Episode Details

Send us Fan Mail

Michelle Ross was driving through Sydney traffic when her heart began pounding, her breathing changed, her face went numb, and her vision started narrowing.

Convinced she was having a heart attack, she pulled into the first medical center she could find.

The diagnosis surprised her: she was experiencing a panic attack.

That frightening moment eventually changed the direction of Michelle’s life. Today, she is a CBT therapist, anxiety specialist, and the author of *The Bully in Your Head*.

In this powerful episode of *Radiant Mom Rising*, Michelle joins Mary Dibble to explain why anxiety can feel so convincing, how destructive self-talk becomes entangled with our identity, and why learning to recognize the “bully” can help us respond differently.

Together, Mary and Michelle discuss:

✨ Michelle’s first panic attack and how it inspired her career
✨ The difference between an inner critic that prompts useful action and a bully that leaves you frightened or frozen
✨ Why destructive thoughts often sound reasonable in the moment
✨ How words from parents, teachers, partners, and past experiences can become internalized
✨ Why forcing positive thoughts does not always produce meaningful change
✨ How believable bridge statements can support the process of rebuilding self-trust
✨ Why asking for mental-health support should not be reserved for a crisis
✨ How small actions can help us move forward while fear is still present
✨ What mothers can model when they care for their minds with the same intention they give everyone else

Michelle also shares her experiences with motherhood, grief, and raising three children after losing her husband—and why painful chapters do not have to become the remainder of our story.

If you have ever been pulled into an argument with yourself, lost sleep over everything that could go wrong, or allowed fear to convince you not to take the next step, this conversation will help you understand what may be happening beneath the noise.

About Today's Guest:

Michelle Ross is a registered Cognitive Behavioural Therapist with nearly 20 years of experience helping people overcome anxiety, overthinking, and self-doubt. She is also the author of The Bully in Your Head, which helps readers understand and quiet their critical inner voice. Michelle is passionate about giving women practical, evidence-based tools to move beyond perfectionism and fear, build confidence, and make decisions based on their values rather than anxiety.

Learn more about Michelle and find *The Bully in Your Head* and its companion workbook at Michelle-Ross.com.

About Your Host, Mary Dibble

Mary Dibble is a wife, mom of three, certified life coach for moms, and the host of Radiant Mom Rising. Through her coaching, podcast, and personal story, Mary helps moms reconnect with themselves, rebuild self-trust, and take meaningful steps toward the lives and businesses they truly want—without losing themselves along the way.

Mary knows what it means to rebuild, outgrow survival, and keep becoming through life’s changing seasons. Her work blends honest conversations, practical tools, compassionate accountability, and the belief that you are already enough—even as you grow into the woman you are called to become.

Stay Connected With Mary

🌐 Explore coaching, workshops, and free resources: MaryDibbleCoaching.com
📱 Follow Mary on Instagram: @marydcoaching
🎙️ Follow Radiant Mom Rising on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode.

If this conversation encouraged or supported you, ple