In this episode of The Ridiculously You Podcast, our host Julie May sits down with Danielle Blum, a thriller author and unapologetic adventurer who thrives on living outside the box. Danielle’s journey into authorship is a masterclass in gutsy action—she started writing her debut novel, Fragments of Affection, during the pandemic with no formal plan, only to see it skyrocket to #1 on the Amazon bestseller list.

Danielle’s work is a deep dive into the complexities of the human mind, specifically focusing on Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). We explore the messy parts of her research process, where she interviewed over 100 individuals to ensure an accurate and respectful representation of the DID community. This conversation is a powerful reframe of identity reclamation, moving past the "Hollywood version" of mental health to find the real, human stories underneath.

This episode is your permission slip to stop worrying about doing things the "right" way and to start following your curiosity. Julie May and Danielle Blum discuss how being playful and experimental in your personal life—like Danielle’s immersive backyard fine-dining experiences—fuels professional creativity. You’ll walk away inspired to let your healing get loud, embrace your "too much," and finally become the main character of your own story.

Want to learn more about Danielle Blum? Follow @iamdanielleblum and @daniestarfish on all socials.

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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 Tom LeNoble, an executive leader, international speaker, and resilience coach who has navigated the halls of Fortune 500 giants like Facebook (Meta), Walmart.com, and Palm. Tom’s life is a masterclass in identity reclamation, moving from the high-stakes world of corporate business suits to the life-altering reality of hospital gowns—and eventually, the freedom of high heels.

Tom shares his incredible journey of surviving two life-threatening illnesses and three separate diagnoses where he was given only six months to live. For years, he kept his health battles a secret out of fear for his career, but today, he is a fierce advocate for embracing the “ridiculous” and sharing our full, vulnerable experiences. We dive into the messy parts of his “Healing Wheel” approach—a transformative mindset that puts the individual at the center of their own recovery and life strategy.

This conversation is your permission slip to stop shrinking in the face of fear or " Brenda," your inner critic. Julie May and Tom LeNoble discuss the gutsy action it took to leave a stable corporate job for a nascent Facebook and the even bigger risk of pursuing alternative treatments when the world told him it was over. You'll walk away inspired by his conviction—“I’m Still Here!”—and ready to take the bold risks necessary for your own reinvention.

Want to learn more about Tom LeNoble? www.linkedin.com/in/tomlenoble

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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 Elizabeth Davies, The Mother Coach, for a bold, deeply compassionate conversation that ignites a revolution for ambitious mothers ready to stop shrinking and rise into their power. Once overwhelmed and lost in the chaos of motherhood, Elizabeth now helps women reclaim their identity, confidence, and unstoppable energy.

We dive into the messy parts of motherhood and the crushing weight of the "Mum Box"—the self-imposed pressure to be a "perfect mom" that leads to self-doubt and identity loss. Elizabeth shares her identity reclamation story, which involved a gutsy action: returning to university to finish her degree, transforming herself into the strong role model she wanted her daughter to see. This is a powerful rebellion against shrinking.

This conversation is your permission slip to stop asking "Brenda," your inner critic, if you're being selfish. Julie May and Elizabeth Davies challenge the outdated narratives of motherhood, discussing why "Fill Your Own Cup" is not selfish but essential for effective parenting, and how to set boundaries that stick by carving out small, consistent pockets of time for yourself. You'll walk away with the courage to trust your instincts and let your healing get loud.

Want to learn more about Elizabeth Davies?https://www.instagram.com/themothercoach/https://www.elizabethcatherinedavies.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 Ro Nita and Donnica, the powerhouse mother-daughter duo behind the Raised by Her podcast, for an intergenerational conversation about claiming your space and setting powerful boundaries that stick. Ro Nita, a trailblazing leader in arts and broadcasting, and Donnica, a strategist shaped by law and Capitol Hill, bring two eras of wisdom into a fierce rebellion against shrinking.

Their podcast, born from deep pandemic conversations, is a journey of identity reclamation centered on the core message to "stop shrinking and be your big, bold, beautiful self." We dive into the messy parts of navigating success as a Black woman in exclusive spaces, with Ro Nita sharing a powerful story of asserting her presence and Donnica discussing her gutsy action to mentor the next generation. The duo gives us the ultimate awesome-sauce advice on overcoming resource barriers by learning to "choose your hard."

This conversation is your permission slip to work through the guilt of self-prioritization. Julie May and the Raised by Her hosts explore Donnica’s core advice that "no is a complete sentence," and why radical self-love requires flexible boundaries to protect your energy. You’ll walk away with the courage to let your healing get loud and assert your accomplishments, ensuring you are never the "last" in the room.

Want to learn more about Raised by Her? YouTube: @RaisedByHerPodcast

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 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