Ep 11: Sobriety & Second Chances: Scottie Bowman’s Amazing Pay it Forward Story

Addiction recovery and second chances aren’t easy, but Scottie Bowman proves they’re possible. In this episode of Call Me Friend, Daryn Kagan calls her friend Scottie to share how she went from a 12-day drug and alcohol binge on the streets of Atlanta to 24 years of sobriety. Today, Scottie is not only a successful entrepreneur and restaurant owner in Chattanooga, but also the founder of The Launchpad, a nonprofit creating sober living houses for women in recovery. Her journey

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Ep 10: Overcoming Tourette Syndrome, Trauma, & Triumph: CBS News’ David Begnaud on Friendship, Resilience, & Storytelling

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

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Ep 8: From CNBC to Money Rehab: Nicole Lapin’s Story of Financial Resilience & Rebuilding After Loss

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

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Ep 5: Sisters, Secrets & The Nazi Past: Uncovering The Man Who Calculated Death

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. Discover how

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Ep 4: TV Co-Anchors to Lifelong Friends: Bill Hemmer & Daryn Kagan Reunite

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

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Ep 2: Young Widower Saves the Life of New Wife’s College Roommate

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 set off a butterfly effect that would forever reshape three families. Kim and Steve, both widowed in their 30s and raising young kids, found love again after unthinkable loss. Just as they began building a new life together, a letter arrived from Kim’s college friend Melinda. She was in urgent need of a kidney

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Ep 1: From TV Fame to Rock Bottom: 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

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Meredith Vieira Show Features Daryn And “Hope Possible”

A huge, “Thank you!” to Meredith Vieira and her staff for hosting me on her daytime talk show. They truly gave me the star treatment. My own dressing room with snacks! Hair, make up, and a really long segment talking about my new book, “Hope Possible.” We talked about losing my job at CNN, reinventing my career. We also talked about finding love and becoming a mom. The staff was kind enough to take a couple of the topics and

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My HLN Interview: I Can Go Home Again!

Feeling so grateful to my professional family at HLN, first cousins to CNN. The beautiful Christi Paul invited me to come talk about reinventing my career, finding love and becoming a mom. The producers also found a ton of clips from my CNN career. Those moments seem like yesterday and another life. Just in case you missed the segment, here it is. If you want to see more about “Hope Possible,” you can find it here. Available in both print and

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WXIA-TV Hope Possible: Former CNN Anchor’s Life of Reinvention

Thank you, Jaye Watson and WXIA-TV for such a beautiful piece! Though, Pisa, my crazy, 3-legged cat still complaining. She feels she deserved more screen time. But then, Pisa thinks she deserves more everything.     If you’re looking for an uplifting book, written in really short chapters, please check out Daryn’s new book, “Hope Possible: A Network News Anchor’s Thoughts On Losing Her Job, Finding Love, A New Career, And My Dog, Always My Dog.”  

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