's party!” “I scheduled the last brunch meetup, so it's HER turn to plan something!” Or, perhaps you catch yourself saying, “After all I've done for her?!”   Are you laser focused on reciprocity in your relationship? If so, it sounds like you have a transactional friendship.   While it's reasonable to expect our friends to celebrate important days and milestones with us and to give as much as we give, reciprocity shouldn't really be the goal in friendship. Instead, let's aim for transformational friendships.   Transformational friendships help us grow and evolve as individuals. In these relationships, we dig a bit deeper - beyond the give and take - to offer a bit more of ourselves. Perhaps we offer a skill that only we have, a favor that a friend really needs, a word of encouragement so a friend can keep going, maybe a prayer. Perhaps we lovingly offer constructive feedback or carefully worded advice - all designed to help a friend grow. Will we get what we offered back? Maybe, maybe not. Still, we do it out of love.    Join Stewanna Dasari and me for a conversation about transformational vs. transactional relationships.   After the show, head to the Women, Friendship, and Community Facebook group to share your thoughts.   *BE A GOOD FRIEND!*   Would you like to hear more from Stewanna Dasari? Check out the episode below.   40 | Too Busy for Friends? 10 Tips to Help You Stay Connected When Life Gets Hectic - featuring Stewanna Dasari   Would you like to hear examples of transformational friendships? Listen to these episodes: 37 | GIRL! You Tripping! How a Friend's Honesty Helped My Marriage - featuring Alicia Matthews   13 | Somebody Prayed for Me - And Those Prayers Got Through! - featuring Ashley Smith   9 | Faith-Building Friends - featuring Theresa Johnson   Let's Be Friends!   Facebook Community: bit.ly/thefriendshiptourpodcast Email: ccurtis@thefriendshiptourpodcast.com

HAPPY GALENTINE'S DAY!!!   What is Galentine's Day? It's a day that's all about FRIENDSHIP! And, I want to celebrate friendship with all of you - friends near and far.   Listen to the full episode to learn how YOU can be part of The Friendship Tour's 2025 Galentine's Day celebration. But don't delay! The celebration ends on Thursday, February 20, 2025 at 11:59pm PST.   As always, be a good friend!   Let's stay in touch! Facebook Community: bit.ly/thefriendshiptourpodcast Email: ccurtis@thefriendshiptourpodcast.com

What is community? Is it simply a group of people living in the same general area as one another? Is it people who all have something in common, such as a belief system, dialect, or country of origin? Is community even a thing or is it a feeling - a feeling of familiarity, warmth, and fellowship?   Perhaps community is all of the above - or maybe it's none of the above. Perhaps community is whatever you decide it is. It could be the sweet woman in the local sandwich shop who always seems to be working when you want a sandwich, the moms at your kid's school, or the person in the Facebook group who always responds to your goofy posts. If they can make your day better or worse on a consistent basis, they're probably part of your community. If they're part of your routine, they're probably part of your community. If they're the people who step up to help you when life gets rough, they're part of your community.   We all spend time thinking and talking about healthy families and healthy friendships, but what about healthy communities? We need those, too, to feel less alone and more supported - in the good times and the bad.   Join me on The Friendship Tour for an episode about community and why it matters.   If you liked this episode, you'll LOVE the following episodes:   Episode 6: Childhood Neighbors Make the Best Friends - featuring Nadeen Gayle Episode 36: Let's Talk About Friendship and Community - TOGETHER! Do you want more of The Friendship Tour? Facebook: bit.ly/thefriendshiptourpodcast Email: ccurtis@thefriendshiptourpodcast.com YouTube: www.youtube.com/@thefriendshiptourpodcast

“I'm just so busy.” It's something we all say, and it's something we all hear when we ask a friend how she's doing. There's something about our culture that makes us wear this “busyness” as a badge of honor. We're all supposed to be busy...or at least SAY we're busy.   To be fair, there are some people who have extremely busy lives and very little free time after work and family commitments. Some of those women manage to have thriving friendships, and some don't.   On the flip side, some people actually DO have a bit more free time after work and family commitments. And, again, some have thriving friendships, and some don't.   So, what's the deal?   Join me for a conversation with Stewanna Dasari to discuss what it is that has us all feeling so busy, and how we can stay connected with friends even when our free time is scarce.   Next Steps: 1. Listen to the episode. 2. Leave a written review. 3. Repeat.   NOTE: If you liked this episode, you'll love Episode 4 | How to Keep a Friend Forever - Be Thoughtful! - featuring Moira Ballard.   Want More of The Friendship Tour? Let's stay connected! Email: ccurtis@thefriendshiptourpodcast.com Facebook: bit.ly/thefriendshiptourpodcast YouTube: youtube.com/@thefriendshiptourpodcast

What's The Friendship Tour Podcast all about? FRIENDSHIP! We talk about making friends, keeping friends, encouraging our friends, having fun with friends, and creating deeper friendships. In short, if it's friendship-related, it's fair game. Let's talk about it ALL so we can create and maintain those meaningful relationships that help us grow as individuals and feel more supported and less alone in life. Join me on The Friendship Tour! Next Steps? 1. Listen to an episode! 2. Leave a written review! 3. Join a great community of women at bit.ly/thefriendshiptourpodcast.  

Do you know lots of great people, but still, somehow, feel isolated and alone? Do you have plenty of acquaintances, but few deep, meaningful friendships? If surface-level relationships leave you wanting so much more, I have one suggestion. Talk about deeper things. Maybe your friends and acquaintances will enjoy a bit more depth, maybe they won't. Maybe they will love getting to know more of you, or maybe they're not quite ready for that type of relationship. You won't know, though, unless you try.  Don't try it all at once, though! Trying to fast-track a deep friendship can sometimes be a turnoff. So, be patient. Hang in there, and be intentional about getting out of shallow waters. Check out the full episode for the types of questions and topics that can lead to deeper, richer conversations and friendships. Then, join the conversation at Women, Friendship, and Community! Did you like this episode? Then you'll LOVE the episodes below.   1. 2 | Authenticity-The Key to Deeper Friendships, Personal Freedom, and Peace - featuring Alexandria Fichera 2. 9 | Faith-Building Friends - featuring Theresa Johnson Interested in connecting further? I want to hear from YOU! Email: ccurtis@thefriendshiptourpodcast.com Facebook: bit.ly/thefriendshiptourpodcast Podcast: https://thefriendshiptourpodcast.podbean.com YouTube: youtube.com/@thefriendshiptourpodcast   **BE A GOOD FRIEND!**  

Everyone needs an honest friend - the kind of friend who can tell you about yourself. The kind of friend who tells you not just what you want to hear, but what you need to hear…for your own good…because she loves you that much. This week's guest, Alicia Matthews, is that kind of friend for me. When I went to her with complaints about my husband, she got real with me. It only took a few words, but those words were effective! She put me in place and helped me keep my marriage and my life in perspective. We all need a friend like Alicia. We all need a real, true, HONEST friend. And, when we find such a friend, we have to be willing to hear, truly hear, what the friend is trying to tell us - even if it stings for a moment. Because isn't temporary discomfort better than long-term pain? Join Alicia and me for this conversation about keeping it real with  friends. After the episode, go to the Women, Friendship, and Community Facebook group to share your thoughts! NOTE: If you liked this episode, you'll love Episode 35 | Did Your Friends Leave You Out…AGAIN?! What Are You Going To Do About It? - featuring Lauren Gray.

To make a friend, you have to be a friend. To have friends, you have to trust people! Don't trust anyone! You can never have enough friends! No new friends! Couple friends are good for your marriage. Never share marriage challenges with your friends. If you can help a friend, DO! God helps those who help themselves. We've all heard advice about friendship - some good, some bad. What have YOU heard about friendship? What are YOUR thoughts? My friends and I have spent months sharing our friendship thoughts and experiences with you. Now, we want to hear from YOU! Let's keep the keep the conversation going! Join the new Women, Friendship, and Community Facebook group to discuss all things friendship. We'll talk about the The Friendship Tour podcast episodes, encourage one another in various ways, and explore ways to connect more deeply in our own communities. See you there!

Did your friends or potential friends leave you out again? Does it bother you on some level? If so, what are you going to DO about it? In episode 32, Lauren Gray and I discussed being left out. It happens to everyone at some point. That's just life, and yes, it sucks sometimes. What happens, though, if you're left out A LOT? What if you often feel like you're on the outside looking in? Maybe you just haven't found your tribe yet. No big deal. But, if you've met lots of cool people, yet you're never invited to join the fun, AND it bothers you, it might be time for some self-reflection. And after the self-reflection? It might be time to put in some real work. Join Lauren and me for this conversation about being left out and what you can do about it. After you listen, let's keep the conversation going on the Women, Friendship, and Community Facebook group! Let me know what we got right, what we got wrong, and what advice YOU have for those who are often left out. Or, just stop by to say hello!

Are you ready to make some new friends? Are you trying to grow your community or your village? If so, what's your plan? Check out this episode for 5 quick tips on how to make new friends. This episode was adapted from an article I wrote for Just Between Us Magazine several years ago. You can find the full article here: https://justbetweenus.org/christian-relationship-advice/real-friendships/10-tips-for-making-new-friends/. Want more episodes about making new friends? 11 | Making New Friends-Airport Edition - featuring Kinnari Patel 30 | How to Start and Nurture a New Friendship as an Adult - featuring Jenai Eustache 35 | 5 MORE Tips for Making New Friends Finally, let's keep the conversation going! Join the Women, Friendship, and Community group on Facebook! We'll talk about the The Friendship Tour podcast episodes and all things friendship!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! And THANK YOU for joining me on The Friendship Tour in 2024. It's been quite a year! As you know, relationships are important to me, so I'll be spending time with the people I love during the holiday season. See you in 2025!

Have you ever been left out? Maybe you weren't invited to the birthday party or to brunch with the girls. Perhaps your cousins left you off of the group chat or maybe your coworkers didn't tell you about happy hour after work. Maybe it was intentional, maybe it wasn't. Maybe it hurt you a lot, maybe you didn't care all that much. Maybe you pretended not to care all that much. Whatever the case, it happened. It's possible you weren't exactly left out, but life has you feeling a bit left behind. Perhaps your best friend got married and another friend had a baby. These life transitions might have you feeling left out or like you're somehow on the outside looking in - even if it's not really anyone's fault.   The truth is, we've all been left out. It starts in childhood, and it never really ends. When we're left out, it's only natural to get in our feelings, but don't stay there! Being left out and feeling left out is a part of life, albeit an unpleasant part. If and when it happens to you, just remember - you are not alone. We've all been there.   Join guest, Lauren Gray and me for a discussion about times we felt left out and left behind.   If you liked this episode, you'll love the following episode: 29 | Boundaries: What They Are, Why We Need Them, and How We Establish them - featuring Ashley Cook.   Other Episodes with Lauren Gray: 1 | What is a True Friend - featuring Lauren Gray 15 | MOMS! Want Your Kids to Have Friends? Show them How! - featuring Lauren Gray 26 | My Best Friend Has Another Best Friend! Now What??? - featuring Lauren Gray and Tolibah Davis

There's nothing quite like finding THAT friend - the one you have so much in common with, the one you can be completely yourself with, the one your husband and your kids love, too. When you're lucky enough to find that friend, you just want to hold on forever, but that's not always the way life goes. It's a real bummer when a true friend moves away, but that doesn't mean the friendship is over. It really doesn't have to end, but it does have to change. What will the new, long-distance friendship look like? Will you talk weekly? Will you visit one another? Will you still celebrate life's big milestones together? Join Michelle Dallas and me for a conversation about what we did when she moved away and how, all the years later, we're still successfully navigating our long-distance friendship. Next Steps: 1. Listen. 2. Leave a Review. 3. Share The Friendship Tour podcast with a friend!

“Look, Honey! Our new friends just walked in!” I'm still not exactly sure what made my friend, Jenai, think that when we first encountered one another at a local winery. Was she simply trusting her gut? Was it discernment? Was it something else? Whatever the case, I'm glad she went with it, moved a bit closer, and struck up a conversation.   That first conversation between strangers at the winery was the start of something special. Over the next few months, there were shared text messages, goofy Instagram videos, baby christenings, family dinners, couples' dates, birthday parties, prom send offs, more wineries, and even a choir rehearsal hangout as we nurtured our new friendship. We covered a lot of friendship ground in a short period of time, building trust and authentic connection each step of the way.   Making new friends and nurturing new friendships as an adult isn't easy, but it's possible and beautiful when everything aligns just so - when you meet the right person, at the right time, in the right place, and when you share a mutual openness to genuine friendship.   Join Jenai Eustache and me for a discussion about making new friends and nurturing new friendships. Next Steps: 1. Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts. 2. Share THE FRIENDSHIP TOUR with a friend! 3. Keep listening! Want More Episodes About Making New Friends? Check out Episode 11 | Making New Friends - Airport Edition - featuring Kinnari Patel.    

Do you often feel angry, sad, frustrated, annoyed, drained, confused, or just…some kind of way when you interact with a certain friend or friends? Maybe you need to check your boundaries. Boundaries are the physical, mental, emotional, and other limits that protect our personal space and define how we interact with others. They help us feel safe as individuals in all areas of our lives. They help us protect the people and things that are important to us, including our finances, our time with family, our self care - the list goes on and on.    How do you know you need a boundary? I'll give you a hint. Pay attention to that icky or uncomfortable feeling you have after you interact with someone. Take note of the confusion you feel when you're together, then do something about it.    Join Ashley Cook, Associate Marriage Family Therapist (AMFT133670), and me for a talk about boundaries - what they are, why we need them, and how we establish them. Why? Because healthy boundaries are a huge part of maintaining healthy friendships and protecting personal peace.   Additional Resource: Boundaries Updated and Expanded Edition: When to Stay Yes, How to Say No To Take Control of Your Life - by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend   Other Episodes Referenced in This Episode: 1. Episode 7: "We Were on a Break! How Two Friends Grew Apart...and Back Together, Part 1 - featuring Wendy Alleyne" 2. "We Were on a Break! How Two Friends Grew Apart...and Back Together, Part 2 - featuring Wendy Alleyne"

What does it mean to be thankful? Where does thankfulness come from? And, how does having a heart of thanksgiving impact our friendships, our other relationships, and our lives? Thanksgiving isn't just a holiday. It's a mindset, an attitude, a way of life. We all have ups and downs. Some have more ups than others. Some have more downs. Unfortunately, that's just how life goes. But what if being thankful for even the small things somehow leads to us having more to be thankful for…more meaningful friendships, more peace, and more joy? Join me for a heartwarming conversation with Alberta Curtis Minters, who is not only my mother-in-law, but also the most thankful, most positive person I know. Hear for yourself how having a heart of thanksgiving and a positive attitude has helped her navigate all kinds of situations, from disappointment as a young woman to life with an overly opinionated daughter-in-law (that would be me - EEK!). See you on The Friendship Tour! NOTE: If you like this episode, you'll love the following episodes: 1. Episode 9 | Faith-Building Friends - featuring Theresa Johnson 2. Episode 13 | Somebody Prayed for Me - and Those Prayers Got Through! - featuring Ashley Smith

What does it mean to be thankful? Where does thankfulness come from? And, how does having a heart of thanksgiving impact our friendships, our other relationships, and our lives? Thanksgiving isn't just a holiday. It's a mindset, an attitude, a way of life. We all have ups and downs. Some have more ups than others. Some have more downs. Unfortunately, that's just how life goes. But what if being thankful for even the small things somehow leads to us having more to be thankful for…more meaningful friendships, more peace, and more joy? Join me for a heartwarming conversation with Alberta Curtis Minters, who is not only my mother-in-law, but also the most thankful, most positive person I know. Hear for yourself how having a heart of thanksgiving and a positive attitude has helped her navigate all kinds of situations, from disappointment as a young woman to life with an overly opinionated daughter-in-law (that would be me - EEK!). See you on The Friendship Tour!   NOTE: If you like this episode, you'll love the following episodes: Episode 9 | Faith-Building Friends - featuring Theresa Johnson Episode 13 | Somebody Prayed for Me - and Those Prayers Got Through! - featuring Ashley Smith

It's almost the start of the holiday season! It's the most wonderful time of the year…but not for everyone. The holidays can be full of love and laughter for some, and a bit lonely for others. If you're alone for the holidays, and you don't want to be, check out this episode. I've shared some of my favorite ways to spend the holidays when I'm away from loved ones, including: Serving others Hosting my own holiday celebration Traveling If you happen to have family and/or friends with whom to spend the holidays, count your blessings! Then, listen to this episode for a few ideas on how you can spread a little extra love in your community this holiday season.

It's almost the start of the holiday season! It's the most wonderful time of the year…but not for everyone. The holidays can be full of love and laughter for some, and a bit lonely for others. If you're alone for the holidays, and you don't want to be, check out this episode. I've shared some of my favorite ways to spend the holidays when I'm away from loved ones, including: Serving others Hosting my own holiday celebration Traveling If you happen to have family and/or friends with whom to spend the holidays, count your blessings! Then, listen to this episode for a few ideas on how you can spread a little extra love in your community this holiday season.

Let's be honest. It can be tough to hear that your best friend has another best friend. Why is that even necessary? She already has YOU! Still, it happens, and it can honestly be a great thing if you know what to do and what not to do…so you're not just keeping the peace, but thriving as a friend group. Join Lauren Gray, Tolibah Davis, and me as we navigate the friend-in-law experience. We talk about the potential for jealousy, remembering whose turf you're on, and so much more...because it can be difficult to bring different friends together! We promise you it can be done, though. Next Steps:1. Leave a written review on Apple Podcasts.2. Subscribe to The Friendship Tour Podcast.3. Share the podcast with a friend! Ready for Another Episode? Related Episodes:1. Episode 1 - What is a True Friend? - featuring Lauren Gray2. Episode 15 | MOMS! Want Your Kids to Have Friends? Show Them How! - featuring Lauren Gray

Let's be honest. It can be tough to hear that your best friend has another best friend. Why is that even necessary? She already has YOU! Still, it happens, and it can honestly be a great thing if you know what to do and what not to do…so you're not just keeping the peace, but thriving as a friend group. Join Lauren Gray, Tolibah Davis, and me as we navigate the friend-in-law experience. We talk about the potential for jealousy, remembering whose turf you're on, and so much more...because it can be difficult to bring different friends together! We promise you it can be done, though. Next Steps: 1. Leave a written review on Apple Podcasts. 2. Subscribe to The Friendship Tour Podcast. 3. Share the podcast with a friend! Related Episodes: Episode 1 - What is a True Friend? - featuring Lauren Gray Episode 15 - MOMS! Want Your Kids to Have Friends? Show Them How! - featuring Lauren Gray

What makes military spouses such great friends? For starters, they lead with trust. In addition, they're usually more than willing to help others. Why? Because they know what it feels like to need help themselves. Another plus? They tend to be incredibly adventurous and a lot of fun. I learned so much about friendship from one of the best military spouses out there -  Tameco Brannon. To have a friend like her for a season would have been great. I really lucked out, though, and got her for a lifetime. Join Tameco and me for a conversation about how great friendships with military spouses can be…and let's see if there's anything we can apply to friendship outside of the military population.

Veterans Day is a federal holiday in the United States - a day set aside to honor our veterans and thank them for their service. I happen to know a lot of veterans. They are my family. They are my friends. Today, I just want to say thank you to all of them. I hope you'll thank a veteran, too. This life we live wouldn't be possible without them.

Some say politics don't belong in polite conversation. Maybe that's true. Or, maybe we just need some ground rules when it comes to discussing politics with friends. Check out this episode with Dr. Bryan Curtis for tips on how to discuss politics without losing friends.

They say you never get a chance to make a first impression, but what happens if you blew it? What if you said the wrong thing, did the wrong thing, or just looked at someone the wrong way? What if you didn't look friendly, and the vibes were off? Can you still be friends? Can you bounce back from a bad first impression? The good news is…YES, you can! But it takes some work. Join Tiffany Hurt and me as we discuss our friendship's rocky start, the real reasons behind it, and how we bounced back from our initial bad vibes to become the friends we both needed and wanted at various seasons in our lives.

The Friendship Tour is back for Season 2! In this trailer, I'll give you a quick overview of the new season - what's new, what's the same, and what to expect from each episode. In short, The Friendship Tour is about women making, maintaining, and celebrating healthy friendships. We laugh, we cry, and everything in between as we tell uplifting stories about finding our tribe of sisters and holding on to those sisters through life's ups and downs. Hopefully, you'll hear something that'll make you want to pick up the phone and call an old friend or get out there and make a new friend. Why? Because we weren't made to do life alone. We were made to be in fellowship with one another. We need friends! Thanks for joining me on The Friendship Tour. I'm so glad you're here!

So, what's The Friendship Tour all about?! It's about making new friends, maintaining health friendships, and being a good friend. Check it out for yourself. Join me on the tour!

SEASON FINALE!!! Join me for part 2 of the season finale with my husband and best friend, Dr. Bryan Curtis. In this episode, we discuss some of our favorite moments from Season 1, what we've learned about friendship, and what we've learned about one another along the way. And, if you listen closely, you'll hear a hint or two about Season 2. Thanks for listening to the season finale and thank you for joining me on The Friendship Tour! I'll see you in the fall, but in the meantime, BE A GOOD FRIEND!!!

What attracts two people to one another - in a romantic relationship or a platonic one? Some call it chemistry. But what IS chemistry? Well, it's tough to put into words, but you know you when you see it. You know it when you FEEL it. Join me for a conversation with Dr. Bryan Curtis, my husband and best friend, as we discuss chemistry in friendships and relationships.

My childhood neighbor and lifelong friend, Nadeen Gayle, is back to tell us why she's a self-proclaimed, "nosey friend"...and why we should be ALL be nosey friends. A nosey friend calls and doesn't mind if your baby is crying or the dog won't stop barking in the background. Why? Because she wants to hear what's REALLY going on your life...the good and the bad. Mostly, though, she wants to hear your voice and to know that you're okay. That's just the beginning of the conversation, though. Nadeen is passionate about matters of friendship, and it's fun to hear her thoughts on various friendship topics.

I'm one of those annoying people who thinks spouses should be best friends, and it's entirely my parents' fault. They've been married for 54 years, and are still the best of friends. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, MOM AND DAD!!! I LOVE YOU!!!

Lauren and I love to talk about how we've been friends forever, but we just realized how much help our friendship had along the way. In the early days of our relationship, Lauren's mom, Ms. Edna, taught us how to be friends with one another, and she showed us what healthy adult friendships look like and sound like. Ms. Edna was both a friendship mentor and model, and our friendship is strong today because of the lessons she taught us as kids: reciprocity, keeping in touch, playfulness, prioritizing our friends, and so much more. Thank you, Ms. Edna!

SUMMER'S HERE! But instead of enjoying summer, I was running around trying to do too much. When I told a friend about it, he told me to slow down and just enjoy life, and I received that.