- 17
- Episodes
- 2025
- First episode
- 576
- YouTube views
About Use Your Fear
Honest conversations about fear, mental health, creativity, and personal growth. Real people share the fears they’ve faced, and how they learned to move through them. If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or scared to begin, Use Your Fear is for you. New Episodes every other Monday.
- Publisher
- Whitney & Michelle
- Category
- health & fitness
- Language
- en
- Explicit
- No
- First episode
- 22 Jun 2025
- Latest episode
- 29 Dec 2025
Latest episodes
17 episodes in the feed.
29 Dec 2025
UYF Episode 15: The Fear That Won’t Shut Up Living with ADHD as a Mom, Wife, and Over Thinker
What happens when the way your brain works finally has a name — and that name is ADHD… but getting there comes with missteps and harm? In Episode 15 of Use Your Fear, hosts Michelle & Whitney sit down with Rylan for a raw and honest conversation about late ADHD diagnosis, misdiagnosis, and the emotional toll of being overlooked because you “looked fine on paper.” Rylan shares how she wasn’t diagnosed with ADHD as a child because she had good grades and was highly active in sports — a common experience for women whose symptoms don’t fit the stereotype. As an adult, she was misdiagnosed and prescribed a medication that significantly worsened her symptoms, leading to severe manic episodes and a year of emotional instability. In this episode, Rylan opens up about the fear, grief, and confusion that came with those experiences, and how she’s learning to navigate life as a mom, wife, and overthinker while rebuilding trust in her body, her mind, and the medical system. We talk about: How “good grades” and sports masked ADHD in childhood The real consequences of misdiagnosis Medication that intensified symptoms and triggered manic episodes Living with constant mental noise and overthinking Fear as spiraling thoughts, self-doubt, and rumination Learning self-compassion while still holding yourself accountable Using fear as a compass instead of a cage This episode highlights the invisible labor of neurodivergent moms, the danger of dismissing symptoms based on performance, and the courage it takes to keep advocating for yourself when fear feels nonstop. 💛 Fear doesn’t mean stop. It means look closer. 🎧 If you’ve ever felt unheard, overwhelmed by your own mind, or exhausted from trying to “function” — this conversation is for you. 👇 Like, subscribe, and share with someone who needs to feel seen. #UseYourFearPodcast #ADHDWomen #LateDiagnosis #Misdiagnosis #ManicEpisodes #NeurodivergentMoms #MentalHealthPodcast #Overthinking #HighFunctioning #FearAndGrowth
15 Dec 2025
Side Quest 2: When the Puzzle Pieces Fit: Finding Clarity Through an Autism Diagnosis
This “Side Quest” episode hits different. No script. No agenda. Just two best friends talking in real time. Michelle shares that she was recently diagnosed with Level 1 Autism (and ADHD inattentive), along with generalized anxiety disorder and chronic depression. This conversation was recorded just days after that diagnosis, while everything still felt brand new, a little awkward and validating. We talk about what it looks like to live for decades without knowing why things felt harder, why blending in became automatic, and why “seeming fine” on the outside can still mean you’re exhausted on the inside. Michelle opens up about being a chameleon to fit in, people pleasing, performing, and realizing how much of her life was spent trying to meet expectations instead of understanding herself. We also side quest into how perimenopause played a part in her f***ing journey, how symptoms can intensify in your 40s, the mess of getting dismissed by doctors, and the mind-bending realization that she’s been advocating for the autism community for years without knowing she was part of it too. If you’re late diagnosed, questioning, burnt out from performing, or you’ve ever thought “why does this feel harder for me than everyone else,” you’re not alone. Michelle is learning out loud in this conversation without trying to step into the role of being a voice for the AuDHD community. She is open to input, resources, and feedback as she finds her footing to explore advocacy. Resources and stories welcome at podcast@useyourfear.com (mailto:podcast@useyourfear.com) useyourfear.com (http://useyourfear.com)
30 Nov 2025
UYF Episode 14: Part 2: Turning Fear Into (Autism) Advocacy
Part 2: Turning Fear Into (Autism) Advocacy In Part 2 of Turning Fear Into (Autism) Advocacy, Meredith Williams returns to share the next chapter of her journey — one that took her all the way to the Texas Capitol to speak directly with legislators about House Bill 6 (HB 6) and the rights of students with disabilities. Meredith opens up about: What it was really like walking into the Capitol to advocate for her son How she found the courage to speak to lawmakers face-to-face Why HB 6 matters for families and students with disabilities The advice every parent should hear after receiving an autism diagnosis The resources she wishes she had known about sooner And what she would do differently if she could go back (including getting a medical diagnosis earlier) This episode is for any parent navigating fear, any educator who wants to do better, and anyone committed to making schools safer and more supportive for neurodivergent kids. 💙 If you're a parent, caregiver, educator, or advocate — this conversation is for you. 👇 RESOURCES MENTIONED https://www.autismspeaks.org (https://www.autismspeaks.org) https://www.easterseals.com (https://www.easterseals.com) https://www.texasautismsociety.org (https://www.texasautismsociety.org) https://autismsociety.org (https://autismsociety.org) https://disabilityrightstx.org/en/home/ (https://disabilityrightstx.org/en/home/) https://www.templegrandin.com (https://www.templegrandin.com) 🔔 Subscribe for more stories about turning fear into power, purpose, and community. 🎧 Listen now or watch on YouTube 💛 Support us on Patreon 🌐 Visit useyourfear.com (http://useyourfear.com) 📲 Follow us on Instagram, Facebook & more #AutismAdvocacy #HouseBill6 #UseYourFearPodcast #AutismAwareness #Neurodiversity #TexasLegislature #ParentingJourney #AdvocacyMatters #DisabilityRights #AutismResources #SpecialEducation #ParentingThroughFear
9 Nov 2025
Turning Fear into Advocacy - Part 1
What happens when a mother’s fear becomes her fuel? 💙 In Part 1 of Turning Fear Into (Autism) Advocacy, we talk with Meredith — a mom who went from navigating her son’s autism and epilepsy diagnoses to standing up for change at the state level. Meredith opens up about: • The early fears after hearing her son’s diagnosis • The struggle of getting only 25 days of therapy a year • Facing “mom guilt” after learning he also had epilepsy • And how one painful school incident pushed her to become an advocate for kids like her son. 🎧 Tune in to hear how she found her voice — and how fear became the driving force behind her advocacy. 💛 Support us on Patreon 🌐 Visit useyourfear.com (http://useyourfear.com) 📲 Follow us on Instagram, Facebook & more Part 2 continues their journey to the Texas State Capitol 🏛️ #UseYourFearPodcast #AutismAcceptance #Neurodiversity #ParentingThroughFear #MomAdvocate #AutismAwareness #EpilepsyAwareness #AdvocacyMatters #PodcastCommunity
20 Oct 2025
The Texas Tasty Doctor Is In: Creativity, Courage & Care with Dr. Owais Durrani
UYF Episode 12: The Texas Tasty Doctor Is In: Creativity, Courage & Care with Dr. Owais Durrani From building a viral food brand in college to saving lives in the ER — Dr. Owais Durrani’s story is one of creativity, balance, and purpose. We talk about how he created Texas Tasty as a student, grew it into a statewide food and culture platform, and later used those storytelling skills to build a trusted medical presence online. He shares how he managed med school and residency (with help from his brother), his passion for inspiring kids through STEM education on KPRC, and how he’s working to fight misinformation in healthcare. Owais also breaks down the reality of AI in medicine, why the U.S. lacks a national patient database, and how that disconnect affects care from doctor to doctor. Plus, he sheds light on the growing specialist shortage — and how Medicare and Medicaid cuts could make it worse. 🎧 Listen now or watch on YouTube 💛 Support us on Patreon 🌐 Visit useyourfear.com (http://useyourfear.com) 📲 Follow us on Instagram, Facebook & more LINKS FROM EPISODE: Texas Tasty https://www.thetexastasty.com (https://www.thetexastasty.com) Texas Tasty Instagram https://www.instagram.com/texastasty?igsh=MWdyZDI3M2FkbTh4Zw== (https://www.instagram.com/texastasty?igsh=MWdyZDI3M2FkbTh4Zw==) Dr Owais Durani Medical Instagram https://www.instagram.com/acedurrani?igsh=MWhqczU1dnNjYWR1aw== (https://www.instagram.com/acedurrani?igsh=MWhqczU1dnNjYWR1aw==) Dr Owais Linktree https://linktr.ee/owaisdurrani?utm_source=linktree_profile_share (https://linktr.ee/owaisdurrani?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=f05f71e4-8722-426e-bd39-81f40b07aba6) KG BBQ - Austin (https://linktr.ee/owaisdurrani?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=f05f71e4-8722-426e-bd39-81f40b07aba6)https://www.kgbbq.com (https://www.kgbbq.com) Troy Aikman - Eight Beer https://eightbeer.com/pages/our-story (https://eightbeer.com/pages/our-story) Alex Bregman - Wild Sol https://wildsol.co/pages/about?srsltid=AfmBOopNG_kisHXF3qV_eMFNdO2RIN_5Ndc-vLfrFRWXWoMFZZpr6YnD (https://wildsol.co/pages/about?srsltid=AfmBOopNG_kisHXF3qV_eMFNdO2RIN_5Ndc-vLfrFRWXWoMFZZpr6YnD) Bun B - Trill Burgers https://www.trill-burgers.com (https://www.trill-burgers.com) Gary Vaynerchuk https://www.instagram.com/garyvee?igsh=MWZ6d25pMXF2YjYzeA== (https://www.instagram.com/garyvee?igsh=MWZ6d25pMXF2YjYzeA==) KPRC STEM City https://www.click2houston.com/topic/Stem_City/ (https://www.click2houston.com/topic/Stem_City/) PBS https://www.pbs.org (https://www.pbs.org) American College of Emergency Medicine https://www.acep.org (https://www.acep.org) American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologist https://www.acog.org (https://www.acog.org) Open Evidence https://www.openevidence.com (https://www.openevidence.com)
7 Oct 2025
UYF: Side Quest 1: The Art of Doing Too Much
UYF: Side Quest 1: The Art of Doing Too Much Life has been lifing, and your favorite fear explorers have been caught in the crossfire of busy schedules, creative overload, and trying to do all the things. In this mini “Side Quest,” Michelle and Whitney get real about what’s been going on behind the scenes, why it’s been hard to keep up, and how they’re learning to slow down without giving up. We’re shifting gears to a bi-monthly release schedule — not because the fear is gone, but because we want to bring you our best, not our burnout. Join us for a quick, honest catch-up on balance, boundaries, and what’s next for Use Your Fear.
28 Sept 2025
UYF Episode 11: Am I Doing Enough? Fear, Joy, and Justice with DJ Rosez
UYF Episode 011: Am I Doing Enough? Fear, Joy, and Justice with DJ Rosez Join us on Use Your Fear as we sit down with DJ Rosez, a Houston-based queer Latina DJ whose music is a heartfelt celebration of identity, joy, and resistance. What began as a creative escape during the COVID-19 pandemic blossomed into a mission: using “Latin vibes” to uplift queer and immigrant communities and carve out spaces where everyone feels seen and safe. In this episode, Rosez gets real about the fear of “not doing enough,” how it shows up in her advocacy and rest, and the challenges of carrying responsibility without burning out. She shares how she harnesses that fear to grow, while also recognizing when to pause, protect her peace, and lean into the joy that sustains her purpose. Throughout the conversation, you'll hear how activism isn’t separate from her art—but woven through every set, every event, every moment she spends representing marginalized communities. From her milestone of performing at Pride Houston to her mission of “creating safe spaces for queer women,” Rosez lives at the intersection of visibility, joy, and justice. If you’ve ever felt the weight of visibility, questioned whether you’re doing enough, or wondered how you can make a difference without burning out—this conversation will remind you that impact isn't about doing it all—it’s about showing up with authenticity, courage, and love. 📺 Watch on Youtube 🎧 Listen on any major podcast platform 💛 Support us on Patreon 🌐 Visit useyourfear.com (http://useyourfear.com) 📲 Follow us on Instagram, Facebook & more
24 Aug 2025
UYF Episode 010: Part 2: The Warrior’s Voice: Fear, Identity & Transitioning in Texas
“The Warrior’s Voice: Living Authentically Through Fear” In Part Two of our conversation with Kris (they/them), we move from the early stages of self-discovery into the realities of life after transition has begun. Kris opens up about the challenges they face today—daily dysphoria, the complexities of binding, and the constant hyper-awareness required to navigate safety as a nonbinary person living in Texas. While cutting their hair once felt like the scariest step toward authenticity, now the fears look different: being visible in a world where visibility can mean danger, advocating for top surgery, and carrying the weight of both joy and risk in living openly. Through honest reflection, Kris shares how community support has been both a lifeline and a reminder that courage doesn’t mean the absence of fear—it means showing up despite it. Their story is both deeply personal and universally human, a call to empathy and compassion for anyone who has ever felt unseen or unsafe. ✨ This episode holds space for: The ongoing challenges of living authentically in Texas How dysphoria and safety shape daily life The emotional process of preparing for top surgery Advice for anyone afraid to be seen, ask for help, or step fully into themselves Kris’s journey is a reminder that trans people are not defined by fear, but by resilience, love, and the right to live fully as themselves. 📺 Watch episodes on YouTube 💛 Support us on Patreon 🌐 Visit useyourfear.com (http://useyourfear.com) 📲 Follow us on Instagram, TikTok & more 📬 Want to share your story? Reach out — we’d love to hear from you. #UseYourFear #TransJourneys #TransIsBeautiful #NonbinaryVoices #Authenticity #FearAndCourage #LGBTQStories
17 Aug 2025
The Warrior’s Voice: Fear, Identity & Transitioning in Texas - Part 1
Episode 9: The Warrior’s Voice: Fear, Identity & Transitioning in Texas - Part 1 In Part One of our two-part conversation, we sit down with Kris (they/them) to explore the earliest chapters of their journey toward living authentically. Kris opens up about childhood, family dynamics, and the deep inner knowing that their gender identity didn’t align with what the world expected. While beginning testosterone was an important step in their transition, Kris shares how the bigger fear was letting go of the outward persona they had built—cutting off their long hair and releasing the feminine, lesbian identity they once used as a shield. That moment of fear became one of the most courageous decisions of their life, allowing them to step into their true self. Together, we talk about the shifting layers of identity, how fear shows up at different stages of transition, and the importance of community support. Kris also shares two painful experiences of being singled out simply for being trans, moments that remind us why visibility and empathy matter so deeply. ✨ This episode holds space for: Childhood reflections and early signs of gender identity Why cutting their hair felt scarier than starting testosterone What fear looks like before, during, and after transition Stories of both support and transphobia—and the resilience it takes to keep going Kris’s story is filled with bravery, honesty, and heart. It’s a reminder that behind every label is simply a person—wanting to live, love, and be seen for who they truly are. 📺 Watch episodes on YouTube 💛 Support us on Patreon 🌐 Visit useyourfear.com (http://useyourfear.com) 📲 Follow us on Instagram, Facebook & more 📬 Want to share your story? Reach out — we’d love to hear from you. #UseYourFear #TransJourneys #TransIsBeautiful #NonbinaryVoices #PodcastCommunity #Authenticity #FearAndCourage #LGBTQStories
10 Aug 2025
Episode 008: When Your Body Says Stop: Chris’s Story of a Health Scare and Healing
When Your Body Says Stop: Chris’s Story of a Health Scare and Healing What happens when your body forces you to slow down—whether you’re ready or not? In this episode of Use Your Fear, Michelle and Whitney sit down with Chris to talk about the day everything changed: a sudden health scare that left him in the back of an ambulance, confronting fears of losing control, public vulnerability, and the unknown road to recovery. Chris shares the moment he realized something was wrong, the emotional weight of being seen at his most fragile, and how pride, masculinity, and aging all intersected in that instant. He opens up about navigating doctors, lifestyle changes, and the fear of recurrence—plus how hiking and reconnecting with nature have helped him heal both body and mind. This is a conversation about listening when your body says “enough,” finding gratitude in the aftermath, and using fear not as a barrier, but as a guide toward a healthier, more intentional life. 🎧 Listen now and reflect on your own relationship with your body—because sometimes fear is the nudge we need to start living differently. 📺 Watch episodes on YouTube 💛 Support us on Patreon 🌐 Visit useyourfear.com (http://useyourfear.com) 📲 Follow us on Instagram, TikTok & more 📬 Want to share your story? Reach out — we’d love to hear from you. #UseYourFear #HealthScare #TIARecovery #FearAsMotivation #HealingJourney #Podcast #Vulnerability #MenAndHealth #PublicVulnerability #MindBodyConnection #NatureHealing
3 Aug 2025
UYF Episode 007 – “When Staying Meant Losing Myself: Sarah’s Divorce Story”
🎙️ Use Your Fear with Hosts Michelle & Whitney What happens when the fear of staying in a marriage becomes louder than the fear of leaving it? In this deeply vulnerable episode, we sit down with Sarah, a mother who made the life-altering decision to end her marriage in order to reclaim herself and protect her son’s future. From the outside, her life looked picture-perfect — but behind closed doors, Sarah was silently unraveling. She takes us through the guilt, self-doubt, and fear of judgment that nearly kept her stuck, and the powerful moment she realized that breaking the family might actually be what saved it. We explore the emotional fallout, the messy middle of divorce, and the quiet victories of rebuilding a new life from the ground up. Sarah shares how fear still shows up, but no longer controls her — and how choosing truth over comfort taught her more about strength than staying ever could. Whether you’re in the middle of a hard decision or living with quiet fear, this conversation will remind you that sometimes the bravest thing you can do is choose yourself. 📺 Watch episodes on YouTube 💛 Support us on Patreon 🌐 Visit useyourfear.com (http://useyourfear.com) 📲 Follow us on Instagram, TikTok & more 📬 Want to share your story? Reach out — we’d love to hear from you. #UseYourFear #DivorceStory #FearOfFailure #SingleParentLife #ChoosingYourself #MentalHealthMatters #RebuildingAfterDivorce #DivorceHealing #WomenAndFear #PodcastForWomen #EmotionalGrowth #BreakTheStigma #ADHDAndFear #StorytellingPodcast #FearAsFuel
27 Jul 2025
UYF Episode 006: The Fear We Wear - The Fear of Not Being Enough – and Learning to Trust Yourself
This week on Use Your Fear, we continue The Fear We Wear series by sitting down with Adriel Thurston — an artist, creative, and deep feeler who grew up believing they were never quite enough. Not smart enough. Not lovable enough. Not anything enough. We talk about where that belief came from, how it shaped their identity, and what it takes to begin unlearning the voice that says you have to prove your worth. Adriel shares openly about growing up under the weight of invisible expectations, the stories they told themselves to survive, and how they slowly began choosing self-trust and gentleness over perfectionism. This episode is full of raw truth and reflection — and by the end, it turned into an unexpected therapy session for Michelle. If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and doubted your worth, this one’s for you. 📖 Boundaries - Dr. Henry Cloud & Dr. John Townsend 📖 The Four Agreements - Miguel Ruiz 📖 How to Stop the Pain - Dr. James B Richards 📖 The Good Enough Job - Simone Solzoff 📖 Buy Yourself the F*ing Lillies - Tara Schuster 📺 Watch on YouTube 💛 Support us on Patreon 🌐 Visit useyourfear.com (http://useyourfear.com) 📲 Follow us on Instagram, TikTok & more 📬 Want to share your story? Reach out — we’d love to hear from you.
20 Jul 2025
UYF Episode 005 - The Fear We Wear - The Fear of Being Found Out
The Fear of Being Found Out: Imposter Syndrome | The Fear We Wear Series | Use Your Fear Podcast Imposter syndrome is a fear that lurks in the shadows of success. It’s that quiet voice that says, “You don’t belong here,” even when all signs point to the opposite. In this episode — the first in our new mini-series The Fear We Wear — we’re joined by our very first guest, Rachel. Rachel opens up about what it’s like to live with the constant fear of being found out. From the earliest moments of self-doubt to the energy it takes to perform worthiness, this is a raw and honest look at the emotional weight of imposter syndrome — and what it means to finally reclaim the truth of your brilliance. 🎧 Hosted by Michelle & Whitney ✨ Subscribe for more episodes exploring the fears we rarely name — and how we can start using them. 🖤 Share your story with us on Instagram @useyourfear 💬 Join the conversation and bonus content via Patreon 🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications 📺 Watch our episodes on Youtube @useyourfearpodcast #UseYourFear #ImposterSyndrome #TheFearWeWear #PodcastInterview #SelfDoubt #YouBelongHere
13 Jul 2025
UYF Episode 004 - Am I Enough? Falling Short and Letting Go
🎙️ FINAL EPISODE of Am I Enough?: Falling Short & Letting Go ✨ Real growth starts when we stop pretending we’re not afraid. In this final chapter of our Am I Enough? series, we’re sitting with the ache of what didn’t happen—friendships that faded, expectations we couldn’t meet, and dreams that didn’t unfold the way we hoped. But this isn’t a story of failure. It’s a story of evolution. We’re talking grief, growth, and redefining success from the inside out. 💬 “You’re not broken if you’ve lost people along the way.” 💬 “What if staying—with yourself—is a win, too?” Thank you for walking with us through the raw beginnings of this podcast. You’ve heard our questions, our fears, and our failures. And now, we’re just getting started. 🖤 Next up: our new series, The Fear We Wear. New voices. Deeper fears. Bigger truths. 🎧 Final episode is live now — link in bio / in your feed. 📩 DM us with the fears you’re ready to talk about. #UseYourFear #AmIEnough #PodcastFinale #FriendshipBreakups #RedefiningSuccess #FearIsFuel #EmbraceTheMess #GriefAndGrowth #StillHereStillTrying
6 Jul 2025
UYF Episode 003 - Am I Enough? Running on Empty: Burnout, Sobriety, and being 'too much'
Hosts Michelle and Whitney explore burnout from overdoing and the fear of being too much, sharing stories of recovery and choosing rest over self-sacrifice.
29 Jun 2025
Episode 002 - Am I Enough? When Validation Becomes Survival: Imposter Syndrome, Rejection, and Codependency
Hosts Michelle and Whitney explore how imposter syndrome, rejection, and codependency distort self-worth, examining the pressure to prove value and the fear of being exposed as a fraud.
22 Jun 2025
Episode 001 - Am I Enough? Wanting to Make a Difference - and Doubting Ourselves
Hosts Michelle and Whitney explore the pervasive fear of inadequacy, sharing personal stories and reflections to help listeners transform their relationship with self-doubt in this episode.
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Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
- YouTube views
- 576
- Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Podcast Authority Score: 33 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
- Quality
- 39
- Social presence
- 0
- YouTube
- 66
- Engagement
- 0
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