Mental Health Monday – Episode 3: Movement Changed Everything

Coffee Talk With The Bookish Bestie - Author Chastity Lee

Welcome back to Coffee Talk with The Bookish Besties, the cozy podcast where readers, writers, and book lovers come together for heartfelt conversations and plenty of bookish fun. In this episode, Aims chats with debut author Chasity Lee about her journey from writing Harry Potter fan fiction on Wattpad as a teenager to publishing her own dark romance novels. Together, they discuss the realities of pursuing a writing career, overcoming imposter syndrome, balancing motherhood and creativity, and finding the courage to share your stories with the world. Chasity also shares insights into her books His to Break and Season of Seduction, what inspired her love of dark romance, and the escapism that keeps readers coming back for more. Plus, she reveals one of her favorite book recommendations, Firebird by Juliette Cross. Whether you're a romance reader, aspiring author, or love hearing the stories behind the books, this episode is filled with inspiration, laughter, and honest conversation.

Mental Health Monday – Episode 3: Movement Changed Everything

This week, we're talking about one simple habit that has made a huge difference in my mental health: daily movement. For years, I told myself I wasn't an athletic person. That story kept me stuck and sedentary for far too long. Then one morning, I decided to take a walk with my son, Atticus. What started as a simple one-mile stroll turned into an 8-day movement streak that has already improved my energy, sleep, anxiety levels, and overall mindset. In this episode, we're chatting about: ✨ Why small, realistic goals often work better than all-or-nothing approaches ✨ The importance of encouragement, accountability, and being your own hype person ✨ How movement supports mental wellness and helps build resilience ✨ Navigating perimenopause, autoimmune challenges, and learning to work with your body instead of against it ✨ Ignoring outside opinions and focusing on what makes you feel your best Plus, we share a special thank-you to our Patreon supporters, whose encouragement helps keep this community growing. If you've ever struggled to get started, felt disconnected from your body, or believed you just weren't "the exercise type," this episode is for you. 📚 Follow us on Instagram & TikTok: @yourbestieames ☕ Support the podcast on Patreon 🎁 Join Patreon for 3 months and receive a free book!

Coffee Talk With The Bookish Besties- Katelyn

Coffee Talk with The Bookish Besties: Featuring Katelyn Cazeau This week on Coffee Talk with The Bookish Besties, we're sitting down with our amazing moderator and reading challenge leader, Katelyn Cazeau—new mama, thriller lover, and one of the most generous hearts in the YBB community. Join us for a cozy conversation as we discuss her favorite read of 2026, With a Vengeance by Riley Sager, dive into the topic of love languages and what it means to give versus receive love, and talk about navigating life as a brand-new stay-at-home mom. Katelyn also shares her all-time favorite book recommendation, The Unmaking of June Farrow by Adrienne Young, and we reminisce about the unexpected exchange student connection that first brought our friendship full circle. Whether you're a longtime Bookish Bestie or just finding our community, grab your favorite drink, pull up a chair, and spend some time with us as we talk books, motherhood, friendship, and life's unexpected journeys. In This Episode: 📚 Katelyn's top read of 2026: With a Vengeance by Riley Sager 💛 Love languages and giving vs. receiving love 👶 Life as a brand-new stay-at-home mom 📖 Her all-time favorite book recommendation: The Unmaking of June Farrow by Adrienne Young 🤝 How a random exchange student brought us together 🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts. 💖 Want early access to episodes and exclusive bonus content? Join our Patreon and become part of the Bookish Besties family.

Mental Health Monday | Rewiring Your Brain, Finding Glimmers & Healing Through Growth

In this heartfelt Mental Health Monday episode, we dive into the power of understanding ourselves through the lens of mental health, neurodivergence, healing, and growth. From receiving life-changing diagnoses and learning about AuDHD to exploring masking, attachment styles, neuroplasticity, and the beauty of therapy, this conversation is an honest reflection on what it means to become who you’re meant to be. We talk about: • Receiving diagnoses as tools—not labels • Neurodivergence, masking, and self-awareness • Choosing joy and finding everyday “glimmers” • Neuroplasticity and creating new thought patterns • Therapy modalities including DBT, EMDR, DNMS, and narrative therapy • Attachment styles and healing old wounds • Letting go of perfection and embracing progress • Reclaiming your story through compassion and growth This episode is a reminder that healing isn’t linear, therapy isn’t weakness, and your brain is capable of incredible change. Wherever you are in your journey, you are seen, you are loved, and there is hope in creating new pathways forward.

Coffee Talk with the Bookish Besties – Featuring Dineka

Grab your favorite drink and join host Amy for a cozy, heartfelt conversation with community member Dineka in this episode of Coffee Talk with the Bookish Besties. Together, they dive into current reads, favorite authors, and the stories that left a lasting impression — including The Ghostwriter, Daisy Jones & The Six, Magic Hour by Kristin Hannah, and more. From immersive storytelling to unforgettable characters, they explore what makes certain books stay with us long after the final page. The conversation also highlights Dineka’s top reads of 2025, her venture into audiobook smut, and the emotional impact of If You Tell. Beyond books, Dineka shares pieces of her life outside the pages — raising four children plus a bonus son, becoming a grandmother, her son’s inspiring cancer survival story, and her role running the beloved Bestie Journal within the YBB (Your Bookish Bestie) community. To close, Amy and Dineka reflect on their goals for 2026 — focusing on being present, building strength, and embracing grace through every season. A warm, unfiltered conversation between bookish friends — grab your coffee and settle in.