Lauren Conrad and Whitney Port Reunite on ‘With Whit’ Podcast: Reflecting on ‘The Hills’ Friendship and Future Possibilities

It’s been a remarkable 14 years since the iconic reality television series, The Hills, first graced our screens, introducing a generation to the intertwined lives of young adults navigating fashion, friendship, and romance in Los Angeles. At the heart of this cultural phenomenon were two women whose journey began with a fateful first meeting in Teen Vogue‘s bustling fashion closet: Whitney Port and Lauren Conrad. Now, in 2020, these two influential figures, significantly evolved from their early twenties, have come together once more. Their recent reunion on Whitney Port’s new podcast, With Whit, offered fans a rare and candid glimpse into their enduring bond. Despite the passage of time and the natural shifts in their close-knit dynamic from their MTV reality series days, they unequivocally affirmed that their fundamental feelings of love and respect for one another remain unwavering. They likened their current connection to that cherished relationship one maintains with college friends – a bond forged through shared, unforgettable experiences, characterized by a deep affection that persists even if daily contact isn’t always possible.

The September 22 episode of With Whit provided an intimate setting for this long-awaited conversation. Whitney, now 35, addressed a common curiosity among fans and interviewers alike: the persistent fascination with the behind-the-scenes drama of their reality television past. She explained, “People always want to know the behind-the-scenes, like if there was any drama. And so my answer to them is always — it’s [like] friends you went to college with. Good friends that you have really special experiences with, that you always have love for, but that you don’t always keep in touch with.” This analogy perfectly encapsulates the natural progression of friendships that have experienced intense shared periods, followed by the diverging paths of adulthood. Lauren, 34, enthusiastically echoed this sentiment, underscoring the sincerity of their bond.

The emotional depth of their connection became palpable as Lauren shared her heartfelt feelings with Whitney. “I have so much love in my heart for you,” Lauren expressed, articulating the genuine affection that has transcended their reality TV fame. She continued, “And we shared this really weird thing. I think it is, it’s like old college friends.” The unique experience of growing up in the public eye, with every aspect of their professional and personal lives scrutinized, created an indelible link between them. The successful fashion designer behind the **LC Lauren Conrad** brand emphasized that the memories of their time together on The Hills would forever be a treasured part of her life’s tapestry. “I’ll never have that with anyone else,” she added, highlighting the unparalleled nature of their shared history and the profound impact it had on their formative years.

Since concluding her highly publicized reality TV journey, Lauren Conrad has masterfully transitioned into building a formidable lifestyle empire, proving herself to be far more than just a reality TV personality. Her entrepreneurial spirit and keen eye for design have led to a diverse portfolio of successful ventures. At the core of her brand is a comprehensive website, serving as a hub for all things Lauren Conrad, from fashion and beauty tips to insights into her personal life. Her namesake clothing line, LC by Lauren Conrad, a popular fixture at Kohl’s, offers accessible yet chic fashion for women, encompassing everything from everyday essentials to special occasion wear. This collection reflects her signature elegant, California-cool aesthetic, making her designs widely beloved and attainable for a broad audience. Beyond fashion, Lauren has also ventured into the beauty industry with her own beauty line, further cementing her status as a lifestyle guru who understands the needs and desires of her fans.

Perhaps one of Lauren’s most commendable endeavors is her co-founding of The Little Market. This non-profit, fair trade shop is a testament to her commitment to ethical consumption and global empowerment. The Little Market features a meticulously curated selection of ethically sourced, artisan-made products crafted by women in underserved communities across the globe. Each purchase directly supports these artisans, providing them with fair wages, safe working conditions, and opportunities for sustainable economic growth. The organization’s mission resonates deeply with consumers who seek to make a positive impact with their buying decisions. Recently, Lauren announced an exciting expansion for The Little Market, launching a new line of exquisite woven bowls and stylish tote bags specifically on Amazon Handmade, broadening the reach of these beautiful, ethically produced items to an even wider audience and further championing the cause of empowering women artisans worldwide.

While The Hills offered an undeniably fun and exhilarating backdrop for her twenties, providing a unique platform for her early career, the question of Lauren’s return to the reboot, The Hills: New Beginnings, has lingered in the minds of fans. The initial series captivated millions, chronicling the trials and tribulations of young adulthood with a blend of scripted drama and genuine emotion that made it incredibly relatable. For Lauren, that chapter of her life closed as she embarked on building her business ventures and focusing on her family, maintaining a more private public profile. However, the recent revelation that her onscreen frenemy, **Kristin Cavallari**, is officially on board for The Hills: New Beginnings has reignited speculation and hope among the show’s dedicated fanbase. Kristin’s return signals a potential for renewed dynamics and storylines that could benefit from the presence of more original cast members.

The prospect of Lauren Conrad joining The Hills: New Beginnings alongside Whitney and Kristin is a tantalizing one for longtime viewers. Lauren’s narrative arc was central to the original series, and her absence from the reboot has been a significant point of discussion. Fans often express a desire to see how her life has evolved on screen, particularly in contrast to her former castmates. Her decision to step away from reality television was driven by a desire for privacy and to focus intensely on her entrepreneurial endeavors and family life, which includes her husband and children. Returning to a reality format could potentially disrupt the carefully constructed balance she has achieved. However, the chemistry and history she shares with Whitney and Kristin, as evidenced by this podcast reunion, are undeniable. A cameo, or even a limited series appearance, could offer a powerful nostalgic draw while respecting her current boundaries.

Whitney Port, on her part, has also carved out a successful path post-The Hills. After her initial forays into fashion and television, Whitney launched her own fashion line, “Whitney Eve,” and gained further recognition through her blog, “Whitney Port.” Her YouTube channel provided an authentic look into her life as a fashion entrepreneur, wife, and mother, showcasing her signature bubbly personality and relatable struggles. The launch of her podcast, With Whit, marks another significant step in her media career, allowing her to engage in deeper conversations with friends and fellow public figures, much like this candid chat with Lauren. The podcast format offers a more intimate and less filtered environment compared to reality television, enabling genuine discussions about friendship, career, and personal growth.

The cultural impact of The Hills cannot be overstated. It was more than just a reality show; it was a fashion blueprint, a relationship guide (or warning), and a glimpse into early adulthood that resonated deeply with a generation. The show’s blend of aspirational lifestyles with relatable friendship dramas created a unique viewing experience that blurred the lines between reality and entertainment. Even today, the show continues to find new audiences through streaming platforms, proving its timeless appeal. The enduring fascination with the cast members, particularly Lauren and Whitney, speaks volumes about the connection viewers felt to their stories. Their reunion on With Whit not only served as a delightful trip down memory lane for fans but also highlighted the genuine affection that has persisted between them, despite the years and the divergent paths their lives have taken.

As the conversation unfolded on With Whit, it became clear that while the intense, daily interactions of their reality TV days are long past, the foundation of their friendship remains strong. Their shared history created a bond that is unique and irreplaceable, a sentiment both women deeply value. The possibility of Lauren Conrad ever gracing the screen of The Hills: New Beginnings remains a burning question, especially now with Kristin Cavallari’s confirmed return. While Lauren has consistently expressed contentment with her life away from the reality TV spotlight, the nostalgic allure of reuniting with old friends for a limited engagement is a powerful one. Fans can only hope that this heartfelt podcast reunion might be a precursor to future on-screen interactions, allowing them to witness the continued evolution of these beloved figures from a defining era of reality television. We can’t wait to find out what the future holds for this iconic duo.