Friend Forward

Latest Episodes:

The unique stress that women face (and how social support helps us through it) Aug 07, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Friend Forward podcast, host Danielle Bayard Jackson explores the unique stressors that women face and how their friendships serve as a crucial buffer against these stressors.

The conversation delves into the biological, ecological, and social dimensions of stress, emphasizing the importance of perceived social support.

Danielle also discusses various studies that highlight the benefits of female friendships on mental and physical health, workplace dynamics, and overall well-being.

For members of the Friend Forward Patron Community ("Office Hours"), there's bonus material where the host also provides four practical strategies for inviting more social support into one's life, encouraging listeners to prioritize their friendships and seek help when needed.

SOURCE: The book Danielle referenced throughout the episode is "Stress, Social Support, and Women" by Stevan E. Hobfoll.

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Want to become a women's relational health coach like Danielle? Join the free "lunch and learn" on Wednesday, August 13 at 1pm EST. Visit the "certification" page at womensrelationalhealthinstitute.com.

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Want Danielle to design and present an engaging and informative presentation about women's conflict and connection at your next event? Contact us at daniellebayardjackson.com.

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Follow Danielle on socials @daniellebayardjackson

How to create "community care plans" within your female friendships // A conversation with Dr. Ashley Gaddy Robbins Jul 25, 2025

Show notes

In this conversation, Dr. Ashley Gaddy Robbins discusses the importance of community care as a form of resistance, emphasizing the mutual support and holistic care that communities provide.

Alongside host and women's friendship expect Danielle Bayard Jackson, Dr. Robbins defines community care, shares strategies for engaging women in community care, and addresses common challenges faced by individuals in seeking connection.

Dr. Robbins highlights the significance of self-assessment and shared values in building community, and introduces everyday resistance strategies that can empower individuals to take action in their lives and communities.

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Access the full episode as a member of "Office Hours" (our Patreon community). Join anytime at betterfemalefriendships.com/podcast

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Book Danielle to share evidence-based insights on women's conflict and cooperation at your next event by contacting samantha@tellpublicrelations.com.

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Follow Danielle Bayard Jackson on Instagram

Follow Friend Forward on Instagram

Follow Dr. Robbins on Instagram

How to be 'helpable' (and the power of the "Benjamin Franklin Effect") Jul 11, 2025

Show notes

Why is it hard to ask our friends for help? What are the benefits of becoming "help-seeking" women in our friendships? And once we do get the nerve to ask for support, how can we do it in a way that actually motivates people to show up for us?

This is a pretty research-heavy episode, and it's going to finally allow you to exhale. Truly.

Because host Danielle Bayard Jackson answering these questions and more on this episode of the Friend Forward podcast.

Want more?

This is an excerpt of our most recent episode. To enjoy the full episode, we encourage you to become a member of "Office Hours", our private Patreon community. You can join us any time at betterfemalefriendships.com/podcast.

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Event

TAMPA: Join us for "Book Swap with Heart" on July 27 at Hotel Haya in historic Ybor City from 2pm-4pm. Get your tickets here.

Want to book Danielle to share her research-based insights on women's relational health at your upcoming event? Connect with her team at samantha@tellpublicrelations.com.

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Stay connected

Connect with us on Instagram @friendforward
Connect with Danielle on Instagram @daniellebayardjackson
Learn more about relational health expert Danielle Bayard Jackson at daniellebayardjackson.com

"Tell me what you want, what you really, really want."// 5 Most Common Contradictory Friendship Goals Jul 07, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Friend Forward podcast, resident friendship coach and women's relational health expert Danielle Bayard Jackson delves into five of the most common contradictions women face in their relational goals.

Together we'll explore contradictions like the desire for siloed friendships versus wanting a friend group; and the temptation to hide your needs while always wanting to be deeply known.

Through these discussions, Danielle offers insights and strategies for reconciling these conflicting desires to foster healthier relationships.

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Want to enjoy the full episode?

Become an "Office Hours" member today by registering on betterfemalefriendships.com/podcast.

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Need a relational health coach to help you with a current issue? One-on-one sessions for the summer are available for the next 4 weeks. Book a session before August 11 and receive an additional 30-minute follow-up session complimentary.

Visit betterfemalefriendships.com to book today.

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Want to book Danielle for your (virtual or in-person) Fall 2025 event? Inquire today by contacting us at samantha@tellpublicrelations.com

Women feel more "interpersonal guilt" than men. Here's how that's impacting our female friendships. Jun 27, 2025

Show notes

If you had one week where you couldn't experience guilt, how would that change your friendships? Would you end relationships? Would you set boundaries? Would you ask for help? Would you pull away from your family to spend more time with friends without feeling bad about it?

These questions were sparked by the book I'm reading, "The Guilt Pill" by Saumya Dave. In it, the main character, Maya, takes a new pill that numbs the part of her brain that feels guilt and... well, it's quite a ride.

So I read four studies about women's guilt and in this episode I'll unpack what I discovered. Then we'll look at ways that our perpetual "interpersonal guilt" shapes the decisions we make in our friendships... and the surprising dangers and benefits that come of it.

Here are the 4 studies we review in the episode:

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9373443/

https://www.ipsos.com/en-us/80-women-recognize-value-self-nurture-yet-few-care-selves-they-care-others

https://bpspsychub.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/bjso.12575

https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/spanish-journal-of-psychology/article/abs/intensity-of-habitual-guilt-in-men-and-women-differences-in-interpersonal-sensitivity-and-the-tendency-towards-anxiousaggressive-guilt/8646A546F01B6ABF51C9C6F1EF0620A1

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Want to hear the extended episode?

Become a member of "Office Hours" for full episodes, BONUS episodes, resources, book clubs, and more. See you at betterfemalefriendships.com/podcast

Is ChatGPT impacting your friendships? These 7 questions will help you to know for sure. Jun 23, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Friend Forward podcast, host Danielle Bayard Jackson explores the complex relationship between artificial intelligence, specifically ChatGPT, and women's friendships.

This episode offers seven questions that equip you to evaluate and interrogate ways that your ChatGPT use might be impacting the breadth, depth, and quality of your social landscape.

NOTE: You are listening to a complimentary excerpt of the full episode which is housed exclusively in "Office Hours", our private Patreon community (the full episode is 40 minutes). You can join any time by visiting betterfemalefriendships.com/podcast.

No, she's not (always) "gaslighting" you // a conversation about "therapy speak" during friendship conflict with Dr. Isabelle Morley Jun 13, 2025

Show notes

In this conversation, Dr. Isabelle Morley (author of the book "They're not gaslighting you") and host Danielle Bayard Jackson discuss the increasing prevalence of therapy-related language in everyday conversations, particularly in the context of friendships and conflicts.

They explore the definitions and nuances of terms like gaslighting, narcissism, and boundaries, emphasizing the importance of using these terms responsibly. The discussion highlights the dangers of social media in shaping perceptions of relationships and the need for more thoughtful communication. Ultimately, they encourage listeners to focus on feelings and personal empowerment rather than labeling others.

RESOURCES

NOTE: To the members of "Office Hours", we created a quick guide to equip you with alternatives for words like "gaslight" and "narcissist". (Not a member of "Office Hours"? Join now by visiting betterfemalefriendships.com/podcast)

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SPEAKING

Want to book Danielle to speak about the science of women's conflict and connection at your Fall event? Reach out to the team at info@tellpublicrelations.com to inquire today. [View her speaking reel here.]

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BOOK CLUB

Want Danielle to (virtually) visit your book club? Buy your copy of Fighting for our Friendshipsand then contact us at hello@betterfemalefriendships.com.

When life transitions impact your friendships: A conversation with Almost 30 hosts Lindsey Simcik and Krista Williams Jun 06, 2025

Show notes

Want to two friends discuss the life transitions that strained their friendship?

In this conversation, Krista Williams and Lindsey Simcik, co-hosts of the Almost 30 podcast (title of their new book!), share their journey of navigating friendships through various life transitions.

They discuss the evolution of their friendship, the challenges they faced, and the lessons learned from conflicts. The conversation highlights the importance of trust, communication, and the ebb and flow of relationships, especially as women experience significant life changes. They also address common friendship issues faced by women and offer insights on how to maintain deep connections despite life's challenges.

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Grab your complimentary guide on navigating life transitions with friends by becoming a member of "Office Hours". betterfemalefriendships.com/podcast

Buy "Almost 30: A definitive guide to a life you love for the next decade and beyond" here

Trees, cars, and sidewalks: How poor urban planning hurts your social life // a conversation with Fatima Elkott, urban planner May 29, 2025

Show notes

Okay, I know I shouldn't have favorites but this episode (and this guest!) might really be in my top 10 favorite episodes that we've produced in the show's five-year history.

In this conversation, urban planner Fatima Elkott discusses the significance of city design in shaping our environments and social interactions.

She emphasizes the impact of urban planning on community engagement, the importance of creating third spaces, and the role of civic participation in urban planning. Elkott also addresses social inequities in urban design and shares examples of her favorite thoughtful urban spaces that foster connection and joy.

Note: This is an excerpt from the full episode, which is available exclusively on Patreon. Join us anytime at betterfemalefriendships.com/podcast.

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** Book Danielle to speak at your conference, seminar, or retreat by contacting info@tellpublicrelations.com (and view her speaking reel here).

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SPONSOR: TELL Public Relations

When Danielle Bayard Jackson launched Friend Forward seven years ago, people were laughing at the idea of a "friendship coach". Now, she's one of the most sought-after experts on women's conflict and connection.

If you're wondering how to get the same kind of visibility for your business, it might be time to being in a partner. Visit tellpublicrelations.com to learn how you can increase your visibility and brand authority with speaking engagements, television appearances, podcast interviews, and true community engagement.

"It's just easier to be friends with guys" -- a sentiment we need to unpack. May 22, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Friend Forward podcast, host Danielle Bayard Jackson delves into the complexities of women's friendships, particularly the perception that friendships with men are easier.

She explores various factors contributing to this belief, including differences in:

conversation styles
bonding rituals
emotional expectations
safety concerns

Through research and personal reflections, Danielle emphasizes the importance of understanding these dynamics and encourages listeners to appreciate the value of both male and female friendships.

Note: This is an excerpt from the full episode, which is available exclusively on Patreon. Join us anytime at betterfemalefriendships.com/podcast.

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** Book Danielle to speak at your conference, seminar, or retreat by contacting info@tellpublicrelations.com (and view her speaking reel here).

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Thanks to our sponsor TELL PUBLIC RELATIONS.

If you've ever wondered how friendship expert Danielle Bayard Jackson is able to elevate her brand through speaking engagements, podcast interviews, and television appearances, learn more at tellpublicrelations.com and see how we can get the same visibility for your brand. TELLPUBLICRELATIONS.COM

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