Our Friendly World with Fawn and Matt - A Friendship Podcast on Belonging & the Art of Friendship

Fawn Anderson
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Our Friendly World with Fawn and Matt is a friendship podcast dedicated to exploring the art of friendship, meaningful connection, and what it means to be human in today’s world. Each episode examines friendship in adulthood, building authentic relationships, navigating boundaries, belonging, communication, and personal growth. This podcast on the art of friendship invites listeners to reflect, heal, and create deeper friendships in their families, communities, and everyday lives. A podcast about friendship and human connection. Our Friendly World with Fawn and Matt is a podcast about friendship, human connection, and the conversations that shape our lives. In a world that feels increasingly divided and lonely, hosts Fawn and Matt explore the art of friendship—how trust is built, how misunderstandings happen, and how meaningful conversation can heal relationships across generations, cultures, and communities. Through honest dialogue, real-life stories, and thoughtful reflection, this podcast examines friendship not as something casual but as a vital force that transforms families, workplaces, and society itself. If you’re searching for a podcast about friendship, connection, emotional intelligence, and what it truly means to understand one another, Our Friendly World invites you into conversations that matter. Our Friendly World with Fawn and Matt - the art of friendship, A podcast about friendship, human connection, meaningful conversation, and the power of human connection. What it really takes to create meaningful relationships—in families, communities, in business, and the world. DISCLAIMER: This Podcast and all related content [published or distributed by or on behalf of Fawn Anderson and Matthew Anderson or Ourfriendlyworld.com] is for informational purposes only and may include information that is general in nature and that is not specific to you. Any information or opinions expressed or contained herein are not intended to serve as or replace medical advice, nor to diagnose, prescribe or treat any disease, condition, illness or injury, and you should consult the health care professional of your choice regarding all matters concerning your health, including before beginning any exercise, weight loss, or health care program. If you have, or suspect you may have, a health-care emergency, please contact a qualified health care professional for treatment. Any information or opinions provided by guest experts or hosts featured within website or on Company’s Podcast are their own; not those of Fawn Anderson and Matthew Anderson or the Company. Accordingly, Fawn Anderson and Matthew Anderson and the Company cannot be responsible for any results or consequences or actions you may take based on such information or opinions.

  1. Trusting life (and Friendships) Enough to Stop Forcing It - How Deep Listening, Surrender, and Trust Bring Clarity in Friendships, Decisions, and Life

    20H AGO

    Trusting life (and Friendships) Enough to Stop Forcing It - How Deep Listening, Surrender, and Trust Bring Clarity in Friendships, Decisions, and Life

    This friendship podcast episode explores deep listening, letting go of control, and how clarity emerges when we stop forcing outcomes. This is an experiment in presence. Fawn and Matt explore what happens when we stop forcing clarity, stop bracing for outcomes, and begin listening—deeply—to others and to ourselves. From Friedships and parenting to decision-making, fear, regret, and faith, this conversation unfolds without an agenda. They reflect on how control blocks truth, why silence often reveals more than words, and how real clarity arrives only after we let go. This episode isn’t about having answers. It’s about making space—and trusting what shows up and trusting that right friends will show up. deep listening, listening deeply, letting go of control, surrender and trust, mindful communication, friendship podcast, art of friendship, emotional intelligence, authentic listening, intuitive decision making, presence and awareness, stop forcing clarity #DeepListening #LettingGo #ArtOfFriendship #FriendshipPodcast #MindfulRelationships #StopForcing #ListenDeeply #EmotionalIntelligence #AuthenticConnection #TrustTheProcess #PresenceOverPerfection #HumanConnection

    23 min
  2. “Yes, And: How Improv Improves Communication and Friendship”

    JAN 12

    “Yes, And: How Improv Improves Communication and Friendship”

    When Life Feels Unbearable, Two Words Can Change Everything There are moments when life feels like swimming upstream—against the current of relationships, work, parenting, and the state of the world itself. In this episode of Our Friendly World with Fawn and Matt, we explore a deceptively simple idea borrowed from improv that can shift how we show up in friendships and in life: “Yes, And.” Originally shared with Fawn by a trusted voice acting coach, these two words landed far beyond the audition room. They became a framework for navigating disappointment, fear, conflict, and change—without denying reality or suppressing emotion. “Yes, And” doesn’t mean passive acceptance. It means: I accept what’s here — and I choose to build from it. That mindset creates flow instead of friction, possibility instead of paralysis. What “Yes, And” Really Means (and What It Doesn’t) In improv, “Yes, And” keeps a scene alive. In life, it keeps you moving. Yes = This is happening. I acknowledge it. And = I still have agency. I still get to choose what comes next. This isn’t about pretending things are fine when they’re not. It’s about validating your emotional experience without getting stuck inside it. As Matt explains in the episode, this approach aligns closely with the psychology of acceptance: when we stop fighting reality, we free up mental and emotional energy to move forward. Applying “Yes, And” to Friendship Friendships are one of the places where resistance shows up most clearly. We want things to be different than they are—and that tension can quietly erode connection. Here’s what “Yes, And” can sound like in real friendship moments: Yes, this friendship didn’t unfold the way I hoped — and I can choose how I end it and how I begin again. Yes, I feel nervous about putting myself out there — and I’ll show up anyway. Yes, I don’t feel like going out right now — and I trust I’ll reconnect when I’m ready. Instead of repeating old patterns, “Yes, And” helps us close chapters with awareness—so we don’t recreate the same dynamics in the next relationship. A Tool for Conflict (Without the Fight) One of the most powerful aspects of “Yes, And” is how it removes charge from difficult interactions. When someone comes at us with strong opinions or challenging beliefs, arguing often fuels the fire. But “Yes, And” can quietly disarm conflict: It acknowledges the other person’s perspective without agreeing or escalating. It avoids the trap of “winning” an argument at the cost of connection. It redirects energy toward solutions instead of standoffs. As Fawn and Matt discuss, this approach validates existence without validating harm—and that distinction matters deeply in friendships. The word resilience gets thrown around a lot, but this episode grounds it in something practical. Every “And” is a step forward: Yes, I didn’t get the job — and I learned what to try next. Yes, this is new and scary — and I’m capable. Yes, things feel heavy right now — and there is still hope. Research shows that forward-focused thinking increases life satisfaction and inner peace. “Yes, And” gently shifts attention from what’s blocking us to where we’re going. Presence, Awareness, and Flow At its core, “Yes, And” is a mindf...

    15 min
  3. The Measuring Cup: Honesty, Self-Worth, and the Measure of Friendship

    JAN 5

    The Measuring Cup: Honesty, Self-Worth, and the Measure of Friendship

    What does a measuring cup have to do with dating, friendship, and self-worth? In this episode of Our Friendly World with Fawn and Matt, we revisit the infamous 1990s dating book The Rules — not to praise or dismiss it, but to look at what still holds wisdom beneath the criticism. Through the story of a single measuring cup (a gift that nearly ended our relationship before it began), we explore how honesty, authenticity, clarity, and self-respect matter far more than games or mixed signals. This conversation moves beyond romantic relationships and into the heart of true friendship: How do you know if a relationship is one-sided? When does “mystery” become healthy boundaries — and when does it become emotional avoidance? Why oversharing can be as harmful as silence What self-worth actually looks like in everyday interactions And why being “easy to live with” might be one of the most underrated relationship skills of all In a culture exhausted by busyness, confusion, and ideological extremes, this episode is a gentle reminder to measure what matters, speak honestly, and choose relationships that feel grounded, mutual, and kind. friendship podcast relationships podcast honesty in relationships self worth and friendship clarity in dating healthy friendships one sided friendships emotional boundaries authentic relationships modern dating

    26 min
  4. You’re Not Late — You’re Right on Time | A Friendship Podcast on Belonging & the Art of Friendship

    12/29/2025

    You’re Not Late — You’re Right on Time | A Friendship Podcast on Belonging & the Art of Friendship

    What if the feeling of being “too late” isn’t truth—but conditioning? In this episode of Our Friendly World with Fawn and Matt, a friendship podcast centered on the art of friendship, belonging, and human connection, we talk openly about the fear so many people carry: the belief that they’ve missed their moment. From finances and careers to friendship, creativity, aging, parenting, and spirituality, we explore how American culture worships early success and quietly shames late bloomers. We unpack how systems, timelines, and social expectations create an artificial sense of scarcity—leaving people feeling out of the loop, behind, or counted out. This conversation is a reminder that being “late” is often just another story we’ve been told—and one we’re allowed to question. You are not late. You are exactly where you need to be. Our Friendly World with Fawn and Matt is a friendship podcast dedicated to exploring the art of friendship, meaningful connection, and what it means to be human in today’s world. Each episode examines friendship in adulthood, building authentic relationships, navigating boundaries, belonging, communication, and personal growth. Does our culture worship early success, shame late bloomers, and build artificial systems that tell us we’ve missed the cutoff—financially, creatively, socially, spiritually, and even as children? From careers and money to friendship, parenting, creativity, aging, and self-worth, this conversation gently dismantles the lie that timing determines value. Together, they invite listeners to step out of the “line,” question the loop, and remember that odd ducks—the ones who don’t fit neatly—are often the ones who move the world forward. If you’ve ever felt behind, out of place, or counted out, this episode is for you. You are not late. You are exactly where you need to be.

    14 min
  5. We Have Contact: The Lost Language of Human Connection: Presence, Boundaries, and Nonverbal Communication

    12/22/2025

    We Have Contact: The Lost Language of Human Connection: Presence, Boundaries, and Nonverbal Communication

    In this episode on the art of friendship,  Fawn and Matt explore…In a world that feels louder, faster, and more disconnected than ever, what does real connection actually look like? Look at the attention, presence, and the often-unspoken language of human contact. From stepping away from fear-driven media to relearning how to simply sit, listen, and be with another person, they reflect on how distraction erodes intimacy—and how awareness restores it. The conversation moves through touch and its many meanings: handshakes, fist bumps, shoulder taps, eye contact, and the deep cultural, emotional, and energetic messages carried in even the smallest gestures. They share personal stories—sometimes funny, sometimes uncomfortable, sometimes tender—about boundaries, vulnerability, and the longing to connect without words. This episode is an invitation to slow down, become conscious, and remember that connection doesn’t require force—only presence. Our Friendly World with Fawn and Matt is a podcast about friendship, human connection, and meaningful conversation. Each episode explores trust, empathy, boundaries, and what it means to truly understand one another. Because before we change the world, we have to decide how we enter the room. #OurFriendlyWorld #ArtOfFriendship #HumanConnection #MeaningfulConversations #ConsciousLiving #Presence #MindfulConnection #NonverbalCommunication #EmotionalIntelligence #TouchAndBoundaries #IntentionalLiving #DeepListening #EnergeticAwareness #NervousSystem #GroundingTechniques #AnxietySupport #ButterflyHug #EmotionalWellbeing #HumanBehavior #SocialConnection #ModernRelationships #LonelinessAwareness #HealingThroughConnection

    22 min
  6. Public, Private, Secret: The Hidden Architecture of Friendship - What We Hide in Friendship

    12/15/2025

    Public, Private, Secret: The Hidden Architecture of Friendship - What We Hide in Friendship

    In this episode of our friendship podcast, Fawn and Matt explore…What if friendship isn’t about being fully open with everyone—but about knowing what belongs where? In this week’s episode of Our Friendly World, Fawn and Matt explore the idea that we each live three lives: the public, the private, and the secret. Together, they unpack: What we show the world versus what we reserve for close relationships Why boundaries aren’t walls—but sanctuaries How oversharing can blur lines and complicate friendships Why emotional honesty is often welcomed… but only the positive kind How age, experience, and discernment change the way we make friends With humor, vulnerability, and real-life examples (including politeness-as-protection and secret chocolate stashes), this conversation gently reframes boundaries not as cold or calculating—but as essential for emotional health, creativity, and trust. Whether you’ve ever felt misunderstood, “too much,” or unsure of how much of yourself to share, this episode invites you to rethink access, safety, and connection—and to honor the sacred space where growth begins. Public vs private vs secret selves Boundaries as emotional safety Why work culture only welcomes “positive” emotions Friendship discernment as we grow Vulnerability without self-betrayal Protecting ideas, creativity, and inner life Aristotle’s three types of friendship (Nichomachean Ethics) public vs private life friendship boundaries emotional boundaries oversharing in relationships authenticity and boundaries healthy friendships emotional safety self disclosure personal boundaries types of friendship #OurFriendlyWorld #FriendshipPodcast #HealthyBoundaries #EmotionalIntelligence #AuthenticConnection #PersonalGrowth #VulnerabilityWithBoundaries #FriendshipMatters #InnerLife #RelationalWisdom We are not meant to be fully visible to everyone. Some parts of us belong to the world. Some belong to the people we trust. And some need quiet— a sacred space to grow before they are spoken. This week on Our Friendly World, we explore the public, the private, and the secret— and why honoring each layer might be the key to healthier friendships, stronger boundaries, and a more whole self. Our Friendly World with Fawn and Matt is a podcast about friendship, human connection, and meaningful conversation. Each episode explores trust, empathy, boundaries, and what it means to truly understand one another. Listen with an open heart. “Boundaries aren’t walls. They’re sanctuaries.” “As we get older, we don’t make fewer friends—we make more discerning ones.” “There’s nothing wrong with having a public face, a private circle, and a sacred inner space.”

    25 min
  7. “The Two Lenses That Shape Every Relationship”

    12/08/2025

    “The Two Lenses That Shape Every Relationship”

    In this episode of our friendship podcast, Fawn and Matt explore… two powerful forces that shape every relationship: perception and perspective. Perception is the world as you experience it — your sensations, your emotions, your history, your inner story. It's how you move through life as the center of your own universe. But everyone around you is doing the exact same thing. Perspective, on the other hand, invites you to step outside yourself — to see someone else’s physical reality, emotional state, limitations, needs, and experiences. Using everyday examples (like why the salt jar is “invisible” to someone who’s 6'4", or why a too-high shelf can feel like betrayal), Fawn and Matt unpack how easily misunderstandings happen when we assume others see what we see or feel what we feel. Fawn shares Horst Rechelbacher’s insight about how every person hears the same words differently based on their life history. Matt discusses his intuitive approach to understanding people, and why empathy can sometimes be overwhelming. Together they explore how shifting into true perspective — without assumptions, without psychic overload — can create more compassion, deeper connection, and more harmonious friendships. This episode is a gentle reminder that sometimes love looks like noticing someone’s height, their tiredness, their discomfort in a chair… and caring enough to respond. In this episode: What perception truly means and how it colors every moment Why people can hear the same words completely differently The difference between emotional intuition and objective observation How to step into someone else’s real-world perspective Why small details (like reaching shelves or seeing countertops) matter in relationships The primal human need to feel cared for and understood The “good host” approach: noticing someone’s environment and needs How perspective-taking strengthens friendships and prevents conflict Takeaway: Understanding someone else isn’t magic. It’s awareness in motion — noticing, caring, and choosing connection. perception vs perspective understanding relationships emotional awareness empathy in friendships miscommunication in relationships how to deepen connection perspective-taking examples seeing from someone else’s point of view communication in marriage friendship podcast Our Friendly World with Fawn and Matt how perception shapes reality compassion in everyday life #PerceptionVsPerspective #RelationshipWisdom #FriendshipPodcast #EmpathyMatters #CommunicationSkills #EmotionalIntelligence #SeeEachOtherClearly #UnderstandingPeople #HumanConnection #PerspectiveShift #ConnectionMatters #DeepListening #CompassionInAction #EverydayEmpathy #OurFriendlyWorldPodcast #FawnAndMatt #MindfulRelationships #AwarenessPractice #BetterTogether #FriendshipMatters Our Friendly World with Fawn and Matt is a podcast about friendship, human connection, and meaningful conversation. Each episode explores trust, empathy, boundaries, and what it means to truly understand one another.

    12 min
  8. “The Brain Filter That Shapes Your World — and Your Friendships” Brain Reticular Activation: How Your Mind Shapes Your Relationships

    12/01/2025

    “The Brain Filter That Shapes Your World — and Your Friendships” Brain Reticular Activation: How Your Mind Shapes Your Relationships

    In this week’s episode of Our Friendly World with Fawn and Matt, we take a deep dive into the surprising ways your brain filters your world — and how those filters shape your connections, your confidence, and your friendships. Matt shares a rabbit-hole revelation about the reticular activating system — the part of the brain that constantly searches for evidence to prove you right. Whether you believe your day will be terrible or beautiful, your brain goes to work collecting proof. Whether you feel successful or like you're “not there yet,” your brain will reflect those beliefs right back at you. Fawn opens up about a recent conversation that highlighted how harsh self-talk can cloud our perception of ourselves and others. Together, Fawn and Matt explore how emotional exhaustion, repeated disappointment, and loneliness can make us believe “people suck” — and how the brain eagerly confirms that worldview unless we consciously shift our focus. The conversation moves into the heart of friendship: How do we reconnect when we feel hurt? How do we stay open when our brains keep showing us reasons to shut down? And how can we “clean our mental palate,” reset our expectations, and invite good people into our lives again? This episode is a reminder that while the brain tries to prove us right, we get to choose the story it tells. With small shifts in attention, curiosity, and self-compassion, we can re-open the door to connection — and let our brains start finding the friends we’re hoping for. reticular activating system friendship brain confirmation bias relationships how thoughts shape friendships emotional resilience and connection overcoming friendship hurt negative self-talk and relationships rewiring the brain for positivity loneliness and human connection how to find good friends friendship podcast Our Friendly World with Fawn and Matt mindset and relationships reset your mindset healing from disappointment how thoughts shape reality #FriendshipPodcast #BrainScience #ReticularActivatingSystem #MindsetShift #ConfirmationBias #EmotionalHealing #ChangeYourThoughts #ConnectionMatters #HealingJourney #OurFriendlyWorld #FawnAndMatt #RelationshipWisdom #LonelinessSolutions #PositiveMindset #HumanConnection #SelfWorth #ThoughtWork #NeuroscienceDaily #PersonalGrowthJourney #BoundariesAndBalance #SeeTheGood #MindBodySpirit #NewEpisodeAlert #PodcastCommunity Our Friendly World with Fawn and Matt is a podcast about friendship, human connection, and meaningful conversation. Each episode explores trust, empathy, boundaries, and what it means to truly understand one another. Your brain is always trying to prove you right — but what are you telling it to look for? In this week’s episode, we explore how the reticular activating system filters your world, shapes your relationships, and even reinforces the belief that “people suck” when you’re hurt or lonely. But with small shifts in focus, you can train your brain to see the good again — and open the door to genuine friendship. Listen now on Our Friendly World with Fawn and Matt. Your brain is constantly collecting evidence to support your beliefs — good or bad. This episode explores how the reticular activating system shapes your reality, your relationships, and your ability to trust after hurt. Learn how to reset your mind, shift your focus, and let your brain start finding the good people again.

    15 min
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5
out of 5
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About

Our Friendly World with Fawn and Matt is a friendship podcast dedicated to exploring the art of friendship, meaningful connection, and what it means to be human in today’s world. Each episode examines friendship in adulthood, building authentic relationships, navigating boundaries, belonging, communication, and personal growth. This podcast on the art of friendship invites listeners to reflect, heal, and create deeper friendships in their families, communities, and everyday lives. A podcast about friendship and human connection. Our Friendly World with Fawn and Matt is a podcast about friendship, human connection, and the conversations that shape our lives. In a world that feels increasingly divided and lonely, hosts Fawn and Matt explore the art of friendship—how trust is built, how misunderstandings happen, and how meaningful conversation can heal relationships across generations, cultures, and communities. Through honest dialogue, real-life stories, and thoughtful reflection, this podcast examines friendship not as something casual but as a vital force that transforms families, workplaces, and society itself. If you’re searching for a podcast about friendship, connection, emotional intelligence, and what it truly means to understand one another, Our Friendly World invites you into conversations that matter. Our Friendly World with Fawn and Matt - the art of friendship, A podcast about friendship, human connection, meaningful conversation, and the power of human connection. What it really takes to create meaningful relationships—in families, communities, in business, and the world. DISCLAIMER: This Podcast and all related content [published or distributed by or on behalf of Fawn Anderson and Matthew Anderson or Ourfriendlyworld.com] is for informational purposes only and may include information that is general in nature and that is not specific to you. Any information or opinions expressed or contained herein are not intended to serve as or replace medical advice, nor to diagnose, prescribe or treat any disease, condition, illness or injury, and you should consult the health care professional of your choice regarding all matters concerning your health, including before beginning any exercise, weight loss, or health care program. If you have, or suspect you may have, a health-care emergency, please contact a qualified health care professional for treatment. Any information or opinions provided by guest experts or hosts featured within website or on Company’s Podcast are their own; not those of Fawn Anderson and Matthew Anderson or the Company. Accordingly, Fawn Anderson and Matthew Anderson and the Company cannot be responsible for any results or consequences or actions you may take based on such information or opinions.

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