The Progress Girls

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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

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