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.