Call Me Friend

About Call Me Friend

Who do you call when life gets real? When the good news hits, the heartbreak lands, or you're just having one of those days—you call a friend. That’s the heartbeat of Call Me Friend—a feel good biweekly podcast that drops you into the kind of conversations that remind us who we are, where we belong, and why friendship matters. Hosted by former network news anchor, wife, mom, and Airbnb host Daryn Kagan, Call Me Friend is your weekly reminder of the joy, laughter, and healing that come with connection. Each week, Daryn picks up the phone from Ms. Lou’s Cabin—a 50-year-old log home she and her husband lovingly restored and turned into an Airbnb—to chat with someone in her world, whether it’s a celebrity, her childhood bestie, or someone she just met along the way or maybe even YOU. No matter who she’s calling, the focus is always the same: celebrating the power of friendship and connection. Every episode kicks off with a ring-ring and drops you into a real-life conversations between friends. These aren’t interviews with hot takes or polished soundbites—just raw, funny, heartfelt, deeply human chats between people who genuinely know and care about each other. From lifelong friendships to surprise connections, everyday legends to familiar names, Call Me Friend is a front-row seat to how beautiful, messy, and meaningful friendships can be. This show is for anyone craving more depth, more heart, and more of the good stuff that makes life not just bearable—but beautiful. It’s a cozy corner of the podcast world where emotional wellness, storytelling, and humor live in harmony. Whether you’re looking for comfort, relatable stories, or a pick-me-up on a hard day, this podcast is for you, yes YOU. Expect wild stories, sweet memories, laugh-out-loud moments, and those quiet “Yeah… me too” pauses that make you feel truly seen. Fun segments like “You Gotta Meet My Friend” spotlight special guests introducing someone they love, while “Call Me, Friend” invites listeners to write in with questions and stories. And the “Friend Questionnaire” keeps things surprising, uncovering the quirks and connections that make every friendship unique. What makes Call Me Friend stand out? This show isn’t about networking or hustle. It’s not self-help. It’s heart-help. Because friendship isn’t just background noise—it’s the main character. If you’ve ever found joy, comfort, or healing through a friend—or just needed someone to say, “I get it”—this is your space. Call Me Friend is more than a podcast. It’s a weekly call you can count on. A soft place to land. A reminder that even when life feels messy, everything gets better when you talk to a friend. If you love heartfelt conversations, personal stories, and a little laughter with your life lessons, this is the one you’ve been waiting for. So whether you're commuting, folding laundry, walking the dog, or just trying to quiet your mind—remember this: you’re not alone. Someone out there gets it. Someone out there would totally take your call. Go ahead, pick up the phone. Let’s laugh. Let’s cry. Let’s Call a Friend. About the Host: Daryn Kagan is a former CNN anchor turned full-time storyteller. After leaving the fast-paced world of network news, she built a life rooted in purpose, connection, and authenticity. Now living on the quiet Georgia coast, Daryn records Call Me Friend from Ms. Lou’s Cabin, a restored 50-year-old log home turned Airbnb. From there she runs the nationwide Just One More Foundation giving grants for second chances. A wife, mom, dog mama, and connection junkie, Daryn’s superpower is bringing people together—and her gift for real conversation is what makes this podcast feel like catching up with your favorite friend. Just One More Foundation : https://www.justonemorefoundation.org/ Instagram: Call Me Friend Instagram: Daryn Kagan Facebook: Daryn Kagan Website: https://darynkagan.com/ LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/daryn-kagan-14a6893/

Publisher

Daryn Kagan

Category

society & culture · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

8 Apr 2025

Latest episode

27 Aug 2026

Latest episodes

29 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   27 Aug 2026

   One Semester From Becoming a Nurse, Then Came a Life-Changing Surprise

   What happens when a nursing student is one semester away from graduating but cannot afford to finish school? Shaina Este is working multiple jobs while navigating depression, anxiety, and the pressure to honor her family’s sacrifices. Despite her determination, she needs thousands of dollars before she can register for her final semester. Call Me Friend Podcast host Daryn Kagan and Just One More Foundation founder Richard Rogers invite Shaina to share her journey, including how counseling helped her manage her mental health and why she dreams of becoming a nurse. What Shaina does not know is that this conversation is about to change her life. Listen as Daryn and Richard surprise Shaina with a $7,259 grant to help her finish school and pursue a future in nursing. Her story proves that one second chance can create a ripple effect that reaches far beyond one person. What You Will Learn ✅ How Shaina continued pursuing her nursing degree despite financial hardship, depression, and anxiety. ✅ Why seeking mental health support can help break cycles of isolation and challenge cultural stigmas. ✅ How the Just One More Foundation provides grants to individuals who need a second chance. ✅ Why helping one future nurse can positively impact countless patients, families, and communities. Timestamps 00:00 A nursing student faces a $10,000 financial obstacle 00:57 Daryn introduces Shaina’s second-chance surprise 04:37 Richard Rogers joins the conversation 05:24 The story behind Shaina’s name 07:14 Why Shaina wants to become a nurse 09:05 Honoring her parents and helping others 11:24 Shaina opens up about depression, anxiety, and counseling 16:04 One semester from graduation but unable to register 17:50 The $7,259 grant request 19:26 Richard surprises Shaina with the full grant 20:42 Graduation plans and making her family proud 22:05 Daryn reveals the interview was actually a surprise 22:56 How one second chance creates a ripple effect 23:35 Shaina’s interest in emergency and pediatric nursing 27:15 The power of encouragement and second chances Key Takeaways 🔹 Asking for help is a strength. Counseling helped Shaina manage depression and anxiety while continuing to pursue her goals. 🔹 Financial barriers can threaten even the most determined students. Despite working multiple jobs, Shaina needed additional support to complete her final semester. 🔹 A second chance can create a lasting ripple effect. Supporting Shaina’s education also supports the people she will care for throughout her nursing career. 🔹 Purpose can help you keep going. Shaina’s commitment to honoring her parents and helping others motivated her to continue pursuing her dream. About Shaina Este Shaina Este is an aspiring nurse committed to honoring her family’s sacrifices and helping others through a career in healthcare. Her experience includes supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and working as a hospital technician. After navigating depression, anxiety, and financial hardship, Shaina received a grant from the Just One More Foundation to help complete her final semester of college. Resources and Links Just One More Foundation: (https://justonemorefoundation.org)https://justonemorefoundation.org (https://justonemorefoundation.org) Richard Rogers' Book: Resilience, Tragedy, & Tenacity: 150 Years of the U.S. Stove Story & the Family of S.L. Rogers, Sr. (https://www.amazon.com/Resilience-Tragedy-Tenacity-Family-Rogers-ebook/dp/B0B1PL9Y93/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3EW1IGNMB9INO&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.pjadCQF3uTRXNU_MdPXGfg.o9u5hiv9BIAq8gNvBu6ati-OAX7wk6xB4g0i6keqIFM&dib_tag=se&keywords=Richard+Rogers+%26+Daryn+Kagan&qid=1749840743&sprefix=richard+rogers+%26+daryn+kagan%2Caps%2C131&sr=8-1) CallMeFriendPodcast.com (https://callmefriendpodcast.com) – Join the conversation or leave a voicemail Miss Lou’s Cabin: airbnb.com/h/mslouscabin (http://airbnb.com/h/mslouscabin) Call Me Friend Hotline: 912-766-0446 Call Daryn, leave a message, let her know about one of your friends who would make a great story. Daryn’s Book: Hope Possible: A Network News Anchor's Thoughts On Losing Her Job, Finding Love, A New Career, and My Dog, Always My Dog https://amzn.to/3GPcicB (https://amzn.to/3GPcicB)

2. 

   15 Apr 2026

   Alisyn Camerota on Loss, Love & Starting Over The Moment Everything Changed

   Grief, loss, career reinvention, and starting over after tragedy take center stage in this powerful conversation with journalist and author Alisyn Camerota. When life changes in an instant, how do you rebuild, find purpose, and move forward? In this emotional episode of Call Me Friend, Daryn Kagan sits down with Alisyn to unpack what it really takes to navigate loss, trauma, and major life transitions. From her experience with workplace harassment and power abuse during the Me Too era to the devastating loss of her husband to pancreatic cancer, Alisyn shares the raw truth about grief recovery, emotional healing, resilience, and rebuilding your life after loss. This conversation dives into career setbacks, personal growth, relationships, and finding strength after tragedy, showing how even the hardest moments can lead to transformation, clarity, and a completely new path forward. In This Episode You Will Learn ✅ How to rebuild your life after loss and grief ✅ The truth about career reinvention and starting over ✅ What resilience actually looks like in real life ✅ How relationships and timing shape your life path ✅ The reality of workplace abuse and how to recognize it Powered by Ms Lou’s Cabin https://www.airbnb.com/h/mslouscabin (https://www.airbnb.com/h/mslouscabin) Timestamps 0:00 Workplace harassment, Roger Ailes, and the defining career moment 3:58 Daryn’s intro and the Call Me Friend setup 5:05 How Daryn and Alisyn connect through journalism 7:39 The golden era of CNN and purpose-driven journalism 11:13 Leaving CNN, management changes, and shifting priorities 13:10 Meeting Tim, commitment, and being ready for love 18:40 Marriage, infertility, IVF, and building a family 19:54 The pancreatic cancer diagnosis that changed everything 20:18 “A grenade thrown into our lives” – everything changes instantly 22:30 Navigating the emotional impact of a terminal diagnosis 25:10 How their family dynamic shifted overnight 28:40 Living through uncertainty and anticipatory grief 33:30 Me Too Story: Roger Ailes, Fox News, Navigating Power, Fear & Career Risk 35:50 Processing fear, reality, and what comes next 46:47 Asking for a Friend: what to say to someone facing grief 58:08 Daryn’s closing thoughts and episode wrap-up Key Takeaways 🔹 Loss can completely reshape your identity and purpose 🔹 Career setbacks can lead to unexpected opportunities 🔹 Emotional healing requires honesty, time, and support 🔹 True resilience is built through life’s hardest moments Check out my interview with Bill Hemmer: https://youtu.be/x1VuM_awknA?si=dsX5DNGxA4u1HHic Guest Bio Alisyn Camerota is an award-winning journalist, television anchor, and author known for her work on major news networks including CNN and Fox News. She is widely respected for her reporting, storytelling, and advocacy, particularly around issues of workplace culture, personal resilience, and women’s experiences in media. Her journey through grief, career reinvention, and personal growth has inspired audiences around the world. Alisyn's memoir Combat Love: https://amzn.to/4bTOBwY (https://amzn.to/4bTOBwY) Alisyn substack: https://alisyncamerota.substack.com/ (https://alisyncamerota.substack.com/) "Hostage" by Eli Sharabi https://amzn.to/4vha1vu (https://amzn.to/4vha1vu) "That's The Way God Planned It" documentary https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sEOdCPoHRn4 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sEOdCPoHRn4) Resources & Links Powered by Ms Lou’s Cabin- https://www.airbnb.com/h/mslouscabin (https://www.airbnb.com/h/mslouscabin) Sign up for our newsletter: https://darynkagan.substack.com/ (https://darynkagan.substack.com/) Hope Possible: A Network News Anchor's Thoughts On Losing Her Job, Finding Love, A New Career, and My Dog, Always My Dog https://amzn.to/4az2X5f (https://amzn.to/4az2X5f) Miles Husband: MilesHusband.com (http://mileshusband.com) loss and grief, resilience, career reinvention, Alisyn Camerota, Fox, CNN, news anchor, overcoming loss, grief healing, personal growth, life after loss, pancreatic cancer story, rebuilding your life, emotional resilience, women in media, career transition, mental strength, life challenges

3. 

   1 Apr 2026

   Training the Competition: NFL Reporter Laura Okmin on Why She Trains Other Women to Take Her Job

   Daryn Kagan reconnects with longtime friend and NFL sideline reporter Laura Okmin to explore career burnout, finding purpose, and building real confidence. Named to Sports Illustrated’s list of the most powerful, influential women in sports, Laura discusses why she trains other women for sideline roles, how she handles pressure, and what friendship gives her in moments of doubt. Listen for candid stories and practical perspectives on reclaiming purpose after high achievement. Named to Sports Illustrated’s list of the most powerful, influential, and outstanding women in sports today, Laura is recognized as a true game-changer—someone who is speaking out, setting the bar, and making a lasting impact. Laura shares the moment that changed everything, a near plane crash that forced her to confront the reality that she didn’t care if she lived or died. That wake-up call led her to rebuild her life from the inside out, shifting from chasing success to creating purpose, stronger relationships, and true confidence. They also discuss women in sports, mentorship, competition, and why Laura chose to support the very women who could replace her. Through her organization GALvanize, she now helps thousands of women build confidence, find their voice, and grow into leadership. In This Episode You Will Learn ✅ How career burnout can show up even when you “have it all” ✅ Why finding purpose matters more than checking success boxes ✅ The mindset shift from competition to empowering others ✅ How to build real confidence, identity, and meaningful relationships Powered by Ms Lou’s Cabin https://www.airbnb.com/h/mslouscabin (https://www.airbnb.com/h/mslouscabin) Timestamps (00:00) The Moment That Changed Everything (Career Burnout Wake-Up Call) (01:00) Breaking Into Sports as a Woman (Early Career Struggles) (07:00) Rejection, Confidence, and Surviving a Competitive Industry (11:30) Women in Sports Today vs. Then -What Still Hasn’t Changed (20:25) The Plane Story That Forced Her to Rethink Her Life (23:00) From Success to Purpose -Rebuilding Identity and Happiness (27:00) Why Success Without Relationships Feels Empty (31:03) From Competition to Empowerment -Helping Other Women Win (34:30) Building GALvanize and Empowering Women in Sports (43:10) Leaving a Dream Career and Finding What’s Next Key Takeaways 🔹 Success without purpose can still lead to burnout and emptiness 🔹 Confidence comes from knowing who you are, not what you do 🔹 Supporting others can create more opportunity than competition 🔹 Real fulfillment comes from relationships, growth, and alignment Guest Bio Laura Okmin is a veteran NFL sideline reporter, leadership coach, and founder of GALvanize, an organization dedicated to empowering women in sports and beyond. With decades of experience in broadcasting and mentorship, she now focuses on helping individuals and teams build confidence, connection, and purpose-driven leadership. Website: lauraokmin.com (http://lauraokmin.com/) Miramar jeans: https://amzn.to/4lFFIuc (https://amzn.to/4lFFIuc) Resources & Links Powered by Ms Lou’s Cabin- https://www.airbnb.com/h/mslouscabin (https://www.airbnb.com/h/mslouscabin) Sign up for our newsletter: https://darynkagan.substack.com/ (https://darynkagan.substack.com/) Hope Possible: A Network News Anchor's Thoughts On Losing Her Job, Finding Love, A New Career, and My Dog, Always My Dog https://amzn.to/4az2X5f (https://amzn.to/4az2X5f) Miles Husband: MilesHusband.com (http://mileshusband.com) career burnout, finding purpose, women in sports, confidence building, personal growth, leadership development, NFL sideline reporter, mentorship, identity, life transformation, GALvanize

Who has been a guest on Call Me Friend

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Darren Graham
• Laura Stachler
• Susan Stachler
• Mary Kay Andrews
• Treva Brandon Scharf

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

20 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

4 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 54 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

69

Social presence

91

YouTube

0

Engagement

51

Contact Call Me Friend

Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

Questions about Call Me Friend