In honor of National Friendship Day (although a bit tardy!) we are sharing stories and thoughts about the TOP 5 (for each of us) Life Lessons Learned after 50+ years! Do your life lessons match ours? Listen and find out!

Now that COVID-19 is mainly in the rear-view, what does friendship rekindling look like for you? Join lifelong BFF's, J9 + KT as they delve into their post-COVID-19 relationships and navigate reintroducing friends back into regular life. Plus, discover some new ways to meet friends as adults,  Also, what are some of your favorite summertime rituals that connect you with friends?  All this and MORE with your favorite "Girlz" friends! ABOUT US: J9 and KT are two Gen X’ers who reveal the secrets of a life-long friendship - from the lockers of middle school to high school, college + TWA, first jobs, engagements, marriages, raising children, step-parenting, cross-country moves, divorce, starting over, and finally - life in the empty-nest. Join them as they share how their friendship has ebbed and flowed since they met in 1979 - and all the hilarious stories they've collected along the way. Each episode highlights the value of friendship and offers takeaways to inspire you to reach out to an old friend, make a new friend, or how to be a totally awesome friend and everything that does (and doesn't work) to build real social connections that support well-being, bring you joy and make life better.

In honor of National Best Friends Day (June 8th), we are playing a game to see how well we really know each other.   We ask questions and guess how the other person will answer.   You'll hear stories about embarrassing moments, fashion mistakes, favorite songs, who we would invite to a dinner party, and what we'd do if we had $5,000 to spend in an hour.  We also envision what we'll be doing together 30 years in the future.  Play with YOUR BFF! Here's our list of questions: What am I most afraid of?Where can you always find me?What's been my greatest accomplishment?What is my biggest disappointment?Where would we go if we could go on any vacation?Who would I invite to my fantasy dinner party?Back then, did you think we'd be friends for this long?What was my most embarrassing moment?Which fashion decision was my biggest mistake?Name the song I love singing in the car with you most.Who was my biggest crush when we were younger?Which game or reality show would I do best on?What do you do that makes me laugh the hardest?Name three things we completely, 100% agree on.If I became president, what do you think I'd do first?If I were a board game, which would I be?If we were stuck on a desert island, why would I be an asset?Which two fictional BFFs are most like us?What's your favorite memory of us?Am I a cookie, ice cream, or cake person?When were you most impressed by me?What do I order at a bar?What's the first thing I would do if I won the lottery?If I could be an animal, which would I be?What do I put on my pizza?How do I comfort myself after a rough day?We're going to let a celebrity be in our group of friends — who would we ask?I have one hour to spend $5,000. Where would I go?When we're 85 years old, what will be doing together?What are the first two songs on the soundtrack of my life?If I Could Buy One Material Thing, And Money Was Not An Issue, What Would It Be?What’s One Thing I Want To Do Before I Die?What’s My Favorite Beer?Would I Rather Wear A Snow Suit In The Desert Or Be Naked In Antarctica?If I were a Disney villain, who would I be?ABOUT US: J9 and KT are two Gen X’ers who reveal the secrets of a life-long friendship - from the lockers of middle school to high school, college + TWA, first jobs, engagements, marriages, raising children, step-parenting, cross-country moves, divorce, starting over, and finally - life in the empty-nest. Join them as they share how their friendship has ebbed and flowed since they met in 1979 - and all the hilarious stories they've collected along the way. Each episode highlights the value of friendship and offers takeaways to inspire you to reach out to an old friend, make a new friend, or how to be a totally awesome friend and everything that does (and doesn't work) to build real social connections that support well-being, bring you joy and make life better.

In this episode, life-long besties, J9 and KT explore some of the more challenging sides of a friendship and ask the important question - are ALL friendships meant to last a lifetime? Explore some of the warning signs that shine the light on friendships that may be waning. Do you need a complete friendship break-up or just some space? Discover tips to maneuver this delicate balancing act and hear how "Girlz" have managed to work through some of their own friendship challenges. ABOUT US: J9 and KT are two Gen X’ers who reveal the secrets of a life-long friendship - from the lockers of middle school to high school, college + TWA, first jobs, engagements, marriages, raising children, step-parenting, cross-country moves, divorce, starting over, and finally - life in the empty-nest. Join them as they share how their friendship has ebbed and flowed since they met in 1979 - and all the hilarious stories they've collected along the way. Each episode highlights the value of friendship and offers takeaways to inspire you to reach out to an old friend, make a new friend, or how to be a totally awesome friend and everything that does (and doesn't work) to build real social connections that support well-being, bring you joy and make life better.

In this episode, Girlz shares unlikely Friendship stories about friends who may be much older -  or younger than us - yet we still find a way to make strong and amazing connections. Perhaps the most unlikely pairings are the ones that begin as "frenemies" and turn into something glorious as the years' pass. We recognize friendship does not always happen like “magic” (like we experienced) but some of the most satisfying relationships are ones that began as diamonds in the rough. And the best part of this episode is it's being released on National Tell A Story Day. ABOUT US: J9 and KT are two Gen X’ers who reveal the secrets of a life-long friendship - from the lockers of middle school to high school, college + TWA, first jobs, engagements, marriages, raising children, step-parenting, cross-country moves, divorce, starting over, and finally - life in the empty-nest. Join them as they share how their friendship has ebbed and flowed since they met in 1979 - and all the hilarious stories they've collected along the way. Each episode highlights the value of friendship and offers takeaways to inspire you to reach out to an old friend, make a new friend, or how to be a totally awesome friend and everything that does (and doesn't work) to build real social connections that support well-being, bring you joy and make life better.

In this episode, Girlz shares thoughts and insight regarding the HBO documentary Fake Famous, and the lengths people will go through to create out-of-this-world online profiles in order to achieve online fame - or so it seems! J9 and KT dig into pop culture and compare ways they practiced "fakeness" back in the day. Get the scoop on FOMO and FOPO and all the reasons keeping close personal connections remain the most important and "real" part of your everyday life.ABOUT US: J9 and KT are two Gen X’ers who reveal the secrets of a life-long friendship - from the lockers of middle school to high school, college + TWA, first jobs, engagements, marriages, raising children, step-parenting, cross-country moves, divorce, starting over, and finally - life in the empty-nest. Join them as they share how their friendship has ebbed and flowed since they met in 1979 - and all the hilarious stories they've collected along the way. Each episode highlights the value of friendship and offers takeaways to inspire you to reach out to an old friend, make a new friend, or how to be a totally awesome friend and everything that does (and doesn't work) to build real social connections that support well-being, bring you joy and make life better.

Has someone you thought was a "friend" turn "mean girl" on you? OR have YOU ever been the mean girl? In this episode of Girlz Just Wanna Tell Stories, we'll explore the depths of mean girl behavior, the complexities of why women get ugly with each other, and how to recognize the triggers to prevent future "mean girl" activity.  Discover which co-host was both the mean girl and victim of such behavior and the importance of recognizing the difference between a mean girl and a tough girl. ABOUT US: J9 and KT are two Gen X’ers who reveal the secrets of a life-long friendship - from the lockers of middle school to high school, college + TWA, first jobs, engagements, marriages, raising children, step-parenting, cross-country moves, divorce, starting over, and finally - life in the empty-nest. Join them as they share how their friendship has ebbed and flowed since they met in 1979 - and all the hilarious stories they've collected along the way. Each episode highlights the value of friendship and offers takeaways to inspire you to reach out to an old friend, make a new friend, or how to be a totally awesome friend and everything that does (and doesn't work) to build real social connections that support well-being, bring you joy and make life better.

IN THIS EPISODE: The Girlz share stories of friendship FIRSTS - from first secrets, first fights, to first vacations - and a little bit of everything in between. Discover more fun stories from J9 + KT from their first experience away from home together (cheerleading camp), their first big "adult" vacation (Oahu), and the first time they tried a new sport together (surfing)! By understanding that you are never too old to try something for the first time, you are helping the brain create new pathways and maintaining strong mental acuity.  Committing to trying new "FIRSTS" in your life helps keep friendship bonds strong, adds dimension - and FUN - all while possibly adding more healthy (and memory-filled) days to your life. ABOUT US: J9 and KT are two Gen X’ers who reveal the secrets of a life-long friendship - from the lockers of middle school to high school, college + TWA, first jobs, engagements, marriages, raising children, step-parenting, cross-country moves, divorce, starting over, and finally - life in the empty-nest. Join these life-long friends as they share how their friendship has ebbed and flowed since they met in 1979 - and all the hilarious stories they've collected along the way. Each episode highlights the value of friendship and offers takeaways to inspire you to reach out to an old friend, make a new friend, or how to be a totally awesome friend and everything that does (and doesn't work) to build real social connections that support well-being, bring you joy and make life better.

In every friendship, there are bound to be tough conversations - hard truths that must be faced in order to allow friendships to grow deeper and more meaningful.  When a friend holds up the mirror for you,  it's not always easy to look at the reflection, but often that is exactly what we need to see.   If we see giving and receiving feedback as a gift,  the hard truths aren't so hard after all.   We're sharing stories of how brutal honesty, delivered with love can deepen friendship.ABOUT US: J9 and KT are two Gen X’ers who reveal the secrets of a life-long friendship - from the lockers of middle school to high school, college + TWA, first jobs, engagements, marriages, raising children, step-parenting, cross-country moves, divorce, starting over, and finally - life in the empty-nest. Join these life-long friends as they share how their friendship has ebbed and flowed since they met in 1979 - and all the hilarious stories they've collected along the way. Each episode highlights the value of friendship and offers takeaways to inspire you to reach out to an old friend, make a new friend, or how to be a totally awesome friend and everything that does (and doesn't work) to build real social connections that support well-being, bring you joy and make life better.

Love is in the air and we're sharing stories about love in its many forms.  Get ready for some laughter as we recall the anticipation of our first kiss and other pivotal moments in our young love lives.  Hear how we met our husbands, what happens on a bachelorette night scavenger hunt, and find out who the extra guest was in the bridal suite.   We also talk about the love we share with our friends and the importance of having a loving relationship with ourselves. ABOUT US: J9 and KT are two Gen X’ers who reveal the secrets of a life-long friendship - from the lockers of middle school to high school, college + TWA, first jobs, engagements, marriages, raising children, step-parenting, cross-country moves, divorce, starting over, and finally - life in the empty-nest. Join them as they share how their friendship has ebbed and flowed since they met in 1979 - and all the hilarious stories they've collected along the way. Each episode highlights the value of friendship and offers takeaways to inspire you to reach out to an old friend, make a new friend, or how to be a totally awesome friend and everything that does (and doesn't work) to build real social connections that support well-being, bring you joy and make life better.

In this episode, we're telling stories about fun traditions we have to celebrate friendship and share ideas to create new traditions with your circle of friends. ABOUT US: J9 and KT are two Gen X’ers who reveal the secrets of a life-long friendship - from the lockers of middle school to high school, college + TWA, first jobs, engagements, marriages, raising children, step-parenting, cross-country moves, divorce, starting over, and finally - life in the empty-nest. Join them as they share how their friendship has ebbed and flowed since they met in 1979 - and all the hilarious stories they've collected along the way. Each episode highlights the value of friendship and offers takeaways to inspire you to reach out to an old friend, make a new friend, or how to be a totally awesome friend and everything that does (and doesn't work) to build real social connections that support well-being, bring you joy and make life better.

In this episode, we're telling stories about the variety of friends we've made over the years and how these friendships are important on different levels.  It's been said if you can count the number of close friends, on one hand, you should consider yourself lucky.  We've learned it's not the number of friends that matter, it's the quality of those friendships that make the difference.  Think of your friends as circles or rings of a tree – those in the center are the primary “dependable” members – those you hold most dear, share your deepest secrets – or “stories.” As you move further from the center, your friendships may become looser, and random, yet still an extremely important part of your friendship “structure.” ABOUT US: J9 and KT are two Gen X’ers who reveal the secrets of a life-long friendship - from the lockers of middle school to high school, college + TWA, first jobs, engagements, marriages, raising children, step-parenting, cross-country moves, divorce, starting over, and finally - life in the empty-nest. Join them as they share how their friendship has ebbed and flowed since they met in 1979 - and all the hilarious stories they've collected along the way. Each episode highlights the value of friendship and offers takeaways to inspire you to reach out to an old friend, make a new friend, or how to be a totally awesome friend and everything that does (and doesn't work) to build real social connections that support well-being, bring you joy and make life better.

In this episode, we're telling stories about friends facing life's challenges with openness, awareness, and grace and how to overcome difficult times with the love and support of friends.  Friends are there for each other in joy-filled times as well as times of heartbreak and sorrow. ABOUT US: J9 and KT are two Gen X’ers who reveal the secrets of a life-long friendship - from the lockers of middle school to high school, college + TWA, first jobs, engagements, marriages, raising children, step-parenting, cross-country moves, divorce, starting over, and finally - life in the empty-nest. Join them as they share how their friendship has ebbed and flowed since they met in 1979 - and all the hilarious stories they've collected along the way. Each episode highlights the value of friendship and offers takeaways to inspire you to reach out to an old friend, make a new friend, or how to be a totally awesome friend and everything that does (and doesn't work) to build real social connections that support well-being, bring you joy and make life better.

In this episode, we're telling stories about how our different interests and traits made our friendship stronger.   Who would have thought a football fanatic and a gymnast would hit it off, but we did!  Friendship is built on appreciating the different experiences and perspectives each person brings to the relationship.  Enjoy what you have in common and embrace what makes each of you unique. ABOUT US: J9 and KT are two Gen X’ers who reveal the secrets of a life-long friendship - from the lockers of middle school to high school, college + TWA, first jobs, engagements, marriages, raising children, step-parenting, cross-country moves, divorce, starting over, and finally - life in the empty-nest. Join them as they share how their friendship has ebbed and flowed since they met in 1979 - and all the hilarious stories they've collected along the way. Each episode highlights the value of friendship and offers takeaways to inspire you to reach out to an old friend, make a new friend, or how to be a totally awesome friend and everything that does (and doesn't work) to build real social connections that support well-being, bring you joy and make life better.

J9 and KT are two Gen X’ers who reveal the secrets of a life-long friendship - from the lockers of middle school to high school, college + TWA, first jobs, engagements, marriages, raising children, step-parenting, cross-country moves, divorce, starting over, and finally - life in the empty-nest. Join them as they share how their friendship has ebbed and flowed since they met in 1979 - and all the hilarious stories they've collected along the way. Each episode highlights the value of friendship and offers takeaways to inspire you to reach out to an old friend, make a new friend, or how to be a totally awesome friend and everything that does (and doesn't work) to build real social connections that support well-being, bring you joy and make life better.INTRODUCING: Girz Just Wanna Tell Stories! In our pilot episode, we discuss the following topics: How old were you when you can recall your FIRST FRIEND?  How/where we met – Fall of 1979?  What did we think friendship was – or did we even know?  Did we have a role model for what it means to be a friend? Communicated via writing letters! Rarely called “long-distance” was too expensive.  Music – no televisions in our room, no phones, only music.  J9 and KT tell the story of how they first met in the halls of middle school and how they built a friendship that spans over four decades while living 3,000 miles apart.“Recording” from the radio – writing down the words, rewind.  Jack & Diane released in 1982 we were 15 years old– then remember turning 16 and wanting to “hold on as long as you can” – flash forward to Jake Owen’s song I was Jack (You were Diane) released in 2018.