199. Unwrapping the Pressure of the Holiday Season | How to Deck the Halls Without Losing It
Release Date: 11/26/2025
199. Unwrapping the Pressure of the Holiday Season | How to Deck the Halls Without Losing It
Be Powerful with Liz & Lee
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: | 100% of the proceeds from our Thanksgiving Day classes go to Second Harvest Food Bank! ...
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198. Power to the People | ICE Raids in Charlotte and the Fight for Due Process
Be Powerful with Liz & Lee
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...
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197. A Rapid-Fire Q&A Reveals The Truth | Love, Fitness, Age Gaps & the Moment We Almost Lost It
Be Powerful with Liz & Lee
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...
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196. Put The Phone Down, Babe | Kids, Tech, and the Fight for Real Connection
Be Powerful with Liz & Lee
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...
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195. Finding Light When the World Feels Heavy | What To Do When Things Get Scary
Be Powerful with Liz & Lee
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...
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194. Finish The Year Strong | Be Powerful Lock-In Challenge of 2025
Be Powerful with Liz & Lee
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...
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193. Maternity vs. Martyrdom | Power, Parenthood & the Peace Plan
Be Powerful with Liz & Lee
Motherhood and partnership don’t come with a handbook -- but they sure do come with expectations. In this episode, we dive into the messy, beautiful, and sometimes maddening dynamics of parenting, partnership, and power. From the invisible labor of “default parenting” to the subtle ways we martyr ourselves in relationships, we get real about what it takes to stay connected, stand up for your value, and model something better for your kids. Whether you’re in the thick of raising little ones or reflecting on the long game of love, this conversation is your reminder that empowerment...
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192. Is Pilates a Mean Girls Club? | Reacting to TikToks & Calling Out the Mean Girl Energy in Wellness Spaces
Be Powerful with Liz & Lee
Let’s talk about the elephant on the reformer: has Pilates turned into a Mean Girls club? In this episode, the viral TikTok trend #MeanGirlsPilates (yes, you’re thinking of the right movie) shows us that the fitness world is buzzing with Barbie-pink sets, sharp side-eyes, and performative “you can’t sit with us” energy. In this episode, we react in real time to the trend, calling out toxic studio culture, exclusion masked as empowerment, and the ways performative wellness can make movement feel like a members-only club. But don’t worry, it’s not all doomscrolling. We bring...
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191. Life Update | Reimagining Life, Staying Curious, Holding Space for Change
Be Powerful with Liz & Lee
We’re back and life has been life-ing! After a short break, we’re catching you up on everything: corporate speaking gigs, midlife pivots, travel highs, tough conversations, and yes... periods on white chairs (because, of course). This episode is all about what it means to reimagine your life, again and again, and how curiosity, discomfort, and owning your power can shift everything. From the stage in LA to bold decisions at home, we’re sharing behind-the-scenes stories, hard-earned lessons, and the joy (and chaos) of staying powerful in a world that keeps changing. ...
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190. REPLAY | Fall Back Into Realistic Fitness: Spilling The Tea About Pilates Bodies, Ozempic, and Real Fitness Results
Be Powerful with Liz & Lee
As we move into fall, a season of routine resets and wellness goals, this timely replay cuts through the noise of fitness fads and TikTok trends. We’re revisiting our candid conversation on the “Pilates body,” the truth about strength training, and how to build a body that feels as good as it looks. If you’re setting new intentions or just tired of toxic comparison, this episode will help you refocus on sustainable health, strength, and the confidence that comes from consistency - not extremes. ☕️MUD/WTR is a coffee alternative consisting of 100% organic cacao,...
info_outlineIt’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:
-
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:
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Let go of perfection. Traditions evolve! Make your own rules, whether it’s gift bags or glitter bombs.
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Look for the magic. Even the smallest gestures can create warmth, wonder, and memories that matter.
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Make space for both joy and grief. The holidays can be hard. Honor your real experience and invite others into it.
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Keep caring for your body. Movement, meals, and mindfulness aren’t extras… they’re your anchor.
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Give what you can. Presence, kindness, and small acts of service are powerful gifts.
🔥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!
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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