“When we’re running away, there’s no way we can be our authentic selves.” - Michelle Renee

This harrowing experience of being kidnapped and held hostage, along with her then 7-year-old daughter and being forced to rob a bank became international headline news. In today’s episode of ‘Chats & Tatts’ Podcast by Aaron Della Vedova, I am joined by Michelle Renee, the CEO of VERB Media Group, the book author of Held Hostage: The True Story of a Mother and Daughter’s Kidnapping & Nine Days: Living my Soul Wide Open After Violent Trauma, a content creator and podcast host.

Michelle has been known to be a survivor of the true-crime shocker that no one would believe, as she was the Vice President and Branch Manager for Bank of America. It was a life-and-death situation for Michelle and her daughter, Breea and in this exclusive and tell-all episode, Michelle recounts her life, and how she coped with the nightmarish ultimatum: either she robs her bank or be killed. The aftermath wasn’t easy, as she was accused by the defense of orchestrating the crime. It wasn't until a deep calling to the wide open road and Alaskan wilderness that Michelle began to heal and find purpose through it all.

Michelle reveals her journey to forgiveness and the story behind the new tattoos of wisdom and perseverance that her daughter, Breea will get in this week’s episode! Michelle shines a light on the effects of trauma and the importance of seeking help and support in the aftermath of a traumatic experience and listening to the inner call that led her into the Alaskan wilderness to return to her daughter.

Michelle sits down with host Aaron Della Vedova on Chats and Tatts and gets real about the crime, the 'justice' system, and the spiritual awakening on a 9-day journey that led to helping the last person they ever expected.

Be sure to tune in and pick up a copy of NINE DYAS: Living With My Soul Wide Open After Violent Trauma. Michelle's honest, gritty memoir is a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit and the determination of a mother's love.

What we chat about in this episode:

0:49 - Guest intro

3:34 - Michelle’s survival story from kidnapping

8:19 - How did Michelle rob her own bank to get $360,000 and dealt with the kidnappers for 14 hours

18:31 - Understanding the true crime based on proofs

23:46 - How to be treated like a suspect in a bank robbery

26:05 - How did the real culprits get arrested

30:11 - Get the first dibs on Michelle’s new book entitled ‘9 Days’

31:42 - How to deal with trauma

37:22 - The impact of running away from problems and fears in your life

41:47 - Michelle’s healing phase from trauma from her childhood and travel memoir

48:40 - The importance of acknowledging the ugly things in your life

54:03 - Michelle’s experience in facing the court trial

1:03:20 - The aftermath of the kidnapping and bank robbery for Michelle to forgiveness, plus her journey to healing to start a new life with her daughter

1:14:36 - How to answer your ‘Why me’ questions

1:17:34 - How to let love wins

1:22:10 - The story of redemption: Karma did exist!

1:24:19 - Michelle and Breea get a new tattoo today!