
Hosted by Daryn Kagan · EN

When the world stopped on 9/11, millions saw Carol Lin on their screens… but no one saw what she was surviving off camera. In this gripping Call Me Friend conversation, Daryn reconnects with her former CNN colleague to uncover the truth behind Carol’s marriage, motherhood, identity, grief, and the hidden story behind her memoir, When News Breaks.Carol Lin opens up about the pressure of broadcast news, the unraveling of her marriage, the devastating loss of her husband shortly after their daughter was born, and how motherhood, identity, and grief collided during the most public chapter of her career. This emotional episode explores love, personal loss, friendship, and the resilience it takes to rebuild your life when everything breaks at once.What You Will Learn In This Episode✅ How Carol Lin navigated CNN, motherhood, and grief✅ What viewers never saw during 9/11 coverage✅ Why writing a memoir helped her reclaim her identity✅ How personal loss transforms love, friendship, and purposePowered by Ms Lou’s Cabin- https://www.airbnb.com/h/mslouscabinSign up for our newsletter: https://darynkagan.substack.com/Timestamps00:00 The untold truth behind Carol Lin’s story of love and loss00:35 Daryn introduces Carol and their shared CNN history 01:24 Being on air together during 9/1102:40 The unraveling of Carol’s marriage in the midst of her rising career03:23 Losing her husband and navigating early motherhood04:02 Why she wrote her memoir When News Breaks06:03 Growing up as the daughter of Chinese immigrants07:47 Misconceptions about Carol during her CNN years09:02 The ethics of telling stories that involve the people we love11:33 Motherhood, grief, and redefining her identity 13:10 What love required inside a pressured broadcast career16:00 The newsroom culture viewers never see18:45 Carol’s unforgettable Mommy and Me moment25:40 Reconnecting and finally understanding each other29:56 The universal question: how did we not know?34:18 Reconnecting with old colleagues through writing36:00 “How did I not know?” Themes from the memoir42:30 Carol and Daryn talk about love, timing, and meeting their partners43:31 Getting ready for love and doing the inner work48:55 The Mommy and Me class moment that broke the room49:59 The silence after she told them her husband died50:24 Carol grabs the diaper bag and escapes the roomKey Takeaways🔹 Grief transforms identity, shaping the way we love and show up in the world.🔹 Behind every CNN anchor is a deeply human story full of resilience and contradiction.🔹 Memoirs help reveal the truth behind public personas and private pain.🔹 Friendship becomes essential when life, career, and identity collide.Resources"When News Breaks": https://amzn.to/4piqQlXEp 1 From TV Fame to Rock Bottom https://open.spotify.com/episode/0Ks8ad3T3BtPBawna9OfwU?si=d2e163bf997847cdPowered by Ms Lou’s Cabin- https://www.airbnb.com/h/mslouscabinSign up for our newsletter: https://darynkagan.substack.com/Guest Bio: Carol LinCarol Lin is an award-winning journalist and former CNN anchor known as the first voice viewers heard on 9/11. As a groundbreaking figure in broadcast news, she spent decades reporting major global events before stepping away following the profound loss of her husband. Her memoir When News Breaks reveals the truth behind her marriage, motherhood, identity, and the hidden challenges she carried during her years in journalism.call me friend podcast, daryn kagan, carol lin, cnn, memoir, 9/11 stories, cnn anchors, newsroom life, women in media, motherhood journey, grief stories, single motherhood, widow stories, broadcast news, newsroom behind the scenes, identity and perception, friendship stories, marriage and loss, emotional podcast clips, viral podcast reels, memoir stories, parenting after loss, asian american stories, behind the camera stories, tv news life,

What if the friend who transforms your entire life does not show up until your sixties?Two women share a life changing friendship that leads to an 80 day trip at 81. In this inspiring episode of Call Me Friend, Daryn sits down with Ellie Hamby and Dr. Sandy Hazelip, the viral duo known as The Traveling Nanas, to explore how their friendship transformed grief into adventure and joy.After losing their husbands, Ellie and Sandy found comfort, strength, and purpose in each other. What started as a simple connection turned into a life changing best friend bond that carried them across seven continents in 80 days at age 81. From the Drake Shake in Antarctica to the Trans Siberian KGB incident to escaping Syria as war began, their friendship is the heartbeat that pulled them through every wild chapter.This episode is packed with friendship wisdom, emotional storytelling, and real talk about grief, courage, and saying yes to life. It is perfect for anyone looking for hope, connection, and proof that the right friendship can change your story forever.What You Will Learn In This Episode✅ How a late in life friendship helped two women heal after losing their husbands✅ Why the right friend can pull you into joy, courage, and adventure again✅ The simple moment that sparked their 80 day global journey at 81✅ How trusting each other helped them navigate danger, fear, and big unknownsPowered by Ms Lou’s Cabin- https://www.airbnb.com/h/mslouscabinSign up for our newsletter: https://darynkagan.substack.com/Timestamps(0:00) Sandy shares how the idea for the 80 day world trip began(1:07) Daryn introduces The Traveling Nanas and their powerful friendship(3:33) The moment Ellie and Sandy first crossed paths(5:29) How a missions workshop pulled them closer(8:10) Ellie loses her husband and Sandy reaches out(11:19) Who started their tradition of saying yes to adventure(13:04) The idea for Around the World in 80 Days at 80(14:39) Surviving the Drake Shake in Antarctica(17:00) Heading straight to the Arctic Circle(21:18) Becoming witnesses in a KGB investigation(24:58) Leaving Syria as war begins (27:03) Breaking down the money myth around world travel(29:02) Why second class travel helps them build deeper friendships(35:29) How they give each other space in their friendship(43:29) Sandy shares why Ellie changed her lifeKey Takeaways🔹 Friendship can restart your life at any age They became close in their sixties, and that bond created a whole new chapter filled with purpose and joy.🔹 You do not heal grief alone Their friendship gave them strength to move through loss with hope instead of fear.🔹 Different personalities can create the strongest bond They fit together like puzzle pieces, giving each other room to grow.🔹 Stay open to connection and the world gets bigger Second class trains, mission trips, and saying yes to strangers brought them friendships across the globe.Resources:TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aroundtheworldat80Book: "Here We Go!" https://amzn.to/4o7PpRSPowered by Ms Lou’s Cabin- https://www.airbnb.com/h/mslouscabinSign up for our newsletter: https://darynkagan.substack.com/Ellie HambyEllie is a humanitarian photographer and world traveler who spent years doing medical mission work in Zambia. Her bold spirit, curiosity, and love for people shaped the energy behind The Traveling Nanas. Ellie brings the big adventure vibe and a deep belief in the goodness of humanity.Dr. Sandy HazelipSandy is a physician, grandmother, and storyteller whose calm, thoughtful presence balances Ellie’s fearless side. After losing her husband, her friendship with Ellie helped her step out of her comfort zone. Sandy brings heart, grounding, and gentle wisdom to every journey they take.Together they show how a strong friendship can rebuild your life, expand your world, and bring joy back into your story.friendship podcast, late in life friendship, female friendships, friendship after grief, Traveling Nanas, Call Me Friend podcast, women over 60 stories, friendship inspiration, traveling with friends, best friend stories, viral friendship story, around the world at 81, friendship and resilience, healing through friendship, adventure at any age

A 70-year-old humanitarian, a 1953 Chevy truck, and Route 66 unite for ShelterBox. Don Crost drives 2,500 miles to spotlight disaster relief, friendship, and doing good, proving it is never too late to chase a purpose.Join Daryn as Don shares why he set a $25,000 goal for ShelterBox’s 25th anniversary, how that vintage truck handled the journey from Evanston to Santa Barbara, and what ShelterBox delivers for families after hurricanes, earthquakes, and conflict, from tents and solar lights to shelter repair kits and mosquito nets. You will also hear from former CNN correspondent Paul Vercammen on pivoting to purpose and how ShelterBox assesses needs before deploying aid.Along the road there were clever fixes, surprising generosity from strangers, and a travel partner who kept going after a rib injury, fueling a story about courage, community, and second-chance friendships.What You Will Find in This Episode: ✅ The story behind Don Crost’s 2,500-mile drive in a vintage Chevy for ShelterBox’s 25th anniversary ✅ How a simple idea turned into a movement to help disaster survivors worldwide ✅ The inspiring friendship that reignited between Daryn and fellow journalist Paul Vercammen ✅ How ShelterBox provides real relief after hurricanes, earthquakes, and crises around the worldPowered by Ms Lou’s Cabin- https://www.airbnb.com/h/mslouscabinSign up for our newsletter: https://darynkagan.substack.com/Timestamps00:00 From Route 66 to Hope: How Don Crost, a Vintage Chevy, and ShelterBox Are Changing Lives00:23 The risk of listening: this story might push you to chase your dream01:24 Daryn’s early news days and friendship origins with Paul Vercammen06:02 Meet Don Crost: driving a 1953 chevy across Route 66 for ShelterBox08:44 What is ShelterBox and how it brings dignity to disaster survivors11:54 How a 70-year-old truck, driver, and partner survived the road12:31 Bubblegum fixes: diy gas cap, carb cover, window cranks14:55 Roadside kindness: strangers donate cash on the journey17:24 Why Don says “just do it” and how it changed his life19:21 Shout-out to friendship: Bonnie’s unstoppable positivity23:41 ShelterBox’s response to hurricane Melissa in Jamaica and the Bahamas26:01 Paul Vercammen’s pivot from CNN to purpose-driven humanitarian work29:22 Life after the newsroom: friendship, second chances, purpose Key Takeaways💎 Purpose and passion don’t expire with age, it’s never too late to make a difference.💎 ShelterBox brings dignity and relief to families displaced by disasters around the globe.💎 Sometimes the craziest ideas, like driving a vintage truck across America, inspire the biggest change.💎 Friendships, both old and new, can spark extraordinary acts of good in the world.ResourcesShelterBox https://shelterboxusa.org/First Woman of Television: https://northlight.org/series/first-lady-of-television/Powered by Ms Lou’s Cabin- https://www.airbnb.com/h/mslouscabinSign up for our newsletter: https://darynkagan.substack.com/About Our GuestsDon Crost – A lifelong Rotarian and humanitarian who drove a 1953 Chevy truck across Route 66 to raise awareness and funds for ShelterBox’s 25th anniversary campaign.Paul Vercammen – Former CNN correspondent who transitioned to ShelterBox USA communications, turning breaking news skills into a mission of hope and impact.friendship, ShelterBox, Route66, humanitarian stories, disaster relief, vintage Chevy, road trip inspiration, Paul Vercammen, Daryn Kagan, kindness, doing good, resilience, hope, second chances, nonprofit storytelling, Hurricane Melissa,

What does it take to rise from childhood bullying, Tourette syndrome, and the fear of never making it to national television, to becoming one of the most beloved Contributor in America? In this episode of Call Me Friend, host Daryn Kagan sits down with CBS News contributor David Begnaud to explore his extraordinary journey of resilience, authenticity, and second chances.David opens up about growing up in Louisiana with Tourette syndrome, navigating the challenges of being gay in a conservative environment, and the teachers, mentors, and friends who changed his life. From his career-defining coverage in Puerto Rico to creating “Beg Knows America”– segments that spotlight everyday heroes, David shares how he turned past pain into purpose and why storytelling remains his ultimate calling.What You Will Learn in This Episode✅ How David Begnaud overcame bullying, Tourette syndrome, and self-doubt to build a national journalism career✅ The pivotal role of friendship, mentorship, and second chances in shaping his life✅ Why redefining success helped him shift from hard news to uplifting storytelling✅ The surprising lessons he learned about resilience, authenticity, and living without attachment to past painIf you’re looking for inspiration, insight, and a behind-the-scenes glimpse into one of the most trusted voices in journalism, this conversation delivers.Powered by Ms Lou’s Cabin- https://www.airbnb.com/h/mslouscabinSign up for our newsletter: https://darynkagan.substack.com/Key Timestamps00:00 Childhood trauma, Tourette syndrome, bullying, and survival05:02 How Daryn and David first connected: a DM that sparked friendship08:04 The “news bug” story: how a 7-year-old became obsessed with TV news11:11 Living with Tourette syndrome and learning to turn trauma into resilience19:02 Facing doubt at CBS: from rejection to respect23:31 Puerto Rico coverage: breaking point, burnout, and finding a new purpose28:28 The dog trainer revealed as a convicted murderer, a lesson in second chances34:11 The teacher who changed David’s life and launched his career37:50 Book and documentary recommendations that inspire his work39:11 A call for stories: how you can share everyday heroes with David4 Key Takeaways💎Resilience often comes from the deepest pain, we can turn trauma into testimony.💎Authentic storytelling creates connection far beyond headlines.💎Mentors and friends can change the course of a life forever.💎Redefining success sometimes means stepping away from what once defined you.Guest Bio: David BegnaudDavid Begnaud is an Emmy-winning journalist and contributor for CBS News, known for his authentic storytelling and uplifting series “Beg Knows America”. From his acclaimed coverage of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico to his deeply human stories of resilience, Begnaud has become one of the most trusted voices in broadcast journalism. Living with Tourette syndrome and embracing his identity as a gay man, David’s journey is one of triumph over adversity, a celebration of authenticity, and proof that second chances can change everything.Resource LinksDavid's story on Richard Rogers : https://www.justonemorefoundation.org/just-one-more-foundation-featured-on-cbs-mornings/David's story on the dog trainer who turned out to be a convicted murderer: https://www.cbsnews.com/video/how-a-california-man-serving-life-in-prison-received-a-second-chance/Dear David contact info: DearDavid@cbsnews.comStuff recommending to friends: Barry Diller's memoir, "Who Knew" https://amzn.to/4gizAp5Beyond Entrepreneurship 2.0 https://amzn.to/46cOhVYLuther: Never Too Much https://amzn.to/46cOhVYMs. Lou’s Cabin Airbnb https://www.airbnb.com/h/mslouscabinTagsDavid Begnaud, CBS News, Tourette Syndrome, Resilience, Friendship Podcast, Storytelling, Overcoming Trauma, LGBTQ+, Puerto Rico Coverage, Call Me Friend Podcast, Daryn Kagan, Uplifting Stories, Mentorship, Journalism Journey, celebrity friendships

Two dads share raw stories of grief, single fatherhood, and healing while building friendship and hope after loss. In this episode of Call Me Friend, host Daryn Kagan connects with David McClain and Jamal Jones, two fathers who each lost their wives to cancer and her husband Trent, who walked a similar path. Together, they open up about parenting through grief, rediscovering love, and starting their podcast Getting Back Up. Their conversation highlights resilience, fatherhood, and the importance of honest dialogue about loss and healing.What You’ll Learn✅ How two single dads turned tragedy into friendship and healing.✅ The challenges of parenting after losing a spouse.✅ Why men’s conversations about grief and mental health matter.✅ How shared stories can inspire resilience and hope.Powered by Ms Lou’s Cabin- https://www.airbnb.com/h/mslouscabinSubscribe & ConnectSubscribe for more powerful, purpose-filled conversations on second chances and real-life impactSign up for our newsletter: https://darynkagan.substack.com/Follow @CallMeFriendPodcast on all platformsEmail Daryn@DarynKagan.com Timestamps00:00 Jamal introduces the journey of becoming a single dad04:40 Jamal’s story of love, loss, and raising three kids07:12 David shares his marriage, diagnosis, and raising two daughters10:47 How their daughters brought them together at a bowling alley16:21 The idea for their podcast Getting Back Up22:31 Trent shares his own story of grief and fatherhood26:19 Balancing fatherhood, dating, and honoring legacy33:33 The realities of “dad-mom” parenting moments38:44 A powerful connection through their daughters’ names42:00 Final recommendations: vinegar, stretching, and credit healthKey Takeaways💎 Grief can become a bridge that connects people in unexpected ways.💎 Parenting after loss requires resilience, humor, and community.💎 Men need more spaces to openly share feelings and struggles.💎 Healing doesn’t erase the past, it honors it while building forward. Resources & LinksGetting Back Up Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/5se2NarmSX9wRPlMP2CgYc?si=244006d26a8f4394Getting Back Up Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getbackuppodcast?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==Ms Lou’s Cabin Airbnb https://www.airbnb.com/h/mslouscabinGuest BiosJamal Jones is a father of three navigating life after the loss of his wife to cancer. He co-hosts Getting Back Up, a podcast helping men face grief with honesty and resilience.David McClain is a devoted dad raising two daughters after losing his wife to uterine sarcoma. His mission is to create open conversations about fatherhood, loss, and rebuilding.Trent Swanson is husband to host Daryn Kagan and father who also experienced profound loss. His story brings perspective on resilience, love, and second chances.Keywords: single dads, grief journey, parenting after loss, men’s mental health, fatherhood stories, getting back up podcast, friendship after tragedy, resilience and healing, widowed dads, Call Me Friend podcast, life after loss, healing conversations, inspirational fatherhood, dads raising kids, coping with grief, celebrity friendships

From CNBC to Money Rehab, Nicole Lapin brings a powerful story of financial resilience, personal finance mastery, and rebuilding after loss. In this episode of the Call Me Friend podcast, host Daryn Kagan sits down with Nicole to explore her journey from becoming the youngest anchor at CNBC to privately battling debt, making financial literacy accessible to all, and starting over after the devastating Palisades fire destroyed her home just two weeks after becoming a mom.What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✅ How Nicole Lapin transitioned from CNBC anchor to Money Rehab host and financial educator ✅ The financial literacy mistakes even experts make and how to avoid them ✅ Disaster preparedness tips that can protect your personal finances and peace of mind ✅ The emotional and financial lessons of losing everything in the Palisades fire ✅ Why resilience, reinvention, and chosen family are just as important as money in recoveryNicole shares how she used her financial literacy skills to navigate a crisis, what she wishes she had done differently, and why taking action before disaster strikes is key. Daryn Kagan guides this heartfelt Call Me Friend podcast conversation, filled with personal stories, actionable tips, and a reminder that even in the toughest seasons, personal finance knowledge and strong relationships can help you rebuild. Powered by Ms Lous Cabin- https://www.airbnb.com/h/mslouscabin📢 Subscribe & ConnectSubscribe for more powerful, purpose-filled conversations on second chances and real-life impactSign up for our newsletter: https://darynkagan.substack.com/Follow @CallMeFriendPodcast on all platformsEmail Daryn@DarynKagan.com Timestamps0:00 Daryn introduces Nicole’s journey: motherhood, partnership, and sudden loss in the Palisades fire2:00 Nicole opens up about debt while being a CNBC financial anchor7:02 How one email from Daryn changed Nicole’s career path10:00 Early career struggles: layoffs at CNN’s digital network and pivoting to CNBC13:30 Financial “imposter syndrome” teaching money while in personal debt15:03 Nicole’s journey to get out of credit card debt and build her own financial literacy system16:00 Leaving CNBC mid-contract to build her own brand against traditional advice19:00 Writing Rich Bitch and taking risks with bold branding21:33 Launching The Money School and addressing the financial literacy gap23:00 Reflecting on her career shift and what she truly wanted to be: a writer24:00 The Palisades fire, losing everything two weeks after her daughter’s birth28:00 What Nicole wishes she had done differently (insurance, documentation, preparedness)31:00 Rebuilding life, turning her garage into a studio, finding stability32:12 Friendship through crisis: who showed up and who didn’t35:24 Motherhood through loss: how priorities shift to the basics37:18 Rethinking her relationship with “stuff” after losing it all39:36 Money, happiness, and the threshold where wealth stops increasing joy43:00 Nicole’s interview with Ray Dalio and the reality that money can’t buy immunity from loss44:18 Nicole’s recommendation to friends: therapy, even when life feels fine45:06 Tribute to her chosen sister Tracy, a friend who showed up in life-changing ways47:48 Closing thoughts: why financial self-care belongs alongside other forms of self-care4 Key Takeaways💎 Financial literacy is an essential life skill to start before you’re in crisis, as discussed in this Call Me Friend podcast interview with Daryn Kagan and Nicole Lapin.💎 Document your possessions — a quick video can save you time, money, and stress after a loss like the Palisades fire.💎 Reinvention takes courage — Nicole Lapin’s decision to leave CNBC shows that career pivots can lead to more personal and financial freedom.💎 Friendship is wealth — chosen family can be as valuable as money when building resilience and recovery plans in personal finance.About Nicole LapinNicole Lapin is a New York Times bestselling author, speaker, and host of Money Rehab, a top-rated personal finance podcast making financial literacy simple and relatable. She has appeared on CNBC, CNN, and Bloomberg, and is the author of five books, including Rich Bitch, Boss Bitch, and her newest release, The Money School. Nicole’s mission is to close the financial literacy gap by empowering people — especially women — to understand money without the jargon.Resources & LinksListen to Money Rehab: Money Rehab Podcast https://open.spotify.com/show/30PCeEKkKV8oJYfzA6TwFx?si=4e66877aadeb4930Nicole Lapin's latest book "The Money School" https://amzn.to/4oQCsgPFollow Nicole Lapin on Instagram: @nicolelapinSubscribe to the Call Me Friend podcast hosted by Daryn Kagan: Listen here https://open.spotify.com/show/5UqoVloVdABGqDb6g2rLJo?si=f35bc5e58c0245c5Keywords: Nicole Lapin, Money Rehab, financial literacy, personal finance, CNBC, debt recovery, Palisades fire, resilience, women and money, disaster preparedness, Daryn Kagan, Call Me Friend podcast, financial education, financial freedom, Boss Bitch, The Money School, celebrity friendships

Second chances, lightning strike survival, and overcoming adversity take center stage in this powerful episode of the Call Me Friend Podcast. Host Daryn Kagan welcomes Richard Rogers, a lightning strike survivor who faced death and lived to share his inspiring second chance story. Joined by Alberto, founder of West Texas Barber Academy, they share how second chances change lives and fuel missions of giving back. Just One More Foundation, founded by Richard Rogers, provides critical support to individuals like Alberto, helping him take his barber school to the next level through accreditation, barber school expansion.Richard Rogers’ lightning strike survivor story is not just about survival. It is about transformation, service, and living with purpose. His second chance became the inspiration for Just One More Foundation, where he helps others like Alberto turn personal adversity into empowerment. Alberto’s Barber School offers affordable education, barber school accreditation, and training for aspiring barbers from underserved communities. Together, Richard and Alberto show how second chances ripple through lives and communities.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How a lightning strike survivor turned adversity into a mission of giving backThe journey of West Texas Barber Academy toward accreditation and community impactWhy vocational education and trade school entrepreneurship are life-changingThe power of nonprofit support and second chance stories in underserved communitiesIf you’re looking for second chance stories, lightning strike survivor interviews, giving back inspiration, or insights into barber school accreditation and overcoming adversity, this episode is for you. Join us on the Call Me Friend Podcast for a conversation filled with heart, hope, and the power of giving back.Powered by Ms Lous Cabin- https://www.airbnb.com/h/mslouscabinKey Timestamps:(00:00) Richard Rogers survival story: “It killed me. I was laying in the bed on fire dead.”(01:00) Daryn introduces the episode and her unforgettable on air blooper(05:18) Richard recounts the 1995 lightning strike that ended and restarted his life(08:45) A 14 year-old boy performs CPR and brings Richard back from death(12:20) Richard’s hospital moment: “If I get another chance, I won’t live for me”(16:10) The birth of the Just One More Foundation: turning a second chance into service(20:30) Meet Alberto: raised without his father, finds purpose through barbering(25:01) Surprise grant moment: Alberto reacts as Just One More gifts $6,823(30:45) Alberto shares how the funds will help him get accredited and expand his school(35:40) Richard and Daryn reflect on what makes someone worth betting onKey Takeaways:Second chances can transform lives far beyond the individual, as seen in Richard Rogers’ lightning strike survivor story.The Just One More Foundation helps individuals like Alberto pursue their dreams by supporting his barber school accreditation and make education accessible.Giving back creates a ripple effect that multiplies opportunities for entire communities.Overcoming adversity requires resilience, faith, and a commitment to helping others rise.About the Guest:Richard Rogers is a lightning strike survivor who turned his miraculous second chance into a lifelong mission of service. As founder of the Just One More Foundation, Richard helps others overcome adversity and strike launch careers, including supporting Alberto’s Barber School in Lubbock, Texas. His lightning strike survivor story has inspired thousands, demonstrating how giving back transforms lives. Alberto, founder of West Texas Barber Academy, provides affordable barber education and is on a mission to gain full barber school accreditation to empower underserved communities through trade skills and entrepreneurship.Resource Links:Just One More Foundation: https://justonemorefoundation.orgRichard Rogers' Book: Resilience, Tragedy, & Tenacity: 150 Years of the U.S. Stove Story & the Family of S.L. Rogers, Sr.West Texas Barber Academy: https://wtbarberacademy.com/CallMeFriendPodcast.com – Join the conversation or leave a voicemailMiss Lou’s Cabin:airbnb.com/h/mslouscabinCall 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/3GPcicBKeywordssecond chances, lightning strike survivor, overcoming adversity, Richard Rogers, Alberto’s Barber School, barber school accreditation, Just One More Foundation, giving back, inspirational stories, comeback story, community impact, trade school success, resilience, nonprofit spotlight, faith and perseverance, vocational education, Call Me Friend Podcast, Daryn Kagan, empowering others, second chance stories, West Texas Barber Academy, lightning strike survivor story, second chance nonprofit, barber school success, giving back podcast, trade school education, overcoming adversity stories, Call Me Friend Podcast Daryn Kagan, celebrity friendships

Deborah Norville reveals the real reason she left Inside Edition after 30 years and what sparked her most unexpected career transition yet. In her most in depth and revealing conversation to date, Deborah sits down with longtime friend and fellow broadcaster Daryn Kagan to share what really happened behind the scenes. Was it truly her choice? What condition did her bosses refuse to meet? And what joyful surprise came just days after she walked away from her dream job?In this exclusive episode of Call Me Friend, Deborah opens up about what it means to truly start over, not from failure, but from strength. She reflects on the pressure of proving herself for nearly five decades, the emotional moment that brought her career full circle, and why it takes more courage to walk away from “good enough” than to rebuild after a setback. From being publicly let go during maternity leave at NBC’s Today Show to becoming the longest-running anchor in American television history, Deborah’s story is a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and self-trust.Just days after announcing her departure from Inside Edition, Deborah received life changing personal news, she’s about to become a grandmother for the first time. Now, she’s turning to listeners for help: What should her grandma name be? She’s collecting suggestions, and yours could be the one that sticks.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeThe surprising reason Deborah Norville really left Inside Edition after 30 yearHow to navigate a career transition with confidence, even when it’s unexpectedThe mindset shift Deborah used to redefine her identity beyond a job titleWhat it takes to reinvent yourself at any stage of life or careerHow gratitude became Deborah’s secret weapon for resilience and reinventionWhy walking away from “good enough” can be harder than recovering from failureHow her sudden departure led to the joyful surprise of becoming a first-time grandmaThe behind-the-scenes truth about her Today Show exit and how it shaped everything afterWhether you’re navigating a career transition, redefining your identity, or wondering what’s next, this episode is packed with wisdom, vulnerability, and the kind of inspiration only a real conversation between friends can bring.Powered by Ms Lous Cabin- https://www.airbnb.com/h/mslouscabinTimestamps(00:00) Deborah’s early moment of doubt: "You don’t belong here"(01:00) The power of proving someone wrong(02:00) Daryn’s story of being let go from CNN(03:40) Different kinds of starting over: forced vs. chosen(05:30) Why Deborah chose to leave Inside Edition(08:00) Reflecting on her career in broadcast journalism(11:30) How the Today Show exit shaped her path(14:45) The wagon wheel method: redefining who you are(18:00) Building a belief plan after career transition(21:00) Hosting a game show and coming home to Georgia(26:00) Breaking news: Deborah Norville is going to be a grandmother(28:00) How gratitude fuels a fresh startKey TakeawaysStarting over doesn’t mean failure, it can be an act of power. Deborah left Inside Edition on her own terms, showing what it means to walk away with confidence.Resilience in media careers comes from knowing your values, not just your roles. From network news to daytime television, radio, authorship, and game shows, Deborah’s journey proves that true longevity in media starts with knowing who you are, not just what job title you hold. This is especially powerful for women navigating high profile careers in journalism, broadcasting, and beyond.Broadcast journalism is evolving, and career transitions are part of longevity. Deborah’s journey from NBC to CBS to Inside Edition and now to game show host is proof that reinvention is possible at any stage.Gratitude and mindset drive sustainable success. Deborah’s belief in the power of gratitude shaped both her recovery from public setbacks and her newest life chapter.Deborah Norville is about to become a grandmother and she needs your help!!! Just days after announcing her departure, Deborah learned she’s going to be a first time grandma. She’s taking suggestions for her new “grandma name” and wants to hear your suggestions!Guest Bio: Deborah NorvilleDeborah Norville is a veteran broadcast journalist, best known for anchoring Inside Edition for over 30 years. She began her career as a college intern in Atlanta and rose to national prominence at NBC’s Today Show. A bestselling author, Emmy-winning reporter, and advocate for women in media, Deborah is also the host of a new game show, The Perfect Line, and the proud grandmother-to-be of her first grandchild.Resources & MentionsDeborah Norville Official Site: https://www.deborahnorville.comCallMeFriendPodcast.com – Join the conversation or leave a voicemailMiss Lou’s Cabin:airbnb.com/h/mslouscabinCall 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/3GPcicBKeywordsDeborah Norville, Starting over, Career transition, Broadcast journalism, Inside Edition, Women in media, Media careers, Resilience, Life after TV, Game show host, Gratitude mindset, Call Me Friend Podcast, Daryn Kagan, Personal reinvention

Two American sisters. Their mother's plea from her deathbed to finish her memoir leads them shockingly to their Nazi-linked grandfather. A Gracie Award-winning podcast. In this unforgettable Call Me Friend episode, host Daryn Kagan talks with Suzanne and Stephanie Rico about their gripping podcast The Man Who Calculated Death, exploring family legacy, Nazi Germany, and the truth hidden in a dying mother’s memoir. If you’re into family secrets, WWII history, or award winning storytelling this one’s for you.In This Episode You Will LearnHow a dying mother’s memoir sparked a deep investigation into a Nazi-linked family historyThe process of turning personal trauma and family secrets into an award-winning podcastWhat it was like for two sisters to uncover their grandfather’s role in Hitler’s weapons programThe emotional and ethical weight of confronting Holocaust history within your own lineageHow science, journalism, and sisterhood came together to reveal uncomfortable truthsThe real story behind the V-1 vengeance weapon and its ties to Nazi concentration campsWhat the Rico sisters learned about legacy, generational trauma, and redemptionBehind the scenes of creating The Man Who Calculated Death as a sister-led podcast teamWhy resilience, collaboration, and truth-telling are core to both their podcast and their healing journeyDiscover how a journalist and a scientist used podcasting to unravel their grandfather’s role in Hitler’s weapons program and what they found at a concentration camp that changed everything.Powered by Ms Lous Cabin- https://www.airbnb.com/h/mslouscabinTimestamps :(00:00) A dying wish: Finish my memoir(01:00) Meet Suzanne Rico and her Emmy-worthy storytelling (02:36) How Facebook connected two recovering journalists(05:28) Daryn discovers the powerful podcast The Man Who Calculated Death(07:00) The legacy of their grandfather’s weapon design for Hitler(08:36) Stephanie—voice memos, war stories, and Nazi archives(11:06) From memoir to podcast: how it evolved(13:12) Did their mom know they’d uncover Nazi secrets?(15:00) The weight of truth: family guilt and generational trauma(17:12) The V-1 vengeance weapon and ties to concentration camps(19:06) Sisters reflect on truth, teamwork, and emotional healing(21:42) The aunts: storytelling, survival, and sisterhood(24:00) What the Rico sisters learned about resilience(27:00) Legacy, redemption, and one powerful apology to a Holocaust survivor(30:12) Behind the scenes: How working with a sister shapes the project(34:36) Advice for sister teams launching podcastsKey Takeaways:A dying mother’s memoir launched a multi-year investigation into a family’s Nazi-linked pastSuzanne and Stephanie Rico used journalism, science, and family archives to create an award-winning podcastTheir grandfather designed Hitler’s V-1 vengeance weapon and joined the Nazi party for career survivalThe sisters’ emotional journey included confronting Holocaust survivors and family mythsSisterhood, resilience, and truth-telling are at the heart of both their podcast and their livesGuest Bios:Suzanne Rico is a former TV journalist turned podcast creator. She’s the writer, narrator, and producer of The Man Who Calculated Death, a deeply personal and award-winning exploration of her family's past.Stephanie Rico is a sustainability strategist with a background in science. Fluent in German and equally devoted to the investigation, she joined her sister on this podcast journey, helping uncover crucial documents and interviewing family members.Kallan Kagan is a creative producer and co-executive producer of Call Me Friend. With a background in storytelling, branding, and creative development, she brings a unique blend of heart and strategy to every project. As Daryn Kagan’s sister, Kallan offers a behind-the-scenes force of connection, structure, and style, helping to shape the podcast’s vision, tone, and emotional impact.Resource Links:🎧 Listen to The Man Who Calculated Death: Available on all major platforms🌐 Bonus content and photos: TheManWhoCalculatedDeath.comCallMeFriendPodcast.com – Join the conversation or leave a voicemailMiss Lou’s Cabin:airbnb.com/h/mslouscabinCall 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/3GPcicBKeywords: The Man Who Calculated Death, Suzanne Rico, Stephanie Rico, Nazi Germany, family secrets, WWII podcast, V-1 weapon, Holocaust, generational trauma, podcast sisters, memoir to podcast, storytelling, history podcast, Call Me Friend, Daryn Kagan, female podcasters, podcasting sisters, Gracie Award, redemption stories, truth telling, ww2, world war 2, Adolf Hitler

From CNN anchors to lifelong friends, Daryn Kagan and Bill Hemmer reunite to toast decades of broadcast journalism, newsroom camaraderie, and life lessons.What happens when your “arranged marriage” at work turns into a real friendship? In this heartfelt and hilarious episode of Call Me Friend, host Daryn Kagan reconnects with her former CNN co-anchor, now Fox News host, Bill Hemmer. Their candid chat explores journalism careers, behind the scenes moments as TV co-anchors, and the surprising rituals (yes, banana toast!) that kept them grounded.In This Episode You Will LearnWhat it’s really like to co-anchor a national newscast with someone you barely know and how it can spark a real-life friendshipThe banana toast ritual that brought levity and grounding to high-stakes newsroom lifeHow Bill Hemmer and Daryn Kagan navigated grief, growth, and legacy as longtime broadcast journalistsWhy “work spouse” dynamics matter and how co-anchor chemistry affects the viewer experiencePractical advice from Bill for young journalists entering media careers in today’s fast-paced environmentBehind-the-scenes stories from CNN to Fox News and the evolution of journalism careers through decades of changeWhat June 1st means to Bill Hemmer and why this date connects his past and present as a news anchorHow travel, curiosity, and lifelong learning fuel the careers and friendships of veteran TV journalistsFrom covering breaking news to navigating personal loss, and from media industry stories to cross network friendship, this episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the real people behind the news anchor stories. Expect laughter, heart, and valuable insight into how two broadcast journalism pros built a lasting bond in the spotlight and beyond.Powered by Ms Lous Cabin- https://www.airbnb.com/h/mslouscabinKey Timestamps(0:00) Daryn and Bill reflect on their chemistry as CNN anchors and their unique “arranged” friendship at work(4:06) Daryn’s bold move from reporter to TV co-anchor and sports journalist(5:12) How CNN paired them up and how this “work spouse” dynamic became iconic(6:42) The inside story of their banana toast ritual, a newsroom favorite(11:36) Bill on grief, family, and the strength it takes in journalism careers(17:42) Why June 1st is Bill’s most meaningful date as both a CNN and Fox News host(21:30) His go to advice for young journalists building media industry stories(23:12) How TV co-anchors stay grounded amid politics, pressure, and public perception(27:42) Lessons from a long career in news: the human side of broadcast journalism(30:00) How classic, tactile prep keeps Bill grounded in today’s media(31:31) Bill on wanderlust, what's next, and friendship that’s built to last(35:00) Emirates flights, travel dreams, and more real-life stories from two newsroom prosKey TakeawaysChemistry Can’t Be Faked: Real chemistry between TV co-anchors is built on true friendship at worK and shows up on screen.Mentorship That Matters: Bill shares timeless media industry stories and advice for journalism careers: ask questions, show up, play well.Grief, Gratitude, Legacy: Bill opens up about his father's passing, a moving moment from a veteran Fox News host.Curiosity Is a Career Fuel: From CNN anchors to global travelers, Bill and Daryn show how broadcast journalism evolves with purpose.About the Guest Bill HemmerBill Hemmer is one of the most respected Fox News hosts and a former CNN anchor with a decades-long legacy in broadcast journalism. Known for his thoughtful reporting and calm on-air presence, he’s navigated some of the most critical news anchor stories of our time. From his days as a TV co-anchor with Daryn Kagan to his role today, Hemmer’s journalism career exemplifies professionalism, curiosity, and authenticity. His journey offers a rare look at what it means to be both a work spouse and a newsroom trailblazer.🧰 Resources & Mentions:Bill Hemmer X- https://x.com/billhemmer?lang=enBill Hemmer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billhemmer/?hl=enCallMeFriendPodcast.com – Join the conversation or leave a voicemailMiss Lou’s Cabin:airbnb.com/h/mslouscabinCall 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/3GPcicBLet’s add link to MilesHusband Facebook page since Bill and I talk miles and points https://www.facebook.com/TheMilesHusbandKeywordsCNN anchors, Fox News hosts, TV co-anchors, broadcast journalism, journalism careers, news anchor stories, friendship at work, media industry stories, work spouse, Bill Hemmer, Daryn Kagan, behind-the-scenes journalism, banana toast ritual, veteran journalists, co-anchor chemistry