Being Different with Liz Durham

Today's conversation is deeply personal, and deeply important. I sit down with my dear friend Emily Smith to discuss her incredible journey with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. Just months after her shocking diagnosis, Emily's cancer had already spread to her brain - a rare and aggressive progression that left her doctors uncertain of the path forward. But today, we talk about the courage and grace Emily carried in the midst of her fight. It will leave you in awe and eager to embrace each day with renewed purpose.

Through it all, Emily has maintained an unwavering spirit of hope, positivity, and determination. Rather than letting the diagnosis consume her, she has focused on being present for her family, finding humor in the darkest moments, and using her experience to uplift and support others facing similar battles. She openly shares the emotional rollercoaster of her diagnosis, the invaluable support she's received, and the profound shift in her perspective on what truly matters in life. 

For anyone seeking inspiration, comfort, or a reminder that even in the face of unimaginable challenges, this story is a reminder that there is always reason to hope. This is about celebrating this remarkable woman and the beauty that can emerge from the darkest of circumstances.

- - - - - - - - - - -
Liz Durham Instagram | Website
Subscribe Apple Podcast | Spotify

Being Different with Liz Durham is a Palm Tree Pod Co. production

To me, Matt Kaye is a true embodiment of the American dream. From his humble beginnings in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, to creating a booming $300 million business that cleaned up old explosives from military sites, Matt’s story is iconic. Now, retired at 49 and diving into the restaurant world with Cazzy’s, he’s living life on his terms. We’re gonna dig into how he made it big, the challenges along the way, and what it’s like stepping away from the corporate grind to spend more time with his beautiful family and his latest passion project. 

- - - - - - - - - - -
Liz Durham Instagram | Website
Subscribe Apple Podcast | Spotify

Being Different with Liz Durham is a Palm Tree Pod Co. production

Ever feel invisible while doing the hardest job in the world? Yeah, me too. Today I’m talking about losing it over the lack of ‘thanks’ I get and why we need to smash the perfect mom façade. You'll hear about my first big trip away from the kids and how we handled it at home—after we saved a chicken in the freezing cold, of course.

This year, it’s all about  ditching impossible standards and actually enjoying the experience. Forget perfection—let’s get real about making sure our identity stretches beyond just being a mom and setting goals that don’t drive us crazy. So, if you’re feeling unseen or overwhelmed, this one’s for you.

- - - - - - - - - - -
Liz Durham Instagram | Website
Subscribe Apple Podcast | Spotify

Being Different with Liz Durham is a Palm Tree Pod Co. production

This week, I am yet again totally inspired by the confidence and creativity of 17 year old entrepreneur, Sofi SanMiguel. With the support of her mother Dena, Sofi launched her own business, Ivory Beau Boutique while tackling life as a high school student. We talk about the flexibility and freedom that comes with running your own business, as well as the challenges of time management and self-promotion. 

Plus, Sofi and Dena share what it takes to run a business, including details like selecting inventory, navigating the financial side, and building relationships with customers. You'll get a glimpse into the mother-daughter dynamic as they navigate this entrepreneurial path together. This is a must-listen for anyone considering starting their own business, especially at a young age. 

Have you listened to part 1 yet? If not, hop back to my feed to hear about my relationship with Sofi and Dena and the origins of Ivory Beau.

- - - - - - - - - - -
Liz Durham Instagram | Website
Subscribe Apple Podcast | Spotify

Being Different with Liz Durham is a Palm Tree Pod Co. production

If y’all have been keeping up with my show for a while, you may remember my conversation with Dena SanMiguel about her transition from her career to stay-at-home mom. This week she’s back and she’s not alone - her daughter Sofi joins us to talk about their latest adventure: Ivory Beau Boutique. At just 17 years old, Sofi is already stepping into the entrepreneurship ring with her mom’s support, and you don’t want to miss their story.

Sofi and Dena told me all about how they came up with the concept and name, and the challenges they've faced getting the business off the ground - from navigating the world of e-commerce to hosting pop-up shops. 

We had such a great conversation that I decided to split it into two parts. So, keep an eye out for the second half where we go over the nitty-gritty details of managing a business - while in high school I might add - and the valuable lessons this mother-daughter duo has learned.

Use code "DIFFERENT" for 20% off when shopping online at Ivory Beau Boutique

- - - - - - - - - - -
Liz Durham Instagram | Website
Subscribe Apple Podcast | Spotify

Being Different with Liz Durham is a Palm Tree Pod Co. production

Have y'all seen the documentary about Martha Stewart? I think she's fascinating. In this episode, I sit down with one of my funniest friends, Kyri Tombras, to talk about Martha's life and legacy: from her unconventional upbringing, her meteoric rise to become a homemaking billionaire, and her dramatic fall from grace after her insider trading scandal. 

Kyri and I are curious about what Martha's story shows us about the myth of the perfect homemaker. As moms ourselves, we know how unrealistic it is to keep a tidy house, cook healthy meals, and maintain our sanity. So let's pull back the pristine exterior and find out what really makes Martha tick.

- - - - - - - - - - -
Liz Durham Instagram | Website
Subscribe Apple Podcast | Spotify

Being Different with Liz Durham is a Palm Tree Pod Co. production

You know how everyone keeps asking me if I’m going to talk politics on this show? Well, I’m not going to tell you what to think, but I am going to challenge you to think. This episode isn’t about the Trump vs. Kamala drama, but what the recent election means for folks like us. I asked my friend and producer Anthony Palmer to sit down and talk about the complexities of voter behavior and the importance of empathy in our political conversations.


Despite our differences, our chat reveals how much we actually share—like wanting safe schools and affordable healthcare. We also talk about why listening and understanding each other might just be the key to bridging our divides. This isn’t your typical political rant; it’s about finding common ground in a polarized world. It’s time to think differently and maybe find some hope in our shared goals.

- - - - - - - - - - -
Liz Durham Instagram | Website
Subscribe Apple Podcast | Spotify

Being Different with Liz Durham is a Palm Tree Pod Co. production

That's right, I'm back on this topic. I’m over the big, flashy birthday parties. Today, I'm going to tell you about Mac’s latest birthday that Luke went all out for, and honestly, it was just too much. It’s time to rethink the whole event thing—especially with Christmas coming up. I feel guilty about buying cheap toys that barely last and contribute to some real bad stuff globally. We're voting with our dollars, and I think we can do better. So, let’s get real about cutting back, focusing on what truly matters, and teaching our kids the same. Any tips for how to keep the holidays fun without the frenzy? DM me on Instagram.

- - - - - - - - - - -
Liz Durham Instagram | Website
Subscribe Apple Podcast | Spotify

Being Different with Liz Durham is a Palm Tree Pod Co. production

You all know I've been frustrated with our school options. Well, I heard from Charlene Paffumi - a former public school teacher turned homeschooling guru - and felt like we all needed to hear it. After venting my frustrations about formal schooling, Charlene shared her innovative approach to education using a hybrid homeschool model. She tailors her three daughters’ learning experiences around what they're actually interested in, and balances days between a homeschool academy and time at home. I was left feeling inspired and empowered to continue seeking the best educational path for my own family. If you're a parent considering homeschooling or just curious about alternative education models, tune in.

- - - - - - - - - - -
Liz Durham Instagram | Website
Subscribe Apple Podcast | Spotify

Being Different with Liz Durham is a Palm Tree Pod Co. production

Y'all, I think all this stuff we think we need is just weighing us down. My friend Sarah Verzyden is here, and she's the queen of helping people ditch the clutter and find their freedom. We're talking minimalism, getting rid of the crap that doesn't serve us, and how to teach our kids not to be slaves to material things. Sarah's been in the trenches, seeing it all - from hoarders to people who just can't let go. She's sharing her best tips and tricks to help you get your space and your mind right. If you're sick of the constant influx of stuff taking over your life, this episode is for you. Let's talk about being different from the consumer culture and finding the joy in having less. It's time to get rid of the junk!

- - - - - - - - - - -
Liz Durham Instagram | Website
Subscribe Apple Podcast | Spotify

Being Different with Liz Durham is a Palm Tree Pod Co. production