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 reflection, laughter, sisterhood, and truth. No orchestra cutting them off—just crowns slightly tilted and gratitude flowing freely.

This isn’t a highlight reel.

It’s a reminder that growth is messy, nonlinear, and way more powerful when women talk about it out loud.

Cheers to learning, evolving, and glowing forward

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 happiness (cute, fleeting, and usually external) and joy (deeply rooted, grounded, and sustainable AF). Then comes the truth bomb : women are taught to armor up, stay serious, and hold it all together—which is exactly why choosing joy is a radical act.

Julie and Yvonne call full BS on the myth idea that joyful leaders lack credibility (spoiler alert: the data says otherwise). They name the real joy-killers—guilt, grind culture, the “serious leader” performance myth, and the lie that rest is optional—then flip the script with practical, doable joy practices. Think: non-negotiable date nights, bold colors, chocolate breaks, micro-moments of fun, and actually celebrating wins like they matter (because they do).

Consider this episode your permission slip to lead with lightness, power, and a whole lot more joy. 

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 bartender to powerhouse owner, the leadership lessons only two decades in business can teach, and why resilience, humility, and community are the real currency of longevity. This conversation is a masterclass in collaboration over competition — and a reminder that women rise higher when we rise together.

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 burnout, and waiting for applause that may never come. The cure? Values, boundaries, self-trust, a personal board of directors, and a daily hype ritual that reminds you who’s in charge.



Bottom line: Permission slips are canceled. You run the damn show.

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 strategy for women who are building careers, raising humans, and still want to feel like themselves in their bodies.

Reach out to Dr. Tiffany Ruder via her website: https://optimize-her.com/

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 for clarity and empowerment. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to engage in these discussions and support one another.

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 take actionable steps towards their goals, regardless of age.

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 champagne (yes, really), and a brand-new call to action: reclaim your pause power without guilt.

Grab your cocktail, kick off your heels (or keep those flats on—Yvonne style), and let’s talk about turning burnout into breakthrough.

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 you’re ready to lay down and start your #IdentityDetox—no green juice required. 

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 connections through genuine introductions. The hosts challenge listeners to participate in the 'Intro from the Heart' movement, promoting authenticity in personal branding.