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The Bad and the Ugly

Secrets
Jen and Karen, co-hosts of The Speakeasy Podcast, chatting over wine at a cozy indoor location. Jen wears a red blouse; Karen wears navy.
Do you ever feel pressure to present only your polished, Instagram-perfect side? We get it. On this podcast, we usually focus on sharing the positive, the strategic, even the Brené Brown-inspired moments. But authenticity means owning all of it, not just the highlight reel. In this episode, we're getting refreshingly honest about our more negative tendencies because real leadership starts with self-awareness.

If you've ever felt like you need to have it all together before you can lead effectively, this episode is for you. No judgment here — we've all been there! In this candid conversation, we're sharing our own messy truths, from Jen's permanently grimy oven and abandoned Christmas card habit to Karen's perfectionism paralysis and lone wolf tendencies.

This isn't just therapeutic oversharing — there's strategic value in recognizing where you fall short. When you stop apologizing for things that make you who you are and understand that your personal standards don't apply to everyone else, you free up mental energy for what actually matters. We explore how self-awareness translates to better leadership and more authentic connections. It's about working with your natural tendencies rather than against them and building systems that account for your actual human limitations. Because people don't follow perfect leaders — they follow authentic ones.

Grapefruit Honey Spritz

Grapefruit Honey Spritz

Bubbly
Sparkling grapefruit cocktail with fresh grapefruit slice and thyme garnish in a stemmed glass. Refreshing summer drink on marble background
The Grapefruit Honey Spritz is a bright, refreshing cocktail that balances the bold tartness of fresh grapefruit juice with the delicate floral notes of elderflower liqueur and smooth honey syrup. Sparkling rosé adds effervescent elegance and a hint of berry sweetness, creating a drink that's both approachable and sophisticated. A fresh thyme garnish releases aromatic oils that complement the citrus, while the grapefruit slice adds an extra burst of fragrance. Light and bubbly with layers of botanical complexity, it's perfect for brunch gatherings, garden parties, or any moment that calls for something special yet effortless.

Ingredients

  • 2 oz Grapefruit juice 
  • ¾ oz Honey syrup 
  • 1 oz Elderflower liqueur 
  • 6 oz Sparkling rosé
  • Grapefruit
  • Thyme

Preparation

  1. Pour all ingredients into a wine glass full of ice and stir well.
  2. Garnish with a grapefruit slice and sprig of thyme.

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