What happens when you grow up feeling different from everyone around you?

In this episode, I sit down with Michelle St. Croix for an honest conversation about identity, Treacher Collins syndrome, social anxiety, depression, self discovery, confidence, and what it means to learn how to take up space in a world that constantly makes people feel like they should shrink themselves.

Michelle opens up about growing up visibly different, the surgeries she’s endured, the impact of other people’s cruelty, and the complicated relationship between confidence, self worth, and being perceived by others.

Together, we talk about:

• jaw and trach surgeries

• social anxiety and depression

• sexuality and self discovery

• navigating a world that notices your differences first

• building confidence over time

• running, dog sports, and finding identity through passion

• and learning that taking up space isn’t something you earn, it’s something you deserve

This episode is vulnerable, emotional, funny at times, and deeply human.

Confidence doesn’t usually appear overnight. It’s built slowly, through survival, self acceptance, and finally allowing yourself to be fully seen.