In this heartfelt episode of The Never Alone Podcast, Iris Fisher Smith is joined by co-host Karen Hearth Whitty and special guest Cindy Kinney, a dear friend whose life reflects the true meaning of friendship.

Together, they explore what it really means to be a true friend in today’s distracted world — from showing up during life’s hardest moments to learning how to listen, communicate, and love with intention. The conversation also highlights the cultural differences between East Coast and West Coast relationships, the importance of presence over busyness, and why meaningful friendships don’t happen by accident — they are cultivated.

This episode is a reminder that we were never meant to do life alone. Real friendship requires effort, patience, honesty, and grace — but the reward is connection, comfort, and strength when we need it most.

Whether you’re feeling lonely, navigating grief, or simply longing for deeper relationships, this episode offers encouragement, wisdom, and hope.

👉 If you enjoy this episode, please like, subscribe, and leave a comment — it truly helps the channel grow.

📘 Order your copy of Never Alone by Iris Fisher Smith:
https://irisfsmith.com

In Episode 13 of The Never Alone Podcast, Iris Fisher Smith is joined by co-host Karen Herth Whitty and returning guest Rachel Durham for a heartfelt conversation about the people and seasons that shape who we become — from childhood friendships, to mentors, to motherhood, grief, and rediscovering identity in new stages of life.

This episode continues the “Who Am I?” discussion — but through the lens of relationships that form our character. Together, Iris, Karen, and Rachel reflect on childhood influences, role models, spiritual mentors, and the blessing of friendships that stay — and those that come into our lives for only a season.

They also share deeply personal stories about:

• Growing up in different family dynamics
• How mentors and older women helped guide their faith and identity
• The beauty and challenge of motherhood and caregiving
• Identity tied to roles — and learning who you are beyond them
• Walking through loss — and finding strength and purpose again
• How God brings people into our lives at just the right time

💛 Gentle encouragement from this episode:
You were never meant to navigate life alone. The right friend, mentor, or conversation can change everything — sometimes for a moment, sometimes for a lifetime.

📘 Order Iris’s book Never Alone (stories, faith, family & history):
https://irisfsmith.com

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Tags : Never Alone Podcast, Iris Fisher Smith, friendship and identity, who am I journey, Christian women podcast, mentors and faith, godly friendships, finding purpose through seasons of life, grief and healing, motherhood identity, faith and family stories, friendship that lasts, life seasons and growth, encouragement podcast, women of faith conversations, Christian storytelling, resilience and faith

Feeling unsure of who you are this season?
In Episode 12 of The Never Alone Podcast with Iris Fisher Smith, Iris and her dear friend/co-host Karen Herth Witty continue their life-giving conversation about identity, purpose, and how life changes shape who we become.
Life isn’t static — it’s a journey of seasons: daughter, wife, mom, grandma, friend, caregiver, creative, seeker… and sometimes all of those at once. In this episode, Iris and Karen talk honestly about how identity evolves, how friendships and community sustain us, and how we can find meaning even after loss, change, or seasons of uncertainty.
🎙️ In this episode you’ll hear about:
• How identity gets tied to roles like parenting, caregiving, and family
• What happens when people we love—like parents and mentors—leave our physical world
• The challenge of letting go of control and learning to trust
• Why friendship and meaningful connection are vital for emotional and spiritual health
• How to embrace purpose without pressure
• Honest stories about creativity, writing, and new seasons of life
💛 Encouragement for you:
You were never meant to walk life alone. Reach out to someone today—an old friend, a neighbor, a sibling, or even a casual acquaintance. A genuine connection can change both your day and theirs.
📘 Order Iris’s book Never Alone (stories, history, and encouragement):
https://irisfsmith.com
🙏 If this episode encouraged you:
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Your engagement helps others find the podcast and experience its encouragement too.
#NeverAlonePodcast #FindingYourself #PurposeInLife #FriendshipMatters #IdentityJourney #FaithAndFamily #ChristianEncouragement #LifeSeasons #YouAreNotAlone