This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Chris Duffy ... Luckily, you don't need to see your friends every day ...

Chats with "casual friends" play a significant role in your well-being. ... We may have mastered Zoom meetings, but they don’t provide the opportunity for casual conversations.

When you’re feeling lonely or just want to create the vibe of hanging out with good friends, these casual conversation podcasts are the perfect comfort listens.

It began about 15 years ago, after a few music-minded friends moved up from the city. We schlepped book bags of precious vinyl and congregated around our hi-fi stereos.