What does it look like when someone who actually lives the consequences of policy decides to run for office?

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Melissa Bird — a social worker, mother, small business owner, and proud descendant of the Shivwits Band of Paiutes who is running for Congress in Oregon’s 4th District. We talk about the exact moment she knew she couldn’t sit on the sidelines anymore, how lived experience shapes leadership, and why grassroots, community-rooted politics matter now more than ever.

This conversation isn’t about polish or political theater. It’s about intuition, accountability, and what happens when everyday people decide to challenge systems that were never built for them — or for most of us.

In this episode, Michelle Lasley sits down with Dr. Melissa Bird, a PhD-trained social worker, former policy strategist, and first-time congressional candidate, to explore what it truly means to run toward public service rather than away from it.

Dr. Bird shares the deeply personal story behind her decision to run for Congress — from yelling at a virtual town hall while sitting on her couch, to receiving unmistakable intuitive nudges that it was her turn to step forward. Drawing on her experience as a lay preacher, wife of a veteran, and survivor of multiple broken systems, she explains why professional politicians often fail to represent the realities of working families, rural communities, veterans, Indigenous people, and those living at the intersections of identity and harm.

Together, Michelle and Dr. Bird unpack big questions about democracy, closed primaries, institutional power, and what it looks like to build a people-powered campaign inside a deeply entrenched political system. They talk candidly about healthcare access, reproductive justice, land stewardship, rural economies, and why listening — really listening — has become a radical act in modern politics.

This episode is an invitation to imagine a different kind of leadership: one rooted in lived experience, collective care, and the belief that democracy doesn’t have to crumble to evolve. If you’ve ever felt disconnected from politics but deeply impacted by it, this conversation is for you.

“ … we were just talking in the campaign yesterday, like you can't just be against fascism. You have to be for something. And what I am for is introducing bills that help people survive in this economy.”

“So it's not just about fighting policies that attack us. It's also about introducing bills and using the tools of Congress to consistently and constantly have a dialogue about where we want CD4 to be improving, using the rural New Deal as a framework to improve economies in rural areas, thinking about our, our farmers and our ranchers and the forests and how are we balancing, how are we not extracting from the land, but really creating bills and policies that nurture the land while we are still keeping industry going.”

“I think that we need to bring our congressional leaders to the people so that the people know that they have access to their leaders.”

“Progressives in politics keep saying We need more women. We need more people of color. We need more LGBTQ plus folks. // We need more people who are concerned about the environment and sustainability We need. We need, but not you, Missy Bird, because you. You don't quite fit.”

“I am Native, I am bisexual. I am a woman. I am a Christian, and also a pagan. I am very deeply concerned about this planet and how we are caring for it.”

• Melissa on TikTok
• @bird4congress.bsky.social on Bluesky
• Melissa on IG

Unveiling Cosmic Patterns: An Interview with Tam Veillieux

In this episode, the host interviews Tam Veillieux, a visionary and publisher of the Energy Almanac, who discusses her passion for connecting astrology to personal development. Tam shares her journey as a transformational coach and astrology groupie, revealing how she started publishing the Energy Almanac. The conversation delves into the significance of astrology in understanding personal patterns, the integration of energy psychology techniques like EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique), and the importance of recognizing cosmic signals. Tam emphasizes how astrology can provide insight into one's life purpose and psychological makeup, making transformation both fast and enjoyable.

00:00 Introduction to Tam Veillieux

00:44 The Energy Almanac: Behind the Scenes

02:42 Serendipitous Connections and Astrology

04:38 Astrology and Personal Patterns

08:46 Numerology and Personal Insights

10:13 A Nonlinear Path to Purpose

10:47 The Birth of the Energy Almanac

16:00 Making Transformation Fast and Fun

16:47 Permission to Let Go

17:49 Tools for Fast Change

18:18 Understanding EFT and Tapping

23:36 Exploring Astrology in Coaching

25:42 Astrology for Everyday Life

28:10 The Energy Almanac

32:54 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Healing through Art and Reiki with Lea K. Tawd

In this episode, Michelle interviews Lea K. Tawd, an artist and Reiki master who has found her purpose in inspiring and healing through art and Reiki. Lea discusses her journey, how she integrates Reiki into her art, and the overarching impact of this practice. She also shares her experiences with creative blocks, her book 'Creativity Unstuck,' and the transformative potential of Reiki in healing and personal growth. Lea talks about her personal connection to the divine feminine and how it influences her artwork, providing insights into the unique power of combining spirituality and creativity.

00:00 Introduction to Lea K. Tawd

01:08 Understanding Reiki: Origins and Basics

05:50 Personal Journey with Reiki

08:57 Integrating Reiki with Art

16:05 Leah's Artistic Path and Challenges

24:40 Creativity Unstuck: Leah's Book

28:04 Exploring the Divine Feminine in Art

30:27 Conclusion and Contact Information

Mentioned in this episode:

Season 3 Introduction

This is Season 3, where we discuss non-linear paths to finding your purpose. I interviewed over 35 people to hear their circuitous path to finding their purpose right now.

Introduction

This is Michelle Lasley. I call all of my work Balance Shared because I truly do believe we are better together.

Conclusion

This is Balance Shared by your host, Michelle Lasley. You can find more on the web at www.michellelasley.com.

Michelle Lasley