Welcome back to The Brave Table, lovelies! Today’s episode is for anyone who’s ever felt the sting of a friendship breakup or the pull to step into a new version of themselves while navigating the complexities of relationships. I’m joined by none other than my beautiful friend, Simone Heng, author of Let's Talk About Loneliness and The Secret Pandemic.

Simone is a human connection specialist, a former international broadcaster, and a powerhouse speaker. Together, we dive deep into the often-untold story of friendship breakups, how boundaries change everything after 40, and why true connection is the ultimate antidote to loneliness. If you’ve ever wondered if your relationships are in alignment or felt the pull to honor your boundaries unapologetically, this episode is for YOU! Get cozy, grab your tea (or wine!), and let's be brave together.

What you'll get out of this episode… 

As you age, you'll care less about others' opinions and confidently honor your boundaries.

Friendship breakups are painful but open the door to more aligned connections.

True connection conquers loneliness, thriving in deep, authentic relationships over superficial ones.

Cultural differences shape us, but connection is universally vital.

Healing begins with awareness of your needs and boundaries, whether in family, friendships, or personal growth.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 – Intro: Catching up with Simone Heng

04:30 – The “Ice Queen” Era: Why setting boundaries in your 40s is life-changing

12:45 – Friendship Breakups: How to heal and grow from loss

23:00 – Connection Science: The profound impact of feeling "seen" in society

36:15 – Navigating Family Dynamics: Boundaries and sisterhood

45:00 – Loneliness vs. Negative Connections: Which is worse?

51:30 – The Power of Relieving Cognitive Load in Communities

56:00 – Final Thoughts: Embracing your power, friendships, and self-alignment

To receive a free gift, email a screenshot of your 5-star review of The Brave Table to [email protected] 😘

Follow along for more tips, community, and resources to brave a better you!

IG / @neetabhushan 

IG / @thebravetable 

TIKTOK / @neeta.bhushan

WEB / https://neetabhushan.com

YOUTUBE / @NeetaBhushanOfficial

Connect with today’s guest, Simone Heng 

IG /  @​​simoneheng

WEB / https://simoneheng.com/

LINKEDIN / Simone Heng

Take my friendship quiz here to find out what kind of connector you are: Friendship quiz

Free-ebook Link: Your Questions on being an Author

Book link: Let’s Talk About Loneliness

Want more?

Visit the website and order your copy of “That Sucked, Now What?”  → https://thatsuckednowwhat.com/

Want to become a Certified Embodiment Coach? Learn more here → Here

Learn more about Highest Self Institute and Dharma Coaching Institute → http://neetabhushan.com/dharma

Take just 2 minutes and find what YOUR emotional type is by taking  my FREE quiz here →  theemotionalreset.com/quiz

For a weekly dose of my hacks, tools, & tips to emotionally reset, join my newsletter here → yourweeklyreset.com

If you loved this episode, check out…

Ep.# 232:  Simone Heng On Why Loneliness is Becoming the World's Next Big Health Problem (Apple | Spotify | YouTube)

Ep.# 222:  How Friendships and Self-Discovery Make Great Storytellers with Tehzeeb Ahmed (Apple | Spotify | YouTube)

Ep.# 226:  Healing From Trauma Through Self-Discovery and Inner Work with Sara Al Madani (Apple | Spotify | YouTube)

Dr. Neeta Bhushan is a 5x Award Winning Author & world-renowned emotional health advocate & human connection expert. She’s written multiple best-selling books including her most recent book, That Sucked, Now What endorsed by Jay Shetty, Host of the Top 50 Mental Health Podcast The Brave Table, & CEO of Highest Self Institute, a coaching organization training coaches to become the highest versions of themselves. She’s been featured on Forbes, LA Weekly, ABC, NBC, CBS, Grazia, Ok! Magazine, Verve Magazine & Tatler. 

After realizing how trapped she felt running the million-dollar dental practice she built, Neeta embarked on a journey that led her across 45 countries as she researched blending the intersection of human behavior, ancient wisdom, Eastern philosophy, and therapeutic psychology. That knowledge, along with other life experiences overcoming multiple adversities, which include being orphaned at a young age, surviving an abusive marriage, and extensive loss, contributed to the powerful message of resilience & connection she shares in her work. Neeta is a mother of two young children, wellness junkie & lover of chai.