What does it look like when someone who actually lives the consequences of policy decides to run for office?

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Melissa Bird — a social worker, mother, small business owner, and proud descendant of the Shivwits Band of Paiutes who is running for Congress in Oregon’s 4th District. We talk about the exact moment she knew she couldn’t sit on the sidelines anymore, how lived experience shapes leadership, and why grassroots, community-rooted politics matter now more than ever.

This conversation isn’t about polish or political theater. It’s about intuition, accountability, and what happens when everyday people decide to challenge systems that were never built for them — or for most of us.

In this episode, Michelle Lasley sits down with Dr. Melissa Bird, a PhD-trained social worker, former policy strategist, and first-time congressional candidate, to explore what it truly means to run toward public service rather than away from it.

Dr. Bird shares the deeply personal story behind her decision to run for Congress — from yelling at a virtual town hall while sitting on her couch, to receiving unmistakable intuitive nudges that it was her turn to step forward. Drawing on her experience as a lay preacher, wife of a veteran, and survivor of multiple broken systems, she explains why professional politicians often fail to represent the realities of working families, rural communities, veterans, Indigenous people, and those living at the intersections of identity and harm.

Together, Michelle and Dr. Bird unpack big questions about democracy, closed primaries, institutional power, and what it looks like to build a people-powered campaign inside a deeply entrenched political system. They talk candidly about healthcare access, reproductive justice, land stewardship, rural economies, and why listening — really listening — has become a radical act in modern politics.

This episode is an invitation to imagine a different kind of leadership: one rooted in lived experience, collective care, and the belief that democracy doesn’t have to crumble to evolve. If you’ve ever felt disconnected from politics but deeply impacted by it, this conversation is for you.

“ … we were just talking in the campaign yesterday, like you can't just be against fascism. You have to be for something. And what I am for is introducing bills that help people survive in this economy.”

“So it's not just about fighting policies that attack us. It's also about introducing bills and using the tools of Congress to consistently and constantly have a dialogue about where we want CD4 to be improving, using the rural New Deal as a framework to improve economies in rural areas, thinking about our, our farmers and our ranchers and the forests and how are we balancing, how are we not extracting from the land, but really creating bills and policies that nurture the land while we are still keeping industry going.”

“I think that we need to bring our congressional leaders to the people so that the people know that they have access to their leaders.”

“Progressives in politics keep saying We need more women. We need more people of color. We need more LGBTQ plus folks. // We need more people who are concerned about the environment and sustainability We need. We need, but not you, Missy Bird, because you. You don't quite fit.”

“I am Native, I am bisexual. I am a woman. I am a Christian, and also a pagan. I am very deeply concerned about this planet and how we are caring for it.”

• Melissa on TikTok
• @bird4congress.bsky.social on Bluesky
• Melissa on IG

Unveiling Cosmic Patterns: An Interview with Tam Veillieux

In this episode, the host interviews Tam Veillieux, a visionary and publisher of the Energy Almanac, who discusses her passion for connecting astrology to personal development. Tam shares her journey as a transformational coach and astrology groupie, revealing how she started publishing the Energy Almanac. The conversation delves into the significance of astrology in understanding personal patterns, the integration of energy psychology techniques like EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique), and the importance of recognizing cosmic signals. Tam emphasizes how astrology can provide insight into one's life purpose and psychological makeup, making transformation both fast and enjoyable.

00:00 Introduction to Tam Veillieux

00:44 The Energy Almanac: Behind the Scenes

02:42 Serendipitous Connections and Astrology

04:38 Astrology and Personal Patterns

08:46 Numerology and Personal Insights

10:13 A Nonlinear Path to Purpose

10:47 The Birth of the Energy Almanac

16:00 Making Transformation Fast and Fun

16:47 Permission to Let Go

17:49 Tools for Fast Change

18:18 Understanding EFT and Tapping

23:36 Exploring Astrology in Coaching

25:42 Astrology for Everyday Life

28:10 The Energy Almanac

32:54 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Healing through Art and Reiki with Lea K. Tawd

In this episode, Michelle interviews Lea K. Tawd, an artist and Reiki master who has found her purpose in inspiring and healing through art and Reiki. Lea discusses her journey, how she integrates Reiki into her art, and the overarching impact of this practice. She also shares her experiences with creative blocks, her book 'Creativity Unstuck,' and the transformative potential of Reiki in healing and personal growth. Lea talks about her personal connection to the divine feminine and how it influences her artwork, providing insights into the unique power of combining spirituality and creativity.

00:00 Introduction to Lea K. Tawd

01:08 Understanding Reiki: Origins and Basics

05:50 Personal Journey with Reiki

08:57 Integrating Reiki with Art

16:05 Leah's Artistic Path and Challenges

24:40 Creativity Unstuck: Leah's Book

28:04 Exploring the Divine Feminine in Art

30:27 Conclusion and Contact Information

Mentioned in this episode:

Season 3 Introduction

This is Season 3, where we discuss non-linear paths to finding your purpose. I interviewed over 35 people to hear their circuitous path to finding their purpose right now.

Introduction

This is Michelle Lasley. I call all of my work Balance Shared because I truly do believe we are better together.

Conclusion

This is Balance Shared by your host, Michelle Lasley. You can find more on the web at www.michellelasley.com.

Michelle Lasley

In this episode, the host interviews Jillian Rothschild-Scholar, a classically trained Feng Shui expert with over a decade of experience. Jillian discusses how her purpose is to help people clear confusion over major life questions, enabling them to confidently move forward. She explains the principles of classical Feng Shui and shares her journey into the field. The discussion includes the intricacies of the Chinese New Year, including the differences between the lunar and solar calendars and their significance. Jillian delves into Chinese astrology, the importance of the 'four pillars of destiny,' and how these elements can guide individuals. Additionally, insights on what to expect in the year of the Water Tiger and practical Feng Shui tips for 2022 are provided. Jillian also shares her personal transformation story through Feng Shui, emphasizing the impact of environment on life success and well-being.

00:00 Introduction to Jillian Rothschild Scholar

01:06 Understanding the Chinese New Year

03:53 Jillian's Journey into Feng Shui

08:51 Exploring Chinese Astrology

15:17 Feng Shui Tips for 2022

31:48 Conclusion and Contact Information

Mentioned in this episode:

Conclusion

This is Balance Shared by your host, Michelle Lasley. You can find more on the web at www.michellelasley.com.

Michelle Lasley

Introduction

This is Michelle Lasley. I call all of my work Balance Shared because I truly do believe we are better together.

Season 3 Introduction

This is Season 3, where we discuss non-linear paths to finding your purpose. I interviewed over 35 people to hear their circuitous path to finding their purpose right now.

Creating a Better Future: Conversations, Values, and Voting

In this episode, the speaker addresses an unintended scheduling mishap and pivots to an engaging discussion about current events and civic duties. They express curiosity about the upcoming election and emphasize the importance of community efforts in child care reform. The speaker advocates for a new, inclusive system free from racism, sexism, and classism. They discuss the significance of voting, understanding candidate alignments, and holding elected officials accountable. Reflecting on National Voter Registration Day, the speaker encourages listeners to verify their registration, have meaningful conversations, and actively participate in building a just society.

00:00 Introduction and Apology

00:31 Personal Update and Election Curiosity

00:37 Child Care Advocacy

00:58 Systemic Issues in Child Care

01:27 Voting and Values

02:17 National Voter Registration Day

02:31 Encouragement to Engage and Listen

03:13 Conclusion and Call to Action

Use this link to register to vote: https://links.impactive.io/t/kpt5djrw?start=1

Reviving the Podcast: Unveiling Non-Linear Paths to Purpose

Michelle Lasley recounts the origins of her podcast, which started just before the pandemic. The podcast delves into people's stories, highlighting their non-linear journeys to finding their purpose. Season three, airing after a three-year hiatus beginning September 25th, will focus on these circuitous paths. Future seasons, including an anticipated season on identity, are also hinted at. This episode previews content to prepare listeners for the 2022 Chinese New Year and promises insightful educational stories.

00:00 Introduction: The Birth of a Podcast

00:06 The Inspiration Behind the Podcast

00:14 Discovering the Power of Stories

00:25 The Focus on Non-Linear Paths

00:42 Season Three: Finding Your Purpose

00:48 Challenges and Delays

01:08 Season Four: Exploring Identity

01:17 Season Three Launch Announcement

01:23 Special Episode: 2022 Chinese New Year

01:35 Conclusion: Stay Tuned for More

Hi everyone! A note for this episode- due to some technical difficulties this episode ends rather abruptly.

Jeff Hahler & Bev Martin explain their reasons for being vegans as well as living a healthy life doing so.

Jeff Hahler & Bev Martin both live their lives as vegans eschewing any products made from animals. They break down their path to veganism and reasoning both for personal and moral reasons ranging from the health benefits of focusing on a plant based diet as well as the ethical treatment of animals. Making sure they keep their values well in line with what they deem most important.

They also take the time to explain how they are best able to navigate a meat-centric world with their diet choices, socializing with friends, and how best to make the most informed decisions. They lay out their well reasoned and practical approach with suggestions, methodologies, and humorous personal anecdotes.

"I always believed that all people are equal... why are animals any different?"

"The way that you want to eat is fine but the most important thing is to do research on what you are eating."

For more information about Michelle, Balance Shared, events, and projects, please visit www.michellelasley.com. Our producer is Matthew Hunter.

Sudeshna Sen discusses what to focus on to both grow your career while also connecting with what is important in your life. We dive into common pitfalls in moving forward in your profession, ways of thinking of women in (or not in) the workforce, and how to forge your own path.

Sudeshna Sen is a a career strategist and productivity geek who talks about careers, business, and everything in between. She runs a website and blog called The Abundance Psyche where she hopes to help people move forward in their high end careers.

She talks about it from the spiritual angle but also thinks about it from the practical side. How to show up as leaders in our world, find our own truths, and find where our alignment is at it's best.

She also organizes the Rise Up Cohort who works to help promote women in financial services and give them a stage during their shows.

"[People with high power jobs] always care about being judged by other people who are scared of being judged."

"When you feel like you're in alignment, that shows. It has so much positive energy around it. It's infectious. Just like negative energy is infectious. "

For more information about Sudeshna Sen go to The Abundance Psyche.

For more information about Michelle, Balance Shared, events, and projects, please visit www.michellelasley.com. Our producer is Matthew Hunter.

As mentioned in the episode: Episode with Tiffany Chapman