Craig Conover and Austen Kroll encountered a significant bump in their friendship and working relationship on the latest episode of Southern Charm.
“He just, like, can’t handle any f—ing constructive criticism,” Austen, 37, said about Craig, 35, during the Thursday, January 9, episode, reflecting on a heated exchange between the two a week prior.
Austen confided in their mutual friend, Shep Rose, revealing he had accused Craig of never spending time with him outside of work—including their shared “Pillows & Beer” podcast, launched in 2021—and the gym. According to Austen, Craig didn’t respond well to the criticism.
“I’m going to lower the bar, I guess,” Austen admitted, adding that he doesn’t want to stay in a “s—y” place with his former best friend.
Tensions Spill Over to Social Events
While the two remained at odds, Craig and his then-girlfriend Paige DeSorbo hosted a backyard gathering for friends, but Austen didn’t make the guest list. The event replaced a canceled birthday party for Taylor Ann Green, who scrapped her plans at the last minute.
“He’s not extending the invite to me because I told him something he didn’t want to hear,” Austen told the cameras, labeling Craig “a petty little bitch.”
Craig, in turn, expressed frustration over Austen’s behavior, telling Rodrigo Reyes that Austen had called him a “bad friend,” which didn’t sit well with him.
“I’m not going to chase you down and convince you to be my friend,” Craig said, adding that he felt he was “kinda growing out” of their frequent conflicts. (Meanwhile, Austen exclusively told Us Weekly in December 2024 that he wishes Craig had “more balance in his life,” calling him a “hermit.”)
Work Complicates Their Friendship
Later in the episode, Craig vented to Madison LeCroy about how Austen’s comments were affecting their professional dynamic, particularly with the podcast.
“He came over here and basically knocked my hustle,” Craig explained. “I’m never going back to that guy that he misses.”
Paige, who confirmed her split from Craig in December 2024, chimed in to criticize Austen for overreacting to Craig prioritizing work and their relationship over his friendship with Austen.
“What grown man goes over to another grown man’s house crying that he misses them?” Paige said.
Craig himself was baffled by Austen’s actions. “I was dumbfounded. I was like, ‘We’re not dating.’ Like, what are you talking about?” he said with a laugh.
Craig revealed that he believed their relationship was “good” and “on the same page,” but once he realized it wasn’t, he adjusted. “I recorded the podcast by myself last night,” he told Madison, explaining, “I like doing the podcast with him but not when he acts like this.”
Craig Conover and Austen Kroll
Seeking a Solution
Toward the end of the episode, Craig opened up further to Shep about how their friendship and professional relationship were intertwined.
“You and I, when we have disagreements and don’t understand each other, we can take space because there’s nothing tying us together other than our friendship,” Craig said, hinting that the podcast had become a point of contention.
Craig floated the idea of stepping back from the podcast as a potential solution. “Then how you live your life won’t annoy me. Instead of forcing ourselves.”
Shep sympathized, noting how “exhausting” it must be to juggle the friendship and podcast responsibilities. Craig admitted the “chemistry” between them had faded.
“With the podcast, he wouldn’t show up, or he’d be hungover. Just miserable,” Craig alleged. He claimed that Austen “bitched about our podcast tour” and left him to handle most of the work.
Craig elaborated, “It’s supposed to be the most fun time of the week, and I started to dread it.”
The Sewing Down South founder emphasized that he treats the podcast “as a job” and approaches it “responsibly,” while Austen allegedly “treats it as a party.”
“Maybe I’m outgrowing the arrangement we had before,” Craig concluded.
A Preview of Next Week
In a sneak peek at the next episode, Craig confronts Austen directly about their podcast troubles. “How much would I have to give you to sign papers saying, ‘Craig owns Pillows & Beer now?’” he asks.
“We’re doing this?” Austen replies, clearly stunned. “Wow.”
At the time this week’s episode aired, Craig and Austen were still cohosting their podcast and had recently partnered to open By The Way, a restaurant in Charleston.
Southern Charm airs on Bravo Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET.
