Be Powerful with Liz & Lee

Latest Episodes:

{Best of 2025} This Testimonial Really Got to Us… | Benefits of Pilates and Hilliard Studio Method & the Mind-Body Connection Jan 01, 2026

Show notes

We're wrapping up the year by replaying the episodes you loved most in 2025 while we spend time with our friends and family over the holidays! AKA the episodes you guys streamed the most! Thank you so much for your support of the podcast in 2025. We hope you have an amazing holiday surrounded by loved ones, peaceful moments, and memories in the making. Cheers!

One of our new clients left us such a deeply meaningful testimonial that we had to share with you all on the podcast! We're so grateful for our community at HSM and want to explain how symbiotic the relationship between trainers and students are– you guys make our world go round. So, we're celebrating Liz's birthday month by discussing the power of pilates and Hilliard Studio Method, one of our deepest passions! We'll chat about aging and how we have learned how to take care of our bodies with the mind-body connection we've curated at HSM. Thank you endlessly for your support!

MUD/WTR is a coffee alternative consisting of 100% organic cacao, ayurvedic herbs and functional mushrooms. With just a fraction of caffeine found in coffee, you get energy, focus and immune support without the crash! Use this link for 15% off your purchase, or $20 off PLUS a 15% discount if you subscribe!

Some key takeaways from this episode include:

Birthdays are a big deal, especially as we get into our 60s and 70s, and it's important to reflect and realize there is so much to be grateful for and look forward to. As long as we take care of our mind and body to the best of our ability, there are endless possibilities for what we can do for our families, society, and ourselves.
About a week ago, we received a letter that was so deeply touching to us and emphasized exactly what we're trying to achieve with HSM: the mind-body connection. If you have not experienced the physical and meditative benefits of an HSM workout, please join us for a class!
Even if it's grueling, achieving a goal - whether it's a tough workout or a major milestone - will show you your strength and ability. It feels even better when there's a community to support you through the journey!

Hilliard Studio Method takes working out to the next level to produce results that are nothing short of a total mind-body transformation. If you're ready to get in incredible shape, you can work out with us in-person at our Charlotte studio, join classes from home via Zoom, or sign up for our on-demand streaming service!

Be Powerful with Liz & Lee is focused on helping you find your inner power and for us to share our thoughts on society, culture, and current events. As the team behind Hilliard Studio Method in Charlotte, North Carolina, we love all things wellness and will also share info on how to live your healthiest life mentally, physically, and emotionally.

Podcast contact info:

{Best of 2025} I Can't Believe This Happened to Lee… | Winning Best Podcast, Lee's Solo(ish) Trip to NYC, and Rapid Fire Q&A Dec 25, 2025

Show notes

May is a big month! Lee's birthday is just around the corner (May 19th, mark your calendars!), and we're celebrating an exciting win: we've officially been named Best Podcast in Charlotte by the BOB Awards! THANK YOU to all our listeners for your support—we love y'all.

In this lighthearted episode, we're catching up on recent adventures: traveling, running into Bobby Lee (yes, really), and making memories with our kids and grandkids. Liz shares a hilarious story from her days as a young basketball player (let's just say the ref definitely remembers her), and Lee reflects on a recent NYC workout class that sparked some thoughts on industry trends, self-awareness, and innovation. Then, we dive into a round of rapid fire questions—from where we'd open our next studio to the most embarrassing thing that's ever happened to Lee while teaching a class.

Some key takeaways from this episode include:

Stay curious about your industry. See what others are doing, learn from them, and evolve your own methods to stay fresh and effective. It's great to look to others for inspiration, but being your original authentic self is always going to pay dividends.
Press pause more often! You don't need a magic button to reflect, reset, and respond with intention in life and relationships. Take some time to reflect before you respond.
Celebrate the people you've helped raise. We can get so caught up in the day-to-say shuffling kids around in our busy schedules, but take a moment to feel proud of the influence you've had on them.

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{Best of 2025} Improve Your Sex Life With These 5 Things | What We've Realized About Intimacy with Men vs. Women Dec 18, 2025

Show notes

Let's talk about what everyone's thinking but not always saying: is my sex life normal? In today's innuendo-filled episode, we're diving into five key areas to check in on with your partner: communication, desire, pleasure, connection, and exploration.

Coming from the unique perspective of being previously married to men and now in a relationship with each other, we share our insights on how deep intimacy can truly go in these five categories. We'll also discuss why women fake orgasms (and the impact on both partners) and explore possibilities of why younger generations are having less sex overall. Get ready for an open, honest, and insightful conversation that just might change the way you approach intimacy!

Podcasts mentioned:

Some key takeaways from this episode include:

Desire doesn't diminish, it evolves. Long-term relationships don't always mean your passion will fade. Instead, your desire can shift and deepen in ways you may not have expected, but you have to be intentional about it.
Honest communication creates a ripple effect. Open conversations with your partner can strengthen not just your relationship, but also your interactions with all the people you interact with.
Curiosity sustains intimacy. Staying curious and open to exploration—both emotionally and physically—keeps the connection alive and thriving. Just keep that open communication about boundaries!

Podcast contact info:

200. Beyond the Shot: GLP‑1s, Muscle & True Wellness | A Live Panel with SPMJ Aesthetics Dec 11, 2025

Show notes

When rapid weight‑loss drugs hit mainstream trends, we knew we couldn't stay silent. So we invited our friends and medical pros from SPMJ Aesthetics – Dr. Mary Jordan (board‑certified surgeon & obesity medicine advocate) and Shaun Paulson NP (nurse practitioner, metabolic wellness specialist) – into the studio for a no‑BS, live panel discussion. Together we break down what's real (and what's not) about GLP‑1 medications, body composition, muscle preservation, nutrition and long‑term health. This isn't a "quick fix" talk. It's about doing transformation with integrity, science, and strength.

Dr. Mary Jordan is a board‑certified surgeon and co‑founder of SPMJ Aesthetics, with decades of experience, now focusing on medically supervised weight‑management and metabolic wellness through SPMJ Aesthetics.

Shaun Paulson NP is a nurse‑practitioner and skin rejuvenation expert, specializing in healthy aging from the outside in.

Connect with SPMJ Aesthetics:

Website
IG

Here's what this GLP‑1 conversation will help you understand:

GLP‑1 meds aren't magic unless you build the foundation. Fat loss without muscle‑sparing practices can lead to strength loss – but with protein, resistance training, and smart nutrition, you can lose fat and preserve or build lean mass.
Sustainable progress > "fast and gone." Aiming for roughly 1 pound per week and backing that with strength work and adequate fuel helps preserve metabolism, energy, and long‑term health.
Health is deeper than the scale. When fat loss is done right (with nutrition, exercise, and medical supervision) you lower inflammation, support metabolic balance, protect connective tissue/skin, and avoid the "gaunt" side‑effects we see online.

🔥SWTHZ South Park is a contrast therapy experience for wellness lovers who want the biohacking benefits of saunas and cold plunges in a luxurious, private environment. Get $10 off your first session with code LKSWT10, or use code LKSWT when purchasing a membership!

☕️MUD/WTR is a coffee alternative consisting of 100% organic cacao, ayurvedic herbs and functional mushrooms. With just a fraction of caffeine found in coffee, you get energy, focus and immune support without the crash! Use this link for 15% off your purchase, or $20 off PLUS a 15% discount if you subscribe!

Podcast contact info:

199. Unwrapping the Pressure of the Holiday Season | How to Deck the Halls Without Losing It Nov 26, 2025

Show notes

It's the most wonderful, and overwhelming, time of the year. In this episode, we're sharing our unfiltered take on surviving the holidays with your sanity (and spirit) intact. From blow-up lawn decorations to curated gift wrap trends, we unpack the pressure we all feel to make the holidays "perfect," and how to reclaim the magic without losing your mind. If your traditions feel more stressful than sacred this year, this one's for you.

Organizations we love and support:

Roof Above
Room In The Inn
Second Harvest Food Bank | 100% of the proceeds from our Thanksgiving Day classes go to Second Harvest Food Bank!

Some ways to stay sane during the holidays include:

Let go of perfection. Traditions evolve! Make your own rules, whether it's gift bags or glitter bombs.
Look for the magic. Even the smallest gestures can create warmth, wonder, and memories that matter.
Make space for both joy and grief. The holidays can be hard. Honor your real experience and invite others into it.
Keep caring for your body. Movement, meals, and mindfulness aren't extras… they're your anchor.
Give what you can. Presence, kindness, and small acts of service are powerful gifts.

Podcast contact info:

198. Power to the People | ICE Raids in Charlotte and the Fight for Due Process Nov 20, 2025

Show notes

This week, our conversation takes a turn we never expected. When ICE agents showed up in Charlotte, fear spread fast, and it got personal. Our dear friend and producer Kristen Stegall joins us at the mic to unpack the shock, the injustice, and the community impact we're seeing in real time. From masked agents at schools and grocery stores to small businesses forced to close their doors, this episode is a real look at what happens when due process disappears, and why we all need to care. True power lies in standing together.

Kristen Stegall is the CEO of Novice Studios, a full-service video production agency based in Charlotte, NC that helps creators show up powerfully and authentically on camera and on mic.

Connect with Kristen:

Website
IG

Resources mentioned:

Compare Foods - Free delivery or pickup, use the code NOFEE2025
The Charlotte Observer

3 Key takeaways from this episode:

Fear changes everything, even for citizens. Kristen shares what it's like to suddenly feel unsafe in your own community, and how deeply ICE raids are disrupting daily life.
Small businesses need your support. Many Hispanic-owned businesses are closing or operating in fear. Find ways to patronize and protect them.
Community care is political power. Showing up for your neighbors, spreading accurate info, and staying vocal matters now more than ever.

Podcast contact info:

197. A Rapid-Fire Q&A Reveals The Truth | Love, Fitness, Age Gaps & the Moment We Almost Lost It Nov 13, 2025

Show notes

What happens when we try a playful "this or that" rapid‑fire and it spirals into one of our most intimate episodes yet? We're talking strength vs. cardio, the "hotel gym sin of free‑weight neglect", protein‑powder in coffee, and one very real moment where we almost had our first on‑air argument. Then we pivoted into something richer: the 26‑year age gap between us (yes, let's talk about it), how loving someone across generations showed us different parts of ourselves, and how travel + routines reflect something deeper about who we are. Whether you're here for fitness truth bombs, relationship honesty, or just a good laugh with two women breaking their own rules, welcome to it.

Resources mentioned:

3 Key takeaways from this episode:

Strength is non‑negotiable. If you're picking between cardio and weights, choose weights. Strength training imparts longevity, joint health, metabolic boosts, and yes -- better emotional resilience too.
Age gaps don't define connection. A 26‑year difference? Doesn't matter when you're more aligned in energy, values, and growth than any number. The wrinkle lines fade when the spark and mutual respect are real.
Your routine should support your joy. Whether it's slipping protein into your morning coffee, ditching the generic hotel gym in favor of fresh air and dumbbells, or streaming your favorite class from anywhere -- wellness should feel like a gift, not a grind.

Podcast contact info:

196. Put The Phone Down, Babe | Kids, Tech, and the Fight for Real Connection Nov 06, 2025

Show notes

This week we're talking tech, from FaceTune to FOMO and everything in between. As a mom and a Grandmother, we're seeing firsthand how fast technology is shaping not only our kids' attention spans but also their sense of identity. From the edited images we post to the never-ending scroll our kids live in, this episode is a real talk on parenting (and grandparenting) in the digital age If you've ever worried about screen time, social media pressure, or raising emotionally strong kids in a tech-saturated world, this one's for you.

Resources mentioned:

In this episode you'll learn:

Boredom is a powerful and often overlooked tool for sparking creativity and building confidence in kids
Honest conversations go further than screen restrictions when raising digital-native kids
The best defense against tech overload isn't more rules, it's consistent, real-life connection

Podcast contact info:

195. Finding Light When the World Feels Heavy | What To Do When Things Get Scary Oct 30, 2025

Show notes

Some weeks just feel heavier than others, and this one's no exception. With everything happening in the world right now, we wanted to pause the noise and bring you something simple, honest, and hopefully grounding.

In this episode, we're talking about what to do when life feels uncertain -- how to stay informed without spiraling, when to unplug and protect your peace, and why small acts of movement, kindness, and connection can shift everything. From taking a walk or casting your vote to drawing a hot bath or calling someone you love, this is your reminder that light still lives in the everyday things we can control.

Resources mentioned:

Vote.org

Some key takeaways from this episode:

Name what's weighing on you. Awareness brings clarity and helps you take back your sense of control.
Move your body. Even a short walk or 10 minutes of stretching can shift your energy and calm your nervous system.
Find your ceremony. Baths, journaling, or quiet moments with someone you love. Small rituals keep you grounded.
Lead with empathy. Everyone's carrying something. Choosing kindness lightens the load for all of us.
Use your voice. Whether you speak softly or stand boldly, your energy and your actions matter.

Podcast contact info:

194. Finish The Year Strong | Be Powerful Lock-In Challenge of 2025 Oct 16, 2025

Show notes

We're calling it: the Be Powerful Lock-In starts now. No waiting for January, no "new year, new me" vibes, just real momentum to finish 2025 strong. In this episode, we're locking in our most powerful selves across four key areas -- physical, mental, nutrition, and relationships -- and sharing the exact habits and mindset shifts we're using to do it. From ten extra pushups and 30 grams of protein at breakfast to daily gratitude, grounding, and genuine connection, this is your friendly reminder that you don't need a new year to reset. You just need a plan and a little accountability (and we're sharing both).

Resources mentioned:

Episodes mentioned:

179. Love Languages Are Kinda BS & Spilling the Tea on Going to Couple's Counseling

Some key takeaways from this episode include:

Build strength now. Ten extra pushups and 20 squats a day can change your body and your mindset.
Your morning sets the tone. Three things you're grateful for and an hour of quiet can transform your day.
Eat with intention. 30g of protein at breakfast, color in every meal, and less refined sugar.
Connection is power! Put your phone down, look someone in the eye, and really see them.
You don't need a new year to reset. You just need a plan - and we've got one for you!

🎁 Get the Be Powerful Lock-In Checklist (Free Download!)

Your guide to locking in your strongest self -- mind, body, and more.

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