Loren and Alyson are here to talk about navigating life's ups and downs while also sharing their insights into post-college life. They'll also occasionally be too passionate about things like Taylor Swift and Disney World! Check out this trailer to get a glimpse into the upcoming first season of Nice to Have a Friend!

IT'S HERE! Welcome to Nice to Have a Friend! In this episode, you'll get to know your co-hosts: Loren and Alyson, get a preview into what the first season is all about, and discover why Loren needed to fact check Alyson about Harry Potter trivia. FOLLOW THE PODCAST: On Instagram, @NiceToHaveAFriendPodAt Our Website, www.NiceToHaveAFriend.comFOLLOW ALYSON: Blog | Instagram | TwitterFOLLOW LOREN: Blog | Instagram | TwitterTHANKS TO OUR FRIENDS:@KatieCurated: blogger, graphic designer, and creator of our fabulous show logo! @Definitely_Katie_Blog: blogger and photographer to the stars, (AKA Loren & Alyson)

We all place expectations on things: our personal lives, our careers, our wedding day - even our Instagram feeds! Today, Loren and Alyson evaluate what they expected in several areas of their lives, and discuss how those expectations have changed. FOLLOW THE PODCAST: On Instagram, @NiceToHaveAFriendPodAt Our Website, www.NiceToHaveAFriend.comFOLLOW ALYSON: Blog | Instagram | TwitterFOLLOW LOREN: Blog | Instagram | TwitterTHANKS TO OUR FRIENDS:@KatieCurated: blogger, graphic designer, and creator of our fabulous show logo! @Definitely_Katie_Blog: blogger and photographer to the stars, (AKA Loren & Alyson)Pedal Java: Some of Loren's biggest fans (and vice versa,) and her fabulous coffee vendor from her wedding!

In this episode, Loren and Alyson talk about the biggest ways they noticed change throughout their college experiences. You'll hear them discuss how their friendships changed in college, how faith played a part in their college experience, and how they settled into their career paths. ~ THINGS WE MENTIONED ~In the Knoxville area and looking for a church home?Sevier Heights Website | Instagram The Walk Website (AKA our College Ministry) | InstagramGoodreads links to our book suggestions:Loren: Oona Out of Order by Margarita MontimoreAlyson: One to Watch by Kate Stayman-LondonFOLLOW THE PODCAST: On Instagram, @NiceToHaveAFriendPodAt Our Website, www.NiceToHaveAFriend.comFOLLOW ALYSON: Blog | Instagram | Twitter | GoodreadsFOLLOW LOREN: Blog | Instagram | Twitter | GoodreadsTHANKS TO OUR FRIENDS:@KatieCurated: blogger, graphic designer, and creator of our fabulous show logo! @Definitely_Katie_Blog: blogger and photographer to the stars, (AKA Loren & Alyson)

In today's episode, Loren and Alyson talk about lifestyle changes, including their styles (or lack thereof,) their preferred entertainment sources, and their journeys with health and fitness. There will be references to Joe Exotic, YouTubers, and a fight between your co-hosts over ESPN's 'The Last Dance' Documentary series. ~ THINGS WE MENTIONED ~Half Baked HarvestMorgan Harper Nichols'Capsule wardrobes' explainedLottie Smalley's YouTube Channel (Alyson's friend from High School!)Back at Barre3 (written by Loren)Running (written by Alyson)The Last Dance trailer (the full series is on Netflix!)FOLLOW THE PODCAST: On Instagram, @NiceToHaveAFriendPodAt Our Website, www.NiceToHaveAFriend.comFOLLOW ALYSON: Blog | Instagram | Twitter | GoodreadsFOLLOW LOREN: Blog | Instagram | Twitter | GoodreadsTHANKS TO OUR FRIENDS:@KatieCurated: blogger, graphic designer, and creator of our fabulous show logo! @Definitely_Katie_Blog: blogger and photographer to the stars, (AKA Loren & Alyson)

In today's episode, Loren & Alyson take a step back to observe the timeline of COVID-19. They'll discuss some of the good things that came out of this unprecedented time of social distancing, and will miraculously only use the phrase 'a new normal' once. There will be honest check-ins, as well as reminiscing over whipped coffee, banana bread, & TikTok.~ THINGS WE MENTIONED ~The WHO's COVID TimelineParks and Rec reunion specialJohn Krasinski starts 'Some Good News' on YouTubeWhipped Coffee...even Alyson bought into the whipped coffee trend --> Watch my cringey whipped coffee video for online class here! (PS: this is unlisted, so only the special show notes readers who discover this get to watch!)FOLLOW THE PODCAST: On Instagram, @NiceToHaveAFriendPodAt Our Website, www.NiceToHaveAFriend.comFOLLOW ALYSON: Blog | Instagram | Twitter | GoodreadsFOLLOW LOREN: Blog | Instagram | Twitter | GoodreadsTHANKS TO OUR FRIENDS:@KatieCurated: blogger, graphic designer, and creator of our fabulous show logo! @Definitely_Katie_Blog: blogger and photographer to the stars, (AKA Loren & Alyson)

Put on your cardigans and get ready to discuss Taylor Swift’s surprise 8th album - folklore! Get ready for firsthand experience of Loren’s Taylor obsession along with our conversation about lyrics, favorite songs, and rating Taylor’s albums. ~ THINGS WE MENTIONED + FUN T-SWIZZLE STUFF ~Listen to folklore by Taylor Swift Taylor Swift Song Sorter (via jesseepinkman)A Good Tweet (via @taystellar)Alyson's Random Fact Links:Boosts in streaming (via Rolling Stone)Taylor's seventh No.1 album (via Billboard)Biggest hit on each of Taylor's albums (via Billboard)FOLLOW THE PODCAST: On Instagram, @NiceToHaveAFriendPodAt Our Website, www.NiceToHaveAFriend.comFOLLOW ALYSON: Blog | Instagram | TwitterFOLLOW LOREN: Blog | Instagram | TwitterTHANKS TO OUR FRIENDS:@KatieCurated: blogger, graphic designer, and creator of our fabulous show logo! @Definitely_Katie_Blog: blogger and photographer to the stars, (AKA Loren & Alyson)

Today, Alyson and Loren sit down to explain the sometimes elusive topic, the Enneagram! They'll give a general overview of the personality typing system, while also discussing how it has changed and affected their personal lives. They'll also try to categorize fictional characters & celebrities to give examples for each type, (even though they actively beg you not to do the same to your friends & family!!) Whether you're a casual Enneagram observer, a die-hard enthusiast, or a complete skeptic, this episode has something for everyone!~ ENNEAGRAM RESOURCES ~BOOKSThe Road Back to You by Ian Morgan CronThe Sacred Enneagram by Christopher L. HeuertzThe Enneagram: A Christian Perspective by Richard Rohr, Andreas EbertThe Enneagram Made Easy by Renee Baron, Elizabeth WageleWEBSITESThe Enneagram InstituteWant to discover your type without having to read a bunch? I recommend this test! - Alyson INSTAGRAM ACCOUNTS@enneagramandcoffee (Info + Fun Stuff)@enneagramashton (Info + Fun Stuff)Beth McCord, @yourenneagramcoach (Info + Coaching)@rudeassenneagram (MEMES!)FOLLOW THE PODCAST: On Instagram, @NiceToHaveAFriendPodAt Our Website, www.NiceToHaveAFriend.comFOLLOW ALYSON: Blog | Instagram | Twitter | GoodreadsFOLLOW LOREN: Blog | Instagram | Twitter | GoodreadsTHANKS TO OUR FRIENDS:@KatieCurated: blogger, graphic designer, and creator of our fabulous show logo! @Definitely_Katie_Blog: blogger and photographer to the stars, (AKA Loren & Alyson)

Season 1 is over - so what's next? Loren & Alyson are sitting down on the couch to let you know what to expect for their first season of guest stars! Listen to find out what this season is about, as well as what to expect. They'll see you back here next Tuesday with the first official episode of Season 2!FOLLOW THE PODCAST: On Instagram, @NiceToHaveAFriendPodAt Our Website, www.NiceToHaveAFriend.comFOLLOW ALYSON: Blog | Instagram | Twitter | GoodreadsFOLLOW LOREN: Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Goodreads

Welcome to Season Two - a season dedicated to discussing career paths and future aspirations with our friends! Today, Loren & Alyson welcome their first guest - mutual friend Katie! Katie currently works in PR and shares the experiences that led her to her first full-time job. She'll also discuss her hopes to work in PR for higher education, gives advice to her past-self, and explains the origin stories behind meeting both of your co-hosts. M - E - N - T - I - O - N - SKeep Up with Katie!Blog | Instagram | May & Lucy's Instagram'The 1' of the WeekLoren - Fudge Brownie M&MsAlyson - BTS (Here's their Carpool Karaoke video!)FOLLOW THE PODCAST: On Instagram, @NiceToHaveAFriendPodAt Our Website, www.NiceToHaveAFriend.comFOLLOW ALYSON: Blog | Instagram | Twitter | GoodreadsFOLLOW LOREN: Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Goodreads

My oh my, what a wonderful day! Why? Because Loren & Alyson are joined by Sarai Grace Smith of TheSunnySG to talk about the Disney College Program, career changes (thanks COVID!), and the choice to pursue a career as a full-time influencer + content creator based in Orlando, Florida. Plus, SG shares how TikTok contributed to her growth during quarantine and gives tips for anyone looking to pursue their dreams as a content creator. M - E - N - T - I - O - N - SKeep Up with Sarai Grace (AKA @TheSunnySG)!Instagram | TikTok | YouTube'The 1' of the Week Loren - The Home Edit (Netflix Original)Alyson - Schitt's Creek (On Netflix & Hulu)'Make the comments section look like the DCP Facebook page' (TheSunnySG on TikTok)Schitt's Creek: Everything You Need to Know About the Emmys' Favorite Comedy (Vanity Fair article)BTS: Tiny Desk (Home) Concert (NPR)FOLLOW THE PODCAST: On Instagram, @NiceToHaveAFriendPodAt Our Website, www.NiceToHaveAFriend.comFOLLOW ALYSON: Blog | Instagram | Twitter | GoodreadsFOLLOW LOREN: Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Goodreads

In today's episode, Loren and Alyson are tossing it over to their friend, Andy Brock, for a hit on all things sports, broadcasting, and last-minute career changes. Andy reviews his evolution as a broadcaster, shares his favorite sports moments, and gives his best advice for people trying to get a shot at being on-air. Plus, you'll find out why both Loren and Alyson's parents are a part of Andy's fan club!EPISODE BREAKDOWN:Start - 7:20 --> Catching Up7:20 - 57:11 --> Our Chat with Andy57:11 - End --> Overview + 'The 1' of the WeekM - E - N - T - I - O - N - SKeep Up with Andy!Instagram | Twitter 'The 1' of the WeekLoren - Dolly Parton's America PodcastAlyson - MadFit on YouTube (and if you want the TikTok Video I mentioned, here ya go!)FOLLOW THE PODCAST: On Instagram, @NiceToHaveAFriendPodAt Our Website, www.NiceToHaveAFriend.comFOLLOW ALYSON: Blog | Instagram | Twitter | GoodreadsFOLLOW LOREN: Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Goodreads

Hi everyone, we're Loren & Alyson - welcome back to our podcast! Today, we're joined by PR maven and veteran YouTuber, Lottie Smalley. Lottie explains her growth as a content creator over her 8-year+ stint as a YouTuber, shares her internship experiences in the PR/Communications world, and opens up about ways that college was unlike her expectations. Plus - discover what Alyson had to do to bribe Lottie into riding the Tower of Terror at Disney World!M - E - N - T - I - O - N - SKeep Up with Lottie!YouTube | TikTok | Instagram |  Twitter | Website'The 1' of the Week Loren - American Royals by Katharine McGee (Book)Alyson - The Try Guys (YouTube Channel)FOLLOW THE PODCAST: On Instagram, @NiceToHaveAFriendPodAt Our Website, www.NiceToHaveAFriend.comFOLLOW ALYSON: Blog | Instagram | Twitter | GoodreadsFOLLOW LOREN: Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Goodreads

Loren & Alyson are excited to welcome their last guest of Season 2! Today's guest is Amy Beckham, a whiz at all facets of communications and community building. She currently works for Farm Bureau Tennessee and shares how working in agriculture puts a unique spin on her job. Amy also shares her insights on 'adult' life - like transitioning from student to married with a home and full-time job within a year of graduating! This episode feels like a night in with friends, so get comfy and turn up the volume! Plus - stay tuned for info on the special episode coming next week as a special send-off for season 2, and find out how you can be a part of it! EPISODE BREAKDOWN:Start - 4:15 --> Catching Up4:15 - 56:38 --> Our Chat with Amy56:41 - End --> 'The 1' of the Week + Final Episode Surprise (We Want Your Opinions!)M - E - N - T - I - O - N - SKeep Up with Amy!Personal Instagram | Growing Pains'The 1' of the Week Loren - Pumpkin Spice Lattes (if you're in the Knoxville area, try Loren's recommendation from Capybara Coffee!)Alyson - The Bible Binge (Podcast)FOLLOW THE PODCAST: On Instagram, @NiceToHaveAFriendPodAt Our Website, www.NiceToHaveAFriend.comFOLLOW ALYSON: Blog | Instagram | Twitter | GoodreadsFOLLOW LOREN: Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Goodreads

You showed up to the polls (well, our polls,) and voted for your favorites. The results are now in - which fall staples will be officially approved by #NTHAFPod? Pumpkin Spice Lattes? Haunted Houses? Soup?! Find out which items were approved by both Loren & Alyson, and their friends/listeners!Thank you for all of your support during Season 2 of NTHAF! We will be taking a short break to prepare for Season 3, so make sure to follow along with us on Instagram for updates, fun messages, and the most relatable memes!M - E - N - T - I - O - N - SThe SPOOKY SG- Iced chai latte with pumpkin cold foam on top- @thesunnysg@TimelesslyyTrendy Schitt’s Creek Halloween costume'The 1' of the Week Loren - ApplesAlyson - Cross StitchingFOLLOW THE PODCAST: On Instagram, @NiceToHaveAFriendPodAt Our Website, www.NiceToHaveAFriend.comFOLLOW ALYSON: Blog | Instagram | Twitter | GoodreadsFOLLOW LOREN: Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Goodreads

We're so excited to be back fro Season 3 of Nice to Have a Friend!! This episode is extra fun because we're recapping several of the biggest pop culture moments we have personally chatted about in the past month. This type of episode is completely new for us, but we think you'll like it! M - E - N - T - I - O - N - SBackground on Taylor vs. Scooter drama Taylor Swift's Tweet Taylor Swift's RED ranks 99th on Rolling Stone's List of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time Podcast Episode ** Loren said Billboard in the episode, but she meant Rolling Stone! Ken Jennings Becomes Jeopardy Producer Article Dolly Parton/COVID memeKim Ng Becomes First Woman GM of a Major Sports Team Addison Rae MovieBachelorette RecapTHE '1' OF THE WEEK Alyson: BTS' New AlbumLoren: Streaming, Killing Eve FOLLOW THE PODCAST: On Instagram, @NiceToHaveAFriendPodOn Twitter, @NicetoHaveAFri1At Our Website, www.NiceToHaveAFriend.comFOLLOW ALYSON:Blog | Instagram | Twitter | GoodreadsFOLLOW LOREN:Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Goodreads

In today's episode, Alyson helps Loren understand the artistic and addicting world of K-Pop! In a general overview that is equal parts interesting and goofy, Alyson explains how K-Pop has gotten to be so big, as well as discussing the business behind the genre's success. Then, your hosts will look at K-Pop culture through one of the biggest groups in the world (BTS!) Which member of BTS is Loren/Alyson most like? How is liking K-Pop probably going to help Alyson get a job (this is not a joke, folks!)? Plus, find out how Alyson discovered some people she knows in a viral meme - all of that and more on today's episode!*PS: Alyson wanted to clarify that BTS debuted in 2013, but they broke through in the United States in 2017* :)TIME STAMPS FOR MUSIC VIDEO SECTION: 38:54-42:06This type of episode is completely new for us, but we think you'll like it! M - E - N - T - I - O - N - SThe 'Girl's Night In' Meme on our InstaReact to Music Videos with Us!Blood Sweat & Tears (BTS)Boy with Luv (BTS feat. Halsey)IDOL (BTS feat. Nikki Minaj) Which BTS Member are You? (Take the Buzzfeed quiz for yourself!)BTS: The Band, The Brand & The ARMY  (Spotify Podcast)Gangnam Style Music Video (PSY) (YouTube Video)BTS on Carpool Karaoke with James Corden (YouTube Video)BTS on Jimmy Fallon (YouTube Video)"Why BTS Runs the World" by Eun-Young Jeong (Wall Street Journal Magazine Feature)'Explained' - K-Pop (Netflix Original, in Season 2)BLACKPINK: Light Up the Sky (Netflix Documentary)THE '1' OF THE WEEK Alyson: Miley Cyrus' New Album (Plastic Hearts)Loren: Christmas! (Check out her blog for fun Christmas stuff!)FOLLOW THE PODCAST: On Instagram, @NiceToHaveAFriendPodOn Twitter, @NicetoHaveAFri1At Our Website, www.NiceToHaveAFriend.comFOLLOW ALYSON:Blog | Instagram | Twitter | GoodreadsFOLLOW LOREN:Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Goodreads

In today's episode, Alyson and Loren explore and share the many woes that come along living with random roommates. In their first ever listener-submitted story episode, you can expect the typical tension that comes with roommates and the frighteningly bizarre horror stories. From underwear dishcloths and LSD to cockroaches, this episode has it all. This episode definitely left Alyson and Loren wondering how people like those mentioned even exist. This type of episode is completely new for us, but we think you'll like it!M - E - N - T - I - O - N - SBon Appétit Youtube Channel - Loren loves the Brad Learns how to Compost episodeTHE '1' OF THE WEEKAlyson: Nailed It! on NetflixLoren: All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony DoerrFOLLOW THE PODCAST: On Instagram, @NiceToHaveAFriendPodOn Twitter, @NicetoHaveAFri1At Our Website, www.NiceToHaveAFriend.comFOLLOW ALYSON:Blog | Instagram | Twitter | GoodreadsFOLLOW LOREN:Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Goodreads

In today's episode, Alyson and Loren host Sarai Grace of the Sunny SG for a special virtual Christmas party. This episode will undoubtedly get you in the Christmas spirit! Alyson and Loren spend a few minutes catching up with SG and chatting about the strangeness of Christmas 2020. In the spirit of creating connection during this socially distant holiday season, all things Christmas movies, music, traditions and even desserts are recapped. M - E - N - T - I - O - N - SThe Sunny SG 12 Days of VlogmasFolksy Christmas Spotify PlaylistMariah Carey's Christmas Special Kacey Musgraves Christmas SpecialLoren's Crockpot Christmas PeanutsFOLLOW SARAI GRACE, THE SUNNY SG On Instagram, @thesunnysgOn Tiktok, @thesunnysgOn YouTube, @thesunnysg THE '1' OF THE WEEKAlyson: Orange TheoryLoren: Klaus Movie on NetflixSarai Grace: Candy Cane Cold BrewFOLLOW THE PODCAST: On Instagram, @NiceToHaveAFriendPodOn Twitter, @NicetoHaveAFri1At Our Website, www.NiceToHaveAFriend.comFOLLOW ALYSON:Blog | Instagram | Twitter | GoodreadsFOLLOW LOREN:Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Goodreads

In today's episode, Alyson and Loren recap their best of 2020- the things, people, places and memes that defined one of the craziest years ever. From books, movies and TV, to recipes, products and personal achievements, we share the good from a year that could have been seen as only bad. We also share a few listener submitted "bests" in each category and talk about what word or intentions we're setting for the year ahead. M - E - N - T - I - O - N - SBooks- Alyson's, The Nightingale, One to Watch.  Loren's, The Great Alone. Recipes- Ina Garten's Roast Chicken, Loren's Yeehaw Beer Chili, Peanut Butter BrowniesBook of the Month- pls sign up through this (Loren's) referral link :) Buff City SoapPrevious NTHAF episodes mentioned in this episode, What's the deal with K-Pop? Our Biggest Changes in College Roommate Horror Stories The COVID Time CapsuleFOLLOW THE PODCAST: On Instagram, @NiceToHaveAFriendPodOn Twitter, @NicetoHaveAFri1At Our Website, www.NiceToHaveAFriend.comFOLLOW ALYSON:Blog | Instagram | Twitter | GoodreadsFOLLOW LOREN:Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Goodreads