Episode Summary:

In this bold and soul-stirring episode of Wine, Whiskey & Life, Michelle Burke sits down with powerhouse creative Shani Pride a seasoned actor, speaker, and creative consultant who’s redefining what it means to live authentically. With 20+ years in the entertainment industry, Shani shares her evolution from actress to impact-driven storyteller, revealing how surrendering control opened doors, healed wounds, and transformed her career.

They dive deep into the intersection of creativity, courage, and conscious living—covering everything from imposter syndrome and the myth of perfection to how reconnecting with your inner artist can change the trajectory of your life. Whether you’re burnt out, stuck in autopilot, or simply craving more purpose, this conversation will ignite your creative fire and show you that you're more powerful than you think.

Perfect for women in their 40s+ who are ready to remember who the hell they are this episode is a masterclass in transformation, truth, and tapping into untapped magic.

Key Takeaways & Lessons:

• Creativity = Transformation: Creativity isn’t fluff—it’s a survival skill and a pathway to personal evolution.
• Surrender Opens Doors: Letting go isn’t giving up. It’s trusting the process and making space for real magic.
• Imposter Syndrome Reframed: Instead of fear, use admiration and inspiration as fuel to evolve.
• Healing Through Accountability: Own your patterns, ditch victimhood, and start asking the hard questions.
• Creativity in Work & Life: From boardrooms to kitchens, creativity is the bridge back to joy and purpose.

Timestamps & Chapters:

• [00:00] Welcome + Shani’s 20-Year Journey in Entertainment
• [02:00] The Power of Surrender: How Letting Go Changed Everything
• 
  
• [03:30] Defining Creativity as a Force of Transformation
• 
  
• [05:50] Rekindling the Creative Spark as Adults
• 
  
• [07:55] Shani’s Series Bronzeville Redemption & Storytelling with Purpose
• 
  
• [09:30] Rethinking Imposter Syndrome Through the Lens of Inspiration
• 
  
• [12:30] Heartbreak, Hard Questions & Self-Sabotage
• 
  
• [16:40] What’s Next: New Film Projects & Creative Consulting
• 
  
• [18:15] Creativity in the Workplace = Better Culture + Better Humans
• 
  
• [20:00] Journaling, Stillness & Reclaiming Everyday Creativity

Resources:

Grab my book Hot Mess Magic HERE

Take Shani’s Creative Assessment HERE

Follow:

Follow Me: @michelleaburke

Follow Hot Mess Magic Media: @hotmessmagicmedia

Follow Shani: @shani_pride

🔥 Like what you heard? Then don’t just listen—live it. Subscribe to Wine, Whiskey & Life on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever...

Episode Summary:

In this raw and riveting episode of Wine, Whiskey & Life, Michelle sits down with Leticia Francis—coach, speaker, and self-proclaimed Survival Mode Disruptor. Leticia doesn't just tell her story—she drops the damn veil. From childhood trauma and domestic abuse to betrayal, addiction, and rebuilding from nothing, Leticia’s journey is a bold testament to the power of radical self-responsibility and reinvention.

You’ll hear the hard truths no one likes to say out loud—about manipulation, survival mode, and the lies we tell ourselves just to keep going. And you’ll also hear the breakthrough: how Leticia reclaims her life through bold coaching, honest ownership, and unapologetic transformation.

Whether you’re in the trenches or on your way out, this episode is your reminder: survival is not the destination. You weren’t built to break—you were built to disrupt, reclaim, and thrive.

Key Takeaways & Lessons:

The survival mode trap: How unresolved trauma can masquerade as “normal life.”

Emotional addiction: Craving attention often stems from early abandonment wounds.

Ownership over victimhood: The most liberating (and brutal) truth Leticia heard from her coach.

The 3 Phases to Exit Survival Mode:

Self-awareness – You can’t change what you won’t face.

Reprogramming – Dismantle inherited beliefs and trauma patterns.

Reinvention – Define yourself beyond what hurt you.

Manifestation with muscle: Want more? Add the tax. You’re playing too damn small.

Somatic trauma healing: Emotions live in the body—let them move through you.

Timestamps & Chapters:

[00:00] Meet Leticia Francis: Survival Mode Disruptor

[01:13] Childhood trauma and early emotional abandonment

[02:21] Abuse, grooming, and a dangerous first relationship

[05:59] Married into manipulation: The cycle continues

[09:16] A pivotal book passage and a terrifying attack

[13:14] Shelter, rock bottom, and rebuilding from scratch

[14:59] The American dream turned nightmare

[20:03] The moment her mother’s words changed everything

[21:32] The coach that punched her ego and awakened her power

[23:00] A new identity: From victim to visionary

[24:29] Survival mode: The silent epidemic

[28:31] Leticia’s core advice for women in toxic relationships

[31:25] Final wisdom: “You were not built to break.”

Follow:

Follow Me: @michelleaburke

Follow Leticia @leticiareneefrancis

Resources:

Grab my book Hot Mess Magic HERE

Get No BS by Burke HERE use code: NOBS at checkout fo 20%off

Visit Leticia’s Website

Guest Bio & Links:

Leticia Francis is a speaker, coach, and trauma disruptor who helps women exit survival mode and reclaim their power. Through radical ownership and unapologetic transformation, she’s changing the way we talk about healing.

• 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.

• [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

• 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.

• [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.

• 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.

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

• 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.

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

• 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