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5 Jaw-Dropping Changes To The BFFs Podcast: The New Era Of Brianna Chickenfry And Josh Richards

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The "BFFs Podcast" is back, but not as you know it. Following a brief hiatus, one of the most talked-about shows in the pop-culture podcast world is making its highly anticipated return on January 8th. This comeback is not merely a new season; it’s a complete structural shift, promising a "very different" version of the show that captivated millions. The information is fresh and current as of December 19, 2025, detailing the end of one era and the launch of a bold new one for hosts Brianna "Chickenfry" LaPaglia and Josh Richards.

The changes are monumental, driven by the departure of a founding host, which has set the stage for a new dynamic. The revamped format is poised to pivot the show’s focus, moving from a contentious, three-way debate to a more intimate and in-depth look at the lives of two of the internet’s biggest content creators. Fans are eager to see how the new duo navigates the void left behind and establishes a fresh identity for the beloved Barstool Sports production.

The New BFFs Podcast Hosts: Brianna LaPaglia and Josh Richards

The "BFFs" moniker now rests squarely on the shoulders of two of the most influential figures in the digital space. The new era of the podcast will be led by the established duo of Brianna LaPaglia and Josh Richards.

Brianna “Chickenfry” LaPaglia

  • Role: Co-Host, Content Creator, Social Media Star.
  • Other Projects: Host of the highly successful PlanBri Uncut podcast.
  • Background: Rose to fame on TikTok, known for her candid, relatable, and unfiltered commentary on life, pop culture, and relationships.
  • BFFs Dynamic: Often served as the mediator and voice of the "everyperson" between the two male hosts, providing a grounded, Gen Z perspective.

Josh Richards

  • Role: Co-Host, Entrepreneur, TikTok Star.
  • Other Projects: Co-founder of the venture capital firm Animal Capital and a prominent figure in the creator economy.
  • Background: One of the original members of the Sway House, he is a veteran of the social media world and a key figure in bridging the gap between traditional media and digital content.
  • BFFs Dynamic: Known for his informed opinions on internet drama, celebrity beef, and the business side of the creator world, often clashing with Portnoy.

The Five Major Structural Changes Driving the BFFs Podcast’s Return

The most significant news surrounding the return of the BFFs Podcast is the implementation of a completely new structure. This is not a simple rebranding; it’s a fundamental overhaul of the show's identity, chemistry, and production. The following five changes are the most crucial for fans to understand as they tune into the new season.

1. The Definitive Departure of Dave Portnoy

The single biggest change is the official exit of Barstool Sports founder, Dave Portnoy. Portnoy’s presence was a defining feature of the original BFFs, providing the "old-school media" perspective and often sparking the most controversial and viral moments. His departure signifies the end of the show’s original core dynamic—the volatile, yet compelling, clash between the Barstool mogul, the TikTok star (Richards), and the social media personality (LaPaglia).

The void left by Portnoy's candid, often inflammatory takes on pop culture and internet drama will necessitate a complete shift in tone and content. The show is now fully in the hands of the younger generation, allowing it to move away from the "complex interpersonal dynamics" that occasionally overshadowed the show's main topics.

2. A Revamped Format Focused on Intimacy and Vlogging

Hosts Brianna LaPaglia and Josh Richards have hinted that the new format will be "very different," suggesting a move toward a more personal and less debate-driven structure. Early indications and previous episodes with just the duo suggest a greater focus on their individual lives, their friendship, and their shared experiences as prominent content creators.

The show is expected to incorporate more "raw" discussions, chronicling their weekly lives through a style that resembles a video log or "vlog." This shift will likely appeal directly to their core Gen Z audience, who are accustomed to consuming content that blurs the lines between personal life and public persona. The goal appears to be a deeper dive into the reality of being a high-profile influencer in the current digital landscape, rather than just reacting to headlines.

3. Commitment to In-Person Filming for Better Chemistry

A notable production change is the commitment to consistently film the podcast in person. While the original BFFs Podcast often featured all three hosts in the same room, logistical issues and Portnoy's schedule sometimes necessitated remote appearances, which can dilute the on-screen chemistry.

Brianna LaPaglia has teased glimpses of the new setup, confirming that she and Josh Richards will be together in New York City for the recordings. This seemingly small change is crucial for the new dynamic, ensuring that the banter, reactions, and overall flow of the conversation are organic and engaging. The enhanced visual element of consistent in-person filming is a major upgrade for the show's YouTube presence.

4. A Shift in Topical Authority: From Barstool to TikTok Drama

With Portnoy gone, the show’s topical authority is expected to shift entirely. The original BFFs covered a wide range of subjects, from Portnoy’s Barstool-centric business ventures and his pizza reviews to major celebrity news and TikTok drama. The new iteration will likely double down on the content that Josh Richards and Brianna LaPaglia are experts in: the creator economy, viral social media trends, and the intricacies of Gen Z pop culture.

Topics can be expected to lean heavily into the latest celebrity feuds, viral TikTok sounds, influencer controversies, and the behind-the-scenes reality of being a top-tier content creator. This laser-focus on a younger demographic’s interests will allow the show to carve out a distinct, modern niche in the crowded podcast world.

5. The New Duo Dynamic: Friendship Over Confrontation

The core chemistry of the original trio was built on confrontation, with Richards and LaPaglia often teaming up against Portnoy’s older, more traditional viewpoints. The new dynamic between Josh Richards and Brianna Chickenfry is expected to be built on their genuine friendship and shared experiences.

The show’s title, BFFs, is now more literal than ever. Fans can anticipate a more collaborative and supportive environment, where the hosts explore topics from a place of mutual understanding rather than constant debate. This structural shift from a three-person panel to a two-person co-host format is a calculated risk, betting that the audience is more invested in the personal connection between Richards and LaPaglia than the drama generated by Portnoy.

What This Means for the Future of the Podcast World

The return of the BFFs Podcast represents a significant moment in the evolution of the podcast world, particularly for shows bridging traditional media (Barstool Sports) and the creator economy. The structural shift away from a legacy media figure like Dave Portnoy and toward two young, digital-native hosts like Brianna LaPaglia and Josh Richards signals a clear direction for the future of viral content.

By focusing on a revamped format, consistent in-person filming, and a hyper-focus on Gen Z pop culture, the new BFFs is aiming to solidify its position as the definitive source for internet culture commentary. The January 8th return will be a litmus test for whether the show's success was tied to the controversial Portnoy or the compelling chemistry of its younger hosts. Regardless, the new era promises to be essential listening for anyone tracking the pulse of social media and the world of content creators.

bffs podcast returns with big changes
bffs podcast returns with big changes

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