Ever just need someone to talk to? A place to share good news, vent about life, or tell a story that’s been sitting on your heart? Welcome to I Need a Friend—the podcast where strangers become friends through honest, unfiltered conversations.
Each episode, I connect with everyday people—online or in person—to talk about life’s highs, lows, and everything in between. No scripts, no judgment—just real stories, real emotions, and a reminder that we’re never as alone as we think.
So, whether you’re here to listen, relate, or just enjoy a good conversation, pull up a seat. Because sometimes, all
Unmuted: Amber’s Story of Growth, and the Power of Being an Introvert
Amber Hansel, host of Introverts Unmuted podcast, shares her experiences as an introvert in an extroverted world, discussing motherhood and healing from loss in this interview.
24 May 2025
The Soundtrack of Healing: Kreigh Opens Up About Grief & Mental Health
Musician Kreigh Shelton discusses his mental health journey and grieving process following the loss of his father with host, as they explore self-expression through creativity in this interview.
21 May 2025
Andy’s Story: Dating Experiences, Dad Life & Deep Diving Into Mental Health
Going to therapy is a sign of strength, not weakness. My sponsor BetterHelp makes therapy
simple, with 10% off your first month to help you get started: https://betterhelp.com/ineedafriend
In this week’s episode of I Need a Friend, I’m joined by Andy—a divorced dad of two, roller coaster enthusiast, and proud cat dad to Twinkles. We chat about growing up in the Midwest, our mutual love for Cedar Point and karaoke, and how he’s navigating life after divorce. Andy opens up about the fear of being forgotten, the importance of understanding your mental health, and why opening up—surface level or deep—matters.
It’s a fun and thoughtful conversation about showing up as yourself, finding connection in unexpected places, and remembering you’re not alone in what you’re feeling.
Enjoy listening to my new friend, Andy.
Follow us on Instagram @ineedafriendpod! New episodes drop every Tuesday & Friday!
🎙 Pod Guest: Instagram/Threads: @crownprints3d
🎶 Music written and produced by: Spotify: @JFZT
📲 Podcast Instagram: @ineedafriendpod
💬 Mentioned in pod: @cedarpoint
9 May 2025
Being Your Authentic Self: Julian’s Take on Mental Health & Music
This week on I Need a Friend, I sit down with Julian—a stranger I met on Threads who quickly became a friend. We chat about his journey into music later in life, the healing power it’s had on his mental health, and how it helped him reconnect with his dad and family.
Julian also shares about his own podcast, Loves Music, and his refreshing take on staying true to your authentic self. One of my favorite moments? When he talked about how life happens in seasons—a reminder to lean into wherever you are right now.
If you’re loving the podcast so far, please share it with friends and family. You never know who might need to hear these stories.
🎙️ Episode streaming now on all platforms!
📲 Link in bio to listen + book a guest spot
🎙️ Pod Guest: Instagram: @julianjones417
🎶 Music written and produced by: Spotify: @JFZT
📲 Podcast Instagram: @ineedafriendpod
💬 Mentioned in pod: Book: The Pain You Choose https://amzn.to/4jQSNiC
Podcast: Loves Music https://open.spotify.com/show/3QB19Dk8V29RwqWDddeq89?si=0GieFyQ2StWNXe7EvJA2zQ
Pod manager: @intentionaledit
Please note: If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, you are not alone. Don’t hesitate to reach out to someone you trust or speak with a mental health professional. Resources are linked in the show notes. 💚
#ineedafriendpod #mentalhealthawareness #podcastrecommendation #musicandmentalhealth #authenticity #threadscommunity #mentalhealthmatters #lifeseasons #strangerstofriends
6 May 2025
I’m Proud of You: A Candid Conversation with Danielle on Mental Health and Moving Forward
In this week’s episode of I Need a Friend, I sit down with Danielle—a stranger I met on Threads—who opens up about her journey living with major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety. She shares what it took to walk away from a narcissistic ex, how she manages her mental health day to day, and the tools she leans on when things get tough. We also bond over our shared love for dogs, which brought a little levity and a lot of heart to this conversation.
Her honesty and strength made a lasting impact on me, and I’m grateful to share her story with you.
Enjoy listening to my now friend, Danielle.
Follow us on Instagram @ineedafriendpod! New episodes drop every Tuesday & Friday!
🎙️ Pod Guest: Instagram: @dani_gurl88
🎶 Music written and produced by: Spotify: @JFZT
📲 Podcast Instagram: @ineedafriendpod
💬 Mentioned in pod: Peer Support Specialist Information https://www.naadac.org/ncprss
Please note: This episode may include discussions related to mental health diagnoses and personal struggles. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to someone you trust or contact a mental health professional. You are not alone.
3 May 2025
My Illness Doesn’t Define Me: Angela on Telling Her Story & Helping Others Heal
In this week’s episode of I Need a Friend, I sit down with Angela—a stranger I met on Threads—who shares her powerful story of resilience. From being diagnosed with a mental health illness at a young age to the emotional relief of finally receiving the right diagnosis, Angela’s journey is one of strength, self-advocacy, and hope.
She opens up about the battles she’s faced, the healing she’s found, and how she’s now using her story to help others feel less alone. Our conversation was so impactful, it even inspired me to take a step forward in my own mental health journey and sign up for therapy.
Enjoy listening to my now friend, Angela.
⸻
Follow us on Instagram @ineedafriendpod! New episodes drop every Tuesday & Friday!
🎙️ Pod Guest: Instagram: @angielala42
🎶 Music written and produced by: Spotify: @JFZT
📲 Podcast Instagram: @ineedafriendpod
💬 Mentioned in pod: Psychology Today https://www.psychologytoday.com/us
Please note: This episode may include discussions related to mental health diagnoses and personal struggles. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to someone you trust or contact a mental health professional. You are not alone.
29 Apr 2025
Military Wife & Dream Chaser: J’s Real-Life Superwoman Story
In this week’s episode of I Need a Friend, I sit down with J—a stranger I met on Threads—who opens up about the highs and lows of life as a military mom, the determination it took to land her dream job, and the steady faith that carried her through some of her toughest seasons. Her story is filled with strength, grace, and resilience—and to me, she’s nothing short of a real-life superwoman.
Enjoy listening to my now friend, J.
Follow us on Instagram @ineedafriendpod! New episodes drop every Tuesday & Friday!
🎙️ Pod Guest: Instagram: @jananyaharrington / https://jpharrington.com/
🎶 Music written and produced by: Spotify: @JFZT
📲 Podcast Instagram: @ineedafriendpod
💬 Mentioned in pod/ resources: Military and Family Life Counselor (MFLC) & Military OneSource
https://www.militaryonesource.mil/confidential-counseling/
25 Apr 2025
Let That Sh*t Go: Heather’s Story of Healing & Growth
In this week’s episode of I Need a Friend, I sit down with Heather—a stranger I met online—who opens up about learning to let go of the things that no longer serve her, navigating a recent divorce, and the deep importance of making mental health conversations a priority for everyone.
It’s an honest and empowering chat about personal growth, emotional resilience, and the freedom that comes from choosing yourself.
Enjoy listening to my now friend, Heather.
Follow us on Instagram @ineedafriendpod! New episodes drop every Tuesday & Friday!
🎙️ Pod Guest: Instagram: @heatherdyann
🎶 Music written and produced by: Spotify: @JFZT
📲 Podcast Instagram: @ineedafriendpod
💬 Mentioned in pod: @sacredshiftpod
22 Apr 2025
I Need a Friend E6 - Craig
In this week’s episode of I Need a Friend, I’m switching things up and sitting down in person with someone who’s not a stranger to me—my friend Craig. He opens up about his life before joining the military, the personal struggles that led to his fall from grace, and the powerful journey he took to turn things around and help others do the same.
It’s an honest, inspiring conversation about redemption, resilience, and the strength it takes to rebuild your life with purpose.
Enjoy listening to my friend, Craig.
Follow us on Instagram @ineedafriendpod! New episodes drop every Tuesday & Friday!
🎙️ Pod Guest: Facebook: Craig Kingrey
🎶 Music written and produced by: Spotify: @JFZT
📲 Podcast Instagram: @ineedafriendpod
💬 Mentioned in pod resources: Special Forces Charitable Trust https://www.specialforcescharitabletrust.org
Connor’s K9 P.A.W.S. Pups Assisting Warriors to succeed https://connorsk9paws.org
American Hero’s in Action https://americanheroesinaction.org
DAV: Disabled American Veterans https://www.dav.org
18 Apr 2025
I Need a Friend E5 - Courtney
In this week’s episode of I Need a Friend, I sit down with Courtney—a stranger I met on Threads—who opens up about her time as a youth pastor, the heart behind her upcoming podcast launching this summer, and her surprising reason for never reading the Harry Potter books.
It’s a fun, thoughtful, and insightful conversation about faith, personal evolution, and finding your voice in new seasons of life.
Enjoy listening to my now friend, Courtney.**
Follow us on Instagram @ineedafriendpod! New episodes drop every Friday!
🎙️ Pod Guest: Instagram: @spritzgirlmindset
🎶 Music written and produced by: Spotify: @JFZT
📲 Podcast Instagram: @ineedafriendpod
💬 Mentioned in pod: @
11 Apr 2025
I Need a Friend E4 - Rick
In this week’s episode of I Need a Friend, I sit down with Rick—a stranger I met on Threads—who shares his story of running away from home at 16, the life-altering experience of losing his eye, and how those events have shaped his understanding of mental health.
It’s a raw and powerful conversation about resilience, self-discovery, and the lessons we learn along the way. Rick’s journey is a testament to strength, growth, and never giving up.
Enjoy listening to my now friend, Rick.
Follow us on Instagram @ineedafriendpod! New episodes drop every Friday!
🎙️ Pod Guest: Instagram: @trypnotik
🎶 Music written and produced by: Spotify: @JFZT
📲 Podcast Instagram: @ineedafriendpod
💬 Mentioned in pod: Shibari, Bell Hooks, Unmasking Autism by Devon Price & Sondermind
10 Apr 2025
I Need A Friend E3 - Peter
In this week’s episode of I Need a Friend, I sit down with Peter—a stranger I met on Threads—who opens up about his experience with toxic relationships, the impact they had on his mental health, and how he’s been rebuilding his life through wellness, self-awareness, and helping others.
It’s an honest and powerful conversation about healing, growth, and rediscovering purpose. Peter’s journey is a reminder that even in our darkest moments, there’s always hope.
Please note: This episode includes discussions of suicide and attempted suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to someone you trust or contact a mental health professional. You are not alone.
Enjoy listening to my now friend, Peter.
Follow us on Instagram @ineedafriendpod! New episodes drop every Friday!
🎙️ Pod Guest: Instagram: @unkopeetah
🎶 Music written and produced by: Spotify: @JFZT
📲 Podcast Instagram: @ineedafriendpod
💬 Mentioned in pod:
4 Apr 2025
I Need a Friend E2 - Rebecca
In this week’s episode of I Need a Friend, I sit down with Rebecca—a stranger I met on Instagram—who shares her journey of navigating life as a single mom while building her empire from the ground up. We dive into the challenges she’s faced, how her experiences have shaped her, and the impact of it all on her mental health.
It’s an inspiring and honest conversation about resilience, ambition, and the strength it takes to keep pushing forward. So sit back, listen in, and meet my new friend, Rebecca.
Follow us on Instagram @ineedafriendpod! New episodes dropping every Friday!
🎙️ Pod Guest: Instagram: @fempreneuerarpundtheworld
🎶 Music written and produced by: Spotify: @JFZT
📲 Podcast Instagram: @ineedafriendpod
💬 Mentioned in pod: @Paula Smith @mindfuladventurecoaching
28 Mar 2025
I Need A Friend E1 - Travis
In this week’s episode of I Need a Friend, I sit down with Travis—a stranger I met on Threads—who opens up about navigating life after a recent divorce. We dive into how this major life change has impacted his mental health, the challenges of starting over, and the one thing keeping him grounded: his amazing kids.
It’s an honest, heartfelt conversation about resilience, growth, and finding silver linings in tough times. So sit back, listen in, and meet my new friend, Travis.
Follow us on Instagram @ineedafriendpod! New episodes dropping every Friday!
Pod Guest: Instagram: @travis.bird.96
Music written and produced by: Spotify: @JFZT
Pod Instagram: @ineedafriendpod
Mentioned in pod: @chancybernson
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
6 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
4 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 55 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
90
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
51
Contact I NEED A FRIEND POD
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of I NEED A FRIEND POD?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
