Gals on the Go – “what’s REALLY happening in brooke’s life right now…”

Podcast: Gals on the Go
Hosts: Brooke Miccio and Danielle Carolan (Dear Media)
Air date: January 21, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode offers a personal deep dive into Brooke's current life transitions, with a strong focus on updates regarding her long-term relationship and impending big life decisions linked to her boyfriend's medical career. The conversation also navigates relatable influencer experiences, shifting social habits, relationship expectations, and the anxieties and logistics of major adulting milestones. As always, the hosts keep things conversational, candid, and peppered with their signature humor.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. January Reset, Routines, and Influencer Workouts

Timestamps: 00:29–04:39

• Discussion on re-entering routines post-holidays and how January, even in the influencer/content creator world, feels hectic.
  • “Everyone is circling back. Like, you think that's just for corporate? No, no, it is in our world too.” (Danielle, 00:46)
• Recap of a branded influencer workout event:
  • Brooke shares her physical soreness; Danielle jokes her back hurts due to bad form (01:11–01:27).
  • Candid discussion about the pressure of influencer events—even workouts are competitive, and being photographed adds a layer of anxiety.
  • Moment where Brooke was asked for solo photos, a rarity and exciting event:
    • “Honestly felt honored. That really never happens. They never pull me for the solos.” (Brooke, 02:40)
• Fun chat about Getty Images and the sometimes-unflattering but “official” feeling of finding yourself online after an event:
  • “There's the cool watermark. Like, Getty Image, you know?” (Brooke, 03:16)
  • “Would love to know how to untag yourself from those 2017 Beautycon photos.” (Brooke, 04:34)

2. Selectiveness with Social Events & The Infamous Staycation Story

Timestamps: 08:20–13:16

• The hosts reflect on their earlier days in New York—attending every available event, compared to being more selective now.
  • “I would go to anything, literally. And an invite would come by inbox. I was like, I'm there.” (Brooke, 08:31)
• They hilariously retell a disastrous branded staycation in subpar twin beds, with influencers debating whether to stay or escape to their own (nicer) homes.
  • “It was like we were on a reality show. I don't know why I was like—are they going to do bed checks?” (Brooke, 12:27)
  • “Danielle, I want to go home because my house is nicer than this place.” (Brooke, 12:02)
  • Newfound appreciation for doing only what brings genuine joy, and feeling “home team, home” in their current lifestyles.

3. TV, Movie, and Book Chatter

Timestamps: 15:13–24:18

• The gals talk “Adolescence” (Brooke hasn't watched yet—“It seemed dark!” 15:32),
• Emma Stone's new project “Begonia”,
• The film adaptation of “People We Meet on Vacation” (including casting and whether the book or movie was better),
  • “I'm that annoying person. Not a huge Emily Henry fan. To be honest, I think the movie is better than the book.” (Brooke, 16:12)
  • “I feel like it could have been a TV series.” (Brooke, 17:00)
• Recaps of “The Traitors” (reality TV) and “Mr. Beast Games”, appreciating the high prize pots and strategizing.
  • “That's so much money. That's probably the most money you get on Traitors.” (Danielle, 21:31)
• A tangent on reality TV stars and minor crushes:
  • “No, like every time he comes on my screen, I'm like—I'm blushing. Literally, I'm like, oh my gosh. They should just show him only.” (Brooke, 24:02)

4. The Big Update: Brooke’s Relationship & Medical Match Process

Timestamps: 25:11–54:02

Explanation of The Medical Match System

• Brooke’s boyfriend Ben (of 4+ years) is about to finish med school; “Match Day” is looming—when all medical students find out their placement for residency.
  • “It's very emotional. Because everyone across the country opens their envelope at the same time.” (Brooke, 27:19)
• Only limited control over where you end up. Process likened to “sorority recruitment/art”, with both parties ranking preferences.
• Many of Ben’s med school friends have become Brooke’s close friends, and she reflects on the community and unique pressures.

On Moving, Engagement, and “What’s Next?”

• THE question: “What are you gonna do if you have to move across the country?” Brooke explains:
  • “I'm not moving if I'm not engaged. He knows that. That's just point blank period.” (Brooke, 29:13)
• She expresses gratitude for a job that’s “very mobile” but clearly wants to maintain her NY base.
  • “A lot of my work opportunities—like, I would not have had that opportunity if I didn’t live in New York and wasn't an established New York person.” (Brooke, 30:45)
  • She feels deeply rooted in the city, values her chosen home, and the idea of splitting time if necessary (29:27–31:10).

The Grind and Sacrifice of Medical Training

• Praise and awe for the commitment and competitiveness required.
  • “It's so freaking competitive...these people—some run a marathon, some spent the summer in Cambodia doing research. They're all, truly, those people that you meet and you're just like, how the...?” (Brooke, 32:01)
• Honest look at the downsides: missing special occasions for exams, the prospect of grueling residency schedules.
  • “You only understand if you understand it. It's so hard to explain to people like, no, he really, really can't be here.” (Brooke, 33:30)
• Reflections on financial realities—dating someone with no income at 28, complicated by social media expectations of “provider” roles.
  • “Tiktok thinks if the man doesn't pay for everything you got, you better run, sis! Things are a little different in 2026 as well.” (Brooke, 39:04; Danielle, 39:08)
• Ben’s support in other ways—cooking, emotional intelligence—acknowledged as equally valuable.

Housing, Logistics, and “All The Hypotheticals”

• What happens to Brooke’s apartment if she moves? She’d likely rent it out but is open to all scenarios, noting it’s difficult to plan until Match Day (42:14).
  • “It is just literally like it's going to be crazy because when Match Day happens, that's when it's going to be like, okay, now let's chat.” (Danielle, 43:03)
• Anxiety about having to “wait and see”, not being able to “jinx” things by planning too far ahead.
  • “I do believe in, like, jinxing myself, so I try to lower expectations.” (Brooke, 51:48)

Anticipating the Next Steps: Engagement & Celebrations

• Brooke wants each milestone (Match, engagement, graduation) to have its own moment.
  • “I want everything in my life to have a moment...I want that to be a big deal.” (Brooke, 37:14)
• Plans for parties/celebration after Match Day—making space for joy even in the unknowns.
  • “Just matching is an accomplishment...I wanted to plan a party, but I can't plan, like, the specific program or anything because you don't know until you know.” (Brooke, 45:41)

Relationship Wisdom and Closing Reflections

• Both encourage open, ongoing conversations with your partner regarding big, transitional life plans—whether or not they’re tied to medicine.
  • “I do implore you to, like, talk about these things with your partner...I almost could have talked about it earlier.” (Brooke, 49:13)
  • “Both people should be happy. And opinions change—normalize changing your opinion on certain things.” (Danielle, 50:02)
• Partnership based on mutual support and personal passion.
  • “It's so nice to be with someone who celebrates your wins and you celebrate theirs.” (Brooke, 51:20)
  • “Like Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce—exactly...so passionate about something, and that's what brings you together almost.” (Brooke/Danielle, 51:04)

Memorable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• “Honestly felt honored. That really never happens. They never pull me for the solo.” (Brooke on influencer events, 02:40)
• “If the man doesn't pay for everything you got, you better run, sis!” (Brooke, 39:08)
• “I'm not moving if I'm not engaged. He knows that. Point blank period.” (Brooke, 29:13)
• “These people...are, like, truly, truly so smart and also...passionate about what they're into. I've always wanted to be with someone who's very passionate about what they do.” (Brooke, 32:07)
• “I want everything in my life to have a moment. I don't want the engagement to be like brushed under the rug.” (Brooke, 37:14)
• “It's so nice to be with someone who celebrates your wins and you celebrate theirs.” (Brooke, 51:20)
• “Normalize changing your opinion on certain things.” (Danielle, 50:02)
• “If you're going through like—I commend you. You're doing amazing. Thank you for listening.” (Brooke, 53:05)

Notable Segment Timestamps

• Influencer Event/Workout & Getty Images: 00:29–05:04
• Staycation Story & Social Selectiveness: 09:06–13:16
• TV/Book/Movie Segment: 15:13–24:18
• The Medical Match & Life Transitions: 25:11–54:02
• Relationship/Adulting Wisdom: 49:13–54:02

Final Thoughts

This episode is a heartfelt, detailed look at the anxieties and excitement of forging adult paths, with lots of practical advice, funny stories, and girl talk. Whether you’re contemplating life changes, work/love balance, or just want to feel less alone in limbo, Brooke and Danielle’s honest back-and-forth is reassuring and relatable. The episode ends on a note of gratitude for listeners, and encouragement to celebrate the wins and remain open to the unknown.

For more real-time updates on Brooke’s journey and future “big moments,” stay tuned to Gals on the Go and Brooke’s YouTube. The rest is still unwritten!