Episodes

In this unapologetic, truth‑telling finale, Julie and Yvonne celebrate 60 episodes of evolution, reinvention, and women refusing to shrink. From ditching outdated success scripts to burning the bio, redefining ambition, and choosing movement over myth, this episode is a masterclass in midlife power. They unpack why stability is a trap, why sisterhood is a strategy, and why women over 40 are rewriting the rules of work, worth, and what’s next. It’s raw, hilarious, and full of the kind of grown‑wo...

In this episode of Savvy Sisters & Cocktail Conversations, Yvonne and Julie take a playful sledgehammer to the idea of “stability” in women’s careers. You know — that thing we were all told to chase, worship, and never question. Spoiler: half the time it’s just job security dressed up in a beige cardigan, quietly draining your ambition. They're calling out the moments when “playing it safe” turns into feeling stuck, bored, or downright invisible. And they're naming the truth: stability isn’t alw...

Most women think working harder earns influence. It doesn’t. Your future isn’t decided by how many meetings you attend — it’s decided by which rooms you’re in and whether you actually matter once you’re there. In this bold episode, Julie and Yvonne unpack the difference between being invited, being present, and being influential. They challenge the trap of overperforming in rooms that don’t shape your future and break down how to stop performing and start positioning. Because proximity to power ...

In this celebratory, tongue-in-cheek episode of Savvy Sisters and Cocktail Conversations, Julie and Yvonne ditch the stuffy award speeches and raise a glass to the real moments that defined Season 1 & 2. Think: Big glow-ups Unexpected pivots Lessons that hit hard Conversations that changed how we lead, live, and advocate From redefining failure and reclaiming authenticity, to questioning the obsession with climbing and embracing evolution over “starting over,” this episode is equal parts reflect...

In this anniversary episode of Savvy Sisters & Cocktail Conversations, Julie Flowers and Yvonne Rocha Contreras clink glasses (bubbly or mocktail—no judgment) to celebrate one full year of real talk, sisterhood, and unapologetic growth. And they’re marking the milestone by blowing up a myth: that joy is fluffy, optional, or unserious. THE TWIST: Joy is strategy. Joy is resilience. And joy might just be the most rebellious leadership move a woman can make. They unpack the difference between happi...

In this episode of Savvy Sisters & Cocktail Conversations, Julie and Yvonne pull up a glass with Farrah Cauley, owner of Sonoma Wine Bar, for a no‑permission‑needed, truth‑telling session on what entrepreneurship really looks like. From the messy beginnings to the “figure‑it‑out-or-fall-flat” moments, they uncork the realities of building a business in a male‑populated industry, leading with grit, and staying grounded when success starts shifting the room. Farrah shares her evolution from barten...

Julie and Yvonne roll up to cocktail hour with executive presence energy and one clear message: stop running your life like you’re an employee in your own story. This episode is a playful, no-permission-needed pep talk about becoming the CEO of your decisions, trusting your gut (yes, your body knows), and quitting the habit of outsourcing your self-worth to the peanut gallery. The ladies get real about why so many women feel stuck: chasing external validation, people-pleasing their way into burn...

This week’s episode is your second pour to Hot Flashes & High Stakes — and we don’t just sip, we go all in. Julie and Yvonne pull up the velvet barstool for Dr. Tiffany Ruder (aka: a no-BS women’s health disruptor) to break down what’s really happening in the perimenopause–menopause–“why am I still in this?” chapter of life.  Bottom line: you’re not broken, you’re not dramatic, and you’re definitely not meant to navigate this alone. This conversation blends science, straight talk, and real-life...

In this episode of Savvy Sisters and Cocktail Conversations, hosts Julie Flowers and Yvonne Rocha Contreras delve into the often-taboo topic of menopause, discussing its various stages, personal experiences, and the challenges faced by career women. They explore the impact of menopause on work productivity, health strategies, and the importance of company support. The conversation emphasizes the need for open dialogue and understanding in the workplace, as well as reframing menopause as a time f...

In this episode of Savvy Sisters and Cocktail Conversations, hosts Julie Flowers and Yvonne Rocha-Contreras discuss the empowerment of women, particularly those in midlife, to embrace their ambition and challenge societal stereotypes about age. They explore the importance of community, overcoming internal barriers, and the need for women to support each other in their professional journeys. The conversation emphasizes that ambition does not have an expiration date and encourages listeners to tak...

This week, Julie and Yvonne dive into the scandalous little secret every high-achieving woman pretends she doesn’t have: ambition fatigue. Yep—when your drive, your hustle, and your “I’ve got this” energy suddenly feel like they’ve taken a sabbatical without telling you. From guilt around resting to the second shift at home, to redefining success without the burnout badge of honor, your favorite duo keeps it raw, hilarious, and refreshingly real. Expect stories, stats, sass, sangria-colored cham...

In this episode, Julie and Yvonne pour a coconut-vodka-and-champagne-fueled real talk on identity detoxing—aka shedding the “I got it” armor, good-girl scripts, and perfectionist capes that kept you surviving but never really thriving. They unpack how people-pleasing, overachieving, and silencing parts of yourself show up at work and at home, and why redefining success on your own terms is the ultimate glow-up. Expect stats, story, sisterhood, and a juicy call to action: name one piece of armor ...

In this episode of Savvy Sisters and Cocktail Conversations, hosts Julie Flowers and Yvonne Rocha Contreras discuss the importance of authentic introductions and how to rewrite your bio to reflect who you truly are rather than just your job title. They emphasize the need to express rather than impress, encouraging listeners to share their unique stories and values. The conversation highlights the challenges women face in presenting themselves confidently and the benefits of creating meaningful c...

In this episode of Savvy Sisters and Cocktail Conversations, hosts Julie Flowers and Yvonne Rocha Contreras discuss the pervasive issue of burnout, particularly among women in the workplace. They explore how burnout has become a badge of honor, the toxic belief that equates busyness with success, and the importance of redefining success through restorative practices. The conversation includes practical strategies for combating burnout, the significance of setting boundaries, and the need for a s...

In this live episode from Arkestro Optimal ’25, Julie sits down with Lateisha Thomas, Director of Professional Services at Arkestro, to unpack her very real, very relatable journey—from dancer, to receptionist, to global systems roles at Mary Kay and SAP, to building processes from scratch in a high-growth startup. And before we dive in, yes—Yvonne is off living her best life somewhere with champagne in hand, so it’s just Julie behind the mic for this power-packed conversation. But don’t worry…t...

In this live episode from Arkestro Optimal ’25 in Houston, Julie is flying solo on the mic while Yvonne is off in New York “doing something important” — which almost certainly involves champagne, brunch, and living her best life. So today, it’s just Julie, a French 75, and a powerhouse conversation with Joi Heyward, Director of Finance and Accounting at Arkestro. Joi pulls back the curtain on her 15+ year journey in accounting and finance — from big companies to startup life — and shares how she...

this episode of Savvy Sisters and Cocktail Conversations, hosts Julie Flowers and Yvonne Rocha Contreras dive into the theme of 'Wisdom and Wine,' sharing invaluable advice they wish they could give their younger selves. They discuss the importance of self-advocacy, the challenges faced in their 20s, and the significance of networking and building genuine relationships. The conversation emphasizes embracing life's detours and setting boundaries while encouraging listeners to reflect on their own...

In this episode of Savvy Sisters, hosts Julie Flowers and Yvonne Rocha Contreras discuss the challenges and fears associated with starting over in life and career. They emphasize reframing the concept of starting over as a chance for reinvention and growth, rather than a failure. The conversation explores emotional hurdles, financial stability, and the importance of support systems. The hosts provide practical tips for embracing change, including focusing on one's purpose and experimenting with ...

In this unfiltered follow-up to Adult Friendships: The Myth, the Mess & the Magic, Julie (the fire) and Yvonne (the compass) finally spill the tea on their own friendship — the real, raw, and ridiculously funny mix that makes it work. From honesty that stings (but heals) to laughter that saves the day, they reveal how their opposite energies create synergy instead of competition. With stories that range from heartfelt to hilarious (including the infamous $6 saga), they unpack what it really take...

In this live, laugh-out-loud convo recorded side-by-side, Julie and Yvonne get real about one of the trickiest parts of adulting: friendship. From shrinking circles and calendar chaos to comparison traps and “are we breaking up?” moments, they unpack why adult friendships feel hard—and why they’re worth the work. You’ll hear how to curate your circle with intention, spot when a friendship is depleting you, and nurture the ones that add joy, accountability, and growth (yes, the mirror-holding kin...

In this episode of Savvy Sisters, hosts Julie Flowers and Yvonne Rocha Contreras welcome Mel Carr, the visionary behind the Six Figure Chicks Movement. They discuss Mel's inspiring journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a successful entrepreneur and advocate for women's empowerment. The conversation emphasizes the importance of storytelling, resilience, and community in personal growth. Mel shares her insights on the power of sharing one's story and the significance of supporting one a...

Triggered to Transformed: Pause, Don’t Pounce—Reset the Room Like a Boss . This episode isn’t your average “take a deep breath” pep talk—it’s a power pour. Julie & Yvonne spill the tea on the everyday micro boundary breaches that mess with your mojo: interruptions, mansplaining, micromanaging, and the “he just repeated my idea” classic. With sass, they show you how to pause without shrinking, reset the room with one line, and build allies who pass the mic back where it belongs—yours. Add a dash ...

Grab a glass and pull up a barstool—Julie and Yvonne are breaking down two career game-changers that too many women mix up: mentors and sponsors. Mentors help you grow (think: wisdom, feedback, safe space). Sponsors help you go (they say your name in rooms you’re not in and open doors you didn’t know existed). From why high performers still need both, to how to ask without being awkward, to building a simple “sponsorship strategy” with your brag book, this episode serves clarity with a champagne...

In this episode of Savvy Sisters and Cocktail Conversations, hosts Julie Flowers and Yvonne Rocha Contreras discuss the importance of redefining success beyond traditional career ladders. They emphasize the value of creativity, joy, and personal fulfillment in professional journeys. The conversation explores the concept of a web model for career progression, encouraging listeners to embrace lateral moves and personal growth. The hosts share insights on finding joy in work, the significance of so...