Gals on the Go – "Reading Our Podcast Reviews"
PodcastOne, September 3, 2025
Hosted by Brooke Miccio & Danielle Carolan
Main Theme / Episode Overview
In this light-hearted and self-aware episode, Brooke and Danielle dive head-first into the mixed bag of reviews left on their podcast. With a blend of vulnerability and humor, they read out (often unfiltered and sometimes outright mean) listener reviews, respond to the feedback (both constructive and brutal), and discuss the broader challenges of being public figures online. The episode also contains updates on their personal lives, a big announcement about an in-person event, and their signature "panic of the week" and "glam on the go" segments—all wrapped up with their trademark best-friend banter.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Announcing Their First Community Event
[02:07–06:44]
- Brooke and Danielle excitedly announce their first ever Gals on the Go community workout event in NYC.
- Decision for a workout class came from Instagram polls, leading to SOTO Method at Tribeca.
- Emphasis on creating a welcoming environment for listeners, regardless of whether they come solo or with friends.
- There will be goodie bags, merch, and lots of opportunities to hang out IRL.
- Brooke, regarding nerves about sitting at the front of the class:
"That's my motivation to currently work out…I'm gonna be in the front of that class."
(03:26) - They tease future event ideas like pasta making and wine tasting, noting the intention is to make these community meetups a recurring thing.
2. Life Updates & Chit-Chat
[06:44–14:41]
- Danielle recounts her misadventures traveling to a remote Michigan wedding, with no Ubers available, resorting to calling random local taxi services which ended up with her sharing a ride with strangers:
"I texted Brooke, I was like, 'Brooke, I'm living your worst nightmare right now.'"
(07:47) - Brooke gives updates about splitting family time in the Hamptons, upcoming trips, and adapting to her partner Ben's residency schedule.
- Both discuss moving into new apartments, “nesting” (and the cultural connotation of that word), and the joys of NYC in the fall.
- US Open stories: Buying merch early, rookie mistakes with shoe choices (“I come home and I have massive blisters underneath my foot.” (12:58)).
- Both reflect on how the US Open has become a bit of a social media spectacle.
3. Panic of the Week
[17:45–21:34]
- Danielle relays a “panic” moment: sneezing in an Uber, plugging her nose, and being scolded by the driver not to hold in sneezes ("You could pop a vein!").
"He goes, no, never, ever, ever hold your sneeze." (18:42)
- This launches a conversation about “mom-isms,” overblown health warnings, and the anxiety those create.
4. Glam on the Go
[21:49–25:04]
- Brooke: Shares her positive experience finally trying Hailey Bieber’s Rhode skincare line after being hesitant due to past acne.
“The way my skin is feeling…it feels like. I love how makeup wears on top of it.” (23:10)
- Danielle: Recommends Summer Fridays’ Blush Butter Balm in “dusty rose.”
"It's so pigmented, but not, like, too pigmented…I love it." (25:23)
- Both discuss the virtues of simple skincare and the aesthetics of bathroom counters.
5. Diving Into Podcast Reviews
[26:03–52:29]
A. Vulnerability & Protecting Their Energy
- Initial nerves about facing negative feedback.
"We were not reading the reviews because they hurt our feelings…But we want to hear from you guys." (26:23–26:49)
- Acknowledging the struggle between valuable feedback and unnecessary self-flagellation:
"Sometimes it's like literally self-harm behavior…I'm like, I don't. I feel like I'm like hurting my—" (Brooke, 27:06)
B. Reading the Mean and the Funny
- Reviews range from creative roasts ("Would rather listen to a toddler chewing in my ear") to snarky (“Dan thinks she is a model. Do I?” (29:41)) to blunt ("Big yikes." (35:31)).
- Danielle and Brooke alternate between laughing off critiques and thoughtfully responding, especially when reviews claim they're no longer relatable or “not gals on the go” anymore.
- Both clarify their approach to blocking negative social media commenters:
"It's our page. So. Yeah. Take it to the reviews if you're gonna be upset…we won't have that." (28:39–29:00)
C. The “Relatability” Discourse
- Address the common reviewer complaint that the show isn't as relatable as it was during their college days.
- Brooke:
"No, I mean guys, we wake up every day and, like, do whatever the we want…obviously that's not, like—yeah, we're so privileged." (31:07)
- Danielle:
"We are so lucky that we can…decide what time we want to wake up…We fully acknowledge that. Hands—I surrender to you." (31:38)
- Both distinguish between "relatable" life circumstances vs. relatable feelings and emotional struggles.
D. Feedback on Show Format
- Some listeners find the show too chatty or repetitive. Brooke and Danielle emphasize that the original spirit was always candid conversations ("just yapping"). Attempts to adjust with topics or guests have always produced mixed feedback.
- They reference fellow podcast Giggly Squad as an example of successful, guest-free life chat.
- Danielle:
"At the end of the day, we have never dreaded coming to the podcast, and we don't want it to ever be like that." (38:37)
E. Notable, Hilarious or Painful Quotes
- “My last two brain cells talking to each other.” (41:21)
- "If you're looking for intelligent conversation, this podcast is probably not for you." (Listener review, 40:19; both agree and laugh)
- "Stop with the weird voices…[and] grow out of the 'I'm in my era'…it's insufferable." (42:51)
F. Defending the "Gals on the Go" Name
- Multiple reviews question whether they still live up to the "on the go" branding.
- Brooke:
"We named the f***ing podcast…seven years ago. Four score and seven years ago our founding gals…" (43:40–43:55)
- They clarify that, while they're not college students anymore, their lifestyles are still dynamic and multi-faceted.
G. Constructive Criticism vs. Meanness
- They note the value of actionable feedback (“stop talking over each other,” “consider more topical episodes”) and express willingness to adapt where it feels right.
- But respond candidly to reviews that cross into hurtful territory or offer zero suggestion.
H. Celebrating the Positive
- Highlight several glowing or sincere five-star reviews, especially from listeners who don’t “fit the demographic” but love the friendly, chill vibes.
- "If this podcast isn’t for you, then it isn’t for you. Go find a niche podcast, whatever you’re looking for." (47:41)
- “One of my faves in my podcast rotation…genuinely tell they're best friends.” (51:05)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On blocking haters:
"Like, it's our page. So. Yeah. Take it to the reviews if you're gonna be upset." (28:39) — Danielle -
On relatability:
"I agree with what you’re saying. It’s very neutral…that’s the relatable part of us. I feel not—" (32:19) — Brooke -
On show format:
"We want to go and be excited to record, which we are because we do it how we want." (38:38) — Danielle -
On weird feedback:
"Danielle thinks she is a model. Do I? And she has zero style." (29:41) — Danielle, reading a review -
On negative reviews:
"There’s a fine line between like, where you get your feedback from, right?… Sometimes it’s like literally self-harm behavior." (26:49–27:06) — Brooke -
On their friendship’s dynamic:
"We're always going to, like, back each other up and justify for the other person. I think that we both do this for many of the people in our life…You're always going to take your friend's side." (46:09) — Brooke -
On the essence of the show:
"Be the podcast you wish to see in the world." (48:52) — Brooke
Timestamps for Important Segments
| Timestamp | Segment / Topic | |------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 02:07 | Announcement: Gals on the Go Community Event | | 06:44 | Michigan wedding adventure + airport drama | | 12:03 | US Open misadventures & blister story | | 17:45 | Panic of the Week: Sneezing etiquette | | 21:49 | Glam on the Go: Skincare and blush recs | | 26:03 | Diving into podcast reviews | | 31:07 | Addressing privilege/relatability (“We wake up every day and do whatever…”) | | 35:31 | Reading “Big yikes” and other blunt reviews | | 38:37 | Discussion on show format and prioritizing enjoyment | | 43:40 | Defending the "Gals on the Go" name and format evolution | | 47:41 | Heartwarming positive review (“If this podcast isn’t for you…”) | | 51:05 | Five-star review highlight ("One of my faves...they piggyback off of each other's thoughts...")|
Final Thoughts & Takeaways
Brooke and Danielle’s approach to feedback is refreshingly honest: balancing humor and self-deprecation, they take valid criticism on board while also drawing boundaries to protect their mental health. The episode emphasizes the fluid nature of podcasting—as co-hosts and friends, they want their show to feel like a fun, safe space, not a chore, and recognize they can’t please everyone. Heartfelt positive reviews and their plans for more community engagement round off the episode on an upbeat note.
Episode Mood: Candid, self-aware, friendly, sometimes raw, but always supportive and fun—just the way their superfans love it.
If you love friendly girl talk with real vulnerability (and the occasional roast), this episode is a must-listen.
