In this episode of Penny for Your Shots, I had the privilege of sitting down with Gabrielle Bauer, 67, and her daughter Tara Smylie, 28. Together, they’ve embarked on a bold and inspiring journey with their podcast, breaking societal taboos and showcasing the complexities of the mother-daughter relationship. Their willingness to discuss everything from cancel culture to deeply personal family dynamics proves that no topic is off-limits when love and respect guide the conversation.

The Story Behind the Podcast

The idea for their podcast was born during a cab ride in Miami earlier this year. Tara proposed the concept, and Gabrielle immediately agreed. They both saw it as a way to navigate their own relationship while opening up broader conversations about family dynamics, honesty, and connection.

"We don’t have a perfect relationship, but that’s exactly why this works," Gabrielle explained. "It’s messy, but it’s real."

Breaking Down Taboos

The podcast delves into topics many might shy away from, such as monogamy, dating disasters, sex work, and generational differences in tackling controversial issues.

"We’re not afraid to hold back," Tara shared. "Tension is okay—it can lead to genuine and loving moments."

Their honest discussions aim to challenge listeners to reimagine family relationships and embrace imperfect but authentic connections.

The Dynamics of Their Relationship

Like any parent-child duo, Gabrielle and Tara have had their share of challenges. They’ve navigated difficult conversations, misunderstandings, and even arguments before recording episodes.

"Sometimes we disagree passionately, but recording the podcast always reminds us of the love and respect we share," Gabrielle noted.

For Tara, the podcast has been a way to reflect on her mother’s influence while also finding her own voice.

"We share the same passions, which makes us close—but it also means we butt heads," she said with a laugh.

Lessons for Listeners

At its core, their podcast is about showing that relationships don’t need to be perfect to be meaningful.

• Work Through Challenges: Even when disagreements arise, staying engaged and working through issues fosters growth.
• Be Honest: Open, respectful communication is key, even when tackling difficult subjects.
• Celebrate Imperfection: Relationships are messy, but that’s what makes them beautiful.

"We want people to see that it’s possible to navigate complex relationships and come out stronger on the other side," Gabrielle emphasized.

The Fun Side: Cocktails and Chemistry

No episode of Penny for Your Shots is complete without talking about cocktails! Tara has recently embraced the spicy margarita as her go-to drink, while Gabrielle enjoys a classic mojito or margarita.

"Cocktails, like relationships, are all about balance," Gabrielle quipped.

Closing Thoughts: Love, Laughter, and Growth

Gabrielle and Tara’s podcast is a testament to the power of honest communication and the beauty of imperfection. Their willingness to tackle tough topics while maintaining humor and love is inspiring for anyone looking to deepen their relationships.

Connect with Gabrielle and Tara:
While they don’t yet have a dedicated podcast page, you can follow their journey on their individual social media profiles. Stay tuned for updates and future episodes!

Cheers to honest conversations and stronger connections!