While the Dying Out Loud team is on a short break, we are re-releasing our most streamed episode of 2025—a conversation that clearly struck a chord with all of you. In this deeply personal episode, Kris sits down with his close friend and colleague, Jesse Perez.

Jesse opens up about the heartbreaking loss of his best friend, Kendra, to throat cancer and shares his biggest regret: allowing "life" to get in the way of their friendship for five years before her diagnosis. Together, Kris and Jesse discuss the power of authentic friendship, how to stop "tiptoeing" around a cancer diagnosis , and why sometimes a simple meme can mean more than a grand gesture. This episode is your invitation to pick up the phone, send the text, and "say the damn thing" today.

In this special holiday release of Dying Out Loud, Kristopher reunites with Mandi Botic, a friend whose loyalty has spanned nearly 20 years and multiple zip codes, from Kansas City to New York and LA.

For the first time in three years, Kristopher and Mandi see each other face-to-face. Together, they take a trip down memory lane, revisiting the "trauma bond" that started it all, wild nights at Missy B’s, and the infamous taxi ride they’ll never forget.

Listen in as Kristopher reads a moving letter to Mandi, thanking her for being a steady presence through life’s biggest transitions. With a real-life reunion planned for this Christmas, this episode is a beautiful reminder that true friendship defies distance.

Key Takeaway: The holidays are the perfect time to reach out. Don't let time or distance stop you from reconnecting.

Kris welcomes his longtime friend Nickie Gibbs to discuss how a workplace friendship turned into a decade-long bond that helped him survive his first cancer diagnosis. They discuss:

• 
  The "Platform" Days: How high-stress jobs forged a family-like bond.
• 
  Servant Leadership: Lessons on leading with heart in business and life.
• 
  Showing Up: Why effort is the secret ingredient to long-distance friendship.
• 
  The Letter: Kris reads a personal letter of gratitude to Nickie.

Challenge: After listening, text that friend you haven't spoken to in a while and tell them you love them.