What does it really take to push past fear, find resilience, and finally finish the dream you’ve been carrying inside you? In this inspiring episode of the Badass Books and Besties podcast, I sit down with Julie Cropp Gareleck—bestselling author, CEO, entrepreneur, and respected leader with more than 25 years of experience helping businesses and individuals thrive.

Julie is the author of Dare to Become: From the Corner Booth to the Corner Office, a powerful book that blends personal stories with professional wisdom. In our conversation, she opens up about:

✨ How to overcome self-doubt and imposter syndrome as a writer and entrepreneur
✨ Why resilience matters more than “overnight success”
✨ The role of accountability and deadlines in finishing a book or big project
✨ How journaling and storytelling fuel creativity
✨ The life mottos that carried her through fear, failure, and success
✨ What it really means to aspire to be, dare to become

Whether you’re dreaming of writing your first book, building a business, or simply becoming the best version of yourself, Julie’s story will encourage you to take the leap—even when it’s scary.

📚 Learn more about Julie Cropp Gareleck:

• Website
• Facebook
• Instagram
• YouTube
• LinkedIn
• Read her book - Dare to Become: From the Corner Booth to the Corner Office

If you’re always chasing the next goal, how can you truly enjoy where you are right now? In this heartfelt episode of Badass Books and Besties, Brianna shares her personal journey of slowing down, finding peace in the present, and letting go of the pressure to always “be ahead.”

From a life-changing health diagnosis to the emotional highs and lows of publishing her debut novel, she opens up about the lessons learned through loss, career shifts, and big wins. You’ll hear inspiring wisdom from Brené Brown, Jen Sincero, Brianna Wiest, and Jon Kabat-Zinn, along with three simple, powerful practices to help you be more present every day.

Whether you’re in a season of transition or just need a reminder to breathe, this episode is a warm, empowering nudge to find fulfillment in the “right now.”

📚 Books Mentioned in This Episode:

• The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown
• You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero
• The Pivot Year by Brianna Wiest
• Wherever You Go, There You Are by Jon Kabat-Zinn
• The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down by Haemin Sunim
• Perpetually 24 by Brianna J. J. Brown

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• Want to feel more grounded and at peace with where you are right now? This is exactly the kind of work I do as a coach. Together, we’ll cut through the overwhelm, get clear on what matters most, and create a life you actually enjoy living—not just someday, but starting now. Book a free connection call: Badass Life Coaching

This week, the Besties dive into the second half of Other Birds by Sarah Addison Allen, wrapping up their heartfelt, laughter-filled book club discussion.

Join Brianna and the “Female Fiction Reads Book Club” crew as they unpack magical realism, plot twists, and the beauty of found family in this gem of a novel. Get ready for deep reflections, surprising reveals, and honest conversations about grief, closure, human connection, and the ways books make us feel less alone.

In This Episode:

• How the book’s ending both delighted and surprised the group

• Why character integrity and personal values resonated with everyone

• Magical touches: What’s up with Pigeon? And did everyone catch all the clues?

• Grief, memory, and the stories we tell ourselves about people we’ve lost

• The power and complexity of friendships—both instant and lifelong

• Standout scenes: moving day, breakfast, and a Tupperware tangent you don’t want to miss!

• Parallels with real life: what makes a friendship last, and how to find “your people”

• The group’s favorite plot twists and character journeys (yes, Lucy and the “coming home” theme)

• Visceral reactions: tears (happy and sad), laughter, goosebumps, and the comfort of a “warm blanket book”

Quotable Moments:

• “This book really proves the bonds of friendship can be just as strong as the bonds of family.” – Catie

• “She stayed true to her character … her trauma, her truth, and that’s who she was.” – Amy

• “If the people around you don’t love you just as you are, find new people.” – Kello (as quoted by Zoe)

• “You walked away from the book still with stuff to think about, but feeling good.” – Mary

Book Club Stars:
Other Birds earned a near-perfect 4.8/5 stars from the Badass Book Besties club.

Join the Conversation:
Share your thoughts, reactions, and favorite Other Birds moments with the Besties community at badassbookbesties.com. Want to join the book club or suggest a future read? There’s always a seat for you!

Connect with Brianna:
Instagram & Facebook: @badassbookbestie