The Progress Girls

Episode 40: Manifestations, Goals & Your Second New Year

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

Episode 39: Making Progress on Letting Go of the Idea of the Perfect Summer

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.

The Progress Girls Trailer

Welcome to The Progress Girls!

Episode 38: Making Progress on All Things Plastic Surgery (Part Two)

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.

Episode 37: Making Progress on All Things Plastic Surgery (Part One)

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?

Episode 36: Making Progress on What the F*ck Happened to Etiquette?

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.

Episode 35: Making Progress on Annoying People

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.

Episode 34: Making Progress on a Little Bit of Everything

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.

Episode 33: Making Progress on the Heartbreak and Joy of Loving a Dog

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

Episode 32: Making Progress on Money with AJ of Beyond the Green Coaching

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.

Episode 31: Making Progress on Catching Up and Chit Chat

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.

Episode 30: Making Progress on the Black Coffee Theory & the Power of Our Thoughts

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.

Episode 29: Making Progress on Lab-Grown Diamonds

This week, The Progress Girls are joined by special guest Madeline Duneier, the woman behind State Fair Jewelry, and we are getting into the tea on lab-grown diamonds. Madeline went from Teen Vogue beauty assistant to launching her own jewelry brand in 2025, and she breaks down everything you actually need to know. We talk natural vs. lab-grown, why people still get weirdly judgey about it, and if anyone can actually tell the difference (spoiler: absolutely not without fancy equipment). We also get into status, value, dating culture, and the biggest misconceptions people still have about diamonds in general. Plus, the story of how Madison and Madeline met at a Hamptons trunk show—and why that convo totally changed Madison’s perspective. Basically: we laughed, we learned, and if you’ve ever wondered if lab-grown diamonds are actually that girl… this episode is for you.

• Transcript

Episode 28: Making Progress on Divorce

This week we’re making progress on one of the messiest and loaded topics: divorce. Is divorce a failure… or sometimes the healthiest, most emotionally regulated decision you can make? We’re talking why people really get divorced, why some stay too long, when leaving makes sense, and when people might be walking away too fast. From therapy language and modern relationship pressure to the “stay or go” framework everyone needs, this episode is honest, nuanced, and a little spicy. Because progress isn’t staying or leaving—it’s knowing why you’re choosing either.

Episode 27: Making Progress on Chloe Tucker Caine

Reality TV meets real life. We’re joined by Chloe Tucker Caine for a behind-the-scenes look at visibility, identity, and building a life that actually feels good. From navigating the darker side of being in the public eye to her “progress over perfection” path into motherhood, real estate, and success, Chloe keeps it honest, funny, and highlights the power of consistency. Plus, Whitney takes a bold fashion risk (that Madison absolutely roasts), and we all reflect on how far we’ve come—from LA chaos to NYC moms and professionals… it’s a true Progress Girls reunion.

• Transcript

Episode 26: Making Progress on Mother’s Day

Today we’re talking all things Mother’s Day—expectations (keep them low, like basement level low), dream Mother’s Day fantasies, and the reality of what actually happens. Whitney shares simple ways to make the day feel good, whether you’re celebrating, overstimulated, avoiding everyone, or just trying to survive brunch. We also talk about what Mother’s Day can bring up if you’ve lost your mom or don’t have the relationship you wish you did. As always, we keep it honest, funny, slightly unhinged, and very Progress Girls-coded. This episode feels extra personal to both Whitney and Madison, with plenty of laughs and a few “are we okay?” moments. Basically: healing, humor, and managing expectations… with cute outfits.

• Transcript

Episode 25: Making Progress on Vacations, Trips, Relocations & Spirals

We’re back from our vacations and… obviously laughing about it. Whitney breaks down why vacations aren’t indulgent—they’re essential for getting your nervous system out of survival mode (think: better sleep, less reactivity, actual clarity). We talk about how stepping away helps you see patterns, make better decisions, and reconnect with yourself beyond the day-to-day chaos. And in peak Progress Girls fashion, Madison’s ongoing feud with a fake olive tree sends Whitney and Remy into a full hysterics.

• Transcript

Episode 24: Making Progress on Hot Girls Who Clean Their Energy

"Protect your energy” sounds cute—until you realize it actually requires changing your behavior. In this episode, we unpack the difference between aesthetic healing and real emotional boundaries: why you feel drained, why cutting people off is so hard, and what doing the work actually looks like in everyday life. Of course, we spend just as much time laughing as we do reflecting—so much so that we (unsurprisingly) run out of time. We also both watched the Manosphere doc on Netflix and share our thoughts on that. Plus, Madison opens up about a very big (okay… ballerina-sized) appointment she has coming up.

• Transcript

Episode 23: Making Progress on Our Reality TV Addictions

From Jen Shah to Summer House chaos, we’re breaking down why we’re so invested in strangers fighting, dating, and spiraling on TV. Is it entertainment… or emotional projection? We get into attachment wounds, safe chaos, and parasocial relationships—aka why it feels relaxing to watch absolute dysfunction. Because let’s be honest: reality TV didn’t create our issues… it just gave them a stage. Functional Health Doctor - Gabrielle Francis

• Transcript

Episode 22 : Making Progress on Astrology & Birth Charts

This week we sit down with astrologer and Pilates instructor Eden Sky Orion—who somehow reads Whitney better than Whitney reads herself. We break down the Big Three, birth charts, and why Mercury in retrograde gets blamed for everything. Is astrology real insight or a helpful tool when you are stuck ? Either way… we’re listening, we’re laughing and we are learning! Follow Eden here

• Transcript