Michele Richman joins host Jennifer Norman to explore the power and healing potential of sharing the stories we often hide, especially those surrounding vulnerability and personal growth. Through candid conversation, Michele discusses how her journey as a special needs parent, leader, and author has shaped her understanding of resilience, authentic connection, and the importance of embracing every aspect of our humanity. The discussion highlights how storytelling can build bridges between individuals, inspiring others to find beauty in their own lived experiences and to courageously share their truths.
This podcast episode is sponsored by*:
Humanist Beauty - Beauty for your skin & soul, Humanist Beauty is clean, conscious, and cruelty-free. Shop here → https://humanistbeauty.com
SupeCaptainBraveMan - Super books for super kids! SuperCaptainBraveMan picture books are sweet stories that help build disability awareness for a kinder, friendlier world. Learn more → https://supercaptainbraveman.com
*The Human Beauty Movement may earn commissions from your support
Michele's Links:
Website https://michelerichman.com/
Book https://www.amazon.com/Stories-We-Almost-Dont-Tell-ebook/dp/B0GTB8KHVS/
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-richman/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/michelerichman.coach/
The Human Beauty Movement Links:
Official Website https://thehumanbeautymovement.com/
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@thehumanbeautymovement
TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@thehumanbeautymovement
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thehumanbeautymovement
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/thehumanbeautymovement
Community https://www.facebook.com/groups/thehumanbeautymovement
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-human-beauty-movement
X https://x.com/thehbm_official
Jennifer Norman Links:
Lnk.Bio https://lnk.bio/iamjennnorman
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifernorman
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/iamjennnorman
TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@iamjennnorman
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@iamjennnorman
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/iamjennnorman
Timestamps:
00:00 - Welcome: The Stories We Hide & What Sets Us Free
01:33 - Meet Michele Richman: Coach, Leader & Author of "The Stories We Almost Don't Tell"
02:09 - Overcoming Fear of Imperfection & Embracing Vulnerability
03:38 - From Journaling to Book: Michele’s Pandemic Writing Journey
05:04 - The Bat Incident: Sharing Real-Life “Batshit Crazy” Stories
09:11 - Turning Chaos Into Healing: Lessons from Family & Work
11:14 - Career Pivots: Law, HR, Parenting & Embracing Change
13:26 - The Power of Mentoring & Finding Passion in Coaching
15:14 - Juggling Motherhood, Career & Guilt: The Superwoman Myth
16:35 - Advocating for a Special Needs Child: Failures, Fears & Persistence
19:06 - Sharing Stories for Collective Healing & Connection
20:09 - Writing for Her Children & The Blessings of Forgotten Trauma
22:33 - Why Storytelling Matters: Humor, Inspiration & Family Legacy
23:11 - How a Legal Background Empowers Special Needs Advocacy
25:29 - Redefining Success: College, Autism & Embracing the Unconventional
27:19 - Owning Your Story: The Gift Michele Created for Her Kids
27:55 - Coaching Core: How “Evidence” Shapes Our Self-Belief
29:47 - Breaking Old Patterns: From Limiting Thoughts to Achievement
31:00 - The Story I Hid the Longest: Nepotism & Imposter Syndrome
33:39 - Breaking the Shame Cycle: Vulnerability, Judgment & Owning Success
35:00 - The ROI of Coaching: From Professional Growth to Personal Transformation
36:17 - The Power of Podcasting: Creating Authentic Connection
37:29 - Shadow Work & The True Face of Humanity
38:03 - Rapid-Fire: What Makes Michele Beautiful, Human & Resilient
39:00 - Flexibility, Joy & Playing It By Ear: Michele’s Core Truths
39:30 - Closing Thoughts: Why Our Stories Create Bridges, Not Walls
40:03 - Connect, Subscribe & Join The Human Beauty Movement Community
Song: Focus
Composer: Allerlei Von Nicolai
Website: https://soundcloud.com/allerlei_von_nicolai
License: Creative Commons (BY 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
Music powered by Breaking Copyright: https://breakingcopyright.com
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