Ridiculously You with Julie May

In this episode of The Ridiculously You Podcast, our host Julie May sits down with Patti Stewart, the ultimate powerhouse of feminine strength, women’s safety advocate, and the Founder and CEO of Defense in Heels. From walking the runway as a model and former Mrs. Nevada to working as a celebrity bodyguard and internationally certified self-defense instructor, Patti’s life is a masterclass in identity reclamation. She has trained thousands of women worldwide to take control of their physical security and mental boundaries.

We dive into the messy parts of Patti’s journey, shedding light on the heavy toll that shrinking takes on the human spirit. Patti shares raw insights into how hiding her true self in a domestic violence relationship, and shrinking away from big business opportunities out of feeling "not enough," manifested as severe physical illness and food allergies. She treats her ongoing expansion as a work in progress, revealing her current rebellion against shrinking in the dating world and her journey toward showing up as her full, unapologetically amazing self in every single room she enters.

This conversation is your permission slip to reclaim your space and build an unshakeable boundary system. Julie May and Patti Stewart break down what Hollywood gets completely wrong about self-defense, offering practical, real-world strategies that actually work. They also discuss how to raise street-smart kids without projecting fear onto them, blending humor with tactical wisdom. You’ll walk away knowing that you don't have to make yourself smaller to make others comfortable, fully equipped with Patti's ultimate reminder: "You are worth protecting—your safety, your peace, and your power."

Want to learn more about Patti Stewart? Website: www.defenseinheels.com Instagram: @defenseinheels

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Want to learn more about Julie May or book her to speak? https://thejuliemay.com

In this episode of The Ridiculously You Podcast, our host Julie May sits down with Renee Huff, the mastermind and owner of Haunted House FearFest, a New York City–based horror film and video game festival. Renowned for her work featured in Fangoria, Dread Central, and Entertainment Weekly, Renee has built a spectacular career out of a passion she used to tone down. Her journey is a true masterclass in identity reclamation, transitioning from corporate layoffs to building a multimedia empire celebrating indie creators, gaming, folklore, and interactive media.

We dive into the messy parts of career disruption and the anxiety born from shrinking yourself to fit a corporate mold. Renee openly shares the exact moment she realized that shrinking wasn't an option anymore: when she got laid off. By turning inward and choosing a path of creative rebellion, she transformed her life, conquered her anxiety, and stepped fully into her purpose. She proves that when you stop hiding your unique passions, you unlock a competitive superpower.

This conversation is your permission slip to stop hiding your "quirky" traits and let your healing get loud. Julie May and Renee Huff explore the booming intersection of horror, gaming, and culture, revealing how indie creators can build hyper-loyal, niche audiences without chasing mainstream trends. You'll walk away inspired to stop trying to please the masses, ready to build your own immersive worlds, and empowered by Renee's ultimate call to action: "If it looks creepy, it must be cool. Follow the fear."

Want to learn more about Renee Huff and Haunted House FearFest? 

Instagram: @hhfearfest Bluesky: @hhfearfest.bsky.social YouTube: Haunted House FearFest

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In this episode of The Ridiculously You Podcast, our host Julie May sits down with Kira Hartley Klinger, a self-described "lifelong side-hustler" who took a second stab at life at forty. Facing divorce with no traditional job training and a daughter to raise, Kira didn't shrink—she scaled. She turned her hobby of buying and selling into two successful e-commerce shops, a television contract, and a thriving career as an author and speaker.

We dive into the messy parts of the reselling world—from the high-stakes adrenaline of auctions to the humor found in the "Fabric Wars." Kira shares her "why not?" philosophy, explaining how she transitioned from selling vintage nail clippers and classroom maps to writing a book trilogy and starting a children’s series as her retirement plan. This is a masterclass in identity reclamation, proving that your most successful chapter can begin exactly when the world expects you to fade away.

This conversation is your permission slip to turn your "weird" hobbies into a debt-free reality. Julie May and Kira Hartley Klinger discuss the importance of staying ahead of volatile market trends—like the rise and fall of Beanie Babies—and the power of looking for value where others see junk. You’ll walk away with practical tips on using your smartphone as a research powerhouse and the inspiration to start your own rebellion against shrinking, no matter your age or background.

Want to learn more about Kira Hartley Klinger?

Instagram: @dododdity

LinkedIn: Kira Hartley Klinger

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Ready to join the Ridiculous Women Society and stop shrinking? https://ridiculouslyyou.com/women

Want to learn more about Julie May or book her to speak? https://thejuliemay.com

In this episode of The Ridiculously You Podcast, our host Julie May sits down with DR Rawson, a lifelong builder, author of 19 books, and the mastermind behind more than 30 successful companies. At 79 years young, DR is proving that the boldest work of your life doesn’t have to happen early. His journey is a masterclass in identity reclamation, moving from high-stakes corporate acquisitions to creating TinyTales—a storytelling universe designed to teach children (and the adults who read to them) the character traits the world needs most.

We dive into the messy parts of leadership and business turnarounds. DR shares the "secret sauce" from his decades of entrepreneurship: the shift from seeking profit to providing genuine value and serving others. This is a true rebellion against shrinking into retirement; instead of slowing down, DR founded the Character, Integrity, Credibility™ (CIC) Initiative. This framework treats trust as a measurable asset, challenging a culture that often sacrifices reputation for a quick win.

This conversation is your permission slip to think long-term and build a legacy that lasts. Julie May and DR Rawson discuss the upcoming CIC app and how storytelling through unforgettable creatures can bridge the gap between "knowing" a virtue and "practicing" it. You’ll walk away inspired by DR’s relentless curiosity and ready to apply his systematic approach to integrity in your own life and leadership.

Want to learn more about DR Rawson?

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drrawson

Facebook: facebook.com/drrawson

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https://ridiculouslyyou.com

Ready to join the Ridiculous Women Society and stop shrinking? https://ridiculouslyyou.com/women

Want to learn more about Julie May or book her to speak? https://thejuliemay.com

In this episode of The Ridiculously You Podcast, our host Julie May sits down with Mia Dins, a soul-led entrepreneur, intuitive medium, and former elite boxer who has traded the ring for the realm of multidimensional healing. Mia’s journey is a striking example of identity reclamation, moving from the "penetrating masculine energy" of competitive boxing in New Zealand to becoming a guide for Quantum EmBODYment.

We dive into the messy parts of Mia’s transition—specifically how physical ailments and repeated roadblocks were actually her body’s "codes" signaling that her old path was no longer aligned. Mia explains that embodiment isn't just a spiritual buzzword; it’s the bridge that brings high-frequency energy into the physical cells to prevent burnout and anxiety. This is a masterclass in rebellion against shrinking, showing how to turn external fear into a catalyst for bold, authentic action.

This conversation is your permission slip to stop outsourcing your power to "gurus" and start consulting yourself first. Julie May and Mia Dins discuss practical ways to build your "intuition muscle" using low-stakes decisions—like what to eat for lunch—to gather data on your body’s unique "yes" and "no" signals. You’ll walk away understanding the difference between the neutral clarity of intuition and the sinking feeling of fear, ready to speak your truth and inhabit your body as a living teacher.

Want to learn more about Mia Dins?

Website: https://www.luna-mia.org

Instagram: @mia_dins

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You or join our newsletter? https://ridiculouslyyou.com

Ready to join the Ridiculous Women Society and stop shrinking? https://ridiculouslyyou.com/women

Want to learn more about Julie May or book her to speak? https://thejuliemay.com

In this episode of The Ridiculously You Podcast, our host Julie May sits down with Kelly Scott, a small business owner who turned an online nightmare into a landmark legal victory. Kelly’s story is the ultimate masterclass in resilience and identity reclamation. After her business, Little Britches, was targeted by a viral social media smear campaign filled with false accusations about baby gear safety, Kelly faced a choice: let her reputation be destroyed or stand up and fight.

We dive into the messy parts of a modern-day "digital pile-on." Kelly describes the 50–75% revenue drop her business suffered and the personal harassment that followed. But instead of fading away, Kelly led a rebellion against shrinking. She pursued a rare civil jury trial, taking on the "unwinnable" defamation case to prove that integrity still matters in a viral world.

This conversation is your permission slip to defend your name and your legacy. Julie May and Kelly Scott break down the anatomy of a viral post, the psychology of "mob mentality" in online groups, and the specific steps every business owner should take to document and combat defamation. You’ll walk away empowered to verify sources, stand your ground against public pressure, and understand that the truth is worth fighting for.

Want to learn more about Kelly Scott? Facebook: Facebook.com/littlebritchesmtv

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Ready to join the Ridiculous Women Society and stop shrinking? https://ridiculouslyyou.com/women

Want to learn more about Julie May or book her to speak? https://thejuliemay.com

In this episode of The Ridiculously You Podcast, our host Julie May sits down with Shayne McKinney, a real estate investor and viral TikTok creator who is turning the housing industry on its head. Shayne’s mission is simple but radical: teaching people how to build massive wealth through Airbnb without becoming a "blood-sucking landlord." His journey is a masterclass in identity reclamation, moving from a kid bullied for his shoes to a professional powerhouse who refuses to conform to the corporate status quo.

We dive into the messy parts of entrepreneurship—specifically the reality that real estate investing is a high-effort job, not just "passive income" magic. Shayne shares how his lifelong lack of respect for arbitrary authority became his greatest asset, allowing him to embrace mistakes as necessary data points for growth. This is a true rebellion against shrinking; Shayne proves that bringing your full, unvarnished personality to your work isn't just "ridiculous"—it’s a massive competitive advantage.

This conversation is your permission slip to stop trying to fit into a "professional" mold. Julie May and Shayne McKinney explore the strategy behind his highly themed Airbnb properties and why creating a memorable experience is the key to charging premium prices. You’ll walk away inspired to leverage your own unique quirks, stop caring what the "cool kids" think, and start finding creative solutions that honor both your bank account and your humanity.

Want to learn more about Shayne McKinney?

TikTok: @shayneisgreat

Facebook: Facebook.com/shayneisgreath

Want to learn more about Ridiculously You or join our newsletter? https://ridiculouslyyou.com

Ready to join the Ridiculous Women Society and stop shrinking? https://ridiculouslyyou.com/women

Want to learn more about Julie May or book her to speak? https://thejuliemay.com

In this episode of The Ridiculously You Podcast, our host Julie May sits down with Dr. Andrea Bowens-Jones, a PhD-trained Polymer Chemist turned award-winning leader, author, and CEO of IDG Vision Coaching & Training. Dr. Andrea’s story is a masterclass in identity reclamation. After a highly successful corporate career at Procter & Gamble, she did the unthinkable: she walked away from the "golden handcuffs" of a prestigious salary and seniority to live a life of true impact.

We explore the messy parts of career pivots—specifically the internal tug-of-war between safety and calling. Dr. Andrea reveals how she leveraged her analytical, scientific mindset to build a systematic approach to personal growth. This is a powerful rebellion against shrinking into a corporate box; she proves that you don't have to leave your skills behind to change your mission. Instead, she uses her background in chemistry to help her clients understand the "molecular" shifts needed for sustainable transformation.

This conversation is your permission slip to own your story without "shame, blame, or apology." Julie May and Dr. Andrea discuss the challenges of personal branding when you become the face of your own company and why radical self-love is the catalyst for growing into the fullest expression of yourself. You’ll walk away inspired to balance your craft with your business and ready to take the gutsy action required to follow your internal pull toward something more.

Want to learn more about Dr. Andrea Bowens-Jones?

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abowensjones

Instagram: @drandrea_idg

Want to learn more about Ridiculously You or join our newsletter? https://ridiculouslyyou.com

Ready to join the Ridiculous Women Society and stop shrinking? https://ridiculouslyyou.com/women

Want to learn more about Julie May or book her to speak? https://thejuliemay.com

In this episode of The Ridiculously You Podcast, our host Julie May sits down with Kate Torode, a writer, humorist, and accidental philosopher who lives life at the intersection of chaos and comedy. Kate is a part-time trapeze artist and puppeteer whose journey is a masterclass in identity reclamation. After surviving burnout and midlife meltdowns, she turned her "questionable life choices" into the hilarious and relatable book, Chicken Nugget Girl and Other Midlife Traumas.

We dive into the messy parts of Kate’s story, exploring how dangling from a trapeze and voicing a sarcastic puppet named Jasper the otter became her ultimate rebellion against shrinking. Kate opens up about the therapeutic power of comedy and art, sharing how these creative outlets helped her navigate and process periods of abuse, grief, and depression. This conversation is a testament to the idea that laughter isn't just medicine—it’s a radical act of radical self-love.

This episode is your permission slip to pursue your "ridiculous" creative dreams, even if they don't make sense to anyone else. Julie May and Kate Torode even get into a live brainstorming session for a new children’s book series featuring Jasper the otter and his friend Randy! You’ll walk away inspired to let your healing get loud, embrace your inner introvert through creative play, and remember that you are the author of your own wild, witty story.

Want to learn more about Kate Torode?

Website: www.katetorode.com

Instagram: @chickennuggetgirl75

Want to learn more about Ridiculously You or join our newsletter? https://ridiculouslyyou.com

Ready to join the Ridiculous Women Society and stop shrinking? https://ridiculouslyyou.com/women

Want to learn more about Julie May or book her to speak? https://thejuliemay.com

In this episode of The Ridiculously You Podcast, our host Julie May sits down with Melissa Hunt, a visionary entrepreneur, TEDx speaker, and advocate for heart-led leadership in senior care. Melissa’s journey is a masterclass in identity reclamation, moving from a hands-on caregiver to the founder of ElderCare Solutions Group. She is on a mission to help caregivers transition from burnout to brilliance by reclaiming their personal stories as powerful leadership tools.

We dive into the messy parts of the elder care industry—specifically the heartbreaking "window visits" of the pandemic that sparked Melissa’s rebellion against shrinking standard regulations. Melissa shares how she and her husband pioneered a luxury private care model that prioritizes personal freedom, family involvement, and a warm, home-like environment over the sterile, rule-bound nature of traditional assisted living.

This conversation is your permission slip to change the narrative around aging and the end of life. Julie May and Melissa Hunt discuss the "awesome-sauce" approach to death positivity, reframing the end of life as a celebration of a life well-designed. You’ll walk away inspired by how Melissa’s own children have integrated into this mission and empowered to start the courageous conversations necessary to ensure your legacy—and your loved ones'—is one of joy and meaning.

Want to learn more about Melissa Hunt?

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-hunt-0b56661a9/

Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/1406829093293582

Want to learn more about Ridiculously You or join our newsletter? https://ridiculouslyyou.com

Ready to join the Ridiculous Women Society and stop shrinking? https://ridiculouslyyou.com/women

Want to learn more about Julie May or book her to speak? https://thejuliemay.com