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In this solo episode of the Western Hippie Podcast, Michaela shares a powerful perspective shift around the concept of perfection. As a self-described Virgo and recovering perfectionist, she explores how society has confused "perfect" with "flawless"—and how this misunderstanding holds us back creatively and spiritually. Through personal stories, a transformative teaching from Brendan Burchard, and insights from Guided Light Healing, Michaela invites listeners to reclaim their wholeness, shift their language, and create from a place of worthiness. She ends the episode with an exciting announcement: the audiobook version of The Barn off of Colfax Lane will be released on the podcast, two chapters per week.

CHAPTERS

00:00 – Intro + Being a Virgo & Perfectionism
 02:00 – Fruit bowls, Brendan Burchard & the meaning of "perfect"
 05:45 – The "shitty first draft" philosophy
 07:00 – How literal the subconscious mind is
 10:00 – Subconscious programming + language awareness
 12:00 – Perfect vs Flawless: A spiritual reframing
 15:00 – Alessandro & Guided Light Healing: Source makes no mistakes
 18:00 – Creating from wholeness, not lack
 20:00 – Lord of the Rings Quote + Becoming who you were born to be
 21:30 – Audiobook Announcement: The Barn off of Colfax Lane
24:00 – Reflections, gratitude & what’s next for the show

KEYWORDS:

perfectionism, Virgo energy, Brendan Burchard, subconscious mind, flawless, perfect, trauma healing, creative wounds, audiobook release, personal growth, wholeness, language programming, Guided Light Healing, Source, self-worth, Lord of the Rings, The Barn off of Colfax Lane, identity, healing journey, authenticity

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In this raw and vulnerable episode of The Western Hippie Podcast, host Michaela shares her personal story of relationship patterns that kept repeating — even years apart. If you've ever felt like you're stuck in a “déjà vu” loop, this episode is your permission slip to finally break free.

Michaela opens up about past situationships, emotional triangles, and the moment her spiritual mentor helped her realize she had been taking herself for granted. She explains how internal belief systems and subconscious patterns — not just the people we date — shape the outcomes of our love lives.

With emotional depth, spiritual insight, and two powerful tools to rewire your subconscious, Michaela guides you toward self-worth, emotional sovereignty, and healthier relationships from the inside out.

💫 It’s not just about dating better people. It’s about treating yourself like you’re worth being chosen.

LINKS:

Guided Light Healing (Join Alessandro’s classes or get on the email list!)

Michaela's contact info: [email protected] or Instagram

CHAPTERS:

0:00 – Welcome + Feeling vulnerable in real time
 3:30 – Why your relationships feel like déjà vu
 6:50 – The first love triangle and choosing friendship over love
 11:45 – Cultural messaging about relationships & self-worth
 15:00 – The second triangle: A repeated pattern years later
 18:20 – Realization: “I’m the common denominator”
 21:10 – Meeting with her spiritual mentor
 23:00 – The breakthrough: Taking yourself for granted
 26:30 – The Law of Reflections explained
 29:15 – Your creator field & how people mirror your beliefs
 33:20 – Why the “honeymoon phase” isn’t the real test
 35:00 – 2 tools to rewire your worth:
 • Journaling: 10 qualities per day for 20 days
 • Nightly brain-training with the Reticular Activating System
 43:45 – The juicer metaphor: Input = Output
 45:30 – Guided Light Healing shoutout + the perfection of Source
 48:10 – Final reminder: You’re not broken — you’ve just been believing you are

KEYWORDS:

relationship patterns, emotional healing, subconscious reprogramming, spiritual self-worth, law of reflection, creator field, trauma-informed relationships, journaling for healing, rewiring your brain, reticular activating system, self-love, personal growth, self-worth in dating, Western Hippie Podcast, guided light healing

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Do you ever feel like your story has already been told — so what’s the point of sharing it? In this episode of The Western Hippie Podcast, Michaela unpacks the deeper reason your voice still matters — and why your unique delivery is your divine assignment.

Inspired by a Lord of the Rings quote that cracked her open, she explores how art, healing, and purpose aren’t separate paths — they’re actually one. From “trauma trances” to creative awakenings, Michaela invites you to stop asking how others do it and start doing it your way.

Whether you're a writer, healer, creator, or just trying to figure out what you're here for, this episode will remind you: if you don’t find the way, no one else will.

EPISODES MENTIONED:

CHAPTERS

00:00 – Intro & LOTR Quote That Sparked This Episode
06:10 – Trauma Trance vs Authentic Self
12:35 – Why You’ve Avoided What You Might Love
18:22 – Finding Purpose Through Movies & Art
23:40 – The Message vs The Delivery (Make Your Bed Story)
29:05 – Healing vs Creating: Do You Have to Choose?
35:44 – The Artist as Healer: A New Paradigm
42:12 – Your Mission, Your Voice, Your Way
47:10 – Final Reflection: How Can You Be More YOU Today?

KEYWORDS

find your purpose, trauma healing, authentic self, art as healing, spiritual podcast, personal growth, creativity and healing, soul work, Lord of the Rings purpose quote, Western Hippie Podcast, artist or healer, your voice matters, how to find purpose through storytelling

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In this episode of the Western Hippie podcast, host Michaela discusses her ongoing identity shift and the importance of recognizing and reclaiming one's gifts. She emphasizes the significance of self-worth and safety in personal growth, drawing parallels to the story of Cinderella, who ultimately saved herself by believing in her own value. Michaela encourages listeners to give themselves credit for their achievements and to build their lives on a foundation of wholeness rather than brokenness.

TAKEAWAYS:

Michaela has been experiencing an identity shift for two years.
Losing our gifts can lead to a deeper appreciation for them.
Finding the gift in struggles is crucial for personal growth.
Self-protection is often misinterpreted as self-sabotage.
Cinderella's story illustrates the importance of self-empowerment.
We must give ourselves credit for our achievements.
Looking for external validation can hinder our growth.
Building a life on wholeness is essential for success.
Recognizing our worth is key to attracting positive experiences.
Cinderella saved herself by believing in her own value.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Identity Shift and Personal Growth
13:02 Cinderella: The Hero of Her Own Story

KEYWORDS

identity shift, personal growth, self-worth, optimism, healing journey, Cinderella, self-empowerment, nervous system, self-sabotage, personal development

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In this engaging conversation, Michaela and Landon explore the unique contributions of Tom Cruise to the film industry, particularly through the Mission Impossible franchise. They discuss the healing power of art, the meditative experience of watching movies in theaters, and how films can serve as tools for personal development. The duo also delves into the evolution of female characters in the series, the dynamic partnership between Cruise and director Christopher McQuarrie, and the significance of teamwork in the films. They conclude by ranking the Mission Impossible movies, sharing personal anecdotes and insights along the way. In this conversation, Michaela and Landon delve into the Mission: Impossible franchise, discussing the evolution of the films, character development, and the impact of iconic scenes. They explore the strengths and weaknesses of each installment, particularly focusing on 'Rogue Nation' and 'Fallout', while also making predictions for the upcoming 'Final Reckoning'. Their analysis highlights the importance of storytelling, character arcs, and the influence of classic cinema on the franchise.

Chapters

00:00 Reconnecting Through Film
04:35 Tom Cruise: A Unique Force in Cinema
10:44 Cultural Impact of Movies During Isolation
16:49 Neural Coupling and Personal Development
22:33 The Partnership of Tom Cruise and Christopher McQuarrie
35:00 The Disappointment of Mission Impossible 2
43:28 Character Depth and Emotional Payoff in Mission Impossible 3
54:24 Strong Female Characters in the Mission Impossible Series
01:01:50 Character Dynamics and Humor in Mission Impossible
01:11:39 The Original Mission Impossible: A Classic Revisited
01:20:18 The Evolution of Tom Cruise's Action Star Persona
01:26:18 The Significance of Character Development in Fallout
01:36:07 Rogue Nation: The Pinnacle of the Franchise
01:42:11 High-Speed Chases and Comedy in Action Films
01:48:20 The Importance of Character Development
01:55:46 Predictions for Future Installments

Keywords

Tom Cruise, Mission Impossible, movie review, film analysis, art as healing, personal development, cinematic experience, character connection, filmmaking, Hollywood, Mission Impossible, Rogue Nation, Ghost Protocol, Fallout, Tom Cruise, action movies, film analysis, movie reviews, cinematic techniques, character development

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In this episode of the Western Hippie Podcast, host Michaela delves into the complex emotional and mental aftermath of sexual assault. She discusses the often-overlooked psychological trauma that accompanies physical violations, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and processing these feelings. Michaela shares her personal experiences, the challenges of untangling emotions, and the journey towards healing and honesty. The conversation highlights the need for open discussions about trauma, the significance of emotional work, and the path to reclaiming one's narrative.

Chapters:

00:00 The Mindfuck of Sexual Assault
05:05 The Complexity of Mental and Emotional Trauma
10:41 Unpacking Emotions and Physical Manifestations
15:56 Navigating Hatred and Safety
20:19 Finding Evidence of Safety
25:18 Embracing Honesty and Healing

Takeaways:

• The hardest part of sexual assault is often the mental trauma.
• Most sexual assaults are committed by someone known to the victim.
• Emotional work is crucial for healing from trauma.
• Hatred can be a protective mechanism but also a barrier to healing.
• Acknowledging the truth of one's feelings is essential for recovery.
• The subconscious mind plays a significant role in our emotional responses.
• Finding evidence of safety can help in overcoming trauma.
• Honesty with oneself is a vital step in the healing process.
• Healing involves both feeling and expressing deep emotions.
• Making something good from bad experiences is a form of alchemy.

keywords:

sexual assault, trauma, mental health, emotional healing, victim mentality, honesty, safety, emotional work, personal growth, healing journey

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In this episode of the Western Hippie Podcast, host Michaela explores the concept of self-discovery and the journey of remembering who we truly are. She discusses the impact of trauma on our identity, the importance of emotional healing, and practical steps to reconnect with lost qualities through various methods, including movies. Michaela emphasizes the significance of silence and introspection in the healing process, encouraging listeners to carve out time for self-reflection and to embrace their true selves.

CONNECT WITH MICHAELA:

@ms.michaela.mae

Email: [email protected]

TAKEAWAYS:

• The journey of self-discovery involves remembering who you are.
• Trauma can separate us from our true selves.
• Emotional release is crucial for healing.
• Movies can serve as a tool for self-reflection.
• We often abandon parts of ourselves to fit in.
• Recognizing our favorite characters can help us rediscover lost qualities.
• Healing requires acknowledging and feeling our emotions.
• Rewiring our beliefs takes time and effort.
• Silence and introspection are essential for personal growth.
• We are not our thoughts; we are the soul.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Remembering Who You Are
04:21 Understanding Trauma and Its Impact
08:12 Using Movies to Rediscover Yourself
11:04 Reconnecting with Lost Qualities
15:04 Healing Through Emotional Release
21:12 Rewiring Your Beliefs
23:34 Finding Silence and Inner Peace

SOUND BITES:

• "Remember who you are."
• "I want to help you do it."
• "How did we forget who we are?"
• "It's about becoming who you are."
• "The silence is the cracking of the door."

KEYWORDS:

self-discovery, trauma, emotional healing, personal growth, mental health, self-awareness, mindfulness, movies, character traits, emotional release

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In this episode of the Western Hippie podcast, host Michaela shares her journey of connecting with her intuition, navigating life transitions, and trusting oneself. She illustrates how intuition can guide decision-making and lead to unexpected insights through personal anecdotes, including a spontaneous beach trip. Michaela emphasizes the significance of taking breaks, and the law of balance, and encourages listeners to follow their intuitive nudges for personal growth and clarity.  

SOUND BITES

• "If it doesn't flow, it doesn't go."
• "Intuition is those eyes above the trees."
• "Intuition is never logical."
• "The logical part is saying, makes absolutely no sense."
• "Try that little ping you've been getting."
• "Intuition speaks to us through the stillness."
• "We're just doing the best we can with what we have."

TAKEAWAYS

• Intuition helps discern when to push through obstacles and when to pause.
• Life transitions can be navigated with the guidance of intuition.
• Intuition is often counter-logical, leading to unexpected but beneficial outcomes.
• Taking breaks can lead to greater clarity and insight.
• Trusting your intuition can yield a high return on investment in personal growth.
• Visual signs can be requested from your intuition for confirmation.
• The law of balance suggests that the more we want something, the less likely we are to get it.
• Quieting the mind is essential to hear intuitive messages.
• Following intuitive nudges can lead to fulfilling experiences.
• Building trust in intuition is a gradual process that requires practice.

CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction and Intuition Overview
02:56 Navigating Life's Transitions
06:07 The Power of Intuition in Decision Making
08:53 Experiencing the Beach Trip
12:03 Lessons from the Beach and Intuition Training
14:53 Building Trust in Intuition
18:12 The Return on Investment of Intuition
21:05 The Importance of Taking Breaks
23:55 The Law of Balance and Letting Go
26:46 Encouragement to Follow Intuition
30:06 Conclusion and Reflection

KEYWORDS

intuition, self-discovery, personal growth, decision-making, mindfulness, life transitions, trust, balance, podcasting, self-care

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In this episode of the Western Hippie Podcast, host Michaela discusses the significance of finding one's purpose amidst a trend in the personal development industry that downplays its importance. She shares her personal journey and insights on how purpose can be understood as a puzzle made up of various experiences and emotions. Michaela provides practical exercises to help listeners identify their painful experiences, passions, and the core aspects of their identity that contribute to their sense of purpose. The episode emphasizes the importance of integrating creativity and personal growth to pursue a meaningful life.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 The Importance of Purpose
04:06 Understanding Purpose as a Puzzle
10:36 Finding Purpose Through Pain
15:38 Integrating Passion and Creativity

SOUND BITES

"Finding purpose has been important to me."
"Purpose is a puzzle made of many pieces."
"What does purpose mean to you?"

TAKEAWAYS

• Purpose is often misunderstood and dismissed in today's discourse.
• Finding purpose is a lifelong journey, not a destination.
• Our painful experiences can provide valuable insights into our purpose.
• Purpose is like a puzzle made up of many pieces.
• Feeling purposeful is about making a difference that matters to you.
• Identifying passions can help illuminate your purpose.
• Journaling can uncover subconscious aspects of your identity.
• Creativity is essential in transforming pain into purpose.
• We need to reclaim parts of ourselves that we abandoned in childhood.
• Integration of experiences and creativity leads to a fulfilling life.

KEYWORDS

purpose | personal development | healing | self-discovery | passion | creativity | trauma| growth | podcast | Western Hippie |

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In this episode of the Western Hippie podcast, Michaela discusses her journey through the self-help industry and emphasizes the importance of becoming our own best coach. She shares her personal experiences with self-criticism and the need to identify counterproductive behaviors. Michaela explores the roots of these behaviors, how to rewire the subconscious mind, and the significance of setting realistic steps to our goals. The episode concludes with a focus on self-reflection and the necessity of internal validation for personal growth.

Takeaways

We need to be our own best coach first.
Beating myself up is counterproductive towards my goals.
Every behavior starts with a good intent, even lying.
Understanding the benefits and consequences of our behaviors is crucial.
Lowering the bar on standards can help us achieve more.
Internal validation is more important than external validation.
Self-criticism can stem from childhood experiences.
Proving to the subconscious that a behavior is harmful is essential for change.
Setting realistic daily goals can lead to consistent progress.
Self-reflection is key to personal growth and understanding. 

Chapters

00:00 The Journey into Self-Help
08:26 Understanding the Roots of Self-Criticism
14:32 Rewiring Subconscious Behaviors
20:12 Setting Realistic Goals and Self-Validation

Keywords

self-help, personal development, coaching, self-criticism, subconscious mind, goal setting, self-validation, mental health, personal growth, inner voice

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