Bearing It All was created as a space for honest conversations about the realities behind leadership, entrepreneurship, and personal growth. The wins people see publicly are only part of the story. The doubts, pivots, sacrifices, and unexpected lessons are usually left out. This podcast exists to bring those parts into the light.
Every story starts somewhere.
In the debut episode, host Kate Ginsberg, Founder and CEO of Queen of To Do, sits down with Michael Blackard, founder of Friend’em, to talk about something deeply human and increasingly rare: real connection.
Their conversation explores the courage it takes to reveal our truths, the vulnerability required to build authentic relationships, and the ways our personal experiences shape who we become as leaders, friends, and individuals.
Michael shares the story behind Friend’em and along the way, the conversation touches on platonic love, the humility required to grow as an entrepreneur, and the simple but powerful truth that meaningful relationships are built through care.
Michael Blackard is the founder of Friend’em, a movement dedicated to helping adults build meaningful friendships in a time when loneliness has become increasingly common.
After beginning his career in video game production, Michael shifted his focus from building digital worlds to helping people strengthen real-life human connections. Through coaching, workshops, and community-building initiatives, Friend’em helps people rebuild their social confidence and develop the skills needed to form authentic relationships.
Michael’s work centers on a simple but powerful belief: being a good friend to others starts with learning how to be a good friend to yourself. His candid approach to vulnerability and authenticity encourages people to move beyond surface-level networking and toward deeper, more meaningful connections.
If you found value in this episode, consider subscribing to Bearing It All for more real conversations on business, entrepreneurship, and redefining success.
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Stay tuned for future episodes, behind-the-scenes content, and more insights from bold and inspiring humans!