Advertise on podcast: The Progress Girls

We owe the women of the 2000s a MASSIVE apology. But first: we talk about the passing of Presley Gerber and why addiction doesn’t discriminate, Whitney’s adventures with internet trolls, Madison’s tips for surviving the comment section, and our slightly unhinged but hysterical post-recording psychic adventure.  Then we revisit the era that gave us low-rise jeans, “bikini body” headlines, virginity questions and nationally televised conversations about women’s boobs. We break down how celebrity culture turned women’s bodies, relationships and breakdowns into public property—and the psychology behind what watching all of it taught an entire generation of girls. Turns out, the tabloids didn’t just teach us how to judge famous women. They taught us how to judge ourselves.

We’re officially back in the studio—and apparently we had a lot to discuss. We laugh our way through the beginning as Madison recounts how she somehow went completely mute during our live show, while Whitney overshares exactly how her morning went. We talk RHONY, Furious, Careless People, aggressively straight hairdressers, and implementing HIPAA on our podcast—which, turns out, is not a thing. Then we get into why getting back into a routine feels SO hard—and why structure eventually makes life feel easier. The takeaway: you don’t need to get your whole life together. You just need a few things to become predictable again. Welcome back to the studio. We’re getting back into the swing of things… allegedly.

Our first-ever LIVE SHOW!  Fair warning: the audio is giving “you had to be there,” but the conversation was too good not to share. We’re talking fashion, identity, dopamine dressing, comparison culture, and the psychology behind why what we wear can change how we feel. Because personal style isn’t about trends—it’s about dressing like the version of YOU you’re becoming. Progress, not perfection. Even in your closet.  Huge shout out to Simkhai in Soho!

We made it, TPG girly pops—welcome to the final episode of Season One! This week, we’re asking: Why does January get all the credit as the only time to set goals and manifestations? We’re treating the end of summer like a second New Year’s, breaking down the difference between manifestations and goals, why revisiting them throughout the year actually increases your chances of achieving them, and how small reminders can lead to big life changes. Madison breaks down the difference between Gabby Bernstein‘s method and the to be magnetic method. Plus, we’re debating why pumpkin spice (and Halloween decorations) always seem to arrive way too early, chatting about Madison‘s upcoming trip to France and sharing an unexpected Canal Street moment that restored Whitney’s faith in humanity—while Madison remains unconvinced and still can’t stand the Canal Street chaos. Thanks for spending Season One with us. We’ll see you in Season Two

Summer is almost over, so we’re talking about why that can feel surprisingly emotional. This week, we unpack the myth of the “perfect summer,” why FOMO is usually about identity—not missing the actual party—and how to reset before fall without the guilt. We also chat about Harry Styles canceling a concert (and why fans take it so personally), the rise of “Sad Girl Summer,” the psychology of romanticizing heartbreak, Whitney’s thriving garden era, and Madison’s upcoming French escape. Equal parts therapy session and pop culture catch-up, this episode will help you close out summer feeling a little lighter—and a lot less like you wasted it.

Welcome to The Progress Girls!

In Part Two of our plastic surgery series, we’re answering community questions about cosmetic surgery through the lens of mental health—from knowing if you’re doing it for the right reasons to managing pre-surgery anxiety, choosing a surgeon, navigating body image, relationships, aging, and self-worth. We also discuss why confidence and happiness aren’t always the same thing, and how to make decisions that align with your values instead of trends. Plus, in Chit Chat: the rise of AI-generated wellness influencers, why Miami has surpassed New York as one of the country’s most expensive cities, Melanie Perkins’ inspiring Canva success story and extraordinary philanthropy, and of course some reality tv divorce drama.

From boobs to blow jobs and facelifts to filler we’re diving into one of the most requested and controversial—topics we’ve ever covered. In Part 1, we unpack the emotional, physical, and psychological realities of plastic surgery, exploring when cosmetic procedures can be an empowering act of autonomy and when they may become an attempt to heal something surgery simply can’t fix. We also answer your biggest community questions, challenge beauty standards, and ask the one question that might change how you think about every procedure: If no one else would ever see the result, would you still want it?

Did everyone collectively forget how to behave? This week we’re diving into the slow death of common courtesy—from speakerphones in public and ghosting to shopping carts, phone addiction, and the rise of “main character syndrome.” We unpack the psychology behind why etiquette isn’t about being fancy—it’s about making life a little easier for everyone around you. Plus, our usual pop culture chaos, including Love Island, Taylor Swift, Paris Hilton, and Madison’s very specific waterpark logic.

We all have that person who somehow gets under our skin, but what if the real question isn’t how to change them, but why they affect us so much? This week, we’re unpacking the psychology behind annoying people, the difference between someone who’s simply irritating and someone who’s genuinely harmful, and how our own stress, past experiences, and values shape our reactions. We also touch on Madison’s newfound Happier Grocery connection and the shortcut to faster matchas, plus the question Whitney is asking: is Ballerina Farm really who she says she is? If you’ve ever found yourself irrationally bothered by someone’s habits, personality, or quirks, this episode will help you protect your peace without expecting everyone else to change.

We're back with another catch-up episode—probably our favorite kind to record. This week, we're chatting about our separate trips to Palmetto Bluff, some very unrelatable plane ride stories, Whitney's experience with a dog psychic, and Madison's near-disaster involving her beloved lovie of 30 years. Whitney shares her newest personality trait and a Taylor Swift conspiracy theory that actually makes sense, while Madison explains why hair ties on wrists should never make an appearance in elevated situations. As always, we're doing what we do best: laughing, bantering, and catching up on life. It's an easy, fun conversation filled with lots of laughs and the kind of conversation that feels like hanging out with friends.

This week is one of our most personal episodes yet. We dedicate it to Blue—the puppy who changed our lives forever and reminded us that dogs are never “just pets.” We explore why the bond between humans and dogs runs so deep, what happens psychologically when we love and lose them, and why that grief can be just as profound as losing a family member. Along the way, we share funny stories, therapist insights, and the beautiful lessons dogs teach us about presence, unconditional love, forgiveness, and finding joy in ordinary moments. Whether you’re currently loving a dog or carrying the heartbreak of one you’ve lost, this conversation is for you

Money can feel overwhelming, emotional, and confusing—but you’re not alone. This week, Whitney and Madison sit down with financial coach AJ from Beyond the Green Coaching (@BeyondtheGreencoaching) for an honest, judgment-free conversation about money. From mindset and budgeting to saving, debt, credit cards, homeownership, and navigating finances in relationships, AJ breaks down key concepts in a way that feels approachable and actionable. Whitney and Madison also share their experiences growing up without much financial literacy, the mistakes they’ve made, and what they’re still learning as they work toward their financial goals. Filled with vulnerability, laughter, and plenty of Progress Girls moments, this episode will leave you feeling empowered to take the next step—because financial wellness isn’t about perfection, it’s about progress.

This week, we’re catching up on everything. From the difference between a glimmer and a trigger to surviving school parent nights, we’re sharing what’s been living rent-free in our heads lately. We debrief Madison’s whirlwind 24-hour trip to Las Vegas to see Hilary Duff, Whitney’s dreamy 72 hours in Puglia, and Whitney’s ongoing battle to train her puppy. We also dive into Oprah’s recent conversation with Anthropic, our growing thoughts (and concerns) about AI, why we’re both trying to rein in our spending habits, and what Whitney is dreaming up for her 40th birthday next year. Equal parts therapy, travel, life updates, and brain rot—just the way we like it.

This week, we're breaking down why "I don't want this" isn't enough. The Black Coffee Theory is simple: what you focus on is what you keep attracting. In dating, friendships, work, and healing, many of us spend too much time trying to add sugar to situations that are just... black coffee. We also dive into Don't Believe Everything You Think by Joseph Nguyen and the idea that our suffering often doesn't come from life itself, but from the way we're thinking about it. Plus, Whitney discovers the world's most expensive pillow, we discuss why people may be changing their minds about Kyle from Summer House, and Madison shares why she had to turn down a pair of Chanel flats.