In a world that often prioritises romantic relationships, the value of deep, platonic friendships can sometimes be overlooked.
Research shows, however, that non-sexual relationships are key contributors to personal growth, emotional wellbeing and even long-term relationship success.
In an era of escalating isolation, mental health issues and stressors, the Mental Health Foundation of Australia emphasises that genuine adult friendships are a strong predictor of wellbeing.
‘Overall, genuine friendship positively impacts us throughout our lifetime.’
Platonic, or non-sexual relationships, are something that 29-year-old local photographer Rowena Yates also values.
“They have always been incredibly important in my life, and I actually think more so for me than what we class as romantic relationships,” she says.
So, following some significant life events during 2022, Ms Yates decided to explore this via a podcast.
And in March 2024, the first episode ofPlatonically Yoursaired.
The series is dedicated to celebrating and discussing platonic love, friendship, and community. It features discussions, interviews, and book club episodes about building strong, non-romantic bonds and combating loneliness.
“I think it’s especially important to connect with those that we disagree with … there was so much division going on at the time I started thinking about the podcast,” says Ms Yates.
“It was just so overwhelming … I wanted to put something positive out.”
Ms Yates knew she would need some support, however, especially with hosting, and said it was an easy choice to ask her close friend, Sami Harper.
“We went to school with each other, and we’ve been really lucky in that we’ve been able to watch each other grow and change throughout our different seasons of life”, she says.
“Sami is a great storyteller … and her curiosity is something that I’ve always admired and loved. I knew she would be a perfect fit.”
Ms Harper is also delighted to co-host what she consistently refers to as ‘Rowena’s brainchild’.
“I love speaking to different guests about their experience of platonic love, whether it’s more broadly or directly in response to … their friend that we have on the recording,” she says.
The two emphasise, however, that the priority is always their friendship over the podcast. And that this has contributed to their success.
“There have been times where we’ve had this creative tension, but overcame it, because of the foundation of our friendship,” says Ms Yates.
An example, they say, of how enduring platonic love keeps delivering.
And which seems to be striking a chord as Platonically Yours is currently streaming on a variety of platforms to 24 countries and counting!
