Episode 150: Writing, Play, and the Power of Creative Connection with Michelle Ringle & Alyssa Jewell

Have you ever felt the quiet nudge to write something down, even if just for yourself?

In this heartwarming and deeply thoughtful episode, I sit down with two gifted educators and writers, Michelle Ringle and Alyssa Jewell, to explore the transformative power of creative writing. This conversation was one I truly looked forward to—and it didn’t disappoint. Michelle and Alyssa bring so much depth, honesty, and encouragement to the question so many of us carry: What might open up if we let ourselves write?

We cover so much ground: how writing can be a form of self-connection and healing, how creative practice doesn’t have to look like rigid daily routines, and how society’s productivity obsession often blocks our creative energy before we even begin. Whether you’ve been writing for years or feel creatively stuck, this one’s for you.

In this episode, we explore:

✨ Why writing is for everyone—not just “writers”
✨ How creative writing can help us heal grief, rage, and burnout
✨ What happens when we write with no agenda (and why that’s powerful)
✨ Why play is essential for adult women—and how Michelle created a whole Secret Society around it
✨ Bridging the gap between language learning and creative expression
✨ The real reasons many of us feel creatively blocked—and how to unblock
✨ The power of story to reconnect us with ourselves and others

Meet the Guests: Writers, Educators, & Creative Facilitators

Michelle Ringle is a mother, educator, adventure facilitator, and poet currently pursuing her MFA in Poetry at Western Michigan University. With over two decades of teaching experience, Michelle brings her trauma-informed, feminist lens to creative and educational spaces. She’s also the founder of the Secret Society of Ladies Uniquely Trying Stuff—a playful initiative encouraging women, especially mothers, to re-engage with physical play and joy.

Alyssa Jewell holds a Ph.D. in Creative Writing and Poetry, and her work explores the connection between creative writing and English as a Second Language (ESL) education. She teaches college-level ESL, English composition, and creative writing in Grand Rapids, MI. Alyssa’s poetry has appeared in Cherry Tree, Poetry Daily, Virginia Quarterly Review, and more, and she’s passionate about using writing to heal and connect across differences.

Writing as a Life-Giving Practice

For both Michelle and Alyssa, writing is less about producing something for others—and more about tuning into their own inner worlds. Michelle shares how morning pages and nature walks help her process emotions and stay grounded, while Alyssa opens up about writing her grandfather’s eulogy and the healing power of naming truth through story.

Writing doesn’t need to look like publishing a novel. It can be 10 minutes in the morning. It can be one sentence you write down while walking in the woods. It can be a eulogy, a journal entry, or a line of poetry that cracks you open.

“Our bodies often know before we do,” Michelle reflects. “Writing gives those feelings space to live.”

From Burnout to Creativity: Permission to Choose What’s Life-Giving

Michelle shared how pursuing an MFA while raising three children was a radical act of reclaiming joy. After years of teaching others how to write, she realized she wasn’t making space for her own creative voice—and that needed to change.

Alyssa describes the journey of bridging her two worlds—ESL education and poetry—and why giving ESL students space to tell their stories is not just powerful, but essential.

“I think we’re meant to create,” Alyssa says. “We heal through it. We grow through it. And sometimes, we even find our people through it.”

A favorite quote from this episode:

“We are in a culture that values logic—and I believe that’s a patriarchal ideal. Emotional knowing is just as important, but it takes practice. Creativity helps us build that muscle.” — Michelle Ringle

First Steps for New Writers (and Curious Non-Writers)

Both Michelle and Alyssa encourage anyone curious about writing to start small. Try a few minutes of free writing. Notice your senses while sitting in nature. Jot down lines you overhear in a coffee shop. There’s no right or wrong way to begin.

Recommended resources from this episode:

🖋️ The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron
🖋️ Poetry Unbound podcast by Pádraig Ó Tuama
🖋️ The Cure for Chronic Pain podcast with Nicole Sachs (featuring expressive writing for healing chronic pain) → Listen here

Future Collabs & Events Coming Soon!

We’re actively dreaming up some creative gatherings with Michelle and Alyssa—think writing, nature, yoga, and soul-nourishing community. If this episode sparked something in you, make sure you’re on my email list so you’re the first to hear when new offerings launch.

💌 Join the community here

Connect with Michelle & Alyssa

🌐 Learn more about Alyssa’s work and writing: alyssajewell.org

Stay tuned for more from these two incredible humans—I have no doubt we’ll be hearing more from them soon.

Disclaimer:

This blog and podcast are for informational and educational purposes only. They do not constitute medical or mental health advice and are not a substitute for professional consultation or treatment.

Creative Writing as Healing, Play, and Power with Michelle Ringle and Alyssa Jewell