Well-informed Girlfriends: Recent Episodes

Tiege Dooley-Panko& Sam Kubota

Today's news, gossip and unsolicited hot takes

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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 💖

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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This week, we’re talking about what could be the start of the latest World War (um, but hopefully isn't?), the next Ozempic and whatever happened to the Trump tariffs. Plus, dating camp for dudes, the Gen Z Glare and laundro-bars.

All that and so much more on this week’s episode of Well-Informed Girlfriends!

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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

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This week on Well-Informed Girlfriends, the girls break down the ICE raids hitting Los Angeles — what’s happening and what you need to know.

Plus, is not having kids… shortening your life expectancy? And is 40 the new 30 or just a new kind of existential crisis?

There's also a new-ish dating app on the scene — and we’ve got thoughts.

Join Tiege and Sam as they break down the headlines, the hot takes, and everything in between.

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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.

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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."

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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

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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!

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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!

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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!

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Today we’re talking all about the latest in the Diddy controversy and breaking down what’s inside Kim Porter’s possible memoir.

We also take a look at how America’s young men are allegedly falling behind and why so many northerners are going to college in the South these days.

All that and more on Well-Informed Girlfriends x

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This week, we’re catching you up on the latest news surrounding Israel, West Nile’s new resurgence along with ways to try and avoid it and we’re discussing the Surgeon General’s latest findings related to parenting in America.

But we’re also covering lighter topics including but not limited to dating apps using new AI chat bots, restock and pack videos and fridgescaping!!! All that and so much more on this week's episode of Well-Informed Girlfriends xx

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This week we’re talking about the Paris Olympics and the winners (cough Team USA!) and the rise in smoking among one of the youngest generations.

Plus, why our attention spans on on the decline and there is, yet again, a new dating trend called “hood fishing” hitting major cities.

All that and so much more on this week's episode of Well-Informed Girlfriends x

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This week, we’re wrapping up coverage of the Paris Olympics, discussing the possibility of seeing a presidential debate, and debriefing the scary looking stock market.

We’re also chatting about the rise of lab-grown diamonds and survival kits, run clubs being the new dating app and stack dating.

All that and so much more on this week's episode of Well-Informed Girlfriends xx

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This week we’re talking all things Paris Olympics, Veepstakes and people racking up debt for the opportunity to travel.

We’re also chatting about yapping being good for the soul, Childless Cat Ladies and dating for the plot.

All that and so much more on this week’s episode of Well-Informed Girlfriends x

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This week, we’re talking all things Kamala Harris and summer travel. We’re also chatting about micro-cheating, America’s ultra processed food supply and romanticizing your life. Oh and Sam takes her dog to a pet medium! All that and so much more on this week’s episode of Well-Informed girlfriends x

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This week, Sam and Tiege talk about the U.S. Surgeon General’s warning for young people about the dangers of social media, America’s vibes recession and the latest type of men crossing their radar: Chipotle boys.

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This week, we’re walking you through the latest on abortion nearly two years after the Supreme Court overturned Roe V. Wade and the two upcoming cases that could impact things even further.

We’re also chatting all things economy — why things feel so bad, even if the data says we’re fine, what living the “Hi-Fi” life means and why so many young people are “rentvesting.”

Finally, we’re talking about the sweet new term for a dating trend: pebbling, which has humans taking a page out of penguins’ love handbook.

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On this week’s episode, Tiege and Sam discuss the alleged new craze sweeping the nation: hot rodent boyfriends. They also explain “friendship recession,” “spaving” and the modern tragedy that is the dating scene. xx

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Welcome back to the resurrected Well Informed Girlfriends Podcast! After a casual year hiatus, Tiege and Sam are back with more news, gossip and unsolicited hot takes. This week, they’re talking about the future of remote work and “quiet vacationing” as well as summer inflation and Japanese “friendship marriage.” xx

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This week we’re talking ghost jobs, Gen Z dupes, and how sleeping with your pets could affect your health. We’re also talking about new trends in investing, coffee affecting your sleep and we’re tackling the age old question - how far is too far to travel for a first date? Oh, and we're breaking down a new nightlife phenomenon cutting out young people from the club scene. All that and so much more on this weeks episode of Well-Informed Girlfriends <3

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This week we’re talking about the slap-less Oscars, the "Tradwives" movement and sugar substitutes affecting our gut. We’re also talking about a resurgence of the Short King, Gen Z’s outlook on our financial situation in the US and the latest Vanderpump Rules drama. All that and so much more on this week's episode of Well-Informed Girlfriends <3

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This week we’re talking about Chris Rock’s very belated response to Will Smith slapping him at the Oscars last year. Plus, a wild story about how the share of single men who say they’re looking for dates or relationships has declined from 61 percent to 50 percent. What’s up with that?

We’re also talking about how much is too much of a nap and love in the time of inflation.

All that, and more on this week’s episode of Well-Informed Girlfriends <3

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This week, we’re talking about the wild weather hitting California — plus how there’s more on the way — and a new, yet somehow old, way of dressing called “stealth wealth.”

Plus, apparently the way we’re posing for photos is cringe now and the proliferation of tipping opportunities (and when you should actually be tipping). We’ll also explain a new drink taking over college campuses called a BORG, the BeReal app and the “sofa theory” of dating.

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This week, we’re talking about the Chinese spy balloon, the insanity of the new chat bot everyone is talking about, ChatGPT, and grocery prices being higher than ever before.

We're also talking about the latest trends in online dating and who’s still using them (we know Tiege is), a study on how certain food can affect your depression and our favorite story of the week - Bold February!! All this and so much more on this week's episode of Well-Informed Girlfriends <3 

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This week, your well-informed girlfriends are talking about new guidance from the surgeon general about social media for young people, new bold and controversial guidelines for dealing with childhood obesity and why we can’t focus on anything anymore and how to deal with it.

Tiege and Sam are also talking about the newest weight loss injection obsession, dating green flags that could tell you if the guy you’re dating is a keeper, and a new workplace buzz word, rage applying. All that and so much more on this week's episode of Well-Informed Girlfriends <3 

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This week, the girls break down the most recent Britney Spears controversy, new workplace buzzwords and the newest Fyre festival (lol). Sam and Tiege also chat about self-esteem tips, Galentine's Day, and Lucky Girl Syndrome, which of course Tiege is all about. All of this and so much more on this week's episode of Well-Informed Girlfriends <3 

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Today, we’re talking about the on-going Balenciaga drama, Spotify Wrapped playlists potentially being a privacy concern, and the new group of people shopping at The Dollar Store.

We’re also breaking down the new lab-based diamond trend, a new study that shows just how bad drinking is for you and how to survive the holidays if you’re single! lol Merry Christmas ya'll! 

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This week on Well-Informed Girlfriends, the girls are breaking down the most recent protests happening in China over Covid restrictions, the latest in the Kanye debacle, and a new millennial worker phenomenon called "career cushioning."

The girls are also chatting about Black Friday and yet another dating trend - this week’s dating hot-topic is referred to as "winter coating."

All that and more on this week's episode of Well-Informed Girlfriends <3 

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This week, we’re talking about the fatal shooting at a Colorado nightclub, Donald trump running for president (again), and his return to Elon's Twitter. We’re also talking about the drama over trying to get tickets to T-Swift (and big picture why that’s a big deal) plus apparently more people are having affairs during the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. All that and more, today on Well-Informed Girlfriends <3 

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This week, we’re talking about Colorado legalizing magic mushrooms, retirees going back to work due to sky-high inflation and holiday spending. We're also diving into how inflation is impacting peoples' dating lives, customer service wait times somehow being worse than ever before and the next buzz-worthy diet trend, the nordic diet.

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We're back! This week on Well-Informed Girlfriends, Tiege and Sam dive into all things regarding the upcoming midterm elections and a phenomenon medical experts are calling a "tripledemic" as we head into the holiday season. The girls also talk about a new dating trend called "cobwebbing" and "beige flags" on dating apps. All that and more on this week's episode! 

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This week, your well-informed girlfriends catch you up on everything surrounding Trump's acquittal and they dive into all things #freeBritney after FX released the New York Times documentary "Framing Britney". Also, Tiege and Sam chat about Bachelor Host Chris Harrison cancelling himself this week and of course because it is Valentine's Day - the girls chat about love and Sam's absolute distain for the holiday. All that and so much more on this week's episode of Well Informed Girlfriends <3 

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This week, the girls talk about their favorite Super Bowl moments — from commercials to memes — plus they break down everything you need to know about former President Trump's impeachment trial that starts later this week. Finally, they chat about some of their own personal dating horror stories and other major red flags to be on the lookout for. All that and more, on this week of Well Informed Girlfriends!

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This week, COVID cases are finally on the decline but the reason why may surprise you. The vaccine rollout hasn't been the smoothest thing we've ever seen, double-masking is a new, fun trend and according to The New York Times, people are feeling more socially awkward in 2021 than ever before. All that and so much more on this week's episode of Well-Informed Girlfriends <3 

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In this special edition of Well-Informed Girlfriends, Sam and Tiege take you on a quick journey to Washington D.C. during the inauguration of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. From fashion moments (including Bernie's mittens, obviously) to picking up on the city's ~vibes~, the girls have got it all plus, as always, some unsolicited hot takes!

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In case you've been hiding in the woods for days,  Joe Biden is the new president-elect. But what you may not know is the adorable history his DOGS will be making this January. Yes, his dogs. Plus, the holidays are going to be a bummer this year because of COVID...we’re talking about some ways to keep you and your family safe. Finally, Tiege went on an awkward date and bailed after learning they did not agree politically...so we’re talking about talking politics on first dates. All that and more on this episode of Well Informed Girlfriends.

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This week, Tiege and Sam chat about heading into yet another wave of the virus — the third, to be exact. Plus, the girls discuss Gen Z ~vibes~ ahead of election day (spoiler alert, they feel disenfranchised and depressed like the rest of us.) Plus, they're talking about making sure your voice is heard this election season and about how to make new friends in a pandemic (safely and from a social distance!) All that and more on this week of Well Informed Girlfriends. 

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This week felt like the longest week ever...starting with Trump’s tax returns and ending with him briefly being hospitalized for coronavirus. Plus, it's morbid but just in case, we’re explaining what happens in the event of a presidential death. Plus! The girls have some tips for battling mask acne aka maskne. All that and more on this week's episode of Well-Informed Girlfriends <3 

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This week on the pod, the girls revisit some of the amazing feats of late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg in the wake of her death at the age of 87. Plus, the weird (and expensive) way some people are passing the time in quarantine: flights to nowhere. And it wouldn't be 2020 without another weird food thing, so Taco Bell is making a wine? All that and more, this week on Well Informed Girlfriends. 

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This week on the pod, Tiege and Sam have the latest on the vaccine trials and the people who are now becoming #antivaxxers. Plus, a ton of young people are giving up on their dreams to move home with their parents during the pandemic. Finally, the girls chat about some new research just released pointing to the dangers of indoor restaurant dining. And per usual, there are a bunch of baby announcements! No one is shocked. All that and more on this week's episode of Well-Informed Girlfriends. Follow all of the things @wellinformedgirlfriends @tiegedp @samanthakubota

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Oh 2020, you never slow down, do you? This week, the girls are chatting about the gender reveal party that sparked a new California wildfire. Then, they chat about divorce rates on the rise which they absolutely predicted would happen at the beginning of quarantine. They also discuss a professor who's ASKING to be cancelled and OMG is this the best Dancing with the Stars cast you've ever seen? Tiege thinks yes. Sam thinks no. All this and more on this week of Well-Informed Girlfriends! 

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This week, the girls chat, of course, everything coronavirus including but not limited to conspiracy theories, new research on surfaces carrying the virus and what movie theaters are doing to prepare to open. Then, they chat about how to properly and safely vote by mail, shortages on Dr. Pepper and Chrissy Teigen's big announcement. All that and more on a full week of Well-Informed Girlfriends. <3 

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Sam is back! This week, the girls are talking all things coronavirus (are you shocked?) - they discuss how effective the current testing is and what masks are best. Then, the girls chat with a therapist about best practices for handling stress in the current climate and finally, the girls chat conspiracy theories and what they're watching. All that and more on this week of Well-Informed Girlfriends. 

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This week, Tiege is joined by childhood bestie and pop culture expert, Bailey Rivara. They discuss Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's clap back to Representative Yoho's name-calling, Taylor Swift's new album and why it has a different vibe, Kanye's full-on breakdown and the #FreeBritney movement started by fans to get freedom for Britney Spears...but does she want that? All this and more in this week's episode of Well-Informed Girlfriends <3 

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This week, Tiege is joined by childhood bestie and comedian Emma Tyler. The girls break down the mask debate, the school debate, the Goya Bean controversy, Will and Jada Smith relationship tea and dating rules in quarantine. 

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One of the big stories right now is whether or not schools should open up in the fall. It turns out the issue is more complicated than it appears. We sat down, via phone call, with a grade school teacher in South Central Los Angeles, Alyssa Scofield, a friend of Tiege's from Laker Girls. She told us about the pros and cons of opening schools in the fall for her students. 

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Thomas Serena is a surgical resident in a hospital outside of Detroit who's been on the front lines of the pandemic since it began. He shares with Tiege, who's a childhood friend, how his life has changed since COVID entered his hospital. 

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Will we ever be surprised again? 2020 threw us another curveball: Kanye West is apparently running for president. Plus, COVID tests are hard to come by and apparently everyone is lying to each other in the time of coronavirus. All this and more in this week's episode of Well-informed Girlfriends. <3 

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This week, the girls chat about new research showing if the protests had an affect on coronavirus spread. They also dive into if women are more likely to wear masks in public, the safety concerns of working out at a gym again and we meet a new Karen in North Hollywood. To top it off, the girls talk dating and how recent lifting of restrictions may mean they can hop back on the dating scene! 

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In this week's episode of Well-Informed Girlfriends, the girls dive into all of the news including but not limited to: toilets having the potential to spread the coronavirus, possible voter suppression in Kentucky primaries and a new week of allegations against some of LA's most popular male entertainers.

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As protests continue across the globe, the girlfriends discuss the likelihood of contracting the coronavirus at rallies, brands that are being called out for potentially discriminatory practices and celebrities who are weighing in on the Black Lives Matter movement and the pandemic. 

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This week, your well-informed girlfriends dive right into the highest risk activities for getting/spreading COVID-19, plus they discuss the “Quarantine 15,” which is apparently a real thing (so relax!) as people pack on the pounds during this pandemic. Sam and Tiege also chat about one couple’s Hinge date that left them trapped in Costa Rica for 60+ days during a global health crisis! All this and more this week on Well-Informed Girlfriends 💜

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This week, the girls interview women who have had to change or postpone their weddings due to the coronavirus. Then, Sam and Tiege talk all the new news circulating COVID-19 — including the story about people volunteering to get it. Finally, of course, the girls dive into all of the latest quarantine trends. All this and so much more on this weeks' episode of Well-Informed Girlfriends. <3 

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This week, the girls talk to a fellow journalist John Henry in Washington D.C. about the Ahmed Arbery case and about how social media has impacted coverage. Then, they phone their moms and get all of the best (and questionable) life advice and hacks to celebrate Mother's Day. Finally, the girls chat about the latest celebrity news and some new food trends, which somehow SHOCKINGLY don't involve whipping anything this week?

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This week, journalists Sam Kubota and Tiege Dooley-Panko dive into the latest news surrounding coronavirus and chat about what foods you should eat if you want to avoid getting it (per an actual live human adult doctor, because they would just recommend Domino's Pizza.) Also, babies are a HOT topic this week — the girls discuss all of the babies being born, being announced and ...err... being conceived. Finally, your well-informed girlfriends bring you the latest recipe and fashion trends of the week. All this and more on episode 4! 

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Journalists Tiege Dooley-Panko and Samantha Kubota are back with more (un)fun facts about the only thing on everyone’s mind: coronavirus. Specifically, more symptoms to be on the lookout for, boss women running their countries during a pandemic and “Revenge Body with Khloe Kardashian.” Well, we guess we just slipped that last one in there for our own sanity? Plus, it wouldn’t be a pandemic without some weird recipe hacks and a bunch-o-memes.

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Journalists Tiege Dooley-Panko and Sam Kubota dive into Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's move to LA, pandemic shaming, and our latest reality TV obsession, "Too Hot to Handle." Your well-informed girlfriends even did some — ahem — VERY investigative reporting on dating in the age of the coronavirus! 

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Journalists Sam Kubota and Tiege Dooley-Panko discuss love in the age of coronavirus, the way journalists are being perceived in the media, and the act of being quara-ghosted.