bestie approved
bestie approved

bestie approved

Travis Rhoden & Emma Hesser

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Episodes

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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

Emma's triumphant return and Travis's kidney stones.
MAR 30, 2026
Emma's triumphant return and Travis's kidney stones.
<p>THE BESTIES ARE BACK TOGETHER!! 🎉🎙️ Emma’s back for her first episode after her maternity break with baby Auggie, and the chaos picked up right where we left off.</p><p>This week, Emma shares a little bit about how round two of having newborn is going for her. 👍🏽 good news: Auggie is sleeping through the night. 🥱 bad news: Emma is choosing to do her dishes instead of napping. </p><p>Travis unpacks living through his worst fears when he found out how kidney stone surgery works, so he gave himself the gift of a 3D printer! He has been hyperfocusing on looking for literally anything he can print, and he’s also looking for love with a 3D Print YouTuber! 😍</p><p></p><p><strong>we also dive into:</strong></p><ul><li>a quick shoutout to our new podcast friends on First Time in Drag! 🎧🫶🏽</li><li>the uncomfortable TikTok of the McDonald’s CEO trying a new “product” on the menu.</li><li>Travis is confused about a mom salting her kids.</li><li>Casey Rose Wilson from Bitch Sesh convinced Travis that he needs an Alaskan king bed.</li><li>Ashley Tisdale decided to step away from her famous mom group and told the entire world about it.</li><li>our grievances with Stevia and social media apps.</li><li>Lisa Barlow being the reason that 2026 kicked off on a positive note.</li><li>reality roundup is all about the best season The Traitors has ever had!</li><li>🎙️ 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! ❤️</li></ul><p></p><p><strong>timestamps</strong></p><p>00:00:01 we'te back!</p><p>00:01:23 Emma had a baby.</p><p>00:06:46 Travis had a kidney stone.</p><p>00:09:49 Travis bought a 3D printer.</p><p>00:13:33 First Time in Drag is bestie approved.</p><p>00:14:26 forcing a CEO to eat his own product.</p><p>00:18:35 salting your kids?</p><p>00:25:45 Travis wants an Alaskan king bed.</p><p>00:28:08 Ashley Tisdale left her mom group.</p><p>00:38:04 complaining.</p><p>00:43:39 Lisa Barlow liked our New Years post!!</p><p>00:47:17 reality roundup: season 4 of The Traitors.</p><p></p><p><strong>connect with Travis &amp; Emma</strong></p><p>check out the bestie approved website: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://bestieapproved.com/">https://bestieapproved.com/</a></p><p>all of our social media:<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://linktr.ee/travisandemma">bestie approved Linktree</a></p><p>email us: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a></p><p></p><p>Emma's triumphant return and Travis's kidney stones. Š 2026 by Travis and Emma is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.</p>
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69 MIN
Shaded Reality roundup with Ann & Marie
MAR 7, 2026
Shaded Reality roundup with Ann & Marie
<p>This week, Travis is hanging out with Ann and Marie from <em>Shaded Reality</em> for a reality roundup crossover that covers everything from Bravo obsessions to <em>The Traitors</em> chaos to the messy world of <em>Secret Lives of Mormon Wives</em>.</p><p>The sisters from <em>Shaded Reality</em> share how their podcast came to life, what shows they love covering, and why reality TV continues to pull them in. From there, the conversation turns into a rapid-fire mix of Housewives opinions, dream cast friendships, Swig drink orders, and which iconic Bravo women they’d bring back and banish from their screens forever.</p><p>The group also gets into Whitney Leavitt’s Ziwe interview, upcoming Bravo premieres they’re excited about, and a deep dive into <em>The Traitors</em> finale. Then they revisit key moments from <em>Secret Lives of Mormon Wives</em>, unpacking cast dynamics, relationship red flags, and the kind of reality TV mess that keeps everyone watching.</p><p>And of course, it wouldn’t be <em>bestie approved</em> without a little complaining.</p><p></p><p><strong>Follow Shaded Reality:</strong></p><ul><li>@shadedrealitypod everywhere!</li><li>New episodes drop every Tuesday and Thursday. </li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://linktr.ee/ShadedRealityPod">linktr.ee/ShadedRealityPod</a></li></ul><p></p><p><strong>Listen if you love:</strong></p><ul><li>Bravo</li><li>The Real Housewives</li><li>The Traitors</li><li>Secret Lives of Mormon Wives</li><li>Reality TV recaps</li><li>Fun pop culture conversations</li><li>Podcast friend collabs</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>
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102 MIN
fast fashion, endless ads, and a bathtub splash.
JAN 29, 2026
fast fashion, endless ads, and a bathtub splash.
<p>We love a chaotic catch-up and a Bravo deep dive. This week, we get into our 2025 Apple Music Replays and YouTube recaps, spiral about ads, consumerism, and the absolute chokehold TikTok Shop has on us before we unpack some uncouth Facebook Marketplace behavior. Then we close it out with a full reality roundup about Real Housewives of Salt Lake City Season 1, Episode 10: “In Hot Water.”</p><p></p><p><strong>in this episode:</strong></p><ul><li>YouTube Recap stats and Travis being in the top 1% of viewers for <em>Sexy Unique Podcast </em>(hey dolls!).</li><li>Apple Music Replay 2025. </li><li>complaining: Facebook Marketplace is the <em>third circle of hell</em> and the TikTok ads that feel predatory</li><li>consumerism, nonstop ads, fast fashion, and trying to prioritize quality.</li><li>travel daydreams &amp; Taylors upcoming plans to be very mindful and very demure.</li><li>reality roundup: RHOSLC S1E10 “In Hot Water”</li></ul><p></p><p><strong>sponsors &amp; links</strong></p><p>🛌 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://cozyearth.com/discount/BESTIE">Cozy Earth</a>: Luxurious bamboo sheets, pajamas, &amp; more. Get 41% OFF with promo code: BESTIE </p><p>👕 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://hypernaturalstyle.com/discount/BESTIE">HyperNatural</a>: The Best Men’s Polo Shirts-Men’s Journal. Get 20% off with promo code: BESTIE.</p>
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84 MIN
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> Š 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> Š 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.š 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