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The Progress Girls

Madison Rae and Whitney Taussig

The Progress Girls is a candid, lighthearted, and inspiring conversation between two moms in their mid-30s navigating life with humor, honesty, and intention. Madison, a mom of three and influencer and Whitney, a mom of two and psychotherapist (LCSW) , share real stories about motherhood, marriage, friendship, and growth. With laughter, vulnerability, and a touch of chaos, this is a space for everyone to feel seen, supported, and inspired to keep progressing.

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  • 29 episodes
  • weekly
  • Avg 51 min
  • English

Episodes 29

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  • S2 · E49
    Yesterday · 55 min

    Episode 49: Making Progress on Rebranding Selfishness

    Episode 49: Making Progress on Rebranding Selfishness Is being selfish actually the secret to becoming a better person? We're rebranding selfishness, and frankly, it's long overdue. As The Progress Girls celebrate ONE YEAR, Madison and Whitney unpack why women feel guilty putting themselves first, how setting boundaries can actually strengthen relationships, and why disappointing someone doesn't necessarily mean you've done something wrong. Naturally, we also get into RHONY drama, The Golden Life, astrology, nicotine gum, Taco Bell as emotional support, and Whitney's increasingly ambitious Italian Friendsgiving. One of us is a therapist. The other has mastered the art of not giving a f*ck. Together, we're making the case for a little more self-firstness. Because you can love your family, chase your dreams, show up for the people you care about, and still want an hour alone without someone asking where the gems are. LOVE HANGING OUT WITH US? Hit FOLLOW on Spotify so you never miss an episode, and leave us a 5-star rating to help more people discover our little corner of the podcast world. Share this episode with your bestie or someone who needs a reminder that putting yourself first doesn't make you selfish. Your follows, ratings, comments, and shares help us grow this community, and we appreciate every single one of you!

  • S2 · E48
    November 4 · 50 min

    Episode 48: Making Progress on Building a Business with Gato Dates

    What does it really take to turn an idea into a successful business? This week we’re joined by Gabriella Gains and Tonya Reznikovich, the female founders behind Gato Dates, the indulgent, better-for-you chocolate-covered dates taking the snack world by storm. We talk about taking the leap into entrepreneurship, building a brand from scratch, navigating imposter syndrome, and the less glamorous realities of running a business. From learning as you go to redefining success, Gabriella and Tonya share what it takes to bet on yourself before you have everything figured out. Whether you’re building a business or sitting on an idea in your Notes app, this episode is your reminder that confidence doesn’t always come before action. Sometimes, progress starts with simply beginning. Discover Gato at gatodates.com or look for their treats at your local specialty grocer.

  • S2 · E47
    October 28 · 1 hr 2 min

    Episode 47: Making Progress on Life Lately

    This week on The Progress Girls, Whitney and Madison are catching up and laughing their way through everything from puppy love to the power of human connection. Whitney shares how being Madison’s plus-one to the Best Friends Animal Society benefit turned into an unexpected love story when she met, fell for, and adopted her new baby boy, Tank Chicken. Madison shares her latest podcast obsession: Emma Grede’s conversation with Vanessa Van Edwards about the communication skills that can transform your career and relationships. Skills both girls agree they could brush up on! Along the way, the girls swap stories about kindness, human behavior, and why how you make people feel might just be the legacy you leave behind. And because no catch-up is complete without a little chaos, there’s some Bravo, plenty of laughter, and lots of life updates! Listen to the Emma Grede Episode here. LOVE HANGING OUT WITH US? Hit FOLLOW on Spotify so you never miss an episode, and give us a 5-star rating to help more people discover our little corner of the podcast world. Share this episode with your bestie, your fellow dog lover, or someone who could use a reminder that we are always in progress. Your follows, ratings, comments, and shares help us grow this community, and we appreciate every single one of you!

  • S2 · E46
    October 21 · 55 min

    Episode 46: Making Progress on Rebranding the Witch

    It’s witch season! This Halloween, we’re diving into the fascinating history of witch hunts, why powerful women have historically been labeled dangerous, and how those same patterns still show up today. We’re also embracing our inner witches as we chat about women’s intuition, astrology, psychics, manifestation, and protecting your energy. Plus, we put our own witchiness to the test to find out just how witchy we really are! Because maybe being a little witchy is really just about being a woman who trusts herself.

  • S2 · E45
    October 14 · 57 min

    Episode 45: Making Progress on Luxury Travel with Amy Stahl

    Pack your bags, Progress girls. This week, we’re joined by luxury travel advisor Amy Stahl of The Stein Collective & SmartFlyer to talk all things travel. Amy spills what a travel advisor can actually get you, the hotels worth the splurge, overrated destinations, and where everyone is going next. We rapid-fire her favorites for Paris, Italy, the Caribbean, Mexico, girls’ trips, honeymoons, family vacations and more — including FORESTIS in the Dolomites, Sterrekopje in South Africa, and Airelles Château de la Messardière in St. Tropez. And of course we ask her about her opinion on the ideal TPG trip. Plus, after booking so many of Madison’s trips, Amy tells us what she’s learned about her as a traveler — and where Whitney needs to go next. Consider this your TPG travel cheat sheet. You can find Amy on instagram @amyla19 @thesteincollective

  • October 7 · 54 min

    Episode 44: Making Progress on Choosing Our Hard

    There’s no version of life without hard—so which hard is actually worth it? This week, we unpack the psychology behind “Choose Your Hard.” We talk about the difference between productive discomfort and the kind of hard that just keeps collecting interest, why avoiding a decision is still making one, and how choosing discomfort in service of your values can restore your sense of agency and even change the way your brain experiences stress. Because the goal isn’t to build a life where nothing is hard. It’s to build a life where the hard things you’re carrying are actually worth carrying. Plus: Taylor Swift, the Cornell 7, road-trip chaos and a present exchange.

  • S2 · E43
    September 30 · 56 min

    Episode 43: Making Progress on Apologizing to the It Girls of the 2000s

    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.

  • S2 · E42
    September 23 · 57 min

    Episode 42: Making Progress on Getting Back Into the Swing of Things

    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.

  • S2 · E41
    September 16 · 39 min

    Episode 41: Making Progress on our First Live Show

    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!

  • S1 · E40
    August 12 · 46 min

    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

  • S1 · E39
    August 5 · 49 min

    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.

  • S1 · E38
    July 29 · 1 hr

    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.

  • S1 · E37
    July 22 · 49 min

    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?

  • S1 · E36
    July 15 · 48 min

    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.

  • S1 · E35
    July 8 · 55 min

    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.

  • S1 · E34
    July 1 · 51 min

    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.

  • S1 · E33
    June 24 · 51 min

    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

  • S1 · E32
    June 17 · 51 min

    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.

  • S1 · E31
    June 10 · 57 min

    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.

Showing 1–20 of 29 episodes