In today’s first guest episode, we sit down with Deena, and dive deep into what it really means to find your place in faith!

Deena opens up about her journey through different denominations. From feeling that pushy, judgmental vibe when people would try to get her to their church as a girl, to discovering genuine connection with God that went beyond any building or tradition. Even when church felt off, she knew deep down that God loved her and she loved Him back.

After hearing about mine and Irene’s relationship to church last week, it’s interesting to see the ways our stories converge and differ. Irene shares her own struggle with feeling invisible in church spaces, that painful realization of thinking, "If I don't matter here, do I even matter to God?" It's a conversation that gets real about the difference between religion and relationship, and why authentic care matters so much more than having all the right answers.

Deena's story doesn't stop there. As a healthcare provider, educator, wife, and mother who spent over a decade in church ministry and leadership, she brings incredible perspective on building the kind of healthy church friendships that actually sustain us. And she vulnerably shares about her victory over addiction, a journey where faith and genuine community made all the difference.

This one's for anyone who's ever felt like they didn't quite fit in the church world, or wondered if there's more to faith than what they've experienced. It's honest, it's hopeful, and it's a reminder that people don't care how much you know until they know how much you care.

In today’s episode, we’re chatting about:

• Early faith in a family that mostly went to Church on holidays
• The danger of feeling invisible at church
• The difference between knowing about God and experiencing God
• Finding relationships that feel right at Church

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Growing up in church is supposed to feel like home. But for many of us, somewhere along the way, the place meant to offer grace can become a source of control, shame, and hurt. So today, we’re telling our stories. Without pointing any fingers, we think it’s important to talk about what makes church feel like home and what doesn’t.

My great-grandmother was one of the first female pastors in our town back in the 20s and I’ve served on the church staff myself. I've seen both the beautiful and the broken sides of church culture. This isn't about losing faith in God; it's about recognizing that when humans run institutions, things can go sideways.

Irene watched her sister get publicly shamed from the pulpit for going to see Jurassic Park. She saw her family get criticized for arriving 5 minutes late because her dad had to work. She describes experiencing in churches where you needed "special clearance from heaven" just to flip the transparency sheets for song lyrics, where girls got lectured about modesty while boys talked about video games, and where leaving meant you ceased to exist to people who claimed to love unconditionally.

The control was subtle but suffocating, and it took years to realize that what she experienced wasn't normal. But here's what we’ve also discovered along the way: church gave us some of the most profound friendships of our lives. When we finally found a community that didn't operate on shame and control, we experienced healing we didn't even know we needed.

So if you’ve got what we call “church hurt,” you’re not alone. This is not about losing faith in God. We’re both walking in faith with eyes wide open to the ways that people can flub His message. We hope today’s episode brought some comfort and if you can see yourself in our stories, stay tuned! More is coming on this topic soon!

Today, we’re chatting about:

• Generational church involvement and family dynamics
• Controlling church culture and shame tactics
• Healing through healthy church community
• Current disconnection and the debate about staying

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Merry Christmas!! Pull up a chair, pour some hot cocoa, and let’s celebrate together. This Christmas episode is all about the real, messy, and hilarious side of the holidays. It may be 70 degrees here in Texas, but we’re doing everything we can to feel the Christmas spirit, including a rant session!

We share our annual traditions, from last-minute gift wrapping to reminiscing about family trips to Vegas and the magical displays at the Bellagio. There’s a lot of laughter as we swap stories about family, nostalgia, and the quirks that make this season so memorable.

We talk about the awkwardness of receiving gifts from people who clearly don’t know (or like) us, and the pitfalls of gifting food and booze. At the end of the day, it’s so important that you show you actually know and love the person you’re gifting for, even if it’s a last minute thing!

We also dive into the world of Christmas cards and newsletters. I admit I’m not a fan of photo cards from acquaintances, and we both poke fun at the tradition of sending out annual newsletters that feel more like bragging than genuine connection. Holiday shopping gets its own rant, too. I vent about the chaos of parking lots, rude shoppers, and the stress of last-minute store runs. We share our retail horror stories and remind everyone to be kind to staff during the busiest time of year.

Despite all the rants, there’s so much we truly love about Christmas: the traditions, the lights, the time spent with family, and the joy of giving thoughtful gifts. At the end of the day, it’s about gratitude, togetherness, and making memories, no matter how imperfect.

in today's episode, we're chatting about:

• It’s beginning to look a lot like a 70 Degrees Christmas!
• The art of giving (and receiving) thoughtful gifts
• Our take on Christmas cards and those infamous family newsletters
• Surviving holiday shopping and retail chaos
• The traditions and little moments that make Christmas special

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Have you ever realized in a split second that you’re the only one standing between your child and a lifetime of people-pleasing? That’s exactly what hit Irene during a seemingly simple family outing, when her daughter just wanted to ride alone at a holiday light display but another parent’s decision put her in an uncomfortable spot.

So this week, we’re reflecting on the boundaries that are needed to stand up to false expectations. Whether we’re talking about allowing a child to say no or navigating misogynistic conditions in the workforce, the ability to speak up for yourself is imperative.

For many of us, there was still an unspoken pressure to accept advice and never push back. It’s funny how those mixed messages can stick with you, and how they show up later in work, relationships, and even the way you parent. I’m realizing more and more how those early lessons can make it hard to trust your own decisions, especially when you’re used to second-guessing yourself.

We get real about leadership, criticism, and the moving goalposts that can make us feel like we’re never quite enough. I talk about my journey through different careers and leadership roles, and how I’ve learned to recognize when someone else’s expectations are boxing me in. It’s not easy to break out of those patterns, but we’re both learning to trust our own instincts and not let constant nitpicking shake our confidence.

Letting go of perfection has been a big theme for us lately. The gift I’m giving myself this year for my birthday (today, BTW), is relaxed standards. Irene has stopped worrying so much about what others think, and started dressing and living in a way that feels good to her. I’ve stopped bowing to people who want me to feel like I’m not good at my job (spoiler alert: I AM). There’s a real freedom in realizing you don’t have to follow someone else’s playbook, whether it’s about your career, your style, or how you celebrate the holidays.

In today’s episode, we’re chatting about:

• Letting your child say no
• Empowering women to push back
• What pushing back on expectations looks like as a leader
• What expectations we’re letting go of to have a lighter new year

Okay, real talk! Have you ever found yourself in the middle of the holiday chaos, wondering if you’re the only one who’s still figuring out what really matters (besides snowman cookies and the best Christmas movies)? You’re not alone, friend. This episode is basically us, cozied up with coffee, getting honest about the wild ride that is friendship, boundaries, and self-worth, especially when the holidays bring all the feelings.

We kick things off with some birthday month excitement (Vegas or Disneyland, anyone?), a rundown of our must-watch holiday movies, and a few stories that’ll have you laughing (yes, including the infamous runaway horse at church). If you’re here for the festive vibes and a little nostalgia, you’re in the right place.

But then we get into the good stuff: what it really means to have core values and stick to them, even when it’s hard. We talk about the deal-breakers, the drama, and why sometimes you just have to close the door on people who don’t respect your boundaries. Sometimes you’re not being judgmental, you’re protecting your peace!

We also get super real about self-worth with a conversation about how easy it is to let someone else’s opinion mess with your head, and how important it is to remember who you are (and who you’re not). There are stories about manipulative friends, awkward dating app moments, and why it’s totally okay to say “nope” to anything that doesn’t feel right.

In today’s episode, we’re chatting about:

• Why core values matter (and how to figure out yours)
• Setting boundaries and knowing your deal-breakers
• Holiday traditions, nostalgia, and a little chaos
• Standing up for your self-worth (even when it’s tough)
• Letting go of friendships that just aren’t it anymore

So grab your favorite holiday treat, settle in, and let’s get into it. We’re here for the laughs, the real talk, and maybe a little bit of therapy, bestie style!

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Looking for a dose of gratitude, laughter, and real talk to brighten your day? This episode is packed with heartwarming stories, memories, and honest reflections that will leave you feeling thankful this Thanksgiving. Whether you’re prepping Thanksgiving dinner or just need a pick-me-up, you’ll find plenty to smile about here.

We kick things off with a celebration of Thanksgiving and a candid chat about the little things that make us feel good—cozy sweaters, delicious food, and the joy of not having to cook. Then, we’re reflecting on the importance of friendship with stories about tight-knit circles, prayer warriors, and the comfort of knowing someone always has your back.

You’ll hear about overcoming cancer with a fearless attitude, the strength found in sharing your story, and the hope that comes from connecting with others who are going through tough times.

Of course, it wouldn’t be complete without some lighthearted fun! From goofy animal videos and mischievous cats to nostalgic phone memories and the magic of Christmas decorations, we celebrate the quirky things that make us laugh and the beauty we find in everyday life. There’s even a shoutout to Philbert the reindeer and the joy of decorating for the holidays.

We wrap up with a reminder to look for kindness in the world. Whether it’s helping a stranger, sharing a smile, or simply being there for someone who needs it. This episode is a warm invitation to find gratitude in the big moments and the small, and to spread a little joy wherever you go.

In today’s episode, we’re chatting about:

• The little things we’re grateful for (and why winter clothes are the best)
• The power of friendship and having a supportive circle
• Finding something to be grateful for - even amongst health challenges
• Finding laughter in animals, memories, and holiday traditions
• Acts of kindness and the beauty of giving back

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• Follow us on Instagram
• Check out our website

Real friendship means showing up, oversharing, and holding space for each other no matter how wild the plot twists get. In the final episode of the season, we’re giving you our love letter to the messy, hilarious, and sometimes feral journey of being besties.

We’re cracking open the Bestie Case Scenario playbook and serving up our favorite moments from season one. From the first awkward texts to the deep talks about life, love, and pumpkin spice overload, we’re not holding anything back. If you’ve ever needed a safe space to vent, laugh, or just be your weird self, you’re in the right place.

We talk about what it really means to be judgment-free: typos, bad days, and all. There’s no competition here, just two friends hyping each other up, calling each other out (with love), and reminding you that you don’t have to do life alone.

You’ll hear about the real stuff: supporting each other through grief, navigating totally different life paths, and why sometimes you just need to say, “I’m venting, don’t fix it.” We’re all about honest conversations, even when they get a little spicy (or a little sappy).

So grab your snacks, binge away, and remember: even if you fumble, it’s all okay. We’re grateful you’re here with us, and we can’t wait to see what season two brings.

in this episode, we're chatting about:

• How to keep friendship judgment-free
• Surviving life’s plot twists together
• The magic of honest venting and safe spaces
• Letting go of other people’s opinions
• Showing up for your people, even when it’s hard

Connect with us:

• Visit our website
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Ever feel like the world is conspiring to make everyday life just a little more ridiculous? You’re not alone! This episode is your permission slip to laugh, vent, and commiserate with us about the things that drive us all a little bit crazy.

We’re diving headfirst into our October Bestie Rant Session, where nothing is off-limits and everything is up for debate. From the endless parade of subscriptions to the pressure for a picture-perfect life, we’re calling out the trends and annoyances that just won’t quit. Expect plenty of real talk, relatable stories, and a few moments that might make you say, “Wait, I thought I was the only one!”

This episode is all about finding solidarity in the small stuff and giving ourselves a break from pretending. Whether you’re rolling your eyes at influencer advice or dodging group texts, we’re right there with you. Get ready to laugh, sigh, and maybe even shout into the void together.

So grab your favorite drink, settle in, and let’s get a little unhinged.

In this episode, we’re chatting about:

• The never-ending need to subscribe to everything
• The pressure to curate a flawless, beige-and-white aesthetic
• Dating trends and why “soft launch” needs to go
• The disappearance of common sense in daily life
• Why group texts and hold music might just be our villain origin stories

Tune in and let’s get feral together!

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• Check out our website!
• Follow us on Instagram