Fan Mail: Tell Wendy how you're saying yes to yourself!
Dr. Michelle Machado spent two decades as a high-achieving medical educator, moving continents with her young daughters, until one night at the height of the pandemic she hit a breaking point. That night became the start of what she calls an awakening, and eventually her book, Alive Again: Four Steps to Reclaim Your Life in a Distracted World. Wendy and Michelle talk about what it takes to stop running on empty, why they both guard their early-morning practice, and what our kids learn from watching us take care of ourselves.
In this episode, they discuss:
- How Michelle defines disconnection, the gap between who we are on the outside and what we feel on the inside, and how constant distraction widens it without our noticing
- The non-negotiable morning practice that kept her grounded, even on the day she was rear-ended on the way to the airport
- How to start a morning practice when you’re “not a morning person,” and why Michelle says we’re all choice people
If you’ve achieved what you set out to and still feel empty, this conversation is a good place to start.
Connect with Dr. Michelle Machado:
Website: michelledmachado.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michelledmachado
Instagram: instagram.com/drmichellemachado
Get her book, Alive Again: Four Steps to Reclaim Your Life in a Distracted World: amazon.com/Alive-Again-Reclaim-Yourself-Distracted/dp/1637635869?syty-20
Her TedTalk, The One Skill AI Can't Replace: youtu.be/u22aO4Ugtgw?si=Q5bcA6AzKjufcFbm
Referenced in this Episode:
Stories, Sourcing & Styling at Château de Brives: Join Wendy Harrop and Sarah & George Haslett for an intimate French antique experience at Château de Brives, November 17–23, 2026. Spend six nights at the château, source alongside the experts at local brocantes and Bordeaux’s renowned Quinconces Antique Show, cook and gather around the table, and experience France through the lens of the collector. Limited to just six guests.
→ Learn more and reserve your place: wendy-harrop.com/experiences-cart/p/antique-experience-france
A French Christmas with Chef Eric Duvin: Join Wendy Harrop and Chef Eric Duvin for an intimate French Christmas culinary experience, December 4–11, 2026. Cook alongside Chef Eric at The Walnut Grove Cookery School, explore Brittany at Christmastime, and enjoy three fabulous nights in Paris filled with incredible meals and chef-led culinary experiences. Limited to just six guests.
→ Learn more and reserve your place: thewalnutgrove.fr/christmas-in-france-experience
A Course in Miracles Links:
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/acim-remind/id737568020
https://www.amazon.com/Course-Miracles-Combined-Quality/dp/1883360242?tag=syty-20
marianne.com/acim/
Atomic Habits by James Clear: amazon.com/Atomic-Habits-Proven-Build-Break/dp/0735211299?tag=syty-20
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Website: Phineas Wright House
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