Be Powerful with Liz & Lee

Latest Episodes:

164. Decluttering Your Home and Your Mind with Anne Steppe from Step by Steppe Professional Organizing Feb 20, 2025

Show notes

Anne Steppe is on a mission to simplify spaces so that her clients can live well with less: less clutter, less chaos, and less stress. We could not be more on board with this mission! In this episode, she shares with us the biggest things that make an impact on the amount of clutter in your home and how you can implement those things today. Plus, she shares her own experience of downsizing from a 4,000 square foot home to a 2-bedroom apartment and getting rid of sentimental clutter to do so. If you're on a decluttering journey yourself, this episode is for you!

As the Owner of Step by Steppe Professional Organizing for over 15 years, Anne has worked with clients in and around the Charlotte area to help them systematize their spaces to enhance their lives and wellbeing. She empowers her clients to live into the vision they have for their homes, lives, and businesses by organizing in ways that create efficiency, fuel productivity and spark creativity.

Connect with Anne:

Some key takeaways from this episode include:

Even if the clutter in your home "doesn't bother you," studies show it actually does. Anne dives into studies showing clutter's immediate impact on your heart rate, breathing, and energy levels.
You might've heard the "one in, one out rule" for keeping clutter under control, but Anne's experience shows we have way more stuff than we realize. She actually suggests for every one item you bring into the home, you should get rid of three items to make a dent in your home's clutter. Deep breaths!
Clutter does not just impact your family in the here and now. When we eventually pass on, all of our stuff gets left behind for our kids and grandkids to deal with. Be intentional about the legacy you want to leave behind.

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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.

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163. What It's Really Like Working With Your Partner | The Juicy Details of Our Working Relationship Feb 13, 2025

Show notes

Working with your partner can be really challenging, but we started out as colleagues before we became a couple, so it feels very second nature to us! In this episode, we share how we balance life and work together, our boundaries around affection at work, and how we think gender impacts our working relationship.

Some key takeaways from this episode include:

There aren't a ton of boundaries that we have to differentiate work "us" from life "us," but one of them is limiting our physical affection with each other while we're in the studio.
When it comes to talking about work outside of work, we let that conversation flow freely and don't feel like we need to limit it. We're both very passionate about and invested in Hilliard Studio Method, so it's fun to share our ideas and thoughts as they come up in real time.
Even though we are not business partners, we respect each other's roles in the company and value what each other has to say. If you're going into business with your romantic partner, it's crucial that you know your roles in the company and respect that you each bring something great to the table.

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162. Healthy Coping Mechanisms for Political Turmoil, Teenage Shenanigans, and Life Lately Feb 06, 2025

Show notes

Today we're sharing our coping mechanisms, the things we're grateful for, and how we're going to turn fear into action during this politically tumultuous time we're all living through. Our focus is on these three words: kindness, compassion, and accountability. No matter what side you're on, let's try to implement these into our daily routines a little more so we can all look forward to a brighter and better future!

News sources to check out:

Some key takeaways from this episode include:

Change is the only constant in life; embrace it. We may not be able to change what we see in the news, but we can change how we react and move in the world and through our community.
Respect where you and your loved ones are when it comes to your relationship with the news. If you or your friends feel overwhelmed, disconnect for a bit and focus on your life. When you're ready to revisit the news, explore different news outlets so you are exposed to different perspectives.
In this political climate, it's imperative to have more kindness and compassion than we ever have, and it's not always easy. But to move forward as a country, we must respect opposing viewpoints, and turn our anger and fear into courage.

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161. A Free Man in Paris | Learning French and Seizing the Day Jan 30, 2025

Show notes

We just got back from a whirlwind trip to Paris, France to celebrate Liz's 71st birthday! In this episode, we're sharing all of our favorite restaurants, destinations, and experiences, and the unexpected moments along the way that made this trip so memorable. We discuss the importance of travel for putting everyday life into perspective, the ups and downs of learning a new language, and so much more!

Links mentioned:

A Free Man in Paris - Joni Mitchell

Some key takeaways from this episode include:

It's worth it to learn at least the basics of the native language of whatever country you're traveling to. Then, make an effort to speak the language when you get there. It can feel intimidating, but it's usually appreciated and you'll pick up more as you practice.
Be open to magic moments when you're traveling. Some of the most memorable experiences are totally unplanned, but you'll only have those opportunities (like having a cat curl up around your feet at dinner) if you're open to them.
Don't wait to travel or have a new experience, whatever that looks like for you. Go with your partner, friend, or solo. "Someday" might never come, so seize the moment and make those memories now.

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160. This Testimonial Really Got to Us… | Benefits of Pilates and Hilliard Studio Method & the Mind-Body Connection Jan 16, 2025

Show notes

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!

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!

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159. Year of the Snake | Justice for Eve and Turning Pain into Purpose Jan 09, 2025

Show notes

Happy New Year, y'all! This episode kicks off the Chinese Year of the Snake with a dive into snake lore, exploring why these misunderstood creatures deserve some love—even in the Bible. From there, we share our thoughts on stepping into the first year of Trump's presidency. While our perspectives may slightly differ, we both agree on one thing: the importance of unity. Join us as we discuss fostering empathy, compassion, and understanding to bridge the divide. Here's to a happy and healthy new year!

Some key takeaways from this episode include:

While snakes are often portrayed negatively in biblical contexts, they are fascinating creatures with much to teach us. Their misunderstood nature resonates with the feeling many of us experience at times.
As we transition into a new presidency, fostering empathy, compassion, and understanding becomes essential to maintaining unity as a nation. It's important to remember the shared values and connections that bind us, even amidst political differences with our neighbors.
There are actionable steps you can take to get involved in the political process, from joining movements to participating in local elections. By exploring opportunities for activism and engagement, you can make a meaningful impact in alignment with your beliefs.

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{Best of 2024} Putting Our Relationship to the Test Jan 02, 2025

Show notes

Over the next few weeks, we'll be replaying our top episodes of 2024 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 2024 - we hope you have an amazing holiday surrounded by loved ones, peaceful moments, and memories in the making. Cheers!

We decided to take a relationship quiz to see how much we really know about each other. In this episode, we discuss whether your romantic partner should be your best friend, keeping the spark alive, and the traditional marriage vow that we're ditching altogether.

Resources mentioned:

Some key takeaways from this episode include:

You don't necessarily have to have breathless, fiery passion in your relationship 24/7, but you should never let things go cold. Remember to be affectionate with each other often, share your dreams and goals with each other, and prioritize quality time even when life gets stressful.
Successful couples know how to argue and handle conflict respectfully and swiftly. It's okay to take time to process individually before you come together to discuss, but never sweep things under the rug entirely.
While the old saying goes "til' death do us part," marriage should never feel like a death sentence. Your marriage should be an absolute joy to be a part of, and if it's no longer serving you and your partner, then that's an honest discussion you should have.

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{Best of 2024} Redistribute Your F*cks | Dr. Liz Moran on Perimenopause, Hormone Replacement Therapy, Raising Teen Girls & More Dec 26, 2024

Show notes

This Spring at Hilliard Studio Method, we hosted a live Q&A with Dr. Liz Moran on all things hormone health. It was so popular that we knew we had to bring her on the podcast! In this episode, Dr. Moran - an OB/GYN and the owner of Premier Gynecology & Wellness - shares her perspective on how hormones change as we age, the pros and cons of hormone replacement therapy for menopause, breast cancer, and so much more.

A native Charlottean, Dr. Moran graduated from Charlotte Country Day School, pursued her undergraduate studies at Duke University, then went on to medical school at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. Dr. Moran has been honored annually by Charlotte Magazine as a Top Doctor in Charlotte since 2010.

Resources mentioned:

Some key takeaways from this episode include:

Perimenopause often takes place in a busy season of life for many women, so they chalk up symptoms like exhaustion to schedules and kids when they actually might be signs of hormonal changes that can be addressed with your doctor.
There is a link between estrogen and heart health. If you decide to utilize a treatment like hormone replacement therapy, know that there can be some risks, but you need to weigh the pros and cons with your doctor based on all the factors.
Lab work is used to flag diseases, not to look for wellness. So if your labs come back in the "normal" range, continue getting a metabolic panel annually so you and your doctor can track trends within the ranges.

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{Best of 2024} Taking the Shame Out of Sex | Having The Talk with Your Kids, Prioritizing Pleasure, and More Dec 19, 2024

Show notes

Think back to the first messages you ever heard about sex: were they filled with shame and embarrassment, or did you walk away feeling educated and empowered? If we're honest, our kids will probably always feel a little embarrassed to hear us talk about sex, but we can create a shame-free conversation around anatomy, consent, protection, and even pleasure so that our kids can make empowered decisions for their bodies. In this episode, we share our earliest messages about sex, how we talk to our kids about sex, and how shame has impacted many aspects of our lives.

Resources mentioned:

What It Was Like to Get an Abortion Before Roe vs. Wade

Some key takeaways from this episode include:

Always use the anatomically correct words when you're talking about bodies. By giving cutesy names to private parts, you unintentionally attach some shame to talking about our bodies.
Pleasure and consent are important parts of The Talk that we sometimes skip over. We're in such a rush to cover the technical details that we forget to communicate that our bodies are meant for us to enjoy, and that no one can force you to share your body with them if you don't want to (and vice versa).
Preaching abstinence is not an effective sex education strategy. Teaching your kids about safe sex practices and encouraging them to understand their bodies does NOT automatically mean they'll be sexually active sooner. It means they can make informed and safe decisions when it comes to sex.

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158. Reflecting on 2024 | Highs, Lows, and Holding Gratitude Through It All Dec 12, 2024

Show notes

What a year it's been; thank you all for joining us! Today we're taking a look back on 2024 and ranking our highs and lows. It can be easy to first remember the challenges, and that's certainly how we start out in this episode, ooof! However, as we continued to reflect and discuss all the many things we got to experience, we are truly grateful for what the year brought from art to travel, the power of community and everything in between. We also let you in on some plans we have for the new year, including a book that Liz is writing!

Cheers to you and yours this season. We are going to re-release our top three episodes to round out the year and will be back with fresh, new episodes in 2025.

Links mentioned:

Episode 146: Summer Travel Recap

Some key takeaways from this episode include:

Take time to reflect on who you've become after a tough event this year. Think about how you can move forward with hope and work together with others, keeping good intentions at the forefront.
When you travel, consider exploring places beyond the big cities. Immersing yourself in local lifestyles can open your eyes to new perspectives and bring unexpected magic into your life.
Reflect on how the loss of friends in middle age can remind you of life's fragility. Use these moments to deepen your connections and strengthen the bonds with those you care about.

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