Episode 150: Writing, Play, and the Power of Creative Connection with Michelle Ringle & Alyssa Jewell



Have you ever felt the quiet nudge to write something down, even if just for yourself?



In this heartwarming and deeply thoughtful episode, I sit down with two gifted educators and writers, Michelle Ringle and Alyssa Jewell, to explore the transformative power of creative writing. This conversation was one I truly looked forward to—and it didn’t disappoint. Michelle and Alyssa bring so much depth, honesty, and encouragement to the question so many of us carry: What might open up if we let ourselves write?



We cover so much ground: how writing can be a form of self-connection and healing, how creative practice doesn’t have to look like rigid daily routines, and how society’s productivity obsession often blocks our creative energy before we even begin. Whether you’ve been writing for years or feel creatively stuck, this one’s for you.



In this episode, we explore:



Why writing is for everyone—not just “writers” How creative writing can help us heal grief, rage, and burnout What happens when we write with no agenda (and why that’s powerful) Why play is essential for adult women—and how Michelle created a whole Secret Society around it Bridging the gap between language learning and creative expression The real reasons many of us feel creatively blocked—and how to unblock The power of story to reconnect us with ourselves and others



Meet the Guests: Writers, Educators, & Creative Facilitators



Michelle Ringle is a mother, educator, adventure facilitator, and poet currently pursuing her MFA in Poetry at Western Michigan University. With over two decades of teaching experience, Michelle brings her trauma-informed, feminist lens to creative and educational spaces. She’s also the founder of the Secret Society of Ladies Uniquely Trying Stuff—a playful initiative encouraging women, especially mothers, to re-engage with physical play and joy.



Alyssa Jewell holds a Ph.D. in Creative Writing and Poetry, and her work explores the connection between creative writing and English as a Second Language (ESL) education. She teaches college-level ESL, English composition, and creative writing in Grand Rapids, MI. Alyssa’s poetry has appeared in Cherry Tree, Poetry Daily, Virginia Quarterly Review, and more, and she’s passionate about using writing to heal and connect across differences.



Writing as a Life-Giving Practice



For both Michelle and Alyssa, writing is less about producing something for others—and more about tuning into their own inner worlds. Michelle shares how morning pages and nature walks help her process emotions and stay grounded, while Alyssa opens up about writing her grandfather’s eulogy and the healing power of naming truth through story.



Writing doesn’t need to look like publishing a novel. It can be 10 minutes in the morning. It can be one sentence you write down while walking in the woods. It can be a eulogy, a journal entry, or a line of poetry that cracks you open.



“Our bodies often know before we do,” Michelle reflects. “Writing gives those feelings space to live.”



From Burnout to Creativity: Permission to Choose What’s Life-Giving



Michelle shared how pursuing an MFA while raising three children was a radical act of reclaiming joy. After years of teaching others how to write, she realized she wasn’t making space for her own creative voice—and that needed to change.



Alyssa describes the journey of bridging her two worlds—ESL education and poetry—and why giving ESL students space to tell their stories is not just po...