During a recent episode of the Pod Meets World podcast, former Boy Meets World co‑stars Will Friedle (49) and Danielle Fishel (45) revealed that Friedle had harbored a crush on Fishel for years, a fact she only learned on air. The conversation quickly shifted to their strained relationship with Ben Savage, who has not spoken to Friedle or Fishel in years.

Will Friedle’s Unspoken Crush on Danielle Fishel

Friedle disclosed that his feelings for Fishel surfaced while the series was still in production, but he never acted on them for fear of jeopardising the friendship that now underpins their joint podcast with Rider Strong. "I was scared a breakup would ruin everything," Friedle told the hosts, emphasizing that the potential awkwardness outweighed any romantc possibility.

Fishel reacted with surprise, noting she had never been aware of Friedle’s affection. She added that, in a parallel universe where they had married and had children, "it would have been wonderful," but she recognized the odds were not in their favor.

Rider Strong’s Past Crush on Danielle Fishel and Its Fallout

Strong, now 46, recalled his own teenage infatuation with Fishel, which she documented in a diary during the show’s run. He confirmed he was in a relationship at the time, and by the time he became single, the friendship had already soured, making any romance impossible.

The trio used the anecdote to illustrate how early‑career crushes can complicate professional dynamics,especially on a set where actors grew up together.

Ben Savage’s Estrangement: A Friendship on Hold

Friedle expressed hope that Savage, who played Cory Matthews, might eventually reconnect, stating, "I haven’t given up on our friendship despite years of silence." Both Friedle and Fishel said they have reached out but have received no response, leaving the rift unresolved.

According to the podcast, the silence has persisted for several years, and the actors have turned the platform into a space to process the disappointment and keep the dialogue open for fans.

Pod Meets World as a Healing Forum

The Pod Meets World podcast, now in its third season, serves as a venue for the cast to revisit memories, discuss unresolved issues, and provide fans with behind‑the‑scenes insight. As the hosts noted, the show alows them to "share personal anecdotes that were never made public before," offering a sense of closure for both the actors and their audience.

Fans have responded enthusiastically, indicating that the candid revelations deepen their connection to the series and its legacy.

Who Still Holds the Keys to Reconciliation?

Two specific unanswered points remain: whether Ben Savage will ever respond to Friedle’s outreach,and if the trio’s public discussions might prompt a private reconciliation. The podcast has not featured Savage, and no official statement from him has been released.

As the actors continue to navigate their post‑show lives, the lingering question is whether the bond forged on set can survive the silence that has stretched for over a decade.