In this episode, I sit down with Santana Vega Yturralde—a coach who helps transform entrepreneurs into professional speakers—to talk about how to actually build meaningful friendships as an adult (and why it's worth the effort).

We explore, why making friends as an adult is hard, common barriers to adult connection (spoiler: you're not the only one who feels awkward), how to ease your way into being a better Friend Maker, and so much more!

We also answer some of your juicy listener questions.

If you're craving connection but don't know where to start, this episode will remind you that it’s never too late (or too awkward) to find your people.

Timestamps:

4:00 – Why is making friends as an adult hard? (And when is it easy?) + the importance of a Third Place

8:10 – Behaviors that lead to deeper connections + why someone out there is waiting to be your best friend

16:20 – The power of complimenting strangers

25:10 – How to use “Match +1” to create safety and connection

29:56 – People want to be your friend — feel the fear and do it anyway

36:15 – What if you’ve been burned before?

47:47 – Do you have a plan for rejection?

52:00 – Why bother making new friends, and how many do we actually need?

56:20 – How to move from acquaintance to real friend

1:03:14 – Can men and women really be friends?

1:05:30 – Follower Q&A:

• Should we seek friends with similar or different views?
• Friendship breakups
• Conflict as a connection tool
• Long-distance friendship tips
• The “men have no friends” crisis
• Can we be friends with exes?
• How social media affects connection

2:03:06 – 3 things you can start doing today to make friends as an adult ("Your next best friend is one weird compliment away.")

Connect with Santana:

Want to master the art of storytelling? Click here to get a freebie from Santana! Connect with him on IG at @titaniumlace.

Connect with me on IG @fitnfreckled!

Victoria reveals how Cosmic Sexuality isn’t just about understanding your sexuality; it’s about integrating it into your daily life as a lifestyle choice. This comprehensive approach offers a step-by-step path to mastering your sexual energy, whether independently or with a partner. We also discuss powerful techniques like cord cutting, which can help you release past attachments and clear the way for deeper connections and personal growth. 

We’re not afraid to touch on taboo topics, challenging conventional norms and diving into the deep, often unspoken aspects of sexuality and spirituality.

Discover more about Victoria’s work and connect with her on Instagram: @victorialeanna_ and visit Cosmic Sexuality for further details.

In this engaging conversation, Ross shares his extraordinary entrepreneurial journey and provides invaluable take-home tips for business owners. Known for his innovative approach, Ross delves into effective brand building strategies, offering actionable advice on how to create and grow a strong, impactful brand. He also shares insights on navigating the entrepreneurial landscape and achieving business success. 

Don’t miss out on Ross’s wisdom and passion for empowering others. Connect with him on Instagram for more inspiration: @joinmemberup.

7:10: the underlying emotional issues with weight loss 

10:00: safe havening and reducing stress

11:40: “what do you want as a result of losing these 10 pounds?”

15:05: Galen’s book-in-progress about his 3mo program that lays the foundation for change

20:00: Why foods aren’t “good” or “bad” …

22:20: The guilt/shame cycle and personal value systems 

“Eat in a way that’s in alignment with your values… it’s not so much about good or bad but rather the way food makes you feel… people start to gravitate towards making better choices for themselves…”

26:20: “Take a small step in the right direction, even if it’s going out for a walk for 10 or 15 minutes. That is enough to build evidence that they can truly do something about the situation.”

29:10: “Don’t give your future self too much credit for doing the things you say you will do.”

32:40: “I’ll be happy when” syndrome and how to search for a feeling & why you can’t shame your body into doing what you want it to do 

35:28: “You’re constantly creating who you are in every moment”

38:50: Your inner mean girl/guy and humanizing your experience 

41:00: Releasing Emotional Weight = Releasing Physical Weight and the body positive movement 

42:00: Maybe you don’t need to be smaller and spend your whole life trying to lose weight

43:20: “Your life doesn’t change when you choose to allow yourself to lose weight, your life changes because of the person you choose to be in order to get the result.”

44:20: Conscious or subconscious benefit to every choice we make 

47:15: Galen’s one piece of advice 

50:00: A pause to think about what you want and what’s really true for you

Learn more about Galen here:
https://www.galenlundin.com/
https://www.instagram.com/galen_lundin/

Blair, who has amassed over 26,000 followers on Instagram, is a passionate advocate for dismantling Purity Culture and fostering a healthier understanding of sexuality and self-worth. Through her platform, Talk Purity To Me, she leads important conversations and offers support for those affected by these damaging doctrines.

Explore my own journey with Purity Culture in my blog post: Sex, Shame, and Spirituality

Learn more about Blair’s impactful work: Instagram | Linktree

Traver Boehm is a renowned leader in modern masculinity, dedicated to helping men reclaim their power and purpose. As an author, speaker, and coach, he blends ancient wisdom with contemporary insights to guide men through personal transformation and growth. Traver's work through Uncivilized Men focuses on creating a supportive community where men can explore their authentic selves and develop a deeper understanding of their roles in relationships and society.

Learn more about Traver and the UNcivilized movement here.

From this episode:
"Hurt men hurt other people. Hurt women hurt themselves.”

3: Meditation
8: what Traver loves about women
10: men, unfelt pain
18: the dirty little secret that nobody wants to talk about
19:20: online dating and sex on tap
24: women's sexual awakening
26: travers spiritual awakening
34: pain is the root
34:50: Traver’s divorce and business collapsing as a catalyst. “I woke up in a crisis…. It was a level and depth of rock bottom that I didn’t know existed.”
41: women hurting themselves and relating to their bodies
45:40: what is consent?
47:40: how can men “work on their shit”
50: necessary release of feminine rage
53: emasculating men
65: “this is why she/he hates you”
66:50: how to ask a woman out on a date 
73: being receptive is a gift to men 
79: why men need to celebrate the primal 
89:40: Man Uncivilized, Traver’s book on how to honor the primal 

Learn more about Miranda’s holistic approach at mirandasophia.com.

Note: Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is something that should only be diagnosed by a mental health professional. We all occasionally display some narcissistic tendencies without having NPD.  This doesn't take away from the fact that many relational habits can be extremely damaging. We explore how to spot some of these red flags and how to heal back to wholeness.

Better Future specializes in investing in small businesses within the health, beauty, and fitness sectors. Tune in to learn valuable insights on navigating the entrepreneurial landscape and achieving business success.

Discover more about Better Future here: thebetterfuture.com

Listen in to gain valuable insights on nurturing a healthier, more confident you.

Explore more about Vera’s work here: www.coachveraross.com

5:30 How marketing makes women feel not good enough

9:48: “How much of your life is spent in a Victoria’s Secret fashion show?” 

13:00 fitness pros have insecurities too

14:40 body positivity “is my body up to par to be working in this industry?”

18:50 skinny fat and how to mess up a compliment

21:30 stop making unsolicited comments on women’s bodies

22:00 Eating disorders: the surprising way she learned about eating disorders and the negative health consequences

32:00 How to form new habits

42:25 what is a health coach?

49:17 The two simple things you can start implementing right now to be healthier and happier

56:43 “How empowered does this decision make me feel?”