Going to therapy is a sign of strength, not weakness. My sponsor BetterHelp makes therapy simple, with 10% off your first month to help you get started: https://betterhelp.com/ineedafriend

In this week’s episode of I Need a Friend, I chat with Amber—host of the Introverts Unmuted podcast. We dive into what it’s like to be introverted in an extroverted world, how she found her voice through podcasting, and what motherhood has taught her along the way.

Amber also opens up about the heartbreaking loss of her mom and the journey of healing. We talk about mental health, coping with grief, and how she’s created a personal “time out” spot to escape and reset during stressful times. This conversation is a powerful reminder that you can be quiet and still make noise, soft and still strong.

If you’re loving the podcast so far, please share it with your friends & family 🫶

Follow us on Instagram @ineedafriendpod! New episodes drop every Tuesday & Friday!

🎙️ Pod Guest: Instagram: @theamberhansel

🎶 Music written and produced by: Spotify: @JFZT

📲 Podcast Instagram: @ineedafriendpod

💬 Mentioned in pod: @introvertsunmuted

Going to therapy is a sign of strength, not weakness. My sponsor BetterHelp makes therapy simple, with 10% off your first month to help you get started: https://betterhelp.com/ineedafriend

In this week’s episode of I Need a Friend, I’m joined by Kreigh—an old friend and a talented artist who isn’t afraid to get real. We dive deep into mental health, the grieving process after the loss of his father, and the complex emotions that come with healing.

It’s a raw and heartfelt conversation about grief, growth, and the power of self-expression through creativity.

Enjoy listening to my friend, Kreigh.

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Follow us on Instagram @ineedafriendpod! New episodes drop every Tuesday & Friday!

🎙️ Pod Guest: Instagram: @kreighshelton

🎶 Music written and produced by: Spotify: @JFZT

📲 Podcast Instagram: @ineedafriendpod

💬 Mentioned in pod:

Going to therapy is a sign of strength, not weakness. My sponsor BetterHelp makes therapy simple, with 10% off your first month to help you get started: https://betterhelp.com/ineedafriend

In this week’s episode of I Need a Friend, I’m joined by Andy—a divorced dad of two, roller coaster enthusiast, and proud cat dad to Twinkles. We chat about growing up in the Midwest, our mutual love for Cedar Point and karaoke, and how he’s navigating life after divorce. Andy opens up about the fear of being forgotten, the importance of understanding your mental health, and why opening up—surface level or deep—matters.

It’s a fun and thoughtful conversation about showing up as yourself, finding connection in unexpected places, and remembering you’re not alone in what you’re feeling.

Enjoy listening to my new friend, Andy.

Follow us on Instagram @ineedafriendpod! New episodes drop every Tuesday & Friday!

🎙 Pod Guest: Instagram/Threads: @crownprints3d

🎶 Music written and produced by: Spotify: @JFZT

📲 Podcast Instagram: @ineedafriendpod

💬 Mentioned in pod: @cedarpoint

This week on I Need a Friend, I sit down with Julian—a stranger I met on Threads who quickly became a friend. We chat about his journey into music later in life, the healing power it’s had on his mental health, and how it helped him reconnect with his dad and family.

Julian also shares about his own podcast, Loves Music, and his refreshing take on staying true to your authentic self. One of my favorite moments? When he talked about how life happens in seasons—a reminder to lean into wherever you are right now.

If you’re loving the podcast so far, please share it with friends and family. You never know who might need to hear these stories.

🎙️ Episode streaming now on all platforms!

📲 Link in bio to listen + book a guest spot

🎙️ Pod Guest: Instagram: @julianjones417

🎶 Music written and produced by: Spotify: @JFZT

📲 Podcast Instagram: @ineedafriendpod

💬 Mentioned in pod: Book: The Pain You Choose https://amzn.to/4jQSNiC

Podcast: Loves Music https://open.spotify.com/show/3QB19Dk8V29RwqWDddeq89?si=0GieFyQ2StWNXe7EvJA2zQ

Pod manager: @intentionaledit

Please note: If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, you are not alone. Don’t hesitate to reach out to someone you trust or speak with a mental health professional. Resources are linked in the show notes. 💚

#ineedafriendpod #mentalhealthawareness #podcastrecommendation #musicandmentalhealth #authenticity #threadscommunity #mentalhealthmatters #lifeseasons #strangerstofriends

In this week’s episode of I Need a Friend, I sit down with Danielle—a stranger I met on Threads—who opens up about her journey living with major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety. She shares what it took to walk away from a narcissistic ex, how she manages her mental health day to day, and the tools she leans on when things get tough. We also bond over our shared love for dogs, which brought a little levity and a lot of heart to this conversation.

Her honesty and strength made a lasting impact on me, and I’m grateful to share her story with you.

Enjoy listening to my now friend, Danielle.

Follow us on Instagram @ineedafriendpod! New episodes drop every Tuesday & Friday!

🎙️ Pod Guest: Instagram: @dani_gurl88

🎶 Music written and produced by: Spotify: @JFZT

📲 Podcast Instagram: @ineedafriendpod

💬 Mentioned in pod: Peer Support Specialist Information https://www.naadac.org/ncprss

Please note: This episode may include discussions related to mental health diagnoses and personal struggles. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to someone you trust or contact a mental health professional. You are not alone.

In this week’s episode of I Need a Friend, I sit down with Angela—a stranger I met on Threads—who shares her powerful story of resilience. From being diagnosed with a mental health illness at a young age to the emotional relief of finally receiving the right diagnosis, Angela’s journey is one of strength, self-advocacy, and hope.

She opens up about the battles she’s faced, the healing she’s found, and how she’s now using her story to help others feel less alone. Our conversation was so impactful, it even inspired me to take a step forward in my own mental health journey and sign up for therapy.

Enjoy listening to my now friend, Angela.

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Follow us on Instagram @ineedafriendpod! New episodes drop every Tuesday & Friday!

🎙️ Pod Guest: Instagram: @angielala42

🎶 Music written and produced by: Spotify: @JFZT

📲 Podcast Instagram: @ineedafriendpod

💬 Mentioned in pod: Psychology Today https://www.psychologytoday.com/us

Please note: This episode may include discussions related to mental health diagnoses and personal struggles. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to someone you trust or contact a mental health professional. You are not alone.

In this week’s episode of I Need a Friend, I sit down with J—a stranger I met on Threads—who opens up about the highs and lows of life as a military mom, the determination it took to land her dream job, and the steady faith that carried her through some of her toughest seasons. Her story is filled with strength, grace, and resilience—and to me, she’s nothing short of a real-life superwoman.

Enjoy listening to my now friend, J.

Follow us on Instagram @ineedafriendpod! New episodes drop every Tuesday & Friday!

🎙️ Pod Guest: Instagram: @jananyaharrington / https://jpharrington.com/

🎶 Music written and produced by: Spotify: @JFZT

📲 Podcast Instagram: @ineedafriendpod

💬 Mentioned in pod/ resources: Military and Family Life Counselor (MFLC) & Military OneSource

https://www.militaryonesource.mil/confidential-counseling/

In this week’s episode of I Need a Friend, I sit down with Heather—a stranger I met online—who opens up about learning to let go of the things that no longer serve her, navigating a recent divorce, and the deep importance of making mental health conversations a priority for everyone.

It’s an honest and empowering chat about personal growth, emotional resilience, and the freedom that comes from choosing yourself.

Enjoy listening to my now friend, Heather.

Follow us on Instagram @ineedafriendpod! New episodes drop every Tuesday & Friday!

🎙️ Pod Guest: Instagram: @heatherdyann

🎶 Music written and produced by: Spotify: @JFZT

📲 Podcast Instagram: @ineedafriendpod

💬 Mentioned in pod: @sacredshiftpod