Queen Speaking

It’s scary to slow down, but we’re going to be taking time off from the podcast for rest and reflection as we manage life in a pandemic and many moments of change. Links in this episode: Syd on Instagram Breanna on Instagram Vote Save America Thank you for listening and we'll keep you in the loop on what's next!

In early March, we attended the “Can’t Do It All Workshop” hosted by licensed marriage and family therapist, Alaina Brubaker at Rochester Brainery. Since many of us feel trapped by pressure and expectation to do more, we're recapping her tips to organize our lives according to our values and priorities. (Originally aired 4/17/20). Links in this episode: Brooklyn Nine-Nine on Hulu @Alaina_talks_therapy on Instagram Rochester Brainery Brene Brown: List of Values

Not all days off are created equal. Sometimes we need to take a PTO day to do nothing or tackle chores and appointments—a day off for no reason! We’re talking about how we all should make time off a priority for ourselves even if we’re not going on a full blown vacation and how to ask your boss for it. (Originally aired 9/20/19). Links in this episode: NYTimes: Smarter Living newsletter Girls Night in Club: Everything You Need to Know to Take a Staycation ASAHP (As Soon As Humanly Possible) NYTimes: What to Do With a Day Off

Your career does not define you! We discuss how we show up in other areas of our life to feel fulfilled, how to recognize those roles, and give them room to breathe. (Originally aired 2/22/19). Links in this episode: Zen Habits: The Zen Habits Guide to Spending Your Time Intentionally Strengths Edge: UnlockIt Workshop Entrepreneur: Science Knows You Need to Get a Life Outside of Work. This Is How You Do It. The Cut: Your Job Can’t Be the Only Meaningful Thing in Your Life The Everygirl: 5 Reasons Why Your Career Does Not Define Your Identity Queen Speaking: How To Set Boundaries Without Feeling Guilty

Learn how to tap into your natural talents as you pursue your own career development. We share our experience taking the Gallup CliftonStrengths assessment, our top five strengths, and how they show up for us in the work we do. (Originally aired 11/9/18). Links in this episode: Netflix: Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj Gallup: CliftonStrengths StrengthsFinder 2.0 by Tom Rath CliftonStrengths Theme Domains Strengths-Edge Coaching

We’re sharing Breanna’s top recommendations for the newsletters, magazines, blogs, books, and more! Links in this episode: Morning Brew NYTimes Smarter Living newsletter Nick Wignall’s newsletter Zen Habits Anti-Racism Daily The Kitchn Skinnytaste Gimme Some Oven Jacey Duprie on Instagram InStyle Magazine InStyle: Alicia Keys Is Creating the Art She — and the World — Needs Right Now Best American Food Writing 2019 Magnolia Table by Joanna Gaines Salt Fat Acid Heat by Samin Nosrat

We’re exploring how to create content when it feels like nothing is truly original anymore — from finding your voice and values, to staying creatively inspired, and picking your lane. Links in this episode: Zen Habits: The Lost Art of True Rest Noom Brené Brown: Values List Episode 116: “Can’t Do It All” Workshop Recap Content Inc.: How Entrepreneurs Use Content to Build Massive Audiences and Create Radically Successful Businesses by Joe Puluzzi

We’re sharing Syd’s top recommendations for the newsletters, magazines, blogs, books, and more! Links in this episode: Disclosure on Netflix Unlocking Us: Brené with Laverne Cox on Transgender Representation, Advocacy + the Power of Love Love Life on HBO Max Anti-Racism Daily Nicole Cardoza Patreon The Broadside by Fortune People Geekly by Culture Amp Career Contessa News The Cut Ashley C. Ford Allure: Becoming Billy Porter Morning Reads curated by Brittany Packnett Cunningham on Instagram Weekend reads curated by Lindsay Peoples Wagner on Instagram Wow, No Thank You, by Samantha Irby Conversations with Friends by Sally Rooney Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng The Mothers by Brit Bennett Where Cooking Begins by Carla Lalli Music

A question we ask ourselves: What makes someone an adult? Traditionally, it’s a mix of milestones reached, but what if it’s also perspective gained or owning your choices? We’re digging into how we’re feeling about adulthood, and perhaps creating our own definition. Links in this episode: Episode 126: Planning A Summer Micro Vacation Career Contessa: Using Your Strengths to Discover Your Activism

As we head into summer, we’re sharing our favorite TV shows to stream and what we’re watching right now. Links in this episode: American Housewife on Hulu Fresh Prince of Bel Air on HBO Max Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker on Netflix Dear White People on Netflix Gossip Girl on Netflix Central Park on Apple+ Normal People on Hulu Never Have I Ever on Netflix Run on HBO Vanity Fair: The Naked Truth: Inside Normal People’s Explicit Sex Scenes

As we head into summer, it’s hard to imagine it being vacation-free. We’re sharing how we can plan micro vacations, where we’re road tripping instead of flying to get out of town for a few days. Our mental health needs it! Links in this episode: Mixed In America on Instagram The Atlantic: The Case for Reparations by Ta-Nehisi Coates NPR: From Camping To Dining Out: Here's How Experts Rate The Risks Of 14 Summer Activities Keuka Lake boat rentals

This episode is inspired by the method Christina Chaey from Bon Appetit shared about how she organizes and keeps track of what she has in her freezer, fridge, and pantry. It got us thinking about tracking what we have on hand and how we use it up (or store it) before our next trip to the grocery store. Links in this episode: EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 for Sensitive or Acne-Prone Skin Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+ UVA/UVB Protection Supergoop Poof Part Powder - SPF 45 Healthyish: My Pantry Spreadsheet Is Bringing Me So Much Joy Right Now The Kitchn: Freeze & Preserve Fresh Herbs in Olive Oil Wit & Delight: How I Keep My Pantry Stocked and Organized

We're sharing a rebroadcast of Sydney and Breanna's episode on the Own Your Bold podcast with Natalie Sinisgalli where we talk about vulnerability in all its forms, specifically as content creators and how to show up truly as ourselves. Own Your Bold is an interview-based podcast for female entrepreneurs and leaders in business. More than inspiration, we need tools to create impact. The episodes are topic-driven, so you can target exactly what ails you. By sharing real stories, skills and ideas we've gained along the way, we can help each other achieve success and equality - together. Learn more about Own Your Bold, Natalie Sinisgalli, and her coaching business, Embolden.

The recent murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Amaud Arbery, David McAtee, and Tony McDade have re-sparked the conversation around racism in America and the Black Lives Matter movement. While there’s a lot to take in right now, the ultimate goal is to make sure the action, conversations, and resources shared leads to sustainable change in our world. This episode covers what we have been reading, listening to, learning from, and sharing in order to uplift Black voices, while also owning our responsibility to make our world a more equitable place. Links in this episode: Podcasts NPR: Code Switch Crooked Media: Pod Save the People Crooked Media: What a Day Crooked Media: Keep It New York Times: 1619 Project The Moth Books White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo, PhD Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates A People’s History of the United States by Howard Zinn Elizabeth's Bookshop and Writing Centre Articles and websites TED talks playlist: Understanding Racism in America New York Times: 1619 Project Rachel Cargle’s The Great Unlearn Social media Brittany Packnett Cunningham on Instagram Akilah Hughes on Instagram Rachel Cargle on Instagram Ira Madison III on Instagram DeRay Mckesson on Instagram Black Lives Matter on Instagram NAACP on Instagram The Conscious Kid on Instagram Bless the Messy on Instagram How to communicate with racist family members by @iamsahararose on Instagram 10 Steps to Non-optical Allyship by @mireillecharper on Instagram Register to vote and find info about your area’s election Vote Save America Rock the Vote Where to donate Campaign Zero — focuses on limiting police interventions, improving community interactions, and ensuring accountability Black Visions Collective — support for Black political leaders and activists in Minnesota BLMRoc — Black Lives Matter, Rochester, NY The Loveland Foundation — providing therapy for Black women and girls NAACP — ensuring political, educational, social and economic equality of rights and to eliminate racial hatred and racial discrimination The Bail Project — a national nonprofit organization that pays bail for people in need, reuniting families and restoring the presumption of innocence

As some people re-evaluate their wedding plans, we wanted to discuss what to consider when planning an intimate wedding ceremony and celebration. We're sharing Breanna's tips from her recent elopement as well as Syd's officiant insight. Links in this episode: Gluten Free Crusty Artisan Bread (Cup4Cup gluten free flour blend) Hulu, iHeartRadio Launch 'Little Fires Everywhere' Companion Podcast Paper Source Wedding collection Paperless Post Wedding collection The Knot: How to Get a Marriage License Lulus: Dreams of Forever White Three-Quarter Sleeve Bodycon Midi Dress Rent the Runway: Dresses for the Bride DM Syd @queen_speaking on Instagram if you want to learn more about Wedding Bell Unions!

We’re back with a new Women Inspiring #TeamQS episode about Mindy Kaling. She’s a creator, producer, writer, actor, author, fashion maven, and many other things. Her commentary about her life and work is refreshing and we’re excited to share why she’s this month’s pick. Links in this episode: J Crew: Deep V-neck french one-piece swimsuit Bon Appetit: There's No Better Time to... Regrow Your Scallions NY Times: Mindy Kaling’s Netflix Show Tells a New Kind of Story: One Like Hers The Office on Netflix Never Have I Ever on Netflix The Mindy Project on Hulu Four Weddings and a Funeral on Hulu Late Night on Amazon Prime Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? by Mindy Kaling Why Not Me? by Mindy Kaling

We’d like to talk about habits we’ve established during this weird time that we’d like to consciously hang on to post-quarantine. Links in this episode: Journaling tips from @blessthemessy on Instagram

This week, we’re coming at you with our favorite movie recommendations as we spend more time in front of our screens. Links in this episode: Thermacell patio shield Repel Plant-Based Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent Mystic Pizza My Best Friend's Wedding American Pie Pretty in Pink 10 Things I Hate About You Clueless A League of Their Own Techradar: How to watch the Marvel movies in order The Fast and the Furious To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before Hidden Figures Game Night Baby Driver Booksmart Long Shot Always Be My Maybe Peanut Butter Falcon Amy Winehouse documentary 20 Feet from Stardom The End of the Tour The Everygirl: 35 Feel-Good Movies to Stream

The world is weird right now so we wanted to talk about what’s bringing us joy and how we maximize it. Links in this episode Paper Source: Full-Page Photo Wedding Invitation Zazzle: Wedding Announcement Postcard Houseparty app SomeGoodNews NPR: Pop Culture Happy Hour Crooked Media: Keep It Monica & Jess Love Boys The Bechdel Cast Woodside Studio: Face masks Paislee Boutique on Instagram Jacey Duprie on Instagram Bless The Messy on Instagram

Since we’re all staying home, we wanted to revisit our “Hot Take on TV” series of episodes with some binge-worthy faves — our recommendations for TV shows to watch and re-watch! Links in this episode: BOXFOX Succession on HBO Big Little Lies on HBO Westworld on HBO Euphoria on HBO Watchmen on HBO High Maintenance on HBO Insecure on HBO Little Fires Everywhere on Hulu The Righteous Gemstones on HBO On My Block on Netflix Good Girls on ABC How to Make It In America on HBO Charmed on Netflix Gilmore Girls on Netflix Brooklyn Nine-Nine on Hulu Parks and Recreation on Hulu Saved By the Bell on Hulu Sex and the City on HBO Happy Endings on Hulu

In early March, we attended the “Can’t Do It All Workshop” hosted by licensed marriage and family therapist, Alaina Brubaker at Rochester Brainery. Since many of us feel trapped by pressure and expectation to do more, we're recapping her tips to organize our lives according to our values and priorities. Links in this episode: Brooklyn Nine-Nine on Hulu @Alaina_talks_therapy on Instagram Rochester Brainery Brene Brown: List of Values

In this month’s Women Inspiring #TeamQS episode, we wanted to highlight someone we admire, but one who’s also been getting us through these uncertain times as we deal with quarantine and a rapidly shifting economy. Here’s to Farnoosh Torabi, her podcast, So Money, and all the things we can learn from her. Links in this episode: Nike Training Club app Instagram live dance party workout with @Ryan.Heffington Medium: The 5-Minute ‘Shutdown Routine’ That Can Improve Your Entire Day Farnoosh: America’s leading personal finance expert, hooked on helping you live your richest, most fulfilling life So Money with Farnoosh Torabi Ask Farnoosh: Episode 1016

There’s a lot going on for everyone right now — uncertainty with work, how we live, how we connect, and how we take care of ourselves. With a lot of things up in the air, we wanted to talk about how we can take extra steps to take care of ourselves mentally and physically when we’re inundated with unsettling news about the effects of COVID-19. Links in this episode: Kinetix Nike Training Club GMA Keep calm and wash your hands: 5 tips for managing stress around coronavirus Bon Appetit: Say You’re Stuck at Home for Two Weeks… Zen Habits: Dealing with the Immense Uncertainty of the World Information is Beautiful on Instagram No Kid Hungry

With the precautionary measures in place to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus, many companies have instituted work from home policies. We wanted to take the time to talk through remote work tips and best practices. Links in this episode: Bon Appetit: Better-than-Takeout Stir-Fried Udon The Pioneer Woman: The Best Lasagna. Ever. NYTimes Cooking: Chicken and Rice Soup With Celery, Parsley and Lemon World Health Organization: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) advice for the public Episode 47: How To Set Boundaries Without Feeling Guilty Magisto: 30 Work From Home Tips to Maximize Productivity and Help You Stay Connected Career Contessa The Skimm: Tips for Working From Home Effectively Girls’ Night In Club: Working From Home? Here's How to Take Care as You Do It

We’re sharing our favorite beauty products from skincare to haircare, new finds and extra special additions. *Note: We recorded this ahead of the COVID-19 quarantine. Please enjoy some lighthearted content in the face of a tough time for us all. Stay tuned for episodes on work from home tips and how we're coping in these uncertain times coming soon! Links in this episode: Episode 17: Skincare Basics Episode 60: Nighttime Skincare Routine Borghese Advanced Fango Active Purifying Mud Mask Sally Hansen Insta-Dri top coat Dermalogica Superfoliant Ouai Hair Oil Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer & Volumizer Hot Air Brush OLEHENRIKSEN Glow Cycle Retin-Alt Power Serum OLEHENRIKSEN C-Rush Vitamin C Gel Moisturizer

We’re doing a Women’s History Month debrief, then introducing this month’s feature: Tracee Ellis Ross! Links in this episode: Breanna and Dan’s wedding photo Noom Women Inspiring #TeamQS Community Spotlight Blackish on ABC

Today’s episode is all about a fresh perspective on self care. We’re going to dig into what self care means for us and how you can find a routine for yourself. Links in this episode: Episode 3: Defining Your Self Care Routine

We’re diving into the different ways we succeed and fail at communication, and how to be better communicators in the workplace and in personal relationships.

Today, we’re revisiting mentorship after reading a recent Quartzy newsletter. We’ve both experienced a fair amount of changes since 2018, so we thought it was time to look at what’s changed since that first conversation, and how we approach this still hard-to-identify challenge to find, be, and have a mentor. Links in this episode: Vote Save America Quartzy the newsletter

In this month’s Women Inspiring #TeamQS episode, we’re giving a nod to one of our fave bloggers, Deb Perelman of Smitten Kitchen. She taught us cooking basics and makes adventurous, but approachable recipes — as she calls them “unfussy” — plus more on what we can learn from her. Links in this episode: Bon Appetit: The Smitten Kitchen Is Back, and the Kitchen’s Still Tiny The New York Times: Marcella Hazan Bon Appetit: This Garlic Bread Is the Secret to Converting Bean Haters Smitten Kitchen Everyday Smitten Kitchen blog Smitten Kitchen on Instagram Smitten Kitchen: Chilaquiles brunch casserole Smitten Kitchen: Pasta e ceci (quick pasta and chickpeas) Smitten Kitchen: Charred cauliflower quesadillas

Adam Grant, an organizational psychologist and author, has talked about the value of creating a personal user manual to communicate your work style to your manager or your teammates. We loved this idea and wanted to dig into why it makes sense, what to include, and how to present it to your teammates. Links in this episode: Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard: Adam Grant (episode 163) Harvard Business Review: To Achieve Big Goals, Start with Small Habits Queen Speaking Personal User Manual Worksheet

We wanted to dig into exploring how to break the perfection streak and aim for what NYTimes Smarter Living has referred to as a “Mostly Fine Decision.” Let’s get comfortable with mini mistakes and failures, which surprisingly helps us to be more successful in the work we do. Links in this episode: Ideas.TED.com: How you can use the power of celebration to make new habits stick NY Times Smarter Living: It’s Never Going to Be Perfect, So Just Get It Done

This week’s episode is inspired by a Hidden Brain podcast episode, “Creatures Of Habit: How Habits Shape Who We Are — And Who We Become.” We share what stood out to us the most in the episode, how we’re making their tips actionable, and what we’re doing to build or break habits. Links in this episode: Amazon: Good Habits, Bad Habits: The Science of Making Positive Changes That Stick by Wendy Wood NPR’s Hidden Brain: Creatures Of Habit: How Habits Shape Who We Are — And Who We Become Medium: Incrementalism and the Power of the Small Step

Today, we’re getting into what makes us loyal to a brand, what we pay attention to, and the impact of marketing. We also shout out a few of our favorite brands, including some local love. Links in this episode: Bob’s Red Mill Nisolo Patagonia Warby Parker Cuyana Bon Appetit Everlane Ole Henricksen Nike Training Club Crooked Media Spotify

Following the 2020 Golden Globes, it’s time for another hot take on TV. We’re sharing shows worth watching according to us. Links in this episode: Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard: Adam Grant (episode 163) Chernobyl on HBO The Morning Show on Apple TV+ Fleabag on Amazon Prime Fosse/Verdon on FX Dead to Me on Netflix The Politician on Netflix

We’re kicking off 2020 with this month’s Women Inspiring #TeamQS and giving a nod to the GOAT, our Queen — Meryl Streep and talking through what we can learn from her (hint: everything!). Links in this episode: Mic: 9 Meryl Streep Roles That Changed the Course of Hollywood Simply Streep Biography Tastes of Streep on Instagram

We're celebrating our 100th episode by reflecting back on what we've learned, our expectations vs. reality, and what our intentions are for 2020. Here’s to the next 100! Links in this episode: Nick Wignall: How to Become an Exceptionally Good Listener Career Contessa newsletter: Lauren Letter Queen Speaking show notes

We’re talking about what it takes to fairly split roles and responsibilities in our households, how to communicate effectively and divide the work with your partner. Links in this episode: Fair Play: A Game-Changing Solution for When You Have Too Much to Do (and More Life to Live) by Eve Rodsky The New York Times: How Same-Sex Couples Divide Chores, and What It Reveals About Modern Parenting Culture Amp’s People Geekly newsletter

In this month’s Women Inspiring #TeamQS, we’re featuring Cecile Richards, former President of Planned Parenthood and co-founder of Supermajority. We dig into all she’s done with her career, and what we can learn from her about being informed and inclusive. Links in this episode: Planned Parenthood Supermajority The New York Times: A ‘Women’s New Deal’ Business Insider: Abortion rights, grassroots activism, and getting a woman elected president: Former Planned Parenthood president Cecile Richards re-enters the political fray

As we prepare for the holidays, we’re sharing our favorite holiday season hacks to make party attending and hosting so simple and stress free. Links in this episode: Modern Love on Amazon Prime Half Baked Harvest: French Onion Potato Soup Fine Cooking: Classic Tomato Soup Skinnytaste: Turkey Pumpkin White Bean Chili

We’re talking about how small (or big) adjustments to our work environments can affect our productivity, the changes that make a difference, and how to ask for what you need. Links in this episode: Succession on HBO The Morning Show on Apple+

As women we have the tendency to over apologize. In this episode, we get into how to replace “I’m sorry” and only use it when necessary to be stronger communicators. Links in this episode: The Cut: How Do I Make Plans Without ‘Getting a Drink’? Career Contessa: How to Stop Apologizing at Work (+ What to Say Instead) Just Not Sorry — the Gmail Plug-in

This episode is inspired by Man Repeller’s article on Bon Appétit’s test kitchen YouTube channel and Claire Saffitz’s success. Our conversation dives into what it means to be authentic, the value of authentic content on social media, removing fear, and connecting with people. Links in this episode: Roc Girl Gang on Instagram Hypebooth on Instagram Sir Rocha Says on Instagram Plann Instagram Scheduling Tool Man Repeller: How Bon Appétit Became a YouTube Sensation—and Why Claire Saffitz Is the Perfect Star

In this month’s Women Inspiring #TeamQS episode, we’re spotlighting Ellen Bennett. She’s the woman behind Hedley & Bennett, an apron and kitchen apparel company that started in 2012. We’re digging into why quality matters, owning your mistakes, and her persistence. Links in this episode: Buzzfeed: 16 People Who Are Just Having A Real Hard Time With The English Language Right Now Ellen Bennett on Instagram Second Life Podcast: Ellen Bennett: Hedley & Bennett Founder and CEO Career Contessa: Ellen Bennett, Hedley & Bennett Fast Company: How 29-Year-Old Ellen Bennett Became The Culinary World’s Apron Queen

We’re talking about the differences between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, and how we move between both depending on what we’re doing and where we are in our lives. Plus, tips to stay motivated and get re-motivated. Links in this episode: Fortune’s raceAhead e-newsletter Nick Wignall: 10 Psychological Tricks to Stay Motivated and Stick with Your Goals Career Contessa: 13 Ways to Motivate Yourself at Work

We’re talking about the different ways we use public speaking skills beyond the stage. Our skills can help us on phone and video calls, in one-on-one conversations, and when leading team or client meetings. Links in this episode: Episode 40: Preparing for a presentation Ethos3: 5 Shocking Public Speaking Statistics Ideas.TED.com: Tap into the power to persuade by using these 6 techniques of clear and compelling speech

We often talk about the anxiety we feel in different situations, and it’s always been helpful to know that we’re not alone in these feelings. In this episode, we’re exploring how we can talk about our anxiety and ask for support, while being aware of the boundaries that need to exist with the people we love and what that conversation might look like in the workplace too. Links in this episode: Nylon: It’s OK to Set Boundaries with Your Anxious Friends

We’re excited to be talking about chef and TV co-host, Carla Hall in this month’s WITQS. Many know her as a contestant on season five of Bravo’s Top Chef where she warmed the hearts of the show’s fans. We’re talking about her vivacious spirit and what we can learn from her about embracing change. Links in this episode: Milk Street Radio: Carla Hall Reclaims Soul Food Forbes: Chef Carla Hall's Guide To Embracing Your Authenticity

We’re recapping a workshop we attended through Junior League of Rochester with Emilie Aries on assertive communication, how it differs from aggressive communication, and why it matters for women to communicate our intent. Links in this episode: Junior League of Rochester Emilie Aries YouTube: The Power of No Bossed Up: A Grown Woman's Guide to Getting Your Sh-t Together by Emilie Aries

Not all days off are created equal. Sometimes we need to take a PTO day to do nothing or tackle chores and appointments—a day off for no reason! We’re talking about how we all should make time off a priority for ourselves even if we’re not going on a full blown vacation and how to ask your boss for it. Links in this episode: NYTimes: Smarter Living newsletter Girls Night in Club: Everything You Need to Know to Take a Staycation ASAHP (As Soon As Humanly Possible) NYTimes: What to Do With a Day Off