Chatterbox Besties

Brenda and Ricki

Brenda & Ricki dive headfirst into the joy of trying new things, building community and embracing life's transitions. With a passion for learning and sharing they bring you episodes filled with positivity, laughter and a bit of sass. From uncovering the latest news, to sharing gift ideas and lifestyle tips, these two keep it real and relatable. Each episode feels like you're catching up with a bestie - lighthearted, honest and full of ideas. Join the conversation, be inspired and discover the things to turn ordinary days into a 10+. Follow us on IG @chatterboxbesties

  1. APR 25

    Career Reinvention After 50: From Frank Lloyd Wright Scholar to Musical Playwright – Guest Kim Bixler

    Have you ever felt pulled toward a different path, but questioned whether it’s “too late” or “too random?” Then this episode is for you. Today’s guest, Kim Bixler, has one of the most fascinating career journeys. What began as a deep passion for studying and writing about Frank Lloyd Wright, one of the most iconic architects in history, evolved into something completely unexpected, and much later in life. This is a conversation about personal identity, trusting the nudge to change direction at any point in your life, and what it really looks like to build something entirely new, especially when it doesn’t make sense on paper.   Sponsored by the Curated Coach Connector. A personalized coach matching service, empowering women in career and personal transitions. Having the right coach as a guide can make all the difference in unlocking your true potential.  For more information go to www.curatedcoachconnector.com Make a Choice | Take a Chance | Make a Change Learn more about Kim Bixler: https://www.instagram.com/barbamusical https://www.instagram.com/bixlerbixler www.kimbixler.com⁠ and ⁠www.barbamusical.com⁠ If you like our content, please follow, rate and share your comments on our Chatterbox Besties podcast. We love hearing from you! Thank you so much. With love, Your Chatterbox Besties Brenda & Ricki Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/chatterboxbesties Subscribe to our YouTube channel Chatterbox Besties and see us live! Send questions or comments to chatterboxbesties@gmail.com This podcast is produced for entertainment purposes.

    1h 6m
  2. MAR 22

    What's Really in Your Food? A Founder's Wake-Up Call & Journey After Cancer - Guest Sydney Poll, SydPlayEat

    This episode will change how you think about food. Watching someone you love fight for their health, only to be served food that does anything but heal. Today’s guest didn’t just question it, she turned that frustration into a mission. After witnessing her dad recover from cancer and realizing just how broken our food system can be, she did something most people never do; she started a business from scratch. No roadmap, just a deep conviction that food should nourish, not harm. Sydney Poll founded SydPlayEat, a gourmet, clean-ingredient brand of elevated truffle salts and sauces that make eating well feel effortless and actually taste incredible. Bonus: If you're thinking about starting a business, Sydney's journey gives you the insight to make it happen. To celebrate this episode during Women's History Month two exclusive offers are available just for you! A lovely giveaway from our guest today, $100 value of SydPlayEat products in a gorgeous gift box paired with 12 bags of ready to pop gourmet popcorn. All of this will be shipped to you if you win. What a treat!  Plus she’s including the cutest gold condiment spoon. Limited time giveaway. Details on our Instagram.https://instagram.com/chatterboxbesties And whether or not you win you can still win as a Chatterbox Bestie listener because if you order 💕$40 or more at SydPlayEat.com you get $10 off with our exclusive Code CHATTERBOX 💕$80 or more $20 off with code BESTIE This offer is valid through April 30, 2026 Today’s episode is sponsored by Fulcrum aesthetics in Lakeview in Chicago. Fulcrum is dedicated to providing premium surgical and non-surgical beauty services that enhance and rejuvenate your natural beauty.  As a leading practice in Chicago, Fulcrum promises each patient personalized care, focusing on educating you and providing treatments that align with your personal goals. Note that now through April 15, 2026, if you book an esthetic service as a new client at Fulcrum Aesthetics, you will receive a complimentary Aura 3-D Skin Analysis ($150 value) so you can really understand what’s going on with your skin. Be sure to mention Chatterbox Besties when you book to get this awesome analysis for free. Call Fulcrum 773.598.7003 Please remember to send us your comments online or at chatterboxbesties@gmail.com and follow us on Instagram, or YouTube to see us LIVE!, and on our Podcast. We love hearing from you! Thank you so much! With love, Your Chatterbox Besties Brenda & Ricki💕 This podcast is produced for educational purposes.

    1h 6m
  3. MAR 4

    Top Skincare Truths & Myths - Renown Clinical Director Brittony Croasdell, Fulcrum Aesthetics

    Are you ready for spring with your best cared-for skin? Your Chatterbox Besties are gathering the details on what you need to know about elevating your skincare routine with renown clinical director and aesthetician, Brittony Croasdell, owner of Fulcrum Aesthetics. She will answer your common skincare questions and enlighten you with her expertise. 🎯Do you know the 3 simple steps for the best skincare routine? 🎯Do more skincare products equal better skin? 🎯How to take care of aging skin? Anti-aging tips. 🎯What's the deal with in-office treatments and how to know what's best for you? She'll tell you what works and what's a hoax and how to get and keep that dewy and youthful glow. You'll stop guessing and testing and stop wasting money while learning the best tips for your best skin. This episode is sponsored by Fulcrum Aesthetics, Chicago's premiere center for beauty in balance through aesthetic medicine innovations. Two Exclusive Offers From Fulcrum Just For Chatterbox Besties Listeners! To celebrate this episode and your best skincare glow, we are giving away a curated Fulcrum collection of products - The Glow Edit ($350+ Value) A refined mix of clinical-grade skincare and elevated essentials designed to hydrate, restore, and support confident skin at every stage. An incredible giveaway of products. Go to https://www.instagram.com/chatterboxbesties for entry details. Enter through Sunday, 3/8/26. Additionally, a special Chatterbox Besties listener offer: See Your Skin Differently New clients who mention “Chatterbox Besties” when booking at Fulcrum Aesthetics in Chicago, will receive a complimentary Aura add-on (a $150 value) with any esthetician service. Valid through 4/15/26 Aura is an advanced 3D skin analysis technology — a high-definition diagnostic scan that reveals hydration levels, pigmentation, texture, pore size, sun damage, and underlying changes before they fully surface. It removes guesswork and replaces it with precision. It turns a facial into a strategy. Once you experience Aura, you won’t want to book without it. Call Fulcrum at 773.598.7003 If you like our content, please follow, rate and share your comments on our Chatterbox Besties podcast. We love hearing from you! Thank you so much. With love, Your Chatterbox Besties Brenda & Ricki 💕 Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/chatterboxbesties Subscribe to our YouTube channel Chatterbox Besties and see us live! Send questions or comments to chatterboxbesties@gmail.com This podcast is produced for entertainment purposes.

    1h 11m
  4. JAN 29

    How to Live “Astonishingly Alive” – Guest Jodi Wellman, Positive Psychology Expert

    Have you counted the number of Mondays you have left? Our special guest today has done that and more. Positive psychologist, author and TEDx speaker Jodi Wellman has studied with worldwide experts researching what it means to be truly happy and to live with intention. She has been featured in the NY Times, The LA Times, Forbes, Psychology Today, Oprah Daily and more, and has presented to companies like Accenture, BMW, Estee Lauder & Fidelity.  Jodi unpacks for us, based on science, how to live optimally to make the most of our “4000 Mondays.” Jodi's “live like you mean it” book:“You Only Die Once: How to Make It to the End with No Regrets.” Learn step-by-step how to grow into the version of your life that you’ve secretly been fantasizing about: the one jam-packed with vitality and meaning. https://fourthousandmondays.com/book/ Today’s episode is sponsored by the Curated Coach Connector. Happy YOU Year! You know who you are; this new year invites you to claim it. Having the right coach as a guide can make all the difference in unlocking your true potential. Personalized Coach Matching - Empowering Women in Career & Personal Transitions curatedcoachconnector.com Make a Choice | Take a Chance | Make a Change If you like our content, please follow, rate and share your comments on our Chatterbox Besties podcast. We love hearing from you! Thank you so much. With love, Your Chatterbox Besties Brenda & Ricki Follow us on Instagram @chatterboxbesties Subscribe to our YouTube channel Chatterbox Besties and see us live! Send questions or comments to chatterboxbesties@gmail.com

    49 min
  5. 12/06/2025

    Part 2: Everybody Wants This (Gift) - Epic Mens & Stocking Stuffer Stunners

    Looking for the best holiday gift ideas for the men in your life? How about stocking stuffers that are so good you'll be gifting yourself as well? Shop smarter, give better and get your holiday shopping done with our highly curated gift list for him, her and all the peeps that will make your holiday gift giving unforgettable. Listen to all the details created just for you, and then click the links and check them out. With love, Your Chatterbox Besties To be featured on on IG page as well so follow: www.instagram.com/chatterboxbesties/ If you liked this episode please follow our show here and on YouTube and share with a friend. Celebrating this month of Wicked continues as this epsiode sponsored by the just released graphic novel, OZ The Ultimate Universe: The Lost Lands. Discover all the characters. developed by L. Frank. Baum. Purchase on Amazon or at ultimateuniverse.com Epic Men's Gifts Bluetooth Wireless Audio Transmitter Adapter by Twelve South $34.97 100%Merino Wool Crew Neck Machine Washable Sweater by Bonobos $99 25% off RollOn Full Suit and More Garment Suitcase - $258 BurberryReversible Check Print Bucket Hat $480 BackboneOne for iPhone $43.66*-$99  Oofos Sport Recovery Slides $56     NinjaIce Cream Maker $149*-$199 OuraFitness Ring $249-$499 TherabodyVIbrating Foam Roller    $179.99 VnylMonthly Vinyl Membership  $34.99 ItalianLeather Charging Tray  $200  Stocking Stuffers Stunners for All Let’s move into some of these sensational stocking stuffers  for women, men and a few kid items that wethink are super cool. ColorChanging Cats & Dogs Umbrella  byUncommon Goods $38 LovelyBoy Smells Votive Candles   $98 StylishScrunchie Set $40 SweetMichael Aram Heart DIsh  $45 LeVernis Chanel Longwear Nail Color $33 AIPowered Full Color Food Printer $299 Emilyin Paris Cocktail Book $24.99 Send ACake Celebration Bubble Box $50 VeuveCustom Bottle Wrap $7.95 TimelessQuotes for your Timeless Napkins Five Star Linen Cocktail Napkins $21 WatercolorPainting Desk Calendar  $34 Hand Painted Holiday Candles by NYC artist www.instagram.com/joliepaigepaint/ DM the artist on IG $49/pair Custom orders available. CozyBeanie Hat With Light $8.99 - $19.99 PantoneTea from Tea Leaves $34 Tea Wallet – Papersource $14 EmeraldEra Tea Cup $17.95 BariLynn Girls Cozy Ear Muffs $50 PeriodicTable Building Blocks  $40 SmartphoneControlled Paper Airplane  $48-$80 Cheers to gift giving, to the season and cheers to our 1 year anniversary of Chatterbox Besties with Brenda & Ricki! We hope you have enjoyed this episode and that you found some perfect ideas for your loved ones.  Circle back and check out the prior episode; Part 1: Everybody Wants This (Gift) Top Women's Gifts.  *Note that prices may vary on items.

    41 min
  6. 11/15/2025

    Part 1: Everybody Wants This (Gift) - Top Women's/Bestie Gifts

    Looking for gifts you'll love? Check out our favorite gifts that you’ll want too! Shop smarter, give better, and make her holiday (and yours) unforgettable. Listen to all the details and then click the links and check them out. With love, Your Chatterbox Besties To be featured on on IG page as well so follow: https//www.instagram.com/chatterboxbesties/ Celebrating this month of Wicked continues as this epsiode sponsored by the just released graphic novel, OZ The Ultimate Universe: The Lost Lands. Discover all the characters. developed by L. Frank. Baum. Purchase on Amazon or at ultimateuniverse.com 25 Women's / Bestie Gifts We Love Hand Repair Treatment Theraplush Case and Pod-$62   Refills $36  Overnight repair cream.  BK TravelMakeup Brushes with Pouch.  $115 ZiipHalo Facial Device    $399 SharkCyro Glow LED Face Mask with under eye cooling $349  ⁠CleolightLED Mask⁠ Face & Neck Coverage $299 BeautyDiscovery Box Holiday Edition   $270  Violette_FrSheer Lip Shine Bisjou Jelly $29 Isamaya xFace Gym Sculpt of Gua Sha  $60  DysonAirstrait Wet-to-Dry Straightener   $549.99 TeddyClosed Toe Slippers w/ Coffee & Croissant Brooches   $122 QuinceCashmere Crew Sweater  $50 Maria La RosaRibbed Metallic Socks  $49 BergdorfGoodman Cashmere Touchscreen Gloves   $195 BootiePies Blackberry HIgh Boot  $78 Perfect for your pedicure. Assouline"Wine & Travel" Book   by Enrico Bernardo $120 Worldof Forgrave Teas, Curated Blends Set   $125   VietriPompidou Water Glass, 24 oz $67 NoblTravel Weekender  $128*-$305  NoblAll in One Carry On  $249 OxylineMD Pro Body Composition Scale  $199 EberjeyGisele Tencel Modal PJs $158 PickleballPjs  $78 from Uncommon Goods⁠ TravelMahjong Set: Cornflower Blue⁠ $375 by The Mahjong Line Farmer'sMarket Elegant Tote by Now Designs $50.00 Ororo Lightweight Heated Vest  $149 *Note that prices may vary on items.

    44 min
  7. 09/20/2025

    Farm to Table Magic: How One Chef Turned an Urban Farm Into a Culinary Destination - Guest Heidi Coudal - Big Delicious Planet

    How to master the art of bringing the soil to the plate — and making it unforgettable? Heidi Coudal started out in the fast-paced world of catering for rock stars, where every detail had to be on point. But instead of chasing the glamour, she rooted herself in something deeper: building a thriving urban farm in Chicago, offering delicious and high quality food with an eye for stellar presentation. Voted the Greenest Caterer in America year after year, Heidi and her team at Big Delicious Planet go beyond growing crops for food — they create stellar experiences. Bonus footage: Stay tuned right after our interview, Ricki & Brenda go on- site at Big Delicious Planet. If you want to dig deep on crops and urban farming, walk through the farm with us as we chat with BDP's Horticulture Manager. If you're interested in attending our Fabulous Farm to Table Besties Luncheon at Big Delicious Planet on Friday, 9/26, email chatterboxbesties@gmail.com for ticket information. Limited tickets available. https://www.bigdeliciousplanet.com/ If you like our content, please follow, rate and share your comments on our Chatterbox Besties podcast. We love hearing from you! Thank you so much. With love, Your Chatterbox Besties Brenda & Ricki Follow us on Instagram @chatterboxbesties Subscribe to our YouTube channel Chatterbox Besties and see us live! Send questions or comments to chatterboxbesties@gmail.com This episode sponsored by SydPlayEat Gourmet Truffle Salts & Sauces. Go to sydplayeat.com and use code Bestie20 for 20% off your order up to $10 (for new customers).

    1h 8m
5
out of 5
23 Ratings

About

Brenda & Ricki dive headfirst into the joy of trying new things, building community and embracing life's transitions. With a passion for learning and sharing they bring you episodes filled with positivity, laughter and a bit of sass. From uncovering the latest news, to sharing gift ideas and lifestyle tips, these two keep it real and relatable. Each episode feels like you're catching up with a bestie - lighthearted, honest and full of ideas. Join the conversation, be inspired and discover the things to turn ordinary days into a 10+. Follow us on IG @chatterboxbesties

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