Well, we made it. If you’ve been riding with me this season, you know it has been an absolute whirlwind—messy, loud, and unfiltered. Just like life.

But for this season finale, I’m slowing it down. I’m stripping away the noise to talk about the one thing that fuels everything I do: Love.

In this deeply personal episode, I’m taking you back to the beginning. I’m sharing the story I don’t often tell in boardrooms—the story of my late husband, Matthew Starr, and how losing him at 25 didn’t just break my heart; it built my purpose. You’ll hear how Starr Enterprise wasn’t just a business idea—it was a way to keep a name, and a legacy, alive.

I’m also emptying the tank on advice. I’m throwing everything I’ve learned about survival, grief, resilience, and building an empire while your heart is healing into this one episode.

What to expect:

• The Origin Story: How tragedy birthed a legacy brand.

• Survival Guide: My hardest-earned lessons on navigating the "Shit Show" of life without losing yourself.

• The Future: Why leading with love and unconditional support isn’t just a personal value—it’s a business strategy.

Grab a tissue (and maybe a glass of wine). We’re ending this season with heart.

Thank you for listening, for surviving, and for being here.

Support & Connect w/ Mike:

• Surviving the Aftermath:
• The Roland Know Series: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/%22Roland+Knox%22?Ntk=P_Series_Title&Ns=P_Series_Number&Ntx=mode+matchall

Mike Brown: Social Handles - @mikebrowens

Starr Enterprise

• Socials: @starrincorp
• Website: www.starrenterprise.net

August 2025 Podcast Episode: Ghosts and Memories

In this deeply personal and powerful episode, we're doing something different. I'm officially releasing two new songs, "A Diploma in Heartbreak" and "Skies Above," right here with you.

First, "A Diploma in Heartbreak" takes you to my high school graduation, a moment meant for celebration that was instead haunted by the profound loss of my father to cancer. It's a raw look at the weight of grief and the pain of navigating a new chapter of life without him.

Then, in "Skies Above," I share an intimate look at the heartbreaking reality of losing my husband, my best friend, to suicide. This song explores the quiet devastation and lingering memories of a life that was supposed to be.

Join me as I open up about these experiences and share my music, a testament to the pain and resilience found in moving forward. Make sure you check out my links here: https://linktr.ee/miekbrun

It's been a month of incredible growth and new beginnings! This July, we're recapping a major life update, starting with the release of not one, but two new books.

First, we'll dive into Surviving the Aftermath, a guide and "hand-holding experience" for navigating the complex journey of grief after spousal suicide. While it’s rooted in that experience, this book is for anyone seeking to process loss and rebuild their life.

Then, we'll talk about Roland, a novel set in WWII Paris about a gay man who falls in love in a time when being out was never an option. We'll discuss how this historical story shines a light on the stigma and struggles the LGBTQ+ community still faces today.

Finally, I'm sharing some big personal news: I'm preparing to become a foster dad! I've dreamed of being a father for a long time, and I'll be sharing what it's been like behind the scenes to get ready for this incredible new chapter.

Tune in to celebrate these milestones and join me on this new journey!

You can find both books, along with other content, on my Linktree - https:linktr.ee/miekbrun

The Shit Show, Mike's Edition - June Recap: From Heatwaves to Published Pages!

Welcome back to The Shit Show, Mike's Edition! June in Chicago was brutally hot, forcing us to keep a low profile and avoid the scorching streets. But despite the quiet month on the surface, it was a massive one for a completely different reason: the books are finally out there! After nearly ten years of dedication, Mike's long-awaited books have officially begun their journey to bookstores everywhere. Join us as we recount the sweaty struggles of living through a Chicago summer and celebrate the monumental achievement of seeing years of work finally available to readers. Don't miss this milestone episode!

Join Mike for the May 2025 installment of "The Shitshow," where chaos meets connection and every journey starts with a bang (or a whimper). This month, we're diving headfirst into the mayhem of navigating new city sites, the jitters and triumphs of first flights, and the bittersweet, often awkward, warmth of farewell hugs. From unexpected detours to heartwarming goodbyes, Mike recounts the hilarious and sometimes exasperating realities of travel and human interaction. Buckle up, because it's going to be a bumpy, brilliant ride!

Alright, buckle up buttercups, because April was a bit of a mixed bag here in Chicago!

We saw those teasing glimpses of sunshine trying to break free from the lingering chill – you know the kind of days that give you hope and then BAM! Back to the layers.

This month, while my adventurous spirit took a bit of a backseat, my work life decided to crank things up a notch. I dove headfirst into projects and, get this, I'm now officially the Fundraising Director for my Employee Group!

Join me on this episode of The Shit Show as I navigate the exciting (and slightly terrifying) world of fundraising, share some thoughts on those almost-spring days, and give you the lowdown on what kept me chained to my desk (in a good way, mostly!).

It wasn't all epic explorations this time, but hey, that's life, right? Tune in for the real talk on work hustle, new responsibilities, and the eternal hope for consistent warm weather.

March marks the beginning of a whole new chapter on The Shit Show – Mike’s Edition. In this episode, Mike talks about stepping into a new role in a new department, making the big move to Chicago, and what it’s like trying to turn an empty apartment into a place that feels like home—solo. It’s exciting, overwhelming, and at times, lonely as hell. From adjusting to city life to unpacking the emotional boxes that come with change, this month is all about growth, discomfort, and finding small moments of comfort in unfamiliar spaces.

Tune in for a real look at what it means to rebuild your world—one box, one day, and one deep breath at a time.

In this episode of The Shit Show – Mike’s Edition, we dive into February—where the dust from January starts to settle, but life keeps throwing curveballs. Mike reflects on the emotional aftershocks of the previous month while navigating fresh starts, unexpected goodbyes, and the strange balance of holding onto hope while letting go. From personal revelations to the quiet strength found in moving forward, this month is all about closing chapters with intention and stepping into new beginnings with resilience.

Pour a drink, take a breath, and join the conversation—because even in the chaos, there’s always something worth holding onto.

Episode 1: Welcome to the Shit Show – January 2025 Was a Mess 🎙️🔥

Kicking off The Shit Show - Mike’s Edition with a bang, Episode 1 dives straight into the madness of January 2025. From the unimaginable loss of six family members to stepping away from work and the chaos of moving, this episode is raw, real, and unapologetically honest.

Join Mike as he breaks down the emotional rollercoaster, the struggles of grief, the need for a mental reset, and the unexpected lessons learned along the way. Buckle up—this is just the beginning! 🎧 #TheShitShow