Shows
Inspired Questions: Conversations on Self-Worth, Burnout & Showing Up AuthenticallyWhy You Can't Think Your Way Out of AnxietyIn this solo episode, I get honest about something most of us experience but rarely talk about — knowing exactly what we should do when anxiety or overwhelm hits, and still not being able to make ourselves do it. I share what happened when I tried to logic my way through my own anxiety a couple of weeks ago, why that never works, and what our nervous systems are actually doing when we can't access our tools in the moment.
I also talk openly about what it's been like preparing for my workshop — the discomfort of visibility, promoting myse...
2026-03-0510 minInspired Questions: Conversations on Self-Worth, Burnout & Showing Up AuthenticallyWhen Life Feels Like Too Much: A Grounding Meditation to Help You PauseThis meditation is for the weeks when there's just a lot. When your nervous system is working overtime, your feelings are bigger than usual, and you haven't had a real chance to stop.
Rather than pushing through or trying to fix what's hard, this practice offers something different: a few minutes to pause, to acknowledge what you're actually carrying, and to remember that you don't have to hold it all alone.
This meditation may be supportive if you're:
moving through a heavy week or a heavy season
carrying big emotions you haven't had space...
2026-02-2608 minInspired Questions: Conversations on Self-Worth, Burnout & Showing Up AuthenticallyTake Your Break Time Back: A Conversation with Naturopath Sara Love on Stress, Gut Health, and Permission to RestSometimes the most supportive things are also the most overlooked: a real break, a bit of movement, and something warm in your hands.
In this conversation, I'm joined by naturopathic doctor and tea maker Sara Love to talk about stress, the gut microbiome, and what it actually looks like to build self-care into a busy life—without turning it into another job.
This episode is for you if:
You've been running on empty and keep telling yourself you'll rest "later"
You're curious about how stress affects digestion, mood, and energy
You want practical, small sh...
2026-02-1942 min
Message In The MiddleYou Don’t Have to Earn Your Worth: Ruth Hirshberg on Burnout, Boundaries, and Believing You’re EnoughSo many women in midlife are quietly carrying an exhausting belief: that their worth is something they have to earn—through productivity, perfection, and putting everyone else first.In this episode of Message in the Middle, Marianne is joined by registered social worker, meditation and breathwork teacher, and founder of The Self-Worth Solution, Ruth Hirshberg, for a deeply honest conversation about burnout, boundaries, and the hidden beliefs keeping so many high-achieving women stuck.Ruth shares why boundaries don’t work when you don’t believe you’re allowed to have them, how survival mode bec...
2026-02-1445 minInspired Questions: Conversations on Self-Worth, Burnout & Showing Up AuthenticallyGrounding in Self-Trust When Life Feels UncertainThis meditation is for moments when uncertainty is making you doubt yourself — when you're second-guessing your decisions, waiting for certainty that isn't coming, or questioning whether you're doing any of this right.
Rather than trying to find the answers or force clarity, this practice offers something different: a chance to reconnect to your own inner knowing and trust yourself even when you don't have it all figured out.
This meditation may be supportive if you're:
stuck in a decision and doubting yourself
feeling unmoored by change or uncertainty
waiting for external validation before you ac...
2026-02-1212 minInspired Questions: Conversations on Self-Worth, Burnout & Showing Up AuthenticallyWhat I’ve Learned After 50 EpisodesIn this solo episode, I pause to reflect on reaching 50 episodes of Inspired Questions — how this podcast began, how it’s changed, and how I’ve changed along the way.
I talk about recording the very first episode feeling terrified and unsure, learning to trust my voice over time, and letting go of the pressure to get it “right.” I share what showing up imperfectly has taught me about self-worth, authenticity, and creating work that feels aligned.
I also speak more openly about my course, The Self-Worth Solution, why it exists, and how it has evolved al...
2026-02-0509 minInspired Questions: Conversations on Self-Worth, Burnout & Showing Up AuthenticallyGrounding Meditation: Ten Minutes at a TimeThis short meditation is for moments when everything feels like a lot — when your mind is busy and your body is asking for a pause.
Rather than trying to fix anything, this practice offers something simpler: a chance to come back to where you are, notice what’s here, and let your system settle. It’s built around the idea of taking things ten minutes at a time, without pressure to solve the whole day.
This meditation may be supportive if you’re:
feeling anxious or overwhelmed
carrying a quiet sense of “neve...
2026-01-2907 minInspired Questions: Conversations on Self-Worth, Burnout & Showing Up AuthenticallyWhat Dogs Teach Us About Patience and Progress: A Conversation with Emma BerumenDog struggles can feel surprisingly personal — and oddly isolating. In this episode, Ruth sits down with Emma Berumen, the founder behind Snout App (built from her own experience supporting her dog Luna through separation anxiety). They talk about what it’s like when your dog’s stress becomes your stress, why “quick fixes” often leave us feeling worse, and how real progress usually comes from small, repeatable steps… plus a lot of self-forgiveness.
This episode is for you if you:
love your dog deeply, but feel overwhelmed by behaviour struggles
have tried plans that didn’t...
2026-01-2242 minInspired Questions: Conversations on Self-Worth, Burnout & Showing Up AuthenticallyGuiding Meditation: A Practice of Being HereThis meditation is an invitation to come back to where you are, just as you are. It’s a practice of presence—not as something to achieve or get right, but as something you can return to again and again.
Whether your mind feels busy, your body feels tired, or you’re feeling a bit scattered, this space is open to you. There’s no expectation to be calm or clear your thoughts. This is about noticing what’s actually here and allowing that to be enough.
This meditation supports you in:
Settling into your...
2026-01-1510 minInspired Questions: Conversations on Self-Worth, Burnout & Showing Up AuthenticallyA Different Way to Enter a New YearJanuary often comes with a lot of noise—about who we should be, what we should fix, and how quickly we should change. In this solo episode, I share my complicated relationship with the New Year, why resolutions have never really worked for me, and what I’m choosing instead.
This conversation is about loosening the grip of expectation and finding a way into the year that feels more honest, more spacious, and more supportive of real life.
This episode is for you if:
You feel resistant to New Year’s pressure or “fresh st...
2026-01-0808 minInspired Questions: Conversations on Self-Worth, Burnout & Showing Up AuthenticallyGrounding Meditation: Presence Over PerformanceIf you listened to my recent conversation with Anjali, you heard us talk about what happens when we stop performing and start being present. How much energy goes into managing insecurity and trying to be “enough” — and how things shift when we let that go.
This 9-minute meditation is about stepping out of performance and into presence. About loosening the grip of the “not good enough” voice and reconnecting with the part of you that doesn’t need to prove anything.
In this episode, we’ll:
Use breath to settle the nervous system
Notice...
2025-12-1809 minInspired Questions: Conversations on Self-Worth, Burnout & Showing Up AuthenticallyPresence Over Performance: Finding Your Authentic Voice with Anjali HandaIn this episode, I sit down with leadership coach Anjali Handa to talk about something so many of us struggle with - showing up authentically instead of performing. We dive into the exhausting cycle of editing ourselves, the stories we tell ourselves about not being good enough, and what shifts when we finally give ourselves permission to take up space and be heard.
Anjali shares her journey from being a quiet, insecure kid who learned to fly under the radar, to becoming a coach who helps female founders and leaders step into their powerful presence. We talk...
2025-12-1157 minInspired Questions: Conversations on Self-Worth, Burnout & Showing Up AuthenticallyGrounding Meditation: Permission to StruggleIf you listened to my recent conversation with Shulamit Ber Levtov, you heard us talk about something that doesn't get said enough: there's nothing wrong with you when you're struggling. You're having a normal response to systems that weren't designed to support you.
This 9-minute meditation is about giving yourself permission to struggle without carrying shame about it. Permission to be exactly where you are, feeling exactly what you're feeling, without needing to fix it or hide it or push through it.
In this episode, we'll:
Use breath work to settle your nervous system
...
2025-12-0409 minInspired Questions: Conversations on Self-Worth, Burnout & Showing Up AuthenticallyThe Entrepreneur’s Therapist: Caring for Your Mental Health in a Relentless World: Shulamit Ber LevtovIn this enlightening conversation, Ruth sits down with Shulamit Ber Levtov, known as The Entrepreneurs' Therapist, for a deep dive into the critical intersection of mental health and entrepreneurship. This isn't your typical "self-care will fix everything" conversation - it's a raw, honest exploration of why running a business takes such a toll on our mental health, and why that's not actually our fault.
Shulamit brings over 30 years of entrepreneurial experience combined with her expertise as a licensed trauma therapist to challenge some of our most deeply held beliefs about struggle, success, and what it means to...
2025-11-2753 minInspired Questions: Conversations on Self-Worth, Burnout & Showing Up AuthenticallyGrounding Meditation: Enough as You Are — A Guided Rest from PerfectionismIn this guided meditation, we explore the impossible pressure of showing up at 100% everywhere, all the time - and why that's complete bullshit.
If you've been carrying the weight of perfectionism, feeling like whatever you're offering isn't enough, or struggling with the voice that says your worth is tied to your productivity, this meditation is for you.
What You'll Experience:
A gentle body scan that honours your current capacity instead of trying to fix or change anything
Breathwork focused on releasing the performance pressure and guilt about having limits
Permission to show up authentically...
2025-11-2013 minInspired Questions: Conversations on Self-Worth, Burnout & Showing Up AuthenticallyEnough Is Enough: Choosing Rest Over PerfectionIn this solo episode, Ruth challenges the impossible standard that we have to show up at 100% in every area of our lives, every day, or we're somehow failing. She shares her personal experience of managing a Crohn's flare while building her business, and how she's learning to redefine what it means to "show up." This episode is for anyone who's exhausted from trying to be perfect everywhere and is ready to embrace a more authentic way of being present in their life.
What You'll Learn:
Why the "100% everywhere" standard is setting you up for failure
How...
2025-11-1308 minInspired Questions: Conversations on Self-Worth, Burnout & Showing Up AuthenticallyGrounding Meditation: What Does Calm Feel Like?Welcome to the first meditation episode of Inspired Questions!
This podcast is all about questions - the ones that help us understand ourselves better, challenge our beliefs, and guide us back to who we really are. Today's meditation explores the question: What does it feel like to be grounded in your body when your nervous system is calm?
This isn't a question you answer with your mind - it's one you experience in your body.
In this 10-minute guided meditation, you'll:
Reconnect with your body through a gentle body scan
Use breath...
2025-11-0610 minInspired Questions: Conversations on Self-Worth, Burnout & Showing Up AuthenticallyYou Can't Pour From an Empty Cup: A Conversation with Heather LillicoIn this episode, Ruth sits down with Heather Lillico, Neuroscience Coach, Meditation & Yoga Teacher, and founder of Cultivating Calm. They explore why surface-level wellness strategies often fall short and discuss the critical importance of nervous system work—especially for those who spend their lives holding space for others.
If you've ever felt like you're doing all the "right" things (eating well, meditating, exercising) but still feel exhausted and overwhelmed, this conversation will resonate deeply. Heather and Ruth discuss how our beliefs shape our well-being, why self-care isn't optional for coaches and helpers, and what it actually takes to...
2025-10-3056 minInspired Questions: Conversations on Self-Worth, Burnout & Showing Up AuthenticallyThe Way You Think Is Your Superpower (with Natasha Skolny)In this conversation, I sit down with Natasha Skolny, founder of The Leadership Cabin, to talk about her fascinating journey from competitive figure skater to empowering women leaders. Natasha shares how the skills she developed on the ice - visualization, performance under pressure, resilience - translate directly into helping women navigate high-pressure careers with authenticity and confidence.
We explore why the things we think make us different might actually be our superpowers, the importance of vulnerability in leadership, and how to create intentional lives instead of default ones. Natasha's insights on community, communication, and helping young girls...
2025-10-1652 minInspired Questions: Conversations on Self-Worth, Burnout & Showing Up AuthenticallyStop Trying to Be Excellent at EverythingSometimes doing the bare minimum isn't failing - it's brilliant prioritization.
In this episode, I'm getting real about what it means to do the bare minimum when life gets busy, and why that's not only okay, but sometimes the smartest thing you can do. I'm recording this with very little time to spare because most of my energy this week has been focused on preparing for a free workshop, and that's exactly the point.
In this episode, we talk about:
Why "bare minimum" isn't a bad thing when you do it well
The difference...
2025-10-0207 minInspired Questions: Conversations on Self-Worth, Burnout & Showing Up AuthenticallyFrom Solo Mic to Shared Voices: Why I'm Bringing Back InterviewsRuth explains the origin and evolution of Inspired Questions — why she started it, why she shifted to mostly solo episodes during serious health and life challenges, and what she learned about trusting her voice.
She shares why she’s ready to return to interviews, her plan to balance one interview and one solo episode per month, and how she may streamline her signature questions to allow more natural conversation.
Ruth invites women with honest stories to be guests and encourages listeners to connect via Instagram or her website to share feedback or apply.
Inst...
2025-09-1810 minInspired Questions: Conversations on Self-Worth, Burnout & Showing Up AuthenticallyWhy I'm Recording This at the Last MinuteRuth records a last-minute episode after a difficult week of caregiving for her mother-in-law, sharing the emotional weight, exhaustion, and unexpected disruptions to her plans.
She talks about the guilt of needing a break, the challenge of setting boundaries, the small moments of self-care that sustained her, and the necessity of asking for help.
This episode offers solidarity and practical reminders that it’s okay to be imperfect, to grieve the life you planned, and to reach out when you need support.
2025-09-0408 minInspired Questions: Conversations on Self-Worth, Burnout & Showing Up AuthenticallyBuilding the Life You Actually Want (Not the One You Think You Should): A Conversation with Jodie HeffrenRuth interviews Jodie Heffren — a registered nurse turned breathwork facilitator and cold-plunge guide who created Rooted Woodland after moving to the Blue Mountains. They discuss how Jodie built her nature-based retreats, hosts women-focused (and some mixed) events, and offers off-grid cabin stays, while using breathwork, cold plunges, saunas and community to support transformation.
The conversation explores big themes: outgrowing old beliefs, learning to ask for help, boundaries, self-care routines to prevent burnout, and the power of vulnerability and community. The episode closes with practical tips and an invitation to Ruth’s pay-what-you-can Tuesday evening meditation class.
Yo...
2025-08-211h 14Inspired Questions: Conversations on Self-Worth, Burnout & Showing Up AuthenticallyThe Reset Button That Actually WorksWelcome back to another episode of Inspired Questions with Ruth, where we explore big questions and honest stories about living a grounded and true life. This episode is a reminder that you are not broken and you don’t need to have everything figured out. We’ll dive into the power of breath - a simple yet transformative practice that can bring you back to yourself, helping you shift from stress to peace. Join us as we take a moment to breathe, embrace our humanity, and remember that deep within, you are strong and whole. There's no need to perf...
2025-08-0508 minInspired Questions: Conversations on Self-Worth, Burnout & Showing Up AuthenticallyEmbracing Self-Love and AcceptanceIn this heartfelt episode of Inspired Questions, host Ruth delves into the complexities of self-love and acceptance, sharing her personal journey towards embracing her body. Through candid reflections, Ruth invites listeners to explore their own paths of healing, while challenging societal pressures and self-judgment. Join Ruth as she encourages us to start a daily gratitude practice and step into a community of support and understanding.
2025-07-2213 minInspired Questions: Conversations on Self-Worth, Burnout & Showing Up AuthenticallyThe Moment I Stopped Caring: What Burnout Took from Me — and What I Got BackJoin Ruth in this emotionally raw and real episode of Inspired Questions, where she delves into her personal experience with burnout and the journey of reclaiming herself. This episode isn't about quick fixes or generic advice; it's a heartfelt sharing that reveals the struggles and realizations from living in burnout to rediscovering self-worth and courage.
Ruth reflects on recognizing the warning signs of burnout, societal pressures, and her path to healing through vulnerability, therapy, and meditation. She emphasizes the importance of redefining success and self-worth while encouraging listeners to embrace their own stories of struggle and recovery.
2025-07-0814 minInspired Questions: Conversations on Self-Worth, Burnout & Showing Up AuthenticallyEmpowering Women in Health and Fitness with Deb SloanJoin us for an enlightening conversation with Deb Sloan, a registered dietitian, fitness trainer, and mom, as she shares her journey of navigating health, nutrition, and wellness. Discover how Deb transitioned from art history to dietetics, living with type 1 diabetes and celiac disease, and passionately advocating for women's health during crucial stages like perimenopause and menopause. This episode offers valuable insights into balancing career, personal life, and self-care, with strategies for grounding oneself amidst life's chaos. Gain inspiration from Deb's dedication to empowering her clients through personalized nutrition and fitness guidance.
You can find Deb on IG...
2025-06-231h 07Inspired Questions: Conversations on Self-Worth, Burnout & Showing Up AuthenticallyFinding Grace Through Grief and Growth: Edie Gudaitis' Journey Part 2Join host Ruth Hirshberg in part two of her insightful conversation with Edie Gudaitis on the "Inspired Questions" podcast. This episode dives deep into the complexities of emotions, boundaries, and the journey of letting go of perfectionism. Listen as Ruth and Edie candidly share their personal struggles and triumphs, exploring themes of vulnerability, self-awareness, and the courage to be authentic.
Throughout the episode, Ruth and Edie reflect on the challenges of overcoming insecurities and the transformative power of sharing one's truth. They discuss the importance of setting boundaries, processing emotions, and finding balance in life's chaos. Whether...
2025-06-1056 minInspired Questions: Conversations on Self-Worth, Burnout & Showing Up AuthenticallyWhen Keeping it Together Starts Pulling You ApartWelcome to Inspired Questions with Ruth Hirshberg, unfolding a deeply personal narrative in response to recent events. Ruth candidly shares her struggle to balance a dual identity, revealing the tension between public persona and private emotions amidst a backdrop of global conflict. This episode explores themes of authenticity, transparency, and the challenge of maintaining one's values while navigating fear and societal pressures.
Ruth reflects on her Jewish heritage and the impact of anti-Semitism, delving into the complexities of personal and professional life. She shares intimate experiences from her past, grappling with internal conflict, and her journey to...
2025-05-2715 minInspired Questions: Conversations on Self-Worth, Burnout & Showing Up AuthenticallyFinding Grace Through Grief and Growth: Edie Gudaitis' JourneyIn this episode of Inspired Questions, host Ruth Hirshberg welcomes Edie Gudaitis — a yoga teacher, breathwork coach, and best-selling author — to explore her transformative journey from the corporate world to wellness. Edie shares her personal story of overcoming grief, navigating life's challenges, and finding her passion for teaching yoga and hosting retreats. Discover how Edie uses movement, meditation, and breath work to help others heal and grow. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about embracing change, empowering women, and finding equilibrium in life.
You can find Edie on her website https://ediegudaitiswellness.com/ or Instagram ediegudaitis.wellness. You...
2025-05-131h 08Inspired Questions: Conversations on Self-Worth, Burnout & Showing Up AuthenticallyBouncing Back: A Return, A Shift, and What’s NextAfter an unexpected (and very human) pause, I’m back on the mic. In this heartfelt solo episode, I share where I’ve been, why I stepped away, and how life, healing, and a few curveballs have reshaped my path.
I talk about recovery, burnout, letting go of perfectionism, and how I’m learning to show up more authentically—for myself and for you. I also share what’s next for the podcast and my work with Grounding with Ruth, including a new online course, growing my presence in the wellness space, and my deepening passion for meditation...
2025-04-2906 minInspired Questions: Conversations on Self-Worth, Burnout & Showing Up AuthenticallyPiercings & Personal Growth: A Conversation with Kelsi RussellIn this captivating episode, we welcome Kelsi Russell, a professional body piercer from Ottawa, as she shares her unique journey into the world of body piercing. Discover how Kelsey transitioned from art school ambitions to mastering the craft of piercing, all while juggling a job at a vet clinic. She opens up about her compassionate approach to handling young clients and the importance of patience and empathy in her work.
Kelsey also discusses the challenges of being self-employed, setting boundaries, and dealing with imposter syndrome in the piercing industry. She offers personal insights into handling life's transitions...
2025-02-2553 minInspired Questions: Conversations on Self-Worth, Burnout & Showing Up AuthenticallyBreaking the Stained Glass Ceiling: A Journey with Rabbi GoldsteinJoin us for an inspiring conversation with Rabbi Elyse Goldstein, the founding rabbi of City Shul, a reformed congregation in Toronto. Rabbi Goldstein shares her remarkable journey as one of the first female rabbis in Canada and her groundbreaking work in making Judaism accessible and empowering for women.
Discover how she has dedicated her career to teaching, writing, and mentoring, all through a feminist lens. In this episode, Rabbi Goldstein also discusses her new venture into coaching and pastoral counseling, offering guidance in a world filled with challenges.
Whether you're connected to Judaism or simply...
2025-02-1141 minInspired Questions: Conversations on Self-Worth, Burnout & Showing Up AuthenticallyFinding Hope and Healing with Sheena MarquisIn this episode, I connect with Sheena Marquis, a talented social worker, speaker, writer, and musician, based in Texas. Sheena passionately shares her journey from ministry to social work, highlighting her dedication to offering hope, healing, and purpose to others. We delve into her personal story, including her experiences with public speaking and songwriting, and how life’s unpredictable events have shaped her path.
Sheena discusses the importance of community support and faith in staying grounded amidst life's challenges. She shares her insights on overcoming insecurities, the significance of boundaries, and how these elements contribute to personal gr...
2025-01-2853 minInspired Questions: Conversations on Self-Worth, Burnout & Showing Up AuthenticallyThe Best Laid Plans: Ruth's Unexpected JourneyWelcome to the first episode of 2025 of 'Inspired Questions' with your host, Ruth Hirshberg. In this mini episode, Ruth candidly shares her unexpected experiences of the past few weeks. Despite well-laid plans, life took an unforeseen turn, leading to a prolonged hospital stay and recovery from surgery.
Ruth reflects on the lessons learned from this unexpected journey, emphasizing the importance of listening to one's body, adapting to circumstances, and allowing oneself grace. Balancing a busy life with multiple passions, Ruth offers insights into managing what can oftentimes feel uncontrollable. Join Ruth as she shares her story of...
2025-01-2112 minInspired Questions: Conversations on Self-Worth, Burnout & Showing Up AuthenticallyYOLO Let's Go: Doree Kovalio's Journey from Federal Service to Boutique TravelIn this episode, join us as we delve into the inspiring journey of Doree Kovalio, a former federal public servant who took a leap of faith to pursue her passion for travel. After 20 years of service, Doree transformed her love for exploration into a thriving boutique travel agency, "YOLO Let's Go." With her wealth of travel experiences, having visited 40 countries, Doree helps clients overcome the overwhelm of travel planning, enabling them to explore new destinations with ease and excitement.
Listen as Doree shares her transformative story of moving from a conventional 9 to 5 life to becoming an independent...
2024-12-101h 02Inspired Questions: Conversations on Self-Worth, Burnout & Showing Up AuthenticallyUnderstanding and Managing Anger: A Personal ExplorationIn this insightful mini-episode of Inspired Questions, host Ruth Hirshberg delves into the complex emotion of anger, particularly from a woman's perspective. Ruth shares her personal journey with anger, discussing the societal conditioning that influences how women experience and express this powerful emotion.
She explores the physical manifestations of anger and offers practical techniques for managing it, such as mindful breathing and physical activity. Ruth also emphasizes the importance of focusing on the positives in life and connecting with others to navigate feelings of powerlessness in a world filled with challenges.
Join Ruth as she...
2024-11-2011 minInspired Questions: Conversations on Self-Worth, Burnout & Showing Up AuthenticallyRedefining Success: A Conversation with Dallas LombardiJoin us for an inspiring conversation with Dallas Lombardi, a remarkable entrepreneur who has made her mark in the event planning industry and beyond. From orchestrating luxury weddings and corporate events to co-founding 'A Chance to Dance,' an inclusive dance party for individuals with disabilities, Dallas is a powerhouse of innovation and compassion.
In this episode, Dallas shares her journey from working in the restaurant industry as a teenager to becoming the director of a luxury event company by the age of 26. Discover how motherhood and the challenges of being a single parent led her to...
2024-11-0551 minInspired Questions: Conversations on Self-Worth, Burnout & Showing Up AuthenticallyFinding Hope in Words: A Conversation with Author Fiona ValpyJoin us for an inspiring episode as we welcome acclaimed best-selling author Fiona Valpy. With her novels topping Amazon Kindle charts worldwide and recognition as a Washington Post and Wall Street Journal bestseller, Fiona shares her journey of becoming a writer later in life. She discusses the themes of resilience, love, and courage in her dual timeline fiction, often set against the backdrop of World War II.
Fiona reveals the inspiration she draws from strong female role models and personal experiences, emphasizing the importance of storytelling in preserving untold histories. She also shares insights from her travels...
2024-10-221h 37Inspired Questions: Conversations on Self-Worth, Burnout & Showing Up AuthenticallyMini Episode - Change is Coming: Reflecting on Gratefulness and MotivationHey guys, welcome to Inspired Questions. I'm your host, Ruth Hirshberg, and today is a mini-episode featuring just me. We are going to talk about the question change that is coming up. I have finished releasing the episodes with the old questions and recorded a few with the new list. Only two questions are leaving us, but they'll come back. It's not that they aren't worthy, but there's so much to cover.
For this episode, I want to talk about those two questions, what I've learned from all the wonderful guests, and share the two new questions...
2024-10-0115 minInspired Questions: Conversations on Self-Worth, Burnout & Showing Up AuthenticallyInspiration and Resilience: Jen Donaldson's Journey from Dog Walking to PilatesJoin Ruth in an inspiring conversation with Jen Donaldson, a dynamic entrepreneur who has seamlessly blended her passions into successful ventures. Jen shares her journey of starting a dog walking business, Citizen Canine, and how she transitioned into becoming a Pilates instructor. Discover how she navigates challenges, stays grounded, and maintains forward momentum in life and business.
Jen opens up about the importance of setting daily intentions, finding joy in the little things, and the power of reinvention. She also touches on the significance of self-care routines and the grace needed to handle life's ups and downs...
2024-09-171h 21Inspired Questions: Conversations on Self-Worth, Burnout & Showing Up AuthenticallyExciting Update: Shifting to a Bi-Weekly ScheduleHey guys, it's Ruth here. I hope that you are all having a good week, weekend, all of those things. As you have guessed, there is no episode this week. It's just me here chatting with you, and I wanted to give a little bit of an explanation of why.
I have made the decision, I'm continuing with the podcast. Let's just put that out there. I love it. I'm really enjoying it. But I have decided to switch from publishing episodes weekly to bi-weekly. So instead of every week, I will be doing it every other...
2024-09-1005 minInspired Questions: Conversations on Self-Worth, Burnout & Showing Up AuthenticallyMini Episode - Demystifying Sex Therapy: Conversations with Taylor McConnachieWelcome to Inspired Questions with your host, Ruth Hirschberg. In this inaugural mini-episode, Ruth reconnects with Taylor McConnachie, a sex therapist and educator, to delve deeper into the intricacies of sex therapy.
Taylor demystifies common misconceptions about sex therapy, clarifying that it is not inherently sexual but rather a relational therapy aimed at enhancing individuals' relationships with themselves and others. She highlights the importance of understanding one's body, addressing sexual shame, and redefining what sex means beyond traditional views.
The episode also explores the misconceptions women have about their bodies, desire, and relationships. Taylor emphasizes...
2024-09-0339 minInspired Questions: Conversations on Self-Worth, Burnout & Showing Up AuthenticallyFinding Balance: Yoga, Meditation, and Embracing Life's Cycles with Queenie PhairIn this enlightening episode, Ruth sits down with Queenie Phair, a seasoned yoga teacher, meditation instructor, and traditional Chinese medicine acupuncturist who has traveled the world. They delve into Queenie's journey from discovering yoga in university to integrating traditional Chinese medicine into her practice. Queenie shares her insights on staying grounded amid life's chaos, the importance of slowing down, and how to navigate life's inevitable cycles.
Queenie also discusses the profound impact of her global travels, the lessons learned from different cultures, and the unique experiences that have shaped her perspective. They touch upon the challenges of...
2024-08-271h 17Inspired Questions: Conversations on Self-Worth, Burnout & Showing Up AuthenticallyDeclutter Your Space, Clear Your Mind with Erin MoreauJoin us for an insightful episode featuring Erin Moreau, the organizing queen who transformed my home into a serene, clutter-free haven. Erin shares her journey from a naturally organized individual to a professional organizer, helping others see the potential beyond their clutter. We dive into her personal story of finding passion through grief and hardship and how she now inspires others to lead more organized lives.
Erin discusses practical tips on maintaining organization, the therapeutic aspects of decluttering, and how a well-organized space can significantly reduce mental clutter. She also shares her morning and evening routines that...
2024-08-131h 04Inspired Questions: Conversations on Self-Worth, Burnout & Showing Up AuthenticallyEmbrace Your Whole Self: A Journey with Tanya GilliesIn this heartwarming episode, Ruth welcomes Tanya Gillies, a guide for women in loving their whole selves. Tanya shares her journey of overcoming personal and familial mental health challenges, and how it led her to specialize in somatic trauma work and nervous system education. Ruth and Tanya discuss the importance of embracing every part of oneself, including the challenging aspects, and the profound impact it can have on personal growth and resilience.
Tanya talks about her business, on IG @loveyour_wholeself, and the transformative experiences she facilitates through women's retreats, Goddess Flow movement practice, and one-on-one coaching...
2024-08-061h 19Inspired Questions: Conversations on Self-Worth, Burnout & Showing Up AuthenticallyEmpowering Women's Sexual Wellness: A Journey with Taylor McConnachieIn this enlightening episode, we welcome Taylor McConnachie, a psychotherapist, holistic sex therapist, and educator, to discuss the intricate connections between sex, health, and the human experience. Taylor shares her personal journey with stage four endometriosis and how it inspired her to found Embodied Sexual Wellness and Psychotherapy, aiming to help women reconnect with their bodies and trust their experiences.
We delve into the importance of open conversations about sex, the impact of societal messages on women's sexual health, and the challenges of navigating a medical system that often dismisses women's pain. Taylor also touches on the...
2024-07-301h 08Inspired Questions: Conversations on Self-Worth, Burnout & Showing Up AuthenticallyNavigating Life with Jacki Nelson-Shiletto: From PR to Banana Bread BlissWelcome to an inspiring episode featuring Jacki Nelson-Shiletto, a dynamic PR professional, wife, and dog mom. Join us as we delve into her journey from being a radio and TV broadcaster to founding her own public relations firm, Nelson Connects.
Jacki shares her experiences growing up in a family rooted in media, her transition into PR, and the entrepreneurial spirit that led her to start her own consultancy. Learn how she navigates the competitive world of communications while maintaining a balance between passion projects and financial needs.
Discover the routines and habits that keep Jacki...
2024-07-2348 minInspired Questions: Conversations on Self-Worth, Burnout & Showing Up AuthenticallyEmbracing the Magic of Words with Sara RogersJoin us in this captivating episode as Ruth sits down with Sara Rogers, an inspiring poet, clothing designer, mom, and teacher. Discover how Sara's book of poetry, "Elemental Magic: Poetic Chapters of Wild Self-Love," has touched Ruth's life and explore the profound impact of words and nature on creativity and self-expression.
Sara shares her journey, discussing the essence of inspiration, the power of hope, and the importance of staying grounded amidst life's chaos. Listen as she reflects on the lessons she would impart to her younger self and the significance of balancing creativity with daily responsibilities.
2024-07-161h 06Inspired Questions: Conversations on Self-Worth, Burnout & Showing Up AuthenticallyA Heartfelt Pause: No Episode this WeekHey everyone, it's Ruth here. I'm taking a brief pause from our regular schedule of Inspired Questions this week. Unfortunately, I don't have a new episode ready for tomorrow, but we'll be back on Tuesday, July 16th with an exciting interview featuring the incredible Sarah Rogers, a poet and clothing designer.
In this update, I share a personal and heartfelt reason for the delay. Last week, we had to say goodbye to our beloved dog, Rommy. He was 15 and a half years old, and losing him has been incredibly tough. If you're an animal lover, you can...
2024-07-0806 minInspired Questions: Conversations on Self-Worth, Burnout & Showing Up AuthenticallyGetting to Know your Host: Ruth's Journey of Self-Discovery and GroundingIn this heartfelt episode, Ruth takes a step back from her usual role as host to be interviewed by a familiar voice—her sister, Naomi. This unique episode offers listeners an intimate glimpse into Ruth's life, journey, and the motivations behind her podcast, "Inspired Questions"
Ruth shares candidly about her experiences growing up, her career transitions from social work to starting a dog walking business, and her ongoing battle with Crohn's disease. She also discusses the importance of meditation, setting boundaries, and the personal growth she has experienced along the way.
Join Ruth and Naomi as...
2024-07-021h 01Inspired Questions: Conversations on Self-Worth, Burnout & Showing Up AuthenticallyReconnecting with Feminine Magic: Charise Alyssa’s Journey of Embodiment and HealingIn this episode, we welcome Charise Alyssa, a healer, teacher, and guide focusing on female embodiment, somatic breathwork, and Reiki healing for women. Charise shares her journey from burnout in a hyper-masculine society to rediscovering the power of the feminine through practices like yoga, meditation, and sound healing. She delves into the importance of balancing action with intuition, and how embodying the feminine can transform one's life.
Charise talks about her transition from Toronto's hustle to a more balanced life in Bali, where she embraced deeper layers of mindfulness and body awareness. She emphasizes the significance of...
2024-06-2556 minInspired Questions: Conversations on Self-Worth, Burnout & Showing Up AuthenticallyThe Extraordinary Journey of Sonya PfeifferJoin us in this inspiring episode as we welcome Sonya Pfeiffer, a remarkable woman of many talents. Sonya shares her incredible journey from being a journalist and documentary filmmaker to a skilled litigator and co-host of the award-winning podcast "Abuse of Power." She also owns an art gallery and has numerous other accomplishments, but most importantly, she is a warm and lovely human being.
In this episode, Sonya discusses the inception of her podcast, which focuses on wrongful convictions and the social inequalities within the criminal legal system. She emphasizes the power of storytelling in driving change...
2024-06-1851 minInspired Questions: Conversations on Self-Worth, Burnout & Showing Up AuthenticallyMastering Parenthood: Insights from Tia SlighthamWelcome to an inspiring episode where we sit down with Tia Slightham, a dedicated parenting coach, mom, and incredible human being. Tia shares her journey from kindergarten teacher to successful business owner, revealing the key elements that transformed her classroom and home into harmonious environments.
Discover how Tia's unique approach helps parents worldwide create peaceful, thriving households without yelling or frustration. From the importance of routines to actionable advice on staying grounded and moving forward when feeling stuck, this episode is packed with practical insights.
Join us as we delve into Tia's experiences, the concept...
2024-06-1157 minInspired Questions: Conversations on Self-Worth, Burnout & Showing Up AuthenticallyEmbracing Life's Moments with Heather Harris: Real Estate, Oracle Decks, and Heartfelt ConversationsIn this episode, we welcome the multifaceted Heather Harris. A real estate broker, podcaster, mom, and Oracle deck enthusiast, Heather shares her journey and the wisdom she's gathered along the way. Join us as we dive into her daily routines, coping mechanisms, and the inspirations that keep her grounded.
Heather talks about the importance of breath and meditation, the power of curiosity in moving forward, and how she sets daily intentions to start her day. We also explore her recent favorite read, "The Art of Hearing Heartbeats," and the influence of her incredible mother.
Tune...
2024-06-0426 minInspired Questions: Conversations on Self-Worth, Burnout & Showing Up AuthenticallyFinding Balance: Lessons from My Sister, NaomiWelcome to the first episode of our podcast! Today, we are thrilled to introduce Naomi, a remarkable woman who juggles a job, being a wife, a mom, volunteer work, and so much more. Naomi has played a huge role in my life, and it felt fitting to have her as our first guest.
In this candid conversation, we discuss the importance of authenticity, the challenges of recording our first episode, and the wisdom Naomi has gained from the phenomenal women in our lives. We dive into how she stays grounded amidst chaos, the importance of self-care, and...
2024-05-2654 min