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:

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 💫