Season 2, Episode 9: From Stress to Strategy: How Michele Holiday Turns Burnout into Breakthrough

Do you ever feel like you're called to more—but the system you're working in leaves you burned out, boxed in, or tempted to quit?

You’re not alone. Whether you're navigating the demands of a classroom, a client roster, or a leadership role, the tension between serving well and staying well is real.

In this episode, Michele Holiday—founder of Feed Their Needs Now—offers a refreshing perspective.

Her work equips educators to reduce stress, manage behavior with compassion, and communicate with integrity—all without compromising their values.

And while her focus is on education, the insights she shares apply to anyone who’s tired of marketing, leading, or living in a way that doesn’t align with their faith.

You’ll hear how she balances covert Kingdom principles with practical strategies, how she shows up on platforms like YouTube without giving into hype, and what it means to lead quietly yet powerfully in spaces where faith isn’t always welcome.

This conversation is for anyone who is ready to move from survival mode to strategic, Spirit-led alignment.

What You'll Learn in This Episode

• Why behavior issues often have nothing to do with defiance—and everything to do with unmet needs

• How to reframe your role as a communicator, especially when you’re facing burnout

• Real examples of integrating faith-driven principles without being overt

• The marketing language Michele avoids—and what she uses instead

• A practical approach to recognizing Holy Spirit’s voice in your everyday work

Key Moments and Timestamps

⏳0:03:12 – The turning point that reshaped Michele’s career and mission

⏳ 0:08:53 – What it means to truly “feed their needs” in any leadership role

⏳ 0:14:23 – Stepping into visibility on YouTube as an act of obedience

⏳ 0:16:37 – Walking away from manipulative marketing tactics

⏳0:25:22 – Trusting that first thought from Holy Spirit

⏳0:30:05 – Why your disruptive message is worth holding onto

Notable Quotes from Michele and Joy

“All misbehavior comes from an unmet need… as I began to feed it, the behavior began to decrease.” — Michele Holiday

“I wanted to make sure what I was promising was true… I had to really consider my wording, my cadence, my hook.” — Michele Holiday

“If God is in me and I am in Him, and I know that He speaks, then I have to start out with the faith that He'll do it.” — Michele Holiday

“Sometimes you're going to get pushback on your message, especially if it's disruptive… But if God has called you to it, trust it, stand fast.” — Michele Holiday

“Stop leaving God in the parking lot of your lives.” — Michele Holiday

“It’s not a Ron Popeil commercial. It’s not a set it and forget it… it’s a continual process we have to walk through.” — Joy Capps

“The beautiful thing is… what we're describing is a full integration into everything, right? And in a true relationship, and that is the game changer.” — Joy Capps

“The key is to be intentional and consistent. Just like working out a muscle… you have to do what you can to be consistent and intentional.” — Joy Capps

Resources Mentioned

🌐 Michele’s Website: Feed Their Needs Now

💬 Connect with Michele on YouTube, .css-j9qmi7{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;font-weight:700;margin-bottom:1rem;margin-top:2.8rem;width:100%;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:start;justify-content:start;padding-left:5rem;}@media only screen and (max-width: 599px){.css-j9qmi7{padding-left:0;-webkit-box-pack:center;-ms-flex-pack:center;-webkit-justify-content:center;justify-content:center;}}.css-j9qmi7 svg{fill:#27292D;}.css-j9qmi7 .eagfbvw0{-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;color:#27292D;}