Friends From Home

Marina Smolens is a friend from home - the first OG on the pod! During this episode, Kristen and Marina talk about their falling out during college, Marina's experience in a difficult relationship, and transitioning into adulthood. Marina explains how Kristen branded her as a "selfie queen" in high school and the meaningful life lessons she has taken away from shitty situations. Kristen is really grateful to Marina for being willing to hear her out and squash the beef on a podcast and Kristen will always consider Marina one of her best friends.

Go check out Marina's cool new jewelry venture here and her lovely self here.

Danny Belgrad is a student at Harvard Law School and a musician. In this conversation, Kristen talks with Danny about his journey to law school, experiences with chronic pain, and being a musician. Danny explains the term "apple-picking boy" and whether he relates to the general law student population. He also reveals what's next for him: more school and some upcoming music releases under his artist name, Vern Matz. Kristen has always thought Danny was a catch and she had a ton of fun chatting with him.

Go check out Danny's music on Instagram and Spotify!

Olivia Brinton is the co-owner of the Little Goat Coffee Roasting Company and the Peach Blossom Eatery in Newark, Delaware. Olivia discusses her hippie upbringing, dipping her toe into the world of coffee, and the decision to open a second business. She talks about the confidence she has in her palate, the meet-cute with her fiancé Robbie, and whether she is going to pull the trigger on a new venture. Kristen looks up to Olivia for a multitude of reasons that will become obvious and Olivia is, in fact, the best boss Kristen ever had or will have.

Go follow Little Goat and Peaches on Instagram to see Olivia's brilliance firsthand. 

Matt McEnroe is Kristen's big brother. This was the first time Matt and Kristen sat down to have a real conversation in many years following Matt's spiral into drug addiction and subsequent recovery. Matt talks about his own psychology when it comes to interacting with other people and building relationships, his battle with addiction, and his mindset in recovery. He discusses what makes him truly happy (his family) and what he wants his life to look like moving forward. Matt and Kristen needed to have this conversation and she is so glad they did. 

Savannah Huitema is a student at Harvard Law School and a model. During the conversation, Savannah opens up about the dark side of being a model, like the expectations around weight and the competitive side of the industry. She explains why she felt compelled to embark on the not always enjoyable path of law school and ultimately a career as a lawyer. Savannah talks about her love for New York City and crafting a future that combines her passion for the law and fashion. Kristen didn't really know Savannah until this conversation, but she's really glad to have met her and had the chance to learn from her.

Check out Savannah here.

Isabella Nilsson is a Harvard Law School student and a writer. Isabella talks about growing up with divorced parents in an intellectual environment, coming to terms with her sexuality, and her experience in law school so far. She also discusses the grief of losing a parent while grappling with the demands of school and daily life. Kristen is so thankful that Isabella agreed to be her first guest and continues to be impressed by Isabella's deeply thoughtful nature and incredible eloquence.

Check out Isabella here. 

Friends From Home is an attempt to showcase the varied and interesting stories contained within normal, seemingly average human beings. I encourage vulnerability, tangents, and honest conversation. People have a lot to say. Sometimes you need to ask the right questions and sometimes you just have to be willing to ask in the first place.