In this transformative episode of Wine, Whiskey, and Life, Michelle sits down with James Davis, coaching psychologist, men’s health advocate, and creator of The Midlife Mentors podcast for a no-holds-barred conversation on what it really takes for men to rise through the mess of midlife.James shares hard-won insights from his own life and work, pulling back the curtain on the silent epidemic of social isolation, the emotional fallout of divorce, and the toll of trying to go it alone. But this isn’t about staying stuck, it’s about the comeback.Together, they explore how vulnerability, real connection, and small, consistent changes, like better nutrition, gratitude, and honest conversations can rebuild confidence and reshape identity. They also unpack how to reignite relationships with the DATE framework (Doing, Action, Time, and Excitement) and why aligning with your true values is the ultimate power move.If you're ready to ditch the lone wolf mindset and get real about the work and the rewards of reclaiming your life, this one’s for you. Straight talk, solid tools, and a reminder that you’re not alone. 

Key Takeaways & Lessons:

• Isolation isn’t strength, it’s sabotage. Connection is the real comeback move.
  
  
• Vulnerability fuels growth. Dropping the mask opens the door to real transformation.
  
  
• Small changes = big momentum. Daily shifts in habits rebuild confidence from the ground up.
  
  
• DATE your relationship back to life. Doing, Action, Time, and Excitement can reignite connection.
  
  
• Reclaim your purpose. Midlife isn’t a crisis it’s a call to align with who you are now.

Timestamps & Chapters:

• [0:00:00] Introduction to Midlife Challenges with James Davis
• [0:08:08] Navigating Life Transitions and Emotional Well-being
• [0:18:16] Aligning Values and Nurturing Relationships
• [0:23:44] Revitalizing Connections with the DATE Framework
• [0:28:20] Midlife Mail Handbook Availability

Resources:

Checkout my ‘Are you Capable’ Free Quiz HERE
Grab my book Hot Mess Magic HERE
Get No BS by Burke HERE use code: NOBS at checkout fo 20%off
Grab the Midlife Male Handbook HERE
Learn more about the MidLife Mentors  HERE
Connect with James HERE 

Follow: 
Follow Me: @michelleaburke 
Follow James:  @midlifementors


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 In this heartfelt episode of "Wine, Whiskey, and Life," we are joined by the award-winning singer-songwriter Kelita Haverland. Kalita shares her powerful journey from trauma to healing, as detailed in her memoir "Reason to Sing." This episode delves into Kalita's experiences with unimaginable challenges and her use of music as a healing tool. From performing in men's prisons to collaborating with legends like Shania Twain and k.d. lang, Kalita's story is one of resilience and the transformative power of vulnerability. Together, we explore the importance of acknowledging our past, embracing our true selves, and finding emotional freedom through storytelling. Kalita’s narrative is an inspiring invitation to embark on a healing journey and discover the strength found in truth and vulnerability.

Key Takeaways & Lessons:

• Embrace vulnerability as a path to healing and connection.

• Sharing personal stories can empower both the storyteller and the audience.

• Acknowledging past trauma is essential for growth but does not define one's entire narrative.

• The journey toward self-love involves accepting and loving all aspects of oneself, including past mistakes.

Timestamps & Chapters:

• [00:00] Healing Through Sharing Life's Trials: Introduction to Kelita Haverland and her memoir "Reason to Sing."

• [10:47] Navigating Healing Through Shared Stories: The liberating power of storytelling and understanding one's upbringing.

• [20:38] Finding Healing Through Sharing and Love: How to start the journey toward emotional freedom and self-love.

Resources:
Checkout my ‘Are you Capable’ Free Quiz HERE
Grab my book Hot Mess Magic HERE
Get No BS by Burke HERE use code: NOBS at checkout fo 20%off
Grab Reason to Sing  HERE
Connect with Kelita HERE


Follow:
Follow Me: @michelleaburke 
Follow Kelita:  @kelitahaverland

Subscribe to "Wine, Whiskey, and Life" on your favorite podcast platform to never miss an episode.  Don’t forget to leave a review and share this episode with friends who might find inspiration in Kalita's story. 

In this compelling episode, we dive into Dina's transformative journey from a seemingly perfect life in Los Angeles to a bold leap into the unknown in Vietnam. Despite having a successful career and a life many dream of, Dina felt unfulfilled and trapped by conventional norms. This episode explores her courageous decision to purchase a one-way ticket to Vietnam, igniting a journey toward location independence and personal growth. Through insightful conversations, Dina shares how travel became a catalyst for self-discovery and emotional healing, turning past resentments into gratitude. We delve into the power of questioning societal norms and embracing uncertainty to craft a life aligned with personal values. This episode is an inspiring invitation to envision a life without constraints, urging listeners to lean into the present and listen to their inner guidance for clarity in chaos.

Key Takeaways & Lessons:
The importance of recognizing when a seemingly perfect life doesn't align with personal fulfillment.Travel as a means of revelation and personal discovery, not just an escape.The power of questioning and redefining beliefs to align with personal aspirations.Strategies for designing a freedom-based business and life.

Timestamps & Chapters:
:[00:00:00] Journey to Location Independence: Dina's decision to leave her career for travel.
[00:10:51] Travel as Revelation: Transforming past resentments into gratitude.
[00:19:43] Finding Clarity in Surrendering to Uncertainty: Embracing identity disentanglement.[00:27:31] Creating Your Ideal Location Independent Reality: Redefining beliefs for freedom.
[00:36:13] Designing a Freedom-Based Business: Envisioning true personal freedom.

Resources:
Checkout my ‘Are you Capable’ Free Quiz HERE
Grab my book Hot Mess Magic HERE
Get No BS by Burke gear HERE use code: NOBS at checkout fo 20% off
Dive into Dina’s Blog & all her FREE goodies HERE

Follow
Follow Me: @michelleaburke 
Follow Dina: @WayoftheFounder 

Subscribe to Wine, Whiskey & Life for more inspiring stories and insights. If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a review and share it with your friends. 

In this episode of Wine, Whiskey, and Life, I chat with Louise Siwicki, Infertility Specialist and fertility coach, about the emotional side of infertility and the journey to motherhood. Louise shares her personal six-year infertility struggle and how it fueled her passion for supporting others facing similar challenges. We dive into the emotional roller coaster many experience, particularly high-achieving individuals who struggle with stress, anxiety, and the loss of control during the fertility process. Louise emphasizes the power of reframing negative self-talk, breathing exercises to manage stress, and the importance of surrounding yourself with supportive professionals. We also discuss societal pressures around age and fertility, debunking the myth that women over a certain age should give up on their dreams of motherhood. Louise offers practical advice for finding joy in small steps and trusting the process, even in the face of uncertainty. This episode is a reminder that while the path to parenthood may be challenging, it also offers opportunities for growth, self-discovery, and connection.


Key Takeaways:

• Embrace imperfections and let go of the need for perfection.
• Reframe negative self-talk and create empowering narratives.
• Trust the process and surrender control in the fertility journey.
• Surround yourself with supportive professionals and prioritize self-care.
• Small steps each day lead to joy and balance in life.

Links:

• Louise Siwicki's - https://www.louisesiwicki.com/
• Follow Louise @Louise.siwicki
• Follow Michelle @michelleaburke

Remember to subscribe to Wine, Whiskey, and Life for more raw, real, and honest conversations about life's mess and the lessons we learn along the way.

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In this episode of Wine, Whiskey, and Life, I had the pleasure of speaking with Ryanne Siddiq, author of Speedy Phoebe. Ryanne's story is a powerful reminder of the resilience and creativity that can emerge in the face of adversity. From being a financial professional to navigating the challenges of COVID-19 as a stay-at-home mom, Ryanne’s journey is filled with personal triumphs and struggles. We dive deep into her experience during the pandemic, where the pressures of distance learning and health battles led to the creation of Speedy Phoebe, a children's book inspired by Ryanne’s own life and her beloved Porsche Cayman. Through this book, she encourages young readers to persevere and be kind to themselves, no matter the chaos they face. Ryanne shares how dealing with debilitating hand tremors and fatigue led her to celebrate the small victories of daily life, like simply getting out of bed. She emphasizes how life’s imperfections should be embraced, as they often lead to unexpected breakthroughs. In addition to writing, Ryanne's passion for keynote speaking shines through as she talks about empowering audiences to tackle life's challenges with the same spirit and resilience she applies to navigating a racetrack. Her message is clear: embrace your journey, honor your mess, and trust the process. 

This episode is a celebration of resilience, creativity, and finding the magic in the mess of life. Join us as we toast to self-kindness, perseverance, and storytelling that paves the way for others. 

Key Takeaways:

• Life is messy, and embracing imperfections can lead to personal breakthroughs.
• Small victories are worth celebrating, even during tough times.
• Sharing our stories can inspire and help others navigate their own challenges.
• The importance of kindness toward oneself throughout the journey of life.

So grab your glass and join us for this inspiring conversation with Ryanne!
Links:

• Grab Speedy Phoebe - https://www.amazon.com/Speedy-Phoebe-Carson-Elementary-Story/dp/B0CS2VHR6L
• Follow Ryanne - @ryannesiddiq_author
• Follow Michelle - @michelleaburke

Remember to subscribe to the show for more authentic, raw conversations about life, growth, and embracing the chaos!

Life is messy, unfiltered, and unpredictable—just like this podcast. In this episode, Michelle Burke dives into the rebrand from Hot Mess Magic to Wine, Whiskey & Life. She shares the real, raw reasons behind the shift, why this new direction aligns more with her vision, and what listeners can expect moving forward. If you’re here for unfiltered conversations, deep truths, and stories that hit home, this is just the beginning.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why Hot Mess Magic evolved into Wine, Whiskey & Life
• The vision for the podcast moving forward
• What kind of guests and topics you can expect
• How this change reflects Michelle’s growth and the energy of her brand

Tune in and join the conversation—because life is meant to be lived, messy and unfiltered.

Grab my book  Hot Mess Magic - https://bit.ly/hotmesssmagicbook
 Follow on IG - @michelleaburke

SUBSCRIBE - REVIEW - SHARE 

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Welcome to Wine, Whiskey, and Life. The podcast where chaos isn’t something to avoid; it’s something to embrace. Whether you're raising a glass to celebrate the highs or sipping to get through the lows, this is your space.

A space for the bold, the unfiltered, and those who know that real growth comes from the messy, unpolished moments.

Every week, we’re diving deep—into the raw truths, the unexpected breakthroughs, and the stories that remind us why embracing imperfection is the key to living authentically.

 No fluff, no filters—just real talk, real life, and maybe a few drinks along the way.So grab your glass, let go of expectations, and let’s find the magic in the mess, together.

Subscribe, Leave a review, and follow me on IG @michelleaburke