Podcasts
#201 – A Softer Way to Think About Friendships That Faded
How age, loss, and experience can change the way we see friendships from the past This week I’m joined by one of my very best
July 5, 2026
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DEAR NINA: Conversations About Friendship
Podcasts
Honoring Jill Smokler: Friendship, Cancer, and Community
My friend, Jill Smokler, touched so many lives. If you loved Jill, I hope hearing her voice is a comfort. If you didn’t know her,
July 2, 2026
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Podcasts
#200 – Why Talking to Strangers is Good for Your Friendships
How small talk, loose ties, and everyday conversations help us feel more connected For episode #200 of Dear Nina: Conversations About Friendship, I’m joined by
June 21, 2026
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Podcasts
#199 – Traveling with Friends: Lessons From a Girls-Trip Regular
How to make girls trips, weekend getaways, and friendship travel actually happen This week, I’m joined by one of my favorite people to talk to
June 14, 2026
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Podcasts
#198 – Making Friends Through Work: Collaboration Over Competition
Two entrepreneurs on friendship, support, and staying open to new connections. When we talk on Dear Nina about making friends as adults, I often focus
June 7, 2026
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Podcasts
#197 – Anxious Attachment in Friendships: Why You Keep Wondering Where You Stand
Why Reassurance-Seeking, Overthinking, and Fear of Rejection Can Strain Even Good Friendships Most of us have moments when we wonder where we stand with a
May 31, 2026
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Hi, I'm Nina
DEAR NINA: Conversations About Friendship is a top 1% podcast and newsletter that dives into the nuanced, gray areas of adult friendship.
I’m the host, Nina Badzin, a writer who accepted a position as a friendship advice columnist in 2014 and never stopped writing about the topic.
DEAR NINA, the podcast, started in 2021, and has been referenced in NPR, The Wall Street Journal, Time Magazine, Real Simple Magazine, The Skimm, and many other media outlets.
Take a look around! With over 200 episodes and years of articles, your friendship dilemma is probably covered here. Welcome!
Get The Newsletter
I send emails through Substack with the latest anonymous friendship letters, podcast episodes, book reviews, and more.
Hi, I'm Nina
HI, I’M NINA BADZIN. I’m a writer fascinated by the dynamics of friendship, and I’ve been answering anonymous advice questions on the topic since 2014. I now also answer them on my podcast, Dear Nina! I’m a creative writing instructor at ModernWell in Minneapolis, a freelance writer and editor, and an avid reader who reviews 50 books a year. Welcome to my site!
Get The Newsletter
I send an email once or twice a month with the latest friendship letters, podcast episodes, book reviews, recipes, and more.
Hi, I'm Nina
DEAR NINA: Conversations About Friendship is a podcast and newsletter about the ups and downs of adult friendship. I’m the host, Nina Badzin, a Minneapolis-based writer who accepted a position as a friendship advice columnist in 2014 and never stopped. DEAR NINA, the podcast, started in 2021, and has been referenced in The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, Time Magazine, The Guardian, The Chicago Tribune, The Minneapolis Star Tribune, and elsewhere!
Get The Newsletter
I send emails through Substack with the latest anonymous friendship letters, podcast episodes, book reviews, and more.