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

In this first session of our Badass Book Besties Female Fiction Reads Bookclub, we’re diving into Other Birds by Sarah Addison Allen—a beautifully written novel full of magical realism, found family, and emotional transformation.

Set on the fictional Mallow Island in South Carolina, Other Birds introduces us to Zoey, a young woman who inherits her late mother’s apartment and finds herself surrounded by quirky neighbors, long-held secrets, and the ghosts of the past—literally.

Join us as we explore the first half of the book, discussing themes of grief, self-discovery, and the invisible threads that connect us. Whether you’re already a fan of magical realism, curious about Allen’s writing style, or just love meaningful book club conversations, this episode is for you.

📚 Other Birds was a Goodreads Choice Awards nominee and has touched readers with its lyrical prose and heartfelt characters.

👉 Want to read along with us? Join the full Badass Book Besties community at BadassBookBesties.com, where we meet twice a month to discuss powerful fiction written by female authors.

🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review to help more book lovers find us!

After years of dreaming and doubting, Brianna J.J. Brown has officially become a published author. In this intimate episode, she’s taking you behind the scenes of the journey that led to her debut novel, Perpetually 24.

This isn’t just a writing story—it’s a becoming story. It’s about heartbreak, identity, healing, and the quiet power of finally telling the truth on your own terms.

Brianna opens up about the real emotions and lived experiences that inspired her fictional protagonist, Aria Rose. She shares how Perpetually 24 came together: late-night journal entries, real-life heartbreaks, Trello boards, and love letters rewritten into fiction. One messy, magical piece at a time, this story came to life.

You’ll hear:

• • How fiction and personal truth intertwined to create a story that’s both deeply vulnerable and universally relatable
  • What it felt like to write through grief, loss, and old wounds—and how the writing process became an unexpected form of healing
  • Why Perpetually 24 speaks to anyone who’s ever outgrown a version of themselves and is still figuring out who they’re meant to be
  • The creative chaos behind the book—from voice memos and love letters to Trello boards and midnight writing sessions

  
  

• If you’ve ever lost yourself in love, doubted your worth, or chased healing through art—this episode will hit home.

  
  

  ✨ Grab your copy of Perpetually 24 on Amazon
  📬 Message Brianna with your favorite moments on Instagram
  📚 Join the Badass Book Besties community and keep the conversation going

Calling all book-lovers! Are you ready to join a vibrant community of passionate readers and expand your literary horizons? Look no further than the Badass Book Besties membership! Founded by Brianna, this membership is a haven for women who love to read and connect with like-minded individuals. Here are 3 key takeaways for you:

1. Embrace a Diverse Range of Genres: Whether you're a fan of young adult fiction, nonfiction, or adult novels, the Badass Book Besties membership offers a plethora of reading options. From book clubs that feature female authors to discussions on self-help and transformational books, you'll have the opportunity to explore and celebrate a wide variety of genres.

2. Create Meaningful Connections: In a world where time seems to slip through our fingers, finding the time to read and build connections can be challenging. With the Badass Book Besties membership, you'll have the chance to connect with a diverse group of women who share your passion for reading. Engage in intellectual conversations, expand your views, and form friendships that go beyond the pages of a book.

3. Experience Personal Growth: The membership's Lotus Academy focuses on self-improvement, with a success path that guides you through different stages of your reading journey. From beginner levels to exploring the transformative power of books, you'll have access to a resource library with motivational content, creative writing ideas, and a supportive community to encourage your personal growth through reading.

Join the Badass Book Besties community and start your journey towards literary exploration, meaningful connections, and personal growth. Don't miss out on the opportunity to engage in intellectual discussions, expand your reading repertoire, and form lasting friendships.

Ready to become a Badass Book Bestie? Sign up now and uncover the magic of reading with a supportive community!

BadassBookBesties.com

#BadassBookBesties #ReadingCommunity #LiteraryExploration

In this episode, we will embrace the power of literature, self-care, and personal growth. Our special guest Stephanie Affinito, a devoted literacy educator, shares her passion for reading, writing, and empowering others to find joy in literacy. Join us as we explore the transformative power of books, the importance of creating a reading culture at home, and the therapeutic aspects of writing. Together, we'll delve into banned books, the impact of reading on personal growth, and the unique relationship between reading and self-care. So grab your favorite book, a cozy spot, and let's dive into the world of literature with Stephanie Affinito.

Stephanie's journey to finding her most badass self has evolved over time. As a child, she dreamt of being rich, famous, and a singer. During her motherhood years, she found empowerment in juggling her kids' busy schedules. Now, Stephanie's definition of living a badass life is asking herself tough questions and actively listening to her own desires and needs. This phase of her life is about taking action and leaving behind a meaningful legacy. Stephanie's story is a testament to the evolution of self-discovery and empowerment.

In this episode, you'll hear:

• Amazing book recommendations that are powerful reads for both adults and children
• How impactful and emotional our involvement with books can be, especially when they evoke strong emotions and connections with characters.
• Reading and writing as Self-Care with an emphasis on the transformative power of intentional reading and writing, and the benefits of bibliotherapy and scriptotherapy.
• Education and Literacy Advocacy - the importance of authentic writing and helping students find joy in reading and writing, not just focusing on traditional essay writing. Impact of Banned Books
• Writing Journey and Perspectives
• Reading Culture and Role Modeling - the importance of being a reading role model and creating a reading culture at home for children.
• Personal Reading Experiences and Growth
• Best Writing Practices

To learn more about Stephanie, visit her at her website, A Lit Life.

In today's episode, I want to share with you about the power of learning to manifest your desires. If you have something you envision for your life, and you desire it so powerfully, but feel like you haven't been able to push past that threshold of receiving it, then this is the podcast episode for you.

I will be breaking down some of the fantastic life lessons found within the book, “Ask and It Is Given” by Esther and Jerry Hicks.

Esther Hicks is a spiritual teacher who helps people to learn how to use their thoughts to create the life they want. She’s one of the most famous spiritual teachers in the world and has helped people to be successful in all areas of their life.

If you're ready to break free and receive all that you desire, be sure to listen!

If you ever need extra support or encouragement to achieve your biggest and most badass dreams, send me an e-mail at briannabrown@badassbookbesties.com. To find out more about our Badass Book Besties membership, check us out at badassbookbesties.com