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/

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 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

In this episode of The Ridiculously You Podcast, our host Julie May sits down with Dannella Burnett, owner of Encore Elite Events and Speakers NeedTo Speak, for a powerful conversation about turning visibility into profitable, impactful revenue. Dannella is a creative force who built her own 7-figure business through speaking, events, and publicity, and she now helps her clients do the same. This isn't about being the best-kept secret; it’s about letting your expertise get loud.

Dannella's journey, which began in the hospitality and special events industries at age 16, proves that radical self-love is an active choice to stop shrinking and claim your value. We dive into the messy parts of entrepreneurship, collaboration, and how she's helped generate millions of dollars and impacted tens of thousands of lives. Her belief in multiple streams of income and finding the win-win-win combination is the ultimate awesome-sauce strategy.

This episode is your permission slip to stop performing small and start maximizing the stage. Julie May and Dannella Burnett discuss how to set boundaries that stick with clients and why your visibility is the key to unlocking your next level of success. You'll walk away with the clarity and courage to embrace a true partnership approach and make your own awkward detours profitable.

Want to learn more about Dannella Burnett?

https://encoreeliteevents.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 Dr. Gwen Patrone, a former USMC Sergeant, entrepreneur, and prolific author, for a conversation about what it means to truly think outside the box and become who you were meant to be. Dr. Gwen's life is a masterclass in identity reclamation, spanning careers from restaurateur and salon owner to CEO of a digital marketing company for over 22 years. Her story is proof that you can rebuild, rewrite, and launch yourself into your next, most authentic chapter.

From the critical decision-making skills learned in the USMC to co-authoring books with names like Brian Tracy and Sir Richard Branson, Dr. Gwen embodies the power of bold transformation. We dive into the messy parts of entrepreneurship and how those hard-won lessons lead to leadership and self-discovery. This is a powerful reframe: you are not stuck; you are adapting, and retirement is just the next awkward detour to an even more purpose-driven life.

This conversation is your permission slip to stop shrinking and embrace your multifaceted, ridiculous self. Julie May and Dr. Gwen Patrone explore how radical self-love is about using your skills to contribute, why your history is your awesome-sauce, and how to let your healing get loud by helping the community.

Want to learn more about Dr. Gwen Patrone?

https://www.instagram.com/gwenpatrone/

https://www.facebook.com/gwen.patrone/

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 Jake Ballentine, a national award-winning speaker and coach, for an empowering conversation about reaching the "mountain top" of your life. As the founder of The Empowered Coach Network and Mountain Top Motivation, Jake has presented his message to over 300,000 people: you can achieve your dreams if you have the courage to put one foot in front of the other. We’re digging into the messy parts of that climb.

Jake Ballentine's journey is a powerful call to action and a rebellion against shrinking. We discuss the awkward detours and the moments of self-doubt that often hit when you are consistently pursuing your biggest goals. This is a crucial reframe: your goal is not to achieve perfection, but to give yourself the permission to take consistent action, even when your inner critic, Brenda, is yelling at you to stop.

This episode is your permission slip to stop waiting for the "right time" and start moving boldly toward what you truly want. Julie May and Jake Ballentine explore how to set boundaries that stick around your time and focus, and why radical self-love is about having the courage to pursue your dreams. You’ll walk away with the clarity and motivation to let your healing get loud and embrace the next step of your journey.

Want to learn more about Jake Ballentine?

https://mtmsuccess.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 Beth Magnetic, a YouTuber, activist-entrepreneur, and single mom, for a conversation that proves rebellion can be sacred—and profitable. Beth is the creator of The Profitable Protest, an incubator for changemakers who refuse to pick between impact and income. She also hosts Mormon True Crime, a podcast exposing the dark underbelly of religious power.

Beth's work is a fierce rebellion against shrinking , turning her righteous rage into revenue. We dive into the messy parts of being neurodivergent, a single mom, and tattooed by truth —all while making the system nervous. This is a crucial reframe: your outrage is not a weakness; it's a client magnet and a fuel source for change.

This episode is your permission slip to embrace the "too much" that makes you magnetic. Julie May and Beth Magnetic discuss how to set boundaries that stick , how to move past the garbage-sauce belief that you must choose between doing good and earning well , and why loving the ridiculous parts of yourself is how you get your power back. You'll walk away with the courage to let your healing get loud and be a profitable villain.

Want to learn more about Beth Magnetic?

https://www.youtube.com/@DeathByPatriarchy

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 LauraAura (Laura Wallace), host of the Top 100 Gutsy Podcast, for a high-energy conversation about getting radically honest and taking gutsy action. LauraAura is known for helping people cut through the mind junk—the overthinking, self-doubt, and waiting that keeps people stuck and settling. Her story is the ultimate identity reclamation: she was once cash-poor, anxious, and pouring her sanity into a business based on societal "shoulds".

Laura’s journey proves that the business you own can start owning you, and we dive into the messy parts of that realization. This episode is a powerful rebellion against shrinking, teaching you how to stop fighting yourself and start embracing the life and success you’re meant for. We discuss why loving the ridiculous parts of yourself requires getting brutally honest and choosing to lean into temporary discomfort for lasting transformation.

This conversation is your permission slip to break through resistance and make the bold moves that change everything. Julie May and LauraAura explore how to take gutsy action without overcomplicating your next steps, proving that when you stop performing and start owning your desires, clarity and momentum explode.

Want to learn more about LauraAura?

https://lauraaura.com/links/

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