Deacons Pod: Three Catholic Deacons on ‘The Friendship Recession’

September 16, 2025

In this special episode of Deacons Pod, the Paulist Deacon Affiliates discuss “the friendship recession” – the possible change in the way adults today experience and maintain friendships, notably due to workplace changes sparked by the COVID pandemic.

During their conversation, the deacons consider how “the friendship recession” differs between men and women, as well as the role of friendships in the spiritual life and in parish life.

Two recent articles in the secular media inspired this episode. The first was an August 11 column at Fast Company by Mark Crowley called “No one has office friends anymore. Why that’s bad news for employers: How to combat the ‘friendship recession.'”

The second article was a May 25 piece in the New York Times by Sam Graham-Felsen called “Where Have All My Deep Male Friendships Gone?”

Listen now:

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