

Friend Forward
Danielle Bayard Jackson -- Female Friendship Expert
This is a podcast for modern women looking to understand the complexities of female friendship. Hosted by Danielle Bayard Jackson --female friendship coach and educator-- Friend Forward provides research, strategies, and tough-love truth to answer your questions about how to navigate relationships with other women. Tune in every week for new insights about how to create and maintain better female friendships. (And in between episodes, follow along on TikTok at @thefriendshipexpert or IG @daniellebayardjackson)
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 7, 2025 • 33min
THIS is the scientific reason why you're getting bored with friend "catch-ups"// a conversation with Creative Health Scientist Katina Bajaj
In this conversation, Danielle Bayard Jackson and Katina Bajaj explore the intersection of creativity, health, and social connections. Katina shares her insights on how creativity is essential for mental and emotional well-being, and how it can enhance our relationships. They discuss the importance of play and leisure in a productivity-driven culture, and how redefining our understanding of creativity can lead to deeper connections with ourselves and others. The conversation also touches on the challenges of perfectionism and the need to prioritize leisure time for a fulfilling life.For the full episode, you've got to be a member of "Office Hours"! Join anytime at betterfemalefriendships.com/podcastRead Katina's Substack (it's actually so good!): Creative Health with Daydreamers | Substack-------------------------------------Book Danielle to speak about the science of women's conflict and connection at your next event: daniellebayardjackson.comFollow us on Instagram (@friendforward)

Nov 4, 2025 • 17min
Is being "judgy" the reason you can't form deep friendships?
Many women have hopes of forming friendships that eventually reach some level of platonic intimacy. But for those with a tendency to perpetually make moral judgements on their friends' choices, lifestyle, and behaviors, connection might be limited. In this episode, host and women's friendship expert Danielle Bayard Jackson shares 4 reasons we tend to judge our female friends... and 4 strategies to help us stop (or at least, do it a little less).---------------------------------To become a member of "Office Hours" (and enjoy free guides, bonus episodes, and extra BTS vlogs), join at betterfemalefriendships.com/podcast***********Book Danielle to speak at daniellebayardjackson.com. (She has spoken for companies like TikTok, Etsy, NBA, NFL, and Bumble... invite her to share her insights with your organization, too!).***********Buy Fighting for our Friendships: The Science and Art of Conflict and Connection in Women's Relationships and read it with your book club as the year comes to a close (or to ring in 2026!).

Oct 27, 2025 • 30min
The mother-daughter friendship trend that we need to get under control// a conversation with Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart
Over the last year of travelling for speaking engagements with universities, women's organizations, and sororities, host and friendship expert Danielle Bayard Jackson has noticed an unusual trend. In this episode, she shares "receipts" on the alarming shift in young women's friendship agency, and then calls in an expert to help make sense of it all.In this episode of the Friend Forward podcast, Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart (pediatric psychologist and author of the new book Love the Teen You Have) shares insights that will be helpful to two groups: moms who want to stop projecting their unhealed friendship issues on their daughters and women who want to better understand how their adolescent friendships shaped the female friendship attitudes they have today.-------------------------------------------------------------------------To learn more about booking Danielle as a speaker to address issues on the science of women's conflict and connection, visit daniellebayardjackson.com.To become a member of "Office Hours" to claim bonus episodes and exclusive resources, visit betterfemalefriendships.com/podcast.

Oct 10, 2025 • 38min
7 Holiday-related friendship issues that you need to prepare for now// Friendship Expert Danielle Bayard Jackson
In this episode of the Friend Forward Podcast, host Danielle Bayard Jackson discusses the complexities of women's friendships during the holiday season. She outlines several common friendship issues that arise during this time, including the drama surrounding invitations, the challenges of reuniting with former friends, financial considerations, and the dynamics between single and partnered friends. Danielle also emphasizes the importance of being proactive in addressing these issues to foster healthier relationships and maintain emotional well-being. *For the full episode and bonus resources, join us in "Office Hours" by visiting betterfemalefriendships.com/podcast.

Sep 21, 2025 • 19min
3 mistakes we make when "holding space" for female friends// Hosted by female friendship expert Danielle Bayard Jackson
In this episode of the Friend Forward podcast, host and female friendship expert Danielle Bayard Jackson explores the complexities of "holding space" in our female friendships. She discusses:the importance of holding space for friendsthe three types of support friends needcommon mistakes made in providing emotional supporteffective strategies to "hold space"Through evidence-based insights and personal anecdotes, Danielle emphasizes the significance of understanding emotional needs and the impact of inadequate support on friendships. The episode concludes with practical tips for listeners to improve their ability to hold space for friends in need.---------------------------------------------------SPEAKINGWant to book Danielle to speak at your event? Contact her management at samantha@tellpublicrelations.com.VIDEOSWant to watch Danielle's latest viral video about sorority friendships and connections? Click here.TRAININGInterested in doing what Danielle does for a living as a women's relational health coach? Learn more at womensrelationalhealthinstitute.comPARTNERSHIPSWant to partner with Danielle for an upcoming campaign (Fall, Friendsgiving, Christmas, New Years)? Reach out to us at hello@betterfemalefriendships.comVISIBILITYIf you have a business or brand and want the same kind of visibility that Danielle Bayard Jackson has enjoyed (brand deals, book deals, media appearances, speaking engagements), join her visibility boot camp. Details here at tellpublicrelations.com"WHO IS THIS WOMAN?"Learn about Danielle's book, research, partnerships, and media appearances at daniellebayardjackson.com.

Sep 12, 2025 • 29min
6 Psychological Reasons Why We Remain Friends with "Frenemies"
You recently realized that a friend in your life is more like a "frenemy", but for some reason you can't seem to end the relationship. Why is it so difficult to separate yourself from someone who doesn't always have your best interest at heart?In this week's episode, host and resident friendship expert Danielle Bayard Jackson shares what the research has to say about these kinds of friend dynamics, along with ways that you can navigate these tense relationships.NOTE If you want access to the full episode (including the corresponding guide!), join us in "Office Hours (our Patreon community), including bonus episodes and resources. Join NOW at betterfemalefriendships.com/podcastWant to read more about "frenemies"? Read this Huffpost article.---------------------------------------------------SPEAKINGWant to book Danielle to speak at your event? Contact her management at samantha@tellpublicrelations.com.VIDEOSWant to watch Danielle's latest viral video about sorority friendships and connections? Click here.TRAININGInterested in doing what Danielle does for a living as a women's relational health coach? Learn more at womensrelationalhealthinstitute.comPARTNERSHIPSWant to partner with Danielle for an upcoming campaign (Fall, Friendsgiving, Christmas, New Years)? Reach out to us at hello@betterfemalefriendships.comVISIBILITYIf you have a business or brand and want the same kind of visibility that Danielle Bayard Jackson has enjoyed (brand deals, book deals, media appearances, speaking engagements), join her visibility boot camp. Details here at tellpublicrelations.com"WHO IS THIS WOMAN?"Learn about Danielle's book, research, partnerships, and media appearances hat daniellebayardjackson.com.

Aug 15, 2025 • 26min
For the woman who has TOO many friends...
In this episode of the Friend Forward podcast, host Danielle Bayard Jackson speaks to women who -- in the midst of a loneliness epidemic-- actually have too many friends.If you're a woman who is highly visible and/ or highly social and are becoming resentful or burned out by your efforts to maintain multiple connections, this episode is for you.Danielle discusses the reasons behind this feeling, including identity issues, fear of missing out, and societal pressures. Then, she provides four tactical strategies for managing friendships effectively. (This portion of the show is reserved exclusively for members of "Office Hours". Join any time at betterfemalefrindships.com/podcast.)

Aug 8, 2025 • 29min
The unique stress that women face (and how social support helps us through it)
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.--------------------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.----------------------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.---------------------Follow Danielle on socials @daniellebayardjackson

Jul 26, 2025 • 21min
How to create "community care plans" within your female friendships // A conversation with Dr. Ashley Gaddy Robbins
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.-------------------------Access the full episode as a member of "Office Hours" (our Patreon community). Join anytime at betterfemalefriendships.com/podcast--------------------------Book Danielle to share evidence-based insights on women's conflict and cooperation at your next event by contacting samantha@tellpublicrelations.com._____________________Follow Danielle Bayard Jackson on InstagramFollow Friend Forward on InstagramFollow Dr. Robbins on Instagram

Jul 11, 2025 • 22min
How to be 'helpable' (and the power of the "Benjamin Franklin Effect")
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.------------------------------EventTAMPA: 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.-------------------------------Stay connectedConnect with us on Instagram @friendforwardConnect with Danielle on Instagram @daniellebayardjacksonLearn more about relational health expert Danielle Bayard Jackson at daniellebayardjackson.com


