It’s just the two of us today — catching up on life, spilling some tea, and serving up the kind of unfiltered advice that could probably get us banned from a PTA meeting. We’re talking spirit guides (yes, actual ghosts), the crimes of soggy fries, and why some people need to hear “leave his ass” loud and clear.

Devan shares big, emotional updates: her kids’ adoption is official after a three-year journey, a trip to see her grandfather after his cancer diagnosis, and an unexpected, goosebump-inducing seance experience that connected her with family on the other side.

Kelsey’s life update includes buying a house, staying booked and busy with business, making intentional time for family this summer, and starting therapy.

Then we dive into:

• A Leave His Ass segment you won’t want to miss — featuring a Fort Drum spouse, a husband who filed separation papers behind her back, and our unfiltered advice on dignity, resources, and legal rights.

• Our brand new game: “Things That Should Be Illegal But Aren’t.” From people who say “yum-yums” to public speakerphone calls, not returning shopping carts, men saying “females,” and soggy fries, we decide whether these offenders should get a pass… or go straight to jail.

It’s part deep, heartfelt life talk, part spicy advice, and part laugh-until-you-snort commentary — in other words, classic Two Besties with a Mic.

Come hang out with us:IG: @TwoBestiesWithAMic

In this episode, Devan and Kelsey sit down with Sarah MacFarland, the powerhouse owner behind Chrissy Beans, a beloved bakery and café with locations in Sackets Harbor and Watertown, NY. Sarah shares her inspiring journey from working at Chrissy Beans as a teenager to unexpectedly becoming its owner years later during the height of the pandemic.

From bold business moves to balancing motherhood, marriage, and mental health, Sarah opens up about:

• How a spontaneous "yes" (and a job layoff) led her into entrepreneurship

• The evolution from small-town barista to small-business owner

• Building community through coffee, crafts, and open mic nights

• Her unexpected transition from corporate life to café culture

• Cultivating a team-first, supportive staff culture

• Losing pieces of herself in the process—and the work of reclaiming her identity

Plus, we talk about the importance of solitude, the power of self-awareness, and why it's okay to want more—even when everything looks perfect on paper.

Hot Topics We Covered:

• Growing a local brand while raising a family

• Creating safe, inclusive spaces in small towns

• Why peer-to-peer feedback and non-hierarchical leadership matter

• That one sandwich that changed Devan’s life (hint: apples included)

• Self-worth, burnout, and the myth of “having it all together”

Flash Round Highlights:

• Guilty pleasure? True crime.

• Favorite hype song? "Unstoppable" by Sia.

• Bucket list? A mother-daughter trip to Woodstock.

• Quote she lives by? “Fresh air and sunshine.”

Special Mentions & Shoutouts:

• Weekly and monthly events at Chrissy Beans: Trivia Nights, Craft Meetups, and Open Mic Tuesdays

• The upcoming Elevate Summit in Watertown (November 7–9, 2025)

Visit Chrissy Beans:

• Sackets Harbor: Next to the post office

• Watertown: Washington Street, in the plaza

Follow Chrissy Beans for event updates:Instagram | Facebook | Website

Want more raw, real conversations like this one?

Make sure you're subscribed to Two Besties with a Mic. Leave us a review, tag us in your stories, and tell us what resonated most with you from this episode.

Ever wondered what Human Design actually is and why everyone seems to be talking about it? In this episode, Devan and Kelsey sit down with Human Design expert Anna Kinney to break it all down.

Anna shares how Human Design can help you better understand yourself, your energy, and how you move through the world. She also opens up about her own journey of shedding old identities, building her business, and what it really means to live in alignment.

We cover:

• The biggest myths about Human Design (and what’s actually true)

• Common mistakes people make when reading their chart

• How Human Design can validate your natural strengths and help you find your flow

• Why “waiting for the invitation” doesn’t mean sitting around doing nothing

• The deeper magic of deconditioning and trusting your own energy

Whether you’re brand new to Human Design or already know your type, this episode is packed with insights that will help you use the tool in a way that actually fits your life.

Connect with Anna: https://annawithintention.love/

Get your free Human Design chart directly on her site!

Follow Two Besties with a Mic:

Instagram: @twobestieswithamic

This week, the Besties sit down with Ashley Young. A mom, wife, and founder of Fizzy and Free to talk about what it means to ditch the nightly wine ritual and find yourself again in the chaos of motherhood.

Ashley opens up about her journey from being a nightly drinker to finding sobriety, peace, and purpose. She shares the real-life challenges of being a mom in a wine-obsessed world, how she landed in the hospital from a 12-day bender, and what finally pushed her to stop hitting reset and start building something better. Not just for herself but for other moms who feel like they’re drowning in expectations and the overwhelming chaos of motherhood.

Expect honest conversations about:

• The sneaky way alcohol becomes part of a mom’s identity

• The pressure of "mommy wine culture" and social media highlight reels

• Creating small, sustainable change vs. all-or-nothing thinking

• How to support yourself (or a friend) when stuck in the “Day One” cycle

• What freedom really looks like after alcohol

Plus, hear how Fizzy and Free was born, how Lisa Frank inspired Ashley’s branding, and why sometimes a sticker on your body (or a bowl of M&Ms) is the dopamine hit you need.

Highlights from this episode:

• Ashley’s candid take on postpartum expectations and losing yourself in motherhood

• Devan and Kelsey’s reflections on foster parenting, early intervention, and navigating “mom guilt”

• The magic of Annie Grace’s This Naked Mind and the science behind alcohol cravings

• Flash round fun (including Ashley’s Imagine Dragons hype songs and guilty pleasure desserts)

Connect with Ashley Young:

• Instagram & Facebook: @fizzyandfree

• Sign Up for Ashley's Free Workshop on August 1st: Stop Hitting Reset — 5 Tools to Break the Nightly Wine Cycle

If you loved this episode, share it with your bestie, leave a review, and don’t forget to hit subscribe. All episodes are available on Spotify & Apple Podcasts.

You can also follow Devan and Kelsey for more unfiltered conversations about real life, motherhood, and building a life on your terms on their Instagram @twobestieswithamic

This week, Devan and Kelsey are joined by not one, but two incredible guests: Destiny of Wild Roots and Stephanie of Cosmic Feels. Together, they form The Return, a soul-led collaboration that blends wellness, energy work, and survivor advocacy into community offerings rooted in healing and connection.

Inside this Episode:

• How Destiny and Stephanie met (yes, in a rainstorm, surrounded by crystals)

• The origin of The Return and its mission to bring self-care and healing into shelters, conferences, and local spaces

• The transformative power of sound healing, astrology, and intentional sisterhood

• The behind-the-scenes of their chakra series and how it became a gateway for deeper self-awareness and growth

• Honest conversations about money, guilt, and the emotional labor of women

• • Kelsey and Devan feeling wildly seen by their guest doppelgängers

  
  

  Plus:

• The truth about tuning forks, buffalo drums, and the vagus nerve

• Sound healing isn’t just “woo”—it’s science and intention

• Why investing in healing matters just as much as a new sofa

• What healing really means (spoiler: it’s not a destination)

Connect With The Guests:

Destiny – Wild Roots Wellness & Revival

Offers sound healing, group meditations, and pop-ups

Locations in Theresa, Watertown, and surrounding areas

Follow: Wild Roots Wellness & Revival on Facebook

Stephanie – Cosmic Feels

Astrology readings, crystal jewelry, tuning fork + Reiki sessions

Available at the Wellness Crystal Cottage

Follow: Instagram – @cosmic_feels

Facebook – Cosmic Feels

Podcast – Cosmic Beauty (Available on IG @cosmicbeautypod)

Together, they also lead The Return, offering trauma-informed, accessible wellness for shelters, organizations, and beyond.

Don't forget!

Grab your Elevate Summit 2025 ticket today! Happening November 7–9 in Watertown, NY. Because sisterhood, healing, and bold moves aren’t just nice-to-haves—they’re necessary.

This week, the besties are joined by the vibrant and resilient April Bennett—foster mom, community advocate, cooking instructor, and now, aspiring coach. From chasing dreams in New York City to building a non-traditional family through foster care, April shares how she redefined success, love, and self-worth on her own terms.

In this episode, we cover:

• How April went from acting to culinary school to community engagement

• What it was like becoming a single foster mom of five

• The unexpected joy and chaos of raising kids across all ages—from toddlers to teens

• Reclaiming identity after burnout and finding herself again post-COVID

• The role of therapy, coaching, and creative outlets in her healing process

• Launching Time to Thrive, her new coaching and cooking class business

• Finding love unexpectedly—and learning to stay open to new versions of life

• How to hold space for your own dreams while showing up for others

Quote of the Episode: "Leap—and the net will appear." —April Bennett

Book Recommendation: Untamed by Glennon Doyle — a powerful read on authenticity, identity, and choosing yourself.

Connect with April:

• New coaching business: Thyme to Thrive (coming soon)

• Local cooking classes at the YMCA’s community kitchen in Watertown

• Serving as Director of Programming for Take Up Space Foundation

Save the Date: The United Way’s Race Against Poverty is happening September 27 in downtown Watertown. A high-energy, team-based challenge inspired by The Amazing Race, this event raises funds for anti-poverty initiatives while celebrating local businesses and community connection.

Listen now to hear how April turned the “messy middle” into a launchpad for joy, growth, and connection. Available on Spotify or Apple Podcasts! Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review!

This week on Two Besties with a Mic, Devan and Kelsey welcome their #1 hype woman, queso queen, and real-life bestie, Barb Perez! It’s a heartfelt, hilarious, and honest convo about what it really means to show up for each other—especially when things get messy.

In this episode:

• Meet Barb Perez and hear how she became part of the Two Besties crew

• The story behind the homemade queso (Barb's love language)

• What real friendship looks like as we grow (and grieve)

• The difference between being raw and being real

• Why curated openness isn’t the same as true vulnerability

• How to recognize sneaky control and people-pleasing tendencies

• Sitting in the dark with your people, literally and emotionally

• Plus: Devan’s weekend daughter, Barb’s legendary quotes, and the vacuum that stole the show

This episode is a must-listen if you’ve ever felt alone in your struggles, wondered if you’re oversharing, or craved friendships that feel safe, sacred, and soul-nourishing.

Featuring wisdom like:

“Real friends aren’t the ones who always show up when it’s fun. They’re the ones who sit with you in the dark.”
“Being raw is for safe spaces. Being real is for the world.”
“Perception is reality, but you don’t owe anyone an explanation.”

Tune in now for deep connection, unexpected laughs, and a reminder that you're not alone.

—

🔗 Links & Mentions:

• Take Up Space Foundation – Join the waitlist or make a donation

• The Body Keeps the Score (Book Recommendation)

• Follow Barb on Facebook

• Follow us on Instagram: @twobestieswithamic

💬 Love this episode? Share it with the friend who’s always shown up when you needed them most.

Welcome back to Two Besties with a Mic! In Episode 39, we’re back in interview mode after wrapping up our four-part series—and this one is a treat.

This week, we're joined by Lorie Converse, a powerhouse in the mortgage world, an event-planning queen, a Watertown community leader, and someone we’re lucky to call a friend. From school boards to bold manifestations, this episode is packed with laughter, personal growth, and a lot of real talk.

In this episode, we talk about:

• How Lorie got into the mortgage industry (spoiler: it started with a trip to Jamaica 🏖️)

• What it’s like to work alongside your spouse and be actual best friends with them

• Balancing business, community service, and motherhood (including four kids!)

• The power of setting bold goals and manifesting your dream life (hello, Cabo!)

• Why you can be both bold and kind—and how Lorie is living proof of that

• The unexpected impact of Bloom, personal growth journeys, and postcards from your past self

• Bravo Housewives, coffee delivery drama, and why a Louis Vuitton bag is more than just a goal

This is one of our most inspiring interviews yet—and we’re not just saying that. Lorie is the definition of real, relatable, and resilient.

Listen in if you’ve ever...

• Felt intimidated to chase big goals

• Wondered how to juggle it all without losing yourself

• Needed a reminder that kindness and boundaries can coexist

Connect with Lorie:

• Facebook: Lorie Converse

• Mortgage Help: Close it with Converse 💼

Grab your Elevate Summit ticket before they sell out: developingwithdevan.com/elevatesummit
💌 Write yourself a postcard when you get there—you’ll thank us later.

Thanks for tuning in, besties! Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear that it’s okay to be both strong and soft. We’ll see you next time!

Love, Devan & Kelsey

#TwoBestiesWithAMic #BoldAndKind #CloseItWithConverse #WatertownWomen #ManifestationWorks #ElevateSummit #MortgageBoss #WomenInBusiness #BloomEffect

Welcome to the fiery finale of our four-part series! In this episode, Kelsey and Devan throw down the glittery black carpet and invite you to unapologetically walk into your villain era—the one where you stop apologizing for being too much and start loving yourself loudly.

In this episode, we dive into:

• What it actually means to be in your villain era (hint: it’s not about being evil)
  

• Rewriting self-worth stories and ditching the “earn your worth” mentality
  

• Why comparison is a tool of oppression (especially for women)
  

• The myth of imposter syndrome and why it’s keeping you small
  

• Prioritizing yourself without guilt (yes, even if it makes people uncomfortable)
  

• How the “blue guy” from Megamind is your new self-worth icon

  
  

Plus, Devan shares her behind-the-scenes process of revamping her self-doubt course into a bold new immersive audio bundle: Stop Talking Sh*t About Yourself — and spills the tea on the funnel she’s building around it (no gatekeeping here).

Kelsey gets real about silencing herself in the past, learning to take up space, and that moment she realized loving yourself out loud isn’t conceited—it’s revolutionary.

Favorite quotes from this episode:

• “I’m not going to shrink myself just because I take up more space.”
  

• “You’re not the villain for prioritizing yourself. You’re just finally not the sidekick.”
  

• “Comparison is a tool of oppression—and we’re not playing that game anymore.”

  
  

Don’t forget: If you’ve listened to episodes 35–38, there’s a special giveaway waiting for you! Go binge the series and listen for the details.

Main Character Energy? Activated. Love us? Leave a review, share with a friend, or tag us on Instagram @TwoBestiesWithAMic.

We're back with part 3 of our 4-part mini-series—and this one is a deep dive. Kelsey and Devan reflect on where they were five years ago (yep, March 2020), and the powerful life, business, and self-worth lessons they’ve learned since.

From quitting jobs, starting businesses during a pandemic, and unlearning perfectionism to building boundaries, battling body image, and breaking free from victim mindsets—this episode is full of real talk and raw growth.

In this episode, we unpack:

• Where we were in March 2020 and how the pandemic impacted our lives and businesses

• The mindset traps we didn’t even know we were stuck in

• How perfectionism, external validation, and fear of rejection held us back

• The advice we’d give our younger selves (and maybe you need to hear it too)

• What it means to wake up and stop living for everyone else

• The things we thought were “the way” that we now know were so wrong

  
  

This is your permission slip to:

• Say no more often

• Stop waiting for someone else’s approval

• Let go of the people who give you the ick

• Take up space even if you don’t “look the part”

• Choose yourself—every damn time

 Mini-Series Listener Challenge Reminder!

Share any episode from this 4-part series on your IG or FB stories, tag @twobestieswithamic, and fill out the Google Form (linked below) to win:

• A $50 gift card to Kelsey Deru Aesthetics

• A signed copy of What’s Your Worth by Devan

• A $25 coffee shop gift card (Starbucks, Dunkin', or your fave local spot!

Deadline: April 25th

Enter here: Two Besties with a Mic Raffle Entry

Favorite quotes from this episode:

• “Maybe those butterflies are actually snakes.”

• “The people who make you feel uncomfortable for no reason? Trust it—and run.”

• “I don’t need you to like me to know I’m worthy.”

• “Looking inward is the first step to waking up.”

Let us know your ah-ha moments—screenshot this episode and tag us!