Explore every episode of the podcast Well-Informed Girlfriends

Why are millennial women leaving corporate America? And would you consider it catfishing if someone used ChatGPT to flirt with you?This week on Well-Informed Girlfriends, Tiege and Sam are talking about changing career ambitions, AI-powered dating, and why even some parents who work in tech are raising their kids without social media and AI.

Are dinner parties officially dead? And is your boss secretly trying to make you quit? This week on Well-Informed Girlfriends, Tiege Dooley-Panko and Sam Kubota are unpacking the trends, workplace drama, and wellness news everyone should be talking about.

Some Gen Z college freshmen are moving back home just weeks into their first semester, reopening a bigger debate about mental health, discomfort and whether the traditional “college experience” is still worth it.

This week on Well-Informed Girlfriends, we’re also talking about Gen X drinking more while younger generations cut back on alcohol, Match Group’s dating app for “next-gen traditionalists” and a bleak new report on hybrid work, where employees are working Sundays, “job hugging” and showing up to the office just to be seen.

Plus, the internet is fighting over whether it’s unprofessional to bring an iced coffee to a job interview, millennials are being told that ending texts with “lol” makes us look old, Gen Z has complicated feelings about PDA and New York City is rolling out public “robotoilets” with a strict 10-minute limit.

Are parents so focused on raising successful kids that we're forgetting to teach them how to actually take care of themselves? Why are young adults spending more time completely alone? And has Costco somehow become America's new social club?We’re digging into the debate over kids and basic life skills; cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping, doing laundry and all the boring things you eventually need to know to live on your own. Then, we look at new data on young adult loneliness and why some people in their 20s are spending entire days without seeing another person.Plus: welcome to Analog Summer. People are putting down their phones, picking up film cameras, books and knitting needles, and even carrying “analog bags” filled with things to do instead of scrolling.Basically: parenting, loneliness, money anxiety, marriage, friendship, screen fatigue, Costco romance and extremely rich people taking gap years. Just a normal week.Credits:Hosted by Tiege Dooley-Panko and Samantha Kubota. Produced by Lauren Lewis. Filmed and edited by Alex Alvarez.

Are teens actually getting dumber? Is “Woke 2.0” upon us? And are millennial moms collectively having a midlife crisis?

This week, Sam and Tiege are breaking down falling teen test scores, the left’s new focus on class and why women might actually be too good at persevering.

Plus: South Korea’s “rotation dating,” Kalshi becoming the US Open’s first prediction market partner, Gen Z’s wellness daytime parties, why it’s suddenly a great time to be a homebuyer (if you can afford it), the death of the weeknight hang and “French Sundays” — the new anti-Sunday-reset trend giving us permission to do absolutely nothing.

What do Instagram’s new teen restrictions mean for TikTok and YouTube? Why does Google Maps suddenly say “Lake America” instead of Lake Ontario? And how did a man allegedly scam women out of $1.3 million by pretending to be a San Francisco 49ers player?

This week on Well Informed Girlfriends, Sam and Lauren break down the Meta social media settlement and the new rules for teens on Instagram and Facebook — including why TikTok and YouTube could be next. Plus, President Trump’s Lake Ontario “Lake America” rename hits Google Maps, the wild fake NFL player dating scam involving at least 26 women and the boyfriend algorithm-to-ick pipeline fueled by manosphere content.

We’re also getting into “The Great Settling” and why workers are accepting lower-paying jobs, TikTok’s gross new “pheromone maxxing” trend, Gen Z’s surprisingly wholesome “community-maxxing” movement and “cushioning,” the toxic dating trend where people keep romantic backup plans while they’re still in a relationship.

AI is making work weird. This week on "Well-Informed Girlfriends," we’re talking about the rise of AI-generated “workslop,” why coworkers are starting to judge each other for using AI, and the surprisingly insulting new workplace habit of telling someone to “ask AI” instead of asking you.Plus: why college students aren’t hanging out IRL anymore, how AI may be helping students finish homework while hurting actual learning, and the controversy over a $60,000 humanoid AI robot that was supposed to enter a New York classroom.We’re also getting into why women are leaving the workforce, the government’s attempt to finally define “ultra-processed food,” whether panic over falling birth rates is overblown, and a major change at Bumble: men can now make the first move.

Is Gen Z giving up on dating or has dating simply gotten too expensive and exhausting?This week on Well-Informed Girlfriends, Tiege & Gabi (@tiegedp & @itsgabiconti) talking about the growing “romance gap,” why some young people are approaching relationships in terms of return on emotional investment, and whether money is becoming one of the biggest barriers to finding love.Plus: the Lindsay Clancy trial and the internet theories surrounding the case, the rise of “skillcations,” why more Americans are embracing life as forever renters, and the increase in divorce among couples over 50.We’re also getting into dopamine decor and asking the question Millennials everywhere have been avoiding: why did we dress like middle managers to go to the club?The stories making us smarter at brunch this week:• The Lindsay Clancy trial, postpartum mental health and the internet’s theories• Is Gen Z giving up on dating?• Why travelers are trading relaxing vacations for “skillcations”• America’s growing generation of forever renters• Why more couples over 50 are getting divorced• The rise of dopamine decor• Why Millennials dressed business casual to go partyingSubscribe for a new episode of Well-Informed Girlfriends every week, and tell us in the comments: which story do you have the strongest opinion about?

This week, Sam and Tiege break down the biggest stories shaping culture, technology and work: the growing attention-span divide, California's new data delete law, America's "fun shortage," more seniors returning to work, ghosting long-term partners, the rise of "naked dressing," whether Gen Z is really drinking more and the viral "hobosexual" dating trend.

This week, we’re talking about America’s explosive diarrhea summer, how the measles season is breaking a bunch of records no one wanted to break, and how the biggest winner of Trump's second term might be Donald Trump's business portfolio.We’ll also be chatting about keeping a brag folder, what complaining does to your brain and the invisible string theory.

This week, we’re talking about "Slop Face" in Hollywood, the end of reading and signs your man has been "red pilled." We’re also breaking down a new dating app where AI is your matchmaker, grocery stores being a new hot spot for singles and millennials gentle parenting their dogs.

This week, Tiege and guest host Gabi Conti unpack Instagram's controversial new paid features, the rise of "friction-maxxing," why more Gen Z adults are living with their parents and replacing full meals with snacks.

Plus, they interview a very well-informed guest, Dr. Ryan Stancil in a new segment, "Ask The Doctor." He shares practical medical advice on Ozempic, processed foods, full-body MRI scans, self-diagnosing with AI, warning signs you should never ignore and simple habits that can dramatically improve your health.

This week on Well Informed Girlfriends, we're diving into the idea that AI might be creating an "infinite workweek." We unpack why workers are feeling more exhausted than ever, despite all the promises that AI would make life easier. Also, teen boys are forming relationships with AI girlfriends, and experts are sounding the alarm. Is this harmless companionship or something more concerning?We also chat about people going on first dates at the gym and a new dating term: "kittenfishing."

This week on Well Informed Girlfriends, we're talking about the SpaceX IPO, why inflation is hitting Americans' wallets again and the growing number of adults still getting financial help from their parents.Plus, could smartphones actually be the most effective birth control ever invented? We get into the millennial hygiene habits confusing boomers, the surprising argument for standardized testing and the dating trend called "Frankensteining."

This week Sam and Tiege discuss if Ozempic is changing our bodies AND our brains, Trump signing an executive order that could change how AI is regulated in America, anti-vax dating apps and a new dating trend called “wildflowering,”

This week, Sam and Tiege are talking about the latest on the Hantavirus, RFK Jr.'s push to get Americans off of anti-depressants and the death of Spirit Airlines. They're also diving into about another side effect of the Iran war and this time, it’s affecting Diet Coke. They also break down “doom-spending” and “burned haystack dating.” Oh, ALSO, since it is Mother’s Day weekend, the girls' moms will be joining the show to give us all some motherly advice.

This week, Sam and Tiege are talking about how the future of war is…killer robots, the impact of the Iranian war on certain bedroom-related goods beyond just gas prices and why law breaking in the U.S. is on the rise.The girls are also talking about "hetero-flexibility," passport bros going abroad to find a wife and "grim-keeping."

This week, Tiege and Ashley Holt are talking about Gen Z...how they’re getting more religious & how they are rage quitting smartphones and getting flip phones and typewriters. They're also talking about how to spot a "frenemy," the benefits of dating a luddite, and they debate when it’s time to delete the apps when you’re in a relationship. Oh, also, they break down something called the “Alpine Divorce”. All that and so much more on this week's episode xx

This week, Sam and Tiege are breaking down Trump’s escalating threats toward Iran, why thousands of tech jobs are disappearing as AI spending explodes and what’s behind the spooky new beauty trend called “morgue gaze.” Plus, Cuba’s deepening crisis, the rise of cougars and two new dating terms: "chalance" and "monkey barring."

This week, Sam and Tiege break down rising tensions in Iran and a landmark lawsuit holding Big Tech accountable for addictive platform design. They also get into how inflation is hitting unexpected places, Gen Z trends like “looksmaxxing,” and why everyone is suddenly obsessed with an AI dating show… starring fruit.

This week, Sam and Tiege break down the latest in Iran and why gas prices are so high…and, a new viral trend: China-maxxing. Plus, America’s money blind spot, "swag gaps" in relationships and a new dating trend called “sweeping,” just in time for your spring cleaning.

This week, we’re talking about the latest news out of the conflict in Iran, how the latest jobs report might indicate the US is moving into a new hiring era and the data behind Gen Z’s so-called “dating recession.”Plus, why RFK Jr. is going after Dunkin' and Starbucks, how what you eat can affect your dreams and something the kids are calling “boy kibble.”

This week, Sam and Tiege explain how incel slang like “looksmaxxing” went mainstream, people are bringing their AI companions out on the town, and how the newly-coined dating term “ghostlighting” is a trend as old as time. Plus, an explanation of the escalating U.S. - Israel - Iran conflict and what it could mean for gas prices, cyberattacks and the political fight over presidential war powers.

This week, Sam and Tiege dive into the moment Former President Obama seemingly confirmed he believes aliens are real and what that actually means.Then they unpack whether AI is slowly dulling our minds (are we outsourcing our thinking a little too much?) and break down how the latest jobs report is really playing out in today’s workforce.Plus, what the kids are calling “regular-maxxing” and why it’s trending, why millennials say they’re cheating less than previous generations and yes… cuffing season is officially over. What now?

This week, we’re unpacking layoffs across industries, how people are actually spending right now, and the easiest (least miserable) ways to save money this year. Plus, we zoom out to talk about the "polycrisis" and why it feels like every headline is competing for our last brain cell.We also get into why “critical ignoring” might be the only way to survive 2026, what podcasts are doing to our brains, and the rise of "hot take dating."

This week on Well Informed Girlfriends, Sam and Tiege break down why major news outlets aren’t repeating viral Epstein accusations and what responsible journalism actually requires. We also dig into a new lawsuit challenging the “black box” of AI hiring tools, a landmark social media addiction trial and why weight-loss drugs could quietly reshape air travel.Plus: a disturbing IVF mix-up raising ethical questions, Elon Musk’s claim that saving for retirement may soon be pointless, the rise of “shift sulking,” film students who can’t finish movies and two brutal new dating terms... Banksying and roaching. And finally, we debate whether the Harry Potter generation needs to grow up.

This week’s episode is packed. Sam and Tiege break down what TikTok’s ownership change really means for U.S. users, dive into the rise of AI-powered disinformation swarms (and why they’re so hard to detect), and talk about why people are suddenly feeling hopeful about money again in what’s being called a “financial resolution rebound.”Plus:• Why everyone’s craving “competency porn” TV right now• The friend group fallacy and why most adults don’t actually have a crew• The newest dating term you’ll wish you didn’t relate to: humiliationship• Talking to your water (yes… really)• “Burping” your home for better healthThere’s also… a lot going on in the world right now. If you’re feeling anxious, we share science-backed ways to calm your nervous system, limit information overload, and ground yourself.🎧 Listen now and let us know your thoughts in the comments.

This week, Sam and Tiege break down why 2016-style optimism is suddenly cool again and why everyone wants to just log off the internet. They unpack Gen Z's "Great Meme Reset" and so-called empathy perception gap. Plus, how more men are getting "brotox," the rise of rejection therapy and the latest red-flag dating trend: "future faking."

This week, Tiege and Sam break down the U.S.’s revamped food pyramid and looser alcohol guidance, California’s new IVF coverage mandate, Trump’s proposed cap on credit card interest and why more millennials are getting cancer earlier. They also unpack Hollywood’s growing AI backlash and reveal the new name that’s replacing “Karen.” Plus, a fun trend called “friendfluence” is changing how people are dating.

This week, Sam and Tiege break down the latest U.S. jobs report and why economists say high interest rates — not AI — may be driving the white-collar hiring slowdown. They also talk about California’s new "data delete button" and how restaurants are shrinking menus for the Ozempic era. Plus, it’s officially Dating Sunday… right as new data suggests many women are emotionally checking out of modern dating just as the apps hit peak traffic.

This week's special holiday episode breaks down a wave of cultural shifts, from Australia’s under-16 social media ban and rising pressure to looking “hot” at work.

Sam and Tiege also discuss a slightly toxic new dating trend called “sledging” and women quietly quitting marriages rather than divorcing.

The girls also dig into why so many women want to leave the U.S., how “admin nights” and how doctor's prescriptions for social activities signal deeper economic and loneliness crises.

This week, the girls discuss the latest on the government re-opening, Epstein emails and how SNAP benefits could be permanently changing soon. They also chat about pennies being cancelled, the myths men tell themselves that keep them single and why so many main characters on TV just feel lackluster these days. All that and so much more on this week's episode of Well-Informed Girlfriends!

UPDATE: Since recording this episode, the U.S. government is *much* closer to reopening. Late Sunday, a group of Senate Democrats voted with Republicans to reopen the government and fund most federal agencies through January. That said, the short-term spending agreement will not become law until it is debated and passed by the Senate, approved in the House and signed by President Trump. ---This week, Sam and Tiege break down the latest in the government shutdown, airline delays and GLP-1 access for all. They also break down a controversial op-ed from the New York Times about the effects of feminism in the workforce, a new social media trend and stack dating. All that and so much more on this week's episode of Well-Informed Girlfriends xx

This week, we dive into the SNAP showdown amid the month-long government shutdown, Trump’s call to kill the filibuster, and how delivery apps might be ruining restaurants. Plus, whether having a boyfriend is cringe these days, how family sizes are shrinking and evidently, even the way millennials smile is lame. 

From stalled paychecks and food aid to a very expensive surprise White House makeover, Sam and Tiege dig into the real-world fallout of Washington’s funding fight. Then they discuss the latest on the wild Louvre jewel heist and dive into a bleak white-collar job market. Plus how AI might be in your Hinge DMs and a new viral dating trend called “throning.”

This week on Well Informed Girlfriends, we’re diving into the fallout from Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension after his controversial remarks about Charlie Kirk’s death — and what it means for free speech. We’re also breaking down the Federal Reserve’s first rate cut in nearly a year and how it could affect your money. Plus, a major overhaul to the H-1B visa program is sparking concern in the tech world and how to get over an all-consuming crush!

This week on Well Informed Girlfriends, we break down the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and what it says about America’s rising political violence. We also dig into the job market: unemployment looks low, but more Americans are underemployed and struggling to find full-time work. And in dating news, we’re talking age bias and why the internet is officially over dogfishing.

This week on Well Informed Girlfriends, we’re unpacking what the latest disappointing jobs report says about the U.S. economy, how Texas and California are waging a redistricting battle and dig into the decline of reading. We also check in on whatever happened to the TikTok ban and unpack about the pricey world of sorority rush. Plus, how the latest science shows that men literally need to lower their standards on dating apps.

This week, your Well-Informed girlfriends are breaking down the EPA’s latest rollback and what it means for the environment, potential rate cuts from the Federal Reserve and why U.S. immigration numbers are declining.Plus, Ashley and Tiege chat about the newest (and weirdest) dating terms and the rise of “no contact” — even with parents. And of course, so much more ✨Hit play, grab your coffee (or wine), and let’s get into it 💖

This week, we'll dive into Trump and Putin’s Alaska summit flop, the tariff extensions, and why Americans feel stuck in place.

We also break down Silicon Valley’s “hard tech” shift, Gen Z’s $0 dating budgets, and the newest trend—flocking (aka TRAVEL instead of a dating app). Plus, an economist’s decision to ditch men, a viral list of dating dealbreakers, and Taylor Swift’s surprise album drop on a football podcast.

This week on Well-Informed Girlfriends, we break down what to do in an earthquake or tsunami (yes, really), why Trump just fired the head of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and what “man-keeping” and “hetero-fatalism” say about modern dating. Plus: golden passports, rising birth rates among women over 40, and whether your dog is bad for the planet.

This week on Well-Informed Girlfriends, Sam and Tiege unpack the mess behind the newly revealed Epstein files — including Trump’s latest lawsuit and Ghislaine Maxwell’s possible testimony. Plus, Vogue’s AI-generated model stirs up beauty standard backlash, quantum dating might actually make sense, and love addiction could be melting your brain. Oh, and AI might be making all of us dumber.

Tiege and Ashley break down the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” that just passed Congress, the devastating Texas floods, and the dramatic conclusion of P Diddy’s high-profile trial.We’re also diving into a new dating term called “cookie jarring” 🍪, how to talk money with your new boo 💸, and according to The Wall Street Journal, women are drinking more and we ...might be here for it? All that and so much more on this week's episode of Well-Informed Girlfriends xx

This week, Sam and Tiege are breaking down the No Kings Marches that took over cities across the country this weekend, the military parade in Washington DC, and asking the question on everyone’s mind — is World War 3 brewing… or not? 👀Plus:✨ Why more parents are preferring girl babies✨ The do’s and don’ts of Juneteenth celebrations✨ What the heck is NAD and why everyone’s talking about itJoin Tiege and Sam as they break down the headlines, the weird stories, and everything in between — all in one jam-packed episode of Well-Informed Girlfriends! 💅🎙️Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share 💖#NoKingsMarch #Juneteenth #NAD #WW3 #WellInformedGirlfriends #GirlBabies #PopCulture #CurrentEvents

This week, Sam and Tiege dig into Trump’s possible new data plans, Lizzo’s emotional return to the stage at West Hollywood Pride , and how people are letting ChatGPT rate their looks (uhmmmm and whether or not you should!) Plus: the Job Corps shutdown, zebra striping your drinks, and a weirdly numbing mocktail called Kava.

This week, Sam and Tiege are talking about Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill passing the House — and what it means — plus why the MAGA economy is thriving and the latest in the Diddy trial.  They're also chatting about money dysmorphia, junk food filling our brains with microplastics, and what the kids are calling "dry texting."

This week, Tiege and Sam break down what the latest Supreme Court decision will mean for the Trump deportations, the latest on the tariff drama, and the Sean 'Diddy' Combs trial. They also get into the high cost of dating coaches and how older moms live longer. Plus, they're visited by a celebrity guest...well, sort of! All that and so much more on this week's episode of Well-Informed Girlfriends xx

This week, the girlfriends are talking about the new potential tariffs on Hollywood, how AI could be your new BFF, and apparently, your shampoo might be giving you cancer.

There's also more on the nationwide pivot to Real IDs and the latest on the equally real American Pope!

From new tariffs and the situation at U.S. ports to the growing concern over microplastics, there's no shortage of news this week. The girlfriends also debut a fun new game: "Recession Indicator or Not?" Plus, they're spilling the tea on the ups and downs of dating a co-worker. All that and so much more on this week's episode!

We're back! This week we're talking about Trump's tariffs and the TikTok trends we're both obsessed with and horrified by. We're also discussing the ongoing "vibe-cession" and what it means to marry "down." Plus, some personal news!