In this episode of Just Press Record, Matt brings together journalist and friendship expert Anna Goldfarb and psychologist/behavioral finance analyst Naomi Win for a deep and wide-ranging conversation on friendship, uncertainty, and the ways we build and sustain human connection.
The discussion moves from personal stories and research insights to cultural commentary, exploring how we navigate modern relationships in a world full of competing demands, distractions, and constant change.
Topics Covered
Why uncertainty shapes both friendships and personal growth
Anna’s framework for understanding friendship hierarchies (bathtub, jacuzzi, swimming pool, etc.)
The difference between agentic friendships and communal friendships
How adulthood, family, and time scarcity reshape our social circles
Cultural and societal impacts on modern friendship and loneliness
The psychology of self-trust, repair, and vulnerability in relationships
Trauma bonding vs. healthy friendship bonding
Anna’s personal story of her father, uncertainty, and the importance of reaching out
Why certainty, communication, and generosity matter in sustaining friendships