104. Navigating Friendships as an Adult AND Mom with Dr. Marisa G. Franco Artwork

The Expecting and Empowered Podcast

We’re Amy and Krystle, sisters, mamas and co-founders of Expecting and Empowered. We built this business because we saw a HUGE gap in information given to women who were pregnant or postpartum. During the incredibly demanding and challenging years of early motherhood, we wanted to create a safe space for women to learn, grow and feel supported.We wholeheartedly believe in serving every woman no matter where they are in their motherhood journey. Through our professional background, real life experiences and mamas in our community, we are opening up the conversation around common issues that women experience during pregnancy and postpartum, sharing birth stories and giving women the knowledge and resources they deserve to put their best foot forward in motherhood.

All Episodes

The Expecting and Empowered Podcast

104. Navigating Friendships as an Adult AND Mom with Dr. Marisa G. Franco

January 21, 2026

In today’s episode, Amy is joined by Dr. Marisa G. Franco, psychologist and friendship expert, for an honest and refreshing conversation about navigating friendships in motherhood. This episode explores why friendship truly matters and why maintaining meaningful connections deserves intentional space through every season of life, even when your day feels full.

Dr. Franco discusses how challenging it can be to both maintain existing friendships and form new ones as a mom. She emphasizes normalizing the quieter seasons that often come with early motherhood, reminding us that distance doesn’t equal disconnection. Whether friendships have gone quiet due to busy schedules, young kids, or long distance, this episode encourages listeners to reach out, reconnect, and trust that strong bonds can withstand natural lulls.

For those hoping to make new friends, Dr. Franco shares practical conversation starters and mindset shifts to help step outside comfort zones and make introductions feel less intimidating. Dr. Franco debunks some interesting common misconceptions about friendship, too. The episode wraps with thoughtful guidance on navigating conflict within friendships, recognizing when repair is possible, and understanding when it may be time to step away.

If you enjoyed listening to this episode, we would love it if you could share it to your Instagram stories and tag us, @drmarisagfranco and @expectingandempowered. As we like to say, knowledge is power, and we just really want to give more people the information that they may need on their motherhood journey!

Follow Dr. Marisa G.Franco on Instagram, Substack, and LinkedIn

Dr. Franco’s Website

Dr. Franco’s book, “Platonic: How The Science of Attachment Can Help You Make - And Keep - Friends”

Links & Resources

Expecting and Empowered App - Enter code 'PODCAST25' at checkout

Expecting and Empowered Website

Expecting and Empowered Instagram

This episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.

Amy Kiefer

Co-host

Krystle Howald

Co-host