If you’ve ever wanted to dissect a terrible first date, debate the rules of modern dating, or just feel deeply seen by two women who are not here to sugarcoat anything, then Girls Gotta Eat has probably already become a staple in your podcast rotation. Hosted by best friends Rayna Greenberg and Ashley Hesseltine, the show launched in 2018 and quickly built a fiercely loyal following of women who appreciate equal parts sharp dating commentary, laugh-out-loud personal storytelling, and the kind of honest, unfiltered girl talk you’d have with your funniest friends over a bottle of wine.
From navigating hookup culture and situationships to interviewing celebrity guests and tackling listener questions, Rayna and Ashley have covered it all, with chemistry and comedic timing that makes every episode feel like you’re eavesdropping on a conversation you desperately want to be part of. With a massive back catalog to dig through, here are, what I think, the best episodes of Girls Gotta Eat.
Girl Code
Listen on: Pod.link | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Overcast | Pocket Casts
In this episode, the hosts tackle some of the most pressing questions in friendship and dating. from whether it’s acceptable to date a friend’s ex, to whether it matters if friends stay in touch with a former partner, and what to do when catching someone being unfaithful. Along the way, they share their own girl code experiences, offer up Netflix and spank bank recommendations, and introduce a new feel-good segment that may or may not bring them to tears.
Young Love feat. Comedians Mike Cannon and Mike Feeney
Listen on: Pod.link | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Overcast | Pocket Casts
Comedians Mike Feeney and Mike Cannon join the show for a hilarious conversation about meeting your spouse young, married versus single life, and keeping the spark alive. The episode also features a round of Psycho or Power Move, summer travel updates, fresh takes on 69’ing, and a dating app update that has everyone fired up.
Being Happy Being Alone feat. Author Maria Del Russo
Listen on: Pod.link | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Overcast | Pocket Casts
Writer and author Maria Del Russo joins the show to discuss embracing single life, staying true to yourself while dating, knowing what you want in a partner, and bouncing back from bad dates. The episode also features a feel-good segment inspired by Maria’s book Simple Acts of Love, along with updates on Rayna’s Russian adventure and Ashley’s latest feud.
What’s Wrong With Being Confident? Feat. Katie Sturino
Listen on: Pod.link | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Overcast | Pocket Casts
Katie Sturino of The 12ish Style joins the show to talk body confidence, breaking the fashion blogger mold, fearless dating tactics, and how she met her fiancé. The episode also features a round of Is This Weird?, Rayna’s endorsement of public transit, and an update from Ashley on a guy she’s looking to pass along to a friend.
Inside the Male Mind feat. Men’s Coach Connor Beaton
Listen on: Pod.link | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Overcast | Pocket Casts
Men’s coach and ManTalks founder Connor Beaton joins the show to shed light on the male psyche, tackling questions like why men won’t commit, why they send unsolicited photos, whether a man can truly be changed, and much more. It’s an eye-opening and entertaining conversation the hosts found genuinely impactful.
Falling in Love With Your Friend feat. Ali Kolbert
Listen on: Pod.link | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Overcast | Pocket Casts
Comedian Ali Kolbert returns with her girlfriend Lauren to share their friends-to-partners love story and discuss knowing when a relationship is truly the one. The conversation also covers ending engagements, coming out, and setting boundaries when dating a friend. Before the guests join, Rayna shares birthday messages from guys and Ashley delivers another embarrassing butt update.
Cheating Isn’t Black and White feat. Esther Perel
Listen on: Pod.link | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Overcast | Pocket Casts
Psychotherapist and author Esther Perel joins the show for an in-depth conversation on infidelity — why it happens, why it hurts, and whether relationships can recover. The discussion also explores the often unrealistic expectations placed on modern partners and how to navigate them for a healthier relationship. Before Esther joins, the hosts catch up on Rayna’s first fight with her boyfriend and Ashley’s Hamptons Hinge date.
How to Stop Overvaluing People Who Undervalue You with Matthew Hussey
Listen on: Pod.link | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Overcast | Pocket Casts
Matthew Hussey returns to discuss his new book Love Life, covering how to raise your standards, recognize intention versus attention, stop overvaluing the wrong people, and find the strength to leave unhealthy relationships. He also opens up about his own marriage and how his wife set the tone early on. Before Matthew joins, the hosts tackle nudes, awkward customer service encounters, the plane window shade debate, and booth boyfriends.
When You Know You Know feat. Matteo Lane
Listen on: Pod.link | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Overcast | Pocket Casts
Matteo Lane returns to share the story of his whirlwind romance and recent wedding, with a special call-in from his new husband. The conversation covers his insecurities, career milestones, hair implants, crying on planes, and Selling Sunset. Before Matteo joins, the hosts discuss liking a best friend’s partner, Rayna’s dating energy, and Ashley’s airport hookup.
Doing It Doggy Style with Comedian Andrew Collin
Listen on: Pod.link | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Overcast | Pocket Casts
Comedian and dog walker Andrew Collin joins the hosts for a pet-themed episode that quickly goes off the rails in the best possible way. From guys who are overly obsessed with their dogs to a range of NSFW topics, this episode is not for the easily offended and is best enjoyed somewhere private where listeners can laugh freely.
Let’s Talk About Mental Health feat. Comedian Brendan Eyre
Listen on: Pod.link | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Overcast | Pocket Casts
Comedian Brendan Eyre joins the show for an honest and humorous deep dive into mental health, sharing his personal journey from a psychotic breakdown in Alaska to escaping a psych ward to finding stability through comedy and love. The conversation also tackles how to navigate mental illness in a relationship, while the episode kicks off with travel updates featuring Jersey strippers and dates in Denver.
Breakup Bootcamp with Amy Chan
Listen on: Pod.link | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Overcast | Pocket Casts
Amy Chan, founder of Renew Breakup Bootcamp, joins the show in this classic re-release to map out the journey from heartbreak to happiness. The conversation covers surviving the first weeks post-breakup, recognizing and breaking toxic dating patterns, and putting an end to relationship fantasizing.
Your Man Who’s Not Your Man
Listen on: Pod.link | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Overcast | Pocket Casts
The hosts tackle the complicated world of situationships, those almost-relationships that are hard to define and harder to leave. They share hard truths, personal experiences, and listener Psycho or Power Moves involving men who weren’t quite boyfriends, while also covering Ashley’s new favorite show and Rayna’s breakdown of what alcohol does to the brain.