Expert Speaker on
Friendship & Loneliness
Friendship & Loneliness
Service Options for Event Organizers
- Live Performance TEDx (15-20 min.)
- Motivational Keynote Address (20-60 min.)
- Plenary or Breakout Session (30-180 min.)
- Full or Half-Day Intensive Workshops
Please contact us via the form below or by clicking here to go to the Contact page.
Do you feel lonely?
“If so, you are not alone.
I am on a mission, and I hope you will join me.
Recent studies have indicated that more than half of the U.S. population struggles with isolation, loneliness, and friendlessness. To make matters worse, and despite our best efforts to intervene, we continue to struggle with issues of bullying and peer-victimization.
This truly is an epidemic.
I have spent much of my life on the front lines. As someone who survived years of bullying, friendlessness, and social anxiety, I know what it feels like to be the target, the outcast, the undesirable. And my heart breaks as I sit with clients who must fight those same battles.
No one deserves to be left out. No one deserves to suffer in silence. All of us deserve a seat at the table of belonging.
I want to live in a world that is a little less hurt, a little less broken, and a lot more connected…
… but I can’t do it alone.”
– Kyler Shumway, PsyD
Interview on Friendship featured by The Lifehack Show
Popular and Most Requested Topics:
- How to Forge Meaningful Friendships
- Friendship and Neurodiversity
- The Psychology of Connection and Attachment
- The Science of Loneliness
- Practical Strategies for Making Friends
- Self-Friendship and Self-Love
%
of adults in America feel lonely or left out
%
Increased mortality risk for people who are lonely or isolated
%
of your audience deserves a place to belong
Sharing the Secrets of Friendship
Motivational Keynote and Breakout Talks on Friendship and Loneliness
Dr. Kyler Shumway delivers high-impact motivational talks on making friends, building meaningful connections, and fostering deeper relationships in both personal and professional spaces. His talks inspire audiences to break down social barriers, cultivate authentic connections, and embrace the power of belonging.
These keynotes become even more powerful when delivered alongside Dr. Daniel Wendler, his best friend and longtime collaborator. Together, they provide co-led motivational keynotes and breakout sessions that have been requested year after year—proving that their message truly resonates.
Known for their outside-the-box engagement, heartwarming storytelling, and practical advice that actually works, Drs. Shumway and Wendler have built a reputation for transforming the way people approach friendships and connection. Along the way, they’ve even earned a few nicknames—”The Dynamic Duo,” “The Friendship Fellas,” and more.
Breakouts and Continuing Education (CE) Trainings
Dr. Shumway also provides breakout sessions to help attendees dive deep. All content is evidence-based and chock full of citations from the latest research, which makes it easy for event coordinators to give CE (previously called CEU) credits. Some commonly requested topics include:
- How to Make Friends and Deepen Current Relationships
- Friendship and Neurodiversity
- The Psychology of Connection and Attachment
- The Science of Loneliness and the Health Benefits of Connection
- Practical Strategies for Making Friends
- Self-Friendship and Self-Love
And more! Contact us today to see if we might be a good fit.
Hidden
Credentials and Areas of Expertise
- Doctor of Clinical Psychology
- Licensed Psychologist in Texas, Supervisor
- Pediatric Therapy and Assessment
- Autism, ADHD, and Other Neurodiversity
- Organizational Leadership and Clinical Quality Assurance
- Featured friendship and mental health expert in local and national news
Select Recent Events as Keynote and Plenary Speaker
- Activision Blizzard Disability Month Event
- Google’s National Diversity Awareness Event
- American Psychological Association (10x and counting featured events)
- University of Texas (3x return speaker by audience request)
- Collaborative Family Healthcare Association
- Savannah Autism Conference (4x return speaker by audience request)
- Association for Autism and Neurodiversity
- Belonging: Love & Autism Conference (3x return speaker by audience request)
- Southern Maine Autism Conference (2x return speaker by audience request)
- Advanced LA Conference, California
- Provincial Association of Alberta, Canada
Speaking Services Menu
- Motivational Keynote Address (20-60 min.)
- Plenary or Breakout Session (30-180 min.)
- Live Performance TEDx (15 min.)
- Co-Led Keynote or Breakout with Dr. Daniel Wendler (per request)
- Full or Half-Day Intensive Workshops
Not sure? Contact us to discuss options.
We offer discounts to non-profit organizations and first-time event engagements.
Engagement Contact Form
Be compassionately curious about others.
Be on the lookout for bids for connection.
Be the kind of friend you wish you had.
Be a good friend to yourself – you deserve nothing less.
Other Speaking Topics
The Essence of Friendship
Friendship is a unique and deeply personal connection between individuals. It’s not bound by blood or obligation but forged through shared experiences, trust, and mutual affection. At its core, friendship offers:
- Emotional Support: Friends provide a safe space to express our feelings, fears, and joys without judgment. They offer empathy and understanding during our most challenging moments.
- Mental Well-being: Close friendships contribute to reduced stress, anxiety, and depression. The camaraderie and support of friends can have a profound positive impact on our mental health.
- Growth and Personal Development: Friends inspire us to become the best versions of ourselves. They challenge our perspectives, encourage us to step out of our comfort zones, and help us achieve our goals.
- Happiness and Fulfillment: Sharing life’s joys and triumphs with friends amplifies our happiness. Celebrating successes together creates lasting memories and a sense of belonging.
Cultivating Meaningful Friendships
Building and maintaining friendships requires effort and care. Here are some tips to nurture your connections:
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Be a Good Listener: Pay attention and show genuine interest in your friends’ lives and experiences.
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Show Empathy and Compassion: Understand and validate your friends’ feelings, even when you don’t fully comprehend their situation.
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Make Time for Each Other: Prioritize spending quality time together, whether in person or through digital means.
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Celebrate Milestones: Recognize and commemorate your friends’ achievements, no matter how big or small.
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Resolve Conflicts Gracefully: Conflicts are natural; address them with patience, understanding, and a willingness to find common ground.
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