Core Friends

by Carly Cassidy

Season 1

Tiktok Brought Me Best Friends feat Amanda, Brielle and Nicole

I'm joined this week by not one, not two, but three beautiful and hilarious guests: Amanda (core friend veteran), Brielle, and Nicole. Together we recall how we met and prove that one can make best friends in the comment section of social media platforms. We talk about everything under the short-lived NYC sun (come back, please!) including our struggles with burnout and how we strive to stay sane and social amidst it all. Spoiler alert- we also share a psychic. Tune in for good fortune.

S1 · E18

Apr 7, 2026

1:07:51

Connecting the Dots- Mapping the Roads that Lead to Friendship with Joshua K

Explicit

I am joined by Joshua Keay to explore the concept of friendship mapping, inspired by a Medium article he wrote in 2018 titled 'What I learned by mapping ten years of friendships.' Joshua shares his journey to New York City and the building of his social network, illustrating how connections can lead to unexpected friendships and personal growth. Listen to learn why you shouldn't bring a wingman to events and more! Check Out The Original Article Here Join the bunch on Instagram: @corefriendspod Podcast Intro- 'if tears could dance (i'll be alright) by STELLA. & pedram Cover photo- Meghan Marshall

S1 · E17

Mar 24, 2026

49:51

From the Core- Burning the Candle at Both Ends & Candle-lit Dinner Parties with Friends

Explicit

In this solo reflection, I dive into recent feelings of burnout and a decision to reduce posting frequency in order to stay balanced. I also explore what a friend's birthday dinner taught me about male friendships and a spontaneous invitation leading to serendipitous connections. Join the bunch on Instagram: @corefriendspod Podcast Intro- 'if tears could dance (i'll be alright) by STELLA. & pedram Cover photo- Meghan Marshall

S1 · E16

Mar 11, 2026

25:30

The Search for the Answer to 'How Tall Is Zohran Mamdani?' and Other Burning Questions with Ashleigh Carter

Explicit

I am joined again by Core Friend baddie, Ashleigh this week where we cover everything under the (bleak midwinter) sun. We catch up on her career journey and what's next following Teen Vogue's mass layoffs, and dive into my experiences being 'laid off' of birthday invites. We bond over our shared astrological placements with Zohran Mamdani (should we start a band?), and try to decipher if it's in our highest good when we get hit in the face by a pigeon (unfortunately based on real events). And lots more! Follow the bunch on Instagram: @corefriendspod Podcast Intro- 'if tears could dance (i'll be alright) by STELLA. & pedram Cover photo- Meghan Marshall

S1 · E12

Feb 10, 2026

1:16:23

I Was Dropped by Almost Every Sorority: My Recruitment Story

Note- This episode was originally recorded in November 2025. I am joined virtually by my college roommate Dory to reveal my experience going through rush at a large SEC school and being cut/dropped by nearly every sorority. Listen to hear what the process was like for both of us, and how it shaped our respective college experiences. We also giggle and have many side anecdotes, like that time we held a funeral for Dory's beta fish with our Golden Retriever in attendance. Skip to 17:00 to get straight to the sorority talk. Follow the bunch on Instagram: @corefriendspod Podcast Intro- 'if tears could dance (i'll be alright) by STELLA. & pedram Cover photo- Meghan Marshall

S1 · E11

Feb 3, 2026

1:38:11

Continued Fate Surfing with Yena Kim

Explicit

(Scrapping the third person until I teach Linus, my dog, to type these for me). This week I am joined again by Yena, to recap the shared fundraiser for Womankind last fall. We also discuss our 10-year age gap, and the accompanying excitement as we both prepare to head into new decades in 2026. We bring back the topic of fate surfing and dive into our experience attending OG Core Friend, Ashleigh C's birthday. Note this episode was filmed in November, but we are getting closer to the present day! Follow the bunch on Instagram: @corefriendspod Podcast Intro- 'if tears could dance (i'll be alright) by STELLA. & pedram Cover photo- Meghan Marshall

S1 · E10

Jan 20, 2026

1:18:22

Age is Just a Number- My Unexpected Friendships with Older Women

Explicit

Carly (who am I kidding, I write these) is solo this week and recounts a recent friendship that bloomed on a Christmas Day train ride. She (I) also recalls a surprise update letter received from her Friar friend/penpal featuring a table read of fun descriptions of the various Friars he lives with, Holy Moly! (that actually isn't even blamable on AI, my mind works in mysterious and unfortunate ways) Follow the bunch on Instagram: @corefriendspod Podcast Intro- 'if tears could dance (i'll be alright) by STELLA. & pedram Cover photo- Meghan Marshall

S1 · E9

Jan 13, 2026

37:32

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Core Friends

Tiktok Brought Me Best Friends feat Amanda, Brielle and Nicole

Connecting the Dots- Mapping the Roads that Lead to Friendship with Joshua K

From the Core- Burning the Candle at Both Ends & Candle-lit Dinner Parties with Friends

Losing Friends to Relationships and Mean-Girl Dynamics feat Amanda Jewell

And They Were Roommates!- Becoming Best Friends in 48 Hours with Amanda Jewell

From the Core- Building the Community vs Knocking on the Gatekeeper's Door

The Search for the Answer to 'How Tall Is Zohran Mamdani?' and Other Burning Questions with Ashleigh Carter

I Was Dropped by Almost Every Sorority: My Recruitment Story

Continued Fate Surfing with Yena Kim

Age is Just a Number- My Unexpected Friendships with Older Women