Get the new book NINE DAYS HERE!


In a gripping episode of the "Wake Up or Die" podcast, host Ashley Jackson sits down with Michelle Renee, a remarkable survivor and author of the captivating book "Nine Days." Michelle shares her harrowing story of being kidnapped, held hostage, and forced to rob a bank, which becomes the catalyst for a transformative journey of healing and self-discovery. With a narrative style reminiscent of a suspenseful movie, Michelle's story unfolds, intertwining past traumas with present and future experiences.
The book's genesis is equally as intriguing. Michelle stumbles upon old mini DVD tapes of a road trip to Alaska, coinciding with a letter from one of her kidnappers in prison. This synchronicity compels her to tell her story from the road trip's perspective, adding another layer of depth and meaning to her remarkable transformation.
Throughout the podcast, Michelle explores themes of conscious death, overcoming fear, and embracing personal growth. She emphasizes the importance of not remaining stuck in victim mode and instead choosing a path of recovery that allows individuals to see the possibilities for their future.
Michelle's healing journey serves as a beacon of hope for others. She shares the methods that helped her, including finding a trusted therapist, using art therapy to express emotions, and releasing trauma from the body. Additionally, Michelle's establishment of the Verb Media Group and her "Soul Wide Open Community" reflect her passion for storytelling and helping others reconnect with their true selves.
Listeners are left inspired by Michelle's resilience and encouraged to live with their souls wide open, no matter what they have survived. With her book "Nine Days" available on Amazon, readers can delve deeper into her extraordinary story. The episode concludes with Ashley inviting listeners to explore other thought-provoking episodes of the "Wake Up or Die" podcast.
Prepare to be captivated by Michelle Renee's story of survival, healing, and personal transformation in this intriguing episode of "Wake Up or Die."




Host: Ashley Jackson
Guest: Michelle Renee
Michelle's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_michellerenee_/

Episode Duration: 27 minutes and 40 seconds
Release Date: Wednesday, June 14, 2023, at 1:38 PM

[0:00] Host Introduction:
Ashley introduces Michelle Renee, a special guest on the "Wake Up or Die" podcast. Michelle is a survivor of a traumatic childhood and a former vice president of a bank who was held at gunpoint. They discuss Michelle's incredible story and her recently published book, "Nine Days."
[0:29] Guest Introduction:
Ashley welcomes Michelle to the podcast and expresses her excitement about Michelle's new book.
[0:45] Michelle's Story and the Book:
Michelle shares that "Nine Days" takes readers on her journey after being kidnapped, held hostage, and forced to rob a bank. She highlights how this traumatic event brought up unresolved issues from her childhood and how she embarked on a healing road trip to Alaska to reunite with her daughter. Michelle believes the trip and subsequent experiences shaped her remarkable transformation.
[2:16] Narrative Style of the Book:
Ashley praises the book's storytelling style, describing it as a movie that unfolds in segments, connecting past trauma with present and future experiences.
[2:45] Writing the Book:
Michelle explains that she stumbled upon old mini DVD tapes of her trip to Alaska while searching for something else in her storage. Watching those tapes inspired her to write the book, realizing it was meant to be told from the road trip's perspective. Michelle describes the synchronicity of finding the tapes around the same time she received a letter from one of the kidnappers in prison, leading her to share the story in this way.
[4:39] Challenging Process and Conscious Death:
Michelle discusses the challenging process of writing the book and the importance of conscious death. She shares how she used art therapy to express her emotions and the significance of allowing the old self to die in order to embrace personal transformation.
[6:40] Being Terrified and Taking Action:
Ashley and Michelle discuss the concept of being terrified but taking action despite fear. Michelle shares her experience of being terrified during her road trip to Alaska but trusting her inner calling and choosing to move forward.
[8:05] The Timeline of Events:
Michelle mentions that the actual incident occurred almost 22 years ago, but her story continues to unfold. She talks about the ongoing developments related to the case and her upcoming visit to San Quentin State Maximum Security Prison.
[10:37] Shifting from Victim Mode:
Michelle emphasizes the importance of not remaining stuck in victim mode. While acknowledging the trauma and victimization, she encourages individuals to choose a path of recovery that doesn't perpetuate further damage and allows them to see the possibilities for their future.
[13:42] Healing Methods and Getting Trauma Out:
Michelle shares her healing journey, emphasizing the significance of finding a trusted therapist, using art therapy to express emotions, and finding physical outlets to release trauma from the body. She highlights the importance of getting trauma out of the system and not letting it fester.
[16:46] Verb Media Group and Storytelling:
Michelle discusses how her personal experiences led her to establish Verb Media Group, a video content creation agency. She expresses her passion for storytelling and capturing people's stories through videos, especially in the form of events and video podcast content.
[17:56] Soul Wide Open Community:
Michelle introduces her "Soul Wide Open Community" and its mission to help individuals live with their souls wide open. She discusses the community's offerings, such as a blog, upcoming courses, adventure
retreats, and coaching, to guide people in healing and reconnecting with joy and their true selves.
[21:22] Starting a New Routine:
Michelle advises individuals going through trauma to start a new routine. She suggests incorporating morning, afternoon, and evening rituals that remind them of their worth and their purpose. Michelle encourages journaling, meditation, and physical activities to rewire the brain and create positive momentum.
[24:00] Final Words of Encouragement:
Michelle encourages listeners to choose to live with their souls wide open, no matter what they have survived. She expresses her support and cheers on everyone who is on their healing journey.
[25:56] Book Availability and Contact Information:
Ashley highlights Michelle's book, "Nine Days," available on Amazon in both Kindle and paperback formats. She provides Michelle's contact information, including her website and social media profiles.
[26:25] Closing Remarks:
Ashley concludes the episode by thanking Michelle for being a guest and invites listeners to explore other episodes of the "Wake Up or Die" podcast.
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[End of Podcast]