Chicks in the Office

Charli XCX & Jack Antonoff Collab, John Mayer & Kat Stickler? + Lukas Gage Interview

October 15, 2025

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  • Co-host Noah celebrated his 30th birthday, marking the end of his '30 before 30' list project which was heavily documented on social media. 
  • Co-host Fran recounted a highly uncomfortable experience where a young boy smacked her on the rear end in an elevator, leading to an awkward confrontation with the child's guardians. 
  • The hosts discussed the recent news reports suggesting Kat Stickler and John Mayer are dating, noting that John Mayer actively follows Kat Stickler on Instagram. 
  • The hosts briefly discussed the desire for celebrities to engage in public 'diss tracks' similar to Drake and Kendrick Lamar, rather than relying on social media feuds. 
  • The upcoming HGTV show, 'Bachelor Mansion Takeover,' featuring former Bachelor Nation contestants renovating the mansion, generated mixed initial reactions from the hosts, though they admitted interest due to their love for home renovation shows. 
  • The latter half of the segment features an in-depth interview with Lukas Gage about his memoir, 'I Wrote This for Attention,' where he discusses the self-aware title, the difficulty of navigating public attention from viral moments versus acting work, and the importance of destigmatizing mental health diagnoses like BPD. 
  • Lukas Gage's memoir, "I Wrote This for Attention," prompted complex family dynamics, with his mother feeling she might have done something wrong, though Gage clarified he doesn't seek accountability from her. 
  • Gage and his brother Corey agreed to include sensitive details about addiction in the memoir because Corey felt exposing the issues within wilderness camps and rehabs was important for shedding light on the topic. 
  • The conversation concluded with a deep dive into Bravo shows, identifying *The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City* as the current best Housewives franchise and *Vanderpump Rules* (especially early seasons) as one of the best reality shows ever made. 

Segments

Sponsor Read: Bombas
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(00:00:19)
  • Key Takeaway: Bombas offers comfortable apparel crafted from premium materials like merino wool and Sherpa lining, supporting their ‘one purchased equals one donated’ initiative.
  • Summary: Listeners can use code CHICKS for 20% off their first purchase at bombas.com/slashchicks. Bombas products include socks, slippers, tees, and underwear, all backed by a happiness guarantee. The company has donated over 150 million items to those experiencing homelessness.
Sponsor Read: Truly Unruly
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(00:01:35)
  • Key Takeaway: Truly Unruly is marketed as the first high-alcohol seltzer that maintains a light and refreshing taste.
  • Summary: The beverage is positioned as a refreshing option for golf enthusiasts, breaking traditional beverage rules. Consumers can find locations via trulyhardself.com/slashlocations. The product is made by a hard seltzer beverage company based in Boston, Massachusetts.
Podcast Intro and Noah’s Birthday
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(00:03:13)
  • Key Takeaway: Noah officially turned 30, celebrating the milestone after previously downplaying his birthdays and completing a ‘30 before 30’ list during a trip to Singapore.
  • Summary: The hosts acknowledged Noah’s 30th birthday, which occurred after the recording. Noah admitted to historically faking sick to avoid birthday celebrations in school. The completion of his pre-30 list was centered around his Singapore trip, though he plans to remain low-key about the actual birthday.
Fran’s Concert Experience Complaint
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(00:08:36)
  • Key Takeaway: Terminal 5 is considered the worst venue due to overcrowding, poor setup, and restricted exit routes, especially when a show is moved indoors from Pier 17.
  • Summary: Fran attended a Royal Otis concert that was moved from Pier 17 to Terminal 5 due to bad weather, resulting in excessive crowding. She noted that attendees must secure spots right against the railing to see the stage on either level. The venue’s exit logistics were criticized for forcing everyone through a single narrow hallway despite multiple closed exit doors.
Post-Vacation Jet Lag Struggles
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(00:13:50)
  • Key Takeaway: The adjustment back from Singapore has caused severe jet lag, with Fran experiencing an inability to stay awake upon returning home.
  • Summary: Fran reported struggling significantly with the time change after returning from Singapore, experiencing an unusual level of fatigue where she physically could not get up after napping. She noted this post-Singapore adjustment felt worse than the jet lag experienced after their trip to Fiji.
Ria Attacked by Child
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(00:15:16)
  • Key Takeaway: Ria was slapped on the rear end by a four-year-old boy in an elevator, an act that appeared instinctual and possibly repeated based on the child’s reaction.
  • Summary: While heading to her gym, Ria felt a smack on her backside from a small boy who was laughing hysterically, while his mother was mortified and repeatedly urged him to apologize. Ria noted the child’s immediate, joyful reaction suggested this was not his first time engaging in such behavior.
Sponsor Read: Abercrombie
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(00:28:40)
  • Key Takeaway: Abercrombie’s new Sunday Sets Collection features mix-and-match loungewear in their soft AF fabric, alongside their YPB activewear line utilizing the new Studio Flex fabric.
  • Summary: The brand’s viral hoodie is available in new colors and prints, and Fran mentioned owning several Abercrombie jackets. The Studio Flex fabric is highlighted for being comfortable, stretchy, and soft, suitable for low-impact workouts or casual wear.
John Mayer and Kat Stickler Dating Rumors
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(00:29:46)
  • Key Takeaway: Reports confirm John Mayer actively pursued Kat Stickler, and they are now seeing each other, despite her recently posting a video with a different boyfriend.
  • Summary: Noah expressed mock distress over the news, suggesting John Mayer should date someone of equal celebrity status, which Fran countered by arguing that John Mayer’s dating history shows he views everyone equally. The hosts confirmed John Mayer follows Kat Stickler on Instagram, solidifying the reports.
Charli XCX and Jack Antonoff Collab
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(00:40:41)
  • Key Takeaway: Charli XCX confirmed she and Jack Antonoff created music for the A24 film Mother Mary, which is an epic melodrama starring Anne Hathaway.
  • Summary: The collaboration is raising eyebrows because Jack Antonoff did not promote Taylor Swift’s recent album, leading to speculation about his loyalties. Charli stated the music is different from her personal work and mentioned wanting to avoid the oversaturated tour documentary trend, opting instead for a movie project.
Pop Culture Feuds & Diss Tracks
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(00:51:39)
  • Key Takeaway: The hosts expressed a preference for public celebrity disputes to manifest as explicit diss tracks, referencing past Twitter fights.
  • Summary: The speakers wished for celebrities to air grievances publicly through diss tracks, similar to the Drake/Kendrick Lamar feud. They recalled an era where public fights occurred primarily on Twitter. They felt Taylor Swift’s recent song was not clear enough without explicitly mentioning certain words.
Bachelor Mansion HGTV Show
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(00:52:30)
  • Key Takeaway: HGTV is launching ‘Bachelor Mansion Takeover,’ a six-episode renovation competition featuring former Bachelor Nation contestants competing for a $100,000 prize.
  • Summary: The show will feature contestants from various Bachelor franchises, including Joan, Brendan, Jill, Dean, Sandra, Jeremy, Courtney Robertson, Sam McKinney, Tammy, Chris, Alicia, and Noah, all renovating the iconic California property. Tyler Cameron and Tayshia Adams will serve as judges, with Jesse Palmer hosting. The competition involves contestants designing rooms and will result in a single winner.
Joe & Teresa Giudice Reconciliation Hopes
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(00:57:04)
  • Key Takeaway: Joe Gorga is reportedly willing to sit down with Teresa Giudice if she approaches him humbly, suggesting potential reconciliation driven by the future of ‘The Real Housewives of New Jersey.’
  • Summary: The hosts speculated that the potential reconciliation between Joe and Teresa might be motivated by securing the future of their show, as production chatter suggested a halt. Joe Gorga stated he would listen to Teresa if she approached him humbly, emphasizing that mutual humility is required from both parties. The hosts noted that while Joe and Teresa might reconcile, Melissa Gorga and Teresa’s relationship seems less likely to mend.
DWTS Camera Angle Complaint
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(01:02:19)
  • Key Takeaway: A listener complained that the constantly changing and spinning camera angles on ‘Dancing with the Stars’ are dizzying and suggested fewer, higher angles for better overall viewing.
  • Summary: The hosts disagreed with the listener, finding the cinematography awesome and noting that dancers often play to the camera for at-home viewers. They questioned how judges score in real-time without missing details, suggesting judges rely on monitors.
Love Island Games Viewership Concerns
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(01:04:46)
  • Key Takeaway: A listener believes ‘Love Island Games’ will suffer from low viewership due to a quick turnaround immediately following the US and UK seasons, causing ‘Love Island fatigue.’
  • Summary: The hosts agreed that airing the show too soon after the summer season, rather than during the winter slump, reduced interest. They noted that viewers were already invested in the contestants during the previous season and were not eager to watch them immediately again. Scheduling conflicts across global Love Island franchises likely contributed to the poor timing.
Next Bachelor/Bachelorette Picks
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(01:07:12)
  • Key Takeaway: Craig Conover from ‘Southern Charm’ was identified by the hosts as a perfect, realistic candidate for the next Bachelor due to his expressed desire to marry quickly.
  • Summary: The hosts dismissed Robert Irwin as too young (21) to be the Bachelor, suggesting he might fit better on ‘Love Island.’ They considered Brooks Nader and Taylor Frankie Paul for ‘Bachelorette’ but noted the smaller pool of reality TV men. Craig Conover was deemed ideal because he aligns with the franchise’s goal of finding someone to marry quickly.
Pop Stars Imitating Britney Spears
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(01:10:39)
  • Key Takeaway: A listener argued that pop stars like Tate McRae, Sabrina Carpenter, and Addison Rae should stop trying to emulate Britney Spears and focus on originality.
  • Summary: The hosts largely disagreed, suggesting that Tate McRae’s dance-forward style is a compliment to Britney’s legacy and that Sabrina Carpenter has her own distinct style. They felt Addison Rae studies various pop icons, including Amy Winehouse, to craft her persona. They concluded that it is difficult for new stars not to draw comparisons to the ‘all-encapsulating perfect pop star’ that Britney is.
Krasinski vs. Reynolds Public Image
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(01:13:05)
  • Key Takeaway: A listener’s hot take suggested John Krasinski possesses the public image Ryan Reynolds wishes he had, characterized by being a universally noted ‘good guy.’
  • Summary: The hosts acknowledged that Ryan Reynolds’ public perception has recently shifted, noting recent viral moments that suggest a shorter fuse. They agreed that Krasinski maintains an image as a nice, funny guy, contrasting with Reynolds’ current public scrutiny. The discussion concluded by noting the appealing crossover dynamic of the Krasinski-Blunt and Tucci-Blunt family circles.
Lukas Gage Memoir & Vulnerability
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(01:17:42)
  • Key Takeaway: Lukas Gage wrote his memoir, ‘I Wrote This for Attention,’ to preemptively address scrutiny about seeking fame, while finding the most difficult parts to write about were his mental health and sexuality, not his marriage.
  • Summary: Gage faced pushback from publishers who missed the tongue-in-cheek nature of the title, which he used to beat critics to the punch. He admitted to having a ‘vulnerability hangover’ after releasing the book but felt compelled to tell his story honestly, using journals to recall detailed childhood memories. He discussed how viral moments, like his marriage, overshadowed his acting work, leading to a feeling that he hadn’t earned recognition for his craft yet.
Lukas Gage on Family & Sexuality
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(01:31:35)
  • Key Takeaway: Lukas Gage’s mother reacted positively to learning about his sexuality, immediately asking to meet his boyfriend, contrary to Gage’s fear that he would lose her love.
  • Summary: Gage expressed gratitude that his family was accepting, noting that anyone who wasn’t supportive was unimportant to him. He shared that his diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder stemmed from a previous relationship where he was ghosted and cheated on, leading to a spiral that required professional help. He hopes sharing his journey helps destigmatize BPD, which he notes is rooted in trauma, and offers compassion for his younger, chaotic self.
Lukas Gage on Acting Roles
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(01:38:13)
  • Key Takeaway: Lukas Gage felt his role in ‘The White Lotus’ was a perfect fit based on the character description, whereas he auditioned for every role in ‘Euphoria’ before landing a part.
  • Summary: Gage noted that his trajectory was backward, experiencing public figure status before being recognized for his acting work in shows like ‘The White Lotus’ and ‘Euphoria.’ He praised Jennifer Coolidge as incredibly kind and noted that people feel ‘seen’ by her genuine nature. He also observed that the pandemic’s timing significantly impacted the reception and anticipation for ‘The White Lotus’ versus ‘Euphoria,’ which has faced long delays between seasons.
Pandemic Impact on TV Shows
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(01:46:01)
  • Key Takeaway: The pandemic affected show timelines differently, causing audience antsy waiting for Euphoria while The White Lotus hit at the right time.
  • Summary: The differing production timelines due to the pandemic impacted audience perception of shows like The White Lotus and Euphoria. Euphoria’s multi-year wait for a new season has made audiences antsy. This difference in timing influences how the public discusses the two shows.
Memoir Honesty and Family
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(01:46:48)
  • Key Takeaway: Lukas Gage’s memoir honesty caused his mother to feel she might have failed as a parent, though Gage affirms she was an incredible mother.
  • Summary: Talking about past family issues in the book has led some family members to want to take accountability, which Gage notes can cause his mother to feel she did something wrong as a parent. Gage stresses that no parent can control everything their children experience in the world. He explicitly states he is not looking for his mother to take accountability, as she was an incredible parent.
Brother’s Input on Memoir
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(01:48:25)
  • Key Takeaway: Brother Corey supported including details about his heroin use and shooting up next to Gage because he wanted to expose the harmful nature of certain rehab facilities.
  • Summary: Gage sought permission from his brother Corey regarding sharing details of his heroin journey, recognizing it was not solely his story to tell. Corey strongly advocated for keeping the details about vulnerable people being hurt and abused in wilderness camps and rehabs. Gage felt affirmed by his brother’s support in sharing the parts of the story that affected him greatly.
Relatability of Memoir Content
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(01:50:37)
  • Key Takeaway: The honesty in Gage’s memoir about family struggles makes his story universally relatable, contrasting with curated social media perfection.
  • Summary: Everyone deals with family issues, and Gage’s transparency helps people realize their own family struggles are not unique. Reality TV often puts a ‘film’ on people, making them seem less like real individuals, but the memoir provides necessary substance. Social media often presents a false narrative that everyone else is living their best life, which Gage’s vulnerability counters.
Young Author Memoirs
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(01:53:22)
  • Key Takeaway: Memoirs written by younger individuals, like Gage, Jeanette McCurdy, and Julia Fox, offer deeper insight into formative early life experiences than those written later in life.
  • Summary: Young people writing memoirs can delve much deeper into their earlier life chapters compared to someone in their 50s or 60s. Gage admires the work of Jeanette McCurdy and Julia Fox, whose books resonated because they were written while coming into adulthood. Julia Fox’s memoir is praised for its prose, which reads like fiction while maintaining full transparency.
Dream Franchise Appearance
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(01:56:32)
  • Key Takeaway: Lukas Gage expressed a desire to be part of the Below Deck franchise, specifically wanting to work on the yacht crew rather than be a featured guest.
  • Summary: When asked about a franchise he would love to join, Gage named Below Deck, clarifying he would prefer to work in the service industry on the yacht, perhaps on the boom or deck camera. The hosts connected this to Bravo fandom, mentioning excitement for the Real Housewives of Salt Lake City and Below Deck crossover season.
Bravo Show Favorites and Takes
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(01:59:03)
  • Key Takeaway: The current best Real Housewives installment is Salt Lake City, and Vanderpump Rules (especially seasons 1-3) is considered one of the best reality shows ever made.
  • Summary: Gage confirmed that The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City is currently the best Housewives show, referencing Lisa Barlow’s explanation of her thread lifts. Gage stated his favorite Bravo show of all time is Vanderpump Rules due to its original cast’s chaotic nature. He also shared a hot take that Jen Shah should return to RHOSLC for good television, despite her being ’truly evil.'