When bestselling author and publishing mentor Elizabeth Lyons joins Julie for a conversation about trusting your voice, what unfolds is a deeply human, hilarious, and refreshingly honest look at the creative process—from loosening the “Conformity Corset” to navigating self-doubt, self-trust, and sourdough starters. Together they explore what it really takes to write (and live) in your own voice—without needing Oprah’s approval or a book deal to prove it.

00:00 – “Breaking News & Beginnings”
Julie shares breaking news — she’s finished her first book draft (!!) — and introduces Elizabeth Lyons, six-time author, mentor, and queen of saying the quiet parts of the creative process out loud.

06:45 – “The Responsibility of Storytelling”
A deep dive into the ethics of memoir: how to revisit truth without re-traumatizing yourself or your reader, and why every powerful story has to “land the plane.”

12:48 – “What Every Aspiring Author Should Know”
Elizabeth debunks the biggest myths in publishing — from “write a book in a weekend” to “everyone else has it figured out” — and shares her real-world wisdom on patience, process, and staying power.

17:15 – “From Editor to Author: The Art of Self-Trust”
How to trust your voice when doubt creeps in, why creative insecurity is actually a sign of integrity, and what happens when you stop trying to “do writing right.”

27:40 – “The Brené Brown Fantasy: Publishing Realities & Industry Illusions”
A truth-bomb conversation about traditional vs. indie publishing, why The Today Show doesn’t sell books, and how chasing visibility can strangle your creative joy.

43:50 – “Loosening the Conformity Corset”
Elizabeth gets raw about unlearning people-pleasing, learning to feel safe being herself, and surrounding herself with people who let her breathe — not bind.

57:40 – “Future You, Present Peace”
Her signature practice: journaling as “future you.” How it rewires self-trust, softens anxiety, and helps her move through creative life with more ease and humor.

1:06:20 – “The Sourdough Era & The Permission to Begin Again”
They close with laughter, carbs, and creative metaphor — from sourdough starters and Highland cows to the tattoo that reminds us all: you can always begin again.

Love what you hear and want to learn more from Elizabeth?

Check out her website www.elizabethlyons.com and follow her on instagram @elizabethlyonsauthor

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