Shows
Inspired QuestionsEmbracing 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 QuestionsThe 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 QuestionsEmpowering 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 QuestionsFinding 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 QuestionsWhen 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 QuestionsFinding 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 QuestionsBouncing 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 QuestionsPiercings & 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 QuestionsBreaking 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 QuestionsFinding 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 QuestionsThe 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 QuestionsYOLO 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 QuestionsUnderstanding 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 QuestionsRedefining 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 QuestionsFinding 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 QuestionsMini 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 QuestionsInspiration 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 QuestionsExciting 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 QuestionsMini 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 QuestionsFinding 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 QuestionsDeclutter 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 QuestionsEmbrace 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 QuestionsEmpowering 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 QuestionsNavigating 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 QuestionsEmbracing 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 QuestionsA 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 QuestionsGetting 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 QuestionsReconnecting 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 QuestionsThe 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 QuestionsMastering 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 QuestionsEmbracing 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 QuestionsFinding 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