Call Me Friend

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 back
• The journey of West Texas Barber Academy toward accreditation and community impact
• Why vocational education and trade school entrepreneurship are life-changing
• The power of nonprofit support and second chance stories in underserved communities

If 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.

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Key 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 on

Key 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.org
• Richard 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 voicemail
• Miss Lou’s Cabin: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

Keywords

second 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.

1. The surprising reason Deborah Norville really left Inside Edition after 30 year
2. How to navigate a career transition with confidence, even when it’s unexpected
3. The mindset shift Deborah used to redefine her identity beyond a job title
4. What it takes to reinvent yourself at any stage of life or career
5. How gratitude became Deborah’s secret weapon for resilience and reinvention
6. Why walking away from “good enough” can be harder than recovering from failure
7. How her sudden departure led to the joyful surprise of becoming a first-time grandma
8. The behind-the-scenes truth about her Today Show exit and how it shaped everything after

Whether 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.

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1. (00:00) Deborah’s early moment of doubt: "You don’t belong here"
2. (01:00) The power of proving someone wrong
3. (02:00) Daryn’s story of being let go from CNN
4. (03:40) Different kinds of starting over: forced vs. chosen
5. (05:30) Why Deborah chose to leave Inside Edition
6. (08:00) Reflecting on her career in broadcast journalism
7. (11:30) How the Today Show exit shaped her path
8. (14:45) The wagon wheel method: redefining who you are
9. (18:00) Building a belief plan after career transition
10. (21:00) Hosting a game show and coming home to Georgia
11. (26:00) Breaking news: Deborah Norville is going to be a grandmother
12. (28:00) How gratitude fuels a fresh start

1. Starting 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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!

Deborah 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.

1. Deborah Norville Official Site: https://www.deborahnorville.com
2. CallMeFriendPodcast.com – Join the conversation or leave a voicemail
3. Miss Lou’s Cabin:airbnb.com/h/mslouscabin
4. 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.
5. 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

Deborah 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.

• How a dying mother’s memoir sparked a deep investigation into a Nazi-linked family history
• The process of turning personal trauma and family secrets into an award-winning podcast
• What it was like for two sisters to uncover their grandfather’s role in Hitler’s weapons program
• The emotional and ethical weight of confronting Holocaust history within your own lineage
• How science, journalism, and sisterhood came together to reveal uncomfortable truths
• The real story behind the V-1 vengeance weapon and its ties to Nazi concentration camps
• What the Rico sisters learned about legacy, generational trauma, and redemption
• Behind the scenes of creating The Man Who Calculated Death as a sister-led podcast team
• Why resilience, collaboration, and truth-telling are core to both their podcast and their healing journey

Discover 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.

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Timestamps :

• (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 podcasts

Key Takeaways:

• A dying mother’s memoir launched a multi-year investigation into a family’s Nazi-linked past
• Suzanne and Stephanie Rico used journalism, science, and family archives to create an award-winning podcast
• Their grandfather designed Hitler’s V-1 vengeance weapon and joined the Nazi party for career survival
• The sisters’ emotional journey included confronting Holocaust survivors and family myths
• Sisterhood, resilience, and truth-telling are at the heart of both their podcast and their lives

Guest 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.com
• CallMeFriendPodcast.com – Join the conversation or leave a voicemail
• Miss Lou’s Cabin: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

Keywords:

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.

• What it’s really like to co-anchor a national newscast with someone you barely know and how it can spark a real-life friendship
• The banana toast ritual that brought levity and grounding to high-stakes newsroom life
• How Bill Hemmer and Daryn Kagan navigated grief, growth, and legacy as longtime broadcast journalists
• Why “work spouse” dynamics matter and how co-anchor chemistry affects the viewer experience
• Practical advice from Bill for young journalists entering media careers in today’s fast-paced environment
• Behind-the-scenes stories from CNN to Fox News and the evolution of journalism careers through decades of change
• What June 1st means to Bill Hemmer and why this date connects his past and present as a news anchor
• How travel, curiosity, and lifelong learning fuel the careers and friendships of veteran TV journalists

From 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.

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• (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 pros

• Chemistry 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.

Bill 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.

• Bill Hemmer X- https://x.com/billhemmer?lang=en
• Bill Hemmer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billhemmer/?hl=en
• CallMeFriendPodcast.com – Join the conversation or leave a voicemail
• Miss Lou’s Cabin: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

Let’s add link to MilesHusband Facebook page since Bill and I talk miles and points https://www.facebook.com/TheMilesHusband

CNN 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

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 Learn

• How two gay best friends turned wingmen led to a real-life love story
• The power of friendship and timing when it comes to dating after heartbreak
• Why even the lowest moments can become the turning point for something beautiful
• What it’s like dating as a single parent and blending families with grace
• How Daryn’s husband Trent rebuilt his life after loss and found love again
• Why trusting your friends might be the best relationship advice you’ll ever follow
• How a funnel cake line at a local festival sparked a second chance at love
• Real talk on single parent dating, grief, adoption, and building a life full of joy

Whether 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.

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• (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 show

• Trust 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.

Craig Pigg and Michael Prudent

Daryn’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.

• MilesHusband.com – Learn more about maximizing travel points
• Big Brother Big Sister Program – https://www.bbbs.org
• Miss Lou’s Cabin: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

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 generosity

• How a college friendship, a heartfelt letter, and a selfless act led to a life-saving kidney transplant
• Why Steve, a widower and father, chose to donate his kidney to his wife’s best friend
• The emotional journey of navigating grief, single parenting, and new beginnings
• How love, loss, and legacy shaped a blended family bonded by gratitude
• What it's like to ask for a live organ donor and the unexpected way help arrived
• Why true friendship often shows up in the most surprising and life-changing ways
• The ripple effect of compassion: how one act of generosity transformed three families
• Insights into polycystic kidney disease, post-traumatic growth, and chosen family

Whether 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.

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• (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: Kimshi

• 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.

• Learn about kidney donation: https://www.kidney.org/transplantation
• Polycystic Kidney Disease Foundation: https://pkdcure.org
• Miss Lou’s Cabin: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

Melinda 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 career
• The hidden toll of addiction, even for a high-profile, Emmy-winning journalist
• Why rehab was more than detox, and the psychiatric support that helped him heal
• How friendship shows up in hard times, and the phone call that changed everything
• What it feels like to lose your public identity and slowly rebuild from the inside out
• The role of medications like Naltrexone in supporting recovery
• Why Leon believes true redemption starts with self-reflection and radical honesty
• A powerful message for anyone struggling with addiction or thinking about making a change

Whether you're facing a tough season, supporting someone in recovery, or just need hope that reinvention is possible, this conversation is for you.

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TIMESTAMPS:

• (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.

• Learn about SMART Recovery: https://www.smartrecovery.org/
• More on Naltrexone: https://www.drugs.com/naltrexone.html
• Leon Harris LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leon-harris-095b0214/
• Miss Lou’s Cabin: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

Leon 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.

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

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 weekly 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/

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Website: https://darynkagan.com/

LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/daryn-kagan-14a6893/