bestie approved
bestie approved

bestie approved

Travis Rhoden & Emma Hesser

Overview
Episodes

Details

This is a wild time to be alive and sometimes you just need to hang out with your best friends to remind you that everything is going to be okay. Travis and Emma are two former finance bros and best friends who have a lot of opinions. Kick back and hang out with your new besties each week as they navigate grad school and motherhood, unpack their feelings about the Real Housewives and other Bravolebrities, spiral and scream into the political void, complain about anything and everything, and figure out life one unhinged conversation at a time. Come for the tea, stay for the friendship. From Indy to wherever you listen to podcasts, we love you!

Recent Episodes

Wade Belair’s villain origin story.
JAN 27, 2026
Wade Belair’s villain origin story.
<p>This week, Travis is hanging out with his new podcast friend, Wade, for a chaotic, hilarious, and unexpectedly heartfelt journey that covers reckless walkers from New York to Indy, rapid-fire hypotheticals, and Wade’s real story about coming out while navigating a closeted relationship and what he learned about love, boundaries, and healing.</p><p></p><p>🚨 <strong>content note:</strong> This episode includes discussion of coming out, closeted relationships, toxic relationship dynamics, and references to narcissistic abuse. 🚨</p><p></p><p><strong>New podcast friend</strong>: Wade Belair (NYC-based startup investor, planning a master’s in psychology and mental health counseling).</p><p>“Slow walkers… reckless, inconsiderate walkers… I am going to die in 20 seconds if you don’t move.”</p><p></p><p><strong>in this episode:</strong></p><ul><li>Meet Wade: New York City life, startups, and his journey into mental health counseling</li><li>Rapid-fire this-or-that with absurd hypotheticals before the mess begins</li><li>Complaining: slow walkers and uncouth main character public behavior</li><li>Gym culture &amp; gym etiquette</li><li>Wade’s story: coming out, self-worth, and the complexity of loving someone who isn’t out</li><li>Biggest lesson learned: what he would have done differently and why love can feel addictive</li><li>Dating &amp; healing advice: no timelines, focus on friendships, stay open, and don’t spiral diva!</li></ul><p></p><p>If you enjoyed this one, share bestie approved with your messiest friend and please rate and review bestie approved wherever you get podcasts!</p><p></p><p>From Indy to New York, we love you! ❤️</p><p></p><p><strong>Connect with Wade</strong></p><ul><li>Wade's Instagram: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/georgewbelair/">@georgewbelair</a></li></ul><p></p><p><strong>Connect with Travis &amp; Emma</strong></p><ul><li>WE FINALLY HAVE A WEBSITE! <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://bestieapproved.com">bestieapproved.com</a></li><li>All of our social media: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://linktr.ee/travisandemma">bestie approved</a></li><li>Email: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a></li></ul><p></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.bestieapproved.com/wade-belair-villain-story/">Wade Belair’s villain origin story. </a> © 2026 by <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.bestieapproved.com/about/">Travis &amp; Emma</a> is licensed under <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/">CC BY 4.0</a>.</p>
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55 MIN
Travis FINALLY learns about wind with a literal scientist.
DEC 31, 2025
Travis FINALLY learns about wind with a literal scientist.
<p>Mama, let’s research wind and find out where it comes from! bestie approved became a science podcast this week and we healed from the trauma of wind being one of the things we simply don’t understand. Travis is hanging out with his podcast friend and science bestie, Dr. Jeff Zurek, to help us finally get to the bottom of this mystery.</p><p></p><p>Then we said mama, let’s research some more and unpacked how wind is related to climate change and how important it is for us to do something about that!</p><p> </p><p>🎙️ share bestie approved with your messiest friend. 🤩 rate and review the pod wherever you listen to podcasts. 🎧 from Indy to wherever you are, we love you! ❤️</p><p></p><p><strong>Connect with Jeff</strong></p><ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.bestieapproved.com/guests/jeff-zurek/">learn more about Jeff</a></li><li>listen to Whimsical Wavelengths <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://pod.link/1768858286">anywhere podcasts are available</a></li><li>@whimsicallambda.bsky.social on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://bsky.app/profile/whimsicallambda.bsky.social">Bluesky</a> </li><li>whimsical.wavelengths on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/whimsical.wavelengths">Instagram</a></li><li>Whimsical Wavelengths on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/share/1Ceyc9Vc5i/">Facebook</a></li></ul><p></p><p><strong>Connect with Travis &amp; Emma</strong></p><ul><li>Check out the bestie approved website:<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://bestieapproved.com"> bestieapproved.com</a></li><li>all of our social media:<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://linktr.ee/travisandemma"> bestie approved Linktree</a></li><li>email us: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a></li></ul><p></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.bestieapproved.com/wind-with-jeff/">Travis FINALLY learns about wind with a literal scientist.</a> © 2025 by <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.bestieapproved.com/about/">Travis &amp; Emma</a> is licensed under <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/">CC BY 4.0</a>.</p><p></p><p><strong>References</strong></p><ul><li>“Bill Nye The Science Guy on Wind.” 2009. YouTube. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://youtu.be/uBqohRu2RRk?si=wz0hRU4Ihv486kvw">https://youtu.be/uBqohRu2RRk?si=wz0hRU4Ihv486kvw</a>.</li><li>Oxford University Press. 1926. “wind, n.¹ meanings, etymology and more.” Oxford English Dictionary. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.oed.com/dictionary/wind_n1">https://www.oed.com/dictionary/wind_n1</a>.</li></ul>
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35 MIN
finding meaning and purpose with the president of the Corbin Bleu fan club.
DEC 29, 2025
finding meaning and purpose with the president of the Corbin Bleu fan club.
<p>Travis is hanging out with his cousin, Taylor, again this week for more tales from the hell that is being a teacher in 2025 and a full reality roundup where we unpack Taylor’s first experience with the Real Housewives ever!</p><p></p><p><strong>this week, we get into:</strong></p><ul><li>Taylor looking for deeper meaning literally anywhere and everywhere</li><li>Taylor’s leadership experience in the most unlikely organization</li><li>updates from this week in teaching</li><li>Travis’s week from hell</li><li>a very special reality roundup where Taylor shares her thoughts from her first Real Housewives experience, followed by a deep dive into Season 1, Episode 9 of The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City (RHOSLC): “Hip Hop &amp; Heartbreak”</li></ul><p></p><p>Share bestie approved with your messiest friend. Rate and review the pod wherever you listen to podcasts. From Indy to wherever you are, we love you! ❤️</p><p></p><p><strong>Connect with Travis &amp; Emma (and Taylor)</strong></p><ul><li>WE FINALLY HAVE A WEBSITE: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://bestieapproved.com">bestieapproved.com</a></li><li>all of our social media: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://linktr.ee/travisandemma">bestie approved</a></li><li>email us: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a></li></ul><p></p><p></p><p>finding meaning and purpose with the president of the Corbin Bleu fan club. © 2025 by Travis &amp; Emma is licensed under <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/">CC BY-ND 4.0.</a></p>
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124 MIN
let your inner child go for a hot girl walk with Amy Dickens.
DEC 28, 2025
let your inner child go for a hot girl walk with Amy Dickens.
<p>This week, Travis is hanging out with Amy Dickens to talk about why adults desperately need more play, more aliveness, and more FUN. We dig into burnout, healing, nervous system regulation, and the tiny habits that can change everything. Grab your copy of Amy’s book, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://amzn.to/4jpyYj2"><em>101 Ways to Spread Joy</em></a>, and let’s get to work and spread some joy!</p><p><strong>connect with Amy</strong></p><ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://amzn.to/4jpyYj2">Click here to order your copy</a> of <em>101 Ways to Spread Joy</em>!</li><li>Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube: <strong>@theamydickens</strong></li><li>Amy’s website: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.livejoyfullyou.com">livejoyfullyou.com</a></li><li>Listen to Joyfully You <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://pod.link/1727864750">wherever you get podcasts</a>!</li><li>find out more about Amy <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.bestieapproved.com/guests/amy-dickens/">here</a></li></ul><p><strong>connect with Travs &amp; Emma</strong></p><ul><li>WE FINALLY HAVE A WEBSITE: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://bestieapproved.com">bestieapproved.com</a></li><li>all of our social media: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://linktr.ee/travisandemma">bestie approved</a></li><li>email: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a></li></ul><p>Share bestie approved with your messiest friend. Rate and review the pod wherever you listen to podcasts. From Indy to wherever you are, we love you! ❤️</p><p></p><p></p><p>let your inner child go for a hot girl walk with Amy Dickens. © 2025 by Travis &amp; Emma is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/">https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/</a></p>
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63 MIN