It’s my birthday week, besties 🥳 and you know what that means…time to get a little unfiltered.

In this episode, I’m reflecting on another trip around the sun - what I’ve learned, what I’m still figuring out, and why getting older feels weirdly beautiful and completely exhausting at the same time.

So grab your coffee or cozy blanket, and let’s have a little birthday heart-to-heart!! 💛

🎉 Tell me your birthday wisdom and follow on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/ms.elizabeth.gillie

☕ Celebrate with me → http://buymeacoffee.com/lizgillie

🎤 Be interviewed on the podcast → https://forms.gle/Xs2b56fiyAjqWETX8

Okay besties… you ever make a plan, feel so proud of yourself, and then life is like “lol nope”? Same. This week we’re chatting all about what happens when plans don’t go as planned - because honestly, it happens way more than any of us admit.

I’m spilling some real stories (hello, kids getting sick, chronic illness flare ups, and military life throwing curveballs), plus sharing how I try to pivot without totally losing my mind. We’ll talk about why “perfect planning” is kind of a scam, how to scale back when things go sideways, and little ways to make peace with Plan B (or Plan Z).

If your week felt nothing like your planner, pull up a chair — you are in very good company here.

And hey, I’d love to hear your best Plan B stories. DM me on Instagram @ms.elizabeth.gillie and maybe I’ll share a few in a future episode.

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I want to interview you for the podcast - submit your info here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdAkDZ6barWDr-kLZFtwWaKyVPcSxDRMMRrIOj2aPYtOE9j7A/viewform

Welcome to the very first Hypes & Gripes episode of Besties Unfiltered!

In this fun, chatty catch - up, I’m sharing the things I’m absolutely hyped about right now - from my current favorite lip combo and a new skincare routine to my reading goal progress and unexpected reality TV obsessions.

And of course, the gripes: Mormon influencers making general conference feel like an ad campaign, the exhausting political climate, and Target’s sneaky price tag situation.

This one feels like a cozy voice note from your bestie—full of unfiltered favorites, flops, and a little venting.

Let’s make this a series! Send me your Hypes & Gripes so I can share them in a future episode.

Links You Might Need!

Products Mentioned: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3D7ZMLHL52TJE?ref_=wl_share

Follow on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ms.elizabeth.gillie/

Submit your story here: https://linktr.ee/bestiesunfilteredpodcast

Do you ever highlight a quote in a book and then… never look at it again? Same, bestie. In this episode, I’m sharing how I mark up my books in a way that actually helps me remember what I read. From simple tools and little symbols to quick reflection rituals, I’ll walk you through my book-nerdy system. And because chronic illness and brain fog are part of my world, I’m also spilling how I keep annotation gentle and doable when energy is low.

Links you might need:

Be interviewed on the podcast: https://linktr.ee/bestiesunfilteredpodcast

Annotating inspiration: https://pin.it/9R8RTTbX7

Annotating products: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3D7ZMLHL52TJE?ref_=wl_share

Back-to-school season is here, and with it comes the chaos, fresh starts, and all the emotions. In this episode of Besties Unfiltered, Liz shares simple resets for home routines, tips for carving out time as a mom, and a gentle pep talk for letting go of “perfect.”

Links you may need:

Moms Demand Action - https://momsdemandaction.org/about/chapters/

Follow on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ms.elizabeth.gillie/

Share your story on the podcast - https://forms.gle/DQdB7ii3yDGcovwHA

Support the podcast - http://buymeacoffee.com/lizgillie

Links you may need:

CES Letter - https://cesletter.org/

Podcast Amy mentions (Mormon Stories) - https://www.mormonstories.org/

Free mom hugs website - https://freemomhugs.org/

Share your story: https://linktr.ee/bestiesunfilteredpodcast

Follow Liz on IG @ms.elizabeth.gillie

Follow Amy on IG @amysuelane

Episode Summary:

In part two of this heartfelt episode, Liz and Amy delve into the transformative power of empathy and the importance of community building. Through personal stories and candid conversations, they explore how understanding and supporting one another can lead to profound personal growth and stronger connections. Join them as they share insights on navigating life's challenges with compassion and the impact of creating inclusive spaces where everyone feels valued and heard. Tune in for an inspiring discussion that underscores the beauty of coming together to uplift and empower each other.

Join Amy and Liz as they chat about the ups and downs of dealing with cultural and religious expectations. Amy opens up about her life in a Mormon family, sharing stories about trying to fit in, finding her own style, and the journey to self-acceptance. It's a candid conversation about modesty, being true to yourself, and how growing up with certain beliefs shapes who you are. Grab your favorite drink treat (Liz loves a latte and Amy goes for Dr. Pepper) and tune in for some real talk!

Connect with Amy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amysuelane/

Ask us anything anonymously on Liz's IG stories: https://www.instagram.com/ms.elizabeth.gillie/

Share your story on the podcast: https://linktr.ee/bestiesunfilteredpodcast

Support the podcast here: http://buymeacoffee.com/lizgillie

• Sister/Brother – A title used to address other members of the church (e.g., Sister Jones, Brother Smith). It reflects a sense of spiritual family.
• The Church – Shorthand for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS). Members usually just say “the Church,” assuming everyone knows which one they mean.
• Stake – A regional group of congregations (wards). Think of it like a “diocese” in Catholicism.
• Seminary – A daily religious class for high school students, often held early in the morning before school.
• Ward – A local congregation of the church, usually organized by geographic boundaries.
• Go to the temple – Attending a Mormon temple (different from regular church buildings) to participate in sacred ordinances, such as marriages, baptisms for the dead, and endowment ceremonies.
• Bishopric – The bishop (local lay leader of a ward) and his two counselors who help oversee the congregation.
• Stake President – The lay leader in charge of a stake (a collection of wards). Comparable to a regional pastor.
• Relief Society – The women’s organization of the church, focused on service, teaching, and community.
• Temple Recommend – A wallet-sized card that members must have to enter the temple. To get it, they go through worthiness interviews about belief, obedience, and lifestyle.
• Garment – Special religious underwear worn by temple-endowed members as a reminder of covenants they’ve made.
• Bishop’s Council - A meeting of local leadership to discuss the needs of the ward members

In this episode of Besties Unfiltered, Liz Gillie shares her journey of using AI to craft a personalized workout plan that accommodates her unique health conditions. Discover how ChatGPT has become an integral part of her fitness routine, offering tailored exercise strategies that prioritize safety and adaptability. Whether you're navigating chronic illness or seeking a sustainable fitness approach, Liz's insights on leveraging AI for health support are both inspiring and practical. Tune in to learn how technology can help you find the right plan for your body and lifestyle.

Share your story: https://linktr.ee/bestiesunfilteredpodcast

Support the podcast: http://buymeacoffee.com/lizgillie

ChatGPT Prompt:

You are an experienced, empathetic and results-driven obesity management coach with expertise in exercise physiology. You approach combines scientific knowledge with compassionate support.

Instructions:

- Begin by gathering essential information. Current health status and weight goals, lifestyle constraints, support systems and potential barriers

- Provide personalized recommendations focusing on appropriate exercise routines, stress management techniques, and sleep optimization.

- Maintain a non-judgement, body-neutral approach

- Focus on overall health improvement rather than just numbers

- Avoid promoting anything extreme or crash diets