The Friendship File

A quick disclaimer: I have to admit I have a soft spot for a South African accent, and although the show is produced in the U.K., the majority of the interviews to date are South African- which was the initial appeal. I’ve spent nearly two decades living in Cape Town, and since leaving to live in the U.S. in 2019, I miss the authenticity and honesty of old friends-and this podcast has it all. I particularly like the editing-the production team have thought carefully about the pace of the recording, and have inter-spliced similarities and differences between friends sensitively and thoughtfully. The tone of the show is perfect- no unnecessary drama, no loud voices, no shrieking and hysteria, just two people reflecting on how they met, what makes the relationship tick, and reflections around the qualities of a good friend-the reasons they love one another. The themes and threads are comfortingly universal-laughter, steadfastness, humour, thoughtfulness, fun, shared passions, kindness, trust, kept secrets, honesty and a non-judgmental approach to the friendship all come to the surface. The participants have offered us a beautiful little gift- a moment to pause and reflect on their friendships, and at the same time, a space for us to think of our own special people. In this crazy, surreal and sometimes frightening ‘new normal’ world, this series soothes and comforts, reminding us of what is most important. The fundamentals of connection and love.