In this FIRST episode of The Friend Lab Liz McKean and Bryce The Third take listeners behind the scenes of how The Friend Lab came to be, from early awkward misunderstandings to an airport meet-cute, from the “do we even know what we’re doing?” moments to the sparks of chemistry that kept pulling them back into creative collaboration.

This conversation is equal parts heartfelt and hilarious. Liz and Bryce talk about the excitement of creating something together with an experimental mindset (we are in the lab, after all). They explore how connection gets built not in perfection, but in the willingness to show up exactly as you are- messy edges, evolving identities, and all.

As the episode unfolds, they dig into the deeper threads of friendship: vulnerability, authenticity, miscommunication, self-awareness, and the way shared experiences carve out a bond that becomes richer over time. What started as two people trying to figure each other out has grown into a partnership rooted in trust, humor, creative tension, and genuine care.

This is an origin story episode… but it’s also a reminder that great friendships (and great podcasts) aren’t built on perfection… they’re built on connection.

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What we explore in this episode

•How The Friend Lab was born out of chaos, curiosity, and a “let’s just dive in” energy

•Why intentionally “messing it up” might be the best way to start anything

•How misunderstandings helped shape a stronger friendship

•The airport moment that created an unexpected bond

•Why creativity + connection = chemistry

•The role of vulnerability and honesty in making friendships sustainable

•How self-awareness deepens relationships

•The beauty of letting friendships evolve as you grow

•What it means to stay authentic in every version of yourself

Follow The Friend Lab on Instagram

About Liz McKean: Liz is a coach, hypnotist, yoga teacher, and creator of spaces where people can unshame their coping tools and build a life they don’t want to escape from.

About Bryce The Third: When it comes to the most authentic and impactful voices rising out of Detroit, Michigan, Bryce The Third is a name you can’t afford to leave out. Not just an artist, he’s an emotional engineer with a live show that a mix of performance art, storytelling, high level lyricism and community building. Not only does Bryce have a story to tell, when you witness it, you’ll wanna tell yours

Join The FriendLab Community! → https://substack.com/@friendlabpodcast

Call into the show to be featured → https://www.speakpipe.com/TheFriendLabPodcast

More about Liz → lizmckean.com

Follow Liz on Instagram → @starfishyoga

More about Bryce → BryceTheThird.com

Follow Bryce on Instagram → @brycethethird