In this episode of The Ridiculously You Podcast, our host Julie May sits down with Michael Mirza, host of the Define Play podcast and a creative mystic who used to be a minister, for a revolutionary conversation about the non-negotiable power of play. Michael, a brand marketer, serial hobbyist, and radical optimist is currently learning to use his ADHD as a superpower. His work challenges a culture that equates seriousness with success, making play feel like garbage-sauce guilt.

We dive deep into Michael's three-part definition of play: it must be voluntary, embodied, and done purely for joy, not for productivity. His journey from rigid doctrine to embracing mystery and inclusivity (the "Elephant in the Room" analogy) is a beautiful story of identity reclamation. This is a powerful reframe: play isn't frivolous; it's a sacred, participatory human activity that AI cannot replicate and is essential for creativity and well-being.

This episode is your permission slip to stop asking "Brenda," your inner critic, if it's selfish to take time for yourself. Julie May and Michael Mirza discuss how to schedule play (even just 15 minutes!), reconnect with childhood interests, and why loving the ridiculous parts of yourself is an act of radical self-love that models true self-care for your children. Stop shrinking, start scheduling the fun, and let your healing get loud.

Want to learn more about Michael Mirza? https://www.instagram.com/michael_mirza/

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Ready to join the Ridiculous Women Society and stop shrinking? https://ridiculouslyyou.com/women

Want to learn more about Julie May or book her to speak? https://thejuliemay.com

In this episode of The Ridiculously You Podcast, our host Julie May sits down with Kayla MacDonald, a writer, podcaster, and creative catalyst for women who’ve been told they’re too much. Kayla’s work is pure awesome-sauce, blending deep emotional truth with unapologetic creativity—often involving archetypes, slash fiction, and even shark shifters. She guides you into the parts of yourself you thought were "too weird" to share.

Kayla's journey is a powerful act of identity reclamation, evolving from childhood survival writing to using feminist, dystopian rage and paranormal romance (Great White Shadows) to process heartbreak and societal frustrations. We dive deep into her Divine Daddies framework, a playful, spiritual method that uses a Fiery Challenger and a Gentle Nurturer to help clients overcome resistance, build self-love, and shift from habits rooted in control (like dieting) to cooperation (like eating for energy).

This conversation is your permission slip to stop hiding and finally become the main character of your own life. Julie May and Kayla MacDonald discuss how to set boundaries that stick, how to heal inner child wounds with compassion, and why your healing gets loud when you turn your deepest pain into a love story. Stop shrinking and let your weird, wonderful truth be your power.

Want to learn more about Kayla MacDonald?

https://www.embodiedwritingwarrior.com/

Want to learn more about Ridiculously You or join our newsletter?

https://ridiculouslyyou.com

Ready to join the Ridiculous Women Society and stop shrinking? https://ridiculouslyyou.com/women

Want to learn more about Julie May or book her to speak?

https://thejuliemay.com

In this episode of The Ridiculously You Podcast, our host Julie May sits down with David Kincaid, a former U.S. diplomat, White House nuclear trade advisor, and global strategist turned coach, for a powerful conversation about finding clear truth in a polarized world. David spent over a decade navigating the corridors of power, but his journey took a sharp turn the night he collapsed on the floor, exhausted from chasing "top priorities" that rang hollow. This is a story about a massive identity reclamation and the courage to honor the yearning inside.

David's experience offers a unique perspective on power, shadow deals, and human resilience. He now brings calm, evidence-backed clarity to audiences, helping them question everything without "burning it all down." We dive into the messy parts of leaving a prestigious career to travel the world as a nomad, divesting of tangible "things," and challenging the orthodoxy of both the left and right. This radical change is an act of awesome-sauce bravery.

This conversation is your permission slip to stop asking "Brenda," your inner critic, to approve your biggest pivot. Julie May and David Kincaid discuss why radical self-love is about asserting your own humanity, even when outside forces drive "separateness." You’ll walk away with the wisdom to challenge the garbage-sauce of societal expectations and the clarity to take your own gutsy action.

Want to learn more about David Kincaid?

https://davidkincaidcoaching.com/

Want to learn more about Ridiculously You or join our newsletter?

https://ridiculouslyyou.com

Ready to join the Ridiculous Women Society and stop shrinking? https://ridiculouslyyou.com/women

Want to learn more about Julie May or book her to speak?

https://thejuliemay.com