Gals on the Go – "Influencer Drama & Loser Behavior"

Hosts: Brooke Miccio & Danielle Carolan
Date: April 1, 2026
Podcast: Gals on the Go (Dear Media)

Episode Overview

This episode dives deep into the theme of "influencer drama"—specifically, the fallout and emotional impact of discovering a peer’s anonymous online negativity. Brooke and Danielle share candid thoughts on handling toxic energy, internet trolls, and “loser behavior” in the influencer community. Alongside this main discussion, the co-hosts deliver their signature blend of friend-to-friend life advice and relatable anecdotes, touching on upcoming travels, beauty routines, and the etiquette of confronting uncomfortable situations.

Key Discussion Points

1. Beauty Routines & Hair Dilemmas

• Danielle shares her current "hair crisis" and the internal debate about changing colors for spring/summer, reflecting on the pressure of transformation and social media expectations.
  • "Extensions are out. I think they’re staying out. So what do I do?" – Danielle (04:00)
• Both hosts reflect on past beauty choices ("steaming the front" of clothes/hair, not caring about the back), the nostalgia of middle school hair routines, and why external perceptions rarely match internal anxieties.
• The conversation light-heartedly explores the lack of judgment between friends over appearance.

2. Upcoming Travels & Event Anticipation

• Brooke is traveling to Japan, sharing her excitement and nervousness for her longest flight yet.
  • "I'm currently in Japan, which is so crazy to even say out loud...I feel ill prepared at the same time just because it's such a massive international trip." – Brooke (06:28)
• Danielle outlines her spring plans: family time in Florida for Easter, followed by a work trip to Coachella.
• They discuss travel logistics, the practicality of packing, and the excitement of shopping in Japan (especially for Pokémon merch).
• Coachella talk includes references to the "influencer olympics," afterparties, and the reality that "a lot of people don't even go to the festival."
  • "Can we talk about that? People literally don’t go..." – Danielle (13:09)

3. South by Southwest & Networking Reflections

• Brooke recounts her whirlwind solo trip to SXSW, where she spoke on a high-powered panel about Gen Alpha vs Gen Z.
  • Includes feelings of imposter syndrome amid major industry figures: "I felt like not qualified to be speaking on what I was speaking on...I post my silly little videos." (19:40)
• Starstruck moment: Emma Grede (SKIMS, Good American) walks into the green room.
  • "She is that girl." – Brooke (20:10)
• The hosts discuss Austin’s vibe, the evolving wellness culture, and the value of industry networking.

4. Airport Chaos & "Finding a Way"

• Brooke's detailed story about a travel disaster: re-routing, canceled flights, and a night spent in the Atlanta airport.
• Her resourcefulness in troubleshooting is a running joke ("One thing about me: I will find a way").
  • "The way that I found a way is I go on the airport's website and look at all departures for that day..." (24:20)
• Emotional transparency about travel stress: "I'm just sitting in the terminal, just hysterically crying..." – Brooke (27:35)
• Discussion on the surreal experience of sleeping at the airport.

5. MAIN TOPIC: Influencer Drama, Anonymous Forums & Digital Footprints

The Incident

• Danielle reveals she found out—via DMs and TikTok—that someone within their social/influencer circle had been posting negatively and anonymously about them and mutual friends on toxic online forums.
  • "Someone we know, an influencer, was posting on an anonymous account, talking about us and our friends...it was just the most shocking thing." – Danielle (35:38)
• Brooke processes the betrayal, noting the duplicity of someone being friendly in-person/online while being cruel anonymously.
  • "You're a loser, quite frankly." – Brooke (36:49)
• They express how these forums are "literally disgusting" and discuss the disturbing psychology behind internet trolling.
• Both emphasize the lasting impact of digital actions—"your words have a digital footprint" (41:04)—and that online anonymity is often false security.

Navigating the Fallout

• Brooke describes her decision to directly DM the individual rather than keeping silent, stating a need to stand up for herself and friends.
  • “There’s certain times when I’m like, I want someone to feel uncomfortable in my presence...I want it to be known that we have an issue.” – Brooke (38:33)
• Both choose to "unfollow" the person across platforms, discussing boundaries and the etiquette of closure vs. confrontation.
• A nuanced take: They acknowledge people can change and believe in forgiveness, but underscore the importance of integrity and accountability.
  • “You have to face the consequences of your actions...The consequences are: you don't know me, you don't know any of my friends.” – Brooke (42:17)
• They note how knowing about the betrayal retroactively colors their perception of past interactions and warn listeners to value the energy they spend on negative behaviors.
  • "You only have 24 hours in a day...if you're expending so much of your energy invested in other people in such a negative way, like, it's sad." – Brooke (43:04)

Memorable Quotes

• “Literally real-life Gossip Girl.” – Brooke (52:51)
• “This book is dedicated to the gal pals.” – Danielle (56:39)

Notable Moments & Quotes with Timestamps

• Hair Dilemmas & Mah-jong Group Advice
  Danielle: "Extensions are out. I think they’re staying out. So what do I do?" (04:00)
• On Japan Preparation
  Brooke: “I'm bringing so many activities. Needlepoint, my Nintendo Switch...with the intent of filling (my suitcase) up.” (09:01–09:45)
• Festival FOMO & Coachella Realities
  Danielle: "Can we talk about that? People literally don’t go (to the festival at Coachella)..." (13:09)
• SXSW Imposter Syndrome
  Brooke: “I felt like not qualified to be speaking on what I was speaking on...” (19:40)
• On Confrontation
  Brooke: “There’s certain times when I’m like, I want someone to feel uncomfortable in my presence...I want it to be known that we have an issue.” (38:33)
• On Anonymous Online Hate
  Brooke: “I'm not even gonna sit here and be like, you're a bad person...Quite frankly, it's embarrassing and you're a loser.” (37:41)
• Digital Footprints
  Danielle: “It's just a good reminder that your words have a digital footprint. Like, a digital footprint exists. And you have to be so careful.” (41:02)
• Gossip Girl Comparison
  Brooke: "It's literally real-life Gossip Girl." (52:51)

Flow & Tone

The episode fluidly transitions from light, funny anecdotes and slice-of-life updates into a caring, honest, and value-driven discussion. Both hosts maintain their authentic, conversational tone—even as they delve into uncomfortable drama. The tone stays candid, supportive, and at times, passionate—especially when boundaries and self-respect are at stake.

Conclusion & Closing Sentiments

• Brooke and Danielle wrap up on a note of kindness, forgiveness, and emphasis on positive energy.
• "Spread kindness. It says more about them than it does about you." – Danielle (54:24)
• The drama serves less as salacious gossip and more as a teachable moment for their community.
• They reaffirm their love and gratitude for their listeners:
  • “This book is dedicated to the gal pals.” – Danielle (56:39)
  • “We love it and we love you.” – Brooke (56:54)

For listeners: Expect laughs, heartfelt advice, and an honest window into the complications of online life and the influencer world. The episode is especially relevant to anyone navigating toxic friend drama, digital etiquette, or seeking ideas on how to confront “loser behavior” with dignity.

Timestamps for Major Segments

• Beauty/Hair & Life Updates: 00:35 – 05:50
• Trips & Travel Antics: 06:28 – 13:40
• Festival & Event Realities: 13:41 – 17:00
• South by Southwest & Business Panels: 16:04 – 21:34
• Travel Disaster & Resourcefulness: 22:33 – 29:38
• Main Topic: Influencer Drama Revealed: 34:13 – 54:30
• Final Reflections & Farewell: 54:24 – end