The Great Friendship Escape: How We Keep Our Bond Alive from Miles Away
Back in 2008, I found myself attending college and holding down a part-time gig at Applebee's. Little did I know that I'd meet two guys—Ramzi Hamady and Anthony Francisco—who would become more like brothers than friends. Over a decade later, the three of us now live in three different states, yet our bond has only gotten stronger. In this post, I want to share how we've kept our friendship alive despite the miles, the time zones, and the occasional desperation to start a bowling league in our golden years. (That's a joke, but not entirely.)
First, let me paint the picture. Ramzi is an attorney based in Utah, Anthony Francisco is a touring musician in California, and I roam around Washington and Oregon, juggling everything from entrepreneurial ventures to podcasting—basically everything that keeps life interesting (and my calendar full). Through countless changes in career paths and personal goals, we've had to figure out how to stay close despite not being able to just knock on each other's doors. The answer? Turns out it's an odd brew of humor, humility, and an almost psychic ability to tell when someone's about to slip up a single syllable—because yes, we will roast each other for the tiniest stutter.
Humor as Our Anchor
From the start, laughter has been our friendship's secret sauce. Anytime one of us tries to come across as too accomplished, too heroic, or too "I've got life figured out," the other two swoop in to remind him that he's still the guy who mispronounced "photo synthesis" in front of a crowd back in college. It's sarcastic, a bit savage, and absolutely keeps our egos in check. But more importantly, it reminds us that no matter our wins, we're all equals—just a band of brothers who'd sooner tease each other than let arrogance take root,
What I've Learned from an Attorney
Ramzi's day job might make you assume he's busy yelling "Objection!" in court or locked away writing legal briefs 24/7. In reality, he's taught me more about accountability and consistency than I ever expected. Watching him navigate the legal world—full of big egos and cutthroat tactics—helped me see the importance of being honest with yourself. Ramzi always says you either bring your real self to the table, or you'll pretty much starve. That honesty carries over into our bond: we keep it real about struggles and successes, and none of us tries to hide behind pride or false positivity. Also, hearing Ramzi share complicated legal jargon has basically transformed our inside jokes into mock court sessions. We're all over here cross-examining each other's random life decisions, and somehow, it works.
That Time Anthony Almost Took a Job at a Jail
If you want a perfect example of how unpredictable life can be, look no further than my pal Anthony Francisco's resume. Nowadays, he tours the world as a pro musician, dropping notes onstage for thousands of fans. But once upon a time, he tried to land a job as a corrections officer. In one of his interviews, he was asked what he'd do if he encountered an inmate who might be "faking" hanging himself. Without skipping a beat, Anthony acted out the scenario—complete with one eye cracking open to scope the guard's next move. The interviewers apparently found it hilarious…and maybe also terrifying. Let's just say, he did not get the job offer. But that situation, ironically, nudged him back toward music, and the rest is history—and a lot of sold-out shows he never would have played if he'd been patrolling lockup. Talk about dodging a bullet (or a nightstick)!
Chemistry, Not Coincidence
The three of us often talk about "chemistry," that intangible vibe that lets you pick up the phone after weeks of silence and greet one another like no time has passed. Sure, you can't force it—but you can nurture it. That means being open-hearted about life changes. We've all shifted career tracks, changed our outlook on certain things, and grown in different directions. Yet we give each other grace to evolve. We're not pinned down to who we were ten years ago—at least until one of us tries to brag. Then we break out the comedic big guns and tease each other back into reality.
Judgment vs. Being a Jerk
Yes, we absolutely judge each other, but not in a "condemn to the netherworld" sense. The difference is we follow up with actual support. We've had times where one person brings up a new plan—like a crazy business idea or a last-minute pivot—and the rest will say, "That might be a train wreck." And if it is, guess what? We're still here, ready to help you piece the wheels back together. Because real friendship means you can lay out tough truths, but you also help each other grow right after you finish pointing out every last flaw.
Gassing Each Other Up…Properly
If there's anything we can't stand, it's "friends" who only show support once your project is popular enough to be cool. If your buddy is starting a new business—or launching a podcast, for instance—just buy the product. Share the episode. Tell your neighbors about it, or at least your cat. It doesn't matter if it's the next big thing or if it fizzles in six months. One act of genuine support sticks with people forever. The three of us have learned that it takes very little time or energy to remind somebody that their efforts matter. Being the first to show that love can mean more than any praise they'll get down the line from strangers.
The Power of Openness and Escape
For me, connecting with my guys provides an escape from the daily grind. It's that place of absolutely no judgment (except playful jabs) where I can show up, say I'm overwhelmed, and leave with either heartfelt advice or a brand-new comedic story at my expense. Humor and honesty co-exist beautifully here. Sometimes, you just need to be around people who know you fully—failings and triumphs, high notes and flat ones—so you remember that life is more than that new gig you're obsessing over.
Wrapping Up: Three Gratitudes and a Smile
My day-to-day can get crazy, but I keep my sanity here by counting out a few small things I'm grateful for. If you've got that friend who's been around for a minute—even if they're on the other side of the planet—shoot them a message. Let them know you appreciate them for sticking around. And if you two happen to bond over snarky commentary, well, that's just further proof your friendship is built to last.
Where You Can Find Us
• I'm Anthony Thomas, and you'll probably catch me most easily on Instagram at @anthonythomas33. I answer messages, so drop by and say hey.
• My man Anthony Francisco is on Instagram at @anthonyfranciscomusic. If you need epic soundtrack vibes or just want to talk shop, he's your guy.
• Ramzi might be quieter on social, but you can find him at @jrhamdy08. If you see any legalese or random references to obscure court cases, you'll know you're in the right place 😉
That's our rundown on keeping friends close no matter the distance. Let me know what resonated with you—and, of course, feel free to share your funniest or weirdest "job interview gone wrong" moments. Nothing brings people closer than a solid laugh (and maybe a little self-inflicted embarrassment along the way).