Episode Details

Why does making friends feel so much harder as an adult? In a world where we’re more connected online than ever before, why are so many people feeling deeply lonely? In this episode, Dr. Lauryn sits down with author, speaker, and friendship expert Shari Leid to explore the hidden crisis of adult friendship and why so many successful, driven people still feel disconnected in their daily lives. From friendship breakups to the pressure of building new relationships later in life, this conversation uncovers the emotional realities many people silently struggle with.

Together, Lauryn and Shari dive into the loneliness epidemic, why friendship breakups can hurt as much as romantic ones, and how modern life has quietly eroded our sense of community. Shari shares lessons from her journey traveling the United States and meeting with women from every walk of life to better understand belonging, connection, and what truly builds lasting friendships. If you’ve ever felt like it’s harder than it should be to make or maintain meaningful relationships as an adult, this episode offers practical insight and hope for creating deeper connections in your life.

Key Takeaways:

• Adult friendship requires intentionality. Unlike childhood or college friendships formed through proximity, meaningful adult friendships often require deliberate effort, shared environments, and consistent interaction to grow.

• Friendship breakups are more common—and more painful—than most people realize. Normalizing the idea that friendships evolve or end can help people process those changes without shame or unnecessary self-blame.

• Loneliness is a growing health crisis. Building community, practicing curiosity in conversation, and focusing on genuine connection can dramatically improve emotional wellbeing and long-term life satisfaction.

About the Guest:

Shari Leid is a nationally recognized keynote speaker, author, and connection expert dedicated to helping people build deeper relationships in an increasingly disconnected world. She is the creator of the Flip the Box Method, a human-centered leadership approach designed to foster belonging and meaningful connection. Shari is the bestselling author of multiple books including Table for 51, inspired by her journey traveling across the United States to share meals with women in every state. Her work has been featured on NBC’s Today Show, ABC, CBS, FOX, and in publications including Time, HuffPost, and Shondaland.

Find all things Shari Leid by visiting her website, An Imperfectly Perfect Life

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This episode is brought to you by the INSiGHT scanning system from CLA, the tool that helps chiropractors show patients objective neurological data so the value of care becomes clear, fueling conversion, retention, and growth. She Slays l