Be Real with Eliza Reynolds: Conversations About Mental Health, Friendship, Body Image & More for Big-Hearted Preteen & Teen Girls

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!

📢 📢 UNIQUE EPISODE FOR BADASS YOUNG ADULTS 📢 📢 Hi loves -- ever feel like you’re ‘failing’ at adulthood? And you’re supposed to be sunny and perfect AF and have it ‘all figured out’ now? (But you like… totally don’t and something it’s SO BAD IN YOUR OWN HEAD and you don’t even want to tell anyone… cause they might get scared). Anyone else ever feel like you’re desperate for people to get how independent you are and treat you like the ADULT YOU ARE … but also secretly feel like you’re bad at so many things… and you need SO MUCH HELP (because life is overwhelming, like all the time)?? And umm… now it’s winter… badum. WELCOME TO THE DUMB MYTH OF ‘ADULTHOOD’. This episode is a love letter to you -- a tired, sensitive, badass young adult… who wants to reclaim your time, energy and LIFE. It’s time to demystify what I call “the lie of adulthood” (I’ll break it down). In this episode of realness, you’ll hear me talking about: why it’s not your fault things suck, why goals are tricky (and my own sad story of the biggest baddest goal ever achieved), drinking + anxiety, sensitivity as a superpower, how if you want to ‘save the world’ you’ve got to include yourself, and so much else! I love you! Be fierce, be soft -- and trust yourself -- you’ve got this, dear one. XO, from a fellow sensitive, messed up, complex, wonderful feeler (+ big sister) -- Eliza Find show notes and links from the episode at badassgirls.me/podcast/80! P.S. want more support to get through this dumb ‘adulthood’ thing as a feeling, sensitive, magical AF human? Click here to explore COVEN, Eliza’s new mentorship program for badass young adults -- starting in January 2022. P.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!