Living OUT Loud Podcast

Coming Home to Herself with Danielle In this week’s bonus episode of Living OUT Loud, Michele sits down with her dear friend Danielle, a proud Arizona Lillie who is courageously navigating what it means to come out later in life. Danielle’s story is one of self-discovery, honesty, and heart. Still married and raising two kids, she opens up about what it feels like to begin exploring her truth after building a life that once felt certain. Together, Michele and Danielle talk about the confusion that can come with realizing new parts of yourself later in life — the beauty, the heartbreak, and the unexpected peace that follows when you finally stop hiding from your own light. This conversation is tender, brave, and full of grace — a reminder that it’s never too late to come home to yourself. Thanks for listening! You can connect with Danielle through her TikTok account. Stay loud and proud, Michele

In this episode of Living OUT Loud, Michele sits down with intimacy coach Whitni Miller, founder of BDE Moves, to explore how queer couples can reconnect, communicate, and rediscover pleasure in deeper, more embodied ways. Whitni opens up about her journey from corporate life to coaching, what true self-acceptance looks like inside relationships, and why safety and communication are the real foundations of intimacy. Together, we unpack shame, desire, and the myths that keep us from fully inhabiting our pleasure. Whether you’re in a relationship, healing from one, or learning to feel at home in your body, this conversation will leave you inspired to show up more authentically—in the bedroom and beyond. Find Whitni on Instagram Work with Whitni: website Stay proud and loud, Michele

In this deeply personal and vulnerable episode, Michele shares her coming out story not as a single defining moment, but as a gentle return to her truest self. From college tennis courts and unexpected “girls’ nights” to family conversations filled with grace and redemption, this story explores what it means to belong to yourself after years of trying to keep the peace. Through memories of love, loss, and healing, Michele reflects on how silence can feel like safety until it starts to suffocate you, and how real freedom begins when you stop abandoning your truth. This episode invites anyone to navigate their “in-between” space between knowing and saying, between fear and authenticity. Because coming out isn’t just about who you love. It’s about choosing to live out loud, again and again. 💜 Your truth isn’t too much. Your timing isn’t too late. And your love, in every form, is holy. Thanks for listening, and please share this episode if you feel it might resonate with your friends or family. Live Loud! Michele

In this first solo episode, Michele opens a brand-new chapter of the podcast and one that is filled with gratitude, reflection, and excitement for what’s ahead. After 106 co-hosting episodes with River and creating meaningful conversations, Michele shares what Living OUT Loud will look like moving forward. This new season is about evolving, staying true to what lights us up, and exploring stories that inspire authenticity, connection, and queerness. Michele also shares a special update that her kid has agreed to record a new intro and outro for the show, adding an extra layer of heart and love to this next chapter. Join Michele as she reflects on the journey so far, honors River’s impact, and invites listeners into a space that celebrates the beauty of growth, gratitude, and living fully. Tune in and stay close, and the best is yet to come.

What happens when you start to evolve — and realize you don’t quite fit into your old life anymore? In this solo episode, Michele explores the tender process of outgrowing the person you once were. She unpacks the quiet grief that comes with change, the in-between space where everything feels uncertain, and the beauty of creating room for your next chapter to unfold. This episode is an invitation to honor who you’ve been, trust who you’re becoming, and find peace in the space between. ✨ Listen in to learn: Why growth can feel like grief How to honor past versions of yourself with love, not shame What it means to celebrate the new space you’re stepping into It’s time to stop apologizing for your evolution — and start trusting the person you’re growing into. 💛 Journal prompts: Who am I becoming? What am I ready to release? What would it look like to honor the person I’ve been — while fully stepping into who I’m meant to be? Thanks for listening, you all! Michele + River

In this week’s episode of Live OUT Loud, Michele and River dive into the power of non-negotiables — those deeply personal standards that define how we live, love, and show up for ourselves every day. Together, they explore what it really means to know your non-negotiables — not as rigid rules, but as sacred promises to yourself. From emotional integrity and kindness to protecting your peace and honoring growth, Michele shares how these values show up in her everyday life — in the quiet moments, the hard choices, and the spaces in between. This episode is an invitation to pause and ask yourself: What are the things you will no longer compromise? What boundaries keep you aligned, authentic, and whole? Because living out loud isn’t about being loud at all — it’s about being clear. Clear on who you are, what matters most, and how you want to move through the world. Key Themes: Defining non-negotiables as acts of self-respect Rebuilding trust with yourself after crossing your own boundaries Finding calm and clarity through emotional integrity Turning your values into daily habits Living your truth with grace and compassion Perfect for: Anyone craving more alignment, peace, and authenticity in their life — and ready to live out loud, on their own terms. Thanks for listening y'all! Michele + River

In this episode of Live OUT Loud, Michele + River explore the power of solo dates, and why taking yourself out, treating yourself, and enjoying your own company is just as important when you’re single as it is when you’re in a relationship. We’ll talk about how carving out intentional time for yourself can spark creativity, deepen self-love, and actually strengthen your relationships with others. Whether it’s a quiet coffee shop morning, a dinner for one, or a spontaneous adventure, solo dates remind us that our own company is not just enough—it’s essential. Tune in for inspiration, ideas, and a reminder that your soul deserves your attention. Found this solo date article. Hope you enjoy. "I’ve discovered that going on a solo date can be beneficial for anyone. Dr Natalie V Bailey, a psychologist based in London, agrees that spending quality time alone can be a valuable tool in our mental health kit. “Solo dating is all about self-love, self-discovery, growth, and empowerment,” she says. “It’s an invitation; a time to discover more about yourself without the noise and the influence of others.” Thanks for listening! Michele

What happens when life doesn’t go according to plan? In this episode of Live OUT Loud, Michele + River dive deep into the art of letting go — of relationships, jobs, timelines, and the stories we’ve been telling ourselves about how life “should” look. Together we explore why releasing control feels scary, how to reframe missed milestones, and the freedom that comes when we stop clinging to outdated dreams. With humor, honesty, and heart, we’ll share our own plot twists, offer tools for moving through change, and help you see letting go not as loss, but as an invitation to something new.

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