Dear Nina: Conversations About Friendship

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  #204 - "Go where the heat Is”: My Husband on Five Years of Friendship Advice 26.07.2026 28min

  To mark five years of Dear Nina, I invited my husband, Bryan, who has listened to every episode and occasionally reminds me to follow my own advice. We talk about why so many friendship dilemmas come down to unequal interest, what to do instead of “matching energy,” and why reaching out is often better than waiting. Bryan also shares the lessons that have stayed with him most—and the friendship advice I still need to practice myself. Special thank you, as always, to my assistant producer, Rebekah Jacobs!
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  #203 - College Rankings Don't Predict Where You'll Belong (Alexis White) 19.07.2026 46min

  College admissions counselor Alexis White joins me to explain why rankings and prestige cannot tell you where a student will actually thrive. We talk about school size, campus culture, Greek life, competitive clubs, friendship, and why students need more than one path to belonging. Alexis also shares what parents should consider beyond grades and test scores when helping a student choose the right college. Special thank you, as always, to my assistant producer, Rebekah Jacobs!
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  #202 - When Friends Make Plans Without You (Danielle Bayard Jackson) 12.07.2026 41min

  We have all felt the sting of not being invited. In this replay episode, friendship educator Danielle Bayard Jackson joins Nina to talk about what it means—and does not always mean—when friends make plans without us. They discuss tricky group dynamics, why some gatherings are built around convenience, shared history, or a smaller purpose, and the friendship patterns that may be worth examining in ourselves. This is not about blaming people for being left out. It is about understanding the nuance, resisting the spiral, and remembering that we do not have to wait around for invitations. We can make the plan, start the group, and become the inviter too. Special thank you, as always, to my assistant producer, Rebekah Jacobs!
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  #201 - A Softer Way to Think About Friendships That Faded (Rebecca Kotok) 05.07.2026 30min

  Rebecca Kotok, one of my very best friends and one of Dear Nina’s most popular guests, returns for a conversation about the way approaching 50, grief, and life experience can soften how we think about friendships that faded. We talk about why old friendship hurts can carry so much shame, why some friendships fade without anyone being “the villain,” and how freeing it can be to stop prosecuting every old friendship case in your mind. This episode is not about ignoring bad behavior or letting everyone back into your life. It’s about the peace that can come from seeing old friendship stories with more generosity, perspective, and compassion. Special thank you, as always, to my assistant producer, Rebekah Jacobs!
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  Bonus - An Episode Honoring Jill Smokler: Friendship, Cancer, and Community 28.06.2026 38min

  In this bonus episode, I’m honoring my friend Jill Smokler by sharing again the conversation she asked me to record with her in the summer of 2024, soon after she was diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. Jill died on June 22, 2026, and I’m replaying this episode around what would have been her 49th birthday. Jill was the founder of Scary Mommy and later the creator of She’s Got Issues. Her writing, humor, honesty, and support of other writers helped countless women feel less alone. In this conversation, Jill speaks frankly about her diagnosis, the outpouring of love she received from every era of her life, and what friendship looks like in a crisis. We talked about what helped, what didn’t, why “you don’t have to respond” can be such a gift, and the importance of brief, consistent check-ins with no expectations. It is heartbreaking, funny, blunt, generous, and pure Jill. Special thank you, as always, to my assistant producer, Rebekah Jacobs!
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  #200 - Why Talking to Strangers is Good for Your Friendships (Dr. Gillian Sandstrom) 21.06.2026 41min

  For episode 200 of Dear Nina: Conversations About Friendship, I’m joined by Dr. Gillian Sandstrom, an associate professor in the Psychology of Kindness at the University of Sussex and author of Once Upon a Stranger: The Science of How Small Talk Can Add Up to a Big Life. I came into this conversation a little skeptical. Do I really need to talk to more strangers? At the grocery store? On airplanes? When I’m just trying to get through my day? But Gillian makes such a compelling case for why these small, low-stakes interactions matter. We talk about why every friend was once a stranger, how small talk helps us practice the skills we need for friendship, and why loose ties and everyday conversations can make us feel more connected to the world around us. Gillian also explains the “liking gap,” why people usually like us more than we think they do, and how to start—and end—conversations without making it weird. This episode is not about turning every stranger into a future close friend. It’s about noticing the humanity around us and being a little more open to connection. Special thank you, as always, to my assistant producer, Rebekah Jacobs!
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  #199 - Traveling with Friends: Lessons From a Girls-Trip Regular (Rebekah Jacobs) 14.06.2026 35min

  Traveling with friends sounds great in theory. Actually making it happen? That's the hard part. This week, I'm joined by my assistant producer and friend, Rebekah Jacobs, to talk about girls trips, weekend getaways, and why friendship travel is worth the effort. Rebekah is someone who regularly hops on a plane to spend time with friends, while I've traveled with friends far less often than most people might assume. We discuss the obstacles that keep many of us from taking friendship trips—busy schedules, parenting responsibilities, finances, logistics, and guilt—and how to work around them. Rebekah shares practical advice about being the "bendy friend," navigating different travel styles, talking honestly about budgets, and finally getting a trip from the group text to the calendar. Whether you're planning a girls trip, a one-on-one getaway, or simply trying to spend more meaningful time with friends, this episode is a reminder that the "worth it" bar is lower than you think. Sometimes one night away is enough to create memories that strengthen a friendship for years to come. ✈️💕 I like this version because it sounds like you, includes the major keywords (traveling with friends, girls trips, friendship travel), and captures the dynamic between you and Rebekah, which is one of the most enjoyable parts of the episode. now using the show notes, write the youtube description and use emojis where appropriate and make the bullet points copy and pastable ✈️ Traveling with Friends: Why It's Worth the Effort How to make girls trips, weekend getaways, and friendship travel actually happen Traveling with friends sounds wonderful in theory—but actually making it happen can feel impossible. In this episode of Dear Nina: Conversations About Friendship, I’m joined by my assistant producer and friend, Rebekah Jacobs, to talk about friendship travel, girls trips, weekend getaways, and why these experiences are often worth far more than the effort it takes to plan them. Rebekah is the friend who is always hopping on a plane to see friends, while I've traveled with friends far less often than many people might expect. Together, we discuss the real barriers that keep adults from traveling with friends—including busy schedules, parenting responsibilities, finances, logistics, and guilt—and how to work through them. We also talk about why you don't need a huge friend group, a luxury destination, or a week-long vacation to create meaningful memories with friends. Sometimes one night away is enough. ❤️ In this episode: 📅 How to finally move a trip from "We should do that sometime" to an actual date on the calendar 👯 Why you don't need a big friend group to take a friendship trip 🌟 Rebekah's advice about being the "bendy friend" 💰 How to navigate money conversations without resentment 🗣️ Why self-advocacy is an underrated travel skill 📱 The importance of putting your phone away and being present ❤️ How shared experiences deepen friendships ✈️ Why the "worth-it" bar is lower than you think Links Mentioned 🎟️ Dear Nina LIVE in Excelsior, Minnesota (July 29): [insert link] 🌺 The White Lotus Friendship Trio Episode: [insert link] 🎤 From the Cafeteria to the Mahj Table (Live Chicago Show): [insert link] 🏖️ What Beaches Gets Right About Friendship (with Love, Factually): [insert link] 📰 Jane Pratt Substack article: "Girls Trips Always Make Me Feel Left Out, Disappointed and Depressed" Connect with Dear Nina 💌 Newsletter: https://dearnina.substack.com 📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/dearninafriendship 🎵 TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@dearninafriendship 👥 Facebook Group: Dear Nina, The Group If this episode inspires you to finally book that trip you've been talking about for years, I'd love to hear about it. Where would you go? Let me know in the comments. 👇 #Friendship #GirlsTrip #TravelingWithFriends #FriendshipAdvice #AdultFriendships #DearNina #WomensFriendships #GirlsWeekend #TravelTips #FriendshipPodcast #RebekahJacobs #TravelWithFriends #FriendshipTravel #WomenSupportingWomen #WeekendGetaway I agree. For your audience and brand, I'd use emojis sparingly—more as visual breaks than decoration. YouTube Description Traveling with Friends: Why It's Worth the Effort How to make girls trips, weekend getaways, and friendship travel actually happen Traveling with friends sounds wonderful in theory—but actually making it happen can feel impossible. In this episode of Dear Nina: Conversations About Friendship, I'm joined by my assistant producer and friend, Rebekah Jacobs, to talk about friendship travel, girls trips, weekend getaways, and why these experiences are often worth far more than the effort it takes to plan them. Rebekah is the friend who is always hopping on a plane to see friends, while I've traveled with friends far less often than many people might expect. Together, we discuss the real barriers that keep adults from traveling with friends—including busy schedules, parenting responsibilities, finances, logistics, and guilt—and how to work through them. We also talk about why you don't need a huge friend group, a luxury destination, or a week-long vacation to create meaningful memories with friends. Sometimes one night away is enough. In this episode: • Why you don't need a big friend group to take a friendship trip (one-on-one is great too) • How to finally move a trip from "We should do that sometime" to an actual date on the calendar • Rebekah's advice about being the "bendy friend" when schedules get complicated • What happens when different people want different things from the same trip • How to navigate money conversations without resentment • Why self-advocacy is an underrated travel skill • The importance of putting your phone away and being present • How trips help deepen friendships in ways everyday life often can't Links Mentioned 🎟️ Dear Nina LIVE in Excelsior, Minnesota on July 29: [link] 🎙️ The White Lotus episode: Lessons from the White Lotus Friendship Trio [link] 🎙️ The 2025 live show: From the Cafeteria to the Mahj Table: Friend Group Challenges from Teens to Midlife and Beyond [link] 🎙️ The Beaches episode: What Beaches Gets Right About Friendship with Paul Eastwick & Eli Finkel [link] 📰 Jane Pratt's Substack article: "Girls Trips Always Make Me Feel Left Out, Disappointed and Depressed" 📬 Newsletter: https://dearnina.substack.com 📸 Instagram: @dearninafriendship If this episode inspires you to finally book that trip you've been talking about for years, I'd love to hear about it in the comments. #Friendship #TravelingWithFriends #GirlsTrip #AdultFriendships #FriendshipPodcast #DearNina #FriendshipAdvice #GirlsWeekend #WomenAndFriendship This feels much closer to your style: warm, professional, and not trying to look like a lifestyle influencer's caption. how about this title: "Friendship Travel: Lessons from a Girls-Trip Regular" I like it, but I think it works better as a newsletter or blog title than a podcast episode title. My hesitation is that "girls-trip regular" is a clever phrase, but it's not something people search for. If someone is browsing Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube, they're more likely to search for: traveling with friends girls trips friendship travel trips with friends adult friendship So from an SEO/discoverability standpoint, I'd rather keep one of those terms front and center. Some variations: Friendship Travel: Advice from a Girls-Trip Regular Keeps your phrase but adds a clearer benefit. Friendship Travel: What a Girls-Trip Regular Knows More curiosity-driven. Traveling with Friends: Lessons from a Girls-Trip Regular My favorite version if you want to keep the phrase. Strong SEO plus personality. Girls Trips and Friendship Travel: Lessons from a Frequent Traveler Very searchable. Traveling with Friends: What a Girls-Trip Regular Has Learned Feels conversational and fits the episode's dynamic. Of all the options we've discussed, I still think: Traveling with Friends: Why It's Worth the Effort is the strongest standalone title because it's immediately clear what the episode is about. But if you want the title to highlight the contrast between you and Rebekah—which is really the engine of the episode—then: Traveling with Friends: Lessons from a Girls-Trip Regular is a very good compromise. It tells listeners they're getting practical wisdom from someone who actually does this all the time, which is exactly what the episode delivers. Let's do this title" Traveling with Friends: Lessons from a Girls-Trip Regular" now I need a subtitle Here are some subtitle options that fit the actual conversation and complement the title: Best Match How to make girls trips, weekend getaways, and friendship travel actually happen Slightly More Personal What gets in the way—and why it's worth going anyway More Friendship-Focused Why shared experiences deepen friendships and create lasting memories More Practical Schedules, budgets, guilt, and the surprisingly simple path to getting away Rebekah's Philosophy The "worth-it" bar is lower than you think If You Want to Highlight Both Perspectives One friend who travels constantly, one who rarely does, and what we learned More Conversational You don't need Greece, a perfect group, or a week off work Strong SEO Tips for planning successful girls trips, friend vacations, and weekend getaways Very "Dear Nina" What happens when you finally stop saying "we should do that someday" My top three choices are: How to make girls trips, weekend getaways, and friendship travel actually happen What gets in the way—and why it's worth going anyway The "worth-it" bar is lower than you think Given the tone of the episode, I'd probably choose #2. It captures both your perspective and Rebekah's without sounding too instructional. It feels like the subtitle of a conversation rather than a travel guide. Special thank you, as always, to my assistant producer, Rebekah Jacobs!
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  #198 - Making Friends Through Work: Collaboration Over Competition (Kim Oster-Holstein and Mara Smith) 07.06.2026 26min

  Can work be a source of friendship in adulthood? This week, I talk with Mara Smith, founder of Inspiro Tequila, and Kim Oster Holstein, co-founder of Twisted Alchemy, about the friendship they built while growing businesses in the same industry. We discuss entrepreneurship, collaboration, networking, and the importance of staying open to new friendships later in life. Mara and Kim share how a professional connection evolved into a genuine friendship rooted in shared values, mutual support, and a belief that there's room for everyone to succeed. Whether you're a founder, work in a traditional office, or are simply looking for new ways to meet people, this conversation is a reminder that meaningful friendships can begin in unexpected places. Special thank you, as always, to my assistant producer, Rebekah Jacobs!
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  #197 - Anxious Attachment in Friendships: Why You Keep Wondering Where You Stand (Rebecca Stambridge) 31.05.2026 39min

  Do you constantly wonder where you stand with certain friends? Do you replay conversations, assume the worst when someone seems distant, or find yourself needing reassurance that a friendship is still okay? In this episode, psychotherapist and mindfulness teacher Rebecca Stambridge joins me to discuss anxious attachment in friendships. While attachment styles are often discussed in romantic relationships, Rebecca explains how they show up in our platonic relationships, too. We talk about overthinking, fear of rejection, people-pleasing, and the tendency to take friendship disappointments personally—even when they aren't. Rebecca shares practical tools for recognizing anxious attachment patterns, managing friendship insecurity, and building a greater sense of confidence and security in your relationships. Whether you identify as anxiously attached or simply find yourself worrying about friendships more than you'd like, this conversation offers insight, validation, and hope. Special thank you, as always, to my assistant producer, Rebekah Jacobs!
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  #196 - Second Homes and Friendship: Hosting, FOMO, and Unspoken Expectations (Stephanie Hansen) 24.05.2026 35min

  What happens to friendships when you own a cabin, lake house, or second home? In this episode, I’m joined by broadcaster, cookbook author, and podcaster Stephanie Hansen for a candid conversation about the complicated social dynamics that come with hosting. We talk about repeat guests, unspoken expectations, reciprocity, FOMO, family overlap, and the emotional labor of maintaining a place everyone wants to visit. Whether you own a second home, dream of having one someday, or are the friend who gets invited, this episode will absolutely resonate. Special thank you, as always, to my assistant producer, Rebekah Jacobs!
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  Bonus: Are Your Friendships Surviving the Digital Age? Likes, Memes & What Really Matters (Nina on The Visibility Standard with Jazzmyn Proctor) 18.05.2026 42min

  This week I’m sharing a bonus episode from my appearance on The Visibility Standard with Jazzmyn Proctor. We talked about modern friendship and how social media, online business, and constant digital connection are quietly changing the way we relate to each other. We get into the pressure people feel for friends to support their work online, the blurry line between friendship and audience, why memes can’t fully replace real connection, and how adult friendships actually survive over time. We also discuss reciprocity, forgiveness, scheduling friendships, and the importance of showing up for people in real life—even when it’s inconvenient. If you’ve ever wondered whether social media is helping your friendships, hurting them, or just complicating them, this conversation is for you. Special thank you, as always, to my assistant producer, Rebekah Jacobs!
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  #195 - Money Landmines with Friends: Group Trips, Weddings, and Splitting Checks (Heather Boneparth) 10.05.2026 37min

  Heather Boneparth joins Nina to talk about the complicated role money plays in adult friendships. From splitting checks and destination weddings to parenting differences and group travel, this conversation digs into the awkward financial situations friends often avoid discussing openly—and how to handle them with more honesty and empathy. Special thank you, as always, to my assistant producer, Rebekah Jacobs!
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  #194 - Low-Key, Creative Ways to Spend Time with Friends (Ashlee Gadd and Katie Blackburn) 03.05.2026 28min

  If you’re tired of the same old "let's go out for dinner" plans—or just want easier, but more interesting ways to see your friends—this episode is for you. I’m joined by Ashlee Gadd and Katie Blackburn of Coffee + Crumbs, and they came ready with simple, low-key ideas you can actually use. From themed nights to everyday moments that turn into meaningful time together, we’re talking about ways to make friendship feel more doable in real life. We also get into what makes these gatherings work: sharing the effort, showing up consistently, and being honest about the kind of connection you want—whether that’s a big group or a smaller, more intimate hang. Special thank you, as always, to my assistant producer, Rebekah Jacobs!
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  #193 - How to Make Your City Better for Friendship (Aaron Hurst) 27.04.2026 30min

  What if friendship isn’t just about who you text—but where you live? This week, I’m joined by Aaron Hurst, founder of the U.S. Chamber of Connection, to talk about how we can make our neighborhoods and cities better for friendship. We get into why loneliness is bigger than individual relationships, why some people naturally initiate (and many don’t), and how small efforts—like potlucks, block parties, or simply inviting someone along—can change the social fabric of a place. If you’ve ever felt like it’s harder than it should be to meet people, this episode offers a practical, doable way to think about it—and what to do next. Special thank you, as always, to my assistant producer, Rebekah Jacobs!
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  #192 - Why Plans with Friends Don’t Happen—and How to Fix It 20.04.2026 13min

  Why is it so hard to actually make plans with friends as adults? In this solo episode, I’m digging into one of the most common (and frustrating) dynamics in friendship: when one person likes to plan ahead and the other prefers to keep things spontaneous. I talk through why this mismatch can stall even strong friendships—and what to do about it. From turning vague “we should get together” texts into real plans, to figuring out when it’s your turn to suggest dates, this is a practical, honest look at how to actually see your friends more often. Special thank you, as always, to my assistant producer, Rebekah Jacobs!
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  #191 - The Case for Work Friends and Where to Find Them When You Work Alone (Lindsay Pinchuk) 13.04.2026 32min

  If you work from home or feel like your friends don’t fully understand what you do, this episode is for you. I’m talking with entrepreneur Lindsay Pinchuk about how networking groups can become something more than professional spaces—they can turn into real friendships. We get into why you can’t just show up and expect connection (in networking or friendship), how to navigate “competition” in the same field, and why conversations—not social media—are what actually move both your relationships and your work forward. If you’ve been feeling a gap in your work life, this might be the missing piece. Special thank you, as always, to my assistant producer, Rebekah Jacobs!
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  Bonus: Socially Confident Kids in a Screen-Filled World (Nina on "Your Child is Normal" with Dr. Jessica Hochman) 06.04.2026 40min

  In this bonus episode, I join Dr. Jessica Hochman on Your Child Is Normal to talk about how kids build real friendships in a screen-filled world. We cover what actually helps—from teaching kids to initiate plans to why proximity and in-person time matter more than ever. It’s a practical, nuanced conversation about how parents can support their kids’ social lives without over-managing. Special thank you, as always, to my assistant producer, Rebekah Jacobs!
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  #190 - What Birthdays Reveal About Your Friendships and Your Mindset (Debra Arbit) 30.03.2026 39min

  Birthdays can bring up more than we expect—disappointment, pressure, and questions about our friendships. In this episode, I talk with my close friend Debra Arbit about a different approach: taking ownership of your birthday in a way that feels intentional, flexible, and actually enjoyable. We explore how expectations, effort, and mindset shape not just your birthday, but your friendships as a whole. Special thank you, as always, to my assistant producer, Rebekah Jacobs!
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  #189 - Andrew McCarthy on Male Friendship, Reconnecting, and the Power of Showing Up 23.03.2026 33min

  When Andrew McCarthy’s son asked him, “Do you even have friends?”, it sparked a 10,000-mile journey to reconnect with the people who shaped his life. In this episode, we talk about why male friendship so often fades, what men get right about connection, and why showing up—literally—can change everything. It’s a thoughtful conversation about loneliness, old friends, and what friendship really requires as we get older. Special thank you, as always, to my assistant producer, Rebekah Jacobs!
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  #188 - Take an Honest Look at Your Friendship Patterns (Roxanne Francis) 16.03.2026 25min

  Many friendship struggles are normal—but what if the same problems keep repeating? In this episode, I talk with psychotherapist and social worker Roxanne Francis about how to recognize when repeated friendship breakups, difficulty making connections, or confusion about boundaries may point to deeper patterns. We also discuss ghosting, online friendships, and why taking an honest look at our own patterns can help us build healthier relationships. Special thank you, as always, to my assistant producer, Rebekah Jacobs!