Just Friends

In this week's episode of Just Friends , Jude and Lula are joined by fellow Yalie, Tilman Phleger, for a deep-dive into the intricacies of art and… philosophy? They tackle the academic incentives behind the art major, critique culture, art’s therapeutic role in coping with trauma, and the paradoxically liberating and haunting aspects of optimistic nihilism. Plus, Tilman explains why crafting...

It’s finally summer vacation and Jude & Lula are ready to relax, reflect, and rewind. The duo take a journey down memory lane, sifting through the highs and lows of their sophomore year filled with challenges, sorrow, and oh so many lessons. Lula shares her newfound understanding of finding balance and avoiding the dangerous edge of burnout — even when it comes to her passions. Jude unpacks hi...

In this godly episode of the Just Friends pod, Jude and Lula welcome Rabbi Angela Warnick Buchdahl of Central Synagogue in New York City to delve into an awe-inspiring conversation about religion. They explore Angela's exceptional journey as an aspiring rabbi with a Korean Buddhist mother and discuss if religious people are actually happier. Plus, they consider the role music and magic play i...

In this episode of the Just Friends pod, tech bro Jude and boomer Lula plunge headfirst into the disconcerting world of artificial intelligence. Together, they discuss the opposite ways they’ve approached the AI revolution and grapple with the complex question of art's future in a world dominated by tech. The duo also reflects on the perpetual human tendency to prioritize productivity and cre...

In today's episode of the Just Friends pod, Jude and Lula are thrilled to welcome Cam Rao, the charismatic lead singer and saxophonist of Tired of Tuesday and former Whiffenpoofs member. Together, they unpack pursuing art to prove others wrong, reveal the jaw-dropping realities of touring with the Whiffenpoofs, discuss the unexpected benefits of using social media to drive creativity, and unc...

In this whirlwind of an episode, Jude and Lula tackle everything from the unseriousness of life to debating if keeping art for yourself is the ultimate selfish act. The duo also grapples with the frustration of overanalyzing life instead of simply living in the moment. To top it all off, Jude won’t shut up about his headache, and as the episode unravels, the two have a meltdown that leaves Jude on...

In this week’s dreamy episode, Jude and Lula are joined by Ngọc-Lynn (Lula’s roommate!) to explore the fascinating realm of sleep, dreams, and everything in between. From contrasting sleep schedules and bedtime routines to lucid dreaming and its impact on our perception of reality, you'll be left questioning why going to bed early is so “productive”!? Plus, Jude gets mad at Lula on air. 

In this week’s episode, Jude shares the trials and tribulations of his first summer job as the neighborhood ice cream man. From flat tires to melted inventory to turf wars with other ice cream men, Jude reveals what living his childhood dream really looked like. Plus, Lula admits to storming Laurie Santos’s house!

On today's episode, Jude and Lula are joined by Lula's young sister Esmé and her girlfriend Natalia — in other words, the smartest people they know. The four of them dive deep into everything college: the draining application process, the growing gap year craze, and how different types of colleges can help cultivate your art. Also, Esmé won't wear shoes, and Jude loves the common ap...

Jude and Lula are finally on spring break! In this episode, the duo rehashes Lorraine Hansberry’s The Sign in Sidney Brustein's Window and the intricacies that made the play so impactful (Lula wept). They rant about the endless therapeutic effects of art and wonder why they feel the need to analyze it at all. And, as always, they end with a hilariously bad game of Mind Meld that will leave yo...

This week, Jude and Lula are joined by “Walter White” to discuss the ins and outs of weed in the Ivy Leagues. From exploring the role weed plays in college students' lives to discussing the origins of his drug dealing days and the communities weed can create, this episode is sure to be a lit one. 

It's finally March! The duo (try and) celebrate the end of a challenging month as well as Jude's birthday – spoiler alert, he's not too thrilled about it. In this week's episode, Jude and Lula open up about why they hate their birthdays and their complex feelings about growing up. We hope you join us in rediscovering your inner child and remembering to thank your younger self.

Jude and Lula are joined by Courtney Brooks, the founder and owner of Soul Sweat New Haven, to share their experiences with yoga. The three discuss breathing through your lowest moments, escaping perfectionism, and turning passion into a career. Was her journey all just luck or mindset? Maybe both.  Check out Courtney Brooks and Soul Sweat!! Insta: @courtneyelizayoga Insta: @soulsweat.ct Web: soul...

Jude and Lula celebrate this Valentine's Day by digging deep into their views on monogamy (wow they’re single). Whether it’s the constant pressure to defend your relationships or the nominal probability of a successful marriage, the two discuss the absurdity of a monogamous label being the given. Plus, Lula talks about her band’s first performance and Jude went go-karting.

Best-selling author of Excellent Sheep: The Miseducation of the American Elite and the Way to a Meaningful Life and a former professor at Yale University, William Deresiewicz offers powerful insight into the drawbacks of an Ivy League education. From the ceasless compulsion to jump through hoops, to the paradox of possibility becoming limitation, to the vitality of solitude, Jude and Lula compare...

In this week's episode of Just Friends, Jude and Lula chat about why society is so obsessed with monogamy, the intricacies behind the art of bullet journaling, and the battle between journaling for the present or future self. Plus, Jude predicts which grandparent you're closer to and Lula — of course — is sick again!!

The time has finally come!!! In today's episode, Jude and Lula welcome their first guest, Samuel Getachew, to the pod. The three friends discuss gap years and transferring from Yale, the inability to hide behind your art, the poetry and modeling worlds of NYC, and why Samuel didn't talk for ten days. Check out Samuel and his work!! Instagram: @samuelgd Twitter: @samuel_sgd Web: samuelget...

Jude and Lula are determined to start the semester off strong with positive mindsets, exciting new classes, and aspiring crushes (?!). It's been a month since the dynamic duo have seen each other, so cozy up with them as they rehash their breaks and catch up on everything from crashing New Year's parties to bungee jumping. 

3… 2… 1… Happy new year!! On this special episode, Jude and Lula prepare for 2023 by sharing the 23 things they plan to bring into it. With eating more Haven Hot, not apologizing for yourself, and hot yoga for dayz, their lists are sure to get you reflecting on this funny little thing called life. We hope you laugh with us looking back at 2022 and are inspired to make your own list for the new yea...

Dating apps? Oy vey. Jude and Lula reckon with dating and hookup culture in the 21st century and the perils of existing behind a screen. Oh, and it’s way past Jude’s bedtime; good luck listeners.

On today's episode, Jude and Lula share their hot takes on greek life and exclusivity at Yale. Should parties be listed? Are coed frats the answer? Do humans just need exclusivity? Lula is brain dead from the countless shows she's in, and Jude recites an apology haiku for being a gaslighter. Oh, and Notion, please sponsor us!

Phones. Jude, the kid who lived 18 years without one, is addicted just like the rest of us. Lula shares her free-reign experience with social media, posting music and editing bikini pics as young as 12 (yikes). And the two scream about how we're all doomed.

Jude and Lula are at it again but this time ranting about secret gradens, student flims,  and being stuck in the never-ending cycle of dread (grades). Can anyone ever escape? We sure tried ... but something about them just keeps calling us back. 

Wow, Jude and Lula already manage to open the floodgates of insecurity as they discuss the intricacies of being young performance artists with complex creative processes.  With Lula's never-released childhood album "12" and Jude's Magic Castle act "Unplugged," vulnerability is the through-line. But what does it mean to be vulnerable in art? What are the costs? How do...

Welcome to Just Friends! Lula and Jude hope you’re cozied up as they introduce themselves, their antics, and everything in between. From creepy stuffed monkeys to hot takes on fall break, there’s certainly a lot to unpack here… Some say it was friendship at first sight, or maybe first fight, but either way, we look forward to spending every Sunday with you :)