Bring Something to the Table

EP4: College, Career Paths & Crystals

“It’s actually only Tuesday, but we already have a source of crystals here because we need some good energy and a little sage,” says Leslie as she and Shelby unpack the week’s challenges. They reveal how they use crystals and sage to bring some much-needed balance and positivity into their lives. In today’s episode, they explore their unique career paths. Leslie shares stories from her early entrepreneurial hustle—think lemonade stands with strategically offered pretzels—that led her to a life of varied business ventures instead of the corporate grind. Shelby discusses her diverse experiences, from payroll to project management, driven not by a rigid plan but by seizing opportunities and nurturing connections.
 
Shelby and Leslie touch on the evolving career landscape, acknowledging the impact of social media and artificial intelligence on job security and career growth. Both stress the necessity of adaptability and openness in navigating today’s job market. The conversation also covers financial wisdom, the importance of saving, and the very important role of financial discussions in relationships.
 
Quotes
“You can’t expect to be on a certain path. It’s going to change and that’s good because you’re growing personally, evolving what’s important to you, and learning more things about yourself. (10:05 | Leslie Beck) 
“I feel like working corporate jobs really stifles your creativity and your inspiration.” (16:45 | Shelby Anderson) 
“I think we all, at different points in our life, get to a place where we realize our job isn’t fulfilling us in the ways that we need. And you have to make a decision if you’re willing to give up your golden handcuffs or your parachute of sparkles or whatever it is and take a cut and then your soul can reignite itself. Or if you want to continue day in, day out, hate your job, hate your life, but you have money.” (18:11 | Shelby Anderson) 
“That sounds so dreary, right? To be like, day in, day out, you're going to hate it. But maybe it's just an agreement with yourself to be like, ‘These are my goals’ and there's nothing wrong with having financial goals. And let me tell you, ‘cause then you get to a certain age where your opportunities to make those financial goals are going away. And so if you can say, I can suck this up for the next 18 to 24 months and suck away X amount into my 401k and then I can live my dream and do more things. (18:47 | Leslie Beck) 
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP3: Loving All Your Parts

Shelby and Leslie kick off with plans for a new bar area—who’s ready for a tequila tasting? Despite it being a Tuesday, the duo dive into the main events of their week, setting the mood for another candid and unfiltered conversation.
 
This week's theme is about what we each bring to the table—whether it's self-improvement or setting expectations for others. Shelby shares her personal triumph of finally liking how her bangs look after a haircut a month ago. Leslie discusses her journey back to fitness after a long break, opening up about the mental hurdles and the guilt she experiences when prioritizing herself over her work.
 
The hosts delve into the topic of body image, reflecting on how beauty standards have evolved from the influence of ‘80s MTV to today's Instagram influencers. They discuss the often-hidden realities behind cosmetic enhancements, advocating for transparency and self-acceptance in a world skewed by unrealistic expectations. Both hosts share their own experiences with medical aesthetics such as botox and fillers, emphasizing the message of doing what makes you feel good, rather than merely conforming to societal expectations. 
 
Their conversation shifts to women's empowerment in fitness spaces. Leslie praises the empowering atmosphere of her all-female gym, appreciating its focus on physical fitness, mindfulness, and spiritual well-being. As they explore the personal and social dynamics of fitness spaces, Shelby discusses the challenges of dating and meeting people at the gym.
 
Shelby and Leslie reflect on the sensitivity required when giving body-related compliments, emphasizing how well-intentioned words can sometimes be misinterpreted. Join them in a space of inclusivity and shared stories. And remember, as Shelby says, “You can sit with us.”
 
Quotes
“The measurement of beauty and what is considered beautiful, sexy, and desirable is so skewed. Our bodies are so different and we have to come to a place where you accept it.” (09:54 | Shelby Anderson & Leslie Beck) 
“Why were men out there deciding what was good lingerie? What people should look at? That’s not what we would want. And then you're telling us this is what we need to wear. That's just been the vibe, my entire life, is just like men trying to tell women how to act, how to look, how to behave and what to do in every aspect of our lives. And then you realize, ‘Wait a second, I have the power.’ You're not the one who should be telling me how to act or what to do. That's my decision.” (11:23 | Leslie Beck & Shelby Anderson) 
“I'm just having that encounter now where I've gone through one after the other who don't listen to you and don't understand women. How could you possibly understand a woman's body when you are a man? You literally don't have our parts. No. You don't understand any of the hormonal changes, any of the body challenges, none of it.” (12:32 | Leslie Beck & Shelby Anderson)
“We want to embrace our bodies. We both do. And we're not afraid to get some Botox or other things that make us feel good. I think it's a balance. Yeah, I agree. I feel a certain way for the younger generation of females that have social media. And the Kardashians are their influential body type. The thing that upsets me the most is those sisters are not saying like, ‘yes, I’ve had butt implants put in, removed. I've had lip fillers.’ They’re not saying what they’ve done. So these girls are thinking, I want to strive to look like this naturally. And it’s just not possible. They don’t even look like that naturally.’ (14:13 | Leslie Beck & Shelby Anderson)
 
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP2: If They Wanted To, They Would

This episode of “Bring Something to the Table” kicks off with unexpected comedy as Shelby's dog decides to make a noisy cameo, setting the mood for a session of raw, unfiltered conversation on cosmetic procedures, relationships, and personal growth.
 
The duo shares personal stories about their experiences with cosmetic treatments like Dysport and fillers. They open up about the pains, the gains, and the judgments they face, sharing their reasons for choosing these enhancements and the importance of doing what feels right for oneself. It's a candid discussion on the pressures of looking good in a society that often values appearance over authenticity.
 
Tackling relationships, Shelby challenges this often-heard piece of relationship advice: “If they want to, they will.” She argues that it is overly simplistic and lacks empathy. Together, they unpack how this phrase can lead to judgment and withdrawal in relationships, emphasizing the importance of continuous communication and deeper empathy in relationships. They touch on how understanding each other's love languages can shape stronger connections.
 
As they reflect on personal growth, Shelby and Leslie delve into the power of standing up for one's beliefs and choices. Inspired by Glennon Doyle's insights in “Untamed,” they discuss how expressing oneself honestly can act as a natural filter, highlighting the importance of not disappointing oneself to please others.
 
Shelby and Leslie share a heartfelt reminder about the beauty of life's messiness and the value of shared experiences. They encourage embracing the chaos, connecting authentically, and assure us that there’s always room at the table!
 
Quotes
“Your love language might be an act of service, but somebody might not know how to do that because they like gifts, for example. But if the person's evolved enough, then they will understand that. And they want to do that for you because that makes you feel loved. It's a warm reciprocal relationship at that point. If you don't know your love languages, that's an important thing to think about.” (15:04 | Leslie Beck & Shelby Anderson)
“You take things personally, but this person doesn't know how to receive your love because you're giving it in a way that they don't need. They need it in a different way and you just have to talk about it. But that takes time. Like a 25-year-old is not necessarily going to be able to know and express that even maybe at 27. I know. I was drunk in my twenties. I was drunk most of my twenties and so self-absorbed, but not in a way that was conducive to personal growth.” (16:24 | Shelby Anderson & Leslie Beck)
“If they're not going to contact you after a date, then you don't want that person in your life. If they wanted to, then they would make the effort. In a relationship, your partner can't cover all the buckets. That's why we have different friendships.” (23:08 | Leslie Beck)
“We're learning that the people that we pleased, the people that we made ourselves uncomfortable to make them comfortable, we're now learning those aren't the people we want in our lives. And when we do speak our truth, they go away. So it's like they're not bringing anything to the table. We don't always bring stuff to the table, but we're trying to be more aware of that. Yes, I think that's true. I think it is finding our own truth. Because when you are constantly giving pieces of yourself away to please other people, you have health issues. You don't like yourself, you feel this anxiety, your truth is missing, and you can feel it in your heart.” (29:52 | Shelby Anderson & Leslie Beck) 
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP1: The Imperfect Art of Manifestation

Can a twenty-year age gap between friends enrich your life? Shelby and Leslie think so, and they're here to prove it in the debut episode of 'Bring Something to the Table.' Broadcasting straight from Denver, these friends explore the interplay of joy, wisdom, and the unexpected twists of life.
 
Shelby shares the story of her 2022 move to Denver, a fresh start that also marked the beginning of a significant friendship with Leslie. They delve into their experiences of pursuing dreams versus grappling with reality. Both hosts champion the importance of authenticity and accepting imperfections, in podcasting and otherwise. They candidly discuss their career choices, the pressures of societal definitions of success, and why climbing the corporate ladder doesn’t always align with finding personal fulfillment.
 
One idea this pair believes in? Manifestation. Both women emphasize how important it is to have clarity and sincerity in setting one’s goals and making them happen. Leslie recounts finding a partner who truly matches her needs, while Shelby brings humor to the table with a tale of a quirky misadventure involving a neighbor. They reflect on how our desires and ambitions can shift dramatically as we age.
 
Touching on the challenges of modern dating, Shelby considers re-entering the dating app scene for a bit of fun, while Leslie shares insights from her previous relationships, underscoring the necessity of clear communication.
 
Shelby and Leslie are just getting started on their podcasting journey, and they can't wait to bring more stories, laughs, and real talk to you. Make sure to subscribe to the show for your regular dose of connection—there’s always room at the table!
 
Quotes
“Wherever you're allocating your power, your brainpower, and your energy, both consciously and subconsciously, you're working toward it.” (08:41 | Leslie Beck)
“Figuring out what you truly want, I think, is the biggest step. And we're not taught that.” (11:01 | Shelby Anderson)
“It's impossible to know what you want to do. We should be growing and evolving. That's the same thing with manifestation. At 25, you want to visualize your home or you want a certain car or take a trip to India or whatever it might be. And then at 30, you revamp it to your new manifestation of what you want. You're always growing and evolving.” (11:38 | Leslie Beck) 
“I think that [if you’re] being your best, healthiest, authentic self, you can be your best self for other people and be there for them, supporting them and [you’ll] attract more of those like-minded people into your life.” (12:39 | Leslie Beck)
“What we're here to do is to show that things aren't perfect, but you can still thrive and look good and be happy and attract those same kinds of people, even though your hair's a mess or something, or your foot's asleep.” (15:02  | Shelby Anderson) 
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Bring Something to the Table - Trailer

Welcome to "Bring Something to the Table," a Denver-based podcast where hosts Leslie Beck and Shelby Anderson, with their dynamic 20-year age gap, dive into spirited conversations about friendships, personal growth, love, and the chaos of life. This engaging show blends laughter with candid revelations and yes, the occasional tequila talk.  
 
Our episodes cover a variety of topics; from intuition, vulnerability, and resilience, to ghosts of relationships past, and our quest for the city's best margarita or latte. We keep it real and relatable, celebrating the messiness of life and the beauty of our shared experiences.
 
"Bring Something to the Table" is where tough topics meet humor and heart.  Whether you're navigating friendships or personal challenges, we're here to remind you that you are not alone. This is a community for both Millennials seeking their place in the world, and Gen Xers embarking on new adventures.  So grab your favorite drink and join us for stories, insights and wisdom born from genuine friendship and know that you'll always have a seat at our table.