Be Real with Eliza Reynolds

The first tampon I wore chaffed me terribly. I really was not open to anybody's input on how to wear it ‘properly'... so I just walked stiff-legged around, horrified (yes, I figured it out eventually). These are the kind of heart-felt giggles and stories that today's episode is FULL OF… with a big side heaping of ‘down with the patriarchy'. If you're someone who cycles, this episode is likely for you. We're talking about how to not get pregnant, what a cervix is, being shamed for desire, why systems of power are so obsessed with fertility = pregnancy, why you don't need to be scared of being fertile, and how you can only biologically get pregnant 6 days a month (and other amazing myth busters about being a fertile human).  Chloe is a Holistic Reproductive Health Practitioner and Fertility Awareness Educator who specializes in working with teens who cycle. Y'all she's about as real as it gets, and was basically giddy to get to talk about cervixes (my kind of human!). Recommended for folks 12+ who are curious for open conversations about periods, sensuality and sex. Come listen :) xo, Eliza Find show notes and links from the episode at badassgirls.me/podcast/82!   P.S. Season 1 of the Be Real Podcast is coming to a close at the end of 2021 -- and we're going on a break (for… until I'm ready to record more episodes!)!! If you want stay in the loop and ready my wordy erratic ramblings straight from my messy big sister heart to yours here are some places to make sure you don't miss me: For badass preteens + teens: I've got a CONFIDENT AF playlist me + the mentors made for ya… and as a side benefit → get all the rambling email riffs from my heart to you this winter. Click here! For supportive adults: I made y'all a free 20 minute video lesson on Why Your Teen Girl is a Gift + How to Make Sure She Knows It. It's straight magic for busy parents/guardians who want to get the good stuff to their kid, but so often feel like they're meeting straight up resistance ;) Click here to get it!

Dating real talk time. Know that you want healthy love? Ever worry that you (or your friends) are like rushing towards toxic AF relationship dynamics? Want to make sure you're not?? Today's episode with Christine Guttierez goes all the places: self-love, first crushes, chasing/chaser dynamics, how to know red flags, why you can't save a friend (but what you can do) and so much else. Christine is a Latina licensed psychotherapist, life coach and expert in love addiction, trauma, and self esteem. She's also the author of the amazing book (for folks 18+) I Am Diosa: A Journey to Healing Deep, Loving Yourself, and Coming Home to Soul. If you're a teen 15+ come listen, and if you're younger find someone awesome and older to listen with so you can talk about it :) xo, Eliza Find show notes and links from the episode at badassgirls.me/podcast/81! P.S. Season 1 of the Be Real Podcast is coming to a close at the end of 2021 -- and we're going on a break (for… until I'm ready to record more episodes!)!! If you want stay in the loop and ready my wordy erratic ramblings straight from my messy big sister heart to yours here are some places to make sure you don't miss me: For badass preteens + teens: I've got a CONFIDENT AF playlist me + the mentors made for ya… and as a side benefit → get all the rambling email riffs from my heart to you this winter. Click here! For supportive adults: I made y'all a free 20 minute video lesson on Why Your Teen Girl is a Gift + How to Make Sure She Knows It. It's straight magic for busy parents/guardians who want to get the good stuff to their kid, but so often feel like they're meeting straight up resistance ;) Click here to get it!

Hello loves! I've struggled with terrible period cramps, acne breakouts, and menstrual mood swings for as long as I can remember. It felt pretty gosh darn hard (AKA impossible) to ‘embrace my beautiful period' when it felt like the 2.5 weeks from hell (yes, I'm talking premenstrual and menstrual phases). SO -- I got curious about why these symptoms were happening to me as a teen (and not other people!!)… and how they could get better… and REAL TALK: it got so much better. Natalie K. Martin is a period and menstrual cycle coach who helps people like me to figure out their cycles and I invited her in for a chat on the pod!! You'll hear us talk about all things crappy symptoms, why they happen to some people, but not others (it's complex!!), why your premenstrual (or ‘luteal') phase actually has superpowers -- and why it can FEEL so hard (hello inner critic like WOAH), plus some beautiful ideas for getting started actually fixing these pesky period issues yourself if you've got ‘em! So many links in the show notes for you today :) xoxo, come listen -- Eliza Find show notes and links from the episode at badassgirls.me/podcast/79!   P.S. Season 1 of the Be Real Podcast is coming to a close at the end of 2021 -- and we're going on a break (for… until I'm ready to record more episodes!)!! If you want stay in the loop and ready my wordy erratic ramblings straight from my messy big sister heart to yours here are some places to make sure you don't miss me: For badass preteens + teens: I've got a CONFIDENT AF playlist me + the mentors made for ya… and as a side benefit → get all the rambling email riffs from my heart to you this winter. Click here! For supportive adults: I made y'all a free 20 minute video lesson on Why Your Teen Girl is a Gift + How to Make Sure She Knows It. It's straight magic for busy parents/guardians who want to get the good stuff to their kid, but so often feel like they're meeting straight up resistance ;) Click here to get it!

This is one of my favorite episodes on the pod ever, y'all. Lily is an abortion nurse and today we're getting into the practical, loving details of what actually medically happens during an abortion. If you've ever wondered, or you're curious about your options (even in these times), or you're supporting a friend who's preparing for an abortion (please share far and wide!!)... this is what you can expect during the different types of medical abortion. It's time to demistify abortion care! We also talk about options, access in states that don't have legal access, how to support a friend emotionally and physically, after care, and all the big feelings that can come up (all your feelings are valid, dear ones). I'm delighted to have this soulful, nourishing, kind conversation about the normal reproductive care that is having an abortion -- and I'm so excited you'll be listening in. Got a q? Just reach out to me or Lily (she shares her details in the pod). I love y'all. Here's to kindness, health and access for all! This episode is a great fit for teens, and preteens with an adult listening along to chat with after. Love, Big Sis Eliza Find show notes and links from the episode at badassgirls.me/podcast/78!   P.S. Season 1 of the Be Real Podcast is coming to a close at the end of 2021 -- and we're going on a break (for… until I'm ready to record more episodes!)!! If you want stay in the loop and ready my wordy erratic ramblings straight from my messy big sister heart to yours here are some places to make sure you don't miss me: For badass preteens + teens: I've got a CONFIDENT AF playlist me + the mentors made for ya… and as a side benefit → get all the rambling email riffs from my heart to you this winter. Click here! For supportive adults: I made y'all a free 20 minute video lesson on Why Your Teen Girl is a Gift + How to Make Sure She Knows It. It's straight magic for busy parents/guardians who want to get the good stuff to their kid, but so often feel like they're meeting straight up resistance ;) Click here to get it!   Disclaimer: This podcast is not an attempt to practice medicine or provide specific medical advice, and it should not be used to replace or overrule a qualified health care provider's judgment. Information from this podcast is intended to provide educational information on the processes of first trimester abortions and what types of options exist. In no way should this episode be construed as a provider-patient relationship.  Listeners should not rely on this podcast for medical treatment. The content on this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. As laws vary state by state and are constantly changing, consult with your local clinician or abortion fund to better understand laws. Always consult with a qualified and licensed medical care provider, and follow their advice without delay regardless of any education received from this podcast.

Hey loves! I've been waiting for this conversation to drop for months… Ann is my shero and the human I wish I'd had around when I was a preteen and teen and just like trying to figure out other people's assumptions about my body...! You'll hear us talk about how to authentically like your self if that's feeling hard right now, how self-confidence and feeling good are actually super connected, how to have an orgasm (but not the Cosmo mag version… the real, kind, nuanced version), and SO MUCH MORE. If self-pleasure is feeling weird or wonderful or you're not even sure what it is (and yes self-pleasure is a BIG topic) then come listen in!!!!! This episode is recommended for teens, and for preteens listening in with an awesome adult to talk more with them about it. Come listen :) xoxox, Eliza Find show notes and links from the episode at badassgirls.me/podcast/77!   P.S. Season 1 of the Be Real Podcast is coming to a close at the end of 2021 -- and we're going on a break (for… until I'm ready to record more episodes!)!! If you want stay in the loop and ready my wordy erratic ramblings straight from my messy big sister heart to yours here are some places to make sure you don't miss me: For badass preteens + teens: I've got a CONFIDENT AF playlist me + the mentors made for ya… and as a side benefit → get all the rambling email riffs from my heart to you this winter. Click here! For supportive adults: I made y'all a free 20 minute video lesson on Why Your Teen Girl is a Gift + How to Make Sure She Knows It. It's straight magic for busy parents/guardians who want to get the good stuff to their kid, but so often feel like they're meeting straight up resistance ;) Click here to get it!

Hey loves! This special episode is for teens 15+ and I'm talking all things worthiness, shame, big feelings and getting support with the excellent human Thais Sky. Thais is a coach who specializes in what she calls ‘the worthiness wound' and has a Masters in Clinical Psychology. In this episode you'll hear us talking about messy feelings, the first step in healing our feelings of inadequacy, transitions towards being an ‘adult', worthiness feelings, imperfect stories from us humaning this week (including my fave adulting paperwork failure of mine lately), and so much more. Content note: Thais shares about her personal history with an Eating Disorder in the first section of the episode, and mentions it briefly in passing a few more times throughout the episode. Here's to beautiful conversations in the messy middle of life (and welcome to all y'all who feel like you're in the messy middle!)! XO, come listen, Eliza :)    Are things feeling really uncertain right now… but you know you want some support this fall? We're now accepting applications for the 3-month Badass Academy Membership + Mentorship Circle! Click here to learn more + apply: badassgirls.me/academy Find show notes and links from the episode at badassgirls.me/podcast/76!

Are you an astro-nerd (my own term, lol)? Do you live for doing your friends horoscopes? Or do you judge astrology as kind of ‘woo' but secretly want to know more about it…? Like what is it actually? Today I'm diving in with my beloved friend and astrologer, Jennifer Racioppi, author of Cosmic Health and we're talking: why astrology is super scientific actually, her own journey to astrology which includes a teen cancer diagnosis, how to live more aligned with the moon phases, and so much more!!! Come listen ;) xoxo Eliza  [originally aired 1/12/21] Are things feeling really uncertain right now… but you know you want some support this fall? We're now accepting applications for the 3-month Badass Academy Membership + Mentorship Circle! Click here to learn more + apply: badassgirls.me/academy Find show notes and links from the episode at badassgirls.me/podcast/75

Hey loves! Preteens have you been waiting for your OWN episode…??! Today I got you (and yes, anyone else who wants to be a writer!!). I'm sharing this conversation I had last spring with the amazing Tina Wells who's a best-selling author, entrepreneur and business strategist. She's the author of the best-selling series Mackenzie Blue, The Zee Files, and a new series coming to Target this fall. Her writing is for girls ages 7-13 and explores themes of friendship, being real, and dreaming big dreams. You'll hear us talking about Tina's creative process, how she created characters inspired by her own friendships (especially with her sisters), calling yourself ‘a writer', and so much more!! Come listen :) xoxo, Eliza Are things feeling really uncertain right now… but you know you want some support this fall? We're now accepting applications for the 3-month Badass Academy Membership + Mentorship Circle! Click here to learn more + apply: badassgirls.me/academy Find show notes and links from the episode at badassgirls.me/podcast/74.

[originally aired 1/19/21] Hey brilliant one! Yeah you ;) Ever notice how our dominant culture has a very narrow and dumb story about what being ‘smart' means? How certain classes are ‘better'? And neurodiverse folks often have to bear the burden alone of our dumb systems and limited understanding of ‘intelligence'? Today, me and my guest are unpacking that. Nicole Connell is a learning fairy godmother (best term ever) and we're talking about: why neurodiversity is what the world needs, how diagnoses like ‘adhd' and ‘dyslexia' focus on learning challenges and completely ignore the gifts, WHAT some of the gifts actually are (!!!), some tips for adults/parents/educators, and so much more! Come listen :) xo, Eliza Find show notes and links from the episode at badassgirls.me/podcast/73 Are things feeling really uncertain right now… but you know you want some support this fall? We're now accepting applications for the 3-month Badass Academy Membership + Mentorship Circle! Click here to learn more + apply: badassgirls.me/academy  

This is a new one… for the first time EVER I'm being interviewed on the podcast!! Eeeek! I asked Lili, one of our OG mentors, to come on and ask me a million and one questions for you. I've known Lili since she was a preteen and I've been her mentor for almost a decade now. She got the mic and got me to talk about everything from music to gendered fashion, from what I don't talk about as a big sister to what I'm excited about for this year's Badass Academy! I didn't know this one would be so nourishing for me. It's definitely a reveal ;) Come listen!! XOXO, Eliza The Badass Academy Membership is open for enrollment! Click here to learn more and apply.  Find show notes and links from the episode at badassgirls.me/podcast/72!

Part 2 of our Info Sessions is now LIVE on the podcast! AND THAT MEANS THE FAQ! You asked… we answered!!  If you're interested in what this whole “Badass Girls” thing is… and this “mentorship” thing we keep talking about… THIS EPISODE IS FOR YOU! Fun fact -- I'm actually dropping 2 episodes today because each is an edited recording of the FAQ portion of our magical Live Academy Info Sessions: one for parents, and one for preteens (ages 10-13) and teens (ages 13-17) -- we combined the FAQ for those two because there was a lot of crossover. Go listen to the one that's for you :)  In these episodes you'll hear me, some of the mentors, and Alison (our Parent & Guardian Liaison) answering questions like “do online programs really work?”, “how much time does this take every month?”, “what if my parents want me to do this but I'm unsure?” + “how is it different than therapy?” -- PLUS SO MUCH MORE :) Come listen! XO, Eliza.  The Badass Academy Membership is open for enrollment! Click here to learn more and apply.  Find show notes and links from the episode at badassgirls.me/podcast/71!

Part 2 of our Info Sessions is now LIVE on the podcast! AND THAT MEANS THE FAQ! You asked… we answered!!  If you're interested in what this whole “Badass Girls” thing is… and this “mentorship” thing we keep talking about… THIS EPISODE IS FOR YOU! Fun fact -- I'm actually dropping 2 episodes today because each is an edited recording of the FAQ portion of our magical Live Academy Info Sessions: one for parents, and one for preteens (ages 10-13) and teens (ages 13-17) -- we combined the FAQ for those two because there was a lot of crossover. Go listen to the one that's for you :)  In these episodes you'll hear me, some of the mentors, and Alison (our Parent & Guardian Liaison) answering questions like “do online programs really work?”, “how much time does this take every month?”, “what if my parents want me to do this but I'm unsure?” + “how is it different than therapy?” -- PLUS SO MUCH MORE :) Come listen! XO, Eliza.  The Badass Academy Membership is open for enrollment! Click here to learn more and apply.  Find show notes and links from the episode at badassgirls.me/podcast/71!

Hey loves! I get to do my favorite thing with you today… TEACH ABOUT HOW TO BE MORE CONFIDENT BEING YOUR REAL SELF!!! So wanna grab your journal, get cozy with me and get ready to reflect? This is the first mini workshop we've ever dropped on the podcast (let us know if you want moreeeee) and it's totally different from our other podcast episodes. This is an experience where you get to know yourself better… and actually uncover what you specifically are needing to be more confident being your real self this fall (or any other time you're listening to this!). Come curl up, listen, learn and feel with me :) xo, Eliza The Badass Academy Membership is open for enrollment! Click here to learn more and apply.  Find show notes and links from the episode at badassgirls.me/podcast/70!

I'm lonely AF so much of the time (anyone else??!) and I think it should be normal to talk about. Most people are lonely sometimes and it's not a sign you're lame ;) In the third part of this summer series on trust I'm getting into trusting the people in our lives -- how to do it and how hard it can be. You'll hear me talking about why you deserve friends that you feel amazing around (and how to find them), why so many of us settle for crumbs, why the majority of people (especially teens) say they're secretly lonely, and the relationship between community care, love, boundaries and trust… it's a big one! Come listen in loves :) xo, Eliza Want a mentor? Want to hang with other badass big-hearted humans from all over?  The Badass Academy Membership is open for enrollment! Click here to learn more and apply.  Find show notes and links from the episode at badassgirls.me/podcast/69!

This weekend I got to do one of my favorite things… hang out with YOU and talk about all things Academy!!! If you're interested in what this whole “Badass Girls” thing is… and this “mentorship” thing we keep talking about… THIS EPISODE IS FOR YOU! Though fun fact -- I'm actually dropping 3 whole episodes today because each is an edited recording of one of our magical Live Academy Info Sessions: one for parents, one for preteens (ages 10-13), and one for teens (ages 13-17). Go listen to the one that's for you :) In each episode you'll hear me talk about why everyone deserves a big sister or sibling who has their back, why toxic mean girl culture is so normal and how to change it, how the Academy is not like school and not like therapy, the difference between the Academy Membership and our Academy Mentorship Circles, how to get mentored by ME, and so much more!!!!! Plus in every episode it's me and the Assistant Mentors crying, laughing, being foolish, and generally loving on each other and you -- it's genuinely the best way to get a ‘vibe' for what the Badass Academy is like and see if you want to come hang with us this year!! :) Come listen! XO, Eliza.  The Badass Academy is open for enrollment! If you like mentorship and money off… early bird applications are due this Wednesday, August 18th by midnight EST -- and you can get $200-$500 off your investment, depending on the program you join! :) Click here to learn more and apply! Find show notes and links from the episode at badassgirls.me/podcast/68!

This weekend I got to do one of my favorite things… hang out with YOU and talk about all things Academy!!! If you're interested in what this whole “Badass Girls” thing is… and this “mentorship” thing we keep talking about… THIS EPISODE IS FOR YOU! Though fun fact -- I'm actually dropping 3 whole episodes today because each is an edited recording of one of our magical Live Academy Info Sessions: one for parents, one for preteens (ages 10-13), and one for teens (ages 13-17). Go listen to the one that's for you :) In each episode you'll hear me talk about why everyone deserves a big sister or sibling who has their back, why toxic mean girl culture is so normal and how to change it, how the Academy is not like school and not like therapy, the difference between the Academy Membership and our Academy Mentorship Circles, how to get mentored by ME, and so much more!!!!! Plus in every episode it's me and the Assistant Mentors crying, laughing, being foolish, and generally loving on each other and you -- it's genuinely the best way to get a ‘vibe' for what the Badass Academy is like and see if you want to come hang with us this year!! :) Come listen! XO, Eliza.  The Badass Academy is open for enrollment! If you like mentorship and money off… early bird applications are due this Wednesday, August 18th by midnight EST -- and you can get $200-$500 off your investment, depending on the program you join! :) Click here to learn more and apply! Find show notes and links from the episode at badassgirls.me/podcast/68!

This weekend I got to do one of my favorite things… hang out with YOU and talk about all things Academy!!! If you're interested in what this whole “Badass Girls” thing is… and this “mentorship” thing we keep talking about… THIS EPISODE IS FOR YOU! Though fun fact -- I'm actually dropping 3 whole episodes today because each is an edited recording of one of our magical Live Academy Info Sessions: one for parents, one for preteens (ages 10-13), and one for teens (ages 13-17). Go listen to the one that's for you :) In each episode you'll hear me talk about why everyone deserves a big sister or sibling who has their back, why toxic mean girl culture is so normal and how to change it, how the Academy is not like school and not like therapy, the difference between the Academy Membership and our Academy Mentorship Circles, how to get mentored by ME, and so much more!!!!! Plus in every episode it's me and the Assistant Mentors crying, laughing, being foolish, and generally loving on each other and you -- it's genuinely the best way to get a ‘vibe' for what the Badass Academy is like and see if you want to come hang with us this year!! :) Come listen! XO, Eliza.  The Badass Academy is open for enrollment! If you like mentorship and money off… early bird applications are due this Wednesday, August 18th by midnight EST -- and you can get $200-$500 off your investment, depending on the program you join! :) Click here to learn more and apply!   Find show notes and links from the episode at badassgirls.me/podcast/68!

I was taught that my body was weird, dangerous, and kinda untrustworthy. Now… mostly people didn't say that to me… it was how they talked, looked, or acted. Periods were hidden and gross… (and my body gets a period), diets were encouraged and cool (cause if you aren't on one… or so the story goes… your body will eat literally everything in sight!), and people in bodies read as ‘girls' were supposed to be ‘sexy' and ‘feminine' and ‘cute' and ‘pretty'... oh and also, inherently ‘distracting'. Ok… so I got some FEELS and today's episode is about what happens when you begin to trust your body. It's a mic drop moment and I'd love for you to have it with ME!!!. Come listen to me talk about purity culture, diet culture, toxic beauty culture, and how to be more friendly with your body :) love yaaaaa Eliza ALSO, EXTRA FUN NEWS: The Badass Academy Membership + Mentorship Circles are open for early bird applications! Learn more + join us at: badassgirls.me/academy We'd love to have you come hang with us next year!!!!!!!!!!!!!! PLUS: our LIVE Academy Info Sessions are coming up on 14th!! Want to see if maybe the Academy is for you? Wondering what it's like to hang with me and the mentors?? Come meet us, be as shy or as loud as you want and learn all about the Academy! Learn more + sign up at: badassgirls.me/info  Find show notes and links from the episode at badassgirls.me/podcast/67!

I started trusting myself because my friends broke up with me. I figured if they weren't gonna love me the way I deserved… I had better get really frickin' good at loving myself. Life is an adventure y'all. If you're someone who feels like you second guess yourself and always try to get others to make your decisions… or you worry what everyone else thinks… this episode may be for you! Today I'm talking about resilience, why shame isn't ever useful, how to practice trusting yourself with little doable steps, why you actually already have the skills to be a great friend to yourself… and so much more! Come listen :)    ALSO, EXTRA FUN NEWS: The Badass Academy Membership + Mentorship Circles are open for early bird applications! Learn more + join us at: badassgirls.me/academy We'd love to have you come hang with us next year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   PLUS: our LIVE Academy Info Sessions are coming up on August 9th and 14th!! Want to see if maybe the Academy is for you? Wondering what it's like to hang with me and the mentors?? Come meet us, be as shy or as loud as you want and learn all about the Academy! Learn more + sign up at: badassgirls.me/info    Find show notes and links from the episode at badassgirls.me/podcast/66!

I used to think I would have to change who I was to be ‘good' and ‘better' and ‘save the world.' Anyone else get the ‘OMG your generation is going to save the world' stuff? Maybe you're still hearing it. I wonder if every single generation ever hears some version of that phrase. Or maybe it's just since the climate crisis and systemic oppression got a bigger microphone that young people got handed that pressure by older generations (bigger fear?! Bigger hope?! Bigger projection?!)... anyways. I digress… kinda. There's some good news: Andrea and Chahney are here to talk to us about how being ourselves is where the magic happens and the world changes. I'm not talking some superficial CRAP like #authentic #snowflake!!!! I'm talking about the beautiful, sometimes hard, worthy work of becoming more YOU… and then co-creating the world of which we dream. I'm optimistic AF about our collective liberation and this episode is a love letter to that and our last mixtape of the summer -- Andrea and Chahney also happen to be Faculty in our Badass Academy (it's like Hogwarts… but for the magic of being your real self, and… not transphobic). You'll hear us talking about all the gender feelings, figuring out (and chasing) the life you want, liberation, making the revolution irresistible, and so much more!! Come enjoy, loves :) xoxoox Eliza   ALSO, EXTRA FUN NEWS: The Badass Academy Membership + Mentorship Circles are open for early bird applications! Learn more + join us at: badassgirls.me/academy We'd love to have you come hang with us next year!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Find show notes and links from the episode at badassgirls.me/podcast/65!

Body stuff. I'm so obsessed with us talking about bodies together. WHY??? Because most people talk about bodies with judgement and I want us to find it normal to be curious about respecting, loving and adoring our bodies (even if… like no one else in your day-to-day life seems to). One of the best ways I know in to body love is actually listening to our bodies and the two guests I'm talking with today in our mixtape episode are experts in listening to their bodies. Nicole and Qiddist are also both Faculty in the Badass Academy (it's like Hogwarts… but for the magic of being your real self, and… not transphobic). You'll hear us talk about: periods and birth control, the relationship between trusting your body and loving your body, how to listen to your body, why it's so normalized to give someone else the power with our bodies, and so much else! I'm so excited to share this one with ya :) Come listen! ALSO, EXTRA FUN NEWS: The Badass Academy Membership + Mentorship Circles are open for early bird applications! Learn more + join us at: badassgirls.me/academy We'd love to have you come hang with us next year!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Find show notes and links from the episode at badassgirls.me/podcast/64!

All feelings are good feelings, but… (yeah, there's a ‘but')... how many of us find that hard to live by? Like we'd just prefer if things felt ‘easy' and ‘happy' and ‘calm' all the time…? If you're ready for a feelings talk because you've been IN IT lately or you're wanting to get real… today's mixtape of an episode is for YOU. I'm bringing together some of my fave voices from the pod -- Asha and Alexx -- who also happen to be Faculty in our Badass Academy (it's like Hogwarts… but for the magic of being your real self, and… not transphobic). You'll hear us talking about anxiety, mindfulness, remembering your magic, and what to do when you're feeling super down…!  ALSO, EXTRA FUN NEWS: The Badass Academy Membership + Mentorship Circles are now open for early bird applications! Learn more + join us at: badassgirls.me/academy We'd love to have you come hang with us next year!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Find show notes and links from the episode at badassgirls.me/podcast/63!

Every now and then someone asks me about why I love the word “badass”…? Like doesn't it mean like ‘tough' and maybe like ‘rebel without a cause' vibes? Isn't that the opposite of all the ‘sensitive, big-hearted' stuff we talk about here? NOPE! Because what's actually more ‘badass' than being sensitive, taking up space and being your whole, complex, imperfect REAL self? If you're trying to live the real way alongside me… you know it can be HARD (and so worth it)!! So today I'm talking about the (previously unshared) story of reclaiming badass for myself, naming our company Badass Girls, and inviting our community to find their own spin on the word. Fun surprise: you'll also hear from a handful of our own mentors (AKA big siblings and big sisters in the Badass Academy) who wanted to hop on and share what ‘badass' means and feels like to them. If you're curious or you're hesitant about the word ‘badass'… or you feel nerdy about reclaiming words… I invite you to come listen! XOXOX, Eliza The Badass Academy Membership is opening on July 13th! Get on the waitlist today: badassgirls.me/academy Find show notes and links from the episode at badassgirls.me/podcast/62!

Summer used to be hard for me. Sticky, humid beach weather would roll around (to be clear… I have actually never lived anywhere near a beach, but it was summer bikini beach vibes on magazines in the grocery store checkout line for sure)… and I'd suddenly feel a new spat of self consciousness. This might be common for some of us, but it's certainly not normal. I think it should be normal for us to respect, care for, and maybe even ADORE our bodies (yes these bodies that feel all the things and eat and release). If you're feeling anxious about being in a body this summer and are ready for a big sister pep talk… this episode is for you! Come listen :) XOXOX, Eliza  The Badass Academy Membership is opening again on July 13th! Get on the waitlist today: badassgirls.me/academy Find show notes and links from the episode at badassgirls.me/podcast/61!

Hey loves! Asia Suler is a writer, teacher and ecological philosopher who lives in the folds of the Blue Ridge mountains. She is the creator and concoctress of One Willow Apothecaries— an Appalachian-grown company that offers handcrafted herbal medicines and online education. AND she's so cool!!!!!! In this episode we're talking about weeds, cool everyday teas that you can take for school stress, the difference between being childish vs. childlike, talking to plants, being an herbalist, and practicing self-gentleness (one of my favorite phrases of hers)!! Come hear me talk about my friendship with an apple tree, the moment I actually trusted my intuition, and so much more!! Come listen ;) xo Eliza The Badass Academy Membership is opening again in July! Get on the waitlist today: badassgirls.me/academy Find show notes and links from the episode at badassgirls.me/podcast/60!

Hey loves -- solo love note coming your way today… all about TRYING NEW THINGS. I've been surprised by how hard coming out of my pandemic huddle/hibernation mode has been as more of the world opens up. Today I'm talking about beginnings and how we begin anything is how we begin everything (I know, mic drop)... and also how to move through change, transition, or into new things with relative ease (that could be trying out for the soccer team, dating someone new, moving towns, family transitions… or whatever.) Change is always happening and we can get better at doing it, I think. I've learned a lot from my own transitions and this is a smooshy episode from the middle of some pretty big ones over here right now (I like reporting in live from the messy middle with ya). Here's to messy middles of life together, trying new things, and not being perfect! Come listen :) xo, Eliza The Badass Academy Membership is opening again in July! Get on the waitlist today: badassgirls.me/academy Find show notes and links from the episode at badassgirls.me/podcast/59!

Hey loves -- I used to reaalllllyyyyy not like it when people didn't like me (ok, it's still not the most comfy) and I'd spend whole days (ok, years) devoted to trying to get everyone to like me so I could have a ‘good' day and feel like a ‘good' person. If that feels icky and layered… it's because it is -- and if that feels relatable at all (or you're interested in why some people might feel that way) then today's episode might be for YOU! James-Olivia is an ‘avid maker of mistakes' and a ‘fellow work in progress' who facilitates extraordinary, uncomfortable, life-changing conversations… and today's episode was one of those for me! I mean I knew I was excited to talk to this amazing human… and then kind of whole universes opened up in my brain ;) You'll hear us talking about disappointing others, why ‘good' and ‘bad' isn't helpful, why being liked can feel linked to safety, caring about how others feel, and other things (amazing things!!). Come listen :) xoxoxo, Eliza The Badass Academy Membership is opening again in July! Get on the waitlist today: badassgirls.me/academy Find show notes and links from the episode at badassgirls.me/podcast/58!

Hey loves -- are you a dancer? Or are you someone like ‘doesn’t dance’? Do you dream of a creative career, but then maybe get stuck in the story of ‘not being good enough’ or ‘creative people don’t make money’ or ‘that’s not practical’? Yeah -- I feel ya. Today’s episode is all about that and MORE. I’m hanging out with the amazing Jess Grippo: she’s semi-famous on TikTok for dancing with CVS receipts, quit Ballet at 19, and is a creative coach for adults. We talk about expression, being ‘cool’, taking art classes, what ‘adulting’ really is, and interpretative dances about our periods… amongst other things. It’s the best! Come listen :) xoxo, Eliza The Badass Academy Membership is opening again in July! Get on the waitlist today: badassgirls.me/academy Find show notes and links from the episode at badassgirls.me/podcast/57!

Got broken up with? Got left out of the text thread? Didn’t get into the school? Or… make the team? Scared that ‘no one likes me’? Or ‘that I’m literally the worst’? OOOOF, honey, let’s talk about rejection FEELS. You’re amazing -- like, so amazing -- but why do you (like so many of us) sometimes feel like a failure…? In this episode I’m talking about worthiness, accountability, random dance parties, why your ex has absolutely nothing to do with how wonderful you are, and so much more! You got this one -- and it’s just feels. Come listen :) xoxoxo, Eliza The Badass Academy Membership is opening again in July! Get on the waitlist today: badassgirls.me/academy Find show notes and links from the episode at badassgirls.me/podcast/56!

Hey loves -- have you ever wondered if you should go to the ‘gynecologist’? Or wondered who to see if you’ve got period issues or something else up with your reproductive health? Today’s episode is such an amazing one because Qiddist (the Badass Academy’s resident faculty for all things anatomy and wellness) and I are taking you through a lot of details about what kind of provider you might want to see, what happens during a routine visit, what questions to ask to see if your provider is a good fit, and how to advocate for yourself like a badass! Qiddist is a health educator, clinical herbalist, and birth supporter -- and they believe that our pelvic health is the root of our creativity, mental health and power (so cool!). *this episode is a good fit for anyone considering getting more reproductive health support, which is often teens* Come listen :) xoxo, Eliza The Badass Academy Membership is opening again in July! Get on the waitlist today: badassgirls.me/academy Find show notes and links from the episode at badassgirls.me/podcast/55!

Hey darling -- I pulled my back out this week, put my feet up (eek!), and opened up some of the amazing questions y’all have been sending me… for part 3 of our ‘ask me anything’ episode series! I’m answering three big questions: one about grief and loss, one about fighting with your parents, and one about being kind to a friend who isn’t a great fit for you. Plus, I threw in a few little goofy questions that y’all asked me! :) Stay tuned for a chat about fave artists, ice cream and colors (yes, you asked, I answered). Come listen!! Xoxo, Eliza   The Badass Academy Membership is opening again in July! Get on the waitlist today: badassgirls.me/academy Find show notes and links from the episode at badassgirls.me/podcast/54!

Hey loves -- today’s episode is a big, fun, messy, liberating important one!!!! Jessi Kneeland is a life, fitness and body image coach for women who believes “your body should be the least important thing about you”. She thinks body confidence isn’t about liking the way you look, but about liking yourself no matter how you look. We get into what diet culture actually is, how to get ready for doctor’s visits where weight or “health” might come up, the big feelings that live under negative body judgements, how to practice intuitive eating, and so much more!! This one is a rich lesson in coming home to ourselves and where we can get stuck along the way (shout out to ‘puberty’ which gets a lengthy and honorable mention in this episode). Come listen in!! XOXOX, Eliza The Badass Academy Membership is opening again in July! Get on the waitlist today: badassgirls.me/academy Find show notes and links from the episode at badassgirls.me/podcast/53!

Hey loves -- anyone else feeling the burn out vibes? I’m talking about that moment where you feel so tired, and yet you’re like… ‘oh gosh, i’ve got so much stuff to do.’ This episode is a love note for that tricky moment when you feel a little stuck between your body and your head. I’m talking about finding a light at the end of the tunnel, radically saying no or rescheduling, why rest is productive, and so many other amazing things! Come listen :) xoxoxo, Eliza The Badass Academy Membership is opening again in July! Get on the waitlist today: badassgirls.me/academy Find show notes and links from the episode at badassgirls.me/podcast/52!

[Originally aired 10/20/20] Hey love bug! How’s it going with your period? You don’t need to have your period yet for this episode to be for you (in fact, I especially want you to listen in!). Do you have cramps? Or intense, dark mood swings the week before you get your period? Do you want to love it… because like, that’s the ‘feminist’ or ‘enlightened’ thing to do… but really it’s kind of disruptive and you’re dreading and kind of confused by your period a lot of the time? Oh honey, this episode is magic. Vianney Leigh is a menstrual cycle alignment expert and the founder of the Status Flow Collective -- and she’s a badass period boss. In this episode, we talk about why your period isn’t just about being able to get pregnant, how to create an epic life because of your period (not despite it), our fave personal period stories, how to get started making your period not suck, and SO much more! It’s the big sister chat about periods I always wished I could listen in to -- so here it is for you :) Hugs, Eliza The Badass Academy Membership is opening again in July! Get on the waitlist today: badassgirls.me/academy Find show notes and links from the episode at badassgirls.me/podcast/51!

[originally aired 10/6/20] Hey my loves! Anyone else scroll mindlessly more and more these days? Talk about how bad social media is for your mental health and then find yourself back on it? Watch yourself go down the comparison hole… and then blame yourself? Today I’m talking to the brilliant, raw, real Taz -- a cyber security specialist, empath, and big picture thinker. She’s the daughter of a freedom fighter, and it shows. You’ll hear us talking about: some of the biggest everyday ways you’re not actually private on your phone, why the algorithm is invested in your feeling insecure, how to be real online, and so much more, babes. Taz is a real one. Come listen! XX, Eliza Find show notes and links from the episode at badassgirls.me/podcast/50!

[originally aired 10/13/20] Hey loves! Andréa is a real deal super human. And not the kind that wears a cape (though very here for it if that’s a new fashion choice they start making), but because they are so super human: growing, changing, compassionate, reflective, visionary, and real. We talk about what liberation and being real have in common, when to get all up in the comments section with someone spouting racist, transphobic, misogynistic (etc.) crap -- and when not to, what your next ‘right’ step is for anti-racism work is (hint: it’s not a checklist, honey), and so much more. Being with Andréa is always both an oasis, and an invitation to wake up to the fire that’s in my heart. Come get nourished and listen, babes! If you’re here to be real, this podcast episode was made -- urgently and intimately -- for you. XOXO, Eliza.  P.S. The Badass Academy is still open for enrollment!!! Want to spend an epic spring and summer with mentors + real deal community? Click here to learn more + join us before doors close for good on April 1st: badassgirls.me/academy.

Hey, love. How many of us are waiting for someone else to give us permission to be more of who we actually are? Like… is it ok? Will I still be loved? Will you think I’m lame? Please tell me I’m ok?? Today’s convo is about the feeling of permission (that we can give ourselves, and that brave community can give us) and so many other amazing things. Lily, Ayla and Eden are talking about the real conversations that they wish everyone was having, consent in community, and the permission slip at Badass Girls to be exactly who you are (and let who you are change). This one tugged my heartstrings big time, and is a dreamy listen for anyone who’s a preteen interested in Badass Girls!!! Come listen :) xo, Eliza P.S. The Badass Academy is open for enrollment through TOMORROW Wednesday, March 24th, 2021!!!!!!! Want to spend an epic spring and summer with mentors + real deal community? Click here to learn more + join us: badassgirls.me/academy.

Hey love—ever felt that moment…where you’re just trying to tell your friend about how you’re feeling…and they’ve got a big dose of unsolicited advice for ya? Or ever been the person offering unsolicited advice?? Like you’re just so ready to hop in and fix everybody’s “problems”? That’s one of the amazing things that Kyra Iman and Cady get into today. They’re talking about understanding yourself, not conforming to the people around you, how moving their bodies to move their feelings was a game changer, why not to hide your real life from your friends, and so much more!!! I love these humans to the moon and back

SURPRISE! Bonus preteen episode dropping on a Friday. Today’s ep is with Lily, a BG mentor, and two of her badass preteen mentees -- Elspeth and Gia -- who are here to give you the real, real on being friends with yourself, not pretending to be cool anymore, what it feels like to be loved, and why you’re actually a magical being. You’ll also hear them talk all about the Badass Girls community -- where preteens + teens who are into Be Real go hang (and be real…) together. Come listen :) Love ya, Eliza.  P.S. The Badass Academy is open for enrollment through March 24th!!!!!!! Want some of the Badass Girls community?? Click here to learn more + join us: badassgirls.me/academy.  P.P.S. We’re offering Academy Info Sessions on March 20th and 21st to learn more about the program LIVE with Eliza + the mentors. Click here to learn more + join us: https://badassgirls.me/academy/info

Hey love bugs—got a magical unique episode for you this week—I asked Emily and Lili, two older teens in our community to come on, hang out and talk being real, and the Badass Academy community. What resulted was: them spilling the tea on eating disorders (heads up, if that’s feeling tender for you), big uncomfortable feelings, loving yourself, and when you just *know* something, but you don’t know something… right??!! Get ready for two humans who love each other -- and love you -- not holding back ONE bit. Come listen :) Love ya, Eliza.  P.S. This is the first of our epic Badass Academy convos happening on the podcast in March! Get ready for REAL humans talking about their community experience in Badass Girls, and inviting you to join us!! Want to know + join us? Click here: badassgirls.me/academy.

Hey babes! Welcome to magical episode #44 and a personal love note to younger me. Have you ever had regret or shame or pain that you wanted to avoid about a younger version of yourself? Stuff that happened when you were younger? That you wished had gone differently? Today’s episode is all about the love letters we can write to ourselves now, and how we can heal and lay the weight down of the past crap and unfelt feelings and shame stuff. It’s also about the Badass Academy (link below) and how so much of what I’ve created is a love letter to my preteen + teen self. Love you, Eliza.  P.S. The Badass Academy Membership is opening on March 10th, 2021! Get on the waitlist (or learn more about the program after the 10th): badassgirls.me/academy.

Hey loves! [Today’s episode is 14+ recommended as we unpack some stuff about sex that’s more for older teens.] I went on the birth control pill when I was 15 or 16 (honestly I don’t remember, I should probably text my mom -- she’ll remember) -- and I felt super empowered and kinda feminist and mostly coooooool. I -- real talk -- wanted people to see me not so subtly taking my pill pack out of my bag to take it every time my daily alarm went off. ;) Fast forward to now and I know so much more about the pill that NO ONE TOLD ME (even and especially my pretty cool doctor(s) at the time!!). I’m talking… negative side effects we brush off, long term potential impacts of not ovulating for years, and why going on the pill so early can MESS YOU UP. I asked Nicole Jardim, author of Fix Your Period and the “Period Girl”, to come hang with me today and give us the full story about the pill. Come listen, and share this one with someone who needs it! Xoxox, Eliza P.S. The Badass Academy Membership is opening in March! Get on the waitlist: badassgirls.me/academy P.P.S. Find show notes and links from the episode at badassgirls.me/podcast/43!

hey loves! The Valentine’s Day madness is (kinda) behind us now, but anyone else still feeling it? Maybe you’re feeling lonely. Maybe you feel like you didn’t ‘do’ it right. Maybe you’re feeling confused about the whole thing. Today I’m talking about how to know you’re worthy of love, love stories that change us, my number one red flag for dating, and telling a different kind of love story together. Come listen. xx love, Eliza P.S. The Badass Academy Membership is opening in March! Get on the waitlist: badassgirls.me/academy P.P.S. Find show notes and links from the episode at badassgirls.me/podcast/42!

How do you know you have a crush? What does good teen dating look like anyways? How do we get over the whole people pleasing thing? Oh, my loves -- today I go IN on it all with one of our real teen mentors here at Badass Girls -- the brilliant Lili Platt. Today, we talk about our first crushes, the weird thing we thought was true about dating, that time I (literally) ran away from holding hands with my crush at camp, and so much more. Come listen. XO, Eliza P.S. The Badass Academy Membership is opening in March! Get on the waitlist: badassgirls.me/academy P.P.S. Find show notes and links from the episode at badassgirls.me/podcast/41!

Hey loves! Ask me anything is back with a part 2 answering questions about talking to a younger sister who’s terrified of tampons, how to build trust with soon to be step-siblings and feel more safe being your real self, whether anyone outside of ourselves can really know us, how to know if you’ve got really boring friends (eek! It’s not that they’re lame they just might not be a grrrrreat fit for you), and strategies for not stressing about the music lesson your parents are forcing you to take (that’s keeping you up every week). Got a Q? I may have an A ;) Click here to submit your question. Then come get cozy and give a listen :) xo, Eliza P.S. The Badass Academy Membership is opening in March! Get on the waitlist: badassgirls.me/academy P.P.S. Find show notes and links from the episode at badassgirls.me/podcast/40!

Hi my brilliant beauties! I’m so excited to share today’s episode with you: it’s with one of my biggest teachers from my early 20s!! Regena Thomashauer is the author of multiple books about loving yourself, and she’s the headmistress of The School of the Womanly Arts in NYC, and now online. Today we’re talking about: choosing self-love, feeling good, and how to flirt (the answer is really not what you think and includes babies and puppies) -- AND so much more!! Come pull up a chair, get cozy, or take us on a beautiful walk in nature with you. I promise you’ll feel more alive at the end of this one. Love, Eliza.    P.S. The Badass Academy Membership is opening in March 2021! Click here to get on the waitlist: badassgirls.me/academy P.P.S. Find show notes and links from the episode at badassgirls.me/podcast/39!

Hey brilliant one! Yeah you ;) Ever notice how our dominant culture has a very narrow and dumb story about what being ‘smart’ means? How certain classes are ‘better’? And neurodiverse folks often have to bear the burden alone of our dumb systems and limited understanding of ‘intelligence’? Today, me and my guest are unpacking that. Nicole Connell is a learning fairy godmother (best term ever) and we’re talking about: why neurodiversity is what the world needs, how diagnoses like ‘adhd’ and ‘dyslexia’ focus on learning challenges and completely ignore the gifts, WHAT some of the gifts actually are (!!!), some tips for adults/parents/educators, and so much more! Come listen :) xo, Eliza P.S. The Badass Academy Membership is opening in March 2021! Click here to get on the waitlist: badassgirls.me/academy P.P.S. Find show notes and links from the episode at badassgirls.me/podcast/38!

Are you an astro-nerd (my own term, lol)? Do you live for doing your friends horoscopes? Or do you judge astrology as kind of ‘woo’ but secretly want to know more about it…? Like what is it actually? Today I’m diving in with my beloved friend and astrologer, Jennifer Racioppi, author of Cosmic Health (out today!!!!!) and we’re talking: why astrology is super scientific actually, her own journey to astrology which includes a teen cancer diagnosis, how to live more aligned with the moon phases, and so much more!!! Come listen ;) xoxo Eliza P.S. The Badass Academy Membership is opening in March 2021! Click here to get on the waitlist: badassgirls.me/academy P.P.S. Find show notes and links from the episode at badassgirls.me/podcast/37!

Hiya my loves! It’s the New Year!!!!! Have the diet ads started yet? The gym discounts? The resolutions that feel great-ish… but then come crashing down (and only you’re to blame)? The tempting idea… that in the next 5 minutes/21 days/year you can change everything that’s not perfect or unacceptable or divergent about yourself? And then be so perfectly happy all the time? HA. It’s been a looooong time since I’ve made a resolution, but I love New Years and any chance to celebrate, say thank you, or let some crap go. Want a quick dose of inspiration? A nice exhale? A reminder that your worthiness is not up for debate (or on sale right now in the form of diet tea)? This episode is for you. Love, Eliza.  P.S. The Badass Academy Membership is opening in March 2021! Click here to get on the waitlist: badassgirls.me/academy P.P.S. Find show notes and links from the episode at badassgirls.me/podcast/36!

hey babes -- it’s winter where I live and stuff is hard. I ended up on the kitchen floor sobbing last week… and this love note was born (recorded in my cozy chair, a week later FYI, this episode does not include audio of me snotting into the kitchen towel I managed to grab). It’s been a weird year. Layer that on with whatever personal stuff is coming up for you (and oh damn is it coming). Layer that on with being some form of ‘stuck’ at home with all the people, and none of the people… at the same time. Yeah, sometimes stuff is hard. In this episode you’ll hear me talk about why you’re not a burden, why reaching out for support can be so hard, how I’ve literally never had only one feeling (and I suspect no one else has either), and how really boring self-care is where it’s at. If you’re feeling the ache, or you’re supporting someone who is struggling a lot right now -- this episode is for you. You’re not alone. Love, big sister/Eliza xxx   P.S. The Badass Academy Membership is opening in March 2021! Click here to get on the waitlist: badassgirls.me/academy P.P.S. Find show notes and links from the episode at badassgirls.me/podcast/35!