This week, we're diving into Ariana Grande's decision to take a step back and why the conversation surrounding it says so much about the impossible expectations placed on women in Hollywood. We unpack the rise of the "skinification" of celebrity culture, the pressure to constantly become smaller, prettier, and more polished, and how beauty standards continue to shift at women's expense. We also wrestle with a question that feels increasingly difficult to answer: when a public figure appears dangerously thin, is commenting on their body perpetuating the problem, or is staying silent just as harmful? It's a nuanced conversation about beauty, concern, and the impossible standards women are expected to navigate. Plus, we wrap things up with a quick recap of House of Stassi.

Crisis Text Hotline: Simply text HOME or HOLA to 741741 to reach a live volunteer Crisis Counselor. Free 24/7 & Confidential.

---

Stream Hannah's album, PHASES!

Watch Emily's Short Film, All We Were!

Emily's Substack: third martini thoughts

---

Emily's Captivation: House Of Stassi

Hannah's Captivation: petal by Ariana Grande

Shop CLEARSTEM and 15% off with the code GALSGUIDE at checkout

---

Welcome to The Gal’s Guide — a weekly dating and lifestyle podcast created to empower radical self-love and bold relationships. Join us, long-distance best friends Hannah Adams and Emily Aleece Burton, for amusing and vulnerable conversations with insightful guests as we cover topics like love and dating to your own self-love, healing, spirituality, and always remembering the importance of gal pals.

Want to request a topic or work with us? Send us an email at hello@thegalsguidepod.com or visit us on our website at thegalsguidepod.com

---

FOLLOW US!

Instagram: @thegalsguidepod

TikTok: @thegalsguide

Emily: @emilyaleece

Hannah: @hannahadamsmiller

This week we're covering a little bit of everything. We kick things off with The Odyssey and why we're suddenly so invested, celebrate Emily's birthday with stories, reflections, and a few lessons from another trip around the sun, and dive into the frustrating reality of flaky friendships. From constantly canceled plans to knowing when it's time to stop chasing people who won't show up for you, we're unpacking the difference between grace and self-respect. We also have a plea for the internet's youngest users: school can't start soon enough. Whether it's summer chaos, social media discourse, or just too much free time online, we're discussing why everyone might benefit when the youths are back in the classroom. Grab your favorite drink and join us for another unfiltered catch-up.

---

Stream Hannah's album, PHASES!

Watch Emily's Short Film, All We Were!

Emily's Substack: third martini thoughts

---

Emily's Captivation: The Odyssey

Hannah's Captivation: Jeff Arcuri: Nice To Meet You

Shop CLEARSTEM and 15% off with the code GALSGUIDE at checkout

---

Welcome to The Gal’s Guide — a weekly dating and lifestyle podcast created to empower radical self-love and bold relationships. Join us, long-distance best friends Hannah Adams and Emily Aleece Burton, for amusing and vulnerable conversations with insightful guests as we cover topics like love and dating to your own self-love, healing, spirituality, and always remembering the importance of gal pals.

Want to request a topic or work with us? Send us an email at hello@thegalsguidepod.com or visit us on our website at thegalsguidepod.com

---

FOLLOW US!

Instagram: @thegalsguidepod

TikTok: @thegalsguide

Emily: @emilyaleece

Hannah: @hannahadamsmiller

This week we're breaking down the Love Island finale, why we're genuinely worried about Melanie, and the manipulation we've watched unfold between her and Sincere. But this conversation quickly became about something much bigger than reality TV. We dive into one of the hardest truths to accept: no one is coming to save you. Whether it's a relationship, your career, your happiness, or your confidence, waiting for someone else to change your life only keeps you stuck. At the same time, no one is coming to stop you either. We talk about what it means to choose yourself, recognize manipulation before it defines you, and take responsibility for creating the life you want. It's part Love Island recap, part life lesson, and one of our most honest conversations yet.

---

Stream Hannah's album, PHASES!

Watch Emily's Short Film, All We Were!

Emily's Substack: third martini thoughts

---

Emily's Captivation: Widow's Bay

Hannah's Captivation: Megababe Thigh Rescue Lotion Anti Chafe Stick

Shop CLEARSTEM and 15% off with the code GALSGUIDE at checkout

---

Welcome to The Gal’s Guide — a weekly dating and lifestyle podcast created to empower radical self-love and bold relationships. Join us, long-distance best friends Hannah Adams and Emily Aleece Burton, for amusing and vulnerable conversations with insightful guests as we cover topics like love and dating to your own self-love, healing, spirituality, and always remembering the importance of gal pals.

Want to request a topic or work with us? Send us an email at hello@thegalsguidepod.com or visit us on our website at thegalsguidepod.com

---

FOLLOW US!

Instagram: @thegalsguidepod

TikTok: @thegalsguide

Emily: @emilyaleece

Hannah: @hannahadamsmiller