Mirror Mirror On the Mic

What would happen to humanity if everyone knew exactly how much time they had left? And what if that time ended at 22? In this episode of Mirror Mirror on the Mic, Malissa sits down with T.A. Thompson, author of the dystopian novel The Mark, to explore a world where no one lives past the age of 22. It creates a fascinating question: What happens to a society when there is no long term? When life has a hard expiration date, urgency changes. Maturity changes. Relationships change. And the consequences of today’s decisions become someone else’s problem because, quite literally, you won’t be around to see them. Malissa and T.A. unpack the ideas beneath The Mark: how the limitation of time shapes human behavior, what happens when a society is run by people who never have the opportunity to grow old, and whether wisdom itself requires something we often take for granted: time. They explore mortality, responsibility, power, human nature, our ability to imagine a future beyond ourselves and the uncomfortable question of how much our choices would change if we knew we’d never live long enough to experience their consequences. And because this is Mirror Mirror on the Mic, the conversation also somehow ends up involving sharks. 🦈 If you love stories that entertain you and then follow you around asking existential questions for the next three days, this episode is for you. 📚 Grab a copy of T.A. Thompson’s The Mark and ask yourself: What would you do differently if you knew exactly how much time you had? https://a.co/d/0iN47sDN  And maybe that question doesn’t only belong in dystopian fiction. Because none of us actually knows how much time we have. If you’re ready to stop spending yours in survival mode, Malissa works with women and organizations ready to move toward calm, clarity, confidence, and intentional action. ✨ 1:1 Coaching for women ready to stop living in constant reaction and intentionally create what comes next. 🎤 Speaking Engagements for organizations looking for honest, human conversations about resilience, leadership, burnout, rebuilding, and the power of calm. 🌿 Workshops for groups of women ready to regulate the noise, reconnect with themselves, and move forward from a steadier place. Ready to bring more calm into your life, your team, or your community? Connect with Malissa to explore coaching, speaking, or workshop opportunities. https://stan.store/MalissaConnorsCoaching/p/coaching-call-wmal  We may not know how much time we have. But we do get to decide how we spend it.

There are some teachers on this planet who never learned our language...yet somehow understand us better than we understand ourselves. In this fascinating conversation, we welcome back coach and horse-guided facilitator Nell Debevoise Dewey to explore what horses can teach us about emotional regulation, leadership, healing, and being fully present. You'll learn why horses have survived for nearly 56 million years, how their remarkable hearts create powerful electromagnetic fields that can help regulate our nervous systems, and why they instinctively conserve energy instead of fighting against life. Along the way, we uncover surprising lessons about stress, intuition, connection, and what it means to truly feel safe. Whether you've spent your life around horses or have never been near one, this episode will leave you looking at both animals and yourself in a completely different way. In this episode, we explore: Why horses have survived for millions of years The fascinating science behind horses and nervous system regulation What horses teach us about emotional awareness and leadership Why slowing down is often our greatest source of strength How connection, not control, creates transformation If this conversation resonates with you, we'd love for you to leave a review, share the episode with someone who needs it, and subscribe so you never miss a conversation. ✨ Interested in coaching with Malissa? https://stan.store/MalissaConnorsCoaching/p/coaching-call-wmal  ✨ Learn more about Nell and Kelly's horse-guided retreats in the show notes. https://www.equusinspired.com/-retreats  https://nell3d.substack.com/  Sometimes the greatest wisdom doesn't come from another person. Sometimes...it has four legs and a really big heart.

What If Your Life Doesn't Follow the Script? From the time we're young, many women are handed the same blueprint: grow up, find a partner, get married, have children. But what happens when your life takes a different path? And why does that make so many people uncomfortable? In this honest and heartfelt panel discussion, Malissa and Inez are joined by two incredible women who have chosen lives without children. Together, they explore the expectations society places on women, the questions they're constantly asked, the assumptions people make, and the freedom that comes from living authentically. This isn't a conversation about whether women should or shouldn't have children. It's about something much bigger: honoring the fact that every woman's journey is different. Whether you're a mom, child-free by choice, navigating infertility, still deciding, or simply someone who believes women deserve the freedom to define success for themselves, this episode invites you to listen with curiosity and compassion. Because a meaningful life doesn't come from following someone else's script. It comes from having the courage to write your own. In this episode, we discuss: Why women are so often expected to justify their life choices. The difference between choosing a child-free life and grieving a life you hoped for. How societal expectations shape our ideas of fulfillment. Why empathy matters more than assumptions. What it means to create a life that feels authentic to you. ✨ If this conversation resonated with you, we'd love for you to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who could use the reminder that there is no one "right" way to build a beautiful life. Connect with us: 📱 Follow us on social: @mirrormirroronthemic Interested in coaching or bringing Malissa to speak at your organization? Email me at [email protected] 

What do aliens, stand-up comedy, mental illness, and chasing impossible dreams have in common? More than you'd think. This week on Mirror Mirror on the Mic, I sit down with comedian, writer, and creator Rosie Tran for a conversation that starts with one ridiculous question ("How would you explain humans to aliens?") and somehow turns into one of the most honest discussions we've had about resilience, rejection, and believing in yourself. Rosie shares what it's really like to be a woman in comedy, the highs and lows of performing for live audiences, and why bombing on stage isn't the end of the world. She also tells the incredible story behind Rosie Tran Presents, the show she created after being told "no," choosing to invest her own life savings to bring her vision to life instead of waiting for someone else's permission. One of my favorite moments comes when Rosie compares comedy to music. Not everyone loves jazz, and that doesn't make the musician bad. The same is true for comedians, creators, entrepreneurs, and honestly...all of us. You don't have to be for everyone. You just have to find the people you're meant to reach. In this episode, we talk about: Why rejection doesn't always mean you're on the wrong path The reality of being a woman in stand-up comedy Mental health and finding humor in life's hardest moments What bombing on stage can teach us about resilience Why waiting for permission keeps so many dreams on the shelf The courage to keep going, even when the evidence says you shouldn't Whether you're building a business, changing careers, pursuing a creative dream, or simply trying to trust yourself again, this conversation is a reminder that the people who eventually succeed aren't always the most talented. Often, they're the ones who decide to keep going anyway. Connect with Rosie Tran on Instagram @rosietranpresntstv Be sure to check out Rosie Tran Presents and follow Rosie to see what she's creating next. If this episode resonated with you, I'd love to hear from you. Please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs the reminder to keep believing in themselves. If you're looking for career coaching, leadership development, keynote speaking, or support as you navigate your next chapter, you'll find all of my coaching and speaking information @mirrormirroronthemic on Instagram  Thanks for listening to Mirror Mirror on the Mic. ❤️

Do the stars determine how we handle heartbreak...or do they simply give us another way to understand ourselves? In this solo episode of Mirror Mirror on the Mic, we're taking a lighthearted (and slightly unhinged) tour through all 12 zodiac signs to explore how each one might navigate divorce, breakups, and life's biggest endings. From Aries booking a flight before the ink is dry to Taurus emotionally attaching to throw pillows, Virgo creating color-coded spreadsheets, and Pisces making a heartbreak playlist worthy of an Oscar, no sign is safe. But beneath the laughs is a much bigger conversation. This episode isn't really about astrology. It's about the coping strategies we all develop when life falls apart. Why do some of us stay busy? Why do others analyze every conversation, cry for months, or completely reinvent ourselves? More importantly, how do we move from simply surviving heartbreak to intentionally healing? Whether you're a devoted astrology enthusiast, a total skeptic, divorced, dating, healing from a breakup, or simply navigating a season of change, this episode will invite you to laugh, reflect, and maybe recognize a little more of yourself along the way. Because self-awareness isn't about becoming someone else. It's about finally understanding the person you've been all along. ✨ In this episode, you'll learn: How each zodiac sign might respond to heartbreak and major life transitions The hidden strengths and blind spots behind different coping styles Why your default reaction to pain isn't your destiny The difference between surviving and truly healing How curiosity can replace self-judgment as you rebuild your life 💗 Ready to take the next step? If this episode resonated with you and you're ready to stop surviving and start intentionally rebuilding your life, I'd love to support you. ➡️ Learn more about 1:1 coaching: https://stan.store/MalissaConnorsCoaching  ➡️ Book a free discovery call: [email protected]  ➡️ Download my free resources: https://stan.store/MalissaConnorsCoaching/p/just-wait-guide  📱 Connect with me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mirrormirroronthemic 🎙️ If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a rating and review. It helps more women find the show and join our growing community of people choosing healing, honesty, and growth.

What if the goal isn't to be perfectly okay? This week on Mirror Mirror on the Mic, I sit down with forensic psychologist and author Amanda Landes to talk about perfectionism, authenticity, resilience, and what it means to embrace the messy middle of being human. Amanda shares stories from her personal life, insights from her work with women navigating professional, romantic, and personal challenges, and the inspiration behind her book I'm Almost Okay. Together, we explore why so many of us feel pressure to have it all figured out, why vulnerability is actually a strength, and how owning our imperfections can create deeper connection with ourselves and others. In a world that constantly asks us to be polished, productive, and perfect, maybe there's power in answering the question "How are you?" with a simple: "Almost." Not broken. Not failing. Not pretending. Just human. And honestly? Maybe we should start a trend. In This Episode: • The difference between being high-achieving and being trapped by perfectionism • Why authenticity creates deeper connection than perfection ever could • The stories women carry and the expectations they inherit • How to stop hiding your messy parts and start owning them • Why "almost okay" may be a healthier goal than "perfectly fine" Connect with Amanda Landes 📖 Get I'm Almost Okay: https://a.co/d/02PiNm0v  📱 Follow Amanda: Instagram: @amandaelandes  Connect with Malissa 🎙️ Follow the podcast: Instagram: @mirrormirroronthemic ✨ Interested in coaching, speaking, podcast guest appearances, or collaborations? 📧 Email: [email protected] 🔗 Work with me: https://stan.store/MalissaConnorsCoaching  If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs permission to stop pretending they're perfectly okay. Because sometimes the bravest answer isn't "I'm fine." It's "I'm almost okay."

What if your emotions aren't the problem?? In this deeply personal episode of Mirror Mirror on the Mic, Malissa sits down with her own therapist, Dr. Kimberly Vay, to explore the life-changing principles of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) If you've ever felt overwhelmed by anxiety, grief, anger, shame, heartbreak, or simply the weight of being human, this conversation is for you. Together, they unpack some of the most powerful metaphors used by Dr. Vay: 🌊 Why you can never step into the same river twice 🎈 What happens when you keep trying to push your emotions down like a beach ball underwater 🐟 Why fish don't know they're in water and how we often normalize unhealthy environments without realizing it You'll learn why emotions aren't "good" or "bad," how emotional regulation actually works, and why so many of us spend years fighting feelings that are simply trying to give us information. Malissa also shares how DBT became one of the most important tools in her own healing journey, helping her navigate grief, divorce, uncertainty, and the everyday challenges of being human. Whether you're in therapy, considering therapy, or simply trying to understand yourself better, this episode offers practical wisdom, compassion, and hope. In This Episode: What DBT is and how it's different from CBT Why emotions are neutral The cost of emotional avoidance Mindfulness in everyday life Emotional regulation tools you can use immediately How to stop fighting your feelings and start listening to them Why healing isn't about becoming emotionless Connect with Malissa 📱 Follow along on Instagram: @mirrormirroronthemic 🎙️ Listen to more episodes of Mirror Mirror on the Mic ✨ Interested in coaching, speaking, or podcast guest opportunities? https://stan.store/MalissaConnorsCoaching or email me at [email protected]  #DBT #MentalHealth #Therapy #EmotionalRegulation #DivorceRecovery #HealingJourney #Mindfulness #SelfGrowth #MirrorMirrorOnTheMic #KimberlyVay #LifeAfterDivorce

What happens when a family mystery refuses to let go? This week on Mirror Mirror on the Mic, we sit down with author and violinist Brigid Kennedy to discuss her captivating novel, Lost: The Lost City of Incan Gold, a story inspired by her own family's history and a question that lingered for generations. When Brigid’s great-grandfather disappeared into the Amazon and never returned, he left behind more than unanswered questions. He left behind a legacy of mystery, grief, and curiosity that would eventually inspire a novel decades later. In this conversation, Brigid shares: ✨ The real family story that inspired the book ✨ How inherited grief can shape generations ✨ Why she felt compelled to tell this story ✨ What it was like to write her first novel as a professional violinist ✨ How creativity often asks us to trust ourselves before we feel ready ✨ The surprising ways storytelling can heal, connect, and transform families This episode is about so much more than writing a book. It's about reclaiming history, honoring the people who came before us, and discovering the power of using your voice. Whether you're a reader, a creative, a writer, or someone carrying a story of your own, this conversation will leave you asking an important question: What story is waiting for you to tell it? Connect with Brigid… 🌿 Website: https://www.brigidkennedybooks.com  🌿 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BrigidKennedyBooks Connect with Mirror Mirror on the Mic: 🎙 Instagram: @mirrormirroronthemic 🎙 Work with Malissa: https://stan.store/MalissaConnorsCoaching or email me [email protected]  🎙 Speaking, coaching, podcast appearances, and more available through the link above. If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs the reminder that their story matters. #MirrorMirrorOnTheMic #BridgetKennedy #LostTheLostCityOfInkAndGold #AuthorInterview #Storytelling #FamilyLegacy #CreativeJourney #HealingThroughStorytelling #WomenWhoCreate #Podcast

Making friends as an adult feels weird... and somehow nobody warns you about it. One day you're surrounded by classmates, coworkers, roommates, and spontaneous plans. Then suddenly you're juggling careers, kids, relationships, aging parents, and a calendar that somehow still has no room for meaningful connection. In this follow-up to one of our most popular episodes, Friendship Audit, we're taking a deeper look at why so many women feel lonely, disconnected, or like they're the only ones struggling to find "their people." In this episode, we talk about: • The surprising statistics behind loneliness and adult friendship • Why making friends in your 30s, 40s, and 50s can feel so much harder than it used to • How motherhood, divorce, career changes, and big life transitions impact connection • We also answer questions about making new friends, healing from friendship hurt, and finding deeper relationships • Practical places to meet people, from Meetup groups to local classes and community organizations • Small, realistic ways to build meaningful friendships, even if you're busy and overwhelmed If you've ever looked around and wondered, "Why does everyone else seem to have their people except me?" this episode is for you. You're not behind. You're not awkward. And you're definitely not alone. Grab your coffee, take us on your walk, and let's have an honest conversation about finding connection in adulthood. Because sometimes one text, one conversation, or one brave "yes" can change everything.

Swipe right at your own risk. 😳 This week on Mirror Mirror on the Mic, I sit down with author and storyteller Bren Marrick to talk about her hilarious, shocking, and sometimes downright terrifying experiences navigating the world of online dating. Inspired by her book, Dicks I've Met Online, Bryn shares the stories that made her laugh, cringe, question humanity, and ultimately learn more about herself. From bizarre first dates and unbelievable messages to red flags that should have come with warning labels, this conversation is equal parts comedy, cautionary tale, and empowerment. In this episode, we discuss: ✨ The wild reality of modern dating apps ✨ How to spot red flags before you're in too deep ✨ Why women often ignore their intuition (and how to stop) ✨ The funniest and most unbelievable dating stories from Bryn's journey ✨ What dating taught her about self-worth, boundaries, and resilience ✨ Why sometimes the worst dates make the best stories Whether you're actively dating, happily partnered, recently divorced, or simply here for the chaos, this episode will have you laughing, gasping, and texting your friends, "You HAVE to hear this." Because sometimes the road to finding yourself is paved with a few dicks you met online. 🎙️ Follow, rate, and review Mirror Mirror on the Mic if you're enjoying the show. Every download helps us reach more women navigating life, relationships, healing, and the beautiful mess of starting over. 💜

In this episode of Mirror Mirror on the Mic, we unpack the pressure that often comes with the season: the expectation to create magical memories, keep the kids entertained, look a certain way in a swimsuit, take the perfect vacation, and somehow enjoy every minute of it. We talk about the realities that don't always make it onto social media, including summer anxiety, body image struggles, parenting fatigue, financial stress, and the surprising fact that some people experience seasonal depression during the summer months. If you've ever felt like everyone else is having the summer of their dreams while you're just trying to make it through the week, this conversation is for you. In this episode, we'll discuss: ☀️ Why summer can feel emotionally overwhelming ☀️ The hidden pressure to create the "perfect" summer ☀️ Body image challenges and comparison traps ☀️ Surviving summer with kids without burning yourself out ☀️ How to create a more intentional and enjoyable season ☀️ Why you don't have to win summer to have a meaningful one Because the goal isn't to have a perfect summer. The goal is to actually be present for the one you're already living. 🎙️ New episodes of Mirror Mirror on the Mic drop every Thursday. If this episode resonated with you, be sure to follow, rate, and share it with someone who might need the reminder that enough is enough. 💛

Grief is not always loud. Sometimes it looks like scrolling your phone while trying not to cry. Sometimes it looks like laughing with friends and then breaking down in the car afterward. And sometimes it looks like grieving people who are still alive, the family you thought you’d have, or the version of yourself you thought you’d be by now. In this episode of Mirror Mirror on the Mic, Malissa and Inez talk about the complicated reality of grief, estrangement, divorce, identity loss, motherhood, and the strange ways humor and heartbreak can coexist. They explore statistics around family estrangement, the emotional impact of losing connection with loved ones, and why grief is not something we “get over,” but something we learn to carry differently. This conversation is vulnerable, funny, honest, and deeply human. From chaotic stories about kids and painters to deeper reflections on loss, shame, healing, and rebuilding, this episode is a reminder that sadness does not cancel out joy and that healing is rarely linear. If you’ve ever felt alone in your grief, stuck in survival mode, or like life turned out differently than you imagined, this episode is for you. And if you’re ready to reconnect with yourself in small, realistic ways, our 21-Day Reset is open now. The link is https://stan.store/MalissaConnorsCoaching/p/21-day-hot-girl-reset and don't forget to follow us @mirrormirroronthemic on Instagram!   and ps. The viral post is now at 1.1M 😊

How do the beliefs we formed about ourselves years ago quietly shape the relationships we choose, the pain we tolerate, and the stories we continue to repeat? In this episode, I sit down with clinical psychologist and Awareness Integration Theory founder Dr. Foojan Zeine for a deep conversation about toxic relationship dynamics, emotional conditioning, trauma bonds, narcissistic tendencies, identity loss, and what it actually takes to heal. We talk about how people unconsciously search for evidence to confirm painful beliefs they formed early in life, why toxic relationships can feel familiar or addictive, how gaslighting and emotional manipulation impact the nervous system, and why awareness is the first step toward real transformation. This conversation is compassionate, insightful, and honestly one that I think will resonate with so many people who have ever questioned themselves inside a relationship. If you’ve ever wondered: • Why do I keep ending up in the same patterns? • Why is it so hard to leave emotionally unhealthy dynamics? • Why do I keep abandoning myself to be chosen? • How do I finally break free and heal? …this episode is for you. Because healing doesn’t start with perfection. It starts with awareness. You can find Dr. Zeine at https://foojanzeine.com/ and her app https://foojan.com/ And if you are thinking you want to work with ME....here is the link to my 21 Day Reset https://stan.store/MalissaConnorsCoaching/p/21-day-hot-girl-reset

Somewhere along the way, being chosen became the goal. The invite. The approval. The seat at the table. And you got really, really good at it. Reading the room. Saying the right thing. Being who they needed you to be so you could stay. From the outside, it looked like high achievement. But inside? It felt like pressure. Like performing. Like slowly drifting further away from yourself. Because here’s the truth no one teaches: There is a difference between high achievement and perfectionism. One expands you. The other edits you. One builds a life that feels aligned. The other builds a life that looks impressive… but costs you your voice, your values, and your peace. In this episode, we’re unpacking: The subtle ways self-abandonment gets rewarded How perfectionism disguises itself as success Why “fitting in” might actually be your biggest red flag And how to tell if you’ve earned your seat… or auditioned for it If you’ve ever felt like you had to become someone else to be accepted—this one is going to hit. And more importantly… it might set you free. If you are ready to Reset with me, here is the link to join https://stan.store/MalissaConnorsCoaching/p/21-day-hot-girl-reset 

What if everything you’ve been taught about money is… incomplete? In this episode, I sit down with David Nassief to unpack one of the most surprising wealth contrasts you’ll ever hear: why a professional athlete earning millions can end up broke within a few years… while a blue-collar worker quietly builds lasting wealth. This isn’t about income. It’s about behavior. We dive into: Why high earners still struggle financially The habits that quietly build (or destroy) wealth over time The difference between looking rich and actually being wealthy How everyday decisions compound into long-term financial freedom The mindset shift that changes everything If you’ve ever thought, “I just need to make more money,” this episode might completely flip that belief on its head. Because wealth isn’t built in big moments. It’s built in the small, consistent choices no one sees. 🎧 Listen in… and you might never look at money the same way again. And here is the one pager you MUST download https://onepagewealthcompass.com/

Somewhere along the way, being "easy", "strong", and "low maintenance" became your personality. But it didn't start that way. In this episode of Mirror Mirror on the Mic, we're pulling back the curtain on the version of you that learned how to perform in order to be loved, chosen, and safe...and asking the real question: Who were you before all of that? We talk about: The subtle ways the "soft life" can turn into self-abandonment Attachment theory and how it impacts our relationships to others and ourselves Why avoiding conflict isn't the same as protecting your peace  This isn't about becoming someone new. it's about remembering the person who existed before she learned how to shape-shift to survive. If this episode hit something in you..if you're starting to realize how much of your life has been built around performing instead of actually feeling like yourself... I want you to come a little closer. I'm launching my Hot Girl 21 Day Reset and this is for the woman who is tired of living on autopilot, tired of choosing quick fixes, tired of calling it "fine" when its actually just familiar. We are focusing on: Calming your nervous system Getting honest about what you actually want And helping you feel like yourself again...in your real, everyday life Here is what you do... Go to our instagram: @mirrormirroronthemic and I'm sharing all the details there, and that's where you'll be able to get in first when it opens.

Friday I turn 43 and I wanted to share with you the things I wish someone had told me long ago. Its pain turned into power and I want to pass it along to you. And I want you to pass it along to someone who needs to hear it too. Happy Birthday to me. I hope you accept my gift of love and lessons. Seriously share this episode!  And, follow us on Instagram @mirrormirroronthemic so you can see the good we are putting out into the world each and every day.

You don’t have to be healed to start doing things differently. In this episode, I’m taking you into real life with me… because I have mediation starting this week, and the stress of it? It’s intense. Honestly, more intense than buying a house… and if you’ve ever been through that process, you know that’s saying something. But here’s what’s different this time. I’m not spiraling. I’m not numbing. I’m not abandoning myself. I’m interrupting the patterns that used to run my life… in real time. And it’s not some big, dramatic transformation. It’s small moments. It’s choosing differently while I’m still overwhelmed. It’s eating the orange instead of going on autopilot. It’s showing up even after I cry. In this episode, we talk about: What pattern interrupts actually look like in everyday life Why this isn’t a discipline problem… it’s your nervous system How stress pushes you toward old coping mechanisms (and how to gently break that cycle) What it means to walk through hard things as a different version of yourself If you’ve ever felt stuck in the same habits, the same reactions, the same cycles… this episode is going to hit. Because the pattern doesn’t break when life gets easier. It breaks when you decide differently… in the middle of the hard. ✨ I’m also hosting a free 5-day reset (April 20–24) where I’ll walk you through how to start interrupting these patterns in your own life. You can join through the link https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScLSWRR7I9v3a60PkpsIz3ELBhZqB4X2xulhyrk3ElIFsw3AA/viewform?usp=header  You don’t need to be fully healed. You just need to be willing to do one thing differently today.

Today’s episode feels a little bit like sitting down with someone who has been studying humans… her entire life. Marita Littauer is a multi-faceted author, speaker, and entrepreneur with over 50 years of experience helping people understand themselves and each other on a deeper level. As the daughter of renowned personality expert Florence Littauer, Marita was immersed in the study of personalities from just nine years old, traveling, observing, and eventually carrying forward a legacy that has impacted millions. But what makes Marita so fascinating isn’t just the decades of experience… it’s the way she teaches you to see people. To recognize patterns, needs, strengths, and blind spots… sometimes before a single word is even spoken. In this conversation, we’re diving into personality types, the way we understand them, how they shape the way we love, communicate, and show up in the world… and maybe most importantly, how understanding them can completely change the way we relate to ourselves and others. And selfishly… I took her personality assessment, so we’re also going to break down what it says about me. So if you’ve ever wondered why you are the way you are… or why someone in your life makes absolutely no sense to you… This episode is going to feel like someone just handed you the instruction manual.

What if your life falls apart… after you finally built the one you always wanted? In this episode of Mirror Mirror on the Mic, I sit down with Steve Gamlin, former radio DJ turned motivational speaker/stand-up comic, who knows what it means to rebuild a life more than once. Steve walked away from a career that no longer fit, stepped into a completely new path, and eventually found the love of his life. But in a devastating and unexpected turn, he lost her while they were traveling together in London. This conversation is about what happens after the dream comes true… and then breaks. We talk about grief, resilience, and the choice to keep living when life doesn’t go according to plan. And we also get practical—because Steve is known for helping people create vision boards that actually work. Not the cute, cut-and-paste kind. The kind that leads to real action, real change, and a life you can actually step into. If you’ve ever felt stuck, disconnected from what you want, or afraid to start over… this episode will meet you there. In this episode, we cover: Why most vision boards don’t work (and how to fix it) How to take action on your vision instead of just dreaming about it What it looks like to rebuild after unimaginable loss The difference between hoping for a better life and choosing one How to keep going when everything in you wants to stop This is one of those conversations that stays with you. And if you’re in a season of rebuilding… consider this your reminder: You are allowed to want a beautiful life.

What happens when you realize no one is coming to rescue you… and somehow, that truth becomes your power? In this raw and deeply honest conversation, I sit down with Tracey Smaldino to talk about what it really means to survive trauma—and the moment you stop waiting for someone else to step in and start advocating for yourself. Because healing isn’t always soft. Sometimes it looks like setting boundaries that shake people. Sometimes it sounds like using your voice for the first time… even when it trembles. We talk about: ✨ What survival mode actually looks like (and why so many people miss it) ✨ The cost of staying silent—and the freedom on the other side of speaking up ✨ How to rebuild trust with yourself after everything you’ve been through ✨ What it means to become your own advocate in a world that taught you not to This episode is for the woman who’s done minimizing herself. The one who’s ready to stop waiting, stop explaining, and start choosing herself—fully. You were never meant to be saved. You were meant to remember who you are. 🎧 Press play if you’re ready to take your voice back.

What if the most courageous move you could make...isn't pushing harder, but pressing pause? In this episode, I sit down with Nell Derrick Debevoise Dewey for a conversation that feels like a deep exhale for anyone who's been stuck in the cycle of doing, proving, achieving...and quietly burning out. Nell shares powerful insights on: Why subtraction is more powerful than addition How negative self-talk silently shapes our reality (and how to put it down) What we can learn from horses about conserving energy and responding instead of reacting How to recognize what is no longer serving you...and actually let it go This episode is for the high achiever who feels like they "should" keep going...but something inside is whispering, "there has to be another way". Because sometimes the bravest thing you can do....is stop long enough to finally hear yourself. This is an episode that needs to be shared! 

What if the reason you feel stuck with your weight has nothing to do with willpower? In this episode of Mirror Mirror on the Mic, Malissa sits down with certified life, health and nutrition coach (also TEDx Speaker) Laura Conley to talk about the real reason so many women feel trapped in the cycle of dieting, starting over and blaming themselves. Laura's work focuses on helping women step out of survival mode and finally break free from the constant pressure to restrict, hustle, and try harder. This conversation is honest, and incredibly validating for any woman who has ever felt like she was the problem. Spoiler alert: YOU'RE NOT! Links: Instagram: @mirrormirroronthemic and @lauraconleycoaching TEDx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yW45vEVlimc Laura Conley Coaching: https://www.lauraconley.com/ 1:1 with Malissa: [email protected]

Have you ever told yourself, "why can't I just get over this?" In this episode, we are talking about the difference between broken and frozen. Because so many of us walk around believing there's something wrong with us when the truth is much simpler and much kinder. Your nervous system might just be stuck in protection mode. I'm talking about the freeze response. It can look like procrastinating, people pleasing, self-doubt, or even overthinking. But that doesn't mean you are broken. Its means your system learned how to survive and froze in survival mode. And great news....frozen things can thaw! This episode is for anyone who has ever felt stuck, numb, or like they should be "further along"...whatever that means :) Don't forget to follow us on Instagram @mirrormirroronthemic so you can set up a chat with me or just see the good that is still in this world with our daily posts and stories.

In this episode of Mirror Mirror on the Mic, we talk about shame vs confidence. What does shame do to us? How do we become confident?  Well, we break down some science (my fav) and show you where shame just simply does not stand a chance.  We also breakdown a framework for you to stop feeding shame and start being confident! Based on the children's book, Don't Feed the Monster on Tuesdays. If this episode sounds super fun...guess what?? IT IS! And if it feels like you might need some support in this season, I got you! Go to www.mirrormirroronthemic.com to set up a time to chat with me and also apply to my Hot Girl Healing Camp.  Pass this along to anyone that may need it today!

I had a crazy thought today. What if instead of listening to middle aged white men about what to do in the world today, what if we asked our children?? They are so much wiser than we give them credit for. So in this episode, I interview my own kids so they can school us in how to be better humans. You DO NOT want to miss this. It funny and might make you cry. 

We've been taught to believe that love, validation, motivation, and even calm come from outside of us. A text. A compliment. A relationship. A win.  Thats's frosting.  In this episode, we break down the cake analogy-why you have to be fully baked on your own before anything external can actually enhance your life-and how your brain chemistry explains exactly why chasing frosting never satisfies. We dive into he science behind dopamine and oxytocin, how they work differently in the body. And why quick hits of pleasure, praise, or attention feel good in the moment but leave you craving more...while slower, self-resourced practices actually create safety. stability, and connection. You are not missing anything. You are the cake! 

Hey Hey! Ok so February kinda punches us in the face with all the love stuff. So what if we do a quick lil reframe. First, it is essential that we all laugh before we grow. Second, we need to feel like we are not alone. So in this episode you will hear 2 hilarious, albeit disturbing, stories of dating disasters. And then 2 of our baby angel listeners in their 20's ask Inez and I for some advice on love and relationships. OMG we felt so Dear Abby and we loved it! We also supply you with the tool called, "SAY WHAT'S TRUE". This tool will help you stop the anxiety spiral dead in its tracks. Don't forget to follow us @mirrormirroronthemic on Instagram and go to our website www.mirrormirroronthemic.com to find out how to join the conversation.

In this episode, we close out our Power Series by slowing down and reflecting on what this journey stirred up for us personally. We talk about what it's been like to explore power in the body, power in boundaries and power in your voice. And the power of choosing yourself...not as a concept, but as a lived experience.  This isn't a highlight reel. It's a processing session. Your power isn't something you earn. It's something you remember.  www.mirrormirroronthemic.com if you want to join the conversation. Follow us on Instagram @mirrormirroronthemic 

The power of your story is profound! Sometimes when we show the parts of ourselves we try to conceal, it helps another person feel seen, heard and valued. Perfection is NOT required, contrary to popular belief. So sit down, listen up and let me lower the temperature of this chaotic world.  I can't wait for you to step into the most powerful part about you. The story that only you can tell. And most important, share this with a friend or someone who needs a nudge to tell their own story. Don't forget to follow us on instagram @mirrormirroronthemic and go to our website if you want to be a guest on a future episode. www.mirrormirroronthemic.com 

Boundaries aren't about being cold...they're about being safe! In this episode of Mirror Mirror on the Mic, Malissa and Inez continue the Power Series with Power in Your Boundaries. It features Malissa's signature framework: The Velvet Rope Method. Think of your life like a club you own: not everyone gets VIP access, and your peace is the vibe. Together, they break down what boundaries really are (and what they're not), why you don't owe anyone explanations, and how to set limits with confidence in relationships, friendships, family dynamics, and co-parenting. Plus, they share funny stories from their own millennial club life.  If you are ready to stop abandoning yourself and start protecting your peace, this episode will change the way you see boundaries forever. Visit our website www.mirrormirroronthemic.com if YOU want to join the conversation on an episode!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!! Listen, I know the pressure to do a full rebrand of your body this month feels overwhelming. So...what if you choose something different?? In this first episode of the power series we explore how to regain a bit of power in your body. And I'm not talking about lifting weights, I'm talking about deciding you are reclaiming the narrative that your body needs to be "fixed". Micro-changes and practical tips to help you toward the end so def listen all the way through. There is literal GOLD at the end so yeah, STAY! Also, if you are interested in being a guest on Mirror Mirror on the Mic, please visit our website www.mirrormirroronthemic.com and let's chat! Also, go follow us on Instagram @mirrormirroronthemic and follow Inez on TikTok @faithwithinez 

You don't need a NEW you. You need your POWER back! And this series is going to give it to you! Series starts January 8th!!! Don't forget to follow us on Instagram @mirrormirroronthemic and go our website www.mirrormirroronthemic.com for special info and join the Reflection Squad!

This episode is like a white elephant gift. You are either gonna love it or hate it but either way, I hope it makes you laugh. Merry Christmas to all of you! Thank you for listening!

In this episode, Inez and I have a VERY honest conversation about what has gone on in 2025. We talk about the most difficult part of the year and why this lil podcast is the bright light. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for listening and sharing. 2026 we are going to blow your mind with so much valuable content. The year of the horse is coming and we are ready to RUN! Don't forget to follow us on Instagram @mirrormirroronthemic and please visit our website for daily updates and lots of love www.mirrormirroronthemic.com 

This year was one for the books! I was in what felt like a war zone most of 2025. But here I am, still standing! And I'm taking back my power, one step at a time. If this year felt heavy for you too, maybe these lessons will help you walk into 2026 with renewed purpose and intention. And, I want to tell you that I SEE YOU!  I also introduce our January Series on POWER! Power in your body, your finances and your relationships. Stay with me y'all! 2026 is about to get really freakin good! Don't forget to follow us on Instagram @mirrormirroronthemic for daily laughter and love. Also go to our website www.mirrormirroronthemic.com to get exclusive tips, training, book club spots, and join the Reflection Squad so you can look in the mirror and love the person staring back at you!

My mother's life began as a secret. But that secret, like all truth, eventually came out. This is a story of love that found a way and unfolded exactly as it was supposed to.  Adoption is the most beautiful and profound act of love and I can't wait for you to join me as we celebrate it. Don't forget to follow us on Instagram @mirrormirroronthemic to continue the story and go visit our website www.mirrormirroronthemic.com for all things reflective.

Listen, when we think of women from the Bible we often think of the word submission. And that story is not what you will hear today.  Inez is giving us the best history lesson EVER! We are learning about how these small but mighty women changed the course of history/the world. They are baddies! Visit us at www.mirrormirroronthemic.com for more info

I have been in therapy since 2007 so I have collected quite a few gems since then. Today, I am going to share my 5 biggest lessons with you. I hope this episode makes you feel seen. Don't forget to visit our website for blog posts and join the Reflection Squad so you can get this level of love every day! www.mirrormirroronthemic.com

A boomer and millennial walk into a podcast... Listen as I interview my dad and we chat about life, heroes, and how to get through tough things. Oh and my dad totally calls me out on looking like a gremlin or Miss America on social media. You will def be giggling in this one, but you also might feel like you took a big deep breath after. Don't forget to visit our website mirrormirroronthemic.com to check out all the latest and join the Reflection Squad! 

In this powerful episode of Mirror Mirror on the Mic, Malissa and Inez sit down for an honest, emotional, and eye-opening conversation about the rising epidemic of teen depression. With rates of anxiety, depression, and loneliness skyrocketing in the last decade, today's teens are carrying more emotional weight than any generation before them-but most of it is hidden behind screens and brave faces. We are joined by Shawna, a mother of 2 teenagers who has lived this journey and of course Inez who is also living this journey.  This episode is raw, compassionate, and filled with HOPE! If you love a teen, know a teen, or were once a teen fighting silent battles, this conversation will stay with you.

This episode should feel like you and I are just chatting away drinking a glass on red blend after we stuffed our faces with Turkey post Thanksgiving meal. It's a VERY honest take on what life is molding me into. And I do give a lil shoutout to my old childhood bestie and thank her for the bada$$ core memories. Don't forget to visit our website to join the Reflection Squad! www.mirrormirroronthemic.com

From TGIF and SNICK lineups to neon slap bracelets, we're rewinding to the decade that raised us through theme songs and questionable fashion choices. Sit back, adjust your butterfly clips and let's relive the era that shaped our humor, our style and our coping skills. Special shoutouts to Rhythm Dance Center, Midway High School, and Snellville GA

You may not realize that Inez and I are professional shoppers and creative gift givers. We have curated 10 gifts that you are sure to love and absolutely want to give as gifts to others or even as a treat to yourself. Grab your cup of hot coco and shop with us! All of our shopping recommendations are linked on our website www.mirrormirroronthemic.com 

Holiday chaos incoming!! In this solo Mal episode, I get real about family triggers, boundaries, and how to stay sane through it all. Practical tools, laughs and real healing! And thank you in advance for listening and passing along to anyone that needs a lil Thanksgiving pep talk.

Thanksgiving means family, food and potentially feelings you are not "supposed" to have. We are reminiscing on the ghosts of Thanksgiving past, the foods we loved and the chaotic magic of the holiday. We will also give you practical ways to enjoy the day without gaining any additional emotional scars.

Why do we unwind with murder? Like, we'll light a candle, pour some tea, and listen to a podcast about a guy named Gary who buried people in his backyard. There is something strangely comforting about hearing the worst case scenario from the safety of your couch. But maybe our obsession with true crime says more about control, and survival than we think. Let's unpack the psychology behind our love of all things creepy-without having to sleep with the lights on.

You know how girl math justifies a $200 Sephora trip because it's basically free if you use Klarna? Well, welcome to Emotional Math. It's when you justify texting your ex because you "just need closure"-or buying yourself new throw pillows because you survived the week. Emotional spending isn't always money-it's energy, time, forgiveness. So let's talk about how to stop going broke emotionally, one impulse swipe at a time.

Inez and I wanted to talk about the heavy topic of race and racism since we are different races. We reflect our own experiences and then highlight some amazing organizations in the Atlanta area that are bridging the gap between white and black people.  Hoping the episode gives you a reason to reflect and grow.

Whether you realize it or not, you sell everyday-to your boss, your kids, and your partner, even yourself! But somewhere along the way, sales got a bad rep...time to fix that. I'll be breaking down 5 sales methods so you can use the best parts in your everyday life. Can't wait for you to join!