Patti Stewart: Defense in Heels, Hollywood Safety Myths & Finding Strength in Everything

Patti Stewart: Defense in Heels, Hollywood Safety Myths & Finding Strength in Everything

In this episode of The Ridiculously You Podcast, our host Julie May sits down with Patti Stewart, the ultimate powerhouse of feminine strength, women’s safety advocate, and the Founder and CEO of Defense in Heels. From walking the runway as a model and former Mrs. Nevada to working as a celebrity bodyguard and internationally certified self-defense instructor, Patti’s life is a masterclass in identity reclamation. She has trained thousands of women worldwide to take control of their physical security and mental boundaries. We dive into the messy parts of Patti’s journey, shedding light on the heavy toll that shrinking takes on the human spirit. Patti shares raw insights into how hiding her true self in a domestic violence relationship, and shrinking away from big business opportunities out of feeling "not enough," manifested as severe physical illness and food allergies. She treats her ongoing expansion as a work in progress, revealing her current rebellion against shrinking in the dating world and her journey toward showing up as her full, unapologetically amazing self in every single room she enters. This conversation is your permission slip to reclaim your space and build an unshakeable boundary system. Julie May and Patti Stewart break down what Hollywood gets completely wrong about self-defense, offering practical, real-world strategies that actually work. They also discuss how to raise street-smart kids without projecting fear onto them, blending humor with tactical wisdom. You’ll walk away knowing that you don't have to make yourself smaller to make others comfortable, fully equipped with Patti's ultimate reminder: "You are worth protecting—your safety, your peace, and your power." Want to learn more about Patti Stewart? Website: www.defenseinheels.com [http://www.defenseinheels.com] Instagram: @defenseinheels [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.instagram.com/defenseinheels&authuser=4] Want to learn more about Ridiculously You or join our newsletter? https://ridiculouslyyou.com [https://ridiculouslyyou.com] Want to learn more about Julie May or book her to speak? https://thejuliemay.com [https://thejuliemay.com]

Renee Huff: Haunted House FearFest, Immersive Horror Worlds & Following the Fear

In this episode of The Ridiculously You Podcast, our host Julie May sits down with Renee Huff, the mastermind and owner of Haunted House FearFest, a New York City–based horror film and video game festival. Renowned for her work featured in Fangoria, Dread Central, and Entertainment Weekly, Renee has built a spectacular career out of a passion she used to tone down. Her journey is a true masterclass in identity reclamation, transitioning from corporate layoffs to building a multimedia empire celebrating indie creators, gaming, folklore, and interactive media. We dive into the messy parts of career disruption and the anxiety born from shrinking yourself to fit a corporate mold. Renee openly shares the exact moment she realized that shrinking wasn't an option anymore: when she got laid off. By turning inward and choosing a path of creative rebellion, she transformed her life, conquered her anxiety, and stepped fully into her purpose. She proves that when you stop hiding your unique passions, you unlock a competitive superpower. This conversation is your permission slip to stop hiding your "quirky" traits and let your healing get loud. Julie May and Renee Huff explore the booming intersection of horror, gaming, and culture, revealing how indie creators can build hyper-loyal, niche audiences without chasing mainstream trends. You'll walk away inspired to stop trying to please the masses, ready to build your own immersive worlds, and empowered by Renee's ultimate call to action: "If it looks creepy, it must be cool. Follow the fear." Want to learn more about Renee Huff and Haunted House FearFest?  Instagram: @hhfearfest [https://www.instagram.com/hhfearfest/] Bluesky: @hhfearfest.bsky.social [https://bsky.app/profile/hhfearfest.bsky.social] YouTube: Haunted House FearFest [https://www.youtube.com/@HHFearFest/videos] Want to learn more about Ridiculously You or join our newsletter? https://ridiculouslyyou.com [https://ridiculouslyyou.com] Want to learn more about Julie May or book her to speak? https://thejuliemay.com [https://thejuliemay.com]

Kira Hartley Klinger: The Resale Rebellion, Auction Secrets & "Fabric Wars"

In this episode of The Ridiculously You Podcast, our host Julie May sits down with Kira Hartley Klinger, a self-described "lifelong side-hustler" who took a second stab at life at forty. Facing divorce with no traditional job training and a daughter to raise, Kira didn't shrink—she scaled. She turned her hobby of buying and selling into two successful e-commerce shops, a television contract, and a thriving career as an author and speaker. We dive into the messy parts of the reselling world—from the high-stakes adrenaline of auctions to the humor found in the "Fabric Wars." Kira shares her "why not?" philosophy, explaining how she transitioned from selling vintage nail clippers and classroom maps to writing a book trilogy and starting a children’s series as her retirement plan. This is a masterclass in identity reclamation, proving that your most successful chapter can begin exactly when the world expects you to fade away. This conversation is your permission slip to turn your "weird" hobbies into a debt-free reality. Julie May and Kira Hartley Klinger discuss the importance of staying ahead of volatile market trends—like the rise and fall of Beanie Babies—and the power of looking for value where others see junk. You’ll walk away with practical tips on using your smartphone as a research powerhouse and the inspiration to start your own rebellion against shrinking, no matter your age or background. Want to learn more about Kira Hartley Klinger? Instagram: @dododdity [https://www.instagram.com/dododdity] LinkedIn: Kira Hartley Klinger [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.linkedin.com/in/kira-hartley-klinger-319a68a5] Want to learn more about Ridiculously You or join our newsletter? https://ridiculouslyyou.com [https://ridiculouslyyou.com] Ready to join the Ridiculous Women Society and stop shrinking? https://ridiculouslyyou.com/women [https://ridiculouslyyou.com/women] Want to learn more about Julie May or book her to speak? https://thejuliemay.com [https://thejuliemay.com]

DR Rawson: 30 Companies, TinyTales & The CIC Initiative for Radical Integrity

In this episode of The Ridiculously You Podcast, our host Julie May sits down with DR Rawson, a lifelong builder, author of 19 books, and the mastermind behind more than 30 successful companies. At 79 years young, DR is proving that the boldest work of your life doesn’t have to happen early. His journey is a masterclass in identity reclamation, moving from high-stakes corporate acquisitions to creating TinyTales—a storytelling universe designed to teach children (and the adults who read to them) the character traits the world needs most. We dive into the messy parts of leadership and business turnarounds. DR shares the "secret sauce" from his decades of entrepreneurship: the shift from seeking profit to providing genuine value and serving others. This is a true rebellion against shrinking into retirement; instead of slowing down, DR founded the Character, Integrity, Credibility™ (CIC) Initiative. This framework treats trust as a measurable asset, challenging a culture that often sacrifices reputation for a quick win. This conversation is your permission slip to think long-term and build a legacy that lasts. Julie May and DR Rawson discuss the upcoming CIC app and how storytelling through unforgettable creatures can bridge the gap between "knowing" a virtue and "practicing" it. You’ll walk away inspired by DR’s relentless curiosity and ready to apply his systematic approach to integrity in your own life and leadership. Want to learn more about DR Rawson? LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drrawson [https://www.linkedin.com/in/drrawson] Facebook: facebook.com/drrawson [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.facebook.com/drrawson] Want to learn more about Ridiculously You or join our newsletter? https://ridiculouslyyou.com [https://ridiculouslyyou.com] Ready to join the Ridiculous Women Society and stop shrinking? https://ridiculouslyyou.com/women [https://ridiculouslyyou.com/women] Want to learn more about Julie May or book her to speak? https://thejuliemay.com [https://thejuliemay.com]

Mia Dins: Quantum EmBODYment, The Boxer’s Intuition & Reclaiming the Collective Soul

In this episode of The Ridiculously You Podcast, our host Julie May sits down with Mia Dins, a soul-led entrepreneur, intuitive medium, and former elite boxer who has traded the ring for the realm of multidimensional healing. Mia’s journey is a striking example of identity reclamation, moving from the "penetrating masculine energy" of competitive boxing in New Zealand to becoming a guide for Quantum EmBODYment. We dive into the messy parts of Mia’s transition—specifically how physical ailments and repeated roadblocks were actually her body’s "codes" signaling that her old path was no longer aligned. Mia explains that embodiment isn't just a spiritual buzzword; it’s the bridge that brings high-frequency energy into the physical cells to prevent burnout and anxiety. This is a masterclass in rebellion against shrinking, showing how to turn external fear into a catalyst for bold, authentic action. This conversation is your permission slip to stop outsourcing your power to "gurus" and start consulting yourself first. Julie May and Mia Dins discuss practical ways to build your "intuition muscle" using low-stakes decisions—like what to eat for lunch—to gather data on your body’s unique "yes" and "no" signals. You’ll walk away understanding the difference between the neutral clarity of intuition and the sinking feeling of fear, ready to speak your truth and inhabit your body as a living teacher. Want to learn more about Mia Dins? Website: https://www.luna-mia.org [https://www.luna-mia.org] Instagram: @mia_dins Want to learn more about Ridiculously You or join our newsletter? https://ridiculouslyyou.com [https://ridiculouslyyou.com] Ready to join the Ridiculous Women Society and stop shrinking? https://ridiculouslyyou.com/women [https://ridiculouslyyou.com/women] Want to learn more about Julie May or book her to speak? https://thejuliemay.com [https://thejuliemay.com]