Have you ever gotten that call or text—the one that says, “My mom died” or “He left me”—and suddenly you’re frozen, unsure what to say or do? You care deeply, but you don’t want to say the wrong thing or make it worse. In today’s episode of The Friendship Tour, we’re talking about a powerful, often overlooked way to show up for our friends: The Ministry of Presence. Join me for a heartfelt exploration of how simply being there—without fixing, solving, or performing—can be one of the most meaningful acts of friendship you’ll ever offer. Together, we’ll explore: What the Ministry of Presence is—and what it’s not Why “just being there” is sometimes the best thing you can do How to overcome the discomfort of silence or awkwardness Four practical ways to show up when a friend is hurting How this ministry reflects God’s love and design for community This episode is for you if: You’ve ever said, “I just didn’t know what to say…” You want to be a better support to friends who are grieving or struggling You need a gentle reminder that love doesn’t always require words 📝 Challenge of the WeekWho in your life might need your presence? Not your answers, not your advice—just you.Send the text. Make the call. Sit with them. Be there. 📬 Let’s Connect!If this episode touched your heart, we’d love to hear from you. Leave a review, share with a friend, or join the conversation on Facebook or Instagram. 💛 Until next time—be a good friend.

In this just-for-fun bonus episode of The Friendship Tour, I sit down (again!) with New Zealand-based travel blogger Sarah Kennerley for a relaxed conversation about one of my favorite topics - traveling!After the last episode on how to travel with friends without breaking the friendship, Sarah and I kept the conversation going—and hit record while we did. In this lighthearted follow-up, we swap stories, compare travel styles, and dish on: Budget-friendly travel tips Our travel styles Our favorite girls’ trips (past and dream-worthy!) If you're craving adventure, sisterhood, or just some joyful girl talk, this one’s for you. 💬 Join the Conversation: Got a favorite travel memory or a dream destination on your list? We’d love to hear from you!💬 Drop into The Friendship Tour Facebook Group📲 Tag us on Instagram: @thefriendshiptourpodcast + @Sarah_Kennerley ⭐ If You Enjoyed This Episode: Please leave a 5-star review and share it with a friend who loves friendship + travel as much as we do!

Travel and friendship—two of life’s greatest joys… and sometimes, biggest challenges. In this episode of The Friendship Tour, I'm joined by world traveler and travel writer, Sarah Kennerley, to talk about what really goes into planning a trip that strengthens your friendships instead of straining them. Fresh off of a multi-generational trip with friends myself, I'm sharing real-life stories, red flags to watch for, and practical tips on: Choosing the right travel buddy (and why that matters) What to discuss before you book How to handle money, mood swings, and unexpected detours The mindset that makes all the difference while you’re away Because let’s be honest—your trip shouldn’t just look good on Instagram… it should actually feel good in real life. Whether you’re dreaming of a girls’ trip or gearing up for a group getaway, this episode will help you travel well and stay friends. Join the Conversation: Instagram → @thefriendshiptourpodcastFacebook → bit.ly/thefriendshiptourpodcastEmail → ccurtis@thefriendshiptourpodcast.comConnect with guest, Sarah Kennerley:Website: sarahseestheworld.comInstagram → @sarah_kennerley

We’ve all heard it: “People just don’t like me because I’m honest.” But is that really the case? In this episode of The Friendship Tour, I unpack the truth behind honesty in friendships—where it helps, where it hurts, and how to do it well. I explore the difference between honesty and bluntness, and why the way we speak truth matters more than ever in today’s friendship dynamics. With humor, wisdom, and lived experience, I share practical tools for being honest with love—so that your truth can be heard and actually build stronger relationships, not break them. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: The difference between honesty and bluntness Why how you say something is just as important as what you say Key questions to ask yourself before "being honest" The right time, right place, right tone principle How to be a truth-teller and a good friend Take This With You: “Most people like honesty. Most people don’t like bluntness.” Listener Challenge:Before offering your honest thoughts, ask yourself:☑️ Is it my business?☑️ Is it important?☑️ Has anyone asked for my input?☑️ Am I trying to help—or just speak?☑️ Am I speaking from love? Join the Conversation:Stay connected in the official Friendship Tour Facebook group! Or follow on Instagram @thefriendshiptourpodcast. Prefer email? Try ccurtis@thefriendshiptourpodcast.com. If you loved this episode:💬 Leave a review📲 Share it with a friend🎧 Subscribe for more real talk about friendship

In this mini episode of The Friendship Tour, I share a special thank you to everyone who joined the very first Friendship Tour Book Club meeting — it was a beautiful night of laughter, honesty, and connection. But today’s message isn’t just a recap — it’s an invitation! I want to hear from YOU. For an upcoming Q&A-style episode, I'm collecting your real friendship questions: What’s been hard? What are you wondering about female friendship? What do you wish someone would just talk about already?! Whether it’s about making new friends, setting boundaries, navigating conflict, or keeping friendships strong through life’s changes — no topic is off-limits. You can email your question, DM on Instagram, or post in the Facebook group (links below!). This is your chance to shape an episode of the podcast — let’s do this together. 💛 📬 Send Your Questions: Email: ccurtis@thefriendshiptourpodcast.com Facebook Group: bit.ly/thefriendshiptourpodcast Instagram: @thefriendshiptourpodcast Next Week: Fact or Fiction: People Don’t Like Me Because I’m Honest – don’t miss it!

In this episode of The Friendship Tour, we get real about vulnerability — what it means, why it’s terrifying, and why it’s absolutely essential for deep, lasting friendships. I share a personal story about opening up to Mia during my journey with infertility, and how her response showed me what true friendship looks like in times of pain and uncertainty. Her words offered more than comfort and understanding — they offered hope and a path forward. We also talk about the deeper truth of vulnerability: it's not just sharing a story or a struggle — it's letting yourself be seen for who you really are. And that can be scary. Because if people see the real you and walk away, it hurts in a very real way. But here’s the flip side: if someone sees the real you and stays — listens, embraces, supports — that’s when friendship deepens. That’s when connection gets real. We explore why vulnerability isn’t weakness — it’s courage. It’s how you find your people. And if someone rejects the real you? That tells you everything you need to know. This episode is for anyone who’s ever wondered if they’re too much, not enough, or just afraid to let the mask drop. We’re here to say: it’s worth the risk.Want to Connect Between Episodes?1. Join the Women, Friendship, and Community Facebook group. 2. Follow @thefriendshiptourpodcast on Instagram.3. Email me at ccurtis@thefriendshiptourpodcast.com.

In this heartfelt episode of The Friendship Tour, I sit down with an old friend, Mia Overton-Smith, for a deep, honest conversation that starts with confidence—and goes so much further. Together, they explore where confidence really comes from and what happens when we struggle to believe we’re enough. As the conversation unfolds, they dive into topics like self-love, body image, healing from internal lies, faith, and the powerful act of being a good friend to yourself. It’s the kind of real, vulnerable dialogue that only happens between trusted friends—and we’re so glad to share it with you. 💬 Topics We Cover: What confidence really is The “spirit of failure” and how it impacts connection Being a better friend to yourself Healing from the lies we tell ourselves The role of faith in identity and healing Encouragement for women navigating self-worth and belonging 🧠 Take This With You:“Be a good friend—to yourself. Be kind to yourself. Be confident in who you are and whose you are.” 💌 Let's Connect! If this episode resonated with you, I’d love to hear from you. Leave a review! Other ways to connect:Facebook Community: Women, Friendship, and CommunityInstagram: @thefriendshiptourpodcastEmail: ccurtis@thefriendshiptourpodcast.com 🎧 Subscribe to The Friendship Tour for more real conversations about friendship.

In this episode of The Friendship Tour, I share real insights from real women who are part of the Women, Friendship, and Community Facebook group. From friendship breakups to mom friends to the wisdom we wish we’d had years ago—this one’s full of heart, truth, humor, and wisdom. As a group, we recently explored four questions: ✨ Are you team “No New Friends”—or do you stay open to new connections? 📝 What’s one piece of friendship advice you’d give your younger self? 💔 Have you ever ended a friendship, and if so, what led to that decision? 👩‍👧‍👦 What’s your personal definition of a “mom friend”? Whether you're navigating evolving friendships, craving deeper connections, or just love hearing honest reflections, this episode is for you. 👉 Join the Conversation: Want your voice heard on a future episode? Head over to our Women, Friendship, and Community Facebook group to share your story, answer weekly questions, or drop your own questions for us to explore on the show. It's a warm, welcoming space for women who value connection and community. 📌 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review The Friendship Tour. And most of all—invite a friend to listen. 💖*BE A GOOD FRIEND!*

Have you ever been ghosted by a friend — with no warning, no explanation, just silence? You’re not alone, and you’re likely not exaggerating the pain. In this episode of The Friendship Tour, I'm diving into one of the most confusing and surprisingly common experiences in adult friendships: ghosting. Whether it’s someone you were just getting to know or a longtime friend who suddenly disappeared, ghosting hurts — and it often leaves us with more questions than answers. In this episode, I explore: What ghosting in friendship really means Why ghosting happens in adult friendships How emotional avoidance, low investment, or personal overwhelm can play a role What ghosting might say about them — and what it might reveal about us How to heal, reflect, and keep showing up as the kind of friend you want to be This episode offers real talk, encouragement, and friendship tips and advice rooted in love. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “What did I do wrong?” or “How do I move forward after being ghosted?” — this one’s for you. 🎧 Tune in now, and be sure to leave a review when you're done. 👇 Join the conversation!Share your own ghosting story in the Women, Friendship, and Community Facebook group — because your experience might help another woman feel a little less alone.

Moving to a new city or town as an adult can feel exciting — and also incredibly lonely. In this episode of The Friendship Tour, we’re sharing real-world tips for how to make friends and build connection when you’re new in town. Whether you've relocated for a new job, a new relationship, the end of a relationship, your grandkids, or just a bit of adventure, this episode covers the strategies, mindset shifts, and small steps that can lead to genuine, lasting friendships in your new community.We’ll talk about: - How to understand your current needs and what kind of friendships you're truly looking for - Why trying new places matters when you’re looking to meet people - Why other newcomers can be some of the easiest people to connect with - The importance of making at least one local friend - How to respectfully adapt to local culture and avoid social missteps - The power of focusing on similarities rather than differences - Why some locals might not be looking for new friends - Encouragement to keep going, even when connection takes time This is your go-to guide for making adult friendships in a new place from someone who's been there more than once or twice. 🎧 Listen now if you’ve ever wondered:  “How do I meet new people in a new city?”  “How can I make friends after moving?”  “Who can I hang out with?”  “Where do I even begin to build a social circle as an adult?”Want more episodes about making new friends? See the list below. 47 | 4 Ideas to Help Introverts Make Friends 34 | 5 Tips for Making New Friends 30 | How to Start and Nurture a New Friendship - featuring Jenai Eustache Want to stay connected or share your thoughts about the episode? Join the Women, Friendship, and Community Facebook group.*BE A GOOD FRIEND!*

Motherhood is beautiful, exhausting, and—let’s be honest—a little lonely sometimes. That’s why mom friends matter so much. In this special Mother’s Day episode of The Friendship Tour, I'm diving into the unique bond between moms who truly understand what it means to juggle parenting, identity, and friendship. From diaper changes and picky eaters to deep conversations and encouragement, mom friends are the lifelines we didn’t know we needed—and the ones who help us remember who we are beyond “Mom.” In this episode, I'm joined by guest Yaritza Pluguez for a meaningful conversation about what defines a mom friend, why these connections are so important, and how friendship helps us protect our identity in the chaos of motherhood. Whether you’re in the early baby stages or figuring out what it means to parent adults, this episode is for you. Topics in this episode include: What exactly is a “mom friend”? How motherhood changes our friendships—and our sense of self Navigating loneliness and finding new connections The importance of staying connected to who you are, not just what you do Want more episodes about amazing moms? Check out: 10 | The Baddest Chick on the Block - A Mother's Day Tribute 28 | Thankfulness Isn't Just for Thanksgiving - It's a Huge Part of Healthy Relationships - featuring Alberta Minters 💬 Join the Friendship Tour community at Women, Friendship, and Community—a space where real conversations and meaningful connections happen every day. 🎧 Be sure to check out Yaritza’s podcast, The Happy SAHM, for more encouragement and wisdom on your motherhood journey. ✨ If this episode spoke to you, share it with a mom friend who needs a little encouragement today. 👋 And finally—Don’t forget to subscribe to The Friendship Tour so you never miss an episode—and if you’re feeling extra generous, leave a rating or review to help other moms find the show. Your support means the world! 💛   *BE A GOOD FRIEND!*

Have you ever felt that sting of not being invited? Was there a text you didn’t get, a party you weren’t invited to, a group chat you didn’t even know existed? If your heart has ever whispered, “Why not me?” — this episode of The Friendship Tour is for you. In this episode, we’re talking about being left out — and how sometimes, it’s not rejection… but redirection. What if the closed doors, missed invites, and friendships that drifted away were actually forms of divine protection? Whether you’ve been excluded from a girls’ trip, feel like the outsider in your friend group, or are just in a season of disconnection, this episode will help you: Understand the difference between true exclusion and misalignment Find peace in knowing that what is meant for you will not pass you by 🎧 Listen now if you’ve ever searched for: “Why was I left out?” “What to do when I’m not invited?” “How to handle friendship rejection” “What does divine protection look like in relationships?” Because not every invitation is a blessing — and sometimes, being left out is exactly what you needed.

This week on The Friendship Tour, Cecelia Curtis shares why community matters more than we sometimes realize—and how a simple Friday night at the football field reminded her of that truth. We’re talking about the difference between friendship and community, and the three big reasons why having a village around you makes life a little easier, a little lighter, and a whole lot more joyful. If you’ve ever felt stretched too thin, emotionally drained, or just wished someone else could pick up your kids or drop off dinner—you’re not alone. This episode is your gentle reminder that you don’t have to do it all by yourself. Because the truth is: you need community. And it needs you, too. After the episode, join the growing online community women like you - women who are passionate about friendship and community. Join us in the Women, Friendship, and Community Facebook group.Want more episodes like this one? Listen to the episodes below! Or, find another that speaks to you. BONUS - Virtual Book Club Invitation46 | What Are Deep Friendships, and How Are They Formed? - featuring Lisa Jones Clinton41 | What is Community? It Might Be More Than You Think6 | Childhood Neighbors Make the Best Friends! - featuring Nadeen Gayle*BE A GOOD FRIEND!*

Hi Friends! Let's read a book together! Why? So we can connect with other amazing women. And, because I personally want to read more and scroll less. I'm just being honest. If you want to join me for a virtual book club, please send a message to ccurtis@thefriendshiptourpodcast.com. Don't wait too long, though! I want to make sure the groups are small enough for women to engage with one another, so we only have room for a small group of women. Registration will remain open until Wednesday, April 16th or until all spots have been filled, whichever comes first. A few more details... 1. We're reading Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty. 2. The group will meet once or twice between now and the end of May. 3. I'll ask all ladies to keep their cameras on for the Book Club since we want to get to know one another.   I look forward to reading with you soon!  

Women often say they want more friends or deeper friendships—but what we don’t always talk about is how overwhelming it can be to actually make new friends as an adult. From awkward small talk to decoding texting etiquette, building new connections can feel like dating all over again. In this episode of The Friendship Tour, I’m joined by my lifelong friend Kina Thornton-Frazier to talk about the emotional highs and lows of forming new friendships in adulthood. We dive into questions like:💬 How do you know if the interest is mutual?📲 When and how should you follow up after meeting someone new?⏰ How much communication is too much—or too little?🤯 Why does initiating friendship sometimes feel so exhausting? Whether you're introverted, in a new city, or simply out of practice, this episode will help you feel seen, validated, and empowered to build meaningful relationships—without burning out. 🎧 Listen now if you’ve ever searched: “Why is making friends so hard as an adult?” “How to build new friendships without feeling awkward” “What’s normal when forming a new connection?” “How to meet and keep female friends” Friendship may take effort, but it’s so worth it. 💖 If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review and share it with a friend. Then explore more episodes about growing and maintaining lifelong friendships!   1 | What is a True Friend? - featuring Lauren Gray 3 | Do You Want Lifelong Friends? Learn to Forgive and Ask for Forgiveness - featuring Dr. L’Tanya Morrow-Cain 6 | Childhood Neighbors Make the Best Friends - featuring Nadeen Gayle 7 | We Were on a Break! How Two Friends Grew Apart, Then Back Together (part 1) - featuring Wendy Alleyne 8 | We were on a Break! How Two Friends Grew Apart, Then Back Together (part 2) - featuring Wendy Alleyne

You want meaningful friendships. You need connection. But something keeps getting in the way.Maybe it's the ghost of friendships past. Perhaps it's a breakup, a betrayal, or a childhood full of unhealthy relationship dynamics. If you’ve ever found yourself overthinking a new connection, replaying old stories in your head, or second-guessing your worth in someone else’s life — this episode of The Friendship Tour is for you.In this episode, Cecelia explores how emotional baggage from the past can affect your ability to form and sustain healthy adult friendships. You’ll learn: How past hurt impacts new relationships The subtle signs your friendship baggage might be showing up Why self-awareness is key to breaking unhealthy patterns Tips for moving forward and building stronger, more secure friendships Whether you're recovering from toxic friendships, rebuilding after emotional wounds, or trying to figure out how to let people in without fear, this episode will speak to your heart. 🎧 Listen now if you’ve ever searched for:“Why can’t I make new friends?”“Friendship anxiety”“Letting go of toxic friendship patterns”“Healing before new relationships” ✨ If you feel like baggage really, truly is a problem for you, and you need help dealing with it, please contact a qualified therapist or counselor in your area. If you want to connect with an amazing group of women on a regular basis, join the Women, Friendship, and Community Facebook group.   Want to hear more episodes like this one? Check out the list below. 44 | Does Your Friend Need Mental Health Support? Here are 6 Ways You Can Help - featuring Dr. Kandece Skinner   32 | Feeling Left Out? You're Not Alone - featuring Lauren Gray   29 | Boundaries - What They Are, Why We Need Them, and How We Establish Them - featuring Ashley Cook

Can your friends actually help you become more successful in life? The answer is a resounding yes — especially when those friendships are rooted in mutual growth, encouragement, and accountability. In this inspiring episode of The Friendship Tour, I’m joined by my friend Michelle Dallas for a conversation on the principle of “iron sharpens iron.” We explore how the people closest to us can push us forward, help refine our goals, and hold us accountable — all while celebrating what makes each of us unique. Together, we discuss: 💬 How friendships can motivate us to grow and evolve ⚡ The importance of surrounding yourself with people who challenge and inspire you 👯‍♀️ Why being in community with high-character, high-purpose friends can elevate your life 🌟 Ways to be that “iron-sharpening” friend to someone else If you’ve ever wondered whether your friendships are helping you move forward or holding you back, this episode is for you.🎧 Listen now to discover how strong, supportive friendships can be one of the most powerful tools in your journey toward success and self-development. After the episode, let’s keep the conversation going in the Women, Friendship, and Community Facebook group. I’d love to hear about a friend who encourages YOU to succeed in life.   Want to hear more from Michelle and other amazing women? Check out the episodes below.   31 | What Do You Do When a Friend Moves Away (other than cry, of course)? - featuring Michelle Dallas   43 | STOP KEEPING SCORE! Aim for Tranformational, Not Transactional Friendships - featuring Stewanna Dasari   37 | GIRL! You Trippin’! How a Friend’s Honesty Helped My Marriage - featuring Alicia MatthewsFinal thoughts... 1. If you love The Friendship Tour, please leave a review and share with a friend. 2. *BE A GOOD FRIEND!*

Have you ever met someone who seemed nice, engaged with her a few times, then something happened that made you think, “NOPE! This friendship isn’t for me.” Perhaps that happened to you. You met, hung out, then nada - you never heard from her again. What happened???   We all have our relationship warning signs or red flags - the things that make us think the relationship just won’t work out. And other people have them, too. And, that’s okay! Those little warning signs are how we protect ourselves from relationships that just aren’t right for us - for whatever reason.   When you see the warning signs, what do you do? Do you try to power through and build a friendship anyway (not advised) or do you move on to someone who might be a better fit for you?   Everyone is different, and everyone has their own relationship warning signs. In this episode, I share five of the warning signs I just can’t ignore when making new friends. You may have a different list, but it IS important to give some thought to which behaviors and habits you will and will not tolerate in a relationship. Then, if you’re serious about making and keeping friends, consider if there’s anything YOU’RE doing that might be a turnoff to others.   Next Steps: Listen to the episode. If you like the episode, share it with a friend or on social media. Leave a comment about the episode in the Women, Community, and Facebook group. Talking about friendship is a lot more fun when I get to hear YOUR thoughts, too.   Do you like this episode? Here are two more you might enjoy.   29 | Boundaries - What They Are, Why We Need Them, and How We Establish Them - featuring Ashley Cook   18 | CHEMISTRY! When it Comes to Relationships, You Either Have it or You Don’t - featuring Dr. Bryan Curtis

“How do introverts make friends? They wait for extroverts to find them, like them, and adopt them.” Funny? Maybe. True? Not quite. If you're an introvert who craves deeper connection but struggles to initiate friendships, this episode of The Friendship Tour is for you. I share practical, encouraging tips to help introverts build real, authentic relationships—without pretending to be someone they’re not. 💡 In this episode, you’ll learn: Why your mindset about introversion is the first and most important shift The subtle signals you might be sending when it comes to connection How making the first move (yes, really!) can lead to stronger friendships Why giving yourself grace is essential in the friendship-building process Whether you're shy, reserved, or simply someone who enjoys their own company, you can build strong, supportive friendships—on your terms. 🎧 Tune in now for four gentle, doable ways to create the connection you deserve. After the episode, share your thoughts in the Women, Friendship, and Community Facebook group.   Want More Episodes About Making New Friends? Check out any one of my episodes with a guest! We almost always share how we met and a favorite friendship moment. Don’t feel like scrolling through the episode list? No problem. See the list below for a few episodes about making friends.   34 | 5 Tips for Making New Friends 45 | 5 MORE Tips for Making Friends 30 | How to Start and Nurture a New Friend as an Adult - featuring Jenai Eustache11 | How to Make New Friends - Airport Edition - featuring Kinnari Patel*BE A GOOD FRIEND*

This episode is so simple. If you love them, tell them. Maybe they really need to hear it today. Maybe you really need to say it today. You may not get another chance. You might 1,000 more chances. Say it in ways big and small, and make sure they hear it. I love you. Tell them.