Talk To Me Michele

Episode 50: Wrapping Up the Year with Michele: A Festive Farewell

Join Michele as she warmly wraps up the year with festive cheer, wishing everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, joyous Kwanzaa, and a prosperous New Year. As she strolls down memory lane, Michele reflects on the amazing 'Talk to Me Michele' podcast journey throughout the year, and gratitude for all the incredible guests, from comedians and authors to activists and personal friends, who blessed the show with their stories.
The episode highlights the rich, diverse conversations that made listeners laugh, think, and sometimes shed a tear. From tackling deep social issues to sharing lighthearted and funny moments, each discussion brought new insights and perspectives. As the community continues to grow and evolve, Michele cherishes the connection with every listener, whether long-time fans or newcomers.
As the year winds down, Michele encourages listeners to relax, enjoy the holiday festivities, and remember the true meaning of the season: peace, love, and rest. Take a moment for yourself amidst the holiday hustle and prepare for a rejuvenating start to 2025. Michelle signs off for the year but promises to return in January 2025 with more heat, enlightening conversations, and positive vibes. Stay fabulous and stay tuned!

Episode 49: Understanding the "Ick Factor"

In this episode of "Talk To Me, Michele," the focus is on a peculiar yet common phenomenon known as the "ick factor," primarily affecting women's perceptions in relationships. Michele explores when a seemingly minor detail can abruptly alter your attraction towards someone, unveiling this intuitive defense mechanism's evolutionary and psychological roots.
Discover how this intuition acts as a survival tool, dating back to our ancestors, enabling women to detect unfavorable traits in potential partners. The episode humorously discusses modern-day 'icks' and how these gut instincts serve as a protective measure against undesirable relationships.
Join Michele as she reveals insights on identifying minor annoyances versus real deal-breaking red flags and imparts wisdom on how to communicate discomfort confidently while maintaining one's self-worth. The conversation is sure to offer laughs, learning moments, and a reaffirmation of trust in one’s instincts in the dating world.

Episode 48: The Social Media Overshare Dilemma

In this episode of "Talk To Me Michelle," host Michele explores the often blurred line between authenticity and oversharing on social media. As the holidays approach, Michele encourages listeners to relax and enjoy their celebrations while being mindful of the stress that can accompany them. She delves into the potential consequences of sharing personal issues online, emphasizing the impact it can have on personal growth and mental health.
Michele discusses the risks of seeking validation from a vast, impersonal audience and the potential for misunderstanding and judgment. She highlights the importance of setting boundaries, both for personal well-being and to prevent fostering a culture of performance over genuine connection. The episode also touches on the limitations of online empathy and the potential harm caused by trolls and cyberbullies.
Through thoughtful insights, Michele urges listeners to prioritize offline healing and seek professional help when needed. She provides guidance on healthy sharing practices and emphasizes the importance of pausing to reflect before posting online. By creating safe spaces and engaging with empathy, we can protect our emotional well-being and nurture authentic connections.

Episode 47: Unexpected Home Appointment Adventures

In this episode of "Talk to Me, Michelle," our host Michele shares an unexpected and unsettling experience during a home medical appointment. As the holiday season approaches, Michelle dives into the story of a routine visit that took a strange turn, leaving her feeling uncomfortable and violated.
Through humor and reflection, Michelle discusses the importance of setting boundaries and speaking up when something feels off during medical exams. She highlights the prevalence of inappropriate behavior in medical settings and urges listeners to trust their instincts and advocate for their rights.
Join Michelle as she recounts her encounter with a pushy nurse and how her mother's presence seemed to intervene at a critical moment, prompting her to take action. This episode is a reminder of the importance of feeling safe and respected during medical appointments, whether in a doctor's office or in the comfort of your own home.

Episode 46: Navigating Casual Agreements: Unlocking Flexibility in Relationships

Welcome to another insightful episode of "Talk To Me, Michelle," where we dive into the intriguing world of casual agreements. Join host Michelle, as she explores the dynamics of these non-traditional relationship arrangements that prioritize flexibility and independence.
In this episode, Michelle discusses the importance of mutual understanding and clear communication in maintaining these casual relationships. Discover how setting boundaries and having open conversations can lead to fulfilling connections free from the pressures of traditional relationships.
Whether you're exploring these arrangements for personal growth or adapting them to fit your lifestyle, this episode offers practical advice to help you navigate the challenges and enjoy the perks of casual agreements. Tune in for a comprehensive look at how to approach these connections with confidence and respect.

Episode 45: Happily Single: Redefining Fulfillment Without Relationships

Are women truly happier single? In this episode, we dive into the cultural and psychological reasons why more women thrive alone, inspired by a recent People Magazine article. We explore the benefits of singlehood, from emotional independence to personal growth, and discuss why men tend to benefit more from relationships. We'll also examine societal pressures, changing gender roles, and the impact of declining marriage rates. Whether you're single, partnered, or somewhere in between, this conversation will challenge how you think about happiness, relationships, and what it means to live a fulfilling life.

Episode 44: Thanksgiving Do’s and Don’ts – The Ultimate Survival Guide

In this episode of Talk to Me Michele, we’re dishing out the Thanksgiving rules everyone must follow to keep the holiday drama-free—or at least entertaining! From the must-have etiquette at Grandma’s house to the hilarious oh-no-they-didn’t moments that tend to go down at Black family gatherings, we’re serving the perfect recipe for a festive (and peaceful) holiday.
We’ll break down:
Do’s: Show some respect to the chef, bring a dish (not just your appetite), and mind your business!
Don’t: Don’t ask for takeout plates before the turkey’s carved, and don’t critique Auntie’s famous sweet potato pie.
Plus, we’ll share some funny examples of “code-switching” when the food isn’t quite up to par and dive into the unspoken (but real) rules about Thanksgiving guests, family tea, and those awkward singlehood questions.
 
Tune in for a fun, relatable, and insightful guide to surviving Thanksgiving with your family. It’s all love—just with a little side of humor!

Episode 43: Frustrated but Thriving: Turning Irritation into Inspiration

Frustration is a part of life, but what if we could use it as a tool for growth instead of letting it hold us back? In this episode of Talk to Me Michele, I get real about life’s daily annoyances—from family quirks to everyday hassles like traffic and gas tank woes. I share my personal stories, including moments of frustration with loved ones, and explore the root causes of these feelings.
We’ll explore practical tools for managing frustration, including mindfulness techniques, journaling prompts, and creative outlets like podcasting and art. We'll also learn how to shift that negative energy into productivity and find peace in the chaos.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, irritated, or just plain stuck, this episode will help you turn those challenges into triumphs. Tune in for some laughs, relatable stories, and actionable tips to thrive—even when life gets frustrating!

Episode 42: Big Vino Unfiltered: The Journey Continues (Part 2)

In part two of my conversation with comedian Big Vino, we dive even deeper into his journey from the streets of Newark to the comedy stage. Big Vino shares more raw and unfiltered stories about his life, the lessons he’s learned, and how he continues to evolve as an entertainer and individual. Join us as we explore the humor, hustle, and heart that make Big Vino a force in comedy. Don’t miss this candid and inspiring conclusion to our two-part interview!

Episode 41: From Street Life to Stand-Up: The Big Vino Story (Part 1)

In Part 1 of this two-part series, Talk to Me Michele sits down with comedian Big Vino, who takes us on a raw, real journey from his early days on the streets of Newark, New Jersey, to becoming a sought-after comedian.
Big Vino opens up about his decision to leave behind the street life and the challenges he faced. We’ll dive into his unique comedic style, built from real-life experiences, and his surprising knack for marketing, turning everyday ‘petty’ moments into unforgettable stories.
Join us as we kick off this candid conversation and get to know the mind behind the laughs. You won’t want to miss it!