Confessions of a Young Adult’s Life
By Bri Michelle
Hosted by Author Bri Michelle. This podcast is an extension of her book by the same name "Confessions of a Young Adult's Life." Bri takes a leap and shares life from her perspective in a very public space. No subject is off limits as she says the things that we’re all thinking; yet, too afraid to voice out loud. This is a space where Young Adults and Christians have safe, open, and transparent conversations about life and relationship with God and people. Let’s do life, together!
Confessions of a Young Adult’s LifeFeb 18, 2023
00:00
19:39
Late Night Confessions
Rambling and discussing how I am navigating through grief, high functioning situational depression, and life. These are my confessions
Feb 18, 202319:39
Maturing in Love
Happy Valentine's Day y'all! The International love day put me in a mood and so I thought I would come share with you. This is a story of my journey in romantic love and maturity over the last 3-4 years. The fact is, I'm okay with being by myself this year. I am also okay with wanting to be in a relationship too. So, play catch up on my adventures with hindsight now that I'm a year and some change post the "love high."
Feb 15, 202328:18
Per My Last Email
In this episode I give you all insight on how life is going with my new job and what it is like being a person of color working in a predominately white organization.
Dec 03, 202212:45
Homework for the Heart with Devin
In this episode Devin and I have a conversation about life, love, and the pursuit of happiness. We take concepts from his book “Homework For the Heart” and expand on them for the audience to get both a man and woman’s perspective.
Nov 13, 202201:10:13
Beyoncé vs The Church
In this episode I discuss my thoughts on the not so recent controversy of Beyoncé's song "Church Girl" from her latest album Renaissance.
Nov 05, 202230:02
God, I Got Questions.
In this episode, I share my very vulnerable journey of how I got where I am today. This episode reveals what it feels like to be hopeless in a season where you’re trying to trust God to be a loving father to you during the storm. I hope that this encourages you and let’s you know that you’re not alone.
Oct 30, 202228:46
Express Yourself with Kiarra Charles
Hey y'all, welcome!
So, this is an annotated version of a conversation I had with Author Kiarra Charles about her book "Loud Whispers: A Book of Poems and Pictures." To watch the full version check it out on my YouTube page here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcF5U1SNWlE . We talk about her poetry and then dive deep into what it's like to be a woman in her 30's. Check this out, it's worth listen.
Oct 28, 202257:48
Where You Been Bri?
I guess it's time to get the party started again right? Here's a soft launch into what we are going to be talking about for Season 6 of the Confessions Podcast. This season is called "Taking Courage" for me because I have been very hesitant about coming back and sharing like before, but it's time to relate and release. SO, we are going to get right into it.
Oct 23, 202228:22
On Dealing with Mental Health
Very vulnerable conversation on my battle with mental health during the month of September. In honor of 2020 #worldmentalhealthday. Disclaimer: My apologies about the background noise, apparently my t-shirts make a lot of noise when I shift to get comfortable. I was doing a lot of moving in this episode. Bear with me, I will get this together one day. I really need to stop rubbing my leg and moving while recording because the mic picks up everything. Sorry!
Sep 29, 202221:45
First Impressions w/Amber & Lex
Candid conversation with my friends prior to being on lockdown due to the coronavirus. Reflecting on how our trio began. We discuss how our friendship elevated from the traditional realm of friendship into purpose partners. We discuss building relationship with God and creating safe spaces. The importance of therapy, healing, and consistency.
Sep 29, 202201:07:47
On Mommy Issues
In this episode my best friend Amber is back and we talk about our relationship with our biological moms and how that has shaped our perspective in life and relationships
Sep 29, 202232:43
Chapter 3: What About Your Friends?
This episode is special to me because you get to meet another one of my close friends. Hey world, welcome Antonio! We talk about what it's like to be in an authentic friendship with the opposite sex. We give insight on some of the rough spots throughout this year of dedicated and intentional friendship with each other. We take you on a journey of our everyday life together as friends. Enjoy!
Sep 29, 202230:44
Chapter 5: Safe Spaces
Amber’s back! We talk about cultivating safe spaces. You don’t want to miss this.
Sep 29, 202231:10
Thirty-WON (Bonus Episode: "Happy Birthday Bri!")
Special episode where I recap year 30 and the victory I have going into 31. This is worth the listen!
Dec 13, 202124:22
Forgiveness/Wrap Up 5.0
It’s the Season Finale!!! In this episode I talk to you about actively forgiving those who hurt me and lessons I learned away about myself in 2021. This year has been hard but it’s so important for me to love harder. We also wrap up the show for the year. Happy Holidays!
Nov 26, 202129:21
Let’s Talk About Sex
This episode was hard for me, I ain’t gone lie! Today we discuss how purity culture opens the door for shame and how ill prepared I was about understanding sexuality, sex, and church culture surrounding the topic
Nov 19, 202130:39
Learning Interdependence
In this episode I discuss why community is important and upon failing doing everything myself. I started hiring other people. Few tech issues, sorry!
Nov 12, 202127:27
Checking In
I went back to therapy! In this episode we talk about the importance of therapy and why you should check in on your mental health BEFORE the crisis happens. I also discuss some of the revelations I had after seeing two counselors in one day.
Nov 05, 202133:12
It’s Me!: How Red Flag Twitter Brought Me To Revelation
This is quick fun episode about the Red Flag phenomenon on Twitter.
Oct 29, 202118:26
The Breakup
In this episode I catch you all up on dating in my 30s. I was in a whole relationship out here and I failed at it too. Let’s talk about how I messed up.
Oct 22, 202136:58
Sober Evaluation Of Self
In this episode I share about a very recent experience I had with verbal abuse that forced me to reevaluate the way I show up in relationships with people. I talk about how taking ownership of one’s behavior equips you with the ability to develop and cultivate lifelong and healthier experiences. Please bear with me as I get back in the groove.
Oct 15, 202132:54
Surprise! I’m Back.
Soft intro into Season 5. Happy to be back and happy to start doing life with y’all again. Happy listening!
Oct 06, 202108:11
Epilogue: The Wrap-Up 4.0
Bittersweet the final episode (FOR NOW!). Check me out as I wrap up the end of a phenomenal season with some final thoughts and announcements. As always, thanks for listening! Follow Me: @fruitful.poetic.light on Instagram and FB
Apr 30, 202122:46
Chapter 8: Random Thoughts
I’m a little bit of everywhere this week, but this gives you all a perfect opportunity to see what I’m really like on a daily basis. It’s my hope, that in these random thoughts you get a message.
Apr 30, 202125:59
Chapter 7: Growing Together (Jermination)
It wouldn't be a season on COAYAL if we didn't have a technical difficulty. Please bear with us as we discuss growing together with Motivational Speaker Jer'Maine Brown of Jermination. Yal know I enjoy putting you on; and, this episode is no different as we discuss growing together virtually and in community with this upcoming global brand ambassador. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves!
Follow Jer'Maine on Facebook at @jermination
Books mentioned:
Think and Grow Rich- Napoleon Hill
Wholeness- Touré Roberts
How We Love- Kay and Milan Yerkovich
You Are A Badass- Jen Sincero
Apr 23, 202140:23
Chapter 6: I Hurt (Black Women Hurt)
In this episode I talk about my current relationship with love and pain. I discuss a bit of pop culture news and how I’m now maneuvering into become a better loving and caring me.
Apr 16, 202130:41
Chapter 4: Black Men Hurt
In this episode, I get the opportunity to have a personal conversation with Spoken Word Artist/Rapper Ackurate. We discuss some of the potential barriers that have often hindered people, specifically Black men, from healing beyond their past. Take the journey with us as we travel through his world and how he has confronted issues of image, vulnerability, and shame.
Apr 02, 202158:27
Chapter 2: Dating in a Pandemic
This week we talk with my friend Joy J., founder of Singles Exchange and host of a podcast by the same name. We let you all in on our girl chat as we discuss dating through the era of COVID-19. We share war stories, have some laughs, and even give some advice for those singles like us who have been out of the dating world for a while. It is my hope that you all get something out of this exchange that gives you the strength and courage to go after love for yourself.
Mar 19, 202149:01
Chapter 1: Music Therapy
In this episode you get introduced to some of the people that move me musically and really help with the healing process. I go as deep or as shallow as I would like.
Mar 12, 202123:14
Prologue
Welcome back to Season 4! I believe this season will be the most vulnerable and authentic one yet. I’m hoping that you all stick around and enjoy the ride. Trigger Warning: Topics on suicide and depression.
Mar 05, 202130:01
The Wrap-Up 3.0
Cheers to the end of this year and the end of this podcast season. As always, I give you all my final thoughts on the season and what to expect moving forward. Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Also, forgive me for saying 2020. I meant 2021
Dec 18, 202027:45
On Turning 30
Happy birthday to me! This is a raw and honest conversation about a few things I’ve learned about life and myself over the last decade. I’m so grateful to be here and to share this moment with yal! Enjoy!
Dec 11, 202027:20
On Black Fatherhood
In this episode, I talk with my cousin Daryl V. Williams II, known to the music industry as King Skrilla. We discuss growing up in a two parent household in our hometown East St. Louis and how that parental support shaped him. We talk about the importance of parents and ownership and just doing life together for you all to hear. This was a great conversation and so necessary.
Dec 04, 202043:31
On Surviving Family for the Holidays
This is what I like to call: short, sweet, and to the point. Here are a some of my tips and tricks to help you navigate through the Holiday season with your loved ones.
Nov 27, 202017:17
On Walking in Purpose
Hey yal guess what??? Jamie’s back! This season I invited Jamie to come and have a conversation on purpose and what purpose looks like for her right now as a Christian young adult. We discuss the 5 questions you must ask yourself about walking in purpose from Dr. Myles Munroe. The questions: Who am I? Where am I? Why am I here?What can I do? Where am I going? Although, this episode is a bit longer than usual, I believe that this conversation was necessary for the current season we’re in as a country transitioning from our traditional norm. Disclaimer: Forgive us for the audio issues. Every time Jamie and I get together the enemy don’t want us to be great, which means what we’re saying needs to be heard.
Nov 13, 202048:57
On My Life Being a 90’s Sitcom
In this episode I deep dive into the subconscious cues I picked up as young Bri learning how to build real life relationships. I talk about how the things I watched growing up translated over into real life. This was fun!
Nov 06, 202027:06
On Forgiving Myself
This season must be humble season because whew! I listened to a life changing message and this podcast was a result of that. This was very hard to record. Vulnerability is necessary for healing. Such a humbling moment, but I’m glad I could share it with you. What are you needing to forgive yourself for in this season? Scripture References: Psalm 138:6, James 1:23-24, Galatians 6:3-6
Oct 30, 202033:31
On Loving Out Of Rejection
I guess we hit a theme here for the first two episodes. This episode we dive deeper into how I’m handling love during my single season. Listen as I share my heart. Forgive me for the overuse of the word “myself.”
Oct 23, 202022:51
On Dealing With Professional Rejection
Welcome back! We are starting this season off dealing with real life. This is a very candid conversation about how I’ve been feeling as a young professional in a predominantly white field of influence. I talk about my woes as a Black librarian and not having the same opportunity as my white colleagues when it comes to jobs. Rejection in any form is real and can trigger grieve. This is how I’ve been dealing.
Oct 16, 202024:30
The Wrap-Up 2.0
Let’s end the season right by reflecting on my favorite episodes and some last minute gems and updates. I’m so glad you all have been sticking it out with me. We can only continue going up from here. Continue to listen to the replays. Love yal!
Sep 04, 202015:49
COAYAL Book Talk- Part 2
This is Part 2 of the audio from the official launch party for “Confessions of a Young Adult’s Life”: A Memoir. It was a virtual event hosted by Jamie Crockett from Shining Light Media. We had a good time! Sit back and listen as I am interviewed on the complexities of growing up in a non-traditional home and environment and how that shaped the my experience. Get to know more about the person behind the book from the comforts of your own home.
Aug 28, 202045:50
COAYAL Book Talk- Part 1
This is the audio from the official launch party for “Confessions of a Young Adult’s Life”: A Memoir. It was a virtual event hosted by Jamie Crockett from Shining Light Media. We had a good time! Sit back and listen as I am interviewed on the complexities of growing up in a non-traditional home and environment and how that shaped the my experience. Get to know more about the person behind the book from the comforts of your own home.
Aug 28, 202059:47
Three Parents
This is a candid and extended conversation from the book “Confessions of a Young Adult’s Life” about growing up with three parents. I talk about the personalities and traits that kind of built the foundation of who I am as a person today and my road to forgiveness and wholeness. These conversations are never easy, but I’m happy to have them.
Aug 21, 202039:27
Launch Week Celebration
We’re finally here! Let’s celebrate. Pick up your book today on Amazon! Here: www.amazon.com/Confessions-Young-Adults-Life-Michelle-ebook/dp/B08F3VL5PZ
Aug 14, 202014:47
Story Time: Those Several Times I Was Entangled
I ain’t gone lie, this episode is kind of ratchet. These are untold truths of young adult me that was out here looking for love and connection in all the wrong places. These are my thot adventures...Enjoy! Also, I meant to say Angela Yee* not Lee (sorry!)
Aug 07, 202025:17
Freedom In Your Mind
Quick conversation discussing my thoughts on the August Alsina interview with radio host Angela Yee. I discuss the similarities in our stories and how I had to shift my mind into freedom for the remainder of 2020. A real discussion on mental health in young adults and changing the vision and expectations for the second half of the year.
Jul 31, 202026:26
Freedom In Your Body
On this day I was tired yal! Tired of how my life was unfolding and then God sent a word. This is an episode on the life lesson that we can’t dictate who God picks to speak into our lives. Always be open to listening and hearing what’s being said.
Jul 24, 202020:13
#drivingwhileblack
In this episode I share two stories about my black experience in America with the police. I think it’s important to understand the narrative that black women also have negative encounters with law enforcement at an alarming rate just like men. We cannot forget them in our fight for justice. #SayHerName *Trigger Warning*
Jul 17, 202038:50
We’re Back! Let’s Recenter
Yes, we’re back! Please forgive me for the audio quality had some technical difficulties, but I didn’t want to throw it out. This show has been purely organic. However, I’m excited to be back and start season 2 with you all. 🎉
Let’s do life together!
Let’s do life together!
Jul 10, 202013:20
June Hiatus
Taking a little longer break than expected, but meet me back here in July for Season 2.
Jun 01, 202002:55
The Wrap Up
Before the last episode of the season I wanted to discuss with you all the things we went over in the first season and where we’re going for season 2. Thank you for listening and I look forward to continuing this journey with you all.
May 15, 202024:52
Unlearning Busyness
This episode talks about the woes of learning to relax as an adult and trying to create a new normal. We will talk about family dynamics and relearning good behaviors.
May 08, 202018:34
Remembering Brent
This episode is dedicated to my dear friend Brent C. Johnson (1990-2020) that I loss just a week ago. He was such a kind, wonderful, and brilliant person. I’m happy to have had him in my life for as long as I did. Rest well Silly Billy Illy.
May 01, 202029:44
Why God?
Humble, open, and transparent conversation about my faith and addictions. This episode shares intimate details about how I navigate through the life I’ve been given and still have faith in God.
Apr 17, 202024:32
Quarantine, Quarantine, Quarantine!
This is an update on how I’ve been adjusting to my new normal. I want to hear from you follow me on Instagram @fruitful.poetic.light or email me: fruitful.poetic.light@gmail.com
Apr 10, 202013:17
My East St. Louis
The narrative about my beautiful hometown East St. Louis has always been met with negativity. In this episode I drop some FACTS and give you an inside look on how I grew up. It is meant to strike a different cord and change the narrative about growing up in a predominantly black, high poverty city/neighborhood. There’s beauty among the ashes. Also, unfortunately I couldn’t give you all the full song, but go stream “4 My City” EP by King Skrilla. Available on all platforms. Here’s the link to Apple Music: music.apple.com/us/album/4-my-city-ep/1453735944
Apr 03, 202030:43
Madam CJ
In this episode, I discuss how African American stories are being told through media outlets. I do a little hand popping and attempt to present a truce. It is my raw honest opinion. Update: I watched the series and I stand by what I said.
Mar 28, 202019:58
Why COAYAL?
In this episode, I dive deeper into the name of the podcast and its origins. Confessions of a Young Adults Life, although new to this platform, is not a new idea. The name, the movement, the community dates back to around 2012. So for the last 8 years of my life this idea has been coming to life. Happy to have you all along for the ride.
Mar 23, 202011:11
Let Me Out of Here!
Let’s talk about being isolated during these quarantined times. It can be rough making drastic transitions in life. How are you all feeling and dealing? It’s been rough for me, but God is good. Scripture Reference: 2 Timothy 1:7
Mar 21, 202015:21
Welcome!
This is only the beginning! Allow me to introduce myself, I’m Bri, let’s do life together!
Mar 21, 202001:53