On today’s show I sat down with FrancesMary “FM” Loughead, a DePaul graduate who moved from downtown Chicago to Indianapolis in 2021 during COVID, initially living in Bloomington and later Brownsburg, Carmel, and Noblesville.
With no local network and working remotely, FM struggled to make adult friends and began using Bumble BFF, which led her to start a Facebook watch party for The Bachelorette that drew 15–20 women weekly. The group expanded into other events like wine nights and community outings, eventually becoming BFF Indy, officially launched in January 2024 with a 100-person party at The Hangar.
Today, BFF Indy has grown to almost 20,000 members, hosting events such as speed-friending, book swaps, happy hours, weekly walks, and an intergenerational event at a 55+ community, with a mission to provide an affordable, accessible community for women across Indianapolis.
If you like this episode and want to hear more Get IN. episodes where I interview Hoosiers making a difference, visit getindiana.com/podcast.
You are going to learn about:
The Idea Behind BFF Indy
BFF Indy Events and Mission
BFF Expansion to Other Cities
Thank you to our partners:
Huse Culinary
Check out these great clips from the show:
00:26 Guest Introduction: FrancesMary Loughead, BFF Indy
02:09 Moving to Indy During COVID
02:50 Where to Live in Indy
06:21 Lonely Remote Work Reality
08:17 Trying Bumble BFF
11:27 Bachelorette Watch Parties
14:29 From Fan Group to BFF Indy
16:05 Launch Party and Rapid Growth
21:43 Small Groups and Real Connection
26:13 Advice for Newcomers
27:09 Taking the First Step
27:30 St Elmo Party Hack
28:30 Dating Scene and Bo
29:29 Two Years of BFF Indy
29:40 Speed Friending Highlights
30:37 Weekly Walks Expansion
32:27 Conversation Tips for New Friends
34:12 Being Open and Authentic
35:54 Future Growth and Support
36:51 Inspiration From Other Cities
38:52 Dream Partnerships and Local Faves
39:50 Indy Surprises and Inclusion
42:34 Unusual Events and Generations
44:24 Time and Business Balance
48:16 Expanding Beyond Indy
48:42 Why Indiana Feels Like Home
49:49 Noblesville Hidden Gems
51:12 Hoosier Creator Shoutout
52:13 Content and Fighting the Stigma
54:24 Where to Connect Next
