An Evening with Elizabeth Gilbert
I’m sharing what it was like to sit in the second row as Elizabeth Gilbert walked onto the stage on her All the Way to the River tour. We’re talking literally bumping into heroes at a retreat center, spilling the darkest secrets, and embracing your weirdest, most joyful life, instead of zipping yourself up just to fit in.
We’ll dive into all the Liz Gilbert goodness in just a sec. But fist, are you buckled up for October? This time of year is busy. You’re going to events, traveling, hosting friends, getting ready for Halloween, all the things!
Whatever you have going on this month, let this episode be an opportunity to slow down and sink into the present moment. If you feel called to add intention to your October, here are some resources:
Last week’s episode: Your Monthly Visioning Practice: October 2025
Vibe refresh for October with journal prompts, vision board guide, mindset refresh, and calendar reminders… all to guide you through a month where the nudges are nudging
And for the season: prompts and simple rituals to Welcome Autumn
Personally, it’s a packed month. I’m going to Napa for fun and Upstate New York to teach a few workshops at Syracuse University.
We’re also bringing guests back to the podcast, and I’m hosting the Wild House Paper Cultivating Conversations Coffee Club here in Austin on October 25. If you’re local, get your ticket to join us!
PS. your inner voice is ready
There’s just 2 private sessions left in October and 6 slots open in November. Remember, all coaching is 50% off right now when you sign up for the A Year of You Waitlist.
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My first time seeing Elizabeth Gilbert speak
I first saw Elizabeth Gilbert speak in 2019 at the Attune by Living Wholly wellness retreat in Serenbe, Georgia. For a trip down memory lane, listen to this recap from me and my IRL bestie Christy Lepley.
We share alllll the stories of what it was like to be at a 4-day immersion with Gabby Bernstein, Dr. Joe Dispenza, Shaman Durek, and of course, Liz Gilbert.
Elizabeth Gilbert books that spark intuition & creativity
Like so many of us, I loved Eat Pray Love, the book. But I might’ve loved the movie more. My bestie Christy and I used to watch it while flipping through magazines and making our vision boards.
My favorite book by Elizabeth Gilbert is Big Magic. I’ve read it and listened to it multiple times, and also found a lot of creative inspiration in her Magic Lessons podcast.
I also really enjoy her fiction, especially The Signature of All Things and City of Girls.
When All the Way to the River came out, I knew I wanted to listen to it first, before going to see her speak. It’s an incredible audiobook that takes you along the wild ride of this chapter in her life.
As I mention in the episode, her work has really inspired me to look within myself, pursue my creativity, and trust the sparks of inspiration.
Peek inside the Elizabeth Gilbert book tour in Austin
I bought VIP tickets for An Evening with Elizabeth Gilbert at The Paramount Theatre in Austin, Texas. Our seats were in the second row, which was really amazing!
Even lining up to enter the theatre, you could feel the anticipation and excitement from the audience. The flow from walking in to the meet-and-greet was flawless.
This photographer and theater team had a system set and ready for us! No selfies, no personal items signed. We collected our pre-signed copies of All the Way to the River and waited for our moment with Liz.
I went with my mother-in-law Brenda and my friend and photographer, Angela Doran. In line, we chatted about what we were going to say to Liz. Brenda came prepared and knew exactly what she wanted to say, but Angela and I decided to wing it.
When it was my time, I was nervous! I could’ve taken some slow, calming breaths. I’m sure that would’ve helped, but meeting her went well all the same. Elizabeth and the photographer complimented my dress, which broke the ice and made me feel so good. A compliment from THE Liz Gilbert!? I’ll take it.
One thing all three of us commented on was how calm, grounded, and present she seemed. Even though she was meeting 80 people in just 40 minutes. I’m sure that comes with practice, but I also bet it comes from all the grounding practices she has in her life right now.
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How An Evening with Elizabeth Gilbert left me inspired
To get the full effect of the talk, you’d need to go see her in your city! Listening to today’s episode will give you an inside peek at my perspective. But, here are a few things I took away from the night:
First, I was struck by how she just walked out to start the talk! No warm up, no introduction. It felt surprising, but in a good way. No pretense, no drama. She just dove right into the night.
Next, you know how on some book tours the author just regurgitates what’s in the book? I’m not a fan of that at all! Elizabeth Gilbert definitely talks about the book, as she should, but she doesn’t tell all the same stories or deliver all the same lines.
In fact, there were a few places where she gave more color and dialogue than what you’ll read in the book. When she shared those, it felt like a secret peek inside some very personal and poignant moments. I loved it!
She also shared about the creative process, what it took to write this book, the different iterations of it, and how she followed the guidance from love / God / her inner voice through the process.
Towards the end of the night, she read from her book. This was my favorite moment of the evening. It was the first part of the first chapter, A Visitation, which made me cry when I heard it in the audiobook. Sitting in the audience, hearing her read it live, I cried again.
Lets continue the conversation… IRL in Austin
Have you read All the Way to the River? Are you also a Liz Gilbert fan? Let’s continue the conversation over in the DMs on Instagram, I’m @kaileenelise.
Austin locals, let’s meet up! Spend a Saturday morning connecting with me and other like-minded individuals, sharing stories, going deep, and having genuine conversation. Join me for Wilde House Paper’s Coffee Club on Saturday, October 25th at 8:30 am at Carpenter Coffee Bar! Get your tickets here.
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Come find me in the DMs, I’m @kaileenelise
Heeeey! I’m Kaileen Elise Sues.
Former HR girlie, failed SAHM, fresh 40-something. Your favorite coach and voice of calm with useful practices, intuitive insights, and small shifts that make a real impact.
My approach isn't about forcing you onto a proven path. It's about helping you break through emotional blocks and discover your true north. Because it’s about time you embraced your deepest wisdom and started living the life of your dreams.
