You're listening to the Creating a Brand podcast where we deliver weekly masterclass interviews on topics to help you make your first or next step in business the right one.

I'm your host, Alex Sanfilippo.

If you were to rate how satisfied you are with the closest of your friendships

on a scale of 1 to 10, what number would you pick? I'm finding that many startup entrepreneurs and

side hustlers are spending more time growing their businesses and less time investing in friendships.

And I have to say that I've been just as guilty of this as anyone else, but I'm actually

learning that it's damaging our mental and physical health.

Today I'm bringing on an entrepreneur and friendship expert to talk about reducing loneliness

and maximizing healthy, personal, and professional relationships.

Her name is Shasta Nelson.

She is the author of multiple books on the topic of friendship, which she has been featured

for on the Steve Harvey show, The Today Show, and even by Facebook as their

social media spokesperson for Friendship Day 2018. I believe this episode will serve you well today.

Here is my conversation with Shasta Nelson.

Shasta, welcome to the Creating a Brand podcast. So excited to have you with us today.

Thank you. It's an honor to be with you.

Are you ready to talk about friendships on an entrepreneurship podcast?

I am ready to talk about it. You bet. Give me every question you can think of.

I'm excited to jump into this. I told you this when I first was introduced to you that I've. I'm excited to jump into this.

I told you this when I first was introduced to you that I've been looking for someone to talk about this topic for a while and just hadn't found anybody that was able to have the data,

the research, and really put the time into the topic to talk about it.

So I'm really excited to jump into this today.

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