From deep chats to inside jokes, these friendship-themed shows are exactly what we need right now.
– KEYS SOULCARE
We know, nothing can replace being with your friends IRL. But, in a time when so many people are separated from their squad, a great podcast can make your inner circle feel a lot closer. Read on for five insightful, honest, and downright hilarious podcasts we’re loving right now. Go ahead, have a listen and share them with your besties.
1. Call Your Girlfriend
Co-hosted by real-life best friends Ann Friedman and Aminatou Sow, this podcast is dedicated to “long distance besties everywhere.” (Psst… the duo recently published a book, Big Friendship, which is an ode to the kind of creative dynamic it takes to keep work partnerships thriving.) Tune in for episodes about food and land justice, rituals for “leveling up,” and ways to entertain yourself — and connect with loved ones — when you’re spending most of your time at home. | Listen here, follow them on Instagram at @callyrgf, and sign up for their newsletter here.
2. The Friend Zone
The Friend Zone is part-comedy hour, part-heartfelt, bestie check-in — not to mention a fave listen of lightworker and Keys Soulcare contributor, Tomi Akitunde. Host trio Dustin Ross, HeyFranHey, and Assante tackle topics like mental hygiene, self-care, relationship deal-breakers, and their “highs” and “lows” of each week. | Listen here, and follow them on Twitter at @FriendZonePod.
3. Dear Sugars
Co-hosted by Wild author Cheryl Strayed, this advice podcast offers an empathetic, judgement-free zone to talk about relationship dynamics and uncomfortable conversations. From being ghosted to tough money talks with loved ones (and even an Oprah cameo or two), each listen will leave you feeling a little less “out there” and a lot more connected to your voice. (Can’t get enough of Dear Sugars? Check out the New York Times column the podcast is based on!) | Listen here and email your q’s to dearsugars@nytimes.com.

4. Conan Needs a Friend
Each week, the comedian, writer, and late night TV show host chats life, self-confidence, and more with celebrity guests. Think: brainstorming a motorcycle buddy tour with Hillary Clinton or swapping “Saturday Night Live” memories and dad advice with Kenan Thompson. (Yep, it’s even funnier than it sounds.) | Listen here and follow them on Instagram @teamcocopodcasts.
5. 2 Dope Queens
Not surprisingly, the priceless friendship… that became a hit podcast… that also became an HBO Specials series is still so, so good. We recently re-listened to our fave episodes, which features forever-First-Lady Michelle Obama, multi-hyphenate creative and community organizer Ilana Glazer, writer Jessi Klein, and more. | Listen here and catch their latest specials here.
Which of our recs felt most like you and your closest crew? Share any podcasts we didn’t mention in the comments!