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This week on the Badass Books and Besties, we’re diving into the inspiring journey of Kessa Scott—a lifelong book lover, former teacher, and now a writer and illustrator of children’s picture books.  

From teaching herself to read before kindergarten to cherishing magical trips to the library, Kessa’s passion for stories has shaped every step of her life. In this conversation, she shares how her years in education, her experiences as a mom, and her desire for real connection inspired her delightful Meet Catty series. We talk about the transformative power of picture books, the messy magic of parenting, and what it means to be an authentic, badass woman—on the page and in real life.

We explore:

• The magic of childhood favorites like Dr. Seuss and how they shaped Kessa’s view of storytelling
• The beautiful messiness of parenting and channeling its lessons into books that spark connection and resilience
• Navigating the challenges of self-doubt, creative risk-taking, and finding your identity as both a mom and a creator
• Why supporting each other's dreams—and modeling bravery for our kids—matters so much
• How stories can become bridges for meaningful conversations, encouraging self-acceptance, growth, and emotional connection

If you’re craving real talk about embracing imperfections, rediscovering your creative spark, and building confidence in community, this episode is for you. Whether you’re a book-loving mom, an aspiring writer, or someone on a journey to reconnect with your purpose, come find the encouragement and inspiration you need to take your next brave step.

Mentioned in this episode: Kessa Scott’s "Meet Catty" series, parenting wins and fails, tips for aspiring authors, and the enduring power of picture books.

For more on Kessa’s work or to join the conversation, visit kessascott.com.

Kessa Scott Bio: 

Kessa’s love for books started at a very young age. From teaching herself to read before Kindergarten to treasuring her trips to the community library, reading has been an integral part of Kessa's life. She has a special love for picture books and has taken the leap to write and now illustrate her own children's picture books. 

 Kessa brings over a decade of experience in education, having worked as both a classroom teacher and a Teaching and Learning Coach. Her many years in education inform and shape her writing as she seeks to create meaningful picture books that resonate with children and adults alike. 

 She lives in Washington State with her husband, daughter, and sweet dog. She draws much of her inspiration from her zesty daughter, Clara Joy, with whom she shares a love for discovering the magic of books. Kessa believes in the enduring power of picture books to spark imagination and encourage meaningful conversations.

 As a mom of a daughter who also LOVES to read and devours them as much as I do, this is definitely a conversation I am so intrigued to have! 

Support the show

Looking for your next great read? Download my free guide — 10 Books Every Badass Woman Should Read — a curated list of empowering books that inspire growth, confidence, and connection. Grab it ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠!

If you love conversations like this and want to read and reflect alongside other book-loving women, you’re invited to join Badass Book Besties — my book club community where we read together, meet live, and have real, honest discussions about books and life. 

And if you’re craving deeper support — whether that’s clarity, confidence, creative momentum, or building a life that actually feels like yours — I also offer one-on-one coaching for dreamers and writers. You can learn more about working with me at Badass Books and Besties Coaching Packages.

Thanks for being here, bestie. I’m so glad you’re listening.

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Have you ever finished a self-help book feeling inspired, motivated, and ready to change your life, only to realize a few weeks later that very little has actually changed?

The problem may not be that you are reading the wrong books. It may be that no one ever taught you how to turn what you read into meaningful action.

In this episode, Brianna explores why understanding a powerful lesson is not the same as applying it, how inspiration fades when we do not give it somewhere to go, and why reflection is the bridge between an author’s wisdom and your own life. You will also learn how small, intentional actions can help you build confidence, challenge limiting beliefs, and create lasting growth without feeling like you have to reinvent your entire life overnight.

You may not need another book telling you what to do. You may already have the wisdom you need and simply be ready to begin living it.

Ready to move beyond highlighting inspiring ideas and start applying them? Download the free Bloom With Books 5-Day Challenge and discover how to turn your love of reading into real-life growth, reflection, confidence, and meaningful action.

Download Bloom With Books: https://badassbookbesties.com/bloomwithbooks 

Learn more about Badass Book Besties: BadassBookBesties.com

Follow Brianna on Instagram: @badassbookbestie

Support the show

Looking for your next great read? Download my free guide — 10 Books Every Badass Woman Should Read — a curated list of empowering books that inspire growth, confidence, and connection. Grab it ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠!

If you love conversations like this and want to read and reflect alongside other book-loving women, you’re invited to join Badass Book Besties — my book club community where we read together, meet live, and have real, honest discussions about books and life. 

And if you’re craving deeper support — whether that’s clarity, confidence, creative momentum, or building a life that actually feels like yours — I also offer one-on-one coaching for dreamers and writers. You can learn more about working with me at Badass Books and Besties Coaching Packages.

Thanks for being here, bestie. I’m so glad you’re listening.

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Have you ever talked yourself out of something before you even started? Maybe you've convinced yourself you're not good enough, that you'll probably fail, or that you're "just an overthinker." The truth is, the stories we tell ourselves often shape our lives far more than we realize.

In this episode of the Badass Books and Besties Podcast, we're diving into Soundtracks by Jon Acuff—a book that explores how our thoughts become the stories we believe and how those stories influence our confidence, our decisions, and our ability to move forward.

We'll unpack why overthinking keeps us stuck, how broken "soundtracks" quietly become part of our identity, and what we can do to replace them with thoughts that actually help us grow. Along the way, I'll share some of my favorite concepts from the book, practical ways to challenge limiting beliefs, and simple strategies you can begin using today to create healthier thought patterns.

Whether you've struggled with perfectionism, self-doubt, or constantly feeling like you're one step behind, I think you'll walk away from this conversation with a new perspective on the voice inside your head—and the realization that you don't have to believe every thought you think.

In this episode, we'll discuss:

📚 What overthinking really is—and why it keeps us stuck
 🧠 How your internal "soundtracks" shape your beliefs and behavior
 ✨ Three questions that can help you challenge limiting thoughts
 💛 Why the goal isn't to eliminate negative thoughts, but to turn down their volume
 🚀 How taking action builds confidence and breaks the cycle of overthinking
 🌱 Practical ways to create healthier thought patterns that support the life you want to build

Reflection Question: What story have you been telling yourself lately—and if you could rewrite that story, what would it say instead?

Support the show

Looking for your next great read? Download my free guide — 10 Books Every Badass Woman Should Read — a curated list of empowering books that inspire growth, confidence, and connection. Grab it ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠!

If you love conversations like this and want to read and reflect alongside other book-loving women, you’re invited to join Badass Book Besties — my book club community where we read together, meet live, and have real, honest discussions about books and life. 

And if you’re craving deeper support — whether that’s clarity, confidence, creative momentum, or building a life that actually feels like yours — I also offer one-on-one coaching for dreamers and writers. You can learn more about working with me at Badass Books and Besties Coaching Packages.

Thanks for being here, bestie. I’m so glad you’re listening.

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Dive into "Badass Books and Besties" as Brianna interviews romance writer Mallory Thomas in an inspiring, heartfelt episode. Mallory shares her journey from content creator and mother to published author, revealing how real-life moments pushed her to trade screen time for storytelling and reconnect with her passion for soft, swoon-worthy love stories. This episode covers her writing process, balancing family and creativity, overcoming challenges, and her unique Where Is Your Somewhere Project, where readers track her book’s global reach. Plus, get a sneak peek into her upcoming fiction and nonfiction releases, including "Somewhere Along the Line" and "Bottle Service." If you love cozy reads, author insights, and uplifting conversations about carving out space for yourself, tune in for book vibes that leave you warmer and more hopeful than your social feed.

If you'd love to follow or keep in touch with Mallory, you can find her here: 

o  Website

o  Instagram: Mallory Writes

o  TikTok

o  Where is Your Somewhere? 

o  Instagram: The Formula Mom

o  The Formula Mom Website

Support the show

Looking for your next great read? Download my free guide — 10 Books Every Badass Woman Should Read — a curated list of empowering books that inspire growth, confidence, and connection. Grab it ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠!

If you love conversations like this and want to read and reflect alongside other book-loving women, you’re invited to join Badass Book Besties — my book club community where we read together, meet live, and have real, honest discussions about books and life. 

And if you’re craving deeper support — whether that’s clarity, confidence, creative momentum, or building a life that actually feels like yours — I also offer one-on-one coaching for dreamers and writers. You can learn more about working with me at Badass Books and Besties Coaching Packages.

Thanks for being here, bestie. I’m so glad you’re listening.

Send us Fan Mail

The Secret by Rhonda Byrne has become one of the most widely discussed personal development books in the world, introducing millions of readers to the idea that our thoughts, emotions, and beliefs influence the experiences we create in our lives. At its core, the book explores the Law of Attraction and invites readers to consider how awareness of our inner world can shape the direction of our outer lives.

This episode explores the central concepts presented in the book, including the role of dominant thoughts, emotional awareness, gratitude, visualization, and the creative process of Ask, Believe, and Receive. Rather than treating these ideas as quick formulas for success, the conversation focuses on how they can be applied thoughtfully and realistically in everyday life. The discussion examines how our beliefs about money, relationships, health, and identity influence the way we move through the world, and how shifting our focus toward possibility and intention can open new pathways for growth.

Listeners will also explore practical ways to apply these ideas, including developing awareness of thought patterns, recognizing feelings as feedback, practicing gratitude in advance, and allowing space for the next step to unfold without needing to control every outcome. These reflections invite a deeper look at how mindset, attention, and emotional patterns influence personal transformation.

Books like The Secret can become powerful tools for reflection when they are explored slowly and intentionally. Engaging with these ideas in conversation, questioning them, and applying them to real life creates opportunities for meaningful growth. This episode offers a thoughtful exploration of the book’s teachings and invites listeners to consider how greater awareness, self-trust, and intentional focus can support the life they are ready to create.

Support the show

Looking for your next great read? Download my free guide — 10 Books Every Badass Woman Should Read — a curated list of empowering books that inspire growth, confidence, and connection. Grab it ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠!

If you love conversations like this and want to read and reflect alongside other book-loving women, you’re invited to join Badass Book Besties — my book club community where we read together, meet live, and have real, honest discussions about books and life. 

And if you’re craving deeper support — whether that’s clarity, confidence, creative momentum, or building a life that actually feels like yours — I also offer one-on-one coaching for dreamers and writers. You can learn more about working with me at Badass Books and Besties Coaching Packages.

Thanks for being here, bestie. I’m so glad you’re listening.

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, Brianna shares a thoughtful and realistic approach to building a writing habit that fits into real life, even when things feel busy, overwhelming, or unpredictable.

Drawing from a recent writing group session, she talks about why so many writers struggle with consistency, why motivation alone is rarely enough, and how small, flexible routines can make writing feel possible again.

You’ll learn how to design a writing habit that works with your energy, schedule, and responsibilities instead of against them, as well as how to let go of perfectionism and build forgiveness into your creative process.

If you’ve ever felt discouraged about “falling off” your writing routine or unsure how to stay connected to your creativity, this episode offers encouragement, practical guidance, and a gentle reminder that slow and steady progress truly counts.

Plus, learn how to join Brianna’s free book club for more connection, conversation, and support around books, writing, and creative life. Join us in the Badass Book Besties Community

Support the show

Looking for your next great read? Download my free guide — 10 Books Every Badass Woman Should Read — a curated list of empowering books that inspire growth, confidence, and connection. Grab it ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠!

If you love conversations like this and want to read and reflect alongside other book-loving women, you’re invited to join Badass Book Besties — my book club community where we read together, meet live, and have real, honest discussions about books and life. 

And if you’re craving deeper support — whether that’s clarity, confidence, creative momentum, or building a life that actually feels like yours — I also offer one-on-one coaching for dreamers and writers. You can learn more about working with me at Badass Books and Besties Coaching Packages.

Thanks for being here, bestie. I’m so glad you’re listening.

Send us Fan Mail

In this deeply personal episode of Badass Books and Besties, Brianna shares the five books that shaped her 2025 and explains why this year of reading meant more to her than any other.

After a year marked by grief, growth, and major life transitions, she reflects on how reading supported her emotionally, creatively, and personally during one of the most meaningful seasons of her life. These are not just favorite books, but the stories that helped her process loss, understand relationships more deeply, and reflect on the woman she is becoming.

In this episode, Brianna talks about:

• Why 2025 was such a meaningful reading year
• What kind of books she found herself craving during a season of grief and transition
• How reading became a form of emotional support and healing
• The five books that stayed with her long after she finished them

Featured books include:

• Under the Whispering Door by T.J. Klune
• Radium Girls by Kate Moore
• The Origins of You by Vienna Pharaon
• Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
• The Drowning Kind by Jennifer McMahon

Brianna also shares why she created her free guide, 10 Badass Books Every Woman Should Read. This was created specifically for women who want to read with more intention and choose books that truly change how they think about their lives, their relationships, and themselves.

If you are a woman who loves reading, is navigating grief or personal growth, or simply wants better book recommendations, this episode is for you.

Support the show

Looking for your next great read? Download my free guide — 10 Books Every Badass Woman Should Read — a curated list of empowering books that inspire growth, confidence, and connection. Grab it ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠!

If you love conversations like this and want to read and reflect alongside other book-loving women, you’re invited to join Badass Book Besties — my book club community where we read together, meet live, and have real, honest discussions about books and life. 

And if you’re craving deeper support — whether that’s clarity, confidence, creative momentum, or building a life that actually feels like yours — I also offer one-on-one coaching for dreamers and writers. You can learn more about working with me at Badass Books and Besties Coaching Packages.

Thanks for being here, bestie. I’m so glad you’re listening.

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Badass Books & Besties, we’re diving deep into Book Club Session 2 of Untamed by Glennon Doyle—and this conversation is honest, layered, and anything but surface-level.

Pulled straight from one of our live Badass Book Besties discussions, this episode captures real women reacting in real time to Untamed: what resonated, what challenged us, and what didn’t sit right. We talk openly about purpose, the pressure to be endlessly productive, and the complicated question of what it actually means to feel “enough”—especially as women navigating work, relationships, expectations, and identity.

This isn’t a polished book review or a highlight reel of quotes. It’s a candid book club conversation where we explore:

• How productivity and hustle culture get tied to worthiness
• Why rest can feel like failure—and why that’s so hard to unlearn
• The idea that heartbreak and anger might point us toward purpose
• Contradictions in Untamed that sparked debate and frustration
• Confidence, imposter syndrome, and why women downplay themselves
• What “being untamed” really looks like in real life—not just on the page

If you listened to Session 1, this episode builds on that foundation and goes deeper into the messy middle of the book—where inspiration, discomfort, and disagreement all collide. And if you’re new here, you’ll quickly learn this is a space where you don’t have to pretend a book worked for you just because it’s popular.

Whether Untamed empowered you, irritated you, or left you conflicted, this conversation invites you to think more deeply about your own relationship with purpose, productivity, and self-worth.

🎧 Press play, pour a drink, and join us for one of our most thought-provoking book club conversations yet.

Support the show

Looking for your next great read? Download my free guide — 10 Books Every Badass Woman Should Read — a curated list of empowering books that inspire growth, confidence, and connection. Grab it ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠!

If you love conversations like this and want to read and reflect alongside other book-loving women, you’re invited to join Badass Book Besties — my book club community where we read together, meet live, and have real, honest discussions about books and life. 

And if you’re craving deeper support — whether that’s clarity, confidence, creative momentum, or building a life that actually feels like yours — I also offer one-on-one coaching for dreamers and writers. You can learn more about working with me at Badass Books and Besties Coaching Packages.

Thanks for being here, bestie. I’m so glad you’re listening.

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Badass Books & Besties, we’re sharing Book Club Session 1 of Untamed by Glennon Doyle — pulled straight from a live, real-time discussion inside our book club.

This is not a review or a recap. It’s an honest, unfiltered conversation between women of different generations responding to the ideas and themes in Untamed and how they show up in real life. We talk openly about freedom, expectations, feminism, religion, bodily autonomy, beauty standards, social media pressure, and the ways women are conditioned to shrink, perform, and seek approval.

You’ll hear different perspectives, strong opinions, moments of disagreement, humor, reflection, and yes — strong language. This episode includes feminist topics and candid discussions about sex, relationships, and autonomy. It’s thoughtful, sometimes uncomfortable, and very real.

If you’ve read Untamed and found yourself questioning your own conditioning, or if you’re curious why this book has resonated so deeply with so many women, this conversation offers a grounded, relatable entry point. And if you haven’t read the book yet, you’ll still walk away with plenty to think about.

This episode is part of an ongoing Untamed book club series. If you’re craving more conversations like this — real-time discussions, thoughtful reads, and a community of women who aren’t afraid to talk about the hard stuff — that’s exactly what we do inside the Badass Book Besties.

Support the show

Looking for your next great read? Download my free guide — 10 Books Every Badass Woman Should Read — a curated list of empowering books that inspire growth, confidence, and connection. Grab it ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠!

If you love conversations like this and want to read and reflect alongside other book-loving women, you’re invited to join Badass Book Besties — my book club community where we read together, meet live, and have real, honest discussions about books and life. 

And if you’re craving deeper support — whether that’s clarity, confidence, creative momentum, or building a life that actually feels like yours — I also offer one-on-one coaching for dreamers and writers. You can learn more about working with me at Badass Books and Besties Coaching Packages.

Thanks for being here, bestie. I’m so glad you’re listening.

Send us Fan Mail

In this conversation, you’ll meet Dr. Melanie McNally—licensed clinical psychologist, brain coach, and author of The Emotionally Intelligent Teen and Helping Your Unmotivated Teen. You’ll hear how emotional intelligence really works (it’s more than “people skills”), why self-awareness without self-regulation can spike anxiety, and an instant tool you can use anywhere to calm your nervous system. We also dive into writing routines (time-blocking vs. “waiting for inspiration”), handling tough editor feedback, and the power of stories to change behavior. Bonus: you’ll get a peek at Melanie’s next book inspired by dog-sledding (“mushing”) and what leaders and parents can learn from it.

If you support teens (or love one), if you’re a writer who craves momentum, or if you’re ready to feel less overwhelmed and more you, this one’s for you.

What you’ll learn

• The 3 pillars of Emotional Intelligence: self-awareness, self-regulation, interpersonal skills—and how to strengthen each
• Why Gen Z often has high awareness but low regulation (and what to do about it)
• A 10-second nervous-system reset: the “doublet breath” you can use before tests, hard talks, or stressful moments
• Practical ways to protect writing time, prep your research, and get words down—even when inspiration is MIA
• How to navigate conflicting editorial notes without losing your voice
• Why stories drive change (and how to use them at home, school, and work)

Connect with Dr. Melanie McNally

• Website
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Facebook

Support the show

Looking for your next great read? Download my free guide — 10 Books Every Badass Woman Should Read — a curated list of empowering books that inspire growth, confidence, and connection. Grab it ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠!

If you love conversations like this and want to read and reflect alongside other book-loving women, you’re invited to join Badass Book Besties — my book club community where we read together, meet live, and have real, honest discussions about books and life. 

And if you’re craving deeper support — whether that’s clarity, confidence, creative momentum, or building a life that actually feels like yours — I also offer one-on-one coaching for dreamers and writers. You can learn more about working with me at Badass Books and Besties Coaching Packages.

Thanks for being here, bestie. I’m so glad you’re listening.