Friend Request
295 episodes - English - Latest episode: 22 days ago - ★★★★★ - 53 ratingsJustin Lamb has in-depth interviews with interesting people. Friend Request dives deeper than the usual surface banter and tries to create a more meaningful conversation about the individual, tying in commonalities and struggles that are not only extremely relatable, but also fall across the entire spectrum of the human experience.
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Episodes
132 - Cara Lemmons
April 10, 2023 04:00 - 1 hour - 106 MBCara Lemmons is a healthcare worker, kayaker, mother of four, and all-around inspiration of a person. She discusses moving around as a kid and starting at different schools. Cara also talks about her parents' divorces and marriagesd and how that impacted her thoughts and feelings around relationships, as well as created some abandonment issues. She then discusses becoming a mother at a young age and later finding out she was having twins after already having two boys. Cara touches on being a...
131 - Jesse Ball
April 03, 2023 04:00 - 1 hour - 116 MBJesse Ball is pianist, Apple Genius, and gamer. He discusses his childhood and moving during some of the harder years during childhood. Jesse also talks about coming out as gay in high school and how his parents reacted. He then discusses the role alcohol has played in his life and his bouts of sobriety, as well as how he has learned to reframe his relationship with alcohol after being diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Finally, Jesse tells us the secret to findi...
130 - Nicole DeLorenzo
March 27, 2023 04:00 - 1 hour - 109 MBNicole DeLorenzo is a mother, nanny, writer, and spiritual guide. She discusses moving around a lot as a kid and what that was like switching schools so often. Nicole also talks about her parents getting a divorce the same year she found herself in a courtroom and on the news. She then discusses her journey with spirituality and how she found inner peace through inner work and katamine. Nicole then talks about becoming a mother and how her natural caregiving instincts have served her well, e...
129 - Ashley Stone
March 20, 2023 04:00 - 1 hour - 119 MBAshley Stone is a caretaker, an Office enthusiast, Lego fan, and older sister. She discusses growing up as an Asian American amongst a sea of white people and being singled out because of her snacks. Ashley also talks about how she felt like she had to grow up fast and be a parent for her parents and help out raising her sister. She discusses reuniting with her father after decades of not knowing each other and how expectations don't always match reality. Ashley then talks about moving throu...
128 - Lindsay Traurig
March 13, 2023 05:00 - 1 hour - 134 MBLindsay Traurig is a Behavior Analyst, Breast Cancer Survivor, Brain Cancer Survivor, and owner of one of the most infectious smiles you can find. She discusses moving to a new town and school as a teen, adapting to a bigger city, and the role she played as an older sibling. Lindsay also discusses being in a sorority in college, her mother's brain cnacer, and the cultural awakening she had when she took a teaching job in Arizona. She then goes into detail about what it was like to get diagno...
127 - Jon Kuhn
March 06, 2023 05:00 - 1 hour - 109 MBJon Kuhn is an artist, marketing ninja, husband, and father. He discusses growing up in the midwest and the role he played in his parents' divorce and his father's secret life. Jon also talks about being bullied in high school and how that turned him into the person he is today. He also talks about getting into drugs and all of the lifestyle choices and crimes that come along with it, including jail time and custody battles. Jon then discusses his journey down the road of sobriety and how ta...
126 - Erin Gordish
February 27, 2023 05:00 - 1 hour - 115 MBErin Gordish is a photographer, artist, cat mom, and more! She discusses growing up with social anxiety at school and keeping her friend group small. Erin also talks about discovering her passion for art at a young age and following that all the way to college. She then talks about how her priorities shifted and took her away from academic responsibilities and how she ended up back at her parents house on dating sites until she met her now husband. Erin also discusses the intricacies of phot...
BONUS: Jeremy Williams Guitar and Music Retrospective
February 22, 2023 21:50 - 30 minutes - 41.6 MBBonus content from Episode 125 with Jeremy Williams. Hear his take on music origins and instruct Justin on how to play guitar. Great content for any musician!
125 - Jeremy Williams
February 22, 2023 15:04 - 1 hour - 99.7 MBJeremy Williams is a storyteller, entreprenuer, musician, and historian. He discusses the stark contrast in race from growing up in Milwaukee to growing up in white suburban Michigan. Jeremy also talks about the relationship he has with his brother and where he thinks his role is within his family. He also discusses the generational role he has taken up to share his story and educate others on the past of his family and his people. Finally, Jeremy discusses his new guitar company and how mis...
124 - Raini Shae
February 13, 2023 05:00 - 1 hour - 117 MBRaini Shae is a relationship coach, mother, and former member of the Mormon church. She discusses growing up in the Mormon church and the impact the rules of the church had on her. Raini also discusses a queer relationship that shaped her adolescence, and the trauma that came along with it. She then discusses how she began to ask questions, uncover truths, and leave the church, eventually pursuing her lifelong passion of helping people heal. You can find out more at http://www.rainishaecoach...
123 - Stephanie Young
February 06, 2023 05:00 - 1 hour - 96 MBStephanie Young is a personal trainer, mother, and a former Jehovah's Witness. She discusses having a twin sister and the baggage that came along with that as an unassertive child, including her taking on the role of the middle child in her sibling order. Stephanie also discusses being a Jehovah's Witness her entire childhood, being homeschooled, and what is was like to leave the church at 19 years old. She also talks about moving to Texas from Michigan, raising two kids, and how she found a...
122 - Megan Swan
January 30, 2023 05:00 - 1 hour - 98.4 MBMegan Swan is a wellness and business coach, a mother, and a world traveler. She discusses growing up with divorced parents in Canada before moving with her mom to Europe. Megan also talks about getting married and divorced, and the unusual conversation topics she found on the dance floor of a club. She then talks about her multi-step journey of traveling the world and how she's still at stop number one in Mexico 13 years later. Find out more about Megan and what she does at http://www.megan...
121 - Daniel Garza
January 23, 2023 05:00 - 46 minutes - 69.2 MBDaniel Garza is a comedian, content creator, tarot reader, and much more! He discusses being born in Mexico and growing up in southern Texas. Daniel also talks about how repeated incidences of sexual abuse as a child framed his normal and shaped his distorted view of friendship. He then talks about getting heavy into drugs and finally finding sobriety through a judge who let him go to rehab instead of jail. Check out all of Daniel's stuff on YouTube under LilMexicanProductions Not drinki...
120 - Lane Kennedy
January 16, 2023 14:39 - 1 hour - 95 MBLane Kennedy is a mindfulness teacher, yoga instructor, mother, wife, and former fashion model. She discusses growing up in San Francisco as an oldest child with hippie parents, living on a bus, and having an all-around dysfunctional household. Lane also talks about moving to L.A., becoming a model, and discovering she liked men and women at a time when sexuality was very taboo. She also goes into getting sober, having an eating disorder, and moving to Thailand. Dry January discounts contin...
119 - Kate Vitela
January 09, 2023 05:00 - 1 hour - 97.2 MBKate Vitela is a sober fashion model, nurse, and wife. She discusses growing up as a middle child and constantly moving around as a kid. Kate also talks about losing her step-father and the guilt she felt from that loss, thinking it should have been her instead. She then discusses drinking to the point of getting a DUI and how she finally got sober and became a fashion model in her 40s. Dry January is sponsored by Dry-Hopped IPAs like the one you can get from Bravus Brewing! Their Double Dr...
118 - Dana Krull
January 02, 2023 05:00 - 1 hour - 119 MBDana Krull is a former military chaplan, father, and host of the podcast I Kissed Alcohol Goodbye. He discusses growing up in a mixed family and how he played the role of the oldest, middle child, and only child at different times in his life. Dana also talks about losing his dad when he was a teenager and how that traumatic incident impacted his life. He also discusses his role as a chaplan in the military, what it's like to be with someone in their last moments, and how the community he lo...
117 - Lyn Burdine
December 26, 2022 05:00 - 50 minutes - 69.9 MBLyn is a wife, mother, and paralegal who's interested in quilting, baking, and being awesome. She discusses growing up in a mixed family household and how her life now parallels that same dynamic. Lyn also discusses her first marriage and what it's like to go through custody battles. She also tells us about meeting her current husband and what it was like working with CPS. Dry January is upon us! Be sure to stock up on all of the best NA beers! You can get your IPAs, Ambers, and Ales from W...
Men in Therapy
December 22, 2022 05:00 - 34 minutes - 52.2 MBIn this special episode, we discuss the issues and barriers to getting more men into therapy. University of Texas Clinical Professor Dr. Aaron Rochlen joins Justin to discuss what he has learned in his decades of research on men and their help seeking patterns. From the defintion of masculnity to getting men through the door and into a practice, every topic is discussed. This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Right now you can save 10% on your first month of online therapy by visiting htt...
116 - Mike Vanderpuije
December 12, 2022 05:00 - 1 hour - 107 MBMike Vanderpuije is a film and music enthusiast, advocate for good, and all around amazing person. He discusses growing up in Detroit while his estranged father was back in Ghana. Mike also talks about how he suffered terrible loss, fell into a deep depression, and broke a stigma to go seek help with therapy. He also discusses the light he found in music and how he's used learning the piano as a skill to overcome hardships. That is just the tip of the iceberg! Dry January is around the corn...
115 - Rebecca Rush
November 28, 2022 05:00 - 1 hour - 107 MBRebecca Rush is a writer, performer, and comedian. She discusses growing up in a family of wealth over love and how she navigates those relationships as an adult. Rebecca also discusses the toxicity of the comedy scene and how she was taken advantage of and assaulted. She also discusses her recent departure from Alcoholics Anonymous and being diagnosed on the spectrum and how both of those things have changed her life. TRIGGER WARNING: Sexual assault is discussed in this episode. Looking to...
114 - Stacy Gissal Returns
November 14, 2022 05:00 - 1 hour - 128 MBAfter Stacy's first appearance on the show (Episode 002), she went on to start a new company, evolve her belief system, and travel around the country in an RV. Stacy talks about Human Design, her company, Evolve Beyond Limits, and answers questions about what all of it means. She also talks about putting her home on AirBNB and working out of an RV throughout the pandemic, as well as what that did for her relationship. Finally, Stacy talks about spending time with herself and what you notice ...
113 - Liz Corker
October 31, 2022 04:00 - 50 minutes - 68.9 MBLiz Corker is a stylist, gym enthusiast, and all-around warrior. She discusses growing up with a young mother and having the "hang out house" in high school. Liz also talks about some of her abusive relationships and how she got out of them. Finally, she discusses why she can go to the gym for hours at a time, and Justin and her try to dig into where that desire comes from. Friend Request is sponsored by BetterHelp Online Therapy. You can save 10% off your first month of therapy at http://w...
112 - Jennifer Gamble
October 17, 2022 04:00 - 1 hour - 87.6 MBJennifer Gamble is a Nurse Practitioner, land destroyer, and mother of five. She discusses growing up as the youngest sibling with two older brothers and the discipline she learned from her father and his Marine experience. Jen also talks about creating her own plan and following it to achieve success in her career. Then, she discusses building a mistrust in friendship and what it's like to be pregnant in a Detroit ICU. We end the episode on a ghost story! It's Sober October and we want you...
111 - Mike Wall
October 03, 2022 04:00 - 1 hour - 108 MBMike Wall is a husband, father, guitarist, and lover of fun. He discusses growing up as the oldest of four children and figuring out his individual interests as a teenager. Mike also talks about trying to figure out college and how he met his wife and became a father. Finally, he talks about his relationship with his recently departed father and how it improved through mututal respect and shared interests. This week's episode is sponsored by BetterHelp Online Therapy. Go to http://www.Bette...
110 - Prakruti Makam
September 19, 2022 04:00 - 59 minutes - 87.7 MBPrakruti Makam is a psychology enthusiast, mother of twins, former model, and all around badass super woman. She discusses her issues with addiciton and the role it played in her life, including what sobriety has gotten her. Prakruti also discusses her former careers in psychology and in modeling. Finally, she discusses what it's like to be the mother of twins and the impactful role that her girls played in her finding sobriety. This week's episode is sponsored by BetterHelp Online Therapy....
109 - Andrew Karas
September 05, 2022 04:00 - 1 hour - 106 MBAndrew Karas is a chemical engineering Ph.D, father, husband, and die-hard Pittsburgh sports fan. He discusses growing up with his brother, his parents' divorce, and how he met his wife, katie. Andrew also talks about the role sports plays in his life and how he found films fascinating at a time when he may have otherwise found loneliness. This week's episode is sponsored by BetterHelp Online Therapy. Go to http://www.BetterHelp.com/friendrequest to save 10% on your first month of online th...
Season 4 Preview
August 29, 2022 04:00 - 10 minutes - 15.7 MBSeason 4 starts on September 5th! Every other week is a brand new episode with some more of the most fascinating people you've never met!
Self-Care Summary
August 22, 2022 04:00 - 1 hour - 105 MBThis week, we summarize all that we learned this summer during our Self-Care Summer series. What was your favorite part? Become a Patreon supporter! http://www.patreon.com/friendrequestpod Questions or comments? Eamil [email protected] Social: @FriendRequestPod
Self-Care Summer - Digital Detoxing
August 08, 2022 04:00 - 10 minutes - 15.4 MBHow much do you use your smartphone? Do you know what that use means? This week we are discussing smartphone use and digitally detoxing or cleansing. We are challenging each other to take a break away from our devices and seeing how long we can last. Report your digital detox story to Justin at [email protected] Good luck!
Self-Care Summer - Personal Finance
August 01, 2022 04:00 - 29 minutes - 42.6 MBWhether it's balancing a budget or learning your money story, this episode covers it all. We are joined by licensed therapist Jenny Helms, as well as Licensed Social Worker andFinancial Therapist Lindsay Bryan-Podvin to learn all about personal finance and where it fits into a healthy self-care routine. If money is making you feel icky or you find yourself with deep-seeded beliefs about money being evil or good or representative of something more, this may be the perfect time to take a breat...
Self-Care Summer - Self-Pleasure
July 25, 2022 04:00 - 16 minutes - 23.7 MBSex Therapist Sarah Tomakich joins us to discuss self-pleasure and masturbation. Whether you are looking to reduce body shame and anxiety, have a better sexual relationship with your partner, or you're simply curious about the benefits of a regular masturbation practice, this episode is for you. Among other topics, we discuss what it means to feel distress about touching yourself, the lack of education surrounding self-pleasure, and how orgasm isn't neccesarily the goal of self-pleasure, exp...
Self-Care Summer - Human Contact
July 18, 2022 04:00 - 20 minutes - 29.2 MBHow often are you engaged with another person? How many hugs are you giving and receiving each day? In this Self-Care Summer episode, we are joined by licensed therapist Jenny Helms to discuss the benefits of human contact and physical touch. We will discuss the mass isolation we have faced during the pandemic, as well as what effect that has had on many people across the globe. Then we'll talk about all of the benefits of human contact, physical touch and hugs, including how to get past tho...
Self-Care Summer - Writing
July 11, 2022 04:00 - 15 minutes - 22.4 MBWriting in a journal or doing some form of regular writing practice has been proven to be beneficial to your overall mental health and is used in a number of therapy practices for people of all ages to help learn better self-regulating techniques and uncover and process past traumas or hard feelings. Katie Allen joins us to discuss writing practice as a form of self-care and discusses the process and the benefits of doing it regularly. Find out more about Katie or join her writing workshops ...
Self-Care Summer - Meditation
July 04, 2022 04:00 - 20 minutes - 31 MBMeditation can come in many forms, but it is often misunderstood or assumed by people that do not practice it. So what is meditation? How can it benefit you? This week, we discuss what meditation is and how it can improve your overall wellbeing, health, and even alter your genes! Join Stacy Gissal and Aaron Cozaad as they inform your of different types of meditation, some common misconceptions with meditation, and where you might find a good place to start adding in meditation as part of you...
Self-Care Summer - Alcohol
June 27, 2022 04:00 - 23 minutes - 32.7 MBThis week, as Justin celebrates three years sober, we discuss alcohol and its role on self-care. What do we actually know about alcohol? How much of what we know if fact and how much of it is assumed or passed down information? Is a glass of wine good for you? This episode dives into the nitty gritty of drinking and provides a roadmap to assess your own choices when it comes to alcohol. As Justin says many times throughout the episode, he's not telling you to get drinking, just be more aware...
Self-Care Summer - Exercise
June 20, 2022 04:00 - 26 minutes - 39.1 MBOur Self-Care Summer continues with exercise. Exercise can be a triggering word for some and it is often misunderstood. In this episode, we clearly define exercise and discuss all of the benefits that come from it, both mentally and physically. We also discuss the easy ways you can get started and give some examples of what not to do, including making sure you are entering into it with the right intention. Guests include a therapist, a nurse, and a personal trainer and former body builder. S...
Self-Care Summer - Cooking
June 13, 2022 04:00 - 26 minutes - 39.5 MBThis week, we are doing a deep dive into the mental health benefits of cooking your own food. We hear from Zen Chef Aaron Cozaad, as well as Plant-based Nutritionist Lauryn Carroll. Another surprise appearance by a special someone is in store, too. Topics covered include stress, anxiety, mindfulness, and of course...food. Sit back, put a pot on to boil and get ready to find out the REAL benefits of cooking as a form of self-care. [email protected] @FriendRequestPod http://w...
Self-Care Summer Series: Introduction
June 06, 2022 04:00 - 14 minutes - 21.8 MBThis is the first episode in our summer series! Each week, we will be talking to former guests and experts in their field to go over the tangible results and effects of REAL Self Care. We'll also be sprinkling in some special episodes throughout the summer, so get ready to have a damn good time!! For now, though...water.
108 - Jackson Henderson
May 30, 2022 04:00 - 1 hour - 92.4 MBJackson Henderson is a rapper, producer, photographer, and videographer. He discusses the impact his family had on him while growing up and how his interest in the creative arts didn't really take off until after college. Jackson also talks about his decision to join the Air Force after college and how he met his wife while stationed in North Dakota. You can follow Jackson on social media @supahendo Get your summer beverages, NA Beers and CBD waters, from WellBeing Brewing at http://www.wel...
107 - Derek Quint
May 23, 2022 04:00 - 57 minutes - 82.1 MBDerek Quint is an artist and filmmaker in Chicago. He discusses his early interest in the macabre and some of the music involved in that world, as well as how that was the polar opposite of his sister. Derek also talks about getting into film in college and how Los Angeles was the wrong place to do what he loves. he also discusses his love of Chicago and the passion, blood, sweat, and tears he puts into his own films. Derek Quint's most recent film, a documentary about the old haunts of infa...
106 - Jim Territo
May 16, 2022 04:00 - 1 hour - 99.1 MBJim Territo is a musician, songwriter, composer, and educator. He discusses being the youngest iof his siblings by 16 years, having a pony as a child, and how encouraged he alwasy was to act and play music. Jim also talks about leaving his joib as a teacher in his thirties to chase his dream in New York and how family eventually brought him back to MIchigan before he could really get started. He also discusses the meaning behind his space rock opera and what he enjoys about teaching elementa...
105 - Claire Tangerine
May 09, 2022 04:00 - 1 hour - 94.3 MBClaire is an artist and sober advocate. She discusses the challenges she had growing up under a critical lens and how she struggles with blame in reflecting on her past. Claire also talks about how she decided to get sober and the role her partner and friends have played in that. You can find artmork by Claire on Instagram @MoonSpade_Magic and @ClaireTangerine This week's episode is sponsored by WellBeing Brewing and their partnership with Giving Kitchen. Check out their new collaboration a...
104 - Tim Whitehead
May 02, 2022 04:00 - 59 minutes - 90.7 MBTim Whitehead is an artist and metal worker. He discusses growing up in a sports household and how his loss in interest led to him pursuing art as a career. Tim also talks about how disappointment in how his designs have turned out has led him to stop designing and just start placing things that feel right. Tim and Justin also talk too much about 80s cartoons and toys. Check out WellBeing Brewing's new collaboration beer with Giving Kitchen and support restaurant workers across the country!...
103 - Melissa Bernardi
April 25, 2022 04:00 - 52 minutes - 75.5 MBMelissa Bernardi is a political organizer, wife, mother, and grandmother. She discusses her role as a peacemaker within her family, as well as being the youngest child for over a decade. Melissa also talks about the influence her mother had in her feminist roots and how she discovered political organizing after her children were grown up. She then discusses her time working on the 2008 Obama campaign, as well as her role in getting some of MIchigan's most influencial leaders elected to congr...
102 - John Bates
April 18, 2022 04:00 - 1 hour - 94.9 MBJohn Bates is an artist from Michigan who now lives in New York City. He discusses his relationship with his father after his parents' divorce. John also talks about the role art has always played in his life and how fortunate he feels to have grown up in such different circumstances and areas. John also talks about a book he's putting together, as well as what he's doing with his art now that COVID has calmed down. Check out all his artwork at BaterDesigns.com @FriendRequestPod JustinsFr...
101 - Meg McGinn
April 11, 2022 04:00 - 1 hour - 115 MBMeg McGinn is an inspiration, a mother, and a phlebotomist. She discusses growing up as a sibling of two much older brothers and how it made her childhood feel like she was an only child. Meghan also discusses an abusive relationship she was in and how she hopes that sharing her story will help other people get out of potentially dangerous situations, as well. She also discusses living in the Florida Keys, losing her father, becoming a mother, and what her relationship with alcohol has becom...
100 - Chris Cable
April 04, 2022 04:00 - 1 hour - 91.8 MBChris Cable is a punk rocker and an airplane pilot. He discusses chasing adrenaline as a kid and how he wanted to be an astronaut. Chris also talks about how he has always felt like someone or something doesn't believe in him, and how he is always out to prove them wrong. Justin and Chris go on multiple tangents, including alcohol use, non-alcoholic beers, and the final days of St. Andrew's Hall in Detroit. Episode 100 is brought to you in part by WellBeing Brewing! Head over to WellBeingBr...
099 - Adrian Ice
March 28, 2022 04:00 - 38 minutes - 56.9 MBAdrian Ice is the founder of the brand Healthy and Fantastic, Solid Ice Media, and numerous other entertainment-based businesses. He discusses growing up in a poor neighborhood while attending a private school and falling in love with photography and filmmaking. Adrian also talks about his sobriety, going to rehab, and how the pandemic helped him to quit drinking. Finally, Adrian shares his top five pieces of work he has done. Links below. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7n1SIJY3egI http...
098 - Jenna Malyon
March 21, 2022 04:00 - 59 minutes - 87.6 MBJenna Malyon is a sober Canadian and business owner. She discusses her relationship with her family and the strained relationship she has with her father. Jenna also talks about being in long-term relatonships and how she keeps going back to a different version of the same guy. Finally, Jenna and Justin discuss sobriety and what that journey has looked like. Friend Request is sponsored by BetterHelp! Right now you can save 10% off your first month of therapy at BetterHelp.com/FriendRequest ...
097 - Michelle Lamb
March 14, 2022 05:00 - 1 hour - 91 MBMichelle Lamb is a mother, wife, executive, and go-getter. She discusses growing up in a small village in Ohio and reveals that she was supposed to be a twin. Michelle also talks about the dirty part of being in sales and how she ended up meeting her husband that way. She then goes on to talk about being a mother and the difficulty associated with it. Like what you hear? Become a supporter of the show! Go to http://www.Patreon.com/FriendRequestPod to support the show today! @FriendRequestP...