Live OUT Loud Podcast

The Whole Truth

River + Michele discussed the importance of speaking one's truth in various aspects of life, including relationships and social media, emphasizing the need for courage and authenticity when expressing oneself. They also explored the complexities of romance and relationships, highlighting the importance of open communication, vulnerability, and honesty. The conversation concluded with a discussion on the importance of discernment when sharing personal truths, emphasizing the need for considering the timing and potential impact of sharing those truths.
 
We hope this will encourage others to speak their truth as well. 
Thanks for listening!
Michele + River 

Initiating in Dating

"Initiating in Dating: Why It’s Okay (and Powerful) for Women to Make the First Move"In this solo episode, River is diving into the topic of initiating in dating — especially from the perspective of being a woman and challenging traditional gender roles.
We’ll explore how cultural, religious, and societal narratives have shaped our ideas about who is "supposed" to initiate, why those old scripts no longer serve us, and how taking a more feminist approach to dating can be both empowering and freeing.
I’m also sharing some personal reflections from my own dating life as I unlearn old patterns and step more confidently into initiating connections.If you’ve ever felt weird or hesitant about making the first move, this one’s for you.
We’ll cover:    •    Why traditional dating narratives often position women as passive    •    How cultural and religious values shape our ideas about dating    •    Why it’s powerful and healthy for women to initiate    •    How I'm personally unlearning the fear of initiating    •    Practical tips for reaching out with confidenceYou are not here to wait for someone to choose you — you are here to choose too.
#dating #initiatingindating #singlemom #beingchosen 
 
We thank you for choosing us week after week!
 
With gratitude! 
Michele + River

Grief Looks Different

This week on Live OUT Loud, Michele opens up with a Solo Cast about a deeply personal loss—the passing of her beloved Auntie Jan—and how it has stirred reflections on grief, love, and the sacredness of memory.
In this solo episode, Michele explores the many faces of grief—from the heartache of losing someone we love to the quiet ache of divorce and the unraveling of dreams we once held close. With raw honesty and grounded compassion, she shares how spirituality can serve as an anchor when life cracks us open.
Whether you’re grieving the death of a loved one, a relationship that ended, or a version of yourself that no longer fits, this episode offers a gentle reminder: your grief matters. You’re not alone. And there is healing in honoring what was… while still holding hope for what’s to come. Enjoy this special episode. 
#grief #loss #family #divorce #spiritualgrief 
 
With gratitude, 
River + Michele

Wanting Love Does Not Mean Lack

In this episode of Live OUT Loud, Michele and River crack open the myth that wanting romantic love means something is missing in us. What if the desire to share your life with someone isn’t about filling a void—but about deepening the joy, peace, and meaning that’s already there?
We talk about the sacred pull toward “coupleship”—not because we’re incomplete on our own, but because the rightconnection can amplify what’s already whole. The kind of love that adds value, not chaos. The kind that brings softness to your edges, laughter to your mornings, and spaciousness to your becoming.
 
Together, we explore:
 
What does it mean to want partnership from a grounded, healed place?
How do we release the old story that love is only for the desperate or deficient?
And how do we hold space for our longing without shame or apology?
 
This episode is a permission slip for anyone who is living a full, vibrant life—and still deeply wants to be met in love.
 
Thanks for listening! 
Michele + River

Devotion

"Devotion in Love & Life (No Religion Required)”
Michele + River start a new conversation around Devotion. What does it mean to be devoted—to a person, a path, a purpose—without losing yourself?
In this episode, we explore devotion as a soulful, grounded practice of showing up with intention, care, and presence. Not from a place of obligation or performance, but from love, alignment, and clarity.
 
Together, we dive into:
✨ The difference between devotion and attachment
✨ How devotion shows up in romantic love without codependency
✨ Why devotion to your self and your craft is a radical act
✨ The quiet power of choosing again and again, with heart
✨ Quotes and wisdom from bell hooks, David Whyte, Elizabeth Gilbert, and more
 
Whether you’re deep in a love story, navigating personal growth, or just trying to live more intentionally—this one’s for you.
 
Come through. Let’s talk about what it means to live devoted and free.
 
#LiveOUTLoud #DevotionNotObsession #IntentionalLiving #QueerWisdom #EmotionalIntelligence #SacredSelf

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