In this powerful episode, Mike welcomes back Laura G. Patac—author, storyteller, and transformation strategist—to explore the ideas behind her latest book, Whole, Not Perfect. Through honest conversation and deep insights, Laura reveals why reinvention isn't a destination but a lived journey shaped by every experience, every pivot, and every scar earned along the way.
Together, Mike and Laura unpack the beauty of our personal origin stories and the quiet, unseen moments that shape who we become. Laura invites listeners to look beyond the myth of perfection and instead embrace the raw, unfiltered truth of their lives as a source of strength. From learning through failure and success to rediscovering the parts of ourselves we've left behind, this episode shows how clarity emerges when we honor our values, talents, and lived experiences.
With warmth and humor, Mike and Laura revisit some memorable moments from a previous episode, including Mike's failed attempt to write his daily reminder on a sticky note, which sparks a candid reflection that meaningful change starts with small, but sometimes imperfect, steps. He now has the note written on his bathroom mirror: "What is the story YOU want to write TODAY?"
If you're ready to reclaim your story, rediscover your strengths, and step boldly into the best version of yourself, this episode is your invitation.
IN THIS EPISODE:
📖✨ Embracing Your Story: How Every Experience Shapes Your Unique Journey
💪🎯 Strengths in Action: Aligning Your Talents with Real-Life Impact
🔄🚀 Pivot, Don't Fail: Turning Setbacks into Forward Momentum
🌟💡 Intentional Growth: Transforming Your Aspirations into Daily Action
📘 BONUS TAKEAWAY:
Your story isn't something you wait to discover; it's something you actively write every day. Even the smallest, simplest habits can become catalysts for profound change when practiced with intention.
🚀 PERFECT FOR:
Those navigating life transitions, rebuilding confidence after setbacks, or rediscovering the strengths they've forgotten. If you're seeking clarity, courage, and a deeper connection to your authentic self, this episode will feel like a guidebook, a mirror, and a gentle push forward.
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
FREE BOOK: "Stories with Purpose"
NEW BOOK: "Whole, Not Perfect" is only $0.99 on Kindle from Nov 26–30! Don't miss this Amazon Countdown Deal, perfect for Thanksgiving gratitude gifting.
Limitless: Upgrade Your Brain, Learn Anything Faster, and Unlock Your Exceptional Life
Steven Bartlett's Diary of a CEO Podcast
Connect with Laura:
Connect with Mike:
SPONSORS:
Social Chameleon | Transform Your Podcast
AFFILIATES:
Libsyn: First Month FREE with Promo Code BEGREAT
Riverside | This interview was recorded on Riverside
Want to become a show sponsor or affiliate? Email mike@socialchameleon.us
Copyright © 2025 Mike'D Up! with Mike DiCioccio | For permission to use this content in any way, please email mike@socialchameleon.us
Popular Podcasts
Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang
Ding dong! Join your culture consultants, Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang, on an unforgettable journey into the beating heart of CULTURE. Alongside sizzling special guests, they GET INTO the hottest pop-culture moments of the day and the formative cultural experiences that turned them into Culturistas. Produced by the Big Money Players Network and iHeartRadio.
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
The Brothers Ortiz
The Brothers Ortiz is the story of two brothers–both successful, but in very different ways. Gabe Ortiz becomes a third-highest ranking officer in all of Texas while his younger brother Larry climbs the ranks in Puro Tango Blast, a notorious Texas Prison gang. Gabe doesn’t know all the details of his brother’s nefarious dealings, and he’s made a point not to ask, to protect their relationship. But when Larry is murdered during a home invasion in a rented beach house, Gabe has no choice but to look into what happened that night. To solve Larry’s murder, Gabe, and the whole Ortiz family, must ask each other tough questions.