Belonging can be dangerous. And sometimes the people we trust to keep us safe can end up being the ones we need to be kept safe from.

In this episode, we reflect on a recent tragedy that sparked a much larger conversation about friendship, belonging, identity, and what it means to feel safe with the people around us. We explore how our relationships shape us, the importance of surrounding ourselves with people who genuinely have our best interests at heart, and the ways race, community, and lived experiences influence how we move through the world.

This conversation also became a deeply personal one. We share our own experiences growing up, learning to embrace our identities, finding community, and wrestling with what it means to trust others while still protecting ourselves.

While the specific case discussed was still under investigation at the time of recording, this episode is ultimately about something much bigger: how we choose the people we let into our lives, and how those relationships can shape our sense of safety, belonging, and self.

We’d love to hear your thoughts. Join the conversation and let us know:

What makes someone feel truly safe to you?

**Note: This conversation was recorded while the case discussed was still under active investigation. Our goal is not to report the news, but to explore the broader themes the story raised for us. We encourage listeners to follow reputable news sources for verified updates as the investigation continues. And while this conversation begins with a news story, it ultimately explores the broader themes of trust, belonging, friendship, identity, and psychological safety.

Our thoughts are with Nolan Wells' s Family at this time.