Exquisitely Becoming

We all get into funks sometimes. In this episode, I’m talking about how to recognize when you’re in a funk, small things you can do to start feeling like yourself again, and habits that can help prevent future funks. If you’ve been feeling a little off, unmotivated, overwhelmed, or stuck lately, this episode is your reminder to give yourself some grace and gently start coming back to yourself.

Having a hard day doesn’t mean you’re going backwards. In this episode, we’re talking about why sadness, anxiety, homesickness, and other difficult emotions can exist alongside a happy and fulfilling life. I’m sharing some of my own struggles with adjusting to college, comparing ourselves on social media, and learning to let myself actually feel my emotions instead of trying to push them away. We’...

In this episode of the Exquisitely Becoming Podcast, we’re diving into Chapter 4 of Exquisite Acceptance : Goal Setting. As I navigate my first month of college and the highs and lows that come with such a big transition, I’m reflecting on how to set goals that actually align with who we are, rather than who we think we’re supposed to be. We’ll talk about connecting our goals to our values, taking...

College has officially begun, and there is A LOT to catch up on. In this episode, I’m joined by my new friend and fellow podcaster, Katharine, for a very real conversation about our first few weeks at Loyola. We talk about how we met in the most chaotic way, homesickness, making friends, adjusting to city life, finding our people, and all the unexpected ways college has already pushed us to grow....

Episode 31: Become Your Own Best Friend What does it really mean to enjoy your own company? In this episode, we’re talking about feeling lonely even when you’re not alone, learning to do things just for yourself, and becoming your own best friend. We’ll explore how showing up for yourself, speaking to yourself with kindness, and getting comfortable doing things on your own can help you build a str...

In Episode 30 of the Exquisitely Becoming podcast, we’re continuing the Exquisite Acceptance series with Chapter 3, Who Am I Becoming? This episode explores self growth, personal development, and self acceptance through guided journaling prompts that help you reflect on your future self, the habits you want to build, and the person you’re becoming one choice at a time. A quick apology for the audi...

In this episode of Exquisitely Becoming, I’m walking through Chapter 2 of my guided journal, Exquisite Acceptance: Emotion Exploration & Healing. Together, we explore journaling prompts about processing emotions, overcoming people-pleasing, reframing negative thoughts, connecting with your younger self, and practicing self-compassion. Whether you journal or not, I hope this conversation encourages...

After spending 10 days in Spain, I came home with a refreshed perspective on life. In this episode, I’m sharing the biggest lessons I learned about slowing down, being more present, prioritizing community, and remembering what truly matters. If you’ve been feeling caught up in the hustle, I hope this conversation inspires you to take a deep breath and create a life you actually enjoy living. Plus,...

In this episode of The Exquisitely Becoming Podcast, I’m taking you through the first chapter of my guided journal, Exquisite Acceptance: Returning to You. Together, we explore the importance of slowing down, identifying the emotions we often avoid, reconnecting with the parts of ourselves we’ve neglected, and creating space for healing through self-awareness. Whether you’re an avid journaler or h...

In this episode, I’m sharing what I’ve been learning about letting go of control, embracing the present moment, and choosing love over fear, perfection, and constant productivity. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by the future or like you need everything figured out, this conversation is for you.

This week is a more casual episode as I share a little life update and talk about balancing a busy schedule, preparing for college, mindfulness, burnout, and making time for the things that help us recharge. A reminder that even when life feels overwhelming, you still deserve rest.

Taking care of your mental health doesn’t have to mean overhauling your entire life. In this episode, Kate shares simple, realistic habits that can help you feel more grounded, supported, and connected to yourself each day. From journaling and movement to sleep, social connection, and self-awareness, this conversation is a reminder that small actions often create the biggest change.

In this episode of Exquisitely Becoming, Kate shares why your biggest dreams don’t require you to become someone else first. Through personal stories and reflections, she explores the connection between dreaming big, taking small steps, trusting your interests, and embracing who you already are. If you’ve been waiting until you feel more confident, experienced, or “ready” to pursue a goal, this ep...

In this episode of the Exquisitely Becoming Podcast, Kate dives into diet culture, body image, self-worth, and the wellness trends she’s ready to leave behind. She explores why body image isn’t really about our bodies, the hidden costs of chasing an “ideal” version of ourselves, and how intuitive eating can help us reconnect with our needs. If you’ve ever felt like your worth was tied to your appe...

In episode 21 of The Exquisitely Becoming Podcast, we’re talking about the ebb and flow of life — the highs, lows, changing seasons, and the pressure to always have everything together. As I step into my first week of post-grad life, I’m sharing some honest reflections on balance, burnout, growth, and learning to embrace life as it comes instead of striving for perfection. This episode is a remind...

Episode 20 of The Exquisitely Becoming Podcast is all about the art of evolving — embracing change, navigating transitional seasons, and learning to grow through discomfort. From graduation and new beginnings to healing, self-discovery, and becoming more of yourself, this episode is a reminder that you don’t have to have everything figured out to keep moving forward.

In episode 19 of The Exquisitely Becoming Podcast, we’re talking all about the power of journaling — from how it supports mental health and emotional regulation to how it can improve self-awareness, personal growth, and even brain function. I’m also sharing research and personal insights that completely changed the way I view journaling, plus a few journal prompts at the end of the episode.

If you’re feeling burnt out or overwhelmed going into summer, this episode is for you. I talk about redefining what the “perfect summer” really means, letting go of comparison, and creating a slower, more intentional season through my five summer pillars. Think: less pressure, more presence, and a summer that actually feels good.

This week’s episode is a mix of life updates, reflections, and real, unfiltered thoughts. I share how my first journaling workshop went, what it taught me about community and confidence, and why doing things scared might just change everything. We also talk about stepping into new seasons, saying yes to yourself, and I answer a few journal prompts to help you reflect on your own growth.

Inspired by my Exquisite Acceptance journaling workshop, this episode is for anyone who wants to start journaling but doesn’t know how—or feels like they’re “not the journaling type.” We talk about creating a safe space to be honest with yourself, letting go of perfection, and building a realistic, sustainable journaling habit. Plus, I share real struggles, common barriers, and simple ways to star...

In episode 15, I’m diving into how your brain shapes what you see—and how you can train it to focus on the good. We’ll talk about the reticular activating system, neuroplasticity, and how small shifts in your thoughts can rewire your mindset, emotions, and overall outlook on life. Plus, I’m sharing simple, realistic ways to build more optimism into your daily routine.

In this episode, I’m sharing three lessons I’ve learned the hard way: comparison, trusting your intuition, and self-perception. These are things I’m still working through, but they’ve changed how I see myself and live my life. If you’ve ever struggled with comparison, ignored your gut, or been hard on yourself, this episode is for you. I hope it gives you a new perspective and reminds you to show...

Join me, Kate Hillard, as we explore what it really means to romanticize your life—without chasing perfection or putting on a show. In this episode, I share simple ways to make your everyday moments feel more meaningful, from little self-care rituals and solo dates to music, journaling, and mindful routines. We’ll also dive into why self-acceptance is the foundation for truly enjoying your life an...

Reset, realign, and rebrand with me this spring! In this episode, I reflect on burnout, coming back home with a fresh perspective, and the pressure we put on ourselves to “have it all together.” We talk about choosing small resets over perfection, protecting your energy, finding balance, and learning how to make life feel lighter and more joyful. Plus, I share a few journal prompts to help you ste...

In this episode, I talk about the courage it takes to truly be yourself in a world that constantly pushes us to compare and change who we are. I share some of my own experiences with struggling to feel worthy as my true self and how comparison, especially on social media, can pull us away from authenticity. I also leave you with a few journal prompts to help you reconnect with who you really are a...