What if friendship deserves the same care, commitment, and investment that we give to romantic relationships?

In the very first episode of The Third Thing, Michelle and Danyelle introduce the concept at the heart of the podcast: The Third Thing.

While we often celebrate romantic love and assume familial love will always be there, friendship is frequently treated as optional. Yet some of the most meaningful, transformative, and enduring relationships in our lives are platonic.

Drawing from their 26-year friendship, Michelle and Danyelle share how they met, the life experiences that shaped them, and why they believe friendship is one of the most powerful forms of connection available to us.

They discuss community care, belonging, identity, healing, conflict, and the work required to sustain meaningful relationships over time.

In This Episode

•  What inspired The Third Thing
•  Defining the "third kind of love" 
•  Why friendship deserves intentional investment 
•  The differences between romantic, familial, and platonic love 
•  How Michelle and Danyelle met as teenagers 
•  Growing up feeling different and finding belonging 
•  Friendship as a source of healing and support 
•  The realities of maintaining a 26-year friendship 
•  Why conflict and repair matter in long-term relationships 
•  Community care and radical friendship 

Meet Your Hosts

Danyelle

•  Psychotherapist 
•  Community builder 
•  Tarot practitioner and spiritual guide 
•  Advocate for community care and collective healing 

Michelle

•  Executive coach and strategist 
•  Life coach 
•  MBA graduate and former nonprofit leader 
•  Champion of intentional relationships and personal growth 

Together, they bring professional expertise, lived experience, and decades of friendship into conversations about what it means to build meaningful relationships in modern life.

Reflection Questions

•  What is "The Third Thing" in your life? 
•  Which friendships have helped shape who you are? 
•  Are there relationships that deserve more attention or investment? 
•  How do you currently nurture your platonic connections? 
•  What might become possible if friendship were treated as a priority rather than an afterthought? 

Card Pull: Nine of Cups

The episode closes with the Nine of Cups, a tarot card associated with fulfillment, contentment, gratitude, and celebrating what you've built. A fitting card for the beginning of a new chapter and a reflection on the beauty of enduring friendship.

Connect With Us

📸 Instagram: @thethirdthingpod

🌐 Website: TheThirdThingPod.com

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