Chicks in the Office – Episode Summary

Episode Title: Tell Me Lies Series Finale + Jenna Johnson Interview: Dream Celeb Partner & More!
Release Date: February 20, 2026
Hosts: Ria (Rhiann), Fran, and Callie
Special Guest: Jenna Johnson (Dancing with the Stars Pro)

Episode Overview

In this packed episode, Ria and Fran recap the series finale of Tell Me Lies, discuss their passionate campaign for Murray in America’s Favorite Pet competition, and interview Jenna Johnson, two-time "Dancing with the Stars" champion. The episode also features their signature pop culture trivia. Expect lively debates on pop culture trends, hilarious behind-the-scenes moments, and candid discussions about the world of competitive dance and reality TV.

Key Segments & Timestamps

• Pet Competition Drama: [02:20 – 16:00]
• NYC Winter Pet Peeves: [13:25 – 16:51]
• Tell Me Lies Series Finale Recap: [18:28 – 36:56]
• Jenna Johnson In-Studio Interview: [39:09 – 81:16]
• Weekly Pop Culture Trivia Game: [82:35 – End]

Pet Competition Frenzy

[02:20 – 16:00]

• The hosts are deeply invested in Murray (Noah's dog) competing in America's Favorite Pet.
• Quote: “We need our guy Murray to get to first.” – Rhiann [03:50]
• They strategize on voting and donations, recount the ups and downs, and joke about Murray’s “campaign photo ops.”
• Frustrations are shared about the competition’s confusing voting process and ever-changing poll standings.
• Speculation erupts about other contenders ("Enzo" as the ‘supervillain dog’), with hosts getting playfully competitive.
• Dream up a scenario where Murray and Fran’s dog Olive might compete head-to-head—and possibly meet up for a "showdown."
• Notable exchange:
  “Vote for Murray is a vote for the good guy.” – Fran [10:11]
  “Enzo's description says he’s always smiling, but in the picture, he’s not smiling.” – Rhiann [10:40]

New York Dog Owner Grievances

[13:25 – 16:51]

• The group rants about city sidewalks post-winter, notorious for emerging dog poop as ice melts.
• Quote: “You’re pooping in ice. So the ice just freezes the poop and it’s everywhere now.” – Fran [14:35]
• They bemoan city quirks, like subway stench, comparing NYC to London’s “spotless tube.”
• The conversation turns to the normalization of grime and gritty city life.

Tell Me Lies Series Finale Recap

[18:28 – 36:56]

• The hosts deliver an in-depth breakdown of the Tell Me Lies finale, emphasizing its role as a “cautionary tale.”
• Fran admits she was initially skeptical but felt satisfied by the finale’s messy, unresolved nature:
  Quote: “I’m pretty satisfied with the way they did it. I’ve just had to accept that they did terrible things to other people as well. And there’s just not going to be justice for those people...” – Fran [18:59]
• Discussion on the anti-hero nature of Steven:
  “Sometimes the bad guy wins.” – Fran [20:52]
• Ria highlights Megan Oppenheimer’s intention to show real-life consequences rarely come for the most toxic characters.
• Dive into main characters’ unanswered arcs: Wrigley and Brie’s ambiguous future, Pippa’s double standards, Bri’s betrayals, and Lucy’s ultimate fate.
• Praise for the show’s choice to leave threads unresolved:
  “Sometimes you just have to be okay with some of the questions not being answered and leave it at that. Because that is life sometimes, huh?” – Ria [31:26]
• Closes on how the creators resisted network temptation to overextend the series:
  “So many shows overdo it, too many seasons, starts to get a little ridiculous. [Showrunner] Megan finishing it where she wanted to… always the right move.” – Fran [36:59]

Jenna Johnson Interview: Tour Life, Celebrity Partners & More

[39:09 – 81:16]

Life on the Dancing with the Stars Tour

• The group shares highlights from seeing Jenna live, marveling at the show’s nightly intensity and athletic demands.
• Jenna reveals the tour schedule: over 90 shows, “six days on, one off,” and the challenges of life on a cramped tour bus.
• Quote: "There's no better feeling than having... full body exhaustion and going to bed that night and being like, I just gave everything I could.” – Jenna [40:55]
• Wardrobe mishaps (“my corset, the zipper broke!” [41:45]), the importance of professional quick-changes, and camaraderie among pros.

The Creative Process

• Behind the scenes with director Mandy Moore, building routines that keep the pros “proud” for months.
• Highlights collaborations (“mini movie” stage numbers with Val), input into costumes, and chemistry among dancers.
• Jenna: “We get to feel like stars… I never get to dance with Pasha… such a treat.” [45:45]

Social Media & Public Scrutiny

• Discuss how DWTS pros have grown into social media celebrities, not just “supporting characters.”
• Jenna reflects on privacy vs. public life, posting fatigue, and the expectation to be constantly accessible.
  Quote: “It’s not just about your choreography now or your dance… it’s like now everything, your facial expressions... are under a microscope.” – Jenna [48:34]

Family Life & Tour Logistics

• Jenna and Val decided to tour as a family, negotiating to bring their son and a nanny.
• Behind the scenes of “bus living”: sleeping in bunks, rolling into new cities daily, making the best of sometimes unglamorous conditions.
• Strong family and “dance community” ties—traveling and working with friends made since childhood.

Career Highlights & Aspirations

• Radio City Music Hall milestone; the pride and emotion of headlining two sold-out shows.
  Quote: “That is every dancer's dream.” – Jenna [62:19]
• Recent covers, viral abs moment (“years of discipline… not just one thing that I did…” [65:14]), and thoughts on health and empowerment.
• If not dancing, Jenna would be “a forensic anthropologist”—fascinated by anatomy and crime scene analysis! [68:30]

Dream Dancing Partners & DWTS Con

• Dream celebrity partners: Mr. Fantasy (KJ Apa), an Olympian, Jason Kelce (“he would actually be low-key so good!” [71:54]).
• Reflections on past partners like Joey and Jojo Siwa, and the unique challenges/fun of each season.
• DWTS Con announced for July 31–August 2 in Palm Springs: a major fan event, reunions with past contestants, live performances, and panels.
• The value of celebrating the pro dancers and allowing fans unique access:
  “This is a fan experience… this is your place to do it.” – Jenna [75:42]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “You’re pooping in ice. So the ice just freezes the poop and it’s everywhere now.” – Fran [14:35]
• “Sometimes the bad guy wins.” – Fran [20:52]
• “You just have to be okay with some of the questions not being answered and leave it at that. Because that is life…” – Ria [31:26]
• “There’s no better feeling than having your… full body exhaustion and going to bed that night…” – Jenna [40:55]
• “It’s not just about your choreography now… now everything, your facial expressions… are under a microscope.” – Jenna [48:34]
• “This is a fan experience… this is your place to do it.” – Jenna [75:42]
• Fun fact: Jenna’s secret alternative career path would be forensic anthropology—“I love murder investigations. I’m obsessed.” [68:52]

Lightning Trivia Highlights

[82:35–End]

• Pop culture trivia with competitive guest challengers, covering everything from Beyoncé albums to random "Cars" movie references.
• Playful bickering and nostalgic reminiscing over Disney Channel deep cuts and 'rom com' restaurant cameos.
• A new overtime rule: another Rotten Tomatoes score prediction to decide who goes first, keeping the stakes high to the very end.

Episode Tone & Takeaway

This episode embodies the signature “Chicks” tone—upbeat, open, and unfiltered. The hosts balance sharp pop culture analysis with humor and authenticity, never shying from tangents about city life, dog drama, or their own competitive streak (even about dog votes). The Jenna Johnson interview offers rare, candid insights into the reality of professional dance and the pressures of modern celebrity, rounded out by plenty of laughs and camaraderie.

Best For:

• Fans of reality TV, especially DWTS
• Listeners craving TV/film recaps with personality
• Anyone who enjoys behind-the-scenes stories or just needs a fun pop culture fix

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