Best Nina Badzin Podcasts (2024)

1
Safety First: A Mother's Loss Becomes Her Biggest Fight with Brenda Mcgaw 46:44

8h ago46:44

46:44

In this episode, I’m joined by Brenda Mcgaw, a courageous mother who turned personal tragedy into a mission to save lives. Brenda shares the inspiring and heart-wrenching story of her daughter, Shea-Lynn, a vibrant and driven young woman whose life was tragically cut short at the age of 16 due to a momentary lapse in wearing her seatbelt. Despite t…

1
Quick Friendship Tip: You need time with your long distance friends (but not as much time as you think) 14:07

1h ago14:07

14:07

Episode #105: After a trip to Chicago to say goodbye to my childhood house, I realized how even one meal with your long distance friends means so much. You need time with your long distance friends, but not as much time as you think. You don't need full weekends away, though of course those are nice. You don't need long retreats in fancy resorts or…

1
My friend, Jill Smokler, discussing: brain cancer, friendship, and the Scary Mommy days 34:47

6d ago34:47

34:47

Episode #104: Jill Smokler is the creator of Scary Mommy, one of the most original and successful mom blogs ever. She was also the first mom blogger to sell her site to a major media company. But Dear Nina is not a business podcast, and this is not a discussion about business regrets or rebranding. Jill was recently diagnosed with brain cancer. And…

1
Nature's Healing Power: Overcoming Trauma and Finding Peace with Banning Lyon 1:04:31

4d ago1:04:31

1:04:31

In this episode of Judging Meghan, I’m joined by Banning Lyon, a trauma survivor, author, and backpacking guide. Banning shares his harrowing journey through a turbulent childhood filled with trauma, abuse, and unimaginable hardships, ultimately finding his way to recovery and thriving. Banning's story is one of resilience and hope, as he recounts …

1
Friendship Meet-Cutes and Your Fashion Emergency Friends: Rachel Levy Lesser 33:38

4d ago33:38

33:38

Episode #103: Friendship meet-cutes, the perfect jacket or blazer, fashion emergencies solved by our friends, making the first friendship move, and more. I'm talking to Rachel Levy Lesser of Life's Accessories: The Podcast for a fun crossover episode. We covered: Some personal friendship "meet-cutes" that mean more to us than our former romantic me…

1
From Pain to Purpose: The Inspiring Mental Health Journey of Advocate and Speaker David Woods Bartley 57:42

11d ago57:42

57:42

**Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions about mental health challenges, including depression, suicide, and sexual assault.** In this episode, I’m joined by David Woods Bartley, a TED Talk speaker and mental health advocate. David shares his incredible journey from battling mental illness to achieving mental wellness. As we close out Me…

1
Friendships Can Survive Hurt Feelings and Conflict: Shasta Nelson 37:50

13d ago37:50

37:50

Episode #102: Shasta Nelson, friendship expert extraordinaire, joins me to discuss how and why to be honest with friends when we're upset with them. Our friendships CAN survive tough conversations, hurt feelings, and conflict. AND, our overall social health will improve when we learn to get through the hard stuff with our friends. Meet Shasta Nelso…

1
Unlocking Happiness: A Guide to Navigating Crisis with Author, Coach, and Speaker Dr. Elia Gourgouris 54:23

25d ago54:23

54:23

This episode I’m joined by Dr. Elia Gourgouris, a coach, author, and speaker on happiness and well-being. In this episode, we explore the power of personal branding and how it affects women's lives. Learn about the detrimental self-labels many women face and how to redefine your brand through personal anecdotes and professional insights. We touch o…

1
Best Friends, Friendship Trios, Being More Direct with Friends, and More 27:44

23d ago27:44

27:44

Episode #101: It's the first official "ask me anything" episode in honor of 100 episodes! The questions came from my anonymous inbox, my Facebook group (Dear Nina: The Group), or through Instagram and TikTok-- both @dearninafriendship. I had a great time answering questions and I couldn't even get to everything so I will keep doing these every so o…

1
From Tech's Toll on Young Minds to Unpacking Modern Gambling Culture With Dr. Timothy Fong 1:04:00

25d ago1:04:00

1:04:00

This episode I’m joined by Dr. Timothy Fong, a professor of psychiatry and co-director of the UCLA Gambling Studies Program, to dive deep into the emotional complexities of adolescence, addiction, and the power of vulnerability. Dr. Fong highlights the biological, psychological, and social factors that contribute to addiction, emphasizing recovery …

1
The Magic of Camp Friends: Dara Levan 40:16

1M ago40:16

40:16

Episode #100: They say camp friends are the best friends. Why? At camp there are no screens, you take risks, parents aren't breathing down your back, and the magic ingredients of endless hours + constant proximity make it possible to create intense, close bonds with kids your age. In this special episode of Dear Nina: Conversations About Friendship…

1
The Transformative Power of Female Friendships With Podcaster Nina Badzin 1:08:04

1M ago1:08:04

1:08:04

This episode we’re delving into the transformative power of female friendships with special guest, Nina Badzin. Nina, the voice behind Dear Nina: Conversations About Friendship and a seasoned writer on the topic since 2014, brings her wealth of knowledge and personal experiences to the table. We explore the dynamics of women's friendships, the impo…

1
Empowering Change: One World Surgery's Stories of Impact and Inspiration with Lulu Daly and Dr. Mary Hannon 45:55

1M ago45:55

45:55

This episode I’m joined by guests Lulu Daly from One World Surgery and Dr. Mary Hannon of South Bay MD. Lulu shares the incredible story of how a trip to Honduras transformed her family's life, leading to the creation of a life-saving organization. Discover the challenges they faced and the lives they’ve touched through their medical missions, incl…

1
The 14-Day Friendship (Mindset) Cleanse: Anna Goldfarb 33:07

1M ago33:07

33:07

Episode #99: Welcome to the 14-day friendship (mindset) cleanse, brainchild of previous Dear Nina guest, Anna Goldfarb, whose book Modern Friendship: How to Nurture Our Most Valued Connections, is finally out in the world. Don't feel put off by the word, "cleanse." This discussion is about reconsidering how you're approaching friendships and how yo…

1
Transforming Stress into Success: The 9 Pillars of Resilience with author and renowned Psychologist Dr. Stephen Sideroff 1:01:06

2M ago1:01:06

1:01:06

This episode I’m joined by the esteemed Dr. Stephen Sideroff, a renowned psychologist and expert in resilience, longevity, and optimal performance. Dr. Sideroff shares his wisdom on managing stress, living in the moment, and finding balance in the chaos of life. His insights on turning stress into a tool for success and maintaining mental health ar…

1
5 Questions to Evaluate Your Friendships 14:25

2M ago14:25

14:25

Episode #98: There are five questions I want us to be asking ourselves to get a sense of where our friendships stand. Even if you're not a student or a parent, thinking in school months is a helpful measure of time. Maybe you got some grades. Maybe your kids got grades. Maybe at work you got an evaluation. It's also worth your time to evaluate your…

1
The Power of Determination, A Heart Felt Conversation with Celebrity Fitness Expert, Author and Podcaster, Steve Jordan 1:01:35

2M ago1:01:35

1:01:35

Today's episode I'm joined by Steve Jordan, a renowned fitness expert, podcaster, and author. Steve opens up about his traumatic brain injury, a life-altering experience that tested his resilience and ultimately paved his path to recovery. From being a top athlete and popular student to facing a near-death experience, Steve's story is a testament t…

1
Disclosing My Invisible Disability Increased the Intimacy In My Friendships: Estelle Erasmus 25:11

2M ago25:11

25:11

Episode #97: Invisible disabilities can turn into a source of shame and unknowingly get in the way of friendships. What is an invisible disability? It's any condition that is not obvious, perhaps even to the closest of friends. Some examples are depression, anxiety, other mental health diagnoses, as well as physical conditions such as chronic pain,…

1
A Conversation On Addiction and Redemption with Recovering Addict, Author, and Musician Paul Summers Jr 58:15

2M ago58:15

58:15

In this episode I’m joined by Paul Summers Junior, a recovering addict, author, and musician, whose journey unfolds as a poignant narrative of self-expression, resilience, and redemption. Thi episode we discuss the evolving societal perceptions towards individuality and creativity, highlighting music's healing role in nurturing connection and empat…

1
Mixtapes, Mahjong, and Other Sensory Friendship Experiences: Gretchen Rubin 47:43

2M ago47:43

47:43

Episode #96: I have been a Gretchen Rubin fan since 2009 when I read The Happiness Project the week it came out. Who could resist that cover and concept? And I cannot believe this, but I got to discuss my favorite topic, friendship, with Gretchen Rubin on Dear Nina. In celebration of Gretchen's paperback release of Life in Five Senses: How Explorin…

1
Mental Health Advocacy in the Beauty Realm with Founder of Very Nice Beauty Jennifer Lasko 59:15

2M ago59:15

59:15

In this episode I have the pleasure of chatting with Jennifer Lasko, the founder of Very Nice Beauty and a fierce advocate for mental health. Jennifer's journey from studying chemical engineering to diving headfirst into the beauty industry is truly remarkable. Through her story, we discover a woman of incredible resilience and determination who fa…

1
Last Flight from Havana: An Inspiring Story of Overcoming Adversity with Business Leader, Inspiring Speaker, and Author Marie Quintana 57:41

2M ago57:41

57:41

In this episode, I'm delighted to be joined by Marie Quintana, a nationally acclaimed business leader, inspiring speaker, and author of the book "Last Flight From Havana." Together, Marie and I delve into the profound impact of childhood trauma, focusing on Marie's poignant journey of leaving her homeland, Cuba, at a tender age. Despite encounterin…

1
Overtalking, Undertalking, and Lessons on Friendship in the Art of Storytelling: Micaela Blei 30:11

3M ago30:11

30:11

Episode #95: Oversharing, overtalking, undertalking, undersharing, small talk, deep talks, mismatches in vulnerability, and the art of listening---these are the tricky friendship topics we are dealing with today. I'm joined by Micaela Blei, a GrandSLAM-winning storyteller and former founding Director of Education at The Moth. Topics we covered: The…

1
A conversation on Addiction, Privilege, and Healing with Recovery Coach and Podcaster Fawna Asfaw 46:47

3M ago46:47

46:47

This episode I'm joined by, Fawna Asfaw. Fawna is a Recovery Coach, founder of The Good Work LLC, author and podcaster. In today's episode we emphasize the importance of bridging divides and fostering dialogue between different perspectives, recognizing the polarized nature of today's political climate. As well as the intersection of addiction, pri…

1
5 Friendship Issues to Address With a Therapist: Roxanne Francis 24:42

3M ago24:42

24:42

Episode #94: Everyone runs into bumps in their friendships. Trust me, I have a decade's worth of writing material from readers and listeners to prove that point. But when are friendship issues getting to the point where addressing them with a therapist is highly recommended? I'm joined by award-winning psychotherapist, Roxanne Francis, who responde…

1
Navigating the Path to Recovery: With Addiction Specialist & Interventionist Candy Finnigan (Revisited) 1:10:06

3M ago1:10:06

1:10:06

This episode is a re-visited episode of one of my favorite Guests: Addiction has always been an issue in the US. With the rise in fentanyl related deaths and increasing number of ads and commercials glamorizing alcohol and other substances addiction and substance abuse has become even more prevalent in today's society. This is why I am so happy to …

1
Small Friendship Slights and Changing Your Instagram Handle 8:46

3M ago8:46

8:46

Episode #93: A quick conversation about the subtle hurts that can make friendship difficult. It's the small slights I cover on Dear Nina in general, not the giant betrayals. Why? The big "stuff" is much more black and white, and we don't need much conversation around whether to stay friends. Today I also have a big instagram tip if you're looking t…

1
Unlocking Creativity Through Writing and Parenting Neurodivergent Children: Insights from Award Winning Author Robin Finn 53:12

4M ago53:12

53:12

This episode features award-winning author Robin Finn, celebrated for her Hillarious essay "When Our Daughter Walked In on Us." Together, Robin and I explore her journey from stifled aspirations to the tumultuous path of parenthood, unveiling the transformative power of art and connection amidst life's trials. Robin shares candid stories of evoluti…

1
The Courage to Trust Friends After You’ve Been Hurt 14:45

3M ago14:45

14:45

Episode #92: For anyone who has been hurt by a friend--or a group of friends--recently or in the past, this 14-minute episode is for you. It's a solo episode that came from my reaction to a TikTok video I saw by a woman who was left out of a group trip years ago and has decided she will never trust anyone with her friendship again. Other titles I c…

1
Finding Freedom: A Journey Of Resilience with renowned singer and author Stephanie Quayle 1:03:54

4M ago1:03:54

1:03:54

This episode I'm joined by Stephanie Quayle, the renowned singer and author, who unveils her upcoming book, "Why Do We Stay?: How My Toxic Relationship Can Help You Find Freedom" in a candid discussion slated for release on April 30th via HarperCollins.com or Amazon Together, Stephanie and I explore the journey of resilience, diving deep into how p…

1
Finding a Way Forward: A Mother's Tale of Survival with Rachel Hart 57:33

4M ago57:33

57:33

This episode I'm joined by guest Rachel Hart who recounts her heart-stopping encounter with a hit-and-run accident in Venice, California. Walking with her eight-month-old son, Rachel faced a life-threatening situation when a reckless 16-year-old driver in a stolen car careened towards them. Through Rachel's courageous retelling, listeners will expl…

1
Why Big Friend Groups Often Fail; And Helping Kids Manage Conflict with Friends: Dr. Lisa Damour 27:23

4M ago27:23

27:23

Episode #91: Dr. Lisa Damour's latest book, The Emotional Lives of Teenagers , is out in paperback. On this episode we revisit the best nuggets of my previous conversation with Dr. Lisa, focusing on teen and tween friend groups and all of the anxiety that goes along with parenting a teen who is dealing with not being in a group. We cover teens not …

1
Rising Above: How Trauma Turned to Triumph with Las Vegas Renowned Hypnotist & Author Kevin Lepine 41:56

4M ago41:56

41:56

In this episode, I am thrilled to welcome award-winning hypnotist Kevin Lepine, acclaimed as the rock star of hypnosis, for a truly enlightening conversation. Kevin shares his encounters with criticism, both online and during live performances, shedding light on the corrosive nature of cyberbullying and its profound effects on mental well-being. Ou…

1
The Friends You Want Around During a Crisis: Kelly Lang 28:41

4M ago28:41

28:41

Episode #90: Many of us say we would be there for our friends in an emergency, but that's often theory until it's tested. Not everyone can rise to the occasion. And crisis is a time when the friends you want around you and the ones you may need to leave behind (even for just a while) becomes very clear. Kelly Lang, co-author with her husband, Mike,…

1
Negative Friendship Patterns; Breaking an Unhealthy Cycle: Christie Tate 35:57

4M ago35:57

35:57

Episode #89: Do you ever feel like you or someone you know is just not “good at” friendship? It's never too late to address negative patterns in our friendships or any relationship. Today's guest, author Christie Tate, author of B.F.F.: A Memoir of Friendship Lost and Found, set out to break decades of unhealthy cycles in her friendships. Do you th…

1
The Path to Healing: A journey Through Anxiety and Depression with Author James Francis 55:55

5M ago55:55

55:55

In this episode, I'm joined by James Francis, a Speaker, Entrepreneur, and author of the book “There's Coffee in the Fridge: One Man's Journey Through Anxiety and Depression.” Together, we delve into the journey of overcoming trauma, depression, and finding hope. From childhood struggles to navigating the complexities of masculinity and societal ex…

1
Differences of Opinion With Friends and The Potential of Friendship Between Cousins: Emily Locker 30:19

5M ago30:19

30:19

Episode #88: Managing differences of opinion with friends can get tricky. An obvious area is politics, but smaller differences also get between friends, like parenting decisions. Examples: parents who give their kids a phone and social media years before the other friend; public vs. private school; where you live; how you vacation---those are not a…

1
Dealing with Childhood Loss and Exploring Unprocessed Grief 22:21

5M ago22:21

22:21

Today’s episode is a heavier one as I go solo to reflect on losing my dad during my childhood. It's a topic that's been on my mind a lot, and until now, I haven't really shared much about it. Throughout this episode, I'll be opening up about the profound impact of his absence, which continues to resonate with me to this day. I'll share how I've car…

1
Breaking Free: Overcoming Addiction, Battling Cancer, and Finding Purpose with Author and Obstacle Course Racer Nick Klingensmith 1:05:36

5M ago1:05:36

1:05:36

In this episode, I'm joined by Nick Klingensmith, a four-time cancer survivor, recovering alcoholic, and author who defied all odds to become an obstacle course racer. Nick sheds light on the subtle yet profound impacts of parental neglect and the complexities of addiction and self-deception. From functional alcoholism to moments of reckoning, he r…

1
Beyond The Golden Girls: Platonic Life Partners at Any Age, with Rhaina Cohen 29:33

5M ago29:33

29:33

Episode #87: Shows like The Golden Girls and Grace & Frankie are beloved by so many, but also treated as a fantasy. What if platonic life partnerships didn't have to be merely a dream? What if you didn't have to wait until retirement age to consider centering your life around friendship? Today's guest, Rhaina Cohen, author of The Other Significant …

1
Mind Matters: Exploring the Intersection of Human Connection, Technology, and Mental Wellness with Dr. Mark Williams (Revisited) 54:46

5M ago54:46

54:46

In this captivating episode on the power of human connection and its impact on our brains. Dr. Mark Williams, an award-winning author and cognitive neuroscience professor, sheds light on the concerning effects of technology on mental health, well-being, and relationships. Dr. Williams discusses the addictive nature of devices, how they rob us of ou…

1
Every Friendship Starts With an Act of Bravery: Amy Weatherly and Jess Johnston 32:26

5M ago32:26

32:26

Episode #86: Making friends and deepening existing friendships starts with some basic truths. "Every friendship starts with an act of bravery. And every friendship goes to the next level because of someone's act of bravery. " "Do not wait for the other person to make the first move. It's always your turn." These are just two of many wise and though…

1
Trailblazing Women in Politics: Exploring Challenges and Solutions with Author and former California state Assembly member Mary Chung Hayashi 1:09:49

6M ago1:09:49

1:09:49

In this episode, I'm joined by former California State Assembly member Mary Chung Hayashi, author of "Women in Politics: Breaking Down the Barriers to Achieve True Representation." Together, we delve into Mary's immigrant experience, navigating identity shifts, and linguistic challenges. We explore the complexities of grief, cultural expectations, …

1
Parenting Through the Post-COVID Landscape: Addressing Soaring Depression and Suicide Rates in Kids with Marriage and Family Therapist Julie Payne 1:01:50

6M ago1:01:50

1:01:50

In this episode, licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Julie Payne joins the discussion on the complexities of modern childhood, addressing issues exacerbated by social media and academic pressures. The conversation explores the unrealistic expectations placed on children and the impact of societal norms on mental health, with Julie emphasizing th…

1
The More the Merrier? That's Not Always True: with Danielle Bayard Jackson 38:09

6M ago38:09

38:09

Episode #85: "The more the merrier" is a common expression for good reason. Most of us don't want to be considered exclusive. We want others to feel welcomed and comfortable around us. But there are times when the more the merrier is not the case-- when the group dynamics for a particular event won't work if everyone comes along. In episode 85, I h…

1
The Journey to Purposeful Living with Author Reverend James Parker 52:21

6M ago52:21

52:21

In this episode, I'm joined by Reverend James Parker, the author of the newly released book "The Wealth Spark." Reverend Parker delves into the concept that societal expectations and the suppression of emotions are ingrained in the DNA of men, leading them to wear masks and grapple with authenticity. He emphasizes that breaking free from this patte…

1
Turning an Acquaintance Into a Friend: Debra Arbit 33:24

6M ago33:24

33:24

Episode #84: Debra Arbit and I tell our real-life friendship story, which is a great example of going from barely acquaintances to close friends in our 40s. Well, when we met Debra was still in her 30s, but I was in my 40s. We share the emails and texts that move us from office-mates to friends. Debra and I don't agree on everything, but we do agre…

1
Honest Reflections on Addiction and Gratitude with Fellow Podcaster Angela Pugh 1:02:53

6M ago1:02:53

1:02:53

This week I'm joined by fellow podcaster Angela Pugh, whose podcast ‘Addiction Unlimited’ touches addiction and recovery. In this episode Angela opens up about her past, navigating doubts about the future, and bravely shares her journey through addiction. Together, we reflect on the power of gratitude amidst life's challenges and discuss societal j…

1
The Sisterhood of the Fellow Exes: Lara Starr 24:08

6M ago24:08

24:08

Episode #83: Have you ever befriended your ex's ex? Today's episode focuses on the potential friendship that comes from a shared hurt and a shared healing. I was intrigued when Lara Starr emailed me about her "sister exes." Lara has written extensively in her Substack, It's Kind of a Long Story, about the friendships that came from bonding with the…

1
Triumph Over Darkness with Best Selling Author Nina Sossamon-Pogue 1:04:47

7M ago1:04:47

1:04:47

Triumph Over Darkness with Best Selling Author Nina Sossamon-Pogue (Revisited) This episode, initially released in 2021, stands out as one of my absolute favorites. Nina's book has become my ultimate go-to, personally revisited numerous times. I consistently recommend it to others as an excellent resource when navigating life's inevitable challenge…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Nina Badzin Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide