The Friend Zone

This week on #TheFriendZone, we explore the tragic and horrific end of Alishah Pointer's life in East Cleveland, Ohio.

Black Business of the Week - Willowbrook Farms https://willowbrookmi.com

Dustin Ross Live in DC! - https://www.dustinrosslive.com

#ListensLately:

Monchy & Alexandra - Hoja En Blanco

Antony Santos - Voy Pa'lla

Aventura - Obsesion

My Chemical Romance - I'm Not Okay (I Promise)

Gaza Slim - Mama Said

Yung Miami - Freak Like Me

V Cartier - Spinning...

This week on #TheFriendZone, we discuss Girl in the Picture - a Netflix original documentary film about the 1990 murder of a 20 yr. old woman and the twists and turns it took to find her identity. The film is based on the books A Beautiful Child and Finding Sharon by Matt Birkbeck, who also serves as executive producer. Directed by Skye Borgman.

Black Business of the Week - Invisible History with Dr. Margarita Rosa

Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/invisible-history-with-dr-margarita-lila-rosa/id6822478457?i=1000796208960

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@InvisibleHistory

...

This week on #TheFriendZone, it's a shoot the sh*t episode. No Hot Button. No segments. Just whatever wants to come up. Brace yourself.

Dustin Ross Live in DC! https://www.dustinrosslive.com

Thank you to our Sponsors:

Squarespace - Head over to Squarespace.com for a free trial, and when you’re ready to launch, go to squarespace.com/friendzone to save 50% off your first purchase of a website or domain.

Nutrafol - Nutrafol is offering our listeners $10 off your first month's subscription and free shipping when you visit Nutrafol nu...

This week on #TheFriendZone, it's officially Spooky Season! Assanté kicks it off by giving us the rundown on the Circleville Letters, small town family secrets and an unsolved mystery.

Black Business of the Week - Heated Cake Stands & Dessert Warmers https://velverawarm.com

Wellness Segment: Dominican/Afro-Latino Platforms to support:

Elaine Feliz https://www.instagram.com/elainefeliz1?stkn=aTdmZjQ1ZzhjMnBp

Dr. Ana Simó - https://www.instagram.com/dranasimo

Anro Rivas - https://www.tiktok.com/@anrosinfiltror=1&t=ZP-9AL3IyNtOhT

Dash Harris - https://www.instagram.co...

This week on #TheFriendZone, we catch up on the latest headlines and Hot Topics.

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Black Business of the Week - Finger Lakes Treehouse https://www.guestreservations.com/finger-lakes-treehouse/booking

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Dustin Ross Live in DC! https://www.dustinrosslive.com

Roomie Diaries hosted by Dustin Ross roomiediaries.com

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#ListensLately:

This week on #TheFriendZone, we share our thoughts, research and disappointment around the discourse on Nikole Hannah-Jones' article in The New York Times - "In Fighting for Every Black Child, Did I Betray My Own?"

The New York Times article - https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/20/magazine/ny-public-schools-black-students-segregation.html

Principal Malea Mouton-Fuentes at Willie Brown Middle School in San Francisco - https://sfstandard.com/2026/06/06/sfusd-willie-brown-middle-school-miracle

Black Business of the Week - The Brand Is Strong: A Content Creator Masterclass hosted by Franchesca Ramsey https://www.skool.com/thebrandisstrong

The Roomie Diaries hosted...

This week on #TheFriendZone, it's a shoot the sh*t episode. No Hot Button. No segments. Just whatever wants to come up. Brace yourself.

Thank you to our Sponsors:

Squarespace - Head over to Squarespace.com for a free trial, and when you’re ready to launch, go to squarespace.com/friendzone to save 50% off your first purchase of a website or domain.

Rocket Money - Let Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster. Join at www.rocketmoney.com/zone

Nutrafol - Nutrafol is offering our listeners $10 off your fi...

This week on #TheFriendZone, from the Teeth to the Streets - a discussion focusing on cameras tracking everything from cavities to cars and the invasiveness of it all.

Black Business of the Week - Portrait Coffee https://portrait.coffee

#ListensLately:

Wyclef Jean, Harvey Mason, Niia, Theo Croker - French Quarter

Washington - Monday Blues

Merna - Magic

The Cranberries - Dreams (Live At The London Astoria II 1994)

Trap Dickey & Key Glock - Down South

Cynthia Bailey, LePrince & Manora - The Peach Life

This week on #TheFriendZone, we welcome Dr. Lauren Seale-Sarkipato and Dr. Moriah Brewer, hosts of the new podcast Edges & Everything, to discuss their holistic evaluation of the impact of hair loss, not only as a personal problem, but also in its social impact.

Black Business of the Week - SuiteFix https://thesuitefix.com

Thank you to our Sponsors:

Rocket Money - Let Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster. Join at www.rocketmoney.com/zone

Squarespace - Head over to Squarespace.com for a free trial, and when you’re...

This week on #TheFriendZone, we piggyback off of last week's celebration of 11 years of content creation by also sharing silent L's, failed projects and mistakes we've made along the way.

Black Business of the Week - In crust We Trust Pizza shop https://www.incrustwestrustfishtown.com

#ListensLately:

702 - Get It Together

Donnell Jones - Where I Wanna Be

Cleo Sol - Little Things

Jermaine Dupri,Eightball, Too Short, Mr. Black & YoungBloodz - Jazzy Hoes

Kash Doll, Alex Vaugh - NWM

Coco & Clair Clair...

This week on #TheFriendZone, it's a shoot the sh*t episode. No Hot Button. No segments. Just whatever wants to come up. Brace yourself.

Thank you to our Sponsors:

Squarespace - Head over to Squarespace.com for a free trial, and when you’re ready to launch, go to squarespace.com/friendzone to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.

Nutrafol - Nutrafol is offering our listeners $10 off your first month's subscription and free shipping when you visit Nutrafol nutrafol.com

Bask & Lather - Go to baskandlatherco.com an...

This week on #TheFriendZone, we discuss movies featuring Black actors, roles and scripts - and what happens when representation gets complicated.

Black Business of the Week - SPGBK Watches https://www.springbreakwatches.com

Wellness Segment - Black Farmers & Gardeners on YouTube

Growing Lunch (North Texas) https://www.youtube.com/@Grwnglunch

The Prolific Familystead (Georgia) https://www.youtube.com/@theprolificfamilystead

Life on Promise View Acres (Indiana) https://www.youtube.com/@promiseviewacres/videos

A Gardener's Journey Homestead (Tennessee) https://www.youtube.com/@AGardenersJourneyHomestead

Yellow Door Urban Homestead...

This week on #TheFriendZone, there are things that you need to know, and Dustin's going to make sure that you do. It's time for this week's hot topics. Hop in, Friends! Let's talk about people!

Black Business of the Week - Dabtheink https://linktr.ee/Dabtheink

#ListensLately:

Victoria Monet - Reach Out

Baby Rose - When I'm Gone

Davion Farris, Jai'Len Josey - Feel

Steve Lacy - oh yeah?

Larry June, Swizz Beatz - Flex

Hurricane Wisdom, Chance the Rapper - Barbie Doll<...

This week on #TheFriendZone, we're sharing some of our exclusive Patreon content! Take a listen to The Binge - our TV + Film recapping series on Patreon - where we discussed Unlocked: Family Secrets on HBO Max. In search of truth and healing, six different families revisit the secrets that have haunted them for generations. On this episode, The Preacher's Secret, a preacher's wife guards a 25 year old secret to protect her family and the church, until that secret threatens to destroy everything. 

The Friend Zone returns on Wednesday, August 5th.

Contact The Friend Zone Podcast...

This week on #TheFriendZone, we're sharing some of our exclusive Patreon content! Take a listen to an episode of The Lituation - our Patreon Book Club - where we discussed Phases: A Memoir by Brandy.

The Friend Zone returns on Wednesday, August 5th.

Contact The Friend Zone Podcast - [email protected]

Follow us online:
Twitter - www.twitter.com/friendzonepod


Facebook - www.facebook.com/thefriendzonepodcast
TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@thefriendzonepod
Instagram - www.instagram.com/thefriendzonepod_
BlueSky - bsky.app/profile/friendzonepod.bsky.social
Patr...

This week on #TheFriendZone, we're joined by our favorite Registered Dietitians - Wendy & Jess of Diabetes Digital to do a mid-year health check-in. We discuss the difference between Perimenopause and Menopause, the recent change from PCOS to PMOS and what it means for your care, Black Women and HRT, Pre-Diabetes and Diabetes, Insulin Resistance, Fibroids, and so much more.

Important Links:

Diabetes Digital - https://diabetesdigital.co

Diabetes Digital Webinar on PCOS: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=3Acl2uJnydE&feature=youtu.be

The New York Times article on Menopause: https...

This week on #TheFriendZone, it's a shoot the sh*t episode. No Hot Button. No segments. Just whatever wants to come up. Brace yourself.

Catch Dustin Ross Live at City Winery! www.dustinrosslive.com

Hey Fran Hey’s Amazon Storefront - www.amazon.com/shop/heyfranhey?c…9b11-63834e00ed6d

Thank you to our Sponsors:

Poshmark - Download the Poshmark app and use code Zone to get $10 off your first order.

Squarespace - Head over to Squarespace.com for a free trial, and when you’re ready to lau...

This week on #TheFriendZone, we imagine what it would look like to build a museum dedicated to ourselves and the things we'd choose to tell ourselves.

Black Business of the Week - Kahawa 1893 https://kahawa1893.com

Catch Dustin Ross Live at City Winery -  www.dustinrosslive.com

Hey Fran Hey’s Amazon Storefront - www.amazon.com/shop/heyfranhey?c…9b11-63834e00ed6d

Thank you to our Sponsors:

Squarespace - Head over to Squarespace.com for a free trial, and when you’re ready to launch, go to squa...

This week on #TheFriendZone, a round-up of hot topics, also known as the things you need to be aware of so that you can gossip sufficiently. You’re welcome, with love. 

Black Business of the Week - Care Free Black Girl LLC https://www.carefreeblackgrl.com

Catch Dustin Ross Live at City Winery -  www.dustinrosslive.com

Hey Fran Hey’s Amazon Storefront - www.amazon.com/shop/heyfranhey?c…9b11-63834e00ed6d

Thank you to our Sponsors:

Squarespace - Head over to Squarespace.com for a free tri...

This week on #TheFriendZone, we highlight Black and Brown Men's Mental Health by answering questions from the You Good Brand deck of cards. We talk love, heartbreak, friendships, good memories vs bad memories, elder wisdom and more.

Grab your deck of You Good? cards here: https://yougoodbrand.com

Black Business of the Week - Hue Darling Candle Co https://lonezscents.com

Catch Dustin Ross Live! https://www.dustinrosslive.com

Hey Fran Hey’s Amazon Storefront - www.amazon.com/shop/heyfranhey?c…9b11-63834e00ed6d

Thank you to o...

This week on #TheFriendZone, it's a shoot the sh*t episode. No Hot Button. No segments. Just whatever wants to come up. Brace yourself.

Catch Dustin Ross Live at City Winery! www.dustinrosslive.com

Hey Fran Hey’s Amazon Storefront - www.amazon.com/shop/heyfranhey?c…9b11-63834e00ed6d

Thank you to our Sponsors:

Squarespace - Head over to Squarespace.com for a free trial, and when you’re ready to launch, go to squarespace.com/friendzone to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.

...

This week on #TheFriendZone, we discuss the internet as a necessity. From AI and connected technology to convenience, adaptation, and everyday life online, we ask: what are we actually looking for when we log on?

Black Business of the Week - https://pigeonly.com

#ListensLately:

Daley - Lavender

Santigold - Starstruck

Gwen Stefani - Cool

Blue Ivy Carter - Mother May I Burn?

Honey Bxby, Queen Naija - Shame

Yseult - Now or Never

Syd - Callin

Infinity Song...

This week on #TheFriendZone, we show support to those who need the laughs after dealing with their family all day at the Memorial Day cookout and/or events. Dustin brings us this week's hilarious HOT TOPICS. You are welcome, and seen.

Black Business of the Week - The Jenesis House https://www.thejenesishouse.com

Catch Dustin Ross Live at City Winery! https://www.dustinrosslive.com

Hey Fran Hey’s Amazon Storefront - www.amazon.com/shop/heyfranhey?c…9b11-63834e00ed6d

#ListensLately:

Kwn - Touch Myself

Ar...

This week on #TheFriendZone, we’re joined by Crissle West of the Crissle’s Couch podcast. We talk all things Dr. Cheyenne Bryant, NatureBoy and Cults, Caterpillar Netflix and the Compliance Film.

Black Business of the Week - I Love You, Jocelyn https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RyFlefn92N8&t=279s

Thank you to our Sponsors:

Bask & Lather - Go to https://baskandlatherco.com and use code FRIEND for 20% off.

Squarespace - Head over to Squarespace.com for a free trial, and when you’re ready to launch, go to square...

This week on #TheFriendZone, it's a shoot the sh*t episode. No Hot Button. No segments. Just whatever wants to come up. Brace yourself.

Catch Dustin Ross Live at City Winery! https://www.dustinrosslive.com

Hey Fran Hey’s Amazon Storefront - www.amazon.com/shop/heyfranhey?c…9b11-63834e00ed6d

Thank you to our Sponsors:

Poshmark - Download the Poshmark app and use code Zone to get $10 off your first order.

Squarespace - Head over to Squarespace.com for a free trial, and when you’re ready...

This week on #TheFriendZone, we're revisiting Carbon Nation after watching Hulu's The Cult of NatureBoy. What once looked like freedom and community reveals a deeper story of control, manipulation, and how it all began.

Black Business of the Week - Freddie Estelle https://www.freddieestelle.com

#ListensLately:

Nomi - Sweet Talk

India Shawn - Multiplicity

BossMan Dlow, YKNIECE - Chicken Talkin Bastard

Selena - Como La Flor

Lil Rob - Summer Nights

Miguel - Girl With The Tattoo Enter.lewd

India...

This week on #TheFriendZone, we're talking Pop Culture! The news cycle moves fast, but Dustin moves faster. He catches us up on all of the hottest topics that he believes we need to know about, and it goes exactly how you think it will.

Black Business of the Week - Howard Family Bookstore https://howardfamilybookstore.myshopify.com

#ListensLately:

Jai'Len Josey - Truce

Ray J - Let It Go

Kehlani, Brandy - I Need You

Ray J - Anytime

Dezzy Hollow, Keak Da Sneak, Joe Moses...

This week on #TheFriendZone, we discuss Caterpillar on Netflix. Caterpillar is a documentary that follows David, a 50 yr old man from Miami, on a journey to India for a non-FDA-approved surgery to permanently change his eye color. Directed by Liza Mandelup, the documentary explores themes of colorism, transphobia, self-image, insecurity and the desperate need to be seen.

Black Business of the Week - Erin's Cup & Cookies https://www.erinscup.com

Wellness Segment - Keen Targhee IV https://www.keenfootwear.com/products/womens-targhee-iv-mid-waterproof-bison-beaujolais

#ListensLately:

Isaiah Rashad - SAME SH!T

...

This week on #TheFriendZone, it's a shoot the sh*t episode. No Hot Button. No segments. Just whatever wants to come up. Brace yourself.

Catch Dustin in Atlanta - https://www.deviant.live/party/lets-talk

Hey Fran Hey’s Amazon Storefront - www.amazon.com/shop/heyfranhey?c…9b11-63834e00ed6d

Thank you to our Sponsors:
Squarespace - Head over to Squarespace.com for a free trial, and when you’re ready to launch, go to squarespace.com/friendzone to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.

Posh...

This week on #TheFriendZone, we're talking about what happens when you do everything right...but life still feels unclear? Did success change, or are we just figuring it out in real time?

Black Business of the Week - Bird Pizzeria https://www.birdpizzeria.com

Wellness Segment - Bodybuilding vs Functional Fitness https://www.templefitnessfranklin.com/bodybuilding-vs-functional-training

#ListensLately:

Iman Omari - Energy

SIR - The Real

Anderson.Paak - Come Down

Crime Mob - Circles

Twisted Sister - We're Not Gonna Take It

This week on #TheFriendZone, we have lots to cover. Buckle up as Dustin brings us up to speed by discussing all the latest Hot Topics.

Black Business of the Week - Yummy Tummy's Kitchen https://www.instagram.com/yummytummyskitchen?igsh=dmJtbHBnemUwM2l4

Wellness Segment - Landmark verdict against Meta and YouTube:

https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2026-03-28/how-landmark-verdict-against-meta-youtube-could-hit-their-businesses

https://www.dailyjournal.com/articles/390405-landmark-verdict-targets-social-media-design-awards-6-million

#ListensLately:

Tank - Maybe I deserve

Arin Ray - Baddies

Alex Isley, Syd - PCH

This week on #TheFriendZone, we’re joined by Financial Educator and New York Times Best-Selling author - Tiffany “The Budgetnista” Aliche. We talk about “this economy”, how budgeting alone is not enough, how to make steady money decisions during economic uncertainty, practical shifts that reduce financial anxiety, ethical investing and the 10 pillars of financial wholeness.

We also answer listener questions!

Grab a copy of Tiffany's New York Times Best-Selling Book "Get Good With Money" - https://getgoodwithmoney.com

Important Links from Tiffany "The Budgetnista" Aliche:

https://getgoodwithmoney.com

https://getgoodwit...

This week on #TheFriendZone, it's a shoot the sh*t episode. No Hot Button. No segments. Just whatever wants to come up. Brace yourself.

Catch Dustin Ross Live! tickets.citywinery.com/event/dustin-ross-1vh9vm

Hey Fran Hey’s Amazon Storefront - www.amazon.com/shop/heyfranhey?c…9b11-63834e00ed6d

Thank you to our Sponsors:

Squarespace - Head over to Squarespace.com for a free trial, and when you’re ready to launch, go to squarespace.com/friendzone to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.

This week on #TheFriendZone, we explore the psychology of time - why years feel longer when we’re young and why adulthood can make life blur together. We reflect on school vs adult life and discuss how creating new memories, learning skills and trying new experiences can help life feel fuller.

Black Business of the Week - Golde https://golde.co

Catch Dustin Ross Live! https://tickets.citywinery.com/event/dustin-ross-1vh9vm

Hey Fran Hey’s Amazon Storefront - www.amazon.com/shop/heyfranhey?c…9b11-63834e00ed6d

#Listens...

This week on #TheFriendZone, Bible Study is back! We have a lesson in love from the book of Genesis. Female Hip Hop, The Traitors, and The Bible have something in common, and Dustin tells us exactly what that is.

Black Business of the Week -BLVD Bistro https://www.instagram.com/blvdbistro?igsh=NjAxNHF2MHY3ZGJv

Fawn Weaver - Uncle Nearest Article - https://thegrio.com/2026/02/28/uncle-nearest-20-million-accusation-receivership

Silicon Valley Teaching/Aid positions - Mountain View Los Altos school district https://edjoin.org

Catch Dustin Ross Live! https://tickets.citywinery.com/event...

This week on #TheFriendZone, we close out the last week of Black History Month with a discussion around Mr. Walter Johnson AKA Mr. Tendernism, Uncle Nearest and the ways the Government, racism and violence have suppressed Black innovation and economic progress.

Black Business of the Week - Ruby Love https://www.rubylove.com

Wellness Segment - Moonlit Ringlets https://www.moonlitringlets.com

Catch Dustin Ross Live! https://tickets.citywinery.com/event/dustin-ross-1vh9vm

Hey Fran Hey’s Amazon Storefront - www.amazon.com/shop/heyfranhey?c…9b11-63834e00ed6d

This week on #TheFriendZone, it's a shoot the sh*t episode. No Hot Button. No segments. Just whatever wants to come up. Brace yourself.

Catch Dustin Ross Live! https://tickets.citywinery.com/event/dustin-ross-1vh9vm

Hey Fran Hey’s Amazon Storefront - www.amazon.com/shop/heyfranhey?c…9b11-63834e00ed6d

#ListensLately:

Mary J. Blige - More Than A Lover

Victoria Monet - Let Me

Biggie - I'm Getting All Glammed Up

Thank you to our Sponsors:

Squarespace - Head over t...

This week on #TheFriendZone , we continue our Black History Month Celebrations! We explore who really preserves Black history, what gets lost when stories aren’t recorded and how everyday people, not just institutions, keep our culture alive. We end with a simple challenge to preserve one piece of personal history before it fades.

Black Business of the Week - Clean Design Home https://shopcleandesign.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqQrzvties0L5rthjJWAB71_3IGX245mGTx4LFRhuyNeFnlO1II

Wellness Segment - Diabetes Digital https://diabetesdigital.co

Catch Dustin Ross Live! https://tickets.citywinery.com/event/dustin-ross-1vh9vm

This week on #TheFriendZone, we celebrate Black History Month! THE WORDS BLACK BOTTOM HAVE ALWAYS BEEN A GOOD THING. We look back at the rich Black History of the now defunct Detroit neighborhoods Black Bottom and Paradise Valley.

Black Business of the Week - IM=X Pilates & Fitness White Plains https://www.imxpilates.com/new-york/white-plains?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio

Wellness Segment - What is a NAS?

Jimmy Tries World NAS Review https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrmIn4Ed-88

Synology NAS (Kareem’s su...

This week on #TheFriendZone, we share our thoughts on how 2026 has unfolded thus far. And how our sense of self, goals and hopes for the year have been impacted.

Black Business of the Week - The StoryGraph https://thestorygraph.com

Catch Dustin Ross Live! https://tickets.citywinery.com/event/dustin-ross-1vh9vm

Hey Fran Hey’s Amazon Storefront - www.amazon.com/shop/heyfranhey?c…9b11-63834e00ed6d

#ListensLately:

Sault - God Protect Me From My Enemies

Tone Stith - Fly

Tanerelle - feels...