Friend Forward

On this week’s episode of the Friend Forward episode, journalist Jordan Davidson sheds some light on the (surprising!) ways that choosing to have/ not have kids inevitably impacts our friendships. In this discussion, we talk about: “Fertility contagion” Reasons more women are choosing not to have children + the fear of being left behind The surprising ways we invalidate our friends’ decisions 4 ways to maintain a friendship when your friend chooses to have/ not have children Send this episode to a friend who comes to mind while you’re listening. To book a private friendship session, visit Betterfemalefriendships.com. To buy Jordan’s book, visit Sowhenareyouhavingkids.com Follow Danielle on Instagram @daniellebayardjackson

If you have a tendency to overshare with new friends, this episode is for you. We'll discuss the real definition of oversharing, three reasons why you're compelled to do it, and what the (inevitable) social consequences are of such a habit. If oversharing is impacting your ability to make (and keep) friends, you might want to book a one-on-one friendship coaching session (before prices increase in 2023!) at Betterfemalefriendships.com/services. Follow host Danielle Bayard Jackson on Instagram @daniellebayardjackson

"Girl Problems" is a new series from the Friend Forward podcast that attemps to answer your friendship questions in five minutes or less. Today, a listener asks about Bumble BFF. She's downloaded the app, but how does she navigate the platform? Since host Danielle Bayard Jackson is the OFFICIAL spokesperson for Bumble BFF (Ayyyy!)), she feels uniquely qualified to offer support. If you've been looking for tangible tips to make the most of your experience on the platform, today's episode is for you. (And you can read this listener's private DM here.) Speaking: Danielle has spoken for the NBA, TikTok, Etsy, and the NFL. Want her to speak for your event? Contact us at [email protected] Sessions: Book a private session at Betterfemalefriendships.com Follow Danielle on Instagram (and submit your own 'girl problem') here: @daniellebayardjackson

Taylor Rae Almonte-Roman is a Brooklyn based Afro-Latina actor, athlete and activist who founded ACTIV-ISM, a wellness company dedicated to providing programs and resources to aide in the fight for social justice. But when she really leaned into activism, she noticed it directly impacted some of her friendships. Today she'll share a bit of her story, and it will offer validation to other women of color who sometimes struggle to feel truly seen in their interracial friendships. Follow Taylor on Instagram. Follow Danielle on Instagram. Book a private coaching session.

You’ve struggled with it for weeks, but you’re finally ready to come to accept that one of your friendships is over. But how do you begin moving forward? In today's episode, resident friendship coach and educator Danielle Bayard Jackson will share 4 ways to move on from a painful friendship break-up. ** BONUS** Today's episode includes instructions to download a free list of 10 ways to respond when people ask you about your friendship breakup (again). Don't miss it! * Book a private friendship coaching session here (includes 75 minutes of discussion, session notes, and a customized action plan). * Follow Danielle on Instagram @daniellebayardjackson * Book Danielle to speak at your next event: email [email protected]

You may have heard women who describe themselves as "high-achievers", and typically, these women have the kind of traits that we all aspire to have: they’re go-getters, they may have a lot of social connections, and they are likely what most would consider to be successful. But when it comes to friendship, there's one way that they are getting it wrong. To help us understand what this is, I’m calling in Vernique Esther, an Atlanta-based therapist who specializes in working with high-achieving women. Join our FRIENDSHIP ELEVATED 16-week group coaching program (DOORS CLOSE SOON!) Book a private, personal session Follow Danielle Bayard Jackson on Instagram Follow Vernique on Instagram

"Girl Problems" is a new weekly segment from the Friend Forward podcast where we attempt to answer a listener's issue in 5 minutes or less. To submit your issue ( or to sign-up for a full one-on-one session), visit us at Betterfemalefriendships.com. Follow Danielle on Instagram. Binge Danielle's TikToks.

This week we're sharing voice notes submitted by listeners explaining why they consider themselves "guys' girls", then offering research and insights to explain their perspective. The goal of this episode is to bridge the divide between "girls' girls" and "guys' girls" in an attempt to alleviate some of the hostility and misunderstanding between these two groups. If this resonates with you, come tell us about it on Instagram @friendforward or visit us (and schedule a personal coaching session!) by visiting Betterfemalefriendships.com. BOOK DANIELLE BAYARD JACKSON TO SPEAK at your 2023 EVENT: [email protected]

"Girl Problems" is a new weekly mini-segment from the Friend Forward podcast where resident friendship coach and educator Danielle Bayard Jackson attempts to address a personal DM in five minutes or less with the help of fellow listeners. To learn more about friendship coaching (yes, it's a thing!), visit Betterfemalefriendships.com and follow Danielle on Instagram at @daniellebayardjackson NOTE: We are working on a program to support those who need support but aren't able to financially invest in personalized, professional help. Stay tuned!

I recently asked 600 women about their friendships. Nearly 30% of those women said that they had a friendships that they were currently considering terminating. If that's the case, we need to spend some time thinking about not only how to do it, but why we're making that choice. To join me in this conversation, Erin Falconer comes to shed some light on the issue. She's a psychotherapist and author of the book "How to Break Up with Your Friends", and I spotlight her in this conversation to just let her drop gems without interruption. As always, the full, unedited conversation is available for members of our GROUP CHAT, which you can join at any time by visiting Betterfemalefriendships.com. Follow Danielle on Instagram Buy Erin's Book

Welcome to our new weekly segment: GIRL PROBLEMS-- a mini-episode where resident friendship coach and educator Danielle Bayard Jackson will answer a question directly from either our Instagram DM's (@friendforward) or emails we receive at Betterfemalefriendships.com. To share your thoughts on today's "girl problem", visit us on Instagram. And to submit a "girl problem" of your own, DM us or send an email to [email protected]. Don't want to want for your chance to be selected? Join our group chat to ask other women for help OR book a 1-on-1 session with Danielle (spaces limited!)

How is your "friendship algorithm" secretly impacting your relationship with other women? To help define and unpack the concept, Dr. Marisa G. Franco--psychologist, speaker, and author of the new book "Platonic: How the Science of Attachment can Help you Make and Keep Friends"-- is here to break it all down. Order Dr. Franco's book here in time for our book club meeting, and then book your one-on-one coaching session today. Follow resident friendship coach and educator Danielle Bayard Jackson: Instagram TikTok YOUTUBE!

Welcome to our new weekly segment: GIRL PROBLEMS-- a mini-episode where resident friendship coach and educator Danielle Bayard Jackson will answer a question directly from either our Instagram DM's (@friendforward) or emails we receive at Betterfemalefriendships.com. To share your thoughts on today's "girl problem", visit us on Instagram. And to submit a "girl problem" of your own, DM us or send an email to [email protected]. Don't want to want for your chance to be selected? Join our group chat to ask other women for help OR book a 1-on-1 session with Danielle (spaces limited!).

Your friends are there to hype you up-- but you can't allow yourself to accept the praise. Why is that? In today's episode of the Friend Forward podcast, resident friendship coach and educator Danielle Bayard Jackson explains why (some!) women have this tendency, along with a surefire strategy to help stop it. *** THE "Friendship Elevated" GROUP COACHING WAITLIST IS NOW OPEN! Visit Betterfemalefriendships.com/membership for more details. *** Not ready to commit to a full program? Join our group chat instead. See you over there! Follow Danielle on Instagram @daniellebayardjackson Or TikTok at @thefriendshipexpert

This week we talk to Ali, a young woman whose social media video went viral-- and shortly afterwards, there was a falling out. Listen as we interview her to learn what inspired the video, and what happened after it began to circulate online. We'll end the episode with a takeaway for women who are conflict averse people-pleasers, because there's a lot that they can learn from Ali's experience.

You might be in a place where you're convinced that you don't need friendships. Maybe you're too busy, maybe you've been hurt. Either way, you'd be wrong. In today's episode of the Friend Forward Podcast (100 episodes!!!), we'll break down 3 reasons people say they don't need friendships, along with some insightful research that shows just how important friendship actually is. Come join our '"Group Chat", or book a private session with resident friendship coach and educator, Danielle Bayard Jackson. On IG: Danielle Bayard Jackson On TikTok: @TheFriendshipExpert To book Danielle to speak at your conference or event: [email protected]

Research shows that women have a greater tendency toward rumination than men-- and it might play a major role in how we show up with our friends! In this episode of the Friend Forward podcast, resident female friendship coach and educator Danielle Bayard Jackson will explain her "Rumination I.D.E.A.s" Framework to describe the 4 negative consequences of rumination when trying to reconcile with a friend. (When sharing Danielle's framework we encourage you to tag us on Instagram @friendforward or on TikTok at @thefriendshipexpert!). As always, stay tuned to the end of the episode for your this week's homework! ***** WANT TO JOIN THE NEW "FRIEND FORWARD GROUP CHAT?" Visit us at www.patreon.com/friendforward and sign up today.***

This episode is DIFFERENT. I'm finally opening up about what it's like to be a female friendship coach and educator, in an attempt to practice more vulnerability with our Friend Forward audience. *** WE JUST LAUNCHED A MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP!*** If you like reading books and talking about female friendship (and opportunities to talk to women who are just as intentional as you are about creating healthy platonic relationships), come join us at Betterfemalefriendships.com/bookclub while there's still room! ------------------------------------------------------------- Follow Danielle on Instagram or TikTok. Book her to speak at your conference by contacting Sam Lee at [email protected]

**WE'RE STARTING A BOOK CLUB! **Book clubs aren't anything new, but they're a tried and true strategy for finding new friends and nurturing relationships with them over time. Today I'm interviewing Mackenzie "Mack" Newcomb about how she created a book club with nearly 200,000 members and what she's been doing to help women form meaningful friendships once they join. Listen as she gives TANGIBLE tips for how to get plugged into a book club ... or how to START one of your own, if you're feeling bold. After listening, grab your copy of the book we're reading in the Friend Forward Library at Betterfemalefriendships.com/bookclub. To book a friendship coaching session OR to have Danielle speak at your next conference, visit betterfemalefriendships.com. *Follow Danielle on Instagram.*

I'm honored to speak to Dr. Carole Robin, co-author of the book "Connect: Building Exceptional Relationships with Family, Friends, and Colleagues". It's one of the best books I've ever read, so I reached out to ask if I could interview her for MY upcoming book, "Fighting for Our Friendships" (2024). She said YES, and the interview was too good not to share with you. So today, please enjoy a snippet of that interview, as Dr. Robin explains the concept of "pinches and crunches" to help you know when and how to communciate boundaries with a female friend, and why you should muster the courage to express them to your close friends. Book a one-on-one coaching session at Betterfemalefriendships.com Follow Danielle on Instagram or TikTok. Subscribe to our YOUTUBE!

The concept of "friend demotions" is circulating on social media, and while we aren't fans of the phrase, we do support the concept. In this week's episode, resident female friendship coach and educator Danielle Bayard Jackson explains what "demotions" are, what we should be calling them instead, and three things to avoid if you're going to adopt this philosophy. If you want to work through a personal friendship issue that you've been ruminating on for far too, long, book a one-on-one friendship coaching session at Betterfemalefriendships.com. Follow Danielle on TikTok. Follow Danielle on Instagram. Book Danielle to speak for your sorority, university, women's organization, business, or league.

The "low-maintenance friendship" concept is gaining in popularity, but what does it really mean? And are you ready to adopt this approach? After a brief hiatus, the Friend Forward podcast is back to unpack what a low-maintenance friendship requires, and FOUR questions to ask yourself to determine if this attitude will be helpful or hurtful for you and your platonic relationships. If you're looking for one-on-one support, book a private coaching session at betterfemalefriendships.com. Follow Danielle Bayard Jackson on TikTok. Follow Danielle Bayard Jackson on Instagram.

After two years of dodging COVID, Danielle's finally been hit by the virus, and it's taken a toll on her voice! So this week's episode is a replay from the archives, exploring what to do when you find yourself in the habit of cancelling plans. We'll also explore how to respond when a friend cancels on you... again. If you're obsessed with improving your female friendships, join us over at Betterfemalefriendships.com to explore your options for support: one-on-one coaching, booking Danielle to speak at your next event, or joining our group coaching program. See you there!

Emotional safety is critical for us to be able to open up with friends, but there are a few things that make it "unsafe" to do so. In this episode, host Danielle Bayard Jackson explains why emotional safety is important, along with three things that often get in the way of creating it. Members of the exclusive Friend Forward Library will enjoy additional content on this subject, along with original scripts for when you want to inspire more emotional safety within your own friendships. Visit our vault at Betterfemalefriendships.com/library To book a one-on-one session with Danielle, visit us at Betterfemalefriendships.com

For some women, they're a source of support. But for others, they are a major source of anxiety. Today we're talking about the dark side of group chats, because they can cause both internal and external conflicts. In this episode, you'll learn the four components that can make or break a group chat, and we'll also explore three reasons women stay even though they're stressed. And if you're looking for tangible solutions to your group texting problems, join our Friend Forward Library at Betterfemalefriendships.com/library or get DEEPER support with a one-on-one coaching session. Watch Danielle's TikTok video: "Group chats are not a flex" Follow Danielle on Instagram

Body image + friendship-- the two issues seem unrelated, don't they? But today we'll explore how they might actually be connected. We're speaking with THE Jess Connolly, and are still in disbelief to have someone we admire so much sitting in the guest chair. So tune in as Jess shares fresh insights on how your personal relationship with your body may affect the way you're relating to your female friends. As summer approaches and conversations around "bikini bodies" are ever-present, this episode couldn't be more timely. If the content resonates, be sure to visit Betterfemalefriendships.com or follow @jessaconnolly or Danielle at @daniellebayardjackson for more support.

How do you turn an awesome initial interaction into an ongoing friendship? In this week's episode, resident friendship coach Danielle Bayard Jackson is showing you her tangible method for keeping momentum with a new friend so that she doesn't become "the friend that got away". This is a snippet from her 'Friendship Elevated Group Coaching Program' content, module 2. So if you're interested in becoming a member and getting access to 8 weeks of videos and personal coaching sessions, sign up today at Betterfemalefriendships.com/membership Follow Friend Forward Follow Danielle Bayard Jackson Book Danielle to speak at your event

Our most recent TikTok video earned more than 500K views, and it was about validating your friend when she's venting-- let's just say that women had a lot to share in the comment section! So in this week's episode, we're unpacking how to the pros and cons of validating and offering solutions, and the dangers of doing the wrong one at the wrong time. Friendship coach Danielle Bayard Jackson also gives a few scripts (the rest are in our Friend Forward library which launches next week!) to keep in your back pocket so you know exactly what to say the next time your friend is giving you an earful about her latest misadventure, and you're just not sure how to respond. To book Danielle to speak or to grab a slot for a 1:1 coaching session, visit Betterfemalefriendships.com --- Follow Danielle, Follow Friend Forward

This week I'm sharing my conversation with Dr. Tracy Alloway, an award-winning psychologist and and author of Think Like a Girl whose appearances on CNN, Good Morning America, and The Doctors have made her the go-to woman for information about the brain. In this interview, Dr. Alloway shares some of the unique ways the female brain is wired, and I make connections between how that wiring can impact how we relate to our female friends. This interview was helpful as I work to write my own book, Fighting for our Friendships, which is coming to a book store near you in early 2024. Visit Betterfemalefriendships.com for more. Follow Dr. Alloway Follow Friend Forward Follow Danielle Bayard Jackson on TikTok or IG

What do you do when YOU'RE the friend who's always initiating? In this episode, friendship coach Danielle Bayard Jackson gives three things you can do to manage your frustration and experience more balance in your friendships. (As always, stay tuned to the end of the episode to get this week's homework!) If navigating friendships as an adult has been a struggle for you for quite some time now, you should definitely join our 8-week group coaching program. There are weekly videos that teach you about the 5 phases of adult friendship (and it includes 4 coaching sessions with Danielle!). JOIN NOW: https://www.betterfemalefriendships.c... How to Make New Friends (as an Adult): The Ultimate Course" https://www.betterfemalefriendships.c... Follow Danielle on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thefriendship... Follow us for friendship tips on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendforward

In your friend group, there’s quite a mixed bag. Some of the ladies have extensive means while others have to be a little more conscious about how they spend. And while you know this too be true, it’s not like you all ever really talk about it, because that would be awkward… right? In today’s episode of the Friend Forward podcast, Danielle Bayard Jackson is going to talk about money and the sneaky way that it can impact our female friendships. By the end of today’s show, you’ll learn: Two reasons why money often causes conflict in friendships What to do whether you’re the friend with only a couple dollars in the account OR the friend who’s living comfortably And finally, how to plan social outings that everyone can take part in If you’re ready for this conversation to make a little more CENTS, then stay tuned because we’re gonna unpack it. Follow Danielle Follow Friend Forward Visit Betterfemalefriendships.com

Attachment Theory is having a moment in mainstream media, but what does it really mean? And how do you know if your particular attachment style is impacting your friendships? In this week's episode, we speak with Megan Gillespie, an educator and therapist specializing in anxiety and attachment, who breaks down the surprising ways in which your attachment style may be hurting (and helping!) your platonic relationships. If you want to become more intentional about creating satisfying friendships, this episode is for you. Follow us @friendforward Follow Megan @ meganegillespie For 1-on-1 coaching (or to book Danielle to speak at your conference/ women's event/ academic symposium) visit Betterfemalefriendships.com

How do you address a friend who only talks about herself? Sure, you love her for her adventurousness and humor, but sometimes it just seems like you're along for the ride while she's the star of the show. In this episode, you'll learn three reasons why self-centeredness harms friendships, a 3-step formula for addressing this issue, and two quick hacks to get out of a "monologue-style" conversation that's gone on for far too long. https://www.betterfemalefriendships.com/membership

You probably expect that a friendship coach helps with making friends, deepening friendships, and navigating friendship conflicts. These are certainly the central issues that we work through. But there are other issues-- that are much more specific-- that women confess during our time together, and we're sharing them today in hopes that it validates listeners who've been privately mulling over similar thoughts. While we already outlined these 6 issues in a recent TikTok video, today we'll be elaborating on each. Follow DANIELLE BAYARD JACKSON Follow FRIEND FORWARD VISIT BETTERFEMALEFRIENDSHIPS.COM

Today I’m sharing my conversation with Amanda E. White, the therapist you know and love from the IG account @therapyforwomen. She’s the author of Not Drinking Tonight, a judgement-free and relatable book that helps you explore your relationship with alcohol. By the time you’re done listening to this conversation, you'll understand: What the sober-curious movement is all about Signs that a friend’s drinking may have gone too far Two things that may instantly change in your friendships if you decide to live an alcohol-free life If you're ready to learn how to build friendships that are actually satisfying, visit us at Betterfemalefriendships.com/membership -Follow FRIENDSHIP COACH DANIELLE BAYARD JACKSON -Follow FRIEND FORWARD

We've missed you! It's season 4 for the Friend Forward Podcast and we're getting more personal this time around. Listen in as our resident friendship coach, Danielle Bayard Jackson, gives a preview of the episode topics you can expect, along with a few other surprises. Let's do this.

Each year closes with a collective optimism to "get it right" in the year to come. In our season finale, we walk you through research-based strategies for keeping the resolutions you're making for your friendships. To get more from this episode, download our new ebook (which includes a FREE assessment that reveals the specific friendship goals YOU should make for 2022). Betterfemalefriendships.com/friendshipintentions. See you again in February 2022 when we kick-off season 4! Until then, follow along with us on Instagram @friendforward or join our coaching program at Betterfemalefriendships.com/membership

It's inevitable in any long-lasting friendship: your friend will make choices that you disapprove of, but how do you address it without her feeling like you're being completely unsupportive? In this episode, we'll explore 3 things to keep in mind when you want to show your friend you have her back (even though you disagree with her decisions). [Download your free "Friendship Intentions" ebook to take the assessment and determine which area of friendship you should focus on for the year 2022.] For more personalized support, book a coaching session at Betterfemalefriendships.com today. Space is limited!

In the third week of our "How to support a friend when..." series, we're talking about showing up for a friend with a new baby. Dr. Angel Montfort is a psychologist who specializes in perinatal mental health and joins us as a guest to lend her voice to this conversation. Follow her on Instagram at @drangelmontfort for more, and follow us at @friendforward or visit Betterfemalefriendships.com/membership to join our VIP 8-week group coaching program to get your friendships in order before the new year!

Try as we might, it can be tough to know exactly what to do or say to help a friend manage her feelings around a break-up. In part 2 of a 4-part series titled "How to support a friend when...", we're outlining 5 ways to help a friend when she's reeling from heartbreak. If you're looking for a way to finally get ACTIONABLE strategies for more satisfying friendships, visit betterfemalefriendships.com/membership to join our 8-week group coaching program before the price increases on December 31. Don't forget to follow us on Instagram at @friendforward or @daniellebayardjackson.

This week, we're kicking off a 4-week series titled "How to Support Your Friend When..." and it's all about chronic illness. We are joined by listeners Erin and Nikita who share their struggle with various illnesses and the ways in which friends should (and SHOULDN'T!) support women in their position. If you're looking for ways to strengthen your own friendships, join our 8-week group coaching program called "Friendship Elevated" by visiting Betterfemalefriendships.com/membership

We hope you're spending this week enjoying time with friends and family! Until we meet again next week, here are some things you should know: 1. Enjoy 30% off of our How to Make Friends as an Adult Course when you pay in full and use code FRIENDSGIVING (good until 11/30) 2. Get ready for our new series: "How to support your friends when..." which starts next week! 3. To be on Danielle's book list, visit betterfemalefriendships.com/book

After an awesome first-interaction with a woman you like, you probably end the conversation by saying, "We should get together some time!" And she agrees... but nothing ever materializes. Danielle created "The Trailer Method" to increase your chances of keeping a strong momentum with a new friend, and today, she's teaching YOU how to do it. For more support in your female friendships, visit Betterfemalefriendships.com and get 30% off of our "How to Make Friends as an Adult" course with code FRIENDSGIVING when you pay in full (offer expires 11/30)!

You have a few good friendships, but lately you've noticed that they're not really as... deep... as you'd hoped for. In this episode, we're walking you through 5 (possible) reasons your platonic relationships have been feeling a little surface-level lately. If you've been struggling with this for more than just a season, consider joining our 8-week group coaching program, "Friendship Elevated" TODAY while there are still a few remaining spots! Betterfemalefriendships.com/membership

It's inevitable that-- in the course of any friendship-- you will eventually be let down by people you love. This is simply a result of two fallible humans coming together to interact with one another. But what do you do when you're still not over the way your friend disappointed you? In this episode we'll share three questions to ask when managing feelings of hurt and frustration at the hands of a friend you love. But hey, if you've been disappointed by the same friend one too many times and are ready to make NEW friends, take our new "How to Make Friends as an Adult" course TODAY! https://www.betterfemalefriendships.com/howtomakefriendscourse

This is part TWO of a two-week series... It's the #1 question we hear: "How do I make friends as an adult?" But before we take a look at the strategies to create new connections, we must first understand the challenges that lie ahead. Because it's not actually HARD, it's just something we haven't had much practice with. But the good news is, we're here to help you through it. To sign-up for the NEW "How to Make Friends (as an adult) Ultimate Course", visit betterfemalefriendships.com/howtomakefriendscourse to secure "founder's pricing" before the price increases on November 1.

It's the #1 question we hear: "How do I make friends as an adult?" But before we take a look at the strategies to create new connections, we must first understand the challenges that lie ahead. Because it's not actually HARD, it's just something we haven't had much practice with. But the good news is, we're here to help you through it. (And because this is such a layered conversation, part 2 drops next week.) To sign-up for the NEW "How to Make Friends (as an adult) Ultimate Course", visit betterfemalefriendships.com/howtomakefriendscourse to secure "founder's pricing" before the price increases on November 1.

Danielle has a major announcement. Buckle up. Betterfemalefriendships.com

Every now and then you need a girls' trip with your friends, but how do you plan so that there's a guarantee that it will be drama-free? In this week's episode we'll talk about the 2 benefits of group trips, the 4 things to consider while you plan, and how to recover if things go sideways. Because the Real Housewives series can't be the only model we have of how girls' trips are supposed to go. Ready for 1-on-1 friendship coaching? Visit us at Betterfemalefriendships.com

For the first time, I step away from "coach mode" to chat with two of my personal friends-- Katy and Yamel-- to talk about "new friend red flags". We received several responses to our Instagram story asking about the things other women do within your first few interactions that turn you off, and this week we're discussing them as a group. We'll also share our "green flags"-- things women do within the "new friend" stage that make us swoon. For a complete friendship transformation, consider joining our 8-week coaching program, "Friendship Elevated", at Betterfemalefriendships.com/membership. There are video modules, homework challenges, and personal coaching sessions to help you MASTER adult friendship in 60 days.