Don't Quote Us with Al and Val

As we get closer to 30, we’re realizing how much hustle culture we’re actively unlearning. In this episode, we talk about letting go of the pressure to always be productive, learning to rest without guilt, and becoming okay with life feeling steady instead of chaotic. We discuss why staying in doesn’t mean you’re falling behind, how “learning to rot” can actually be a form of self-care, and why gr...

A new year, a new era and a lot of honest updates. In this episode, we're recapping how our New Year's Eves actually went, getting sick at the start of the year, recapping some must-watch tv, new hair and sharing what's changing with our content moving forward. From now being on camera to committing to showing up online in a more real and consistent way. This is a causal catch-up with...

As we close out 2025, we’re getting real about what we’re leaving behind: habits, mindsets, routines, and patterns that no longer fit who we’re becoming. This episode is all about resetting for 2026 with intention, honesty, and a little bit of humor. We talk about the habits we’re breaking, the goals we’re setting, and the changes we want to make as we step into the new year. Along the way, we ref...

This episode starts a little differently. Before the official conversation begins, we’re rolling the tape with bloopers, hot mics, and snippets from past episodes that didn’t make the cut but felt too good not to share. Then we settle in and reflect on what it’s really been like creating Don’t Quote Us so far. We talk about our favorite episodes, the ones that challenged us the most, what we’ve le...

Before we officially leave 2025 behind, we had to unpack everything the internet put us through. In this episode, we’re breaking down the pop culture moments and TikTok conversations that had us in a chokehold all year. From Labubus and the Ozempic discourse to celebrity deaths, the Diddy documentary, and that Coldplay kiss cam moment everyone was arguing about. We also get into Taylor Swift’s eng...

Girl Math, Girl Logic, and… bodily betrayal? In this episode, Al & Val break down the chaotic calculations women make every day, why everything is “basically free,” why our logic always makes sense to us , and why delusion is sometimes necessary. Then we spiral into our most unhinged embarrassing moments, including an elevator shaft incident, an unfortunate shart, and why Ross is now a crime s...

Why does modern dating feel so embarrassing? Inspired by the viral Vogue article, Al and Val break down the rise of the "embarrassing boyfriend” trend, how social media shapes relationships, and the debate between hard launching vs. staying private. If you’ve ever questioned love in the algorithm era, this episode is your deep dive into modern love, identity, and internet-driven relationships...

It’s officially been one year since our breakups, and this episode is the deep, honest breakup update we wish we had when we were hurting. We’re talking about healing after heartbreak, rebuilding your life, starting over in your 20s, and the routines and mindset shifts that actually helped us move forward. Al and Val break down what real emotional healing looks like, how we rebuilt our self-worth...

The holidays are here, which means Friendsgiving spreads, family dishes that tell our culture and the annual body image spiral that shows up uninvited. In this episode, we unpack it all, from a silly Friendsgiving recap to cultural differences in our family food traditions and the very real body image spirals that show up the moment the holiday season begins. If you've ever tried to enjoy a pl...

We used to think intimacy was all about physical touch, but now it's about feeling safe, seen, and emotionally understood. In this episode, we talk about how our love languages have evolved in our late 20's, the five types of intimacy (yes, there's more than just physical), and why closeness looks completely different once you've healed. From craving connection over chemistry to le...

We're rewinding to the era of Blockbuster nights, Tamagotchi drama, and recording ringtones straight off the radio. From MTV Cribs and That's So Raven to Club Penguin chaos and flip-phone flexes, this one's for everyone who peaked before Wi-Fi got fast. Grab a twist top Kool-Aid or Sunny D, hit play, and spiral back with us to the days of cosmic brownies, landlines, and Scholastic Book Fair advent...

It's giving holiday delusion-- but we're not sorry about it. The pumpkins are still out, but our heads are already wrapped in tinsel. We're skipping Halloween and going straight into Christmas chaos. In this episode Al and Val are talking early decorating, nostalgic fall fashion, seasonal hair switch ups, and all this cozy-girl coded. Grab a blanket, pour something warm, and get ready...

We're channeling Green Flag Energy in ourselves and the people we let in. From reciprocity and consistency to real conversations about values. In this episode, Al and Val get honest about what healthy effort actually looks like in others and in themselves. Because being the green flag isn't just about how you love others, it's about how you let yourself be loved. Expect honesty, laught...

Weird wall sex talk, chicken smoothies and full-blown tantrums, oh my! In this episode we're breaking down the absolute chaos that is Season 9 Love is Blind. Al and Val share their unfiltered opinions, call out the red flags, and maybe defend a few unpopular takes along the way. Grab your snacks...this one's messy

Your attachment style is showing, babe. This week we're spiraling, shutting down, and oversharing about the ways we love, chase, pull away and navigate relationships. One of us is anxious, one is avoidant, but in this episode, both of us are exposing our patterns. If you've ever Googled "what's my attachment style" at 2am... this one's for you

Friendship styles are one thing, but what happens when you start a business with your best friend while silently unraveling inside? We're talking different types of friends, finding balance, mental health and why asking for what you need from people is harder than it should be. Spoiler: this one got emotional fast This episode includes honest conversations about mental health. If you're in...

Crumbs are for ducks-- not for dating! In this episode, Al and Val dive into breadcrumbing. We're talking about those tiny does of attention that keep us hanging on and why we justify poor behavior when we deserve the whole meal. From calling out bare minimum energy to laughing at our own duck moments, this one is equal parts funny, real, and a reminder to raise the bar.

From the ballroom to the pods, we're deep diving into our favorite reality TV obsessions: Dancing with the Stars, Love Is Blind and few others along the way. Expect hot takes, messy drama, and way too many opinions for people who aren't on the shows

Men in flip flops, nail biters, swishing drinks like mouthwash... the icks are endless. Add in controlling behaviors, nonchalant guys, and the dreaded "she's just a friend" line, and the red flags couldn't be louder. Some of these are funny, some are serious, and all of them will make you say: SAME

Who decided life had to follow a timeline? Not us! In this episode, we're ditching the rules, pressure, fake deadlines and saying F$%! the timeline altogether

Breakups don't always end with closure; sometimes they end mid-sentence. We're sharing how our long-term relationships unraveled and what comes after "forever"

Time apart, same old chaos -- this friendship reunion proves some bonds never skip a beat.

Virgo season hits different when the candles come with mixed feelings. We're talking birthday blues, turning 29, and why getting older feels complicated.

Unfiltered, unqualified, and already oversharing. Meet Al and Val as we introduce ourselves and spill why we started this podcast and set the tone for everything to come. The mic is on--the filter is off. Are you ready? Because we are!

Welcome to Don't Quote Us with Al and Val--your two late 20s besties figuring it out so you don't have to. We're talking starting over, dating, friendships and more. This is the podcast you didn't know you needed, but won't want to miss