Loneliness has reached epidemic levels across the country, and the numbers aren’t slowing down. Even as our lives get more digitally crowded, meaningful relationships are thinning out. Today's guest, Shari, joins us to discuss how to make connection your most meaningful and achievable resolution this year.
She provides insight into why adults struggle to make friends and how to break the cycle, what her 50-state meal-sharing journey taught her about belonging, empathy, and listening, and the hidden loneliness among women, caregivers, and high-achieving professionals.
Shari shares small, sustainable habits that can create major shifts in your social well-being throughout the year, and provides a hopeful roadmap and framework for turning 2026 into the year that you rebuild your social world with intention.
Shari Leid is a Seattle-based mindset coach, author, and former litigator who founded An Imperfectly Perfect Life®, LLC to empower individuals, particularly those in middle age, to embrace life's imperfections and navigate transitions.
A former litigator, she now helps individuals and organizations break free from outdated identities—blending heart with strategy through keynotes, retreats, and workshops.
Through An Imperfectly Perfect Life, Shari serves as a "friendship expert" and mindset coach, helping clients navigate life's challenges, including divorce, and fostering deeper personal connections.
Her work has been featured on NBC’s TODAY show, ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, and CTV, as well as in TIME, HuffPost, Real Simple, PureWow, AARP, Woman’s World, Toronto Sun, and Shondaland.
She has authored several books focusing on friendships and life lessons, including The 50/50 Friendship Flow and Make Your Mess Your Message.
Shari is also the author of Table for 51: Lessons Learned From Sharing Meals Across America, and has spoken at TEDxEustis, the Superstar Summit in Miami, and events raising millions for nonprofit causes.