In this episode, I touch on the surprising moment when a reporter chose to ask a wartime president not about strategy or survival, but about his choice to forgo a suit. Why do these moments happen, and what do they say about media priorities? Let’s get into it.

From navigating solo travel and life as a teacher to questioning the 9 to 5 culture, Brittany B. shares her insights on the meaning of work, the pull toward entrepreneurship, and the tradeoffs we all face when chasing independence and fulfillment.

In the second half of my conversation with Rei, we dive even deeper into the dynamics of adult friendships. Picking up from our discussion about what hurts more—friendship breakups or romantic breakups—we explore the growing phenomenon of ghosting in friendships and how it shapes our definitions of relationships.

We also tackle the tough question of who gets "prime time" in your life versus being left in the background. Rei shares her thoughts on how to strike that balance and offers authentic insights on how we can all show up as better friends. This episode is an honest and reflective exploration of the intricacies of connection, prioritization, and growth in friendships.

Preview part two as we continue with Cultivating Connections in Adulthood: Friendship, Marriage, and More with Rei.

In the first of a two-part series, I sit down with my friend Rei for an open and insightful conversation about the evolving nature of friendships as we grow older. We discuss the unique challenges of cultivating new connections in later stages of life, how marriage can reshape friendships, and the unspoken bonds formed through shared traumas.

Rei shares personal stories about navigating these complexities, offering raw and relatable reflections on friendship and love. Together, we also explore a big question: what hurts more—friendship breakups or romantic breakups? Tune in for a thoughtful dive into the ties that bind and sometimes unravel.

Check out bits and pieces of what we get into in part one of Cultivating Connections in Adulthood: Friendship, Marriage, and More with Rei.

A chat with my longtime friend Ron R. to reflect on the bonds that make friendship feel like family. We explore how our shared history has shaped our connection, the role sports have played in cementing his strongest friendships, and why authenticity is the cornerstone of any meaningful relationship.

Ron shares how the simple act of a friend being unapologetically themselves can be the ultimate foundation for trust and connection. Whether you're a lifelong sports fan or simply someone who values the power of genuine friendships, this episode is for you.

In this candid and lively episode of the Xnected podcast, I catch up with my long-time friend Brittanee G. for an unscripted conversation that’s equal parts humorous and sincere. Brittanee and I dive into the nuances of friendship: what it means, how different types of friendships serve different purposes, and the art of bridging gaps between people.

We reflect on shared memories, unpack old misunderstandings (including a hilarious French club story), and talk about what it takes to build trust and inclusivity among friends. Brittanee also shares a profound lesson from a friend who changed her perspective on faith, demonstrating the transformative power of connection.

Tune in for a raw and honest exploration of what it means to truly “feel” a friendship.