Episode Details

It’s been a heavy start to 2026. In this real, raw episode, Michelle Thames opens up about navigating deep personal loss while running a business and showing up online. After losing her stepfather, cousin, and a childhood friend within days, Michelle reflects on how grief collides with the pressure to stay visible on social media.

This episode explores the social media side of grief—why algorithms don’t pause when life hits, how burnout accelerates when we force content through pain, and what it really means to take a break without guilt or shame. Michelle shares both personal insight and expert perspective on sustainable visibility, rest, and long-term brand integrity.

If you’re grieving, overwhelmed, or feeling pressure to “keep going” online when your heart needs space, this conversation is for you.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• How grief shows up in a social media–driven world
• Why “rest is not a failure of consistency”
• The hidden cost of forcing content during emotional exhaustion
• How to pause, scale back, or shift visibility without losing momentum
• What presence looks like when perfection isn’t possible

• Permission to grieve without performing online

Key Topics Discussed

• Grief and social media
• Rest and visibility as a business owner
• Burnout prevention for entrepreneurs
• Sustainable content creation
• Mental health and online presence
• Taking breaks without losing your audience

• Human-centered leadership and brand longevity

This episode is for:

• Entrepreneurs navigating grief or emotional burnout
• Content creators feeling pressure to stay visible
• Business owners who want sustainable visibility

• Anyone grieving a loss while still showing up for others

Powerful Quotes from the Episode

• “Grief doesn’t move at the speed of content.”
• “Rest is not a failure of consistency. It’s a strategy for longevity.”
• “Your audience doesn’t need perfection. They need presence.”

• “You are not behind. You are not lazy. You are not failing.”

Listener Takeaway

You are allowed to pause.
You are allowed to grieve.
And your voice will still matter when you return.

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