Good Work is a curated exploration of the inner journey of outward success. Through deeply researched, long-form conversations with founders, authors, artists, and adventurers, host Barrett Brooks goes beyond surface-level stories to uncover the psychology of meaningful work. Each episode gives you rare access to the courage, identity shifts, and lessons that shape remarkable lives—insights you can use to navigate your own path with greater clarity and purpose.
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Good Work is a curated exploration of the inner journey of outward success. Through deeply researched, long-form conversations with founders, authors, artists, and adventurers, host Barrett Brooks goes beyond surface-level stories to uncover the psychology of meaningful work. Each episode gives you rare access to the courage, identity shifts, and lessons that shape remarkable lives—insights you can use to navigate your own path with greater clarity and purpose.
The Power of Owning Your Story with Ruthie Ackerman
Good Work with Barrett Brooks
1 hour 58 minutes
11 months ago
The Power of Owning Your Story with Ruthie Ackerman
This week, I talk with Ruthie Ackerman—a talented author, journalist, and writing teacher who has turned her own journey into a blueprint for helping others find their voice. Ruthie’s work has appeared in The New York Times, Modern Love, and many other renowned outlets, but her true passion lies in empowering others to discover and write their own stories. Through her workshops, one-on-one coaching, and book incubators, Ruthie helps writers connect with their experiences, heal from the past, and find deeper meaning in their lives. We explore Ruthie’s journey—from traveling the world in her 20s, to pivoting into journalism, to teaching creative nonfiction and memoir to students around the globe. We also dive into the deeply personal moments that shaped her path, including her journey to motherhood. Ruthie’s insights on storytelling, healing, and personal growth are inspiring, and I hope our conversation encourages you to reflect on your own story and its potential to create meaning and connection. Let’s get to it!
In this episode:
(00:00) - Intro
(02:48) - How Ruthie ended up in Malawi
(10:31) - The path to journalism
(13:19) - Brooklyn dreams
(18:38) - Reporting from Liberia and Lebanon
(28:18) - The Forbes experience
(32:05) - Starting Write Your Life
(36:12) - How Ruthie teaches writing
(47:51) - The importance of memoir
(53:25) - Balancing personal and professional life
(01:03:55) - The journey to motherhood
(01:09:28) - Dealing with changing desires
(01:16:14) - Understanding self-silencing and emotional repression
(01:24:02) - The reality of fertility treatments
(01:28:24) - Dating after divorce
(01:33:17) - Finding love and facing heartbreak
(01:44:19) - Meeting Rob
(01:48:37) - Reflections on the journey and personal growth
(01:52:06) - Ruthie's most beautiful future
(01:55:09) - Who Ruthie is becoming
Get full show notes and links at https://GoodWorkShow.com.
Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@barrettabrooks.
Good Work with Barrett Brooks
Good Work is a curated exploration of the inner journey of outward success. Through deeply researched, long-form conversations with founders, authors, artists, and adventurers, host Barrett Brooks goes beyond surface-level stories to uncover the psychology of meaningful work. Each episode gives you rare access to the courage, identity shifts, and lessons that shape remarkable lives—insights you can use to navigate your own path with greater clarity and purpose.
