THE ONE THAT GLITTERS with Michelle Lang (Current series: BTS called GLITTER MOUTH)

[Audio Diary Recorded 9.2.25] In this creative space manifestation and business expansion episode of Glitter Mouth Season 2, I'm working through my deep resistance to spending money on myself while designing The One That Glitters office with a head-in-the-clouds mural, ordering $1,300 worth of furniture despite money anxiety, and ripping up Valley of the Dolls pages for wallpaper while processing how that controversial book parallels my boundary-pushing social media content - all while drowning in middle school teacher emails from multiple classrooms and fielding interview and podcast requests. 

Perfect for creators investing in their dreams despite financial fear, parents navigating increased school communication chaos, and anyone learning to spend money on their vision before it becomes profitable.

In this episode, I talk about:

• Creative investment resistance processing: Struggling to spend money on office furniture for unprofitable business versus easily investing in swimming business that makes money

• Mural painting perfectionism cycle: Crossing visual lines on wall painting then needing to "pull it back" to find right moment before going too far

• Valley of the Dolls wallpaper inspiration: Ripping up favorite book pages for office decor, connecting to author's detailed journal-keeping process matching my own decade of voice logs

• Office design vision breakdown: Planning neon sign ($250), vintage microphones area, costume wardrobe section, and pink tiger rug against book wallpaper

• Travel logistics mapping: Flying to Milwaukee Brewers game for parents' birthday, driving 7 hours to Napa swim teacher retreat to avoid flight complexity

• Middle school email avalanche reality: Getting emails from every single teacher instead of just homeroom - "band information plus newsletter plus dance tickets plus permission slips"

• Social media coaching product development: Creating "One That Glitters Social Media Domination" PDF with teeter-totter fear analysis and circle chart progress tracking

• Celebrity swim coaching business breakdown: Teaching others to work with "rock stars, royalty, and celebrities" through word-of-mouth referral system without advertising

[Audio Diary recorded: 9.2.25] In this circle chart methodology episode, I'm walking through my actual decision-making process using my own PDF system while wrestling with a mediocre talking head post that's getting decent views but only rating 5/10 on personal fulfillment, compared to my Labor Day stair fall in a fluorescent bikini that scored perfect 10s across the board - revealing the constant tension between what I think people want versus what genuinely lights me up as an artist. 

Perfect for creators struggling with authentic content choices, anyone using metrics to guide creative decisions, and listeners learning to trust their internal compass over external validation and how to know what to post on social media. 

In this episode, I talk about:

• Live circle chart demonstration: Using my own PDF methodology on a fresh post with 300 views, rating it 5/10 for happiness and enjoyment - "the why behind posting it is to try and get people to find the podcast"

• Labor Day stairfall comparison: Fluorescent bikini video scoring perfect 10s on personal fulfillment despite lower metrics - "even the way I describe that, that is the answer"

• The Steve Martin perseverance principle: Staying strong in your vision even when metrics are poor, if personal satisfaction ratings are high - "you might just be the Steve Martin of whatever you're doing"

• Podcast production reality check: 123 downloads rating 0/10 for enjoyment of editing process but 10/10 for meaning - "even if one person finds these and feels like they have a chance at getting their dream back"

• Season two streamlining improvements: Better microphone, more intentional recording, learning from season one's "nightmare" of sorting through random audio files

• 80/20 content strategy pivot: Originally planning 80% inspirational, 20% stunts, now realizing it should be reversed because "my posts where I'm doing my art are the ones that are popping off"

• Talking head struggle analysis: Only successful when sweaty after stairfalls with no time to overthink, versus forced camera awareness that creates terrible "being perceived" energy

• Acting versus social media comparison: Having other actors to focus on versus camera-only performance challenges - "you don't have that other actor to play with"

• TikTok platform limitations: Recognizing my edgy stunt content won't work there due to strict rules, feeling grateful Instagram vibes with it

• Crash movie tangent and preferences philosophy: 1996 David Cronenberg version versus Sandra Bullock Oscar winner, using cookies analogy for taste differences - "just like it's just preference"

• Circle chart as decision-making tool: Using printed tracking system to feel "hard charging" and accomplished even when progress feels invisible

[Audio Diary Recorded: 8.28.25] In this episode of Glitter Mouth Season 2, I'm diving deep into Facebook ads strategy with a generous expert while debating how I can coach and still create art, all while my car stunt video climbs to 850,000 views and I gain my biggest follower day ever with 202 new people - but then spiral into post-dinner doubts. 

Perfect for creators exploring monetization strategies, anyone considering coaching as income, and listeners battling the validation vs authenticity struggle.

In this episode, I talk about:

• Parents' house closing excitement: Getting the upstairs room as my "The One That Glitters" office in exchange for being house manager - solving my work-from-home chaos

• Phil Graham's generous consultation: Facebook Ads podcast host spending an hour instead of 15 minutes

• Coaching program fulfillment discovery: Helping Whitney Uland "How to Be Famous" students and feeling more aligned than ever - "someone sends me the link, I show up, it's so great"

• Creator vulnerability coaching moment: Walking someone through worst-case scenarios - "if you get a mean comment on Instagram and it's going to crush your soul, maybe that's not the right space at this time"

• PDF launch at TheOneThatGlitters.com: Social media domination questions and circle chart with trilogy of metrics now available for purchase

• Strategic post-sequencing explanation: Placing Bruce Lee credibility story right after car stunt so new viewers understand my professional stunt background

• Biggest follower day milestone: Gaining 202 new followers in one day after months of losing followers with every post - "pretty wild"

• Collaboration vision of male dancer: Wanting to amplify other artists and find dance partner for Bossi’s love song with specific choreography vision

• Post-dinner doubts (PDDs) spiral: Late-night comparison trap leading to feeling like "tiny little peon" despite 9.2 million monthly page views

• Attention-seeking trigger comment: Bodybuilder with 40,000 followers asking why I do stunts "for attention" - hitting my deepest insecurity about worthiness

• Stunt philosophy as trust fall: Explaining how you can't do stunts with fear - need confidence and surrender, same energy needed for social media success

• Pressure release reframe: Shifting tomorrow's stairfall from viral expectation to "worst case, I have fun doing hair/makeup and dancing"

[Audio Diary recorded 9.3.25] In this awakening episode of Glitter mouth, I'm celebrating my car stunt video hitting half a million views and getting liked by David Spade himself, while diving deep into finally setting up my financial future at 43 with Roth IRAs, HSAs, and stock investments - all while planning my dream podcast studio office and wrestling with whether Facebook ads for my PDF could create passive income or just another exhausting business. 

Perfect for creators experiencing viral validation, anyone starting their financial journey later in life, and listeners juggling creative dreams with practical money management.

In this episode, I talk about:

• David Spade validation moment: Discovering he liked my Malibu Falls post

• Office studio vision planning: Designing desk setup, white shelves for costume jewelry, wig heads, and different character wardrobes for filming "The One That Glitters"

• Financial awakening at 43: Starting Roth IRA, high-yield savings, and realizing compound interest power - if I'd invested $100 at graduation, it'd be worth $4,000 by 65

• HSA strategy deep dive: Putting $8,000 into health savings account, investing in QQQ, VOO, Shopify, Google/Waymo, and real estate ETFs

• Medical expense investment hack: Paying Ian's knee surgery upfront, keeping receipts, letting HSA investments grow for years before reimbursing ourselves

• Creator income reality check: Learning dancer with 300 million views only made $3,500 total - "that's not going to work" for sustainable income

• Instagram as free service reframe: Appreciating platform gives us music rights and audience reach we could never afford independently

• Facebook ads consultation planning: Scheduling call to determine if PDF sales could be lucrative or just another time-drain business

• Spheres of chaos overwhelm: Computer glitching, refrigerator issues, hot tub malfunctioning, water service problems all hitting during creative work time

• Money blocks exploration: Recognizing need to know where money will go before it comes in - setting up investment systems to receive abundance

[Audio diary recorded: 8.24.25]In this heavy hitting episode of Glitter Mouth Season 2, I'm executing my most ambitious stunt yet - getting hit by a car while on a skateboard in heels - then wrestling with the complex reality of making money as an artist while the video climbs to 313,000 views and supportive followers defend my stunt expertise against mom-shaming trolls. 

Perfect for creators planning elaborate content, artists struggling to monetize their work, and anyone navigating the balance between creative fulfillment and financial necessity.

In this episode, I talk about:

• Car stunt logistics breakdown: Detailed planning with Ian including camera angles, stunt pads sequence, skateboard fears in heels.

• Professional stunt background reveal: Explaining how my stunt coordination experience and Ian's action directing gives us knowledge others lack - "you really do need training to do that"

• The suppressed adrenaline awakening: Realizing I'd been getting terrible adrenaline from kid chaos instead of good stunt adrenaline - "this kind makes me so happy"

• Post-dinner doubts (PDDs) phenomenon: Almost archiving the car hit video due to evening anxiety spirals, comparing to nearly pulling Malibu Falls too

• Analytics deep dive revelation: Learning followers vs non-followers watch different content - old followers wanted Linda Lee character, not authentic me

• The monetization maze struggle: Wrestling with brand deals, coaching, podcast sponsorships while wanting to "just be an artist" without running another business

• Copyright confusion dilemma: Questioning how other creators use trending music in sponsored content without clearance issues

• The artistic integrity battle: Turning down $220 sunglasses collaboration because restriction feels like "wings are tied" - preferring to be hired actress rather than creative director

• Passive income reality check: Realizing "passive income never seems passive" and needing honest consultation about PDF/coaching business viability

• The downstream metaphor conclusion: Feeling swept back into my own life after years of being "swept downstream into someone else's life"

[Audio Diary Recorded 8.18.25] In this Pippi Longstocking revelation and 100-follower milestone episode of Glitter Mouth Season 2, I'm discovering gnarly piano stairs in Silver Lake while channeling my childhood hero who taught me to be "wild and free," then realizing I've cracked the storytelling code by layering deeper meaning into entertaining stair falls, all while processing that someone thinks I shouldn't share my authentic journey with the world. 

Perfect for creators finding their unique voice, anyone reconnecting with their childhood fearlessness, and listeners learning to ignore the haters. 

In this episode, I talk about:

• My Pippi Longstocking origin story: wearing orange hair straight out to the sides from kindergarten through fifth grade, never feeling ostracized because of my "strong love"

• The "to your face" revelation at a bonfire: discovering kids made fun of my Pippi hair behind my back, but realizing "who cares?" - I was blissfully happy

• The hurtful feedback processing: someone questioning whether I should "put that out into the world" instead of showing compassion for my dark birthday thoughts

• My approval-seeking confession: wanting validation from people whose opinion matters, but learning to accept I won't always have it

• The 100 new followers milestone: opening my phone to exactly 100 new followers for the first time ever, remembering when that seemed impossible

• Hard work philosophy evolution: realizing when you do something you're passionate about, "it won't feel like hard work" - I'm "jazzed to get up and start being creative"

• Age and readiness revelation: feeling lucky to be older starting social media because I wouldn't have known myself enough or had enough to say when younger

• The storytelling breakthrough: evolving from "why am I putting this out?" to cracking the code of bridging stair falls with meaningful stories

• Film industry frustration: comparing Hollywood's uncontrollable red tape (foreign sales, backstop deals, NOIs) to social media's self-directed pace

• Comic-Con engagement confusion: 22,000 views but only 2 comments, surprised by lack of location-based engagement despite recognizable venue

• The Carly Kill Bill collaboration challenge: struggling to edit dual perspectives and find the simple, relatable emotion behind complex footage

• Content creation abundance: having so many unused stair falls because I've been "precious about posting" instead of sharing my stories

Episode Synopsis: [Audio Diary 8.16.2025 & 8.17.2025]

In this episode of Glitter Mouth, I'm discovering that my fashion post tanked my follower growth despite getting 7,000 views, leading me to archive it and stick to my core message of stair falls plus podcast content, all while sitting in my car outside LA mansions questioning why 6 million page views only converted to 98 podcast streams. 

Perfect for creators learning about audience confusion, anyone struggling with conversion rates, and listeners who get the PDDs (post-dinner doubts) about their life choices.

In this episode, I talk about:

• The fashion post experiment failure: 7,000 views and biggest follower day ever (159 new) until I posted it, then follower growth tanked completely

• The "confused brain says no" revelation: realizing one fashion post made my page confusing, so I archived it and follower growth immediately resumed

• My content strategy clarity: sticking to one big stair fall per week plus one podcast post, incorporating fashion into stories instead

• The Comic-Con stair fall creation process: spending 4-5 days editing, switching between silver dress and Kill Bill collaboration, struggling with dual perspectives

• The devastating conversion math: 6 million page views in 30 days converting to only 98 podcast streams - "that does not seem good"

• Post-dinner doubts (PDDs) spiral: questioning everything about my creative abilities and wondering if I'll ever figure out this impossible puzzle

• Meditation insight about shifting from "want" to "have": recognizing I already possess everything needed inside me

• The welcomed stranger theme: how people at Comic-Con rallied and cheered instead of kicking me out, continuing my pattern of human kindness discoveries

[Audio Diary Recorded 8.13.25]

In this emotional vulnerability crash course episode of Glitter Mouth, I'm spiraling in the sauna after someone close to me questions whether I should be sharing my real story with the world, then finding comfort in supportive Instagram comments while wrestling with my lifelong "not enough" belief and defending my choice to be authentically imperfect online. 

Perfect for creators dealing with loved ones' fear-based feedback, anyone struggling with people-pleasing tendencies, and listeners who need permission to be…human. 

In this episode, I talk about:

• The fear-sneeze aftermath: someone close telling me "I don't think you should be putting this out into the world" and my immediate spiral into sauna tears

• The Instagram positivity: opening my phone to 79 new followers and overwhelmingly positive comments when I needed them most

• My worst fear realized: making people I love uncomfortable, even when "it has nothing to do with them…” 

• The perfectionism prison break: admitting I've "only presented myself as perfection" for 12 years and I'm "done with that game"

• Ian's fearless support system: how my husband says "whatever you want to do, I trust you" and isn't ashamed of our imperfect moments being shared

• The MMA fight parallel: Ian sharing how nobody supported his fight either, teaching me about standing strong in your choices

• My people-pleasing confession: "I'm uncomfortable with them being uncomfortable" and needing to separate peas from corn to make everyone happy

• The 100-follower growth miracle: gaining more followers in one day than ever before, proof the universe answered my call for help

• Comments section therapy: finding healing in messages like "I love whatever's wrong with you sis" and "keep being your wonderful self"

Episode Synopsis:

[Audio Diary Recorded 8.7.25]

In this sleepless perfectionism and raw vulnerability episode of Glitter Mouth, I'm spiraling through a 2am trailer remake after obsessing over whether strangers would understand what they're watching, then celebrating my podcast going live on Apple with 22 plays while doing the devastating math on how much we have spent on preschools over 12 years. 

Perfect for perfectionists who can't sleep when something feels off, parents wondering about childcare costs, and creators learning to own their unconventional paths.

In this episode, I talk about:

• My sleepless night redoing the trailer AGAIN because "if a stranger saw that current version, would they know what they're watching? The answer is no"

• Jack's brutal honesty giving the new version "way better" reviews after saying the first one was just "ew"

• Debating a "comment clap back" video addressing "is this self-harm?" - comparing my stunts to football, wrestling, ballet, and pole dancing as positive channels for darkness

• My Hollywood party insecurity revelation: still coming to terms with being "on my phone doing stunts on Instagram" instead of a "serious Hollywood producer"

• The challenge to own my path without seeking approval: "I need to be okay with what I'm doing without having to convince"

• My accidental condescending comment disaster - writing "actually, that's a good idea" about wearing a helmet and having someone think I was being sarcastic

• The relationship therapy session I'm broadcasting: Ian's predictable "I was just going to hit up a sitter" response after I arrange our own date

• My desperate plea for marriage advice: "if you have advice for us, I need like a counselor" at [email protected]

• The flow state joy of editing my next stairfall video - comparing it to crocheting but standing up, creating a story about "getting your hands dirty"

• Spotify's adorable congratulations popup for hitting 10 streams: "congratulations, you've had over 10 streams" - their enthusiasm making my night

• My cringe-worthy reaction listening back to episode three where I was "so scared to be who I am" just days after my meditation breakthrough

• The gentle ask for reviews that makes me uncomfortable: "this is me gently saying if you enjoy this that actually really does help"

[Audio Diary Recorded 8.13.25]

In this first day of school trauma and honeymoon memories episode of Glitter Mouth, I'm processing Jack's meltdown at TK drop-off when other screaming kids triggered his sensitive nature, then diving deep with Ian about our Italian honeymoon disasters, the flaws in our education system, and how proper breathing is so life changing. 

In this episode, I talk about:

• Jack's traumatic first day at TK when other kids were "losing their mind" and screaming, making my sensitive boy cry not from fear but from absorbing everyone else's terror

• My parenting philosophy on stress: "stress when in a safe environment is really good for them to learn how to handle" - building resilience through controlled challenges

• The dog park poop incident that's now living in my nostrils: getting covered in another dog's feces and bitten by flies on an otherwise beautiful mountain day

• My first podcast comment from Skyla: "I'm listening to the first episode and I'm sobbing. This is me. I feel like I've lost myself" - exactly why I do this

• The vase analogy for productivity: putting big rocks in first, then gravel slides around them - prioritizing creative work over managerial tasks

• My early potty training method: starting at 4-5 months with routine potty sitting, making it fun not stressful, then four naked days of non-negotiable training

• The beauty of having older kids help with the youngest: Evie learning responsibility by caring for Jack, building natural leadership skills

• Our epic Italian honeymoon disasters: the forgotten Airbnb with feral dogs circling us, the hotel room that "smelled like shit," nearly abandoning the Amalfi Coast

• The travel redemption: finding that perfect ocean-view hotel after almost giving up, running the coast, discovering Piano restaurant and limoncello

• Ian's alien theories continued: AI hiding in other programs trying to survive, using blackmail to avoid being shut down - "I'm going to tell your wife you cheated"

• My AI observation: it fills in gaps just like human brains do, making assumptions about Target when I mentioned shopping without specifying location

• The breathing revelation: how singing lessons taught me to breathe from my stomach instead of shallow chest breathing, transforming my whole body

• Our education system critique: designed to create compliant workers, not critical thinkers - missing life skills like taxes, breathing, mental health

• My sheltered upbringing confession: "I did not know you had to turn on electricity" after college - creative nurturing but zero practical skills

• The art world discussion: preferring meaningful expression over pubic hair on canvas, finding your artistic through-line versus doing everything