If this newsletter feels a little different, that's because it is. My name is Isabella Romeu, and I'm a Podcast Strategy intern at NPR. 🤗
Earlier this month, I celebrated my 22nd birthday surrounded by my girlfriends. At midnight, they surprised me at my apartment, bearing gifts, hugs and sweet treats. I haven't known these girls for a long time, but I now see that girlfriends are committed to showing up for you in small but special ways.
This episode of Up First helped me see how friends can show up for you in big ways, too. Host Ayesha Rascoe talks to NPR's Rhaina Cohen about her book, The Other Significant Others, which challenges the idea that romantic relationships are the only relationships capable of meaningful, lifelong commitment. In the conversation, Ayesha shares that she recently moved in with her best friend Jasmin, and together they co-parent their children under one roof.
I felt warm and fuzzy listening to this episode, knowing I also have such incredible women in my life. I don’t know if my life will ever look like Ayesha’s and Jasmin’s, but I am excited to see where life takes me and my girls.
To friendship, 🥂 Isabella
The week’s best episodes
…to share with your ride-or-dies.
📍 Find My, Find Me
Sharing your location used to feel invasive (Life360 kids, tap in). Now, not so much. On It’s Been A Minute, host Brittany Luse breaks down the social etiquette of location sharing and why Gen Z is all in on it. Sometimes you just want to see if your bestie is on the way home so you know if it’s time to reheat the fries.
🗓️ Save the Date
Growing up has taught me that adult friendships come with A LOT of scheduling conflicts. But this episode of Life Kit shows that long-lasting friendships survive busy lives, missed texts and changing priorities. One tip: try not taking it personally when plans fall through.
🌸’Til the End of the Road
On Fresh Air, Maureen Corrigan reviews Ann Packer’s novel, Some Bright Nowhere. The protagonist, Claire, receives a terminal diagnosis and tells her husband she wants to spend her final days with her girlfriends. It’s a tender reflection on devotion, chosen family, and the reassurance that comes with having women as your lifelines.
➕Mrs. Matchmaker
In this bonus episode of Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me!, comedian Tiffany Haddish reveals that her friends consider her to be the ultimate wingwoman. Her best match? Jane Fonda and her latest lover. To get sponsor-free listening, sign up for NPR+
One to Watch
In this candid conversation, actor Jamie Lee Curtis chats with Wild Card’s Rachel Martin about pushing back against Hollywood’s unrealistic beauty standards, embracing aging on her own terms, and cereal. And surprise, surprise, Curtis never wanted to pursue acting.
@wildcard/YouTube
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