Bare and Brutal Podcast

⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode contains candid discussion of mental illness, suicidal ideation, and emotional trauma. Please listen with care and step away if you need to. Resources and support are available in the episode description.This week on Bare & Brutal, I sit down with Ally Loyns, certified peer supporter and advocate for mental health awareness, to challenge the dangerous misconceptions around Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) — and what it actually means to live, feel, and thrive with this diagnosis.If you Google “BPD life expectancy,” the internet paints a bleak picture. But Ally? She’s living proof that the story doesn’t have to end at 27.We talk about:The horrifying narrative surrounding BPD and suicide ratesWhy shame, stigma, and silence keep us from seeking supportThe role of community, creativity, and advocacy in healingWhat recovery actually looks like when you’re ready to feel againWhether you live with BPD or love someone who does, this episode holds space for the nuance, pain, and possibility that often gets left out of the mental health conversation.If you’ve ever felt like your diagnosis was a sentence — this is for you.FOLLOW ALLY LOYNS: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FOLLOW THE BARE AND BRUTAL PODCAST: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠

You’re not broken. You’re not lacking. And there’s nothing you need to prove to be worthy.In this episode of Bare & Brutal, I sit down with Coach Christian Johnson, a mindset coach and speaker from the Elevate It Podcast, to talk about the subtle but powerful shift that happens when we stop chasing healing from a place of emptiness — and start living from a place of abundance.Christian opens up about his own journey through insecurity, his evolving relationship with religion and spirituality, and what it truly means to believe you are already enough.We talk about: • What it means to live in wholeness • The difference between fixing yourself and finding yourself • Why first-gen founders, cycle-breakers, and survivor-leaders often struggle with worthiness • How affirmations and mindset work can actually support healing when it’s authentic • Reclaiming imagination and abundance as sacred toolsThis one is for anyone who’s ever felt like they were behind in life, not good enough, or waiting to “deserve” their next level.You’re not too late. You’re not too broken. You’ve always had what you needed.FOLLOW CHRISTIAN JOHNSON: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FOLLOW THE BARE AND BRUTAL PODCAST: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠

TW: Abuse, Trauma, Justice SystemThis conversation contains discussions around emotional and psychological abuse, patterns of manipulation, and systemic injustice toward survivors. We encourage you to prioritize your mental well-being and pause if needed.This week on Bare and Brutal, Michelle sits down with Noelle Cope, writer and founder of Notes from the In-Between, to talk about what survivor advocacy really looks like. Noelle shares her story and unpacks the complexity of abusive dynamics—like future faking, financial manipulation, and emotional coercion—that the justice system still doesn’t know how to hold.They explore what it means to be believed, how creative outlets support healing, and how first-gen survivors often carry the weight of both survival and visibility.If you’re a first-gen founder or creative trying to build something powerful while healing from something painful, this episode will speak directly to you.FOLLOW NOELLE COPE: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠FOLLOW THE BARE AND BRUTAL PODCAST: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠

Dr. Lisette Sanchez, a bilingual and bicultural psychologist, joins Michelle Mirza to unpack the complex layers of healing for first-gen professionals and the BIPOC community. From growing up in the San Fernando Valley to navigating family expectations and becoming a mental health advocate, Dr. Sanchez shares powerful insights on community, cultural dynamics, and reclaiming your narrative. This episode is a reminder that healing doesn’t happen in isolation—and that your story matters.FOLLOW DR. LISETTE SANCHEZ: ⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠FOLLOW THE BARE AND BRUTAL PODCAST: ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠

What if the key to healing your deepest wounds was already within you—just waiting for you to breathe?This week on Bare & Brutal, breathwork coach and trauma survivor Robyn Gutierrez shares how her journey through domestic violence and emotional pain led her to discover the transformative power of breath.We explore self-love, nervous system healing, inner child work, and how science-backed somatic practices can unlock clarity, peace, and purpose.FOLLOW ROBYN: ⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠FOLLOW THE BARE AND BRUTAL PODCAST: ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠BUSINESS INQUIRIES: [email protected]

In this powerful episode of Bare and Brutal, host Michelle sits down with Emma To, Vietnamese American nurse anesthetist and grief coach, to explore the deep intersections of childhood trauma, grief, burnout, and intergenerational healing. Emma shares what it was like growing up in Mississippi as a Vietnamese immigrant in a predominantly Black and white community, and how the sudden loss of her two brothers forced her to confront long-buried wounds.Whether you’re navigating grief, healing from generational trauma, or searching for purpose, this conversation offers raw truth, hope, and a reminder that healing is possible—even when it feels out of reach.FOLLOW EMMA TO: ⁠Website⁠⁠Instagram⁠FOLLOW THE BARE AND BRUTAL PODCAST: ⁠Instagram⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠YouTube⁠BUSINESS INQUIRIES: [email protected]

Trigger Warning:This episode contains discussions of trauma, including references to sexual trauma and assault. Please take care while listening and honor your needs—feel free to pause, skip, or come back to it when you’re in a safe space.After an 8-month hiatus, Bare and Brutal returns with Carrie Hennessy and Ellen Garavati of Smash Up Somatics. In this powerful conversation, we explore the connection between voice, movement, and trauma healing. If you’ve felt disconnected from your body or struggled to express emotions in words, this episode reveals how somatic work and sound can reconnect you to your inner truth and support deep emotional healing.FOLLOW SMASH-UP SOMATICS: WebsiteInstagramFOLLOW THE BARE AND BRUTAL PODCAST: InstagramTikTokYouTubeBUSINESS INQUIRIES: [email protected]

TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains discussions on sensitive topics, including suicide, suicide attempts, and suicidal ideation, which some listeners may find distressing. Listener discretion is advised. Summary In this episode, Anhtuan Do, a Vietnamese American, shares his journey through suicidal thoughts and how it led to a creative awakening in his life. He opens up about his struggles with isolation, guilt, and the pressure to meet cultural and societal expectations. The episode highlights the importance of mental health and the need for open conversations about suicide and resilience. Anhtuan shares his journey of healing and transformation through therapy and writing. He also talks about how he started writing screenplays based on his personal experiences and how these stories have resonated with others. He emphasizes the importance of open conversations about mental health and encourages those who are struggling to seek help and take the first step towards healing. FOLLOW ANHTUAN DO: @anhtuan.42 Be on the look out for his new and upcoming podcast! FOLLOW THE BARE AND BRUTAL PODCAST: Instagram TikTok YouTube BUSINESS INQUIRIES: [email protected]

TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains discussions on sensitive topics, including suicide, suicide attempts, and suicidal ideation, which some listeners may find distressing. Listener discretion is advised. Summary Andrew Jang, an entrepreneur and trailblazer in the fashion industry, shares his journey of resilience and transformation. From facing legal challenges and personal struggles to rebuilding his life and pursuing his passion in the fashion industry, Andrew's story is a testament to the power of accountability and personal growth. In this conversation, Andrew Jang discusses his decision to leave his old identity behind and transform into a new person. He reflects on the mistakes he made in the past and the opportunity he had to rebuild his life. Andrew also talks about the challenges of clearing his name and the reactions he received when asking for forgiveness. He shares his thoughts on suicide and offers a message of hope and understanding for those struggling with suicidal thoughts. Andrew emphasizes the importance of time and learning to live with depression and anxiety. He also discusses his work in the fashion industry and encourages others to embrace their authenticity. FOLLOW ANDREW JANG: Andrew's Website⁠ Andrew's Instagram⁠ FOLLOW THE BARE AND BRUTAL PODCAST ON: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠ BUSINESS INQUIRIES: [email protected]

Angela Wu, a Taiwanese-American licensed mental health therapist, shares her journey of reclaiming her cultural identity and supporting mental health within the Asian American community. In this episode, we hear her experiences as a former teacher, the impact of discovering her undocumented status, and the challenges she faced. Angela also opens up about her conflicts with her identity and the trauma of experiencing assault, highlighting the importance of therapy and healing. The conversation covers themes of mental health, cultural identity, intergenerational trauma, and healing within the Asian American community. It explores the impact of shame, guilt, and the model minority stereotype on mental health. The journey of reclaiming cultural identity and the importance of open, vulnerable conversations with parents are also highlighted.FOLLOW ANGELA WU:The Sassy Asian Therapist Website⁠The Sassy Asian Therapist InstagramThe Sassy Asian Therapist YouTubeFOLLOW THE BARE AND BRUTAL PODCAST ON:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠BUSINESS INQUIRIES:[email protected]

Lena Kassim shares her powerful healing journey, the transformative impact of somatic practices, and the process of finding the right therapy. She discusses her childhood struggles, toxic relationships, and the catalyst for her healing journey. In this episode, she shares her journey of healing and self-discovery, discussing the importance of understanding the mind-body connection and the therapeutic modalities that have helped her.FOLLOW LINA:⁠Open Heart Collective Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠Open Heart Collective TikTok⁠Open Heart Collective WebsiteFOLLOW THE BARE AND BRUTAL PODCAST ON:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠BUSINESS INQUIRIES:[email protected]

We're back with Episode 16, babyyy! Today we are joined with a featured guest duo - Kas and Kai, a Blasian Hapa mom and son duo, who are hosts of the Real Talk with Kas & Kai Podcast! In this episode, we discuss their experiences and perspectives as multicultural individuals. They share insights into growing up in two different cultures, the struggles they faced, and how their heritage influences their personal identities and family dynamics. Buckle up, y'all! This one's an emotional one, but packed with so much empowerment! FOLLOW KAS & KAI:Kas & Kai's Instagram⁠⁠⁠Kas & Kai's TikTokKas & Kai's YouTubeLink to The Real Talk with Kas & Kai PodcastFOLLOW THE BARE AND BRUTAL PODCAST ON:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠BUSINESS INQUIRIES:[email protected]

Welcome to Episode 15! Today we are joined with featured guests - Celia and Camellia, hosts of the Mom Betch Podcast and our resident big sisters! Celia and Cami both have an entire arsenal of advice and experience to share with us all. In this episode we explore topics what to expect in marriage and motherhood, how to be a boss mom, and the changes women experience from their 20's to their 30's. FOLLOW MOM BETCH:⁠⁠⁠Mom Betch's Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mom Betch's Instagram⁠⁠⁠FOLLOW THE BARE AND BRUTAL PODCAST ON:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTubeBUSINESS INQUIRIES:[email protected]

Welcome to Episode 14! Today we're joined with Jane a.k.a. @rroomfies - the "hard-working lazy girl" sharing her candid journey to financial freedom. In this episode, we talk about Jane's start into content creation, the goals we're both manifesting so we can make that SHMONEEEYY, and how your upbringing can affect your relationship with money. We also discuss the over-glamorization of being a corporate girly and how to balance ambition with enjoying life in your 20's. FOLLOW JANE:Jane's Instagram⁠Jane's TikTok⁠⁠⁠Link to Jane's ResourcesFOLLOW THE BARE AND BRUTAL PODCAST ON:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠BUSINESS INQUIRIES:[email protected]

Introducing Episode 13! Today we're joined with Valentina a.k.a. @styled_by_valen. She is a fellow 20-something year old who is just tryna figure out how to make it in this world. She's our resident baddie here to educate us on sustainable fashion and what it's like living with ADHD as a woman. In this episode we'll hear Valentina's firsthand experience from getting diagnosed with ADHD to handling medications and learning how to overcome her struggles with ADHD. We also discuss what it's like moving around a lot throughout childhood, the chaos of living with your significant other for the first time, and how to use fashion and thrifting as a gateway to confidence and self-expression.FOLLOW VALENTINA:⁠⁠⁠⁠Valentina's Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Valentina's TikTokFOLLOW THE BARE AND BRUTAL PODCAST ON:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠BUSINESS INQUIRIES:[email protected]

TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains discussions on sensitive topics, including miscarriage and pregnancy loss, which some listeners may find distressing. Listener discretion is advised.Welcome to Episode 12! Today we are joined with a featured guest - Kathy Mou, a certified holistic coach, who is on a mission to help women who are ready to break free from the cycle of disappointment and step into empowerment and the “Bliss Soft Life.”In this episode we discuss the ways holistic healing compares to conventional healthcare methods, the struggles navigating a daunting medical diagnosis, and how to take back control of your own health and wellness.FOLLOW KATHY MOU:⁠⁠Kathy Mou's Website⁠⁠Kathy Mou's Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠Link to Kathy Mou's Services⁠FOLLOW THE BARE AND BRUTAL PODCAST ON:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠BUSINESS INQUIRIES:[email protected]

TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains discussions on sensitive topics, including child abuse, death, and dying which some listeners may find distressing. Listener discretion is advised.Welcome to Episode 11! Today we are joined with a featured guest - David Allen Tracy, a serial entrepreneur who has made it his life's mission to radically embrace multiple passions and to live authentically! David has a truly inspirational journey where he outlines how he turned his pain into power and purpose. In this episode we explore topics on why tackling your trauma head on is essential to success, how to determine who you are and what your definition of "self" is, and what a firsthand experience of a serial entrepreneur entails. Listeners also have FREE access for one month of membership to the "Brand Masters Collective:" a virtual community of successful entrepreneurs, keynote speakers, and other trailblazers. Just visit David's ⁠website⁠ and enter the exclusive code "BEMYGUEST2024" to get started! FOLLOW DAVID ALLEN TRACY:⁠⁠David Allen Tracy's Website⁠⁠⁠⁠David Allen Tracy's Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠Link to "Brand Masters Collective" Membership⁠FOLLOW THE BARE AND BRUTAL PODCAST ON:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠BUSINESS INQUIRIES:[email protected]

HAPPY EPISODE 10! Today we're back with a good ol' solo dolo episode! In this episode I dive into my recent experiences spent out of my comfort zone, we’ll walk through some of Forbes magazine’s top 3 actionable tips for stepping out of your comfort zone, and examine how you too can begin taking control of your growth potential. P.S. I completely misspoke and meant to say "No DISRESPECT to y'all if you're from Philly." Unless you were the man whose breath was kickin' and you sprayed it all over my face while we talked. I hope your pillow is hot tonight. FOLLOW THE BARE AND BRUTAL PODCAST ON:⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠BUSINESS INQUIRIES:[email protected]

Welcome back for Episode 9! Today we are joined with a featured guest - Lexy Leigh, host of the Peace of Me Podcast! Lexy comes with a wealth of wisdom as she outlines her mission to help people discover how to ignite their spark and live their best lives. In this episode we explore topics like overcoming insecurities to pursue your passion, how to define what "peace" looks like for you, and the importance of intentionally planning to prioritize joy. Listeners also have FREE access to Lexy's new workshop, the "Best Life Blueprint," which is available for download on her website (peaceofmepodcast.com) and Instagram (@peaceofmepodcast)! FOLLOW LEXY LEIGH | PEACE OF ME PODCAST:Peace of Me Podcast WebsitePeace of Me Podcast InstagramLink to Lexy's "Best Life Blueprint"FOLLOW THE BARE AND BRUTAL PODCAST ON:⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠BUSINESS INQUIRIES:[email protected]

Buckle up for Episode 8! Today we are joined with another special guest on the podcast - Naomi Nwosu! She’s a badass registered nurse, the most thoughtful human being in existence, a fiery Scorpio who is single and ready to mingle, and my bestie for the restie for the past 12 years! It is safe to say that we have been through a lot together, including the trenches of dating in your 20's. This episode is a fun one filled with raunchy tales of our worst dating experiences to deeper takes on the realities of romantic relationships. Grab your bestie to listen along and remember: don't call your ex. FOLLOW THE BARE AND BRUTAL PODCAST ON:⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠BUSINESS INQUIRIES:[email protected]

Welcome to Episode 7! We are FINALLY BACK and somewhat better than ever! After a long hiatus, I have returned from the depths of seasonal depression. In today's episode, I give everyone a little glimpse into what I've been up to since I last published an episode. We touch on topics like seasonal depression, the story about how my therapist ghosted me, and my friends accusing me of hiding a pregnancy. We're back at it folks! FOLLOW THE BARE AND BRUTAL PODCAST ON:⁠Instagram⁠⁠TikTok⁠BUSINESS INQUIRIES:[email protected]

Welcome to Episode 6! We are diving into the last topic that won in the Instagram poll I held a while ago — Things I Wish I Knew When I Was Younger. Listen along as I detail the top 2 lessons that I wish I knew when I was younger according to the specific life phase I was in. We also have a little twist in today's episode where I reveal some responses from our listeners! Hear what my friends and family members had to say about their own things they wish their younger self knew. Sit back and tune in as we discuss lessons related to self-love, setting boundaries, and more! FOLLOW THE BARE AND BRUTAL PODCAST ON:InstagramTikTokBUSINESS INQUIRIES:[email protected]

Buckle up for Episode 5! Today we are joined with our second special guest on the podcast - Alyssa Wilbert! As my fellow introvert in crime, Alyssa and I explore various aspects surrounding the life of being a self-proclaimed introvert. We discuss in great lengths what people's misconceptions of us are, what our own individual experiences entail with the challenges that we've faced, and how being around other different people can bring out different sides of you. We also touch on social batteries and delve into the effects being introverted has had on our romantic relationships and friendships. FOLLOW THE BARE AND BRUTAL PODCAST ON:InstagramTikTokBUSINESS INQUIRIES:[email protected]

In Episode 4, we explore the winning topic of last week's poll: The Child of Immigrant Parents Experience. Listen along as I detail growing up as a Vietnamese American, navigating the power struggles between complex and conflicting cultures, and expand on the intricacies and nuances of Western American and Eastern Asian foundations of culture. I also get bare and brutal sharing my fear of losing my culture, the pressure of preserving the lessons passed down from my mother, and stressing the importance of choosing your location and partner wisely. FOLLOW THE BARE AND BRUTAL PODCAST ON:Instagram TikTok (Coming Soon)BUSINESS INQUIRIES:[email protected]

Welcome back to this week's episode! Today we introduce our very first special guest on the podcast - my boyfriend and my number 1 fan, Michael Luu! Together we discuss the 5 Stages of Relationships and our own personal journey through the phases. We detail the inner workings of what it takes to commit to and maintain a longterm relationship, while also reminiscing our toxic days and the insurmountable growth we had to go through in order to create more trust and security. Buckle up as we share some nitty gritty lessons learned on love languages, attachment theory, communication styles, and handling the aftermaths of your partner's bowel movements. FOLLOW THE BARE AND BRUTAL PODCAST ON:InstagramTikTok (Coming Soon)BUSINESS INQUIRIES:[email protected]

And we're off with Episode 2! Today's episode entails me speaking on my experience as a teacher, exploring the challenges regarding gun violence in schools, and the effects teaching had on my mental health. We delve into the reasons behind why I ultimately decided to leave the profession and how I've been coping with the grief of moving on. Listen along as I also buckle down and discuss navigating feelings of uncertainty, loss of identity, and the various perils of living in your 20-somethings. FOLLOW THE BARE AND BRUTAL PODCAST ON:InstagramTikTok (Coming Soon)BUSINESS INQUIRIES:[email protected]

Welcome to Episode 1 of the Bare and Brutal Podcast with Michelle Mirza! Today's debut episode dives into the purpose behind the podcast, the thought process behind the creation of it, and the hopes Michelle has for her audience. Get to know a little bit about who Michelle is as the host and discover some of the challenges she's faced dealing with the ugly side of perfectionism. FOLLOW THE BARE AND BRUTAL PODCAST ON:InstagramTikTok (Coming Soon)BUSINESS INQUIRIES:[email protected]

Our podcast is dedicated to sharing powerful stories of resilience from individuals who have faced significant mental health challenges and life adversities. We aim to create a safe and authentic space where guests can openly discuss their journeys, offering inspiration, practical advice, and hope to our listeners. By highlighting diverse voices and experiences, we strive to empower our audience to find strength, build resilience, and foster mental well-being in their own lives. FOLLOW THE BARE AND BRUTAL PODCAST ON: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube BUSINESS INQUIRIES: [email protected]