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The Michelle May O'Neil Show
The Michelle May O'Neil Show
Author: Michelle May O'Neil
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The Michelle May O'Neil Show is where reinvention becomes more than an idea; it becomes a movement. If you are standing at the edge of what is next, this is where you will find the stories, strategies, and clarity to create your future by design instead of default. From boardrooms to personal crossroads, we confront the hard part of change: the failures that felt final, the resets that required courage, and the disciplined strategy that turns a comeback into a competitive edge.
Hosted by Michelle May O’Neil, a nationally recognized strategist and one of America’s leading lawyers, the show explores how top performers rebuild after real setbacks, reframe identity, and reimagine what success can look like in business and in life. Conversations with world-class entrepreneurs and cultural thought leaders go past the highlight reel to the moments they thought they were finished, how they clawed their way back, and achieved success greater than they could have imagined.
Between interviews, Michelle delivers solo episodes that translate decades of guiding leaders through high-stakes transitions into a clear playbook for navigating change with intention. Expect straight talk on resilience, leadership, culture, and the practical mechanics of designing a second act that actually works.
This is not theory. It is real stories, real strategy, and real transformation for people who have failed, fought, and forged ahead. If you are ready to stop drifting and start designing your next chapter, this show equips you with the insights and tools to make your next move count.
Hosted by Michelle May O’Neil, a nationally recognized strategist and one of America’s leading lawyers, the show explores how top performers rebuild after real setbacks, reframe identity, and reimagine what success can look like in business and in life. Conversations with world-class entrepreneurs and cultural thought leaders go past the highlight reel to the moments they thought they were finished, how they clawed their way back, and achieved success greater than they could have imagined.
Between interviews, Michelle delivers solo episodes that translate decades of guiding leaders through high-stakes transitions into a clear playbook for navigating change with intention. Expect straight talk on resilience, leadership, culture, and the practical mechanics of designing a second act that actually works.
This is not theory. It is real stories, real strategy, and real transformation for people who have failed, fought, and forged ahead. If you are ready to stop drifting and start designing your next chapter, this show equips you with the insights and tools to make your next move count.
48 Episodes
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In this deeply moving episode, Dana shares her journey from rock bottom at 20 years old to a life rooted in sobriety, purpose, love, and leadership.From addiction and identity struggles to recovery, coming out, entrepreneurship, loss, and resilience, this conversation is a powerful reminder that choosing life can begin with one small decision.This episode explores what it means to ask for help, to live authentically, and to build a meaningful life rooted in love, service, and self-acceptance. In this episode:-Dana’s lowest moment and the decision that saved her life-What it means to ask for help when you feel completely empty-Addiction, recovery, and 37 years of sobriety-Coming out in the 1980s and learning to live authentically-Losing her brother and the gift of being present in grief-Building community and leadership through love and kindness-Why “love is my religion”-Advice for anyone currently in their darkest season *Follow*Michelle May O'Neilhttps://www.instagram.com/themichellemayoneil/Dana Derichsweilerhttps://www.krddonor.com/contact Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Executive presence is one of the most talked-about leadership conversations in corporate America today.In this episode, Michelle sits down with Cherise Williams, Director at Maker’s Mark, inclusive leadership expert, and cultural catalyst, for an honest and deeply personal conversation about identity, reinvention, corporate authenticity, and what it really means to lead as a woman of color.Cherise shares her powerful story of navigating pregnancy, autoimmune illness, family crisis, divorce, corporate pressure, and the constant demand to “perform” executive presence in environments built around someone else’s standard. In this episode:-Executive presence and why it’s often measured against a white male standard-The pressure women of color face to “fit” corporate leadership expectations-Cherise’s life-changing reinvention story during 2020-How stress, motherhood, and health forced her to rebuild her identity-Why authenticity matters more than corporate performance-Leadership through joy, cultural competency, and accountability-The legacy of impact: leaving everything better than you found it *Follow*Michelle May O'Neilhttps://www.instagram.com/themichellemayoneil/Cherice Jenelle Williamshttps://www.instagram.com/chericejenelle/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
In this episode, Michelle explores the deeper, often overlooked lessons inside Unreasonable Hospitality.This book isn’t just about restaurants; it’s a transformational leadership framework about identity, culture, and creating organizations where people feel truly seen. In this episode:-Hospitality as an identity practice, not a performance-Why hospitality trains teams to develop awareness and leadership judgment-How hospitality strengthens resilience, retention, and emotional safety in organizations-The truth that hospitality must happen inside the company first, not just with customers-How these ideas connect to the Fifth Move Strategy through diagnosing and documenting culture *Follow*Michelle May O'Neilhttps://www.instagram.com/themichellemayoneil/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Success isn’t supposed to feel like suffocation, but for many founders, it does.In this solo episode, Michelle O’Neil tells the story of an entrepreneur whose business grew faster than the foundation beneath it. What looked like momentum on the outside became chaos on the inside, until she realized the truth: growth doesn’t break businesses… lack of systems does.Michelle breaks down the operational and mindset shifts every founder must make to scale without burnout, including why hustle isn’t the answer, why delivery matters more than marketing, and how repeatable systems create real freedom. In this episode:-Why success exposes weak systems instead of strong ones-The danger of scaling chaos in a growing business-Why fixing delivery comes before chasing more clients-How founders must shift from worker to architect-The difference between custom work and repeatable scale-Four lessons to move from stress to structure *Follow*Michelle May O'Neilhttps://www.instagram.com/themichellemayoneil/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Culture isn’t built in mission statements, it’s built in the small moments leaders choose to notice.In this solo episode, Michelle O’Neil continues her Unreasonable Hospitality book brief by breaking down how hospitality functions as a real-world leadership and culture strategy.Through powerful stories and practical examples, Michelle explains how leaders can use intentional care, emotional awareness, and human-centered systems to create cultures that drive performance, loyalty, and long-term success. In this episode:-Why hospitality is a leadership and culture strategy, not a soft skill-How feeling seen and valued changes employee performance-Real-life examples of unreasonable hospitality inside organizations-Applying hospitality principles in business, law, and leadership-How emotional loyalty creates retention, trust, and profit *Follow*Michelle May O'Neilhttps://www.instagram.com/themichellemayoneil/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Debt isn’t about math; it’s about mindset, habits, and the stories we tell ourselves about money.In this episode of The Michelle O’Neil Show, Michelle sits down with Howard Dvorkin, Chairman of Debt.com and one of the nation’s leading voices on credit counseling, to unpack the psychology of debt, social pressure, and financial behavior.From credit card traps and consumer culture to smart debt strategy, budgeting, and wealth-building, this conversation delivers honest insight into how people fall into debt, and how they can climb out for good. In this episode:-Why debt is a behavioral issue, not just a numbers problem-How social media and consumer culture fuel overspending-The difference between good debt and bad debt-Practical strategies to get off the “debt treadmill”-How discipline, investing, and compound interest build long-term wealth *Follow*Michelle May O'Neilhttps://www.instagram.com/themichellemayoneil/Howard Dvorkinhttps://www.howarddvorkin.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Hospitality isn’t customer service, it’s a leadership strategy that shapes culture, trust, and loyalty.In this episode, Michelle O’Neil continues her book brief on Unreasonable Hospitality by exploring how hospitality functions as a core leadership discipline.She breaks down why making people feel seen, valued, and understood is not a soft skill, but a scalable strategic advantage that transforms businesses, teams, and customer relationships from competent to unforgettable. In this episode:-Why hospitality is a leadership mindset, not just customer service-How emotional experience becomes a strategic advantage-The famous “hot dog moment” and what it teaches about presence and care-Using hospitality to shape culture, trust, and decision-making-How to systemize and scale hospitality across your organization *Follow*Michelle May O'Neilhttps://www.instagram.com/themichellemayoneil/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Most people don’t fail financially because they don’t earn enough, they fail because they don’t know their numbers.In this episode of The Michelle O’Neil Show, Michelle sits down with financial coach and retirement planning expert Rita Oliver to talk about real-world money decisions, retirement readiness, and why early planning is critical to long-term financial security.From budgeting struggles and lifestyle spending to retirement gaps, debt, and financial literacy, this conversation delivers practical insight for anyone trying to build stability in today’s economy. In this episode:-Why most Americans are underprepared for retirement-How to organize spending and identify hidden disposable income-The difference between needs, wants, and wishes in budgeting-Lifestyle inflation, social pressure, and conscious spending choices-Why knowing your income and expenses is the foundation of financial freedom *Follow*Michelle May O'Neilhttps://www.instagram.com/themichellemayoneil/Rita Oliverhttps://www.instagram.com/moneystrategist/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Great businesses aren’t remembered for what they sell, they’re remembered for how they make people feel.In this episode, Michelle O’Neil breaks down key insights from Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara and explains why emotional experience has become the true competitive advantage in modern business.Drawing lessons from leadership, brand strategy, and customer psychology, Michelle explores how intentional hospitality transforms service into loyalty and turns ordinary interactions into lasting impact.Chapters0:00 Introduction to Unreasonable Hospitality0:25 Why This Book Matters0:50 Experience as Competitive Advantage1:10 Service vs Hospitality1:36 Meaningful Moments Matter2:08 The Experience Economy3:00 Diagnosing the Customer Experience4:20 Intentional Experiences4:30 Closing Thoughts *Follow*Michelle May O'Neilhttps://www.instagram.com/themichellemayoneil/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
What happens when you stop chasing success and start living in alignment with your faith and purpose?In this episode, Michelle O’Neil sits down with Dustin Sanchez, a former lawyer turned legal marketing expert, to unpack his powerful journey of transformation.Dustin shares how leaving the traditional legal path, embracing entrepreneurship, rebuilding his health, and surrendering control to God reshaped his life, business, and legacy. Together, they dive into faith, discipline, AI’s impact on marketing and law, and what it truly means to live with intention. In this episode:-Dustin’s pivotal life moments that led to personal and professional transformation-Why faith and surrender played a key role in his success and peace-How AI is changing legal marketing and search behavior-The importance of branding, video, and community in a post-Google world-What legacy really means when success is measured beyond money *Follow*Michelle May O'Neilhttps://www.instagram.com/themichellemayoneil/Dustin Sanchezhttps://www.instagram.com/dustinsancheztv/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
You don’t need a breakdown to reinvent your life, you need honesty.In this powerful episode, Michelle O’Neil explores the quiet moment when clarity replaces chaos and shows how personal reinvention begins with truth, alignment, and one courageous step forward.If your life looks fine on the outside but feels empty on the inside, this message is for you. In this episode:-Michelle shares a powerful story about realizing a life can look “fine” on the outside but feel empty on the inside.-She explains the difference between chaos (emotional crisis) and clarity (quiet truth).-The episode breaks down how reinvention starts with honesty, not a dramatic breaking point.-Michelle walks through five lessons for personal reinvention, including stabilizing essentials and redefining identity.-The message closes with encouragement to take one decisive step toward a life that truly lights you up. FollowMichelle May O'Neilhttps://www.instagram.com/themichellemayoneil/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Michelle O’Neil sits down with Todd Frankfort, a divorce lawyer, professor, and judicial candidate—to explore law, politics, legacy, and leadership.From navigating the political climate as a judge to lessons learned from family, faith, and high-stakes cases, this conversation offers a rare look into integrity, service, and what truly defines success. In this episode:-Todd shares how his father influenced his legal career and values without casting a shadow over him-He explains why he chose litigation, marital property law, and eventually teaching law students-Todd breaks down why judicial neutrality matters despite running in a partisan system-The conversation highlights how local judges impact everyday lives more than national politicians-He reflects on legacy, fatherhood, decision-making under pressure, and personal values FollowMichelle May O'Neilhttps://www.instagram.com/themichellemayoneil/Todd Frankforthttps://www.owlawyers.com/our-team/todd-frankfort/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Too many leaders spend their year reacting instead of leading, busy every day, yet drifting further from their real goals.This conversation breaks down how to stop living in crisis mode and start designing a year with intention.Michelle O’Neil shares a powerful framework for building 2026 around strategy instead of stress, including how to filter signal from noise, reverse-engineer your future self, and create systems that actually move the needle. In this episode:-Stop reacting to daily fires and start leading with intentional strategy.-Design your year backwards from the person you want to be on December 31, 2026.-Focus on three priority goals and filter everything else as noise.-Build systems, metrics, and rhythms instead of relying on motivation.-Declare non-negotiables and keep promises to yourself to build momentum. FollowMichelle May O'Neilhttps://www.instagram.com/themichellemayoneil/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Former apparel CEO and entrepreneur Ron Pinkerton joins Michelle O'Neil to break down the “win-win-win” strategy that helped him build a powerhouse company from the ground up.He shares real stories on leadership, timing, team building, integrity, and navigating the emotional side of selling a business. This conversation is packed with timeless business wisdom, life lessons, and a few unforgettable Texas sayings. In this episode:-Ron’s win-win-win business strategy for customers, employees, and owners.-Importance of writing plans on paper and validating ideas financially.-Building & growing an apparel company through capacity, leadership, and team development.-Balancing work, family, and personal challenges while leading a company.-Leadership lessons on timing, trusting your gut, and knowing when to exit a business. FollowMichelle May O'Neilhttps://www.instagram.com/themichellemayoneil/Ron Pinkertonhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-pinkerton-198022253/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
In this insightful conversation, Stefan Junaeus breaks down the difference between dreamers and visionaries, and why some people wait for life to happen while others step into responsibility and build what they’re called to create.He shares powerful wisdom on faith, reinvention, self-doubt, storytelling, and viewing your purpose through the lens of adding value to others. In this episode:-The difference between being a dreamer who waits and a visionary who takes responsibility for making their calling happen.-How faith and self-determination work together in building a meaningful life, business, or mission.-Stefan’s upbringing around influential leaders like Tim Storey and how modeling success shapes mindset and ambition.-Navigating reinvention during the pandemic — restructuring business, church, and mindset amid uncertainty.-Why storytelling, authenticity, and personal branding matter in publishing, especially as AI reshapes the industry. FollowMichelle May O'Neilhttps://www.instagram.com/themichellemayoneil/Stefan Junaeushttps://www.instagram.com/stefanjunaeus/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
AI isn’t replacing humans—it’s replacing the workers who refuse to adapt.Michelle O’Neil breaks down how artificial intelligence is disrupting the middle layer of the workforce and why the future belongs to those who embrace judgment, empathy, wisdom, and reinvention. This episode empowers viewers to understand AI, reframe their value, and build systems that make them indispensable in the age of automation.In this episode:-How is AI disrupting today’s workforce?-How have support roles changed from the past to now?-What jobs are most at risk of being automated?-How can professionals stay relevant in the age of AI?-Why will AI highlight—rather than replace—human value? **Follow**Michelle May O'Neilhttps://www.instagram.com/themichellemayoneil/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Join Michelle O'Neil and former Texas Supreme Court Justice Eva Guzman for a powerful interview on women in law, leadership, and overcoming self-doubt.Justice Guzman, a pioneer defined by bold moves and firsts, shares her authentic journey from an inner-city neighborhood to the highest court in Texas.In this episode:-You Are Enough: Justice Guzman's powerful message for professional women facing pressure.-Bold Moves: Inside her decisions to move from the bench to a political run for AG, and back to private practice.-Combating Self-Doubt: Techniques for staying prepared and overcoming imposter syndrome.-The Price of Leadership: The reality of career sacrifices and the importance of saying "No Máss." **Follow**Michelle May O'Neilhttps://www.instagram.com/themichellemayoneil/Eva Guzmanhttps://www.instagram.com/evamguzman/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
In this episode, Michelle sits down with global market strategist and CEO Marc LoPresti to talk about the lessons learned from failure, how grit is built—not born—and the deeper meaning of legacy as a father and leader.Together they unpack resilience, entrepreneurship, and the power of faith during life’s toughest moments.In this episode:-The importance of faith, optimism, and perseverance through major crises like 9/11 and the financial collapse-Why true grit comes from failure — and how entrepreneurs can cultivate it-How to raise resilient, grounded children in a world of privilege-Lessons from Wall Street to Washington: leadership, legacy, and national change-The future of AI, crypto, and the U.S. economy through Mark Lopresti’s eyes- The effect of the election of Mayor Mamdani on New York City and the Jewish Community **Follow**Michelle May O'Neilhttps://www.instagram.com/themichellemayoneil/Marc LoPrestihttps://www.instagram.com/mxlopresti/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Michelle O’Neil sits down with Rebecca Silvestri to explore how mindset and gratitude can transform everyday life.Rebecca shares her “Best Day Ever” philosophy, the power of being response-able, and how to turn challenges into opportunities for joy and growth. This inspiring conversation will motivate you to take control of your perspective and truly make each day your best one yet.In this episode:-How the “Best Day Ever” mindset began and why it works-What it means to be response-able instead of reactive-Simple gratitude practices to shift your energy instantly-How music and movement can lift your mood in tough moments-Parenting lessons and daily rituals that shape a positive mindset **Follow**Michelle May O'Neilhttps://www.instagram.com/themichellemayoneil/Rebecca Silvestrihttps://www.instagram.com/silvestrilife/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Entrepreneur and philanthropist Dan Fleyshman joins Michelle O’Neil for a powerful, unfiltered conversation on masculinity, mental health, and modern relationships.From building multimillion-dollar brands to launching the Man in the Arena Tour, Dan shares hard-earned lessons about leadership, balance, and resilience.In this episode:-Dan Fleyshman shares how men can balance strength and vulnerability through the Man in the Arena Tour.-He reveals how losing a $65 million company taught him resilience and focus under pressure.-The episode explores redefining masculinity and leadership within the family and community.-Dan discusses reinventing himself through business, philanthropy, and personal growth.-Michelle and Dan talk about how empowering men can positively impact families and society. **Follow**Michelle May O'Neilhttps://www.instagram.com/themichellemayoneil/Dan Fleyshmanhttps://www.instagram.com/danfleyshman/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.




