Friendship IRL: Real Talk About Friendship, Community, and What It Actually Takes
Alex Alexander
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Being a Social Artist and Why Friendship Deserves Its Own Soundtrack With Leïla Six
There are songs about romantic heartbreak, but where are the songs about losing a friend who meant EVERYTHING to you? That’s what Leïla Six and I want to know. Today’s guest, Leïla Six, is a singer-songwriter who is asking the hard questions about friendship in her music, using art to contribute to a culture that values all kinds of love, not just the romantic kind. In this episode, we dive deep on why friendship deserves its own soundtrack, how art can help us process complex emotions, and what it looks like to be a social artist in a world that doesn't always value the art of connection. Leila just released a new version of her song, “Glad,” which is her love letter to platonic love. Be sure to check it out. In this episode you’ll hear about: Challenges of voicing needs in friendships and the societal messages that friendship should be easy and effortlessLearning to handle conflicts in friendships, similar to how we handle conflicts in romantic relationshipsThe importance of having diverse relationships and maintaining proximity with friends, even if they are far awayThe lack of representation of real friendship experiences in media and art, often portraying friendship as overly romanticized or immature Resources & Links Follow Leïla Six on Instagram and YouTube, listen to her music (including “Glad!”), and enter her contest! Listen to Episode 27 and Episode 69 about the loneliness epidemic; Episode 120 about how friendship is a political act; and Episodes 5 and Episode 7 with Alex Friedman. Follow Shasta Nelson on YouTube and Instagram, and read All About Love by Bell Hooks and How We Show Up by Mia Birdsong. Like what you hear? Visit my This episode is sponsored by Slowly, a digital pen pal app used by over 10 million people worldwide. If you’ve been looking for a low-pressure way to connect with someone completely outside your normal friendship circle, this is it. Exchange letters at your own pace, no small talk panic required. Download Slowly free and get 30% off Slowly Plus using my link: https://open.slowly.app/miXL/l8ei5iw6 WANT MORE? My book, Are We Friends Yet? hits shelves June 16. Get on the waitlist for pre-order bonuses + a first look. Dive into The Connection Reset. A 10-day private podcast to help you see the abundance of connection that already exists in your day-to-day (Yes. Really. I promise you have more than you realize). Start today.
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