On the finer practice of friendship, tending to ourselves in order to be present, and learning what it means to be a good friend.

• (0:00) - Introduction and Author Background
• (2:48) - Discussion on the Book's Title and Theme
• (5:02) - Reflections on Meredith's Role in the Book
• (7:56) - Navigating Joy and Sorrow in Friendships
• (12:45) - Exploring Spirituality and Recovery
• (16:13) - Healing and Overcoming Envy
• (21:05) - Supporting a Friend Through Illness
• (26:39) - Maintaining Friendships After Loss

Christie Tate is a Chicago-based writer and essayist. She has been published in The New York Times (Modern Love), The Rumpus, The Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, McSweeney's Internet Tendency, Eastern Iowa Review and elsewhere. Kiese Laymon selected her essay, Promised Lands, as the winner of the New Ohio Review's nonfiction contest, which was published Fall 2019.

In this episode, we discuss B.F.F., her latest book, which strikes a deep chord of love and understanding.