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

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.

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.

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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.

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/

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

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

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: @

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