Social Media Decoded

Host: Michelle Thames
Episode: Last-Minute Visibility Pep Talk Before You Hit “Go Live”
Date: December 12, 2025

Episode Overview

In this concise, motivational episode, Michelle Thames delivers an energizing pep talk meant to empower entrepreneurs, creators, and brands as they prepare to “go live,” post content, or step into any new opportunity for visibility. The episode focuses on overcoming last-minute nerves, embracing authenticity, and dispelling overthinking in favor of courageous action—reminding listeners that visibility is not about perfection, but about presence and connection.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Realities of Visibility (01:29 – 03:10)

• Acknowledge the nerves: Michelle opens by validating the anxiety that comes before stepping into the spotlight:

  “If your heart is beating a little fast today, if your mind is running through every what if... that means you are exactly where you're supposed to be.” (Michelle Thames, 01:39)

• You are not behind:

  “You are becoming. Visibility is not about perfection. It's about courage, clarity and connection.” (Michelle Thames, 01:48)

• No need for perfect tools:

  “You don't need another strategy, another camera, another script, a new microphone, another week to prepare. You just need permission. And that permission is coming from you.” (Michelle Thames, 02:09)

2. Micro-Decisions Build Visibility (03:10 – 03:50)

• Small choices matter: Michelle encourages listeners to focus on consistent, authentic micro-decisions:
  • “Visibility isn’t built in a moment. It’s built in the micro decisions you make.”
  • Examples of these are showing up, talking about what matters, leading with honesty, and letting people see the real you.
• Your message matters:

  “You have a message. You have a mission. You have a story people care about. And somebody is waiting on your voice today.” (Michelle Thames, 03:25)

3. Community Building Through Leadership (03:50 – 04:25)

• Show up, even if you’re nervous:

  “You don't build community by hiding. You build community by leading. When you go live, when you teach, when you share your truth, when you show your face, even when it shakes, people feel that.” (Michelle Thames, 03:51)

• The importance of connection over content:

  “Because it's not just content, it's connection. It's you choosing to lead in a session where most people choose to shrink.” (Michelle Thames, 04:11)

4. Overcoming Overthinking (04:25 – 04:50)

• Michelle’s #1 observation after working with 100+ brands:

  “The biggest visibility block I've seen across a hundred plus brands: overthinking. Overthinking content. Overthinking the caption. Overthinking the audience size. Overthinking the outcome.” (Michelle Thames, 04:29)

• Redefining impact:

  “Your impact is not measured by numbers. Your impact is measured by one person who says, wow, I needed that today. Show up for that person. Show up for you.” (Michelle Thames, 04:42)

5. Actionable Final Pep Talk (04:50 – 05:17)

• Preparation ritual:

  “All right, take a breath. Roll your shoulders back. Strengthen your crown. You are ready.” (Michelle Thames, 04:51)

• Immediate call to action:

  • If it’s before noon CST, listeners are invited to Michelle’s live Personal Brand webinar that promises to shift their entire visibility plan for the coming year.
  • Replay and bonus “book bundle” are available for later listeners.

• VIP opportunity:

  “If today's pep talk lit something up inside, come work with me for a VIP visibility day. We build your entire 2026 plan in one day.” (Michelle Thames, 05:09)

• Empowering closer:

  “You've got this. Now go be visible. I'll see you at the webinar and I'll talk to you in the next one. Peace.” (Michelle Thames, 05:15)

Notable Quotes

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote | |-----------|------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 01:39 | Michelle Thames | “If your heart is beating a little fast today, if your mind is running through every ‘what if,’ if you're wondering whether people will show up, engage or care, that means you are exactly where you're supposed to be.” | | 01:48 | Michelle Thames | “You are not behind, you are becoming. Visibility is not about perfection. It's about courage, clarity and connection.” | | 02:09 | Michelle Thames | “You don't need another strategy, another camera, another script, a new microphone, another week to prepare. You just need permission. And that permission is coming from you.” | | 03:25 | Michelle Thames | “You have a message. You have a mission. You have a story people care about. And somebody is waiting on your voice today.” | | 03:51 | Michelle Thames | “You don't build community by hiding. You build community by leading. When you go live, when you teach, when you share your truth, when you show your face, even when it shakes, people feel that.” | | 04:29 | Michelle Thames | “The biggest visibility block I've seen across a hundred plus brands: overthinking.” | | 04:42 | Michelle Thames | “Your impact is not measured by numbers. Your impact is measured by one person who says, ‘wow, I needed that today.’ Show up for that person. Show up for you.” | | 04:51 | Michelle Thames | “All right, take a breath. Roll your shoulders back. Strengthen your crown. You are ready.” |

Important Timestamps

• [01:29] – Pep talk begins: Validating visibility nerves
• [02:09] – The myth of needing more gear/strategy
• [03:10] – Micro-decisions and authenticity
• [03:51] – Showing up builds community
• [04:29] – Overthinking visibility blocks
• [04:42] – Impact is about helping just one person
• [04:51] – Closing pep talk and call to action

Episode Tone

Throughout the episode, Michelle Thames is direct, warm, and energizing. Her language is supportive and empowering, focusing on authenticity, personal leadership, and actionable encouragement rather than unattainable perfection.

Takeaways for Listeners

• Embrace your nerves: They’re a sign you’re on the right path.
• Perfection isn’t required: Just show up as yourself, consistently.
• Visibility happens in small daily actions—not just big moments.
• Lead by example: Your courage inspires others far more than carefully crafted perfection.
• Don’t measure your impact by numbers: If you help even one person, you’ve made a difference.
• Overthinking blocks growth. Trust yourself and move forward.
• Take action now: Whether it’s joining a live event, watching a replay, or working one-on-one, your next level of visibility is a decision away.

For anyone looking for a last-minute boost of confidence before hitting “go live” or stepping up their online presence, this episode is a must-listen. Michelle delivers a concise, actionable, and heartfelt push that will leave listeners ready to show up for themselves—and their audiences.