Wine, Whiskey & Life

By Michelle A. BurkeSociety & Culture Health & Fitness Mental Health Education Self-Improvement Personal Journals

Wine, Whiskey & Life episodes

May 08, 2025 Why the F*ck Am I Drinking? A Raw Conversation on Healing, Habits & Hard Truths with Te’ Youngblood
What if the glass of wine at the end of the day isn’t just a ritual—but a red flag? In this episode, Michelle sits down with transformation coach Te’ Youngblood for an unfiltered deep dive into the messy, confronting, and ultimately freeing journey of rethinking our relationship with alcohol.
Te’ opens up about how a casual meme kicked off a 90-day challenge that turned into a full-on spiritual reset. From surviving trauma and navigating an unfulfilling marriage to confronting toxic coping mechanisms, this convo is raw, rebellious, and painfully relatable. It’s not about labels like “alcoholic”—it’s about calling out the quiet cycles we normalize, and choosing truth over numbness.
Whether you're questioning your own habits, craving a breakthrough, or just want to feel seen—this is the kind of episode that lands in your gut and lingers in your bones.
Key Takeaways & Lessons:
Drinking ≠ dysfunction—but it might be avoidance.
Why quitting something isn’t about the thing—it’s about what it covers up.
Grace is a requirement, not a reward.
How energy work, journaling, and one book changed everything.
The difference between drinking socially and drinking to disappear.

Timestamps & Chapters:
[00:38] Te's story begins: trauma, coaching, and speaking truth
[02:29] The marriage mirror and realizing she was unfulfilled
[04:52] When wine became a nightly routine—and a red flag
[06:32] A meme that launched a 90-day life reset
[10:08] What real peace feels like after numbing stops
[16:46] Social pressure and re-learning who you are without alcohol
[22:52] Her new drinking boundaries and emotional rules
[37:36] Writing second book
[46:14] Te’s advice: Give yourself grace + take one damn step
[51:23] Where to follow, connect, and keep up with Te

Resources:
Start discovering the magic in your mess. Grab my book Hot Mess Magic HERE
Ready to stop outsourcing your power? Download FREE The Self-Worship Journal your no-fluff guide to rebuilding self-trust, owning your energy, and becoming straight-up untouchable.
Check out Te’ Podcast - Dear Te, You Got This

Follow:
Follow Me: @michelleaburke
Follow Hot Mess Magic Media: @hotmessmagicmedia
Follow Te’: @phoenixofchange

If this hit you in the feels or the gut do us both a favor:
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Share this episode with someone silently struggling
Stay in the loop
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48 min
May 01, 2025Reclaiming Creativity & Power: Shani Pride on Surrender, Storytelling & Inner Genius
Episode Summary:
In this bold and soul-stirring episode of Wine, Whiskey & Life, Michelle Burke sits down with powerhouse creative Shani Pride a seasoned actor, speaker, and creative consultant who’s redefining what it means to live authentically. With 20+ years in the entertainment industry, Shani shares her evolution from actress to impact-driven storyteller, revealing how surrendering control opened doors, healed wounds, and transformed her career.
They dive deep into the intersection of creativity, courage, and conscious living—covering everything from imposter syndrome and the myth of perfection to how reconnecting with your inner artist can change the trajectory of your life. Whether you’re burnt out, stuck in autopilot, or simply craving more purpose, this conversation will ignite your creative fire and show you that you're more powerful than you think.
Perfect for women in their 40s+ who are ready to remember who the hell they are this episode is a masterclass in transformation, truth, and tapping into untapped magic.
Key Takeaways & Lessons:
Creativity = Transformation: Creativity isn’t fluff—it’s a survival skill and a pathway to personal evolution.
Surrender Opens Doors: Letting go isn’t giving up. It’s trusting the process and making space for real magic.
Imposter Syndrome Reframed: Instead of fear, use admiration and inspiration as fuel to evolve.
Healing Through Accountability: Own your patterns, ditch victimhood, and start asking the hard questions.
Creativity in Work & Life: From boardrooms to kitchens, creativity is the bridge back to joy and purpose.

Timestamps & Chapters:
[00:00] Welcome + Shani’s 20-Year Journey in Entertainment
[02:00] The Power of Surrender: How Letting Go Changed Everything

[03:30] Defining Creativity as a Force of Transformation

[05:50] Rekindling the Creative Spark as Adults

[07:55] Shani’s Series Bronzeville Redemption & Storytelling with Purpose

[09:30] Rethinking Imposter Syndrome Through the Lens of Inspiration

[12:30] Heartbreak, Hard Questions & Self-Sabotage

[16:40] What’s Next: New Film Projects & Creative Consulting

[18:15] Creativity in the Workplace = Better Culture + Better Humans

[20:00] Journaling, Stillness & Reclaiming Everyday Creativity

Resources:
Grab my book Hot Mess Magic HERE
Take Shani’s Creative Assessment HERE

Follow:
Follow Me: @michelleaburke
Follow Hot Mess Magic Media: @hotmessmagicmedia
Follow Shani: @shani_pride

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💬 Loved this episode? Leave a 5-star review & tag us on Instagram with your biggest takeaway. Let’s burn the old rules together.
25 min
April 24, 2025 Survival Mode Disrupted: Leticia Francis on Trauma, Truth & Taking Your Power Back
Episode Summary:
In this raw and riveting episode of Wine, Whiskey & Life, Michelle sits down with Leticia Francis—coach, speaker, and self-proclaimed Survival Mode Disruptor. Leticia doesn't just tell her story—she drops the damn veil. From childhood trauma and domestic abuse to betrayal, addiction, and rebuilding from nothing, Leticia’s journey is a bold testament to the power of radical self-responsibility and reinvention.
You’ll hear the hard truths no one likes to say out loud—about manipulation, survival mode, and the lies we tell ourselves just to keep going. And you’ll also hear the breakthrough: how Leticia reclaims her life through bold coaching, honest ownership, and unapologetic transformation.
Whether you’re in the trenches or on your way out, this episode is your reminder: survival is not the destination. You weren’t built to break—you were built to disrupt, reclaim, and thrive.
Key Takeaways & Lessons:
The survival mode trap: How unresolved trauma can masquerade as “normal life.”
Emotional addiction: Craving attention often stems from early abandonment wounds.
Ownership over victimhood: The most liberating (and brutal) truth Leticia heard from her coach.
The 3 Phases to Exit Survival Mode:
Self-awareness – You can’t change what you won’t face.
Reprogramming – Dismantle inherited beliefs and trauma patterns.
Reinvention – Define yourself beyond what hurt you.
Manifestation with muscle: Want more? Add the tax. You’re playing too damn small.
Somatic trauma healing: Emotions live in the body—let them move through you.

Timestamps & Chapters:
[00:00] Meet Leticia Francis: Survival Mode Disruptor
[01:13] Childhood trauma and early emotional abandonment
[02:21] Abuse, grooming, and a dangerous first relationship
[05:59] Married into manipulation: The cycle continues
[09:16] A pivotal book passage and a terrifying attack
[13:14] Shelter, rock bottom, and rebuilding from scratch
[14:59] The American dream turned nightmare
[20:03] The moment her mother’s words changed everything
[21:32] The coach that punched her ego and awakened her power
[23:00] A new identity: From victim to visionary
[24:29] Survival mode: The silent epidemic
[28:31] Leticia’s core advice for women in toxic relationships
[31:25] Final wisdom: “You were not built to break.”

Follow:
Follow Me: @michelleaburke
Follow Leticia @leticiareneefrancis

Resources:
Grab my book Hot Mess Magic HERE
Get No BS by Burke HERE use code: NOBS at checkout fo 20%off
Visit Leticia’s Website

Guest Bio & Links:
Leticia Francis is a speaker, coach, and trauma disruptor who helps women exit survival mode and reclaim their power. Through radical ownership and unapologetic transformation, she’s changing the way we talk about healing.
35 min
April 18, 2025No More Lone Wolves: Midlife Men, Connection & the Real Comeback w/James Davis
In this transformative episode of Wine, Whiskey, and Life, Michelle sits down with James Davis, coaching psychologist, men’s health advocate, and creator of The Midlife Mentors podcast for a no-holds-barred conversation on what it really takes for men to rise through the mess of midlife.James shares hard-won insights from his own life and work, pulling back the curtain on the silent epidemic of social isolation, the emotional fallout of divorce, and the toll of trying to go it alone. But this isn’t about staying stuck, it’s about the comeback.Together, they explore how vulnerability, real connection, and small, consistent changes, like better nutrition, gratitude, and honest conversations can rebuild confidence and reshape identity. They also unpack how to reignite relationships with the DATE framework (Doing, Action, Time, and Excitement) and why aligning with your true values is the ultimate power move.If you're ready to ditch the lone wolf mindset and get real about the work and the rewards of reclaiming your life, this one’s for you. Straight talk, solid tools, and a reminder that you’re not alone.

Key Takeaways & Lessons:
Isolation isn’t strength, it’s sabotage. Connection is the real comeback move.

Vulnerability fuels growth. Dropping the mask opens the door to real transformation.

Small changes = big momentum. Daily shifts in habits rebuild confidence from the ground up.

DATE your relationship back to life. Doing, Action, Time, and Excitement can reignite connection.

Reclaim your purpose. Midlife isn’t a crisis it’s a call to align with who you are now.

Timestamps & Chapters:
[0:00:00] Introduction to Midlife Challenges with James Davis
[0:08:08] Navigating Life Transitions and Emotional Well-being
[0:18:16] Aligning Values and Nurturing Relationships
[0:23:44] Revitalizing Connections with the DATE Framework
[0:28:20] Midlife Mail Handbook Availability

Resources:

Checkout my ‘Are you Capable’ Free Quiz HERE
Grab my book Hot Mess Magic HERE
Get No BS by Burke HERE use code: NOBS at checkout fo 20%off
Grab the Midlife Male Handbook HERE
Learn more about the MidLife Mentors HERE
Connect with James HERE

Follow:
Follow Me: @michelleaburke
Follow James: @midlifementors

Subscribe to Wine, Whiskey & Life for more inspiring stories and insights. If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a review and share it with your friends.
32 min
April 11, 2025Finding Freedom: Kelita Haverland on Healing Through Music and Vulnerability
In this heartfelt episode of "Wine, Whiskey, and Life," we are joined by the award-winning singer-songwriter Kelita Haverland. Kalita shares her powerful journey from trauma to healing, as detailed in her memoir "Reason to Sing." This episode delves into Kalita's experiences with unimaginable challenges and her use of music as a healing tool. From performing in men's prisons to collaborating with legends like Shania Twain and k.d. lang, Kalita's story is one of resilience and the transformative power of vulnerability. Together, we explore the importance of acknowledging our past, embracing our true selves, and finding emotional freedom through storytelling. Kalita’s narrative is an inspiring invitation to embark on a healing journey and discover the strength found in truth and vulnerability.

Key Takeaways & Lessons:
Embrace vulnerability as a path to healing and connection.

Sharing personal stories can empower both the storyteller and the audience.

Acknowledging past trauma is essential for growth but does not define one's entire narrative.

The journey toward self-love involves accepting and loving all aspects of oneself, including past mistakes.

Timestamps & Chapters:
[00:00] Healing Through Sharing Life's Trials: Introduction to Kelita Haverland and her memoir "Reason to Sing."

[10:47] Navigating Healing Through Shared Stories: The liberating power of storytelling and understanding one's upbringing.

[20:38] Finding Healing Through Sharing and Love: How to start the journey toward emotional freedom and self-love.

Resources:
Checkout my ‘Are you Capable’ Free Quiz HERE
Grab my book Hot Mess Magic HERE
Get No BS by Burke HERE use code: NOBS at checkout fo 20%off
Grab Reason to Sing HERE
Connect with Kelita HERE

Follow:
Follow Me: @michelleaburke
Follow Kelita: @kelitahaverland

Subscribe to "Wine, Whiskey, and Life" on your favorite podcast platform to never miss an episode. Don’t forget to leave a review and share this episode with friends who might find inspiration in Kalita's story.
25 min
April 04, 2025 Embracing Uncertainty: Dina's Path to Location Independence and Personal Transformation
In this compelling episode, we dive into Dina's transformative journey from a seemingly perfect life in Los Angeles to a bold leap into the unknown in Vietnam. Despite having a successful career and a life many dream of, Dina felt unfulfilled and trapped by conventional norms. This episode explores her courageous decision to purchase a one-way ticket to Vietnam, igniting a journey toward location independence and personal growth. Through insightful conversations, Dina shares how travel became a catalyst for self-discovery and emotional healing, turning past resentments into gratitude. We delve into the power of questioning societal norms and embracing uncertainty to craft a life aligned with personal values. This episode is an inspiring invitation to envision a life without constraints, urging listeners to lean into the present and listen to their inner guidance for clarity in chaos.

Key Takeaways & Lessons:
The importance of recognizing when a seemingly perfect life doesn't align with personal fulfillment.Travel as a means of revelation and personal discovery, not just an escape.The power of questioning and redefining beliefs to align with personal aspirations.Strategies for designing a freedom-based business and life.

Timestamps & Chapters:
:[00:00:00] Journey to Location Independence: Dina's decision to leave her career for travel.
[00:10:51] Travel as Revelation: Transforming past resentments into gratitude.
[00:19:43] Finding Clarity in Surrendering to Uncertainty: Embracing identity disentanglement.[00:27:31] Creating Your Ideal Location Independent Reality: Redefining beliefs for freedom.
[00:36:13] Designing a Freedom-Based Business: Envisioning true personal freedom.

Resources:
Checkout my ‘Are you Capable’ Free Quiz HERE
Grab my book Hot Mess Magic HERE
Get No BS by Burke gear HERE use code: NOBS at checkout fo 20% off
Dive into Dina’s Blog & all her FREE goodies HERE

Follow
Follow Me: @michelleaburke
Follow Dina: @WayoftheFounder

Subscribe to Wine, Whiskey & Life for more inspiring stories and insights. If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a review and share it with your friends.
40 min
March 28, 2025The Emotional Landscape of Infertility with Louise Siwicki
In this episode of Wine, Whiskey, and Life, I chat with Louise Siwicki, Infertility Specialist and fertility coach, about the emotional side of infertility and the journey to motherhood. Louise shares her personal six-year infertility struggle and how it fueled her passion for supporting others facing similar challenges. We dive into the emotional roller coaster many experience, particularly high-achieving individuals who struggle with stress, anxiety, and the loss of control during the fertility process. Louise emphasizes the power of reframing negative self-talk, breathing exercises to manage stress, and the importance of surrounding yourself with supportive professionals. We also discuss societal pressures around age and fertility, debunking the myth that women over a certain age should give up on their dreams of motherhood. Louise offers practical advice for finding joy in small steps and trusting the process, even in the face of uncertainty. This episode is a reminder that while the path to parenthood may be challenging, it also offers opportunities for growth, self-discovery, and connection.

Key Takeaways:
Embrace imperfections and let go of the need for perfection.
Reframe negative self-talk and create empowering narratives.
Trust the process and surrender control in the fertility journey.
Surround yourself with supportive professionals and prioritize self-care.
Small steps each day lead to joy and balance in life.

Links:
Louise Siwicki's - https://www.louisesiwicki.com/
Follow Louise @Louise.siwicki
Follow Michelle @michelleaburke

Remember to subscribe to Wine, Whiskey, and Life for more raw, real, and honest conversations about life's mess and the lessons we learn along the way.

Share with someone who benefit from this episode.
36 min
March 28, 2025Driving Through Life's Curves: Lessons from Speedy Phoebe
In this episode of Wine, Whiskey, and Life, I had the pleasure of speaking with Ryanne Siddiq, author of Speedy Phoebe. Ryanne's story is a powerful reminder of the resilience and creativity that can emerge in the face of adversity. From being a financial professional to navigating the challenges of COVID-19 as a stay-at-home mom, Ryanne’s journey is filled with personal triumphs and struggles. We dive deep into her experience during the pandemic, where the pressures of distance learning and health battles led to the creation of Speedy Phoebe, a children's book inspired by Ryanne’s own life and her beloved Porsche Cayman. Through this book, she encourages young readers to persevere and be kind to themselves, no matter the chaos they face. Ryanne shares how dealing with debilitating hand tremors and fatigue led her to celebrate the small victories of daily life, like simply getting out of bed. She emphasizes how life’s imperfections should be embraced, as they often lead to unexpected breakthroughs. In addition to writing, Ryanne's passion for keynote speaking shines through as she talks about empowering audiences to tackle life's challenges with the same spirit and resilience she applies to navigating a racetrack. Her message is clear: embrace your journey, honor your mess, and trust the process.

This episode is a celebration of resilience, creativity, and finding the magic in the mess of life. Join us as we toast to self-kindness, perseverance, and storytelling that paves the way for others.

Key Takeaways:
Life is messy, and embracing imperfections can lead to personal breakthroughs.
Small victories are worth celebrating, even during tough times.
Sharing our stories can inspire and help others navigate their own challenges.
The importance of kindness toward oneself throughout the journey of life.

So grab your glass and join us for this inspiring conversation with Ryanne!
Links:
Grab Speedy Phoebe - https://www.amazon.com/Speedy-Phoebe-Carson-Elementary-Story/dp/B0CS2VHR6L
Follow Ryanne - @ryannesiddiq_author
Follow Michelle - @michelleaburke

Remember to subscribe to the show for more authentic, raw conversations about life, growth, and embracing the chaos!
27 min
March 28, 2025Embracing the Chaos the Birth of Wine, Whiskey & Life
Life is messy, unfiltered, and unpredictable—just like this podcast. In this episode, Michelle Burke dives into the rebrand from Hot Mess Magic to Wine, Whiskey & Life. She shares the real, raw reasons behind the shift, why this new direction aligns more with her vision, and what listeners can expect moving forward. If you’re here for unfiltered conversations, deep truths, and stories that hit home, this is just the beginning.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Why Hot Mess Magic evolved into Wine, Whiskey & Life
The vision for the podcast moving forward
What kind of guests and topics you can expect
How this change reflects Michelle’s growth and the energy of her brand

Tune in and join the conversation—because life is meant to be lived, messy and unfiltered.

Grab my book Hot Mess Magic - https://bit.ly/hotmesssmagicbook
Follow on IG - @michelleaburke

SUBSCRIBE - REVIEW - SHARE

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10 min
March 28, 2025 This is Wine, Whiskey & Life
Welcome to Wine, Whiskey, and Life. The podcast where chaos isn’t something to avoid; it’s something to embrace. Whether you're raising a glass to celebrate the highs or sipping to get through the lows, this is your space.

A space for the bold, the unfiltered, and those who know that real growth comes from the messy, unpolished moments.

Every week, we’re diving deep—into the raw truths, the unexpected breakthroughs, and the stories that remind us why embracing imperfection is the key to living authentically.

No fluff, no filters—just real talk, real life, and maybe a few drinks along the way.So grab your glass, let go of expectations, and let’s find the magic in the mess, together.

Subscribe, Leave a review, and follow me on IG @michelleaburke
2 min

About Wine, Whiskey & Life

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For the ones who’ve lived too much to pretend, felt too deeply to fake it, and still show up scarred, sacred, and sipping something strong.

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Wine, Whiskey & Life episodes

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