The Friend Zone

The 2019 Wrap-Up

18 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

On this week’s episode of #TheFriendZone, we share our favorite episodes, quotables, guests and Friend Zone moments of 2019. The Friend Zone is off...

I've Lost Sense of Time - Featuring QUIÑ

11 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

On this week’s episode of #TheFriendZone, we review 2009-2019. We discuss our favorite songs, shows, movies, viral moments, apps, people and much mu...

Don't Let The Smooth Taste Fool You

04 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

On this week’s episode of #TheFriendZone, it’s the Dustin Ross takeover! Billy Dee Williams has an important announcement and we discuss how it wi...

Hits That Stick Vol 1

27 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

On this week’s episode of #TheFriendZone, it’s the Assanté Smith takeover! We go down music memory lane, discussing the top songs of the past few...

Every Piece of Chicken She Ordered

20 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

On this week’s episode of #TheFriendZone, we discussed chart data we came across that compiled the most (google) searched mental health concerns in ...

Nice To Meet You

13 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

On this week's episode of #TheFriendZone, we discuss how fans have been reacting to Summer Walker's social anxiety during her #FirstandLast tour. Are ...

Safety First

06 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

On this week’s episode of #TheFriendZone, it’s the Dustin Ross takeover! We discuss Jason Mitchell’s sexual misconduct allegations, his recent a...

The Harrowing Story of Jan Broberg Felt

31 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

On this week's episode of #TheFriendZone, we end spooky szn the same way it began - with a true crime story about the unbelievable life and times of J...

The Friend Zone Live at Spotify HQ - Featuring Dr. Joy of Therapy for Black Girls

23 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

This week on #TheFriendZone, we're sharing a very special episode recorded live at Spotify HQ in honor of World Mental Health Day. The conversation ce...

The Science of Kink - Featuring Mandii B & Macana Man

16 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

On this week’s episode of #TheFriendZone, we examine the psychology of kinks and fetishes. Are they trauma-based? A pathology? Childhood imprints? O...

Did She Add Brown Gel

09 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

On this week’s episode of #TheFriendZone, we decided to take it easy and just talk...about absolutely everything and nothing. It’s been a long wee...

Where Is Natalia Grace?

02 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

On this week's episode of #TheFriendZone, we usher in October's spooky season with a True Crime style episode about the strange life and times of a Uk...

Personal Policies

25 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

This week on #TheFriendZone, it’s the Dustin Ross takeover! Using April and Lil Fizz, of Love & Hip Hop LA, as our study guide, we discuss wheth...

The Cord

18 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

On this week's episode of #TheFriendZone, we do a social media round-up! Facebook + Instagram's new "Secret Crush" feature, TikTok blowing u...

The Eve Eve

11 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

On this week’s episode of #TheFriendZone, we go down music memory lane - giving flowers to old school artists we feel have been overlooked and under...

Arrested Development

04 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

On this week’s episode of #TheFriendZone, we discuss a recent study claiming 24 year olds should still be considered teenagers by law, extending ado...

The Thrill Is Gone

29 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

This week on #TheFriendZone, we discuss second chances. If someone messed up, badly, how open are you to letting them back in? And do you find yoursel...

Negativity Bias

21 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

On this week's episode of #TheFriendZone, we discuss whether or not we view our minds as being inherently negative. While we're constantly fighting to...

4 Year Anniversary Live Show in NYC

14 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

On this week's episode of #TheFriendZone, we share the live audio from our 4 Year Anniversary Live Show at the New School Auditorium in NYC. Hosted by...

Cucumbers and Ice Cream

07 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

On this week's episode of #TheFriendZone, we just talk. No hot button issue. No defined segments. THE FRIEND ZONE LIVE IN NEW YORK. 4TH ANNIVERSARY SH...

Keeping It 200

31 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

On this week's episode of #TheFriendZone, it's the Dustin Ross takeover AND our 200th episode! We look back at our very first episode, discuss the man...

Just Don't Touch It - Featuring Shameless Maya

24 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

On this week's episode of #TheFriendZone, we're joined by our unofficial fourth host, Shameless Maya!! We discuss why she's now decided to wait until ...

I'm Not Walking to Brooklyn

17 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

On this week's episode of #TheFriendZone, we discuss this "Face App" that "suddenly" went viral (the one making everyone look old)...

Deepfake Software

10 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

On this week's episode of #TheFriendZone, we get into our #blackmirror scary tech bag and discuss the rise of deepfakes, what they are, how they affec...

World Pride Weekend

03 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

On this week's episode of #TheFriendZone, we talk about KidFury's #305Live, all of our World Pride festivities, people licking cartons of ice cream at...

If You're Gonna Date Me

28 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

On this week's episode of #TheFriendZone, it's the Dustin Ross takeover! In this wildcard, Dustin shares a story of a date gone terribly wrong with a ...

The Game of Desire - Featuring Shan Boody

19 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

On this week’s episode of #TheFriendZone, we’re joined by Sexologist & Intimacy Expert, Shannon Boodram, to discuss the current “Dating Apoc...

Glorification of Busy

14 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

On this week's episode of #TheFriendZone, we discuss where one finds the time to learn about themselves and make the important changes (as discussed i...

Cheat Codes - Featuring Maryam Hasnaa

05 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

On this week's episode of #TheFriendZone, we follow-up on last week's Attachment Theory discussion by bringing in Energy Worker, Maryam Hasnaa, who sh...

The Attachment Theory

29 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

On this week's episode of #TheFriendZone, we discuss Psychoanalyst John Bowlby's Attachment Theory - an attachment behavioral system that guides us in...

Love And Robots

22 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

On this week's episode of #TheFriendZone, we don't have a hot button issue. We take off the restraints and share whatever wants to come through. Welln...

Hide Yo Kids, Hide Yo Likes

15 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

On this week's episode of #TheFriendZone, it's a social media roundup. We discuss Pornhub buying Tumblr? Instagram hiding likes to preserve our mental...

Curry Conversation

08 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

On this week's episode of #TheFriendZone, it's the Dustin Ross takeover! We share our thoughts on Ayesha Curry's Red Table Talk conversation with Jada...

Complete My Plate - Featuring Wendy & Jess of Food Heaven

01 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

On this week's episode of #TheFriendZone, we're joined by Registered Dietitians, Wendy & Jess of Food Heaven, to dissect our day to day eating hab...

Castles In The Sky

24 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

On this week's episode of #TheFriendZone, we discuss the 2020 Presidential Candidates focused on the re-distribution of wealth, how they plan on execu...

Aunt Becky's Meet And Greet

17 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

On this week's episode of #TheFriendZone, we discuss white privilege + access via the College Cheating Scandal, Fyre Fest and Theranos. A swift remind...

The Industry Plant

10 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

This week on #TheFriendZone, we discuss nepotism, greed, who and what an "industry plant" is and the overall state of the music industry. We...

Don't Forget Your Medicine

03 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

On this week's episode of #TheFriendZone, we discuss transmuting our greatest challenges into power - with excerpts from "Anatomy of the Spirit&q...

We Can't Be Friends

27 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

On this week's episode of #TheFriendZone, it's the Dustin Ross take over! We discuss friendships that change over time and tips for how to grieve them...

Steal Like An Artist

22 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

On this week's episode of #TheFriendZone, we continue our discussion on Intellectual Property Laws, sharing a recent experience with theft, discussing...

Intellectual Property

13 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

On this week's episode of #TheFriendZone, we explore Intellectual Property Laws. Why are brands like Fashion Nova allowed to steal and replicate looks...

Mo' Money Mo' Problems

06 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

On this week's episode of #TheFriendZone, we discuss the viral clip from HBO's "The Shop" - where Lebron James asks his peers whether or not...

Fluorescent Blue Sky

27 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

On this week's episode of #TheFriendZone, we discuss the Aliens that hung out in New York City on December 27th, 2018. Wellness Segment - https://bran...

36 Questions That Lead To Love

20 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

On this week's episode of #TheFriendZone, we discuss Psychologist Arthur Aron's "36 Question" exploration of intimacy between two strangers....

Get Out Of Her House

13 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

On this week's episode of #TheFriendZone, we discuss business mogul and model B. Smith's current battle with Alzheimers, whether or not it's right for...

Say Yes To The Dress

06 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

On this week's episode of #TheFriendZone, we discuss Gender Performance. Do you find yourself trying to look or act a certain way, be it comfortable o...

Peggy Bundy

30 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

On this week's episode of #TheFriendZone, Fran asks Dustin and Assante questions about their experiences with homophobia, the illusion of liberal citi...

Would You Tell Me

23 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

How authentic are you throughout your day? We explore how often we express exactly how we're feeling within our daily interactions and why there are c...

Since We've Been Gone

16 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

We're back! We ease back into the new year by catching up on everything we've missed - from the Birdbox craze to the Government Shutdown and much more...

The 2018 Wrap-Up

19 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

There's no praise like self praise. We look back at 51 episodes of #TheFriendZone in 2018, highlighting our favorite topics, comments and guests. Blac...

The Soundtrack To Your Life

12 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

What music do you listen to when you're feeling low energy? When someone special is coming over? When life is just so good SO GOOD? Mr. Music Man take...

What A Difference A Year Makes

05 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

We take a look back at 2018 - the lessons we've learned, how we've grown from them and what we're looking forward to feeling in 2019. Black Business o...

Keep That Same Energy - Featuring Maryam Hasnaa

28 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

This week we're joined by brilliant energy worker and writer, Maryam Hasnaa, to discuss your energy as currency and investigate why you're feeling so ...

Bonus Episode: The Friend Zone Live at the Florida Blue Florida Classic

22 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Live audio of The Friend Zone at the Florida Blue Florida Classic 2018 in Orlando, interviewing alumni + active students from Florida A&M Universi...

Petty Peeves

21 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Dustin yells at Comcast. Assante rants about personal space. Fran just wants to be able to buy expensive things in peace. Welcome to The Friend Zone. ...

The Simple Things

14 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Dustin is grateful for that Dominican cutie. Assante recounts his nightmare with Airbnb this weekend. Fran went hiking in Sedona and hung out in a vor...

I Wrote A Song About You

07 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Dustin doesn't mind as long as it makes him look good. Assante would never. Fran thinks it will, at least, keep people in check. Welcome to The Friend...

Spooky Szn

31 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Dustin will do a haunted house but says you can keep the movies. Assante wants to know how we watch this ish (as he watches this ish). Fran still does...

Lady Luck

24 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Dustin was triggered by her comment. Assante prioritizes fun with his hoodrat friends. Fran thinks luck is an important element. Welcome to The Friend...

The Foreign Exchange

17 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Dustin remembers a fine ass one from Kuwait. Assante talks about his German summer fling. Fran and her Cuban dance instructor. Welcome to The Friend Z...

Apology Language

10 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Dustin has it fleshed out but would prefer you pick up on it. Assante's Mom put him on game a long time ago. Fran just wants you to fix it. Welcome to...

Lovers Rock - Featuring Estelle

03 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

This week we are blessed with the company of the incredible Estelle. We talk Afrobeat music, Brexit, Garnet, her parent's love story inspiring the new...

Social Cues

26 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Dustin learned from early blunders. Assante thinks he still sucks at reading them. Fran is working on how she reacts to those who can't read them. Wel...

Whipped Cream And Sour Patch Kids - Featuring Ari Lennox

19 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

This week we have the amazing Dreamville recording artist, Ari Lennox, joining us on The Friend Zone. We discuss mental health, mainstream pressures, ...

The Fight

12 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Dustin can't stop replaying it. Assante thinks it was bound to happen. Fran just wants her to step into the new. Welcome to The Friend Zone. Wellness ...

Random Acts of Podcasting - Featuring Jade & XD

05 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Dustin doesn't think everything has to have a message. Assante prefers more abstract thoughts. Fran is open to a range of experiences. Welcome to The ...

Fix My Life

29 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Dustin doesn't think she should have a weekly radio show. Assante is wondering why the network won't just give her a spinoff. Fran has a special annou...

3-Year Anniversary Live Show in NYC

22 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

3 Years of The Friend Zone Podcast! Come celebrate with us! Host - Mouse Jones Music - DJ Miss Milan Talkspace Therapist - Jor-El Caraballo Musical Gu...

Hey Auntie

15 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Dustin thinks aging is...a terrible thing. Assante sees his diet catching up to him. Fran is thankful for the wisdom but not the bad knees. Welcome to...

Caption This

08 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Dustin doesn't mind a digital flirt. Assante doesn't want a digital flirt...at all. Fran found him cute but he uses hashtag paragraphs on IG. Welcome ...

Who Wants To Be A Millionaire

01 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Dustin thinks you can be a millionaire with integrity. Assante worries someone on your team will still cut corners. Fran doesn't know if you can be fi...

Breakfast For Dinner

25 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Dustin spends 20 minutes talking about his love for pancakes. Assante is still figuring out the role fitness plays in his life. Fran has a mid-year au...

Kids Be Tripping

18 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Dustin remembers his family summers in Arkansas. Assante and his family would road-trip from Atlanta to Mississippi. Fran shares the culture shock of ...

How Was Your Weekend?

11 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Dustin is still on a high from seeing Mary J. Assante is still wiping away tears from Fantasia's performance. Fran had her first Beignets ever. Welcom...

Shoutout To New York

04 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Dustin shares his favorite memory on the Brooklyn Bridge. Assante tells us about a rooftop moment with a famous rapper. Fran's commuter love affair of...

Take A Second - Featuring Gettin' Grown

27 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Dustin says mind your own business. Assante doesn't think any of this is real, anyway. Fran is blown by how quickly the phones are coming out. Welcome...

Unpopular Opinion

20 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Dustin thinks it's for publicity. Assante doesn't get why she would bring up a black man. Fran thinks the bigger conversation is celebrity worship. We...

Two Days Later

13 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Dustin doesn't think Karma works that way. Assante is mindful of the stories he's imagining. Fran won't bring it into the next chapter. Welcome to The...

Yelp Review Them

06 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Dustin would never. Assante has. Fran is conflicted. Welcome to The Friend Zone. Black Business of the Week: Black Owned Beauty Supply in PA - LaLa's ...

Of Mouse And Men - Featuring Mouse Jones

30 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Dustin is proud of his friend. Assante wants to make sure he gets put on, though. Fran almost gets him to shed a tear. Welcome to The Friend Zone. Hav...

Schoolin' Life

23 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Dustin suspends Gayle for 2 weeks. Assante wants to smoke with Oprah. Fran doesn't think the Gucci down to the socks was so bad. Welcome to The Friend...

Don't Read The Comments

16 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Dustin's humor gets misunderstood and goes viral. Assante is publicly roasted by a celeb. Fran forgives the girl but still remembers her face. Welcome...

Off The Cuff

02 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Dustin is in tears talking about a pitbull on the 2 train. Assante's Uber driver had a surprise for him and Crissle. Fran shares her fav parts of &quo...

The Other Side Of Therapy - Featuring Jor-El Caraballo

25 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Dustin thinks bumping into his therapist at the club would be endearing. Assante wants to know what happens if you're triggered during a session. Fran...

A Seat On The Bus

18 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Dustin is oiling up his Louisville Slugger. Irreplaceable AKA Hold Up remembers shopping at Hot Topics. Fran be getting to the money, everybody mad. W...

Wild Wild Country

11 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Dustin wonders what the real deal was between Osho and Sheela. Assante thinks he would've been decked out in red. Fran is...still processing. Welcome ...

The Nudge Theory

04 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Dustin thinks it's pure evil. Assante wants to jump on a plane to experience it for himself. Fran is wondering if it will spread to the rest of the wo...

Make Money Moves - Featuring The Budgetnista

28 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Dustin is in awe of the jewels. Assante is ready to open his 5 accounts. Fran is in the accumulation phase. Welcome to The Friend Zone. Find Tiffany a...

If I Were A Rapper

21 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Dustin puts us on to City Girls. Assante morphs into Alex Treblack. Fran can't believe NAS co-wrote that song. Welcome to The Friend Zone. Wellness Se...

Social Compliance

14 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Dustin wants to see it with an all black cast. Assante got triggered by the pushy boss. Fran wonders about that bell, though. Welcome to The Friend Zo...

The Missing Pillars

07 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Dustin admits his focus has shifted. Assante considers himself the passive version. Fran shares a way to break through. Welcome to The Friend Zone. Bl...

What Happens To A Dream Achieved - Featuring Louis York

28 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Dustin asks them to brag about the hits. Assante wants to know about the first splurge. Fran asks the pros and cons of being a millionaire. Welcome to...

Would You Rather

21 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Dustin has his own audit for us. Assante thinks he'll be JUST fine in there. Fran won't answer that question. Welcome to The Friend Zone. Black Busine...

Maybe It's You

14 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Dustin has never been mean to anyone (lol). Assante prides himself on melting even the coldest of hearts. Fran has an audit for you. Welcome to The Fr...

Working With Your Friends

07 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Dustin admits communication can be the most challenging part. Assante sees how issues within the friendship can trickle over. Fran says it should be b...

Emotional Contagion

31 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Dustin is not understanding how this is legal. Assante says this is exactly why he stays off the internet. Fran just wants folks to be aware it's happ...

But Black

24 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Dustin thinks Zendaya should play her. Assante is gonna go with Luke James as a replacement. Fran brings a new health assessment to the table. Welcome...

The Science Of Forgiveness

17 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Dustin says that's a hard no. Assante is intrigued by that level of expansion. Fran wants you to do it for your health, if for no other reason. Welcom...

Changing Faces

10 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Dustin couldn't do the tight ass pants. Assante finally gave the girl a chance. Fran is untethering, more and more. Welcome to The Friend Zone. Wellne...

Ditch And Replace

03 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Dustin doesn't want to see the doily in your hair. Assante brings out the wrap it up box on sad rap. Fran thinks it's time to retire the leotard...unl...