🎙️ Why does saying no to the people we love feel like a betrayal? This week, Shanto sits down with family therapist and boundary coach Maya Brooks to unpack the guilt, the group chats, the loan requests, and the holiday dinners that quietly drain us. 💬 You'll hear real stories, a few honest disagreements, and word-for-word scripts you can use this week. Whether you're the family fixer or the friend who always picks up, this one matters because your relationships deserve a version of you that isn't exhausted. ❤️ You'll walk away feeling lighter, braver, and a lot less guilty. Press play and find out why "no" might be the most loving word you own.

Remember when making a friend was as easy as sharing a crayon? 🎨 In this episode, Shanto sits down with relationship researcher and author Maya to figure out why grown-up friendships quietly fade, and why "we should hang out soon" might be the most dangerous sentence in the English language. They get real about group chats, ghosting, family expectations, and the awkward art of making a brand new friend at thirty-two. 💬 If you've ever felt a little lonely inside a very full life, this one is for you. You'll walk away with simple, doable habits to revive old friendships and strengthen the family ties you already have. ❤️ Press play, then text someone you miss, because you will want to by minute ten.

Ever scroll through 400 contacts and realize you have no one to call? 📱 This week on Friends & Family, Shanto sits down with friendship researcher and author Dr. Maya Brooks to unpack why adult friendships fade, and what actually brings them back. Together they dig into the friendship math nobody tells you about, the group chat illusion, and what to do when you've simply outgrown someone. 💛 If you've ever felt like you're the only one who's lonely in a crowded life, this one will make you feel seen and give you real moves to make this week. You'll laugh, nod along, and probably text someone before the episode ends. Press play, because your next great friendship might start with one small message. 🎧