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

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

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

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

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

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.

Links you might need:

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

Mormon Lingo explained:

• 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

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

I want to hear your story! Submit your name to be interviewed here: https://forms.gle/Xs2b56fiyAjqWETX8

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

Liz Morning Routine:

• Quick rinse of water. I don't cleanse unless there's somehow leftover makeup from the night before
• A couple drops of Eminence facial recovery oil
• A drop of OTP F83 Vitamin C Serum
• A drop of OTP F86 Hyaluronic Acid
• Loreal Paris Glow lotion

Liz Evening Skincare Routine:

• Emenince Stonecrop Cleansing Oil
• Emenince Manoi Anti-aging Cleanser
• Eminence Facial Recover Oil
• A couple drops of OTP F82 Green Retinol Elixir
• A drop of OTP F86 Hylauronic Acid
• OTP F08 Cell Active Face Cream

Liz Makeup Routine:

• Revision tinted sunscreen or Olive Rose tinted serum
• Currently test driving a k-beauty foundation stick with spf 50
• Milani baked blush in pink dolche or luminoso
• Loreal telescopic mascara in brown-black
• Loreal Lumi Highlighter (glass)
• Maybelline Lifter Lipgloss
• Seint eyeshadow brush & Seint Blush+Bronzer brush to apply everything

Extras I love:

• OTP F76 Honey Enzyme Mask
• Eminence Stonecrop Mask
• OTP F85 Acne SOS Drops (I use it on myself and my pre-teen)
• OTP F75 Lip Balm (great for gift giving too)

Links Galore!!

Eminence Skincare: https://emstore.com/collections/eminence-organic-skin-care

Olive Tree People products I use: https://kyrstiegillie.olivetreepeople.shop/cart/55090360

Olive Tree People Skincare quiz: https://us.olivetreepeople.com/pages/olive-brain-regime?referral=kyrstiegillie

Olive Rose Skin Tint: https://us.olivetreepeople.com/collections/olive-rose?referral=kyrstiegillie

Makeup: https://amzn.to/3J0M4VF

Brushes I use: https://gillie.seintofficial.com/en/shop/office/category/177/en

Join Liz as she candidly shares the highs and lows of July, from navigating healthcare challenges and dealing with heat intolerance to celebrating tiny wins like family trips and personal discoveries. This episode is a raw and honest reflection on life's complexities, offering listeners a space to connect and reflect on their own journeys. Tune in for real talk, relatable struggles, and the beauty of small victories.

Love the podcast? Support Liz here: http://buymeacoffee.com/lizgillie

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

Connect with Liz on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ms.elizabeth.gillie/

In this episode of Besties Unfiltered, Liz Gillie shares her personal journey with minimalism, emphasizing a practical and cozy approach rather than a Pinterest-perfect aesthetic. She discusses how minimalism has provided her relief from clutter and anxiety, especially as she navigates parenting and chronic health issues. Liz outlines her current decluttering strategies, focusing on ease and intention, and invites you to join her in creating lighter, more functional homes.

Whether you’re exhausted, overbooked, or just trying to make it to nap time, this one’s for you. Plus, Liz shares her favorite digital tool that’s helped keep her family on track this summer—with a special discount code just for you.

What You’ll Hear:

• A personal update on life in transition
• Real-life summer hacks from fellow moms in the Besties community
• Liz’s favorite kid-friendly activities and routines
• How the Skylight Calendar keeps her family sane
• A reminder that you're not alone—and you’re doing better than you think

Mentioned in this Episode:

Skylight Calendar - Get $20 off your Calendar by using code FRIEND-QVWQBQ3 - https://www.skylightframe.com/products/skylight-calendar

Duolingo App: https://www.duolingo.com/

Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program: https://www.barnesandnobleinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2025-BN-Kids-Summer-Reading-Journal.pdf

Links you need:

• Follow Liz on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ms.elizabeth.gillie/
• Share your stories, questions or suggestions here:
• Support the show: http://buymeacoffee.com/lizgillie

Links:

Tell or ask me anything: https://forms.gle/DQdB7ii3yDGcovwHA

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

Follow on IG: https://www.instagram.com/besties.unfiltered.podcast/

Sources:

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9520295/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

https://womensbrainhealth.org/think-tank/think-twice/ucla-study-on-friendship-among-women?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Through Nesta's struggles with grief, anger, and isolation, Liz highlights how connection and support from friends can lead to resilience and self-acceptance. The conversation emphasizes that healing is not linear and that true worth comes from within, not from others' perceptions.

This episode also teases the next episode, which will delve into the health benefits of female friendships and practical strategies for building meaningful connections as adult women.

Submit your friendship stories, tips and thoughts here: https://forms.gle/KyX8gnL71uXzU1qv7

DM me on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/besties.unfiltered.podcast/

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

In this episode, Liz shares her deeply personal journey of leaving the Mormon faith, exploring the emotional and spiritual challenges she faced during her deconstruction process. She discusses the significance of community and the complexities of navigating relationships after leaving a religious organization. Liz reflects on her current beliefs, parenting without a religious framework, and the peace she has found outside of organized religion. Through her story, she aims to provide validation and support to others who may be experiencing similar struggles and to give new perspective to those who are still in the Mormon faith and want to better understand those who leave.

Submit questions/thoughts/stories here: https://forms.gle/DQdB7ii3yDGcovwHA

Shop limited-edition merch: http://bonfire.com/store/besties-unfiltered-podcast/

Support the show and Liz here: http://buymeacoffee.com/lizgillie

Submit any questions you have here: https://forms.gle/TTffAN5xd8fQVmgSA

✨ Limited edition merch is live through June 15!

📝 Submit your thoughts on motherhood & adult friendship

☕ Want to support the show? Buy Liz a coffee!

Links you need: https://linktr.ee/bestiesunfilteredpodcast

Thanks for being here, besties 💛

• Frozen theory, organ donation information and books mentioned will be saved in the highlights bubble of the podcast Instagram account @besties.unfiltered.podcast
• Submit your thoughts & questions on motherhood and/or adult friendships here: https://linktr.ee/bestiesunfilteredpodcast
• Support the podcast here: https://buymeacoffee.com/lizgillie

Keywords: hot takes, unpopular opinions, Mother's Day, mental health, Disney, organ donation, pets, food opinions, college degrees, Mormonism, Christianity, language, Bible

Listener Submissions: https://forms.gle/KyX8gnL71uXzU1qv7

My Link in Bio: https://www.instagram.com/besties.unfiltered.podcast/

Skylight Calendar: https://www.skylightframe.com/products/skylight-calendar/?srsltid=AfmBOorXBnVg-LCINCxY1bOFHkRkByWrOjzOBt_bcA8THUwmpO30g2tg

Keywords: AI, ChatGPT, mental health, chronic illness, meal planning, therapy, organization, parenting, technology, self-care

Follow Marie on Instagram @simplymarieiris

Summary: In this episode, Liz and special guest, Lindsey, explore their favorite books, the importance of female friendships, and the healing power of literature. They discuss the nuances of fantasy and romance genres, character development, and the emotional connections that readers form with characters. The conversation also touches on the role of spice in storytelling, the impact of characters like Nesta from the ACOTAR Series, and the significance of relationships in fantasy narratives. As they share their reading habits and TBR lists, they reflect on the comfort that books provide and the dream worlds they wish they could visit.

Keywords: books, reading, fantasy, romance, character development, female friendship, healing, literature, emotional connections, TBR

She emphasizes the importance of community, the influence of her faith journey on her parenting, and her experiences as a teacher. Tawny reflects on the dynamics of family and faith, the inherent goodness of children, and her exploration of new career opportunities while still teaching.

In this conversation, Tawny and Liz explore the multifaceted journey of teaching, personal growth, and the challenges of navigating change. Tawny shares her experiences as an educational consultant, the importance of authenticity in teaching, and the impact of social media on self-perception. They delve into the complexities of identity, motherhood, and the journey of adoption, emphasizing the significance of integrity and living authentically. The discussion highlights the importance of embracing change and the lessons learned through personal experiences.

Follow Tawny on Instagram @Tawny.Paino and on TikTok @tawnypaino

Takeaways:

• POTS stands for Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome.
• Symptoms of POTS can vary widely among individuals.
• Fatigue in POTS is often debilitating and different from regular tiredness.
• Diagnosis of POTS can take years and often involves multiple doctors.
• There is no approved medication specifically for POTS.
• Increasing fluid and sodium intake can help manage symptoms.
• Compression garments can aid in circulation for POTS patients.
• Exercise can be beneficial but must be approached cautiously.
• Personal advocacy is crucial in navigating healthcare for POTS.
• Community support and sharing experiences can help raise awareness about POTS.

In this episode of Besties Unfiltered, Liz Gillie introduces her podcast, sharing her experiences as a military spouse, mother of three, and someone living with chronic illness. She emphasizes the importance of real talk about life's challenges, including parenting, health struggles, and personal identity shifts. Liz invites listeners to join her on this journey of honesty, humor, and healing, creating a community where women can support each other through the chaos of life.

Takeaways

• Liz Gillie introduces her podcast, Besties Unfiltered.
• The importance of real talk and community support is emphasized.
• Listeners are encouraged to engage and share their stories.
• The podcast will feature solo episodes and guest conversations.

Follow the Podcast on Instagram at @besties.unfiltered.podcast

In this quick intro, I’m sharing what Besties Unfiltered is all about, what you can expect, and why this space is made for YOU. We’re celebrating the highs, navigating the lows, and keeping it real—together.

So, grab a coffee, get cozy, and hit that subscribe button. Let’s dive in! 🎙️

Let’s connect!

📲 Follow me on Instagram: @ms.elizabeth.gillie

💌 Have a story to share? DM me or email lizgillie.bu@gmail.com

⭐ Excited for more? Subscribe & leave a review—it helps more besties find us!