Episode 4

full
Published on:

18th Jun 2025

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 toast!) that kept them grounded.

In This Episode You Will Learn

  • 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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Key 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 pros

Key Takeaways

  • 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.

About the Guest Bill Hemmer

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.

🧰 Resources & Mentions:

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

Keywords

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

Transcript

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About the Podcast

Call Me Friend
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 biweekly 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/
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Daryn Kagan