**UPDATE! THE GIVEAWAY WINNERS ARE JACI BARBER AND SUSAN MASKAL! Congratulations!! We emailed both of you this morning. Please email us back as soon as possible to claim your prize!!**
Woohoo! Friends, today, Erika and I are kicking off SEASON 2 of our podcast THE BESTIE BREAKDOWN!
Plus, we’re hosting not one but TWO GIVEAWAYS!!!!
Last year, Erika and I jumped blindly into podcasting as a fun way to expand on our blog content with behind the scene stories told by us so that not only could you read about our little lives, but you could hear us chatting about them too. If you missed Season 1, you should totally still go back and take a listen…buuuuuut we realized something super important last year in our freshman podcasting season…we had no idea what we were doing.
At all.
Sometimes, the best way to learn is by jumping in with both feet.
(But yeah, we didn’t know what we were doing…)
We took a lot of time off and decided we were really going to work at this podcasting thing before publishing a new season. So, what did we do? Well, I had never listened to a podcast before starting my own (yeah, not super smart), but over the last year, I have listened to HUNDREDS. Each and every day, I’ve listened to podcasts. I’ve listened to some that are BIG and some that are SMALL. I’ve taken copious notes, I’ve earmarked my faves, I’ve asked for recommendations and I’ve shared many. Actually listening to podcasts was clearly the best thing I could have done to have my own podcast (duh!). Now, I’m totally not saying ours is perfect (see disclaimers below for more info on that…), but I do think it’s improved (we’re a work in progress!).
Here’s what SEASON 2 is going to look like…
1: Beginning today, Tuesday, June 1, we are kicking off with a new episode every Tuesday this summer! (Yes, an actual schedule! Podcasting rule #1!)
2: On each podcast, we are BREAKING DOWN a topic YOU have suggested! As much as we love sharing our lives here on our blogs, we are trying really hard to only share things on our podcasts that we DON’T talk about here in blog world. If I’m being honest, I had to get out of my comfort zone a bit for these episodes because (believe it or not), I’m a bit private about some things, but we want you to get to know us better, so we had to break down a few barriers in order to really share some topics with you.
3: Speaking of YOU, over the last few months, we have opened up an email account AND an Instagram account where YOU can leave us not only episode suggestions (things you’d like to hear us break down) but random reader questions as well. You can email us at thebestiebreakdown@gmail.com and find us on Instagram @thebestiebreakdown.
4: What are random reader questions? Well, at the end of each podcast (after we break down a topic), we will randomly pull four random reader questions from a jar and answer them off the cuff. These questions DO NOT have to be related to that week’s content. For example, this week, one of the questions was “what annoys you the most about each other?”. Yeah, we answer that 😉 .
5: We pulled in professional help and created our own little podcasting studio. This season, we’ve hired Free Dreams Studios to produce our podcasts and help make them MUCH BETTER than in the past. Erika and I are so used to doing things on our own (our blogs, travel agencies, our own social media) that we assumed we could podcast on our own too. WRONG. We needed help. Lots of help. Thanks to our producer John, we have professionally edited and recorded podcasts AND a little podcast studio.
6: Where is our podcasting studio? Oh you guys, it’s fancy. It’s on the little Pottery Barn Kids craft table that is in my playroom. Bahahaha! We literally sit in the tiny little kids chairs and record each episode. It’s not fabulous but it’s a great place for us to have all of our equipment set up and out of the way. My kids aren’t really using that space any more (they’re all too big for a playroom now!), so we’ve taken over that little table and then when they do head up there, they just craft around it 😉 . Spoiler alert: our husbands will make an appearance in a few episodes and they too sit on the tiny little chairs.
But…of course…some disclaimers first…
#1: We are a work in progress and that includes SEASON 2 as well! You will notice that as you listen this season, our episodes get MUCH BETTER each time! Sound quality has been our biggest hurdle, so please note that the sound isn’t perfect on this episode (Erika’s voice goes in and out and my voice is sped up a little fast), but that was all due to us not being as prepared as we needed to be (our producer John helped us buy and set up new equipment each week so over the course of the first few episodes, you should notice a remarkably improved sound quality).
#2: We recorded each episode so that it could be enjoyed today or two years from now. Our goal is to always share openly, honestly and positviely…so with that said, you’re not going to hear us talk about the fact that COVID exploded in the US while we were actually in Hawaii. Erika and I discussed it and looking back 15 months later, we didn’t have a single bad/sad/Covid picture because those weren’t the memories we were trying to make…instead, we photographed lots of happy kiddos and beautiful Hawaii. Maybe a future episode will be Breaking Down COVID, but that’s not today.
#3: Some episodes are are titled funny things and probably seem super frivolous and silly…but we took our cues from you and broke down the topics you requested. If you’re looking for something deep/meaningful/serious, that’s not us. We’re talking honestly and openly about how we’re handling normal mom/wife stuff instead of super serious matters (we’re trying to keep things upbeat and light!), so don’t be surprised when you see us break down something like wearing a swimsuit at 40 instead of breaking down world peace. This is all for fun and super frivolous! This is not about serious things (there are other really great podcasts for those topics!!).
#4: This podcast is for YOU!! There are a lot of reasons to have a podcast, but our only reason is to give this community a new little insight into us and our friendship. We are recording and publishing them not to gain a new audience but to give back more TO THIS ONE 🙂 . We love you guys! We were so touched by how many of you reached out and asked us to bring back our podcast!!
And now…what about a giveaway?!
Well, we couldn’t kick off SEASON 2 without giving away something to our readers! We couldn’t decide which one we wanted to do, so we’re actually going to host TWO GIVEAWAYS today! You can enter the first giveaway just by following @thebestiebreakdown on Instagram! Follow us and then complete the Rafflecopter below to enter to win. The second giveaway is after you listen to our episode, please give us a great review on the platform where you listen! If you can give us 5 Stars, we would LOVE THAT! Once you listen and give us a great rating, you may enter the second Rafflecopter below.
We will pick one winner from each Rafflecopter and they will receive a $500 AMAZON GIFT CARD! Woohoo!!!!!
Okay, enough chatting, it’s time to listen to Season 2 Episode 1: Breaking Down Hawaii! You should be able to listen to our podcast on your favorite podcast platforms or by clicking THIS LINK HERE!
Happy Podcast Tuesday! We’re so excited to be back with you!! xo Shay and Erika!
Here is the Rafflecopter to enter AFTER you follow @thebestiebreakdown on Instagram!
Here is the Rafflecopter to enter AFTER you listen to Episode 1, love it and give us a great review on your podcast platform!
Megan says
I love a good podcast on my morning commute! Cant wait to listen this morning. And it looks like a few episodes are already posted, so I can listen to one each day this week!
I also have a show recommendation for you- have you watched Mare of Easttown on HBO yet? I watched all 7 episodes over the past week and loved it.
Mix and Match Mama says
I just finished episode 1 yesterday!! I love it already too!!
Elspeth says
Yay!!! So happy the bestie breakdown is back! I can’t wait to listen!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank YOU!!!!
Maria says
The new episode is not listed in Apple Podcasts.
Mix and Match Mama says
Just checked and it is! Make sure you follow us and then you’ll see that it’s right there in your “latest episodes”! I hope you enjoy it!
Carrie says
How fun! I am just getting into podcasts. I’m a little late to the game but am loving them. I am adding yours into the mix. I love your blog so I will no doubt love your podcast. Thank you for all that you do.
Kellee says
Yea! The Bestie Breakdown is back! Will it be available on Spotify?
Mix and Match Mama says
It is!!
Jane says
Yay! So much fun! I can’t wait to hear about Hawaii!
Sl says
Non tech person here but want to hear your podcast. How do I listen on kindle fire?? Thanks for your help.
Mix and Match Mama says
I don’t know??? I haven’t used a Fire before!
Valerie Allen says
I’ll be honest, I don’t usually listen to podcasts. I just really haven’t explored what is out there and it kind of seemed like it could be another time suck. That said, I did enjoy The Bestie Breakdown. I can see myself listening while making breakfast or doing laundry. I will continue to listen in.
Dianna says
I gave it a listen, loved it, and then can’t give reviews on google podcasts or pocket casts… neither platforms have review options 🙁
Mix and Match Mama says
Can you head to Apple Podcasts and give us a review? Or Spotify! Eeeks! Sorry about that!!
Sarah DeWald says
Loved Season 1 and can’t wait to start listening!
Kathy says
Great 1st episode of Season 2 of your podcast! Now I want to go to Hawaii ASAP. 🙂 I also liked the Q & A at the end a LOT!
Alexis Murrell says
YAY! I have gotten so into podcasts lately and am stoked to get to listen to yours again!!
Sheaffer Sims says
YAY! I’ll be listening today on the drive home from the ranch!
Gail says
This was my first listen and I loved it!
Erin Blair says
Such a fun duo to listen to! I love traveling so even hearing others talk about it is exciting. I look forward to hearing what other topics are in store! Loved this so much!!
Kelly says
Thanks for sharing ! Following along now!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
Sooo exciting! ❤️✨
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Natalie says
I’m new to podcast too but I think I did it right- 1st went to Spotify and listened but didn’t see a place for review but opened up apple podcast and it let me! Yall are so fun!
Sara says
Such a difference from season 1 to season 2! All the technological distraction are gone and we can focus on your conversation, and it is so fun! P.S. I for sure want to go to Hawaii now =)
Sharon says
It is a very brave thing you precious ladies are doing. It probobly will be exhausting top. Thank you for being there for so many of your admirers. We all love you.. God bless your dear and caring hearts.
MelanieL says
Yay, the podcast is back!! I had my map open on my computer so I could follow along and “visit” all the islands, towns, and points of interest you talked about! Thanks so much for sharing!! 🙂
Erika Slaughter says
GIRLLLL!!!! So excited to be BACK!!!
Tracy Robinson says
This just made my WHOLE summer. Cannot wait for Tuesdays now! So excited.
Mix and Match Mama says
Awwwwww! Yay! Thank YOU!
Kristen says
I loved this episode! Cant wait to see all of the Hawaii pics after hearing all of the details. I am a long time reader of both blogs but didn’t listen last year so now I am going to listen to those as well. I have spotify on google and it will not let me leave a review. I tried from the app and from my computer but ya’ll definitely have 5 stars from me! Looking forward to next weeks episode!
Leah says
Cute! Can’t wait to listen in each week!
Karen says
Glad you two are back doing the podcast!
Great episode!
Kerrie Hofstad says
I am so happy the podcast is back! I listened this morning and enjoyed every second. Podcasts and yall’s blogs are 2 of my favorite things!
Kara says
I loved your Podcast and you both did a great job! I have never been to Hawaii but it is on my bucket list and you gave all of us great recommendations! I look forward to hearing you both weekly, thank you!
Nicole says
First time podcast listener! I have been following for years, but decided to listen in and really liked this episode. It seems more personable and as if I was right there with you! Thank you so much for sharing about Hawaii as we want to plan a trip very soon. I wasn’t able to leave a rating on spotify, but I will leave it here. 5 stars! ❤
Paula N says
I listened to (and follow) your Season 2 Episode 1 Breaking Down Hawaii on Spotify. I couldn’t see where to leave a review? I just loved your podcast. I was there in March 2020, right before the country shut down, and you two have given me some great tips for my next visit! I really want to go whale watching now!!! Our best day in Hawaii was when we rented a jeep and followed a tour guide of the Big Island, through an app. We saw the rain forest, water falls, lava rocks, and so many things we wouldn’t have seen otherwise. It reminds me of the day you all spent your custom day, doing all of the things on your wish list! Thank you for such a vivid review of my favorite place! <3
WhittyWife says
Yay!! ?? I’m now excited for Tuesdays all this Summer! ?
I normally always listen to Google Podcasts, but for you two, I used my Apple podcast app to leave a review. ❤
Carly says
This was so great Shay! I am looking forward to the blog post so I can pin/list things for future trips. I think for travel posts that would always be helpful! Super looking forward to the how to travel with friends one
Shannon Voss says
Girls! Give yourselves more credit. I thought you did a great job! And hope that a post with pics and links is coming soon 🙂 I will definitely listen again.
Kaci says
This episode is perfect! My husband and I had always planned to go to Hawaii for our baby moon, but Covid happened and we didn’t get to go anywhere. I turn 30 min November and were really considering going! This makes me want to book RIGHT NOW ?.
Jenna T says
I just “binged” season 1 & 2. I cannot wait for next weeks podcast to come out. I love how easy it was to listen to it during my work day. I love lighthearted and relatable topics that you all discussed. Thank you both for your hard work on this for your followers/listeners. 🙂
Kristen says
Yay! finally Hawaii recap! Loved listening to this and the quality was amazing.
I am going back to Oahu this July and I have to tell you I loved Ko olina but by far my favorite place in Oahu is the Turtle Bay resort on the North Shore, it’s amazing!!! If you are ever back in Oahu you need to stay there for a couple days.
Nikki says
Going to Hawaii next month…can’t wait to listen!
Marisa says
Loved this!!
Kendra McCamey says
Oh my goodness y’all are the BEST! I just love how real and fun y’all are! Great tips thank you! Wish I could see y’all! Guess I’m new to podcasts! I kept wondering why I couldn’t see you! ?
Taylor says
So excited for this! My sister and I met you guys on the beach one day in Ko Olina and you were just sweetest!! Can’t wait to hear about the rest of your trip xo
Becky says
Glad your podcast is back, loved hearing you and Erika, especially the Q&A at the end.
Tara says
I am a loyal blog reader of yours and was so excited to listen this morning to season 2. The sound quality sounded remarkably better then last season, keep it up I will look forward to listening all summer and reading your blog daily 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
Awwww! Thank you so much!!!
Kali Mattson says
Absolutely love this podcast & these ladies!! I am planning my Hawaii right now and this helped sooo much with ideas!! I love how easy this is to listen to on Spotify. I’m definitely going to binge listen to so much more today! Thank you!!
– Kali, Arizona
Kelly says
How fun is this! I listened to your podcast last year when it first came out and then somehow found the last few episodes a month or so ago and listened to all of them in one trip to get my haircut:). Absolutely love you two! No apologies for being fun and light-hearted, I’m here for it! I always have a smile on my face while listening. Thanks for doing the hard work of getting your podcast out, MUCH appreciated!
Mix and Match Mama says
Awwww! Thank you for being so sweet!!!!
MDowns says
So fun to listen to during the weekday while at work!
Ginger Penn says
So glad you have this podcast! I love to travel and now my kids are just old enough to go! Love reading your blogs too!
Ranisa Brletich says
Spotify doesn’t have a way to leave a review on a podcast.
Bren says
The Bestie Breakdown is back, baby! So excited!
Marcia Miller says
Thank you ladies! I really enjoyed your conversations about your Hawaii vacation. I can’t wait to go. Aloha!
Sara says
YAY! So happy your podcast is back! We come to your blog each day for much-needed happiness, and that’s what the podcast was and will continue to be, so thank you!
Kelly says
I listened to your podcast during my walk yesterday and LOVED it:). You and Erika are so fun and engaging. We were fortunate enough to visit Oahu in 2019 and I could envision it while listening to you. Loved the specifics of Hawaii but the travel tips in general are also helpful. Can’t wait for the next episode and if someone can tell me how to rate it on Spotify I will but until then 5 stars for me!
Jessica says
I loved hearing you share about Hawaii and tips you gave. My husband and I got married there 9 years ago in July, we are hoping to go back for our 10 year anniversary next year ❤️ This would be amazing to win.
Hailey Kenny says
Such great tips for visiting Hawaii. My son is stationed at Wheeler Air Field and I can’t wait to visit him so your podcast was perfect timing.
Mix and Match Mama says
Please let your son know how appreciative I am for his service!!! God bless your family!
Deena says
I just finished this episode. It was a fun listen and made me want to go back. We did a cruise out of Vancouver, Canada fall of 2019 and did some of the same stops. We were in Oahu most of 2 days so did some of the same things (Pearl Harbor, a luau) and then on our 2nd day we rented a car to drive partway around the island. One fun thing was stopping at Kualoa Ranch to do a Movie sites & Ranch tour. They have other tours also. You see some shots of the ranch when watching shows like Magnum PI. I’d love to do Pride of America at some time since they’re in the island the whole time.