
Hosted by Daryn Kagan · EN

What do gay boyfriends, heartbreak, and funnel cake have in common? They led to a real-life love story about friendship, second chances, and finally finding a husband.This friendship podcast and love story podcast dives into dating after heartbreak, single parent dating, and the surprising ways connection can show up when you least expect it.In this episode of Call Me Friend, host Daryn Kagan shares how her longtime friends Craig and Michael—her hilarious, devoted gay best friends—became unexpected matchmakers. Through heartfelt conversations about love, loss, and second chances, Daryn reveals how their wingman instincts set her up to meet Trent, the man who would become her husband.What began as a tough weekend turned into a real love story when a funnel cake line at a local festival sparked a connection that changed everything. This heartwarming friendship podcast episode is about trusting your friends, embracing the unexpected, and believing in love again even if you thought you’d given up.At its core, this is more than just a dating story—it’s about the connection between friends who see you clearly, the conversations that encourage you to keep going, and the moments that lead to a life you never imagined.In This Episode You Will LearnHow two gay best friends turned wingmen led to a real-life love storyThe power of friendship and timing when it comes to dating after heartbreakWhy even the lowest moments can become the turning point for something beautifulWhat it’s like dating as a single parent and blending families with graceHow Daryn’s husband Trent rebuilt his life after loss and found love againWhy trusting your friends might be the best relationship advice you’ll ever followHow a funnel cake line at a local festival sparked a second chance at loveReal talk on single parent dating, grief, adoption, and building a life full of joyWhether you’re navigating single life, dating as a single parent, or trying to trust the timing of your own story, this heartwarming episode of Call Me Friend is a must listen.Powered by Ms Lous Cabin- https://www.airbnb.com/h/mslouscabinTimestamps(00:00) Daryn’s dating struggles and friendships(01:18) The “thank you” call that sparked the story(02:00) Craig and Michael’s matchmaking success(07:00) Why Daryn was feeling low that weekend(08:54) The funnel cake encounter that changed everything(13:12) Trent’s version of meeting Daryn(19:34) When Michael stepped in to follow up(25:01) Single dad dating dynamics and family blending(26:28) From coffee to marriage and adopting a daughter(34:22) How a travel points obsession became a shared lifestyle(43:05) Heidi’s marriage story from a wedding introduction(44:59) How to shout out your own friends on the showKey TakeawaysTrust your friends—they might spot the right person before you do.The right timing sometimes starts with heartbreak.Single parents deserve lasting, meaningful love too.Even a funnel cake line can change your life.Guest BiosCraig Pigg and Michael PrudentDaryn’s close friends who’ve been together for over 30 years. Their support, humor, and intuition helped Daryn meet her future husband, and their story shows the power of enduring friendships.Trent (Daryn’s Husband) A devoted single father raising his daughter after losing his first wife. Trent shares how he found love again and built a blended family—with miles, funnel cakes, and a whole lot of heart.Resources and MentionsMilesHusband.com – Learn more about maximizing travel pointsBig Brother Big Sister Program – https://www.bbbs.orgMiss 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:love story podcast, dating after heartbreak, finding a husband, friendship podcast, gay best friends, single parent dating, Daryn Kagan podcast, Call Me Friend podcast, miles husband, real love stories

They were both widowed young, left to raise children alone, carry the weight of grief, and somehow start again. But through love and one selfless act, a butterfly effect of friendship and connection reshaped three families forever.This friendship podcast and organ transplant story explores how kidney donation, grief recovery, and resilience brought people together in ways no one could predict. Through heartfelt conversations, host Daryn Kagan shares how Kim and Steve—both widowed young, navigating grief recovery as single parents—found love again after tragedy and built a new blended family rooted in connection.Just as they were finding their rhythm, a letter arrived from Kim’s longtime Stanford friend Melinda, who was facing polycystic kidney disease and urgently needed a live donor transplant. Kim was ready to step forward, but in a twist that deepened their bond, it was Steve—her new husband—who turned out to be the perfect match. His decision to donate a kidney didn’t just save Melinda’s life, it gave her children more time with their mom and forever connected three families in gratitude.In this friendship podcast episode, you’ll hear the real-life story of resilience, love, and the ripple effect of kindness. These powerful conversations show how true friendship often shows up in surprising, life-changing ways. At its heart, this is a story about connection—between college friends, between grieving families, and between strangers who became chosen family through an act of radical generosityIn This Episode You Will LearnHow a college friendship, a heartfelt letter, and a selfless act led to a life-saving kidney transplantWhy Steve, a widower and father, chose to donate his kidney to his wife’s best friendThe emotional journey of navigating grief, single parenting, and new beginningsHow love, loss, and legacy shaped a blended family bonded by gratitudeWhat it's like to ask for a live organ donor and the unexpected way help arrivedWhy true friendship often shows up in the most surprising and life-changing waysThe ripple effect of compassion: how one act of generosity transformed three familiesInsights into polycystic kidney disease, post-traumatic growth, and chosen familyWhether you are interested in stories of medical miracles, inspired by real life heroes, or navigating blended families after loss, this powerful conversation will stay with you long after it ends. It is proof that one act of compassion can echo for generations.Powered by Ms Lous Cabin- https://www.airbnb.com/h/mslouscabinTIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Steve reflects on why he volunteered for a kidney donation that changed three families(01:20) Daryn sets the stage for this friendship podcast with a college reunion story(03:30) Introducing Melinda and her Stanford connection in this organ transplant story(05:21) Melinda opens up about her polycystic kidney disease diagnosis(07:12) Writing the letter to ask for a live kidney donor(09:30) Kim receives the letter and begins her journey of grief recovery and helping a friend(10:54) Kim and Melinda’s college roommate connection(13:00) Kim’s story of loss, single parenting, and building a blended family(15:06) Steve’s journey through grief after losing his first wife(17:00) How Steve and Kim met and became part of this real life heroes story(22:00) Deciding together who will be the kidney donor for Melinda(24:45) Friendly competition: whose kidney is the best match(26:30) The emotional night before the live organ transplant(28:00) Post-op transformation: Melinda’s recovery and new life after kidney donation(30:44) How do you say thank you for a kidney and a second chance at life(34:00) Post-traumatic growth, chosen families, and the ripple effect of compassion(39:38) Phone a Friend: KimshiKEY TAKEAWAYS:True friendship is showing up especially when it’s inconvenient, complicated, or uncertain.Live organ donation is an act of radical generosity with long-lasting impact.Shared grief and resilience can create unbreakable bonds between friends and families.There’s power in asking for help and in the beautiful surprises that follow when we do.RESOURCE LINKS:Learn about kidney donation: https://www.kidney.org/transplantationPolycystic Kidney Disease Foundation: https://pkdcure.orgMiss 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/3GPcicBGUEST BIOSMelinda Myers Cook – A Stanford alum and longtime community volunteer, Melinda faced a life-threatening illness with grace, courage, and a rare gift for friendship. Her story is one of vulnerability, resilience, and hope.Kim Laughton – A lifelong friend of Melinda and fellow Stanford grad, Kim faced her own deep loss as a widow and single mother. Her decision to step forward in Melinda’s time of need is a reflection of the heart she brings to every relationship.Steve Maupin– Kim’s husband and kidney donor to Melinda. After losing his first wife to cancer, Steve’s act of donating a kidney is a powerful example of compassion, perspective, and purpose-driven living.TAGS:Kidney Donation, Organ Transplant Story, Polycystic Kidney Disease, Live Donor Transplant, Stanford Alumni, Grief Recovery, Friendship Podcast, Blended Families, Medical Miracles, Call Me Friend Podcast, Daryn Kagan, Inspirational Podcast, Resilience, Emotional Healing, Real Life Heroes

Leon Harris on Addiction, Recovery & Redemption. In the powerful premiere of Call Me Friend, Emmy-winning anchor Leon Harris sits down with host and former CNN co-anchor Daryn Kagan for his first interview since the very public incident last November that ended his TV news career. This raw, redemptive conversation dives deep into what it means to fall hard, heal deeply, and be truly seen by a friend who doesn’t flinch.From their days breaking national news together—including 9/11 coverage—to Leon’s spiral into alcoholism and his very public exit from the anchor desk, this episode is a powerful reminder of the strength found in friendship, the courage it takes to recover, and the power of a well-timed phone call.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:What really happened during the incident that ended Leon Harris’ TV news careerThe hidden toll of addiction, even for a high-profile, Emmy-winning journalistWhy rehab was more than detox, and the psychiatric support that helped him healHow friendship shows up in hard times, and the phone call that changed everythingWhat it feels like to lose your public identity and slowly rebuild from the inside outThe role of medications like Naltrexone in supporting recoveryWhy Leon believes true redemption starts with self-reflection and radical honestyA powerful message for anyone struggling with addiction or thinking about making a changeWhether you're facing a tough season, supporting someone in recovery, or just need hope that reinvention is possible, this conversation is for you.Powered by Ms Lous Cabin- https://www.airbnb.com/h/mslouscabinTIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Leon Harris describes the incident that ended his TV career(01:15) Daryn introduces the friendship behind the scenes at CNN(03:30) Leon's move to Washington and rising local fame(07:30) The on-air incident and aftermath(10:00) Struggles with alcoholism and losing self-awareness(13:42) Going to rehab and a pivotal ride to recovery(17:12) Costly commitment: paying out-of-pocket for healing(20:30) The medications that helped his recovery(23:00) When NBC said no: the moment he realized it was over(26:00) The difference this time: honest self-reflection(28:24) Making peace with his past and his father(32:45) A message to anyone afraid to make the call(33:00) What true friendship sounds like(37:22) Call from Joy KEY TAKEAWAYS:Addiction is progressive—Leon lost his sense of self even as a seasoned anchor.Rehab is more than detox—it was deep psychiatric and emotional healing that made the difference.Friendship truly makes a difference—Daryn’s call to Leon is a masterclass in showing up when it counts.You can start over—Leon’s story shows that purpose can rise from public failure.RESOURCE LINKS:Learn about SMART Recovery: https://www.smartrecovery.org/More on Naltrexone: https://www.drugs.com/naltrexone.htmlLeon Harris LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leon-harris-095b0214/Miss 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/3GPcicBAbout the Guest Leon HarrisLeon Harris is a multiple Emmy Award–winning journalist known for his decades-long career at CNN and NBC Washington. A trusted anchor, Harris covered major historical events including 9/11 alongside Daryn Kagan. After publicly battling alcoholism and stepping away from broadcasting, he is now focused on recovery, community work, and redefining his life outside the news studio. TAGS:Leon Harris, Daryn Kagan, Call Me Friend Podcast, Addiction Recovery, Alcoholism, Rehab Journey, TV News Anchor, Mental Health, Friendship Podcast, SMART Recovery, Naltrexone, Life After TV, Sobriety Stories, Emmy Winner, Redemption Journey