What does real friendship look like in today's world? Not the sitcom version where everyone lives in the same apartment building, but the authentic connections that sustain us through distance, life changes, and the passage of time.

In this deeply personal conversation, I sit down with my friend Annie to explore our decade-long friendship journey and what it reveals about human connection. From our first meeting in graduate school (where Annie found my ”likability annoying”) to navigating friendship across continents, we unpack how authentic relationships evolve and endure.

We examine the ”Summer of Sangria” – when I made different sangria recipes weekly and hand-delivered them to friends throughout Seattle – as a case study in community-building. This seemingly simple act created meaningful connection in busy adult lives, culminating in a final gathering where everyone celebrated their favorites.

The conversation tackles head-on the challenges of modern friendship: the loneliness epidemic despite technological connection, the barriers to making new friends as adults, and how social media creates illusions of closeness while often deepening isolation. We challenge the friendship myths perpetuated by shows like ”Friends” and offer practical insights for nurturing real connections in a disconnected world.

Whether you're questioning your own friendship patterns or simply curious about what makes human bonds last, this episode provides both heartfelt reflection and actionable wisdom. Because in a world where we're constantly ”connected,” true friendship might be our most undervalued relationship.

What friendship myths have you believed? Join the conversation and share your experiences with authentic connection in today's world.

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If you would like to connect to the host (Brian Hooks), please reach out to [email protected] or check out or website at www.bchcoaching.net