Meet BriAnn
I had a plan.
Life had
other ideas.
I’m BriAnn Shipley—wife, storyteller, podcast host, radio DJ, and the person who almost always has another idea.
I believe some of the most meaningful parts of our lives begin with something we never saw coming: a conversation, a chance we almost didn’t take, a person who changes our direction, or an idea that refuses to leave us alone.
The Beautifully Unplanned is where I make room for those stories.
Come sit with a story
“You don’t have to have it all figured out
to create a life that means something.”
A microphone. A story. A beginning.
Apparently, one project
was never going to be enough.
I host The Beautifully Unplanned, produce 8158: Stories of Sacrifice, and share a love of radio with my husband, Rico. Together, we’ve built Slightly Unhinged Radio and a growing family of creative projects under Slightly Unhinged LLC.
I also co-wrote Rico’s memoir, Ungovernable: The Man My Mother Never Met, and helped build the William H. “Bill” Butler Jr. Foundation with him.
There are microphones, websites, stories, music, and usually more ideas than hours in the day. And alongside all of that, I work full time and help keep our household running.
It sounds like a lot because it is. But the thing connecting it all is simple: I love creating, and I love finding ways to help people.
Explore our creative world ↗The person behind the projects
A little coffee.
A little chaos.
A whole lot of heart.
At home in Kentucky, I’m a wife to Rico, a dog mom to two pitbulls, and someone who loves being close to family.
I love coffee, a little wine, being creative, and dancing like no one is watching. I’m also the person who can turn a casual conversation into a new project before we’ve finished the conversation.
I’ve tried plenty of different things. Some stayed. Some taught me something. Some led me toward an idea I never would have found if I’d stayed exactly where I was.
I’m still learning. Still changing. Still figuring out what deserves my time and what I’m ready to leave behind.
That’s part of the story, too.
Why The Beautifully Unplanned exists
For anyone whose life
looks different
than they imagined.
This podcast and blog are a place to explore the unexpected: the people who leave a mark on us, the small decisions that change our direction, and the moments that only make sense when we look back.
Sometimes that means talking about fear, failure, starting over, or the invisible seasons when it feels like nothing is happening. Sometimes it means following a surprising connection and seeing where it leads.
I’m not here because I have every answer. I’m here because I believe there is something worth finding in the questions—and because sharing our stories can help us feel a little less alone.
If your life hasn’t followed the script, you’re welcome here.
There may still be something beautiful unfolding.
— BriAnn