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  • 35. Get Your Alignment Checked

    35. Get Your Alignment Checked
    2026/07/08
    The Importance of Alignment in Life

    Alignment in life is a fundamental aspect that significantly influences our overall well-being. When we refer to alignment, we mean the harmony between our values, beliefs, actions, and the people and situations we engage with. Achieving this alignment is crucial for maintaining peace, clarity, and authenticity in our lives.

    In this episode of Soul Wide Open, host Michelle Renee delves into the concept of alignment and what it truly means in our lives. Drawing an analogy between life and the alignment of a car, Michelle explores how being out of alignment can cause us to veer off course, just like a misaligned vehicle. She shares personal reflections on her current stage of life, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and letting go of things that don't serve our alignment.

    Tune in to discover how understanding alignment can lead to greater clarity and direction in your journey.

    Talking Points:

    00:00:10 - What is Alignment?

    00:02:00 - Impact of Misalignment in Life

    00:03:47 - Ignoring Signs of Misalignment

    00:05:46 - Consequences of Staying Out of Alignment

    00:07:02 - Wear and Tear from Misalignment

    00:09:01 - Personal Relationship Misalignment

    00:10:17 - Facing Reality in Relationships

    00:12:03 - Taking Your Vehicle to the Shop

    00:14:01 - Freedom from Realignment

    00:17:26 - Honesty and Raw Self-Reflection

    00:20:08 - Living Authentically

    00:24:05 - Evaluating Your Relationships

    00:25:00 - Top Three Ways to Check Alignment

    00:26:05 - Feeling Expanded or Diminished

    00:27:00 - Who Do You Become Around Others?

    00:30:05 - Evaluating Current Situations

    00:31:10 - Clearing the Smoke of Chemistry

    00:33:08 - Anchoring in Reality vs. Fantasy

    00:34:28 - Final Thoughts and Encouragement

    Quotes:

    "We get snagged, tangled up, entangled, whatever you want to call it, in situations, people, relationships, jobs even, that are so out of alignment."

    "Sometimes when things change and we ignore that change and we hang in there... we end up getting further and further and further away from ourselves."

    "What are you still allowing in your life over and over and over that is so far out of alignment with who you are and what your values are?"

    "There's a big difference between giving up and being real."

    "Abandoning yourself just to make other people happy... it's not good. That's not healthy."

    "If it's in alignment, it'll be totally authentic. If it's not in alignment, you become an Academy Award winning actor."

    "When you're in alignment, that brings peace, that brings clarity, that brings total authenticity and living a life that is with your soul completely wide open."

    "Am I anchored in what is, or am I anchored in what I hope for it to become?"

    Stay Connected:

    Don't miss out on more inspiring conversations and stories on the Soul Wide Open podcast. Subscribe now and join us on this journey of healing, growth, and living with your soul wide open.

    Connect with Michelle:

    My Website https://michelle-renee.com

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_michellerenee_

    TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@themichellerenee

    VERB Media Group https://verbmediagroup.com/

    Useful Resources:

    Order my #1 Best -Selling Memoir Nine Days on Amazon https://amzn.to/4acIkt1

    Soul Wide Open Podcast On Spotify https://spoti.fi/49lrveA

    Join the Soul Wide Open FB Group http://www.facebook.com/groups/soulwideopen

    Watch our CBS/Paramount Plus Special https://www.cbs.com/shows/video/3I6R18rj_blqVVaBkwyyO901NuyQUKZ
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    35 分
  • 34. 5 Ways to Regulate When Your Nervous System Gets Hijacked

    34. 5 Ways to Regulate When Your Nervous System Gets Hijacked
    2026/03/04

    If you've ever felt hijacked by your past… this one is for you.
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    33 分
  • 33. The Art of Unhiding: 3 Ways To Step Out of the Shadows and Live Fully

    33. The Art of Unhiding: 3 Ways To Step Out of the Shadows and Live Fully
    2026/01/22

    Unhiding is a deeply personal journey that involves revealing your true self, both to yourself and to others. It is not about making bold statements or being loud; rather, it is a subtle and often quiet process of self-discovery and acceptance.

    In this episode of the Soul Wide Open podcast, host Michelle Renee emphasizes that many people may not even realize they are hiding parts of themselves. This concealment can stem from various factors, including shame, fear of judgment, and past trauma. The act of unhiding involves confronting these hidden aspects and embracing them, which can be a daunting task.
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    39 分
  • 32. Collateral Damage: The Impact of the Kidnapping on Our Families (Part 2)

    32. Collateral Damage: The Impact of the Kidnapping on Our Families (Part 2)
    2025/11/22
    44 分
  • 31. Uncommon Compassion: A Conversation with One of Our Kidnappers - Part 1

    31. Uncommon Compassion: A Conversation with One of Our Kidnappers - Part 1
    2025/11/21
    In this deeply moving episode of "Soul Wide Open," host Michelle Renee sits down with Robert Ortiz, the man who once broke into her home and held her and her daughter hostage. Together, they explore the profound journey of healing, focusing on the power of compassion and understanding in transforming their lives. The importance of compassion and understanding in the healing process, even after experiencing trauma and violence, is a central theme in the podcast episode featuring Michelle Renee and one of her and her daughters kidnappers, Robert Ortiz. Their conversation highlights how both individuals, despite their vastly different experiences, found a path toward healing through love, empathy, and forgiveness. After receiving a letter from Michelle and her daughter expressing their desire to let go of anger and resentment, he was profoundly impacted. The letter served as a catalyst for his transformation, prompting him to reevaluate his life choices and the man he wanted to become. This moment of compassion from his victims allowed him to step back from his past actions and commit to a path of healing and personal growth. Joining them in this part one of a two-part series is Michelle's brother, Dave, who played a crucial role in supporting her and her daughter throughout their healing process and during the trial. This episode delves into their collective stories, the complexities of forgiveness, and how they are sharing their message of hope and resilience with the world. Tune in for an unforgettable conversation that challenges the boundaries of healing and connection. Conversation Highlights: 00:10 - Introduction and significance of the interview. 02:37 - Robert Ortiz's childhood story. 05:44 - Childhood responsibilities and rebellion. 11:10 - Sense of belonging in crime. 17:23 - Navigating life after parole. 18:36 - Losing control and masculinity. 27:12 - Piece of humanity never left. 28:27 - Dave's Story: Shattered glass 33:51 - Trial and trauma experience. 36:34 - Witness protection and trauma. 42:34 - Healing through love and forgiveness. 51:02 - Redemption through personal struggles. 56:46 - Parenting and addiction recovery. 01:08 - Restorative justice and personal growth. 1:11:52 - Self-improvement in prison. 1:15:29 - Ancestors and generational healing. 1:24:10 - Spiritual healing. 1:28:55 - Face-to-face meeting with family. Quotes: "This is what it looks like when we choose to heal our entire life and when we put love, compassion, and understanding at the absolute center of our lives" "One of my biggest triggers is losing control." "I can't reach out to call anybody and ask for help because I'm gonna feel like less of a man or I'm gonna feel like a loser." "That night broke me open in ways that I could never, ever, ever have imagined." "She was totally gone. There was no Michelle." "I was in a totally different kind of prison than what you were in." "It was a calling that I, I mean, I'm gonna say divine, creator, God, whatever you wanna call it, was absolutely calling me to do this." "If I don't, as a mother, right now, teach her that there's another way, I'm gonna cause her more harm than you could have ever caused her." "I made the decision to stay up for two days. I made the decision to drink and drive, and I got in that car." "I realized, sitting in that room of a bunch of men telling the truth, that I had been denying the truth my whole life, that I was damaging the people that I care about." "I had my own prison sentence going on that nobody knew about, that I was running from, that wasn't even real." "I no longer see myself as a monster. And actually, your words, you helped humanize me again." "Nothing has grounded me like this, where I just call on my ancestors for help." Stay Connected: Don't miss out on more inspiring conversations and stories on the Soul Wide Open podcast. Subscribe now and join us on this journey of healing, growth, and living with your soul wide open. Connect with Michelle: My Website https://michelle-renee.com Instagram: / _michellerenee_ TikTok / themichellerenee VERB Media Group https://verbmediagroup.com/ Connect with Robert: Freedom 4 Youth Robert@freedom4youth.org Useful Resources: Order my #1 Best -Selling Memoir Nine Days on Amazon https://amzn.to/4acIkt1 Soul Wide Open Podcast On Spotify https://spoti.fi/49lrveA Join the Soul Wide Open FB Group / soulwideopen Watch our CBS/Paramount Plus Special https://www.cbs.com/shows/video/3I6R1...
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    1 時間 30 分
  • 30. Ditch Your Expectations: The Silent Power of Being Present

    30. Ditch Your Expectations: The Silent Power of Being Present
    2025/10/08

    Join Michelle Renee in this inspiring episode of the Soul Wide Open podcast as she shares a transformative experience from a recent night out. Discover the power of listening to your inner voice and showing up for yourself and others, even when it feels like a whim.

    Michelle recounts a spontaneous decision to bring her camera to a local music event, which led to unexpected opportunities and meaningful connections. She emphasizes the importance of living life intentionally, embracing joy, and being open to the lessons that come from every interaction, no matter how fleeting.

    In this episode, you'll learn about:

    • The significance of gratitude and self-love

    • How to overcome the fear of showing up alone

    • The value of serving others and connecting deeply

    • Recognizing the teachers in our lives, even if they are not permanent fixtures

    Whether you're feeling stuck or simply seeking inspiration, this episode encourages you to step out of your comfort zone and embrace the beauty of life. Don't wait for permission—get out there and celebrate your journey!

    If you enjoy the episode, please like, share, and leave a comment! Connect with Michelle on Instagram at @_MichelleRenee_

    Talking Points:

    01:40 - Listening to Intuition
    04:31 - Inspiring Young Minds
    05:03 - Turning Passion into Business
    05:57 - Showing Up to Serve
    06:39 - Being Present and Observant
    10:03 - Living Life on Your Terms
    12:04 - Avoiding Expectations
    16:03 - Healing and Moving Forward
    19:02 - Embracing Brokenness
    23:13 - Staying Young in Spirit
    24:33 - Connect on Instagram

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    26 分
  • 29. Rebuilding Self-Worth Through Love Languages

    29. Rebuilding Self-Worth Through Love Languages
    2025/08/27

    Understanding and communicating your love language is essential for building meaningful relationships and ensuring that your emotional needs are met. In a recent podcast episode, Michelle Renee shares her personal journey of discovering the significance of love languages, particularly her own preference for words of affirmation. This exploration highlights several key points about the importance of love languages in fostering healthy connections with others.

    In this episode of the Soul Wide Open podcast, Michelle shares a heartfelt reflection on the importance of love languages, particularly focusing on her number one love language: words of affirmation. Recorded outdoors by the pool on a beautiful Texas day, Michelle discusses a recent text conversation that sparked her thoughts. She recounts how a friend expressed a need for all love languages, prompting Michelle to reveal her own struggles with self-acceptance and the impact of negative messaging during her childhood. Growing up with critical feedback, she emphasizes how receiving compliments and recognition has been a journey for her, only truly embraced in her 40s.

    Join Michelle as she dives into the profound impact of love languages on our relationships and self-worth.

    Talking Points:

    00:22 - The Five Love Languages
    00:52 - Text Conversation on Love Languages
    02:06 - Childhood Experiences and Family Dynamics
    03:33 - Navigating Self-Worth and Fragmentation
    06:01 - Impact of Books: The Five Love Languages and The Four Agreements
    07:25 - Physical Touch and Childhood
    09:20 - Work Ethic and Recognition
    11:02 - Handling Compliments and Emotional Reactions
    13:13 - Embracing Femininity and Traditional Roles
    17:02 - Emotional Armor and Femininity
    20:07 - Communicating Love Languages
    24:01 - Showing Up with Confidence
    26:50 - Living Unapologetically
    27:12 - Conclusion and Teaser for Next Episode

    Quotes:

    "I grew up being called a piece of shit and told that I would never be anything."

    "I'm really proud of taking the fragmented pieces of not only my self-worth, but my past and my childhood and my life and turning it into something really meaningful and something that I'm really proud of."

    "It just reminded me of how important it is to be kind with our words."

    "I didn't even know how to receive a compliment until I was in my 40s."

    "I love a man that enjoys spoiling a woman and treating her like a lady and making her feel special."

    "This is what I need in my life to absolutely shine and glow, and I'm going to give that to myself first."

    "Start treating yourself that way first, and then make sure."

    "Swing that cage door open and get out there and go live your absolute best life."

    Stay Connected:

    Don't miss out on more inspiring conversations and stories on the Soul Wide Open podcast. Subscribe now and join us on this journey of healing, growth, and living with your soul wide open.

    Connect with Michelle:

    My Website https://michelle-renee.com

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_michellerenee_

    TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@themichellerenee

    VERB Media Group https://verbmediagroup.com/

    Useful Resources:

    Order my #1 Best -Selling Memoir Nine Days on Amazon https://amzn.to/4acIkt1

    Soul Wide Open Podcast On Spotify https://spoti.fi/49lrveA

    Join the Soul Wide Open FB Group http://www.facebook.com/groups/soulwideopen

    Watch our CBS/Paramount Plus Special https://www.cbs.com/shows/video/3I6R18rj_blqVVaBkwyyO901NuyQUKZ_/
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    28 分
  • 28. Compliment or Manipulation: Love Bombing Unpacked

    28. Compliment or Manipulation: Love Bombing Unpacked
    2025/08/07
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    32 分