Live OUT Loud Podcast

Vulnerablity

River + Michele unpack vulnerability today. 
Vulnerability can feel like standing in the middle of a crowded room naked—emotionally exposed, hoping the people around you will honor what you’re offering instead of using it against you.
 
And intention plays such a huge role. Are we being vulnerable to connect? To heal? To seek validation? Or to manipulate, even unconsciously? When our intention is clean—rooted in truth, love, or alignment—it might still feel scary, but it becomes powerful. When it’s unclear or driven by fear, it can feel shaky or even unsafe.
💡 Vulnerability with Intention: 5 Gentle Reminders from This Week’s Episode
1. Name Your Why
Before opening up, ask yourself: Why am I sharing this? If it’s for connection, clarity, or growth—you’re on solid ground.
2. Start Where It’s Safe
You don’t have to bare your soul to everyone. Start with the people who’ve earned your trust. Let your nervous system ease in.
3. Let Go of the Outcome
Vulnerability isn’t about controlling how others respond—it’s about showing up as your full self and releasing the need to be understood or approved of.
4. Honor the Timing
Just because you’re ready to share doesn’t mean it’s the right moment. Check in: Is this the right time, space, and person for this level of openness?
5. Vulnerability Isn’t Weakness—It’s Emotional Bravery
It takes strength to say “This is real for me.” Every time you do, you give others permission to be real too.
 
Some questions to ask yourself -- great journal prompts if you care to tackle it and go deeper for yourself, or ask your beloved. 
 
Questions to Ask Ourselves in the Process:
•Am I showing up as my true self, or am I trying to fit a version of what I think they want?
•What am I afraid of revealing, and why?
•How do I react when I start to feel emotionally exposed? Do I lean in or pull away?
•Am I giving this person the chance to see and understand me fully?
•Do I trust myself to handle the outcome, even if it’s not what I hoped for?
•Am I letting past wounds dictate how open I am now?
•How do I feel after spending time with this person? Safe? Energized? Drained?
•Am I clear about what I need in a relationship, and am I willing to voice it?
•Does this connection align with my values and emotional needs?
 
Thanks so much for listening! We hope you enjoyed it and also learned something within yourself. 
 
Hugs, 
Michele + River

Catching Up

River + Michele reconnect after Spring Break and catch up on life and Michele shares her Ireland adventure and they chat about Love is Blind and more. Hope you enjoy this conversation. 
 
Thanks for listening!!
Michele + River 

Trusting the Process

SPRING BREAK is here! We are taking the week off and we decided to share an older episode "Trusting the Process".
We dive into the power of trusting the process—in relationships and personal growth. When things don’t unfold as planned, it’s easy to feel frustrated or doubtful. But what if the detours and delays are actually leading us exactly where we need to be? Surrendering isn't a weakeness. 
Thanks for listening and hope you enjoy this episode. 
Michele + River

Co-Parenting with a Narcissist

River takes the helm today with a Solocast while Michele is traveling.
Co-parenting with a narcissist is incredibly challenging, and it can feel like you’re constantly navigating a battlefield of manipulation, gaslighting, and boundary-pushing. The emotional toll can be exhausting, especially when you’re trying to prioritize your child’s well-being while also protecting your own peace.
The key, as you probably already know, is detachment—both emotionally and strategically. Parallel parenting, where you limit direct interaction and keep communication strictly businesslike can help minimize conflict. 
Thanks so much for listening!! 
Michele

What We Used to Believe About Love vs. What We Believe Now

Love—it’s messy, beautiful, and often not at all what we expected. In this episode, River + Michele get real about the beliefs we used to hold about love, relationships, and connection—versus what we know now after some hard-earned lessons.
 
We’ll unpack myths like “Love should be effortless if it’s meant to be” and “Walking away is a failure,” and dig into the truths we’ve come to embrace: that love should feel safe, reciprocal, and rooted in mutual growth. From navigating emotional attachment to setting boundaries, we’re talking about what’s changed, what’s still evolving, and how we’re showing up differently in love.
 
If you’ve ever looked back on an old relationship and thought, Wow, I really believed that?—this episode is for you.
 
🎧 Tune in for real talk, personal stories, and maybe a little laughter along the way. Let’s unlearn together.
 
👉 What’s a belief about love you’ve let go of? DM us—we’d love to hear your story!
 
We hope you enjoyed this episode. Share with a friend. 
Love y'all!
Michele + River

Intentionality

In this episode, Michele + River dive deep into the power of intentionality—the secret ingredient that turns everyday interactions into meaningful connections. From business decisions to personal relationships, they explore how being deliberate in our words, actions, and energy can shape the outcomes we desire.
 
Understanding Intentionality
• Being fully present and engaged in your actions, thoughts, and decisions.
• Making conscious choices rather than operating on autopilot.
• Aligning actions with values, priorities, and long-term goals.
• Cultivating awareness of how you spend time and energy.
 
Ways to Add More Intentionality to Daily Life
 
1. Morning Rituals with Purpose
• Begin each day with a clear intention (e.g., “Today, I will lead with patience and empathy”).
• Take 5–10 minutes to journal or meditate before diving into tasks.
• Avoid reaching for your phone first thing in the morning—start with a mindful practice instead.
 
2. Conscious Decision-Making
• Pause before saying “yes” to commitments—ask yourself, “Does this align with my values and priorities?”
• Set daily micro-goals that serve your larger purpose.
• Prioritize tasks that align with long-term aspirations rather than reacting to urgent distractions.
 
3. Intentional Communication & Relationships
• Listen actively rather than formulating your response while the other person is speaking.
• Be present in conversations—put away distractions like phones or background noise.
• Set boundaries around your energy, ensuring you engage in relationships that uplift rather than drain.
 
4. Mindful Consumption
• Be intentional with social media—curate what you consume and take breaks when needed.
• Approach food, entertainment, and shopping with awareness rather than impulse.
• Choose books, podcasts, or media that enrich your mind and soul rather than filling time aimlessly.
 
5. Work with Purpose
• Start work sessions with a clear intention: “What do I need to accomplish, and how will I stay focused?”
• Time-block your schedule to create space for deep work rather than multitasking.
• Reflect on whether your work is meaningful—does it align with your purpose? If not, what small shifts can you make?
 
6. Cultivating Gratitude & Reflection
• End your day by noting three intentional actions you took.
• Keep a gratitude journal to reinforce what truly matters.
• Regularly check in with yourself: “Am I living in alignment with my values?”
 
7. Movement & Self-Care with Awareness
• Exercise with presence—focus on how your body feels rather than just completing reps or minutes.
• Choose self-care that recharges you intentionally rather than numbing out (e.g., a walk in nature vs. binge-watching without purpose).
• Breathe deeply and ground yourself in the present moment, especially in moments of stress.

Creative Sparks

Ever had that feeling—that little nudge that whispers, “Go for it.”? That spark of creativity, that idea that won’t let go, that pull toward something new?
In this episode, River + Michele dive into the power of trusting that creative instinct. We talk about what it means to feel the nudge—and more importantly, what happens when you actually listen to it.
 
✨ How do you know when an idea is worth pursuing?
✨ What holds us back from running with inspiration?
✨ How can we turn that gut feeling into real momentum?
 
Whether you’re an artist, entrepreneur, or just someone looking to bring more creativity into your life, this conversation will inspire you to stop second-guessing and start moving. Because when you follow that nudge, magic happens.
 
🎧 Tune in and let’s talk about taking the leap.
 
#Podcast #Creativity #TrustTheNudge #InspiredAction #CreativeLife #TakeTheLeap

Beyond Romance

River + Michele discuss Beyond Romance. With the upcoming Valentine's Day looming, it's important to recognize those other deep and meaningful relationships who without a doubt, I like to call our "front row."
We’ve been taught to put romance on a pedestal—but what if the deepest, most fulfilling relationships of our lives aren’t romantic at all? Beyond Romance challenges the conventional wisdom that prioritizes romantic love over all else, exploring how lifelong friendships can be just as, if not more, significant.
Join us as we unpack the undervalued power of deep friendships, the societal pressures that shape our ideas of “significant others,” and why expanding our definition of meaningful connection can lead to richer, more supportive lives. Whether you’re single, partnered, or somewhere in between, this podcast will inspire you to rethink what it truly means to be someone’s person.
 
Thanks for listening and if you liked this episode, please share it with a friend and follow the @LiveOUTLoud Podcast on Instagram. 
 
Hugs n High Fives!
Michele + River

Tapping into Strength

River and Michele are joined by Samantha Fox while Michele is working this week in NYC. They discuss strength.
Tapping into inner strength is about cultivating resilience, self-awareness, and trust in oneself. Here are some key ways to access it:
1. Self-Reflection: Spend time understanding your values, experiences, and personal growth. Journaling or meditation can help clarify your inner voice.
2. Emotional Resilience: Accept challenges as opportunities for growth. Reframe setbacks as lessons rather than failures.
3. Self-Compassion: Treat yourself with the same kindness and patience you would offer a loved one. Strength doesn’t mean being hard on yourself.
4. Boundaries & Energy Protection: Protect your time, energy, and emotional well-being by setting clear boundaries with people and situations that drain you.
5. Physical & Mental Wellness: Exercise, good nutrition, and rest play a crucial role in mental resilience. A strong body supports a strong mind.
6. Support Systems: Lean on people who uplift and inspire you. Strength isn’t about doing it alone—it’s about knowing when to ask for help.
7. Purpose & Passion: Connect with what drives you. Having a clear “why” can fuel perseverance through tough times.
8. Mindfulness & Presence: Stay present in the moment rather than dwelling on the past or fearing the future. Inner strength comes from grounding yourself in the now.
 
We hope you enjoy this episode. 
Happy day to all!
Michele + River

Michele's Birthday Episode

River and Michele chat today about life lessons. Michele shares several life lessons that we hope you can utilize in your own world to create a life that feels hopeful, peaceful and deeply fulfilling. 
The desire for a peaceful and fulfilling life is something we all share at our core. Peace gives us the space to breathe, to center ourselves, and to let go of the stress that weighs us down. It’s about finding emotional balance—aligning with what truly matters and living authentically. Fulfillment comes when we’re living with purpose, chasing dreams that light us up, and building connections that nourish our souls. When peace and purpose come together, they create a powerful foundation, one that helps us rise above life’s challenges with strength and grace.
A peaceful life isn’t just about how we feel—it’s about how we show up. It improves our health, strengthens our relationships, and deepens our connection to the world around us. It’s in the small moments of joy, the quiet gratitude, and the ripple effects of love and intention. That’s the magic of a life well-lived.
While pain is uncomfortable, it’s also transformative. It teaches us compassion, deepens our wisdom, and makes us more empathetic toward others. The struggles we face shape our character and prepare us for the next chapter of our lives. Growth through pain isn’t about seeking suffering; it’s about embracing the lessons that come with it. On the other side of pain lies clarity, purpose, and the strength to keep moving forward. That's where the juice is. 
 
We hope you enjoyed this episode and thank you to everyone who reached out to Michele. This community is one of depth and grace. 
Keep on keeping on!!
Michele + River