Live OUT Loud Podcast

TRIGGER WARNING. Loss of a child. In this deeply moving episode of Live OUT Loud, Michele sits down with Quincy to share the story of her son, Josh, and the journey of navigating life after unimaginable loss. Together, they explore the raw reality of losing a child — the grief, the resilience, and the ways Quincy keeps Josh’s memory alive. This conversation is an invitation to witness love, pain, and healing, and to learn what support can truly mean for parents walking a similar path. Whether you’ve experienced loss yourself or want to better understand how to show up for someone who has, this episode offers a compassionate look at grief and the enduring power of a mother’s love. Socials: Quincy is on Instagram. Her podcast, Cocoon After Dark: link. Thanks for listening! Michele + River

This week on Live OUT Loud, Michele and River dive into the magic of transition—shifting from the warmth of summer into the crisp embrace of fall. 🍂 From cozy rituals and seasonal resets to the deeper reflection this time of year naturally brings, we explore how to ground ourselves in the changing season. And because we’re stepping into eclipse season, we’ll also uncover what these cosmic shake-ups might mean—opportunities for release, transformation, and trusting what’s ready to unfold. ✨ Think of it as a conversation that’s equal parts pumpkin spice and spiritual insight. Join us for some laughs, some soulful reflections, and maybe even a “this or that” fall showdown. Taco Soup Recipe - on a budget Simmer a pot of this easy taco soup recipe on the stovetop or in the Crock Pot! Servings 6 people or lots of leftovers. Ingredients Instructions Toppings: Avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped onions, hot sauce, tortilla chips

Dating is data collection. Every conversation, every red flag, every moment of joy—it’s all information that helps you understand what you want, what you need, and who you’re becoming in the process. In this episode, Michele + River unpack how to shift from high-stakes pressure to curiosity, explore the four types of “dating data,” and reframe rejection as just one more piece of the puzzle. Tune in and learn how to turn your dating life into a practice of discovery. Here’s the thing: dating isn’t about finding ‘the one’ on the first try—it’s about gathering information. Think of it like research, not a final exam. Every date, every conversation, every little interaction is a piece of data that tells you something—about them, but also about yourself. ✨ Thanks for listening! Michele + River

🪐 What really happens when Saturn comes back around? Whether it’s your first return in your late 20s or your second in your late 50s, Saturn has a way of shaking the foundation and asking: Are you living true to yourself? In this episode, Michele + River get personal about the power of Saturn returns. Michele shares what it feels like to approach her second Saturn return, with Saturn sitting in her 7th house in Aries, while River reflects on lessons from their first. Together they explore how these cycles show up in relationships, self-worth, and legacy—and why these times can feel both challenging and deeply rewarding. What you’ll hear: What a Saturn return really is (without the astrology jargon) Stories and lessons from real Saturn return moments How your sign and house placement shape the experience Practical ways to embrace this period instead of fearing it This is a conversation about growth, courage, and creating a life that feels true. Whether you’re 28, 56, or somewhere in between, this episode will inspire you to embrace your own turning points. #saturnreturns #selfworth #starsaligning #twenties #fifties Thanks for listening! Michele + River 💫

In this episode of Live OUT Loud, Michele sits down with her friend, Renee Sutton for a heartfelt conversation about big life changes, conquering fear, and learning to trust yourself enough to leap. Renee shares her powerful story of dropping everything to move to Mexico — what it took to leave behind the familiar, the fears that surfaced, and the unexpected ways her life transformed on the other side. Together, Michele and Renee explore what it really means to step into the unknown: the whispers that guide us, the vulnerability of letting go, and the courage it takes to say “yes” to change even when fear is loud. Whether you’re standing on the edge of your own big decision, or simply craving inspiration to live more fully, this conversation will remind you: courage isn’t the absence of fear — it’s choosing to move forward anyway. Let's all wish Renee good luck on the next chapter and we appreciate you for listening in! Hugs, Michele + River

Dating from Secure, Avoidant, and Everything In-Between: Dating isn’t just about finding the right person — it’s about showing up as the right version of yourself. In this episode, Michele + River pull back the curtain on their different attachment journeys. River shares what it’s like to move from anxious to avoidant, and now into a more secure space, while navigating the unpredictable waters of online dating — including the lingering instinct to think, “I need you to like me more than I like you, so I know it’s real.” Michele opens up about dating as a securely attached woman who once lived in the grip of codependency — where love meant over-giving and proving her worth — and how that transformation has made dating calmer, clearer, and a whole lot more fun. Together, they explore: The moments that signal a shift in attachment style How old patterns still whisper in new relationships The difference between protecting your peace and pushing people away Why secure attachment feels like freedom with roots Whether you’re swiping right, newly single, or just attachment-style curious, this conversation is a candid, compassionate look at how self-awareness changes how we date — and why the most important relationship you’ll ever have is the one you build with yourself.

💫After a breakup or divorce, many of us find ourselves redefining who we love and how we expand our episode, we explore what it means to reclaim our truth in the wake of separation from love. In this episode, Michele + River explore how that journey often leads to questioning traditional norms around love, commitment, and connection. We open up a liberating conversation around polyamory, ethical non-monogamy, open relationships, and everything in between. What happens when the structures we've inherited no longer fit? What parts of ourselves come alive when we step outside the lines? 🌿 In this episode, we explore: What divorce can reveal about your authentic relational needs The myths and assumptions behind monogamy as a default How emotional safety, spiritual connection, and radical honesty show up in non-traditional dynamics The difference between swinging, open relationships, and polyamory—and how to know what resonates with you Navigating jealousy, boundaries, and evolving agreements 💬 We’re asking: What relationship labels have you outgrown? What surprised you most about your desires post-divorce? Can love be both expansive and grounded? Whether you're newly single, relationship-curious, or deep in your solo journey of relational reclamation, this episode is an invitation to explore with compassion and curiosity. 📚 Resources Mentioned: The Ethical Slut, Polysecure, More Than Two, Attached ✨ Closing Note: There’s no one right way to love, only the way that’s true for you. Wherever you are on your path, you're not alone.

🌕 Bonus Episode Alert! 🌕 In this special bonus episode, River shares their August Tarot Reading — a soulful dive into the energies guiding us this month. Whether you're navigating change, seeking clarity, or just need a little cosmic encouragement, this reading offers insight, intuition, and a nudge to trust your inner compass. Tune in, take what resonates, and leave the rest to the universe.

What happens when you stop editing yourself for comfort and start living from instinct, mess, and magic? In this episode of Live OUT Loud, River + Michele explore what it means to rewild your life — emotionally, spiritually, creatively, and in business. From letting go of social expectations to rediscovering the power of your inner animal (hello wolf, deer, bear, or hummingbird), they dive into how untaming yourself may be the ultimate act of healing and leadership. We're talking unlearning, unmasking, and unlocking the kind of joy that doesn't ask for permission. This is about returning to the part of you that never needed to be fixed — just remembered. Journal Prompt Questions: •When you hear the word rewild, what image comes to mind? •What parts of yourself have felt "tamed" or domesticated by society, work, or family? •Is there a story or season where you felt most “wild,” in the best sense of the word? Thanks for listening! Hope you enjoy this episode!! Michele + River

In this heartfelt episode, Michele + River open with a reflection on River's recent experience at an Indigenous wedding, setting the stage for a rich conversation on connection, tradition, and presence. They’re joined by poet and coach James Kerti, who shares his journey of using poetry to navigate personal transformation and support women entrepreneurs. Together, they explore powerful themes of authenticity, vulnerability, and the delicate balance between being seen and staying grounded in one's truth. James offers thoughtful insights on honoring your gifts, staying aligned with your mission, and practicing self-compassion, especially in a world that often prioritizes performance over presence. The episode closes with a deep dive into the role of creativity and human connection in life and business, reminding listeners that the most meaningful growth often begins with simply showing up as your full, honest self. You can find James on Instagram. You can buy his book here. Work with him. I loved our conversation. I hope you do too! With gratitude, Michele + River

In this episode of Live OUT Loud, Michele + River unpack the nuanced difference between honoring your peace and unintentionally slipping into isolation. We start by defining what “protecting your peace” actually looks like — and how it differs from the quiet heaviness of emotional withdrawal. Is your solitude helping you recharge, or are you retreating out of fear? Next, we walk the tightrope between healthy boundaries and avoidant behavior. We ask the hard questions: Are you truly preserving your energy, or dodging vulnerability? Can “too much peace” actually leave you feeling numb? Finally, we explore the root causes of isolation in disguise — from social fatigue and fear of being hurt again, to unprocessed emotions and the kind of independence born from past trauma. This one’s for anyone navigating the gray area between self-care and self-protection. Let’s get honest, compassionate, and real about what it means to live in connection, without losing yourself.

In this solo episode of Live OUT Loud, Michele explores the tender and transformative nature of devotion, not as performance, but as quiet, daily practice. What does it mean to be devoted to something or someone when there’s no audience? How do we honor what matters most, not because we should, but because our soul says yes? Michele gently unpacks how we’ve been conditioned to tie devotion to religion, romance, or self-sacrifice—and invites us to reclaim devotion as an act of presence, self-trust, and deep integrity. Through personal reflections, soulful questions, and honest examples from her own life, Michele invites you into a softer, more sustainable form of devotion that allows for imperfection, honors your rhythms, and welcomes you back when you forget. This is an episode for anyone who’s learning how to stay close to what matters—even in the silence. ✨ Topics include: What devotion looks like when no one’s watching Reframing devotion outside of religious or romantic frameworks The difference between devotion and self-abandonment How to return to your practice without shame Whether you're in a season of clarity or confusion, this conversation will meet you where you are—and invite you to move just one step closer to what feels most true. 🌀 Come for the redefinition. Stay for the reconnection. Thanks for listening! Let me know what you thought. We love you! Michele + River

✈️ This Week on Live OUT Loud: "Let the Universe Plan Your Trip" 🌍✨ River + Michele had a quick chat today about being spontaneous with travel and even making it a fun day. Ever booked a trip with zero plans and full trust? This week, we’re throwing out the itinerary and letting the Universe take the wheel (or the plane ticket). We’re talking serendipity, signs, soul nudges, and spontaneous detours that end up being the real destination. Whether you're craving a little magic in your travel or just in your life, this episode will remind you how to co-create with the Universe and follow the breadcrumbs of alignment—passport optional, intuition required. Pack light. Expect miracles. Let’s GO. 🌀💫🎒

In this joyful and sun-soaked episode of Live OUT Loud, Michele and River take a trip down memory lane—and they’re not going alone. Joining them is their dear friend and radiant soul, Michelle Morganti, for a laughter-filled ride through the golden days of summer past. Together, they unpack their Summer Starter Packs, share stories of childhood mischief, first crushes, mixtapes, and long, lazy days that felt like they’d never end. From the taste of watermelon on sticky fingers to the sound of a screen door slamming behind you, this episode is a celebration of the memories that shaped us—and a reminder that summer magic isn’t just for kids. Tune in for quickfire nostalgia, a throwback playlist, and reflections on how we carry that summer feeling into our adult lives with intention and joy. Grab your popsicle, press play, and come feel the sunshine with us.

River + Michele unpack Love bombing this week. It is a form of emotional manipulation that uses overwhelming affection, attention, and praise to influence and control someone—especially in the early stages of a relationship. It can look and feel like a fairytale romance at first, but underneath, it’s often about control, dependency, and power, not genuine connection. 💣 What Love Bombing Is All About 🔥 1. Intensity Over Authenticity It’s not real love—it’s a calculated performance. Love bombers flood you with affection, compliments, texts, and promises to fast-track emotional intimacy. 🎯 2. Control Through Overwhelm The goal is to sweep you off your feet so fast you don’t notice the red flags. It creates emotional dependency. Once you’re attached, the dynamic can flip into manipulation, criticism, jealousy, or control. 🪞 3. Reflection of Their Needs, Not Yours Love bombers often don’t truly see or value you as a unique person. They’re projecting an idealized version of love, often to fill their own insecurity, loneliness, or narcissistic need for admiration. ⛓️ 4. The Trap: Idealization → Devaluation → Discard Idealization: “You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me.” Devaluation: “You’re not who I thought you were.” (Criticism, withdrawal of affection.) Discard: They ghost you or move on fast—or keep you hanging with crumbs while chasing new admiration. ⚠️ Why It’s Dangerous Love bombing can: Create trauma bonds, where your nervous system associates love with chaos. Lead to emotional or psychological abuse. Leave you doubting your worth, instincts, and reality after the crash. ❤️‍🩹 What Real Love Looks Like Instead Paces itself. Respects your boundaries. Is consistent, not overwhelming. Grows over time, not overnight. Comes from mutual curiosity, not fantasy. Bottom line: Love bombing isn’t love. It’s a manipulation tactic that disguises control as affection. Recognizing it is the first step toward protecting your peace, boundaries, and capacity for real, grounded connection. Would you like help identifying the difference between healthy love and love bombing in a real-life scenario or past experience? 💔 People Most Susceptible to Love Bombing 1. Empaths & Highly Sensitive People Feel deeply, want to help and heal others. May ignore red flags in favor of understanding or compassion. 2. People with Low Self-Worth or Insecurity The intense validation from love bombers feels like healing. They're more likely to believe they’ve finally been "seen" or "chosen." 3. Individuals Healing from Past Trauma Especially those with childhood emotional neglect or abandonment issues. Love bombing may mimic the attention or affection they always longed for. 4. People Who Crave Deep Connection or Romantic Idealism Hopeless romantics, spiritual seekers, or people who deeply value “the one.” They might interpret love bombing as destiny or divine connection. 5. Those Recently Out of a Relationship Still grieving or raw, they may be more likely to overlook warning signs for the comfort of new affection. The contrast to their last relationship feels intoxicating. 6. People Unfamiliar with Healthy Relationship Boundaries Those who grew up in dysfunctional homes or never saw modeled emotional regulation. May confuse intensity for intimacy. 7. Codependent Personalities Feel responsible for others’ emotions and derive their worth from being needed. They may fall into roles of "fixing" or "saving" the love bomber. 🧠 Also: Love bombing thrives in transitional moments—a breakup, job loss, move, grief, or spiritual searching. These moments of identity shift can leave someone open to outside validation and connection that feels like a lifeline. ⚠️ Why This Matters It’s not about blame—it’s about awareness. People who are kind, open-hearted, and hopeful are often targeted because of those strengths. The solution isn't to harden—but to learn the difference between love and control, intimacy and intensity,...

As the school year winds down and summer begins, Michele and River pause to reflect on the often overlooked magic of transitions. Whether it's kids finishing a grade, adults navigating new roles, or entire communities shifting into a slower season, these in-between moments are sacred. In this episode, River and Michele explore what it means to truly honor the thresholds of life. From letting go with intention to creating rituals that mark a shift, we discuss how queer joy, chosen family, and spiritual presence can help us live more meaningfully during these times of change. We also look to the stars—June’s celestial events, like the Strawberry Moon and summer solstice, mirror the emotional tides we feel below. We ask: How can we step into what's next without rushing? And what would it look like to make peace with the pause? ✨ Perfect for anyone navigating transitions—big or small—with heart and awareness.

🌈 EPISODE: Queer Joy as Resistance ✨ Michele + River chat about how Joy becomes a radical act in a world that often tries to dim our light. In this episode of Live OUT Loud, we celebrate the fierce, beautiful power of Queer Joy — not as an escape from struggle, but as a bold form of resistance. 💥 From chosen family to visibility, from ballroom floors to backyard gatherings, queer folks have always found ways to cultivate joy — even in the face of fear, discrimination, and erasure. We explore how living out loud isn't just personal expression — it's collective liberation. 🎧 Tune in as we unpack: Why joy is not frivolous — it’s foundational How chosen family strengthens our roots The intersection of protest, pride, and pleasure What it means to be visibly joyful in the face of hate This episode is a reminder: our laughter, our love, our style, our dance moves, our truth — they all matter. And when we choose joy, we choose to exist on our own terms. 💬 Got a moment of queer joy that changed your life? DM us or tag @LiveOutLoudPod — we want to celebrate with you. #LiveOUTLoud #QueerJoy #ResistanceIsBeautiful #Pride2025 #ChosenFamily #JoyAsProtest #LGBTQVoices #LiveYourTruth #RadicalJoy

River takes on a fun bonus episode today for all of us and brings the intention to a June reading. Take a listen and enjoy!! Michele + River

In this thought-provoking episode, River + Michele explore the psychological and behavioral impacts of dating app culture—and why stepping away from the algorithm may be essential for personal growth. We examine how apps shape our expectations, influence self-perception, and often prioritize volume over depth. Drawing from real-life experiences, we discuss how taking a break from digital dating can create space for clarity, emotional regulation, and more intentional relationships. If you're feeling burnt out by the swipe or questioning what connection really means in the digital age, this episode offers a grounded look at what it takes to grow beyond the screen. Let's go! Let's do life and enjoy staying present. Follow these easy steps to create the relationship you want. Check out this article here. Thanks for listening! We appreciate you. Michele + River

In this heartfelt episode of Live OUT Loud, co-hosts Michele Flamer and River explore the winding, often unpredictable paths life takes us on—what they lovingly call Divine Detours. Together, they explore how unexpected twists, delayed dreams, and sudden shifts can actually serve as sacred redirections toward deeper purpose, alignment, and growth. Through candid conversation and lived experience, Michele and River reflect on what it means to release control, trust timing, and stay open to transformation—even when the road looks nothing like you imagined. ✨ In this episode: Embracing redirection without losing faith Listening for wisdom in moments of uncertainty Staying anchored during transitions Reframing setbacks as spiritual reroutes This episode is an invitation to trust the detours and lean into the magic that lives in the unknown. Wherever you are on your journey, you’re not lost—you’re being led.