Gals on the Go – "Uninvited to the Wedding, Friendship Break-ups, & Boys Trips"

Podcast by Dear Media | Hosts: Brooke Miccio & Danielle Carolan
Date: January 28, 2026

Episode Overview

This lively episode is a classic "gal chat" edition, featuring playful banter, personal updates, and a range of listener-submitted voicemails. Brooke and Danielle react to real stories about awkward bachelorette party invites, friendship break-ups, and the complexities of organizing boys’ and girls’ trips. Key themes this week include the anxiety of transitions (from college to post-grad, friendships changing), beauty and wellness routines, and the challenge of setting boundaries—in both wedding planning and friendships.

Main Discussion Points & Key Moments

1. Hot Takes: Matching Hats, Mahjong, & Travel (00:35–14:33)

• Brooke and Danielle kick things off celebrating their matching “Professional Yapper” hats ("It's so us. This is our job!" – Brooke, 01:03).
• Danielle shares plans for separate international trips to Japan and reflects on the difficulties of synchronizing travel with friends.
  • “We tried to do it together… it was a whole thing. I had limited dates. Very limited dates.” – Brooke, 02:52
• They describe a beginner’s mahjong lesson, initial resistance to “trendy” hobbies, and the fun of bringing friends together for new experiences.
  • “I've literally never had a hobby before, and suddenly I have three. Like, are you serious?” – Brooke, 05:07
  • “I want to get there to the point that I could…knowing the basic rules, I think would be a good skill to have in your back pocket.” – Brooke, 07:07
  • They name-drop “So Bam Fun,” a company run by twin mahjong instructors (07:34–08:01).
  • Memorable moment: Brooke wins their first game, but the group debates whether it counts thanks to help from the instructor (11:32–12:42).
• They muse on the value of scheduling friend activities via classes since “it’s less easy to cancel” (14:03).

2. Hobbies & Wellness Updates (17:41–27:00)

• Danielle gives an Invisalign update (17:41), noting pain is manageable and joking it's curbing her snacking.
  • “It's been really great for the snacking. I'm not even gonna lie.” – Danielle, 18:17
• Brooke shares her running journey, dealing with “side stitches,” and the social nuances of running in NYC.
  • "Honestly, like—that's free will. Eat some candy and no one's gonna stop me!” – Brooke, 20:34
• They chat about running gear, winter workouts, and the feeling of exploration running brings, especially in NYC neighborhoods (23:49–26:12).
  • “It's a really cool way to get a workout in and see your city… you see the progress of things, too.” – Brooke, 25:49
• They briefly revisit the value of integrating various workout styles: running, Pilates, hot yoga (37:46–38:09).

Listener Questions: Themes & Advice

3. Are Live Shows Coming Back? (27:02–31:32)

• Caller asks if the Gals plan to bring back their popular live shows.
• Brooke & Danielle clarify there’s no secret project in the works and explain the pause is due to podcast network and team transitions.
  • “There’s been a lot of change with going over to Dear Media…we needed to get re-inspired.” – Brooke, 28:05
  • Both reminisce about the fun of touring and promise live shows are not gone forever, just on hold (“We refuse to have them be mediocre—100%.” – Danielle, 29:52).
• For now, they’re focusing on community events in various cities: “...it's honestly more of us hanging out with you guys.” – Brooke, 29:34

4. Trending Wellness Routines—What Works, What’s Overrated? (32:58–38:20)

• Caller: Which wellness habits genuinely improved your fitness vs. which were just trendy?
• Brooke likes her vibration plate and arm workouts, but insists finding what works for you is vital:
  • “For so long I was seeking opinion…trying to get the answer from someone. I think it's figuring it out for yourself.” – Brooke, 35:50
• Danielle gravitates toward sculpt classes at Equinox, stacks sculpt/Pilates/hot yoga when possible, and prioritizes feeling strong over trends.
• Both agree: consistency beats intensity; what matters most is a routine you’ll stick to.
  • “The best workout is one that you’ll stick to…because then I just don’t go to the gym for a month.” – Brooke, 38:20
• Danielle on “giving 50%” when needed: “You always feel like you have to be a hundred percent… but it’s like, okay, go and get 50. That’s better than nothing.” (40:28)

5. College Senior Transitions & Post-Grad Life (41:18–47:38)

• Caller: Anxious about her final semester & life after college—how to make the most of it?
• The hosts reminisce fondly about senior year, advocating for “saying yes to everything” while also being kind to yourself.
  • “I went so hard that by the end I had to…” – Brooke, 42:43
  • “Just make moments out of everything. Have fun with it.” – Danielle, 47:21
• Post-grad encouragement: There are “no correct or incorrect paths." Don’t stress getting a job senior year just for appearances.
  • “I wish I didn’t put that amount of pressure on myself because I think I was doing it for the sake of…being able to tell everybody like, ‘Oh, I have a job.’” – Brooke, 44:37
• Brooke’s hopeful take: “The best years of my life were after college. I want to say that to you to give you hope…” (46:51)

6. If Not Social Media…What Would You Do? (50:33–52:13)

• Caller: What would Danielle and Brooke do if not social media?
• Danielle: “I’d want to be doing theater… or probably be like a PR girly… or on the influencer relations team for a brand.” (50:53)
• Brooke: “I went into sales and I quickly learned that was not for me… my dream job was always being like a Girl Boss Town, giving concepts and ideas.” (51:14)

7. Wedding/Bachelorette Drama: Co-ed Parties & Uninvited Friends (52:39–59:44)

• Caller: Uncomfortable with a co-ed bachelor/bachelorette trip, she asks to bring her boyfriend. Bride says no, then uninvites her from wedding entirely.
• The Gals are shocked: “That took a turn.” – Brooke, 53:56
• They affirm: Feeling uncomfortable was entirely fair; so was asking. The bride’s reaction is a huge red flag.
  • “If they were willing to cut you out like that, then that’s…major red flags.” – Brooke, 55:13
• Both are skeptical about co-ed bachelorette parties unless it’s one close friend group, and discuss the unique value of girls’ trips.
  • "The bachelorette, in my opinion, you’re celebrating her…like a birthday weekend." – Brooke, 57:15

8. Friendship Breakups & Trusting Again (59:48–61:53)

• Caller: Recovering from a friendship breakup, how to trust again?
• Danielle and Brooke empathize, emphasizing the normalcy of shifting friendships in your 20s.
  • “There is…a lot of friendship shifts in your twenties. So you’re not…it’s not a strange thing.” – Brooke, 61:10
  • Danielle reassures: “There are people in my life I thought would be bridesmaids, and they are not…and I thought it’d be the end of the world. It’s totally not.” (61:20)
• Practical advice: Focus on nourishing the friendships you want to cultivate. Self-awareness and kindness are key.

Notable Quotes

• “I've literally never had a hobby before, and suddenly I have three. Like, are you serious?” – Brooke (05:07)
• “The best workout is one that you’ll stick to.” – Brooke (38:19)
• “Just make moments out of everything. Have fun with it.” – Danielle (47:21)
• “If they were willing to cut you out like that, then that's…major red flags.” – Brooke (55:13)
• “There is…a lot of friendship shifts in your twenties. So you're not…it’s not a strange thing.” – Brooke (61:10)
• “There are people in my life I thought would be bridesmaids, and they are not… and I thought it’d be the end of the world. It’s totally not.” – Danielle (61:20)

Key Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment/Topic | |-----------|---------------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:35 | Opening banter, matching hats, hobby chat | | 02:52 | Japan trip planning, scheduling woes | | 05:07 | Mahjong lesson & resistance to trends | | 11:32 | Brooke wins her first Mahjong game | | 14:03 | Value of classes for friend meetups | | 17:41 | Invisalign update & habits | | 20:34 | Brooke's "running & candy" moment | | 23:49 | Running local: discovering the city | | 27:02 | Will live shows return? Career transitions | | 32:58 | Wellness routines: what works, what doesn’t | | 41:18 | Senior year of college: advice & post-grad changes | | 44:37 | Don't stress about job-finding for appearances | | 46:51 | “Best years were after college” hopefulness | | 50:33 | If not social media… alternate career dreams | | 52:39 | Wedding drama: co-ed bachelorette, uninvited to wedding | | 59:48 | Friendship breakups & learning to trust again |

Tone & Style

Brooke and Danielle’s dynamic is supportive, candid, and infused with humor. Vulnerabilities are shared freely, always with a reassuring twist and an eye toward solidarity. Their practical takes are often wrapped in light sarcasm and relatability, empowering listeners to trust their instincts, honor their energy (whether it’s 50% or 100%), and value genuine, drama-free friendships.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re facing post-graduation jitters, drama surrounding a friend’s wedding, or re-evaluating your wellness routine, this episode offers both laughter and real-life wisdom. With plenty of entertaining anecdotes, gentle advice, and girl-to-girl validation, "Gals on the Go" continues to deliver comfort and community in podcast form.