The BFFs Podcast is making its highly anticipated return on January 8, with a fresh new approach that co-host Brianna “Chickenfry” LaPaglia says will be “very different” from previous seasons. The podcast, which originally featured Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy, will now be helmed by LaPaglia and Josh Richards, marking a new chapter for the show.
In a TikTok video posted on January 7, LaPaglia teased the upcoming changes for listeners, hinting at a shift in format and a more interactive, multimedia style. “It’s just so different. We’re doing mixed media now,” LaPaglia explained, giving fans a glimpse of the revamped structure for the first episode. “In the beginning of every episode of BFFs, we are doing an activity, and then we go into all of our segments.”
The new direction includes activities that LaPaglia described as “fun” and “interactive.” One segment will see Richards teaching LaPaglia how to golf, while another features a lie detector test. Another quirky addition involves a “wheel” with whipped cream, a segment that LaPaglia joked still had remnants stuck in her nose from filming. “It’s just so fun,” she added enthusiastically.
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In addition to the new format, LaPaglia highlighted the decision to film the podcast in person, another significant change from past episodes. “That’s the thing about the new BFFs. We want to do everything in person,” she said, revealing that she would be spending a week in Los Angeles to film episodes with Richards every day.
LaPaglia also expressed her intention to keep the podcast as raw and unfiltered as possible, emphasizing her desire not to cut anything from the episodes. “I’m not cutting anything. I made like one edit because the audio was a little weird, and I just hope Josh doesn’t cut anything,” LaPaglia said, acknowledging the creative tension that comes with collaborating on the show. “I don’t have that power over him. It’s more so like he does what he wants, I’ll do what I want,” she added, laughing nervously about the uncertainty.
While she may not have complete editorial control, LaPaglia seemed excited about the collaborative nature of the show, teasing that it would bring out a more spontaneous, unfiltered side of both her and Richards. “Josh, don’t cut anything,” she concluded, urging her co-host to give fans the full experience. “Give the people what they want.”
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The return of BFFs marks the first episode since Portnoy’s departure from the show, which he co-hosted with Richards beginning in 2020. LaPaglia joined the podcast later that year, after hosting her own podcast, PlanBri Uncut. In December, Portnoy announced his exit from the show, with his final episode titled “Dave Portnoy Says Goodbye to BFFs” released on December 18. “It’s been a great run… have a great life everybody,” Portnoy said in his farewell message.
For LaPaglia, returning to podcasting after a brief break has been a welcome change. “I haven’t talked in a podcast in like, how long?” she said in the TikTok, before joking that her short hiatus only lasted a couple of weeks. Still, LaPaglia admitted that it felt like a lifetime to her, as she’s accustomed to the nonstop pace of podcasting. “I have had three podcast episodes a week for the past five years,” she said. “It’s so nice and fun and good to be back at it. I’m just so excited I can’t sleep over it.”
Despite her excitement, LaPaglia took a moment to reflect on the importance of the BFFs podcast and her eagerness to get back to work. “I’m excited about it and I haven’t been excited about something in so long,” she admitted.
The shift in format and co-hosts represents a significant change for the podcast, and fans are eager to see how the chemistry between LaPaglia and Richards evolves in the wake of Portnoy’s departure. With the promise of new activities, engaging segments, and a more raw and uncut style, the return of BFFs is sure to bring fresh energy to the podcasting landscape.
