287: Making Friends as an Adult: The Good, the Hard, and the Awkward with Kristen Strong

287: Making Friends as an Adult: The Good, the Hard, and the Awkward with Kristen Strong

Author: Cloud10 February 15, 2026 Duration: 47:40
In this week’s episode, I’m joined by Kristen Strong (author, mom of 3, and military spouse) for a heartfelt conversation about something so many of us wrestle with… friendship. Whether it’s finding new friends as an adult, navigating the awkwardness of starting over, or simply maintaining meaningful connections in a busy season, Kristen brings so much honesty and encouragement to our chat. We talk about the ups and downs of friendship through different life stages, the unique challenges of modern life (hello, social media), and how vulnerability and intention can lead to deeper, more fulfilling relationships. Kristen also shares some beautiful wisdom from her new book, Desperate Woman Seeks Friends. It’s part memoir, part gentle guide for anyone feeling a little lonely or disconnected. You’ll walk away from this episode feeling less alone and more equipped to take the next small step toward community—whatever that might look like for you right now. Links from this episode: Kristen on Instagram (@kristenstrong) Kristen’s Website Order her new book: “Desperate Woman Seeks Friends: Real Talk about Connection, Rejection, and Trying Again for the Friendships You Need“ Desirae on Instagram Minimal-ish Podcast Website Current Sponsor: Thank you to Laundry Sauce for making this episode of Minimal-ish possible! Get 20% off at laundrysauce.com with code MINIMALISH. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hosted by Desirae Endres, Minimal-ish: Minimalism, Intentional Living, Motherhood explores what it means to carve out a purposeful life when your days are full of family, responsibilities, and the constant clutter of modern living. This isn't about stark white walls or counting possessions, but a practical, compassionate conversation for anyone feeling overwhelmed by the noise. Each episode feels like a thoughtful chat with a friend who gets it, tackling the real-world application of minimalist principles within the beautiful chaos of parenting, work, and personal growth. You'll hear honest discussions about managing a household budget with intention, finding moments for self-care without guilt, and redefining what "enough" means for your family. The podcast digs into how these ideas shape our relationships with our kids, our partners, and our own sense of self, moving beyond theory into the lived experience. It’s for those who love the idea of living with less but need a flexible, realistic approach that makes room for sippy cups and sentimental mess. Tune in for a grounded perspective that values progress over perfection, offering actionable ideas and genuine encouragement for your own journey. This is a space where intentional living meets the everyday, acknowledging that a meaningful life is often beautifully minimal-ish.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Minimal-ish: Minimalism, Intentional Living, Motherhood
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277: Overbooked and Overwhelmed with Tara Sun [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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276: Living Slow when Life is Busy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Sponsors: Hungryroot: Get 40% off your first box and a free item in every box for life with at hungryroot.com/minimalish Born Shoes: Head to bornshoes.com and use code minimalish to get 15% off your full price shoe order…