How We Friend: A Conversation About Support and Sisterhood w/Alyson Brown and Mia Brinson

We talk a lot about what it means to be a good friend. But what happens when the support we’re giving doesn’t match what the other person actually needs? In this episode of Shades of Strong, I’m joined by best friends Alyson Brown and Mia Brinson for a heartfelt, unfiltered conversation about support in Black female friendships. From the challenges of being the “strong one” in your circle to the quiet grief of friendship breakups, this is a layered conversation about what it really means to show up — and be shown up for. Both Alyson and Mia took the Support Languages™ quiz and got Mindful Care — the language of intentional check-ins and nurturing presence. We explore how that plays out in real life, especially when friendships shift, stretch, or fall apart. Whether you’ve ever felt unseen in your friendships, questioned if you're giving too much, or struggled to receive the love you so easily give… this episode is for you. In this episode, we talk about: Why support can still miss the mark, even with good intentions What Mindful Care looks like in real friendships The grief and growth that come with friendship breakups The role of communication, boundaries, and emotional capacity Why knowing your friend’s Support Language matters more than you think And what it looks like to be fully seen — and still fully loved Connect with Alyson Brown and Mia Brinson Follow Alyson and Mia’s podcast, Navigating Sisterhood, on YouTube Connect with Alyson and Mia on Instagram. Support this work: Loving what you’re hearing? Share this episode with a friend, rate the show, or tag me on social (@shadesofstrong) with your favorite moment. Other Ways to Be Supported: Schedule a 1:1 Support Session Get the Guide: "You Know Your Support Language™—Now What?" Take the Support Language™ Quiz. and learn how you actually receive support best. Get Support Right in Your Inbox: Gentle words, real-life reflection, and soft reminders every week Let’s Stay Connected: Subscribe to Shades of Strong on Apple Podcasts or your favorite platform Share this episode with a sista who’s tired of being the strong one Leave a review if the episode spoke to your spirit — it helps more Black women find this space Join Shades of Strong on Substack for deeper convos that don’t always make it to the mic Follow Shades of Strong on Instagram for daily reflections on what it means to be supported Be a Guest on the Show www.shadesofstrong.com Related Episodes Finding Support in the Pause When Black Women Are Well, Everybody's Well Learning How to Hold Yourself When Nobody Else Does Shirl is the creator of Support Languages™ and host of Shades of Strong® — a movement shifting the narrative from Strong Black Woman to Supported Black Woman™ through language, rest, and real support.