Welcome back to part two of our four-part mini-series all about unshrinking, unlearning, and unapologetically owning your voice.

In this episode, Devan and Kelsey dive into the best and worst advice they’ve ever received—personally, professionally, and emotionally. From unsolicited feedback that stuck around way too long, to game-changing guidance that altered how they show up in business and life… this one is juicy.

They dive into:

• The advice that kicked off Devan’s journey to unapologetic confidence

• Why Kelsey is rethinking when to speak up (and when to wait)

• The worst things people have said to them—and how they’ve reclaimed the power

• How external validation, beauty standards, and "success myths" mess with our heads

• A vulnerable talk about self-image, pink hair, and the fat insults that don’t land anymore

• The myth of “fake it til you make it” and what builds real confidenceThe one thing they’d tell their younger selves (and maybe you need to hear it too)

Powerful reminder: You do not need to be liked to be worthy. You don’t need to meet anyone else’s expectations to be successful. And your voice is worth using—even if it makes people uncomfortable.

Mini-Series Challenge Reminder! Share this episode on your Instagram or Facebook story, tag @twobestieswithamic, and fill out the Google Form (linked below) to enter to win:

• A $50 gift card to Kelsey Darou Aesthetics

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

• A $25 gift card to your fave coffee spot

Deadline to enter: April 25th

Click here to fill out the Google Form after you share for your entry to count! You can enter up to FOUR times (one for each episode in the series). Let’s grow this community together.

What’s the worst advice you’ve ever received—and what would you tell your younger self now? Tag us or DM us @twobestieswithamic!

In this raw and unfiltered episode, Devan and Kelsey kick off their brand new 4-part mini-series, all about reclaiming your voice, your space, and your damn power. It’s just the two of them today—no guests, no script, just real talk between besties.

They dive into:

• The biggest ways they’ve outgrown their 2024 selves

• How they’re finally stepping into their villain eras 👑

• Times they shrunk themselves to make others comfortable (and why they’re done with that)

• The business and personal glow-ups that have reshaped their confidence

• Why authenticity, duality, and being “too much” are now their favorite traits

• And the importance of honoring your truth—even if it makes others uncomfortable

Devan shares how a friendship breakup led to stronger business boundaries and bigger money moves.

Kelsey opens up about walking away from a toxic relationship and finally feeling genuinely happy for real.

PLUS: They’re launching a listener challenge!

Share this episode to your Instagram or Facebook stories and tag @twobestieswithamic for a chance to win:

• A $50 gift card to Kelsey Deru Aesthetics

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

• A $25 gift card to your coffee shop of choice (Dunkin', Starbucks, or something local!)

Deadline to enter: April 25th

Click here to fill out the Google Form after you share for your entry to count!

You can enter up to FOUR times (one for each episode in the series). Let’s grow this community together.

🧡 As always, we want to hear from you! DM us or comment with your favorite moments, biggest takeaways, or your answers to the episode’s reflection questions.

34 -  The Power of Storytelling with Mackenzie Heflin

Episode 34 | Two Besties with a Mic

Have you ever wondered how the power of storytelling can elevate your business and build deeper connections with your audience? 

In this episode of Two Besties with a Mic, hosts Devan and Kelsey talk with Mackenzie Heflin about the art of storytelling in business, especially in the fast-paced world of social media and content creation. 

Mackenzie shares her personal journey, the highs and lows of building her brand, and the strategies she’s used to overcome self-doubt and stay authentic while connecting with her community. Ready to learn how vulnerability and authenticity can transform your business? Let’s dive in!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why vulnerability in storytelling should come from a place of healing.

• How to create content that focuses on your audience's desires and transformations.

• The common struggle of navigating self-doubt as a content creator and how to overcome it.

• The role of storytelling in building relatability and trust with audiences.

• How effective storytelling involves strategy, not just sharing personal experiences.

Don’t miss out on these insights that can take your storytelling and business to the next level!

Favorite Quote from This Episode:"When you're telling your story, every story is needed. Every story has its place. And if it doesn't hit, that's okay. Because maybe the person it was meant for just didn't see it yet,” – Mackenzie Helfin

Connect with Mackenzie Heflin:

Tiktok: @mackenzieheflin_

YouTube: Mackenzie Heflin

Resources & Mentions:

Grab Mackenzie’s free here! 

Follow Devan and Kelsey on Instagram!

@DevelopingwithDevan

@KelseyDarouMUA

@twobestieswithamic

In this episode, Kelsey and Devan are joined by their honorary third bestie, Kayla Jamison — President & CEO of the Greater Watertown North Country Chamber of Commerce. And let us tell you… this convo is equal parts informative and heartwarming.

We dive into the real role of a Chamber of Commerce (it’s way more than just ribbon cuttings and networking events), how the local farmers market is actually run by the Chamber, and why connection is at the heart of everything they do.

Kayla also shares how she stepped into leadership, what self-doubt looks like when you're running a 120-year-old organization, and how she and Devan turned a vision into a women’s conference that’s grown year after year: Bloom.

🌸 Bloom 2025 is coming April 4th at the Hilton Garden Inn in Watertown. Whether you’re a business owner, side hustler, or just craving connection and growth, this event is for you. Expect personal and professional development, speakers like Kelsey and Devan, breakout sessions, and yes—really good wings.

🎟️ Grab your ticket at watertownny.com

Episode 32 | Two Besties with a Mic

What does it really mean to take up space unapologetically? How do you handle criticism, self-doubt, and the pressure to shrink yourself? In this episode, we sit down with Rachel Pedersen—entrepreneur, social media strategist, author, and all-around badass—to talk about what it truly takes to show up boldly, embrace vulnerability, and build a business (and life) on your own terms.

Rachel shares her journey from being a hairstylist to growing multiple 8-figure businesses, amassing over 3 million followers, and taking on industry norms without losing herself in the process. We get real about the struggles of online visibility, handling trolls, and why perfection is overrated.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The role of vulnerability in building trust online (and why timing is everything)

• How Rachel navigates negativity, trolls, and unsolicited opinions on social media

• The power of owning your voice (even when it makes people uncomfortable)

• Why taking up space isn’t just about being loud—it’s about showing up fully

• The behind-the-scenes reality of running a successful business while being a real, imperfect human

• And of course, some hilarious, unhinged social media moments that remind us to stop taking it all so seriously

Favorite Quote from This Episode: "Don’t apologize for being who you are. If it’s weird, if it’s crass, if it’s polished, if it’s perfect—don’t apologize for who you are, how you show up, and the way that you show up in this world." – Rachel Pedersen

Connect with Rachel Pedersen:

Website: www.rachelpedersen.com

Instagram: @themrspedersen

YouTube: Rachel Pedersen

Resources & Mentions:

Follow Two Besties with a Mic:

Instagram: @twobestieswithamic

Website: Two Besties with a Mic

What’s your biggest takeaway from this episode? Drop us a DM or comment on our latest post!

Welcome back to Two Besties with a Mic! In this episode, we’re diving into a topic that’s rarely talked about but affects so many people—pelvic health. If you’ve ever wondered whether leaking when you laugh, sneeze, or work out is normal, this episode is for you.

We’re joined by Dr. Rebecca, a pelvic floor physical therapist and yoga teacher, who breaks down everything you need to know about pelvic health, incontinence, painful sex, postpartum recovery, and more. She shares expert insights on how the pelvic floor muscles function, common misconceptions about Kegels, and the connection between mental health and pelvic wellness.

✔️ What exactly is the pelvic floor, and why does it matter?
✔️ The biggest myths about Kegels—are they really the answer?
✔️ How trauma, stress, and emotions impact pelvic health
✔️ What’s actually normal when it comes to bladder control, periods, and sex
✔️ The connection between pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and pelvic floor issues
✔️ What you can do NOW to improve your pelvic health

Whether you’ve had kids, plan to, or just want to understand your body better, this episode is packed with must-know information. No topic is off-limits, and no question is TMI!

🌿 Website: Terra Physical Therapy
📲 Instagram: @dr.rebecca.dpt.ryt

Dr. Rebecca is offering virtual consultations and launching a virtual prenatal yoga series starting February 13th! Plus, if you're in the Syracuse area, keep an eye out for her upcoming pelvic floor yoga teacher training and a workshop at Elevate Summit 2025!

✨ Share this episode with a friend who needs to hear it!
⭐️ Leave a review and let us know your biggest takeaway!
📩 Got a question or a topic you want us to cover? Slide into our DMs! @twobestieswithamic

Thanks for tuning in—your pelvic floor will thank you! 💪💖

Welcome to Episode 30 of Two Besties with a Mic! In this transformative episode, Kelsey and Devan take a deep dive into the 18 Laws of the Universe, exploring how they shape manifestation, personal growth, and our connection to the world around us. Whether you're new to the concept of manifestation or a seasoned pro, this episode will help you uncover actionable insights to align with your purpose, balance your energy, and unlock your potential.

Highlights include:

Books and Influential Figures Mentioned:

Additional Resources Covered:

Favorite Quotes from the Episode:

Loved this episode? Subscribe and leave us a review! Share this with a friend who’s ready to manifest their dream life. Tag us on social media with your biggest takeaway from the 18 Laws of the Universe, and don’t forget to follow us for more empowering content.

In this episode of Two Besties with a Mic, Kelsey and Devan explore how to ditch rigid New Year’s resolutions and focus on setting goals that truly align with your values. They kick off by tackling a listener’s dilemma about balancing personal needs and family responsibilities, emphasizing the importance of boundaries and teamwork.

Devan introduces her approach to goal alignment, which prioritizes flexibility and authenticity. Instead of traditional resolutions, she suggests aligning your ambitions with your core values, such as family, freedom, or creativity, and breaking them into actionable steps. Reflecting on past successes and challenges is key to this process, helping you set goals that are both meaningful and achievable.

The besties also dive into strategies like the Wheel of Life tool and visualization exercises to make your goals feel tangible. Most importantly, they remind listeners to give themselves grace—life changes, and your goals can, too.

Have questions or want to share your goals? Email us at ⁠[email protected]⁠ or follow us on ⁠Instagram @twobestieswithamic⁠.

Join the Conversation: What are your 2025 goals? Share your core values and alignment journey with us on social media using #TwoBestiesWithAMic.

Welcome to another inspiring episode of Two Besties with a Mic! In this special episode, Devan and Kelsey sit down with their first-ever guest, registered dietitian Emily Gozy (formerly known as Emily Tills). Emily shares her personal journey, from overcoming an eating disorder to building her impactful business, Nourished with Emily.

Emily's mission is clear: to help clients break free from restrictive dieting, rebuild their relationships with food, and live healthier, balanced lives. Together, we explore:

This episode is packed with eye-opening insights and actionable advice for anyone ready to let go of food guilt and embrace a sustainable, nourishing approach to health.

Connect with Emily:
Discover more about Emily's approach to nutrition and her transformative programs:

Follow Emily on social media for daily tips, recipes, and inspiration:

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review Two Besties with a Mic! And let us know: What’s one thing you’ll try from today’s conversation?

In this week’s episode of Two Besties with a Mic, hosts Kelsey and Devan dive into the intricacies of attachment theory. Have you ever wondered why some people effortlessly form secure connections while others face challenges rooted in anxiety or avoidance? This conversation unpacks the four main attachment styles—secure, anxious, avoidant, and fearful—to shed light on how these patterns develop in childhood and evolve into adulthood.

Listeners will get a blend of psychology, personal growth insights, and the duo’s signature humor. From Kelsey’s thoughtful analysis to Devan’s hilarious detour about why grabbing fast food before a massage is a no-go, this episode balances education with entertainment. Whether you’re curious about your own attachment style or looking to deepen your understanding of relationships, this episode is a must-listen!

What’s Inside This Episode:

Tune in for an insightful mix of psychology, personal anecdotes, and a lot of laughs. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with your friends! Follow Two Besties with a Mic on @twobestieswithamic on IG for more updates and behind-the-scenes content.