Friendship IRL: Real Talk About Friendship, Community, and What It Actually Takes

Alex Alexander
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Friendship IRL: Real Talk About Friendship, Community, and What It Actually Takes

Tired of hearing “just put yourself out there” when it comes to friendship or community? Same. Friendship IRL is the podcast that skips the fluff and gets real about what it takes to build meaningful adult friendships and lasting support systems. Whether you're struggling to make new friends, maintain old ones, or just want people in your life who really show up, you're in the right place. Each week, host Alex Alexander brings you honest conversations and tangible strategies to help you connect—for real. You’ll hear stories from everyday people (plus the occasional expert), learn what’s working in modern friendships—and what definitely isn’t—and walk away with ideas, scripts, and action steps you can actually use. Think of it like a coffee date with your wisest, most encouraging friend—the one who tells the truth and hands you the playbook. 🎧 New episodes drop every Thursday. 💬 Want to share your friendship win or struggle? Leave Alex a voice message at AlexAlex.chat. Follow along on Instagram or TikTok @itsalexalexander and join the movement to rethink how we build connection, community, and friendships in real life.

  1. 3D AGO

    The Easy Ask

    Who in your life are you most consistently connected to? Is it a partner? A roommate? A friend, sibling, or parent? Now tell me this: when was the last time you wanted to lean into an interest, and you automatically asked this particular person to join … even though it wasn’t their thing? I call this the “easy ask,” and I think it’s a universal experience. I came up with the term years ago when I asked my partner Michael to go shopping with me, even though he doesn’t enjoy shoppin...

    19 min

  2. APR 3

    The Awkwardness of Making Friends When You Can’t Rely on Proximity

    A few months ago, I made a professional connection, and the energy felt good. As we neared the end of our working relationship, I realized I didn’t want this connection to end – but there was no logical way for us to get together. We weren’t in the same industry. I didn’t know if we had overlapping hobbies. The whole situation got me thinking about this weird gray zone we sometimes find ourselves in when we can’t rely on proximity to make friends. It can be awkward … almost like dating!...

    28 min

  3. MAR 27

    How Small Acts of Kindness Can Create Monumental Ripple Effects with Bryan Driscoll, author of The Goodness Game

    Do you ever think about how one small act of kindness can literally change the direction of someone's life? What if YOU could cause that turning point? Today I’m sitting with Bryan Driscoll, author of The Goodness Game, who took an act of kindness he received 20 years ago in Orlando and, with the help of a Craigslist ad, paid it forward in a way that made national headlines and enormous ripple effects. What I love most about this conversation? He shows it’s not about trying to change the worl...

    53 min

  4. MAR 20

    Speed Friending With Georgia Huntley

    There are endless ways to make friends as an adult, and today we’re diving into one I have never covered before: speed friending. To some of you, this will sound terrifying at first, but stick with me, because it’s actually pretty brilliant! Today’s guest is Georgia Huntley, founder of Friends of Friends, who is doing something really special in the friendship space. Georgia hosts speed friending events that are designed to make meeting new people feel fun and effortless. In today's epi...

    46 min

  5. MAR 13

    Taking Political Action and Being a Connector Instead of an “Online Warrior”

    During the pandemic, like many others, I felt politically charged, and I channeled this energy into being an online warrior. On social media, I reposted it all, making it clear where I stood – only to realize this wasn’t my highest use. I wasn’t actually reading the books or taking the actions. I wondered: what could I do instead? That’s how I ended up here. Real community requires something most Americans are terrified of, which is compromise. It requires letting go of the “all-or-noth...

    28 min

  6. MAR 6

    Do You Enjoy Your Friendships?

    Are you enjoying your friendships? Are you able to be present with your people and soak up your time together? So often, people focus on what’s missing in their friendships. They have this idea of what “peak” friendship might look like, which gets in the way of being grateful for what is there. I’m here to remind you that there is a stark contrast between HAVING connections and ENJOYING them. And this isn’t just regarding our closest friends: how grateful are you for the acquaintance at...

    26 min

  7. FEB 27

    Friendship Time Capsule: What I Wish I Could Tell My Younger Self

    One of you asked me an amazing question the other day: If you could tell your younger self one thing about friendship, what would you tell her? I spend so much time thinking about community and connection – probably much more than the average person – and I have learned a lot since my youth. Some realizations I’m having at 35 are realizations a lot of people might not have until they’re middle aged. No matter your age, there are likely things you wish you could go back and tell younger ...

    21 min

  8. FEB 20

    The Friend Who Got Away: Regrets, Reality Checks & Why Some Friendships Haunt Us

    Do you ever drive past a former friend’s house and find yourself flooded with memories? Suddenly, you start thinking: what would it be like if you still talked? Maybe it’s just a fleeting thought, but maybe this thought really stings. As much as we like to think of certain friendships being “done,” it’s never really the case. Today’s episode is about the friendship that got away. What causes us to become less close? Why do some friendships stay with us? How do you know if you should keep tryi...

    19 min
See All (125)

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4.9
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About

Tired of hearing “just put yourself out there” when it comes to friendship or community? Same. Friendship IRL is the podcast that skips the fluff and gets real about what it takes to build meaningful adult friendships and lasting support systems. Whether you're struggling to make new friends, maintain old ones, or just want people in your life who really show up, you're in the right place. Each week, host Alex Alexander brings you honest conversations and tangible strategies to help you connect—for real. You’ll hear stories from everyday people (plus the occasional expert), learn what’s working in modern friendships—and what definitely isn’t—and walk away with ideas, scripts, and action steps you can actually use. Think of it like a coffee date with your wisest, most encouraging friend—the one who tells the truth and hands you the playbook. 🎧 New episodes drop every Thursday. 💬 Want to share your friendship win or struggle? Leave Alex a voice message at AlexAlex.chat. Follow along on Instagram or TikTok @itsalexalexander and join the movement to rethink how we build connection, community, and friendships in real life.

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