Meet the Hosts
with Michelle & Danyelle
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What if friendship deserves the same care, commitment, and investment that we give to romantic relationships?
In the very first episode of The Third Thing, Michelle and Danyelle introduce the concept at the heart of the podcast: The Third Thing.
While we often celebrate romantic love and assume familial love will always be there, friendship is frequently treated as optional. Yet some of the most meaningful, transformative, and enduring relationships in our lives are platonic.
Drawing from their 26-year friendship, Michelle and Danyelle share how they met, the life experiences that shaped them, and why they believe friendship is one of the most powerful forms of connection available to us.
They discuss community care, belonging, identity, healing, conflict, and the work required to sustain meaningful relationships over time.
In This Episode
- What inspired The Third Thing
- Defining the "third kind of love"
- Why friendship deserves intentional investment
- The differences between romantic, familial, and platonic love
- How Michelle and Danyelle met as teenagers
- Growing up feeling different and finding belonging
- Friendship as a source of healing and support
- The realities of maintaining a 26-year friendship
- Why conflict and repair matter in long-term relationships
- Community care and radical friendship
Nine of Cups
The episode closes with the Nine of Cups, a tarot card associated with fulfillment, contentment, gratitude, and celebrating what you've built. A fitting card for the beginning of a new chapter and a reflection on the beauty of enduring friendship.
Reflection Questions
- 1What is "The Third Thing" in your life?
- 2Which friendships have helped shape who you are?
- 3Are there relationships that deserve more attention or investment?
- 4How do you currently nurture your platonic connections?
- 5What might become possible if friendship were treated as a priority rather than an afterthought?
Share your reflections in The Circle — that's what it's there for.
Resources Mentioned
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