Friendships aren’t just a nice-to-have. They can be the very thing that’s holding you back or helping you grow, depending on how healthy they are.

In this episode, Samantha shares the big takeaways from a recent event with Eli Harwood (aka Attachment Nerd) and breaks down what secure friendships actually look like.

Spoiler: it’s less about matching hobbies and more about emotional safety, boundaries, and being able to say the hard things without the whole thing falling apart.

It’s a thoughtful, real-world chat that might get you thinking differently about who you keep close and why it matters.

Here are the Highlights:

(01:06) The amazing “Be You Beautifully” Event

(05:38) The 6 Necessary Elements for Healthy Friendships

(18:35) How to detect a Conflict vs a Toxic Dynamic

(21:25) Date your Friends, right?

(23:26) Signs of a Secure Friend 

(28:47) Verbal Boundaries are just Suggestions

For more information:

Heather Baker - Makeup artist, Owner of Emi Rose Cosmetics: Follow on Instagram HERE 

Eli Hardwood, MA, LPC: Follow on Instagram HERE

Visit her website at AttachmentNerd.com

Resources:

Join SJ’s Winter Writing Retreat: WRITE THE DAMN BOOK! 1/29-1/31 in Denver, CO (Discounted Room Rate ends 1/14/26)

• Follow SJ on Instagram
• Download the Free Identity Workbook
• Grab my SLAY YOUR STORY⚔🔥 Storytelling Masterclass here.
• Buy The Less Effect on Amazon
• Follow Landon Hail Press on Instagram
• Download the Free Writing Guide for Aspiring Authors
• Book A Free Consultation with Landon Hail Press

This Podcast is proudly produced by Wavemakers Audio