In this powerful episode of The Story I’m Telling Myself, host Rita Ernst sits down with Dr. Nikki Lanier, CEO of Harper Slade and founder of the Rare Woman Collective, for an honest and deeply moving conversation about fear, race, motherhood, and the narratives that shape our lives.
Through the lens of her lived experience as a Black mother raising a son in America, Dr. Lanier opens up about the emotional reality of preparing her child to navigate a world that often misreads his worth and humanity. From creating a “police pouch” to protect her teenage son, to redefining what it means to lead with grace and courage, she invites listeners to reflect on the stories society assigns us , and how we can disrupt them.
Together, Rita and Dr. Lanier unpack powerful themes of racial equity, leadership, fear management, emotional intelligence, and advocacy. They explore how fear can both protect and paralyze us , and how to transform it through connection, awareness, and intentional action.
Key topics include:
The emotional toll of racial narratives on Black families
The “police pouch” story and redefining safety through love
Fear as both a survival tool and a limiting belief
How white allies can engage in advocacy with grace and empathy
Building authentic multicultural workplaces and communities
🎧 Tune in to The Story I’m Telling Myself on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or Audible to hear a conversation that challenges bias, inspires reflection, and reclaims humanity — one story at a time.
#TheStoryImTellingMyself #RitaErnst #DrNikkiLanier #RacialEquity #Motherhood #FearAndCourage #Leadership #EmotionalIntelligence #BlackMothers #SocialChange #Advocacy #PodcastDescription #StorytellingPodcast
In this powerful episode of The Story I’m Telling Myself, host Rita sits down with Melissa Trelfitt, a seasoned fractional HR leader with over 25 years of experience, to unpack one of the most relatable workplace experiences: that moment when you start asking yourself, “Am I crazy, or is this place actually toxic?”
Inside this episode, you’ll learn:
What toxic leadership and organizational dysfunction really look like beneath the surface
How power dynamics, gender roles, and generational differences shape how we respond to workplace intimidation
The real emotional toll of working under abusive or ineffective leaders
Why HR professionals often get caught between integrity and politics
Practical ways to set boundaries, trust your instincts, and protect your mental health at work
Melissa shares a raw story about confronting a toxic leader during the pandemic, the physical intimidation she faced, and how she found the courage to walk away. Together, she and Rena explore the deep psychology behind self-doubt, the “make your boss happy” culture, and the cost of staying silent in dysfunctional organizations.
Key Themes:
Toxic workplaces & dysfunctional leadership
Emotional safety and psychological resilience
Gender & power dynamics in corporate culture
HR integrity and leadership accountability
Setting boundaries and aligning with your values
This episode is a must-listen for HR professionals, corporate leaders, and anyone questioning their sanity in a toxic workplace. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Is it me?” this conversation will remind you: it’s not.
🎧 Tune in now to learn how to recognize dysfunction, reclaim your power, and lead with courage, even when it’s uncomfortable.
#ToxicWorkplace #LeadershipPodcast #CareerGrowth #HRLeadership #EmotionalIntelligence #WorkplaceCulture #Boundaries #MentalHealthAtWork #CareerTransitions #WomenInLeadership
What do you do when you lose your job, the one you’ve given your time, energy, and heart to?
In this special edition of The Story I’m Telling Myself Podcast, Rita sits down with Liz Dehart, a marketing expert who was recently laid off after six years at Glasser’s Collision Centers. Instead of reacting with anger or resentment, Liz chose gratitude, grace, and growth, inspiring this honest and hopeful conversation.
Together, they explore:
If you’ve ever faced a career transition, questioned your next step, or supported someone through change, this episode will remind you that sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do is go high.
🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or Audible.
#TheStoryImTellingMyselfPodcast #JobLoss #CareerTransitions #Resilience #MindsetShift
Have you ever done everything right, followed the rules, checked every box, worked hard, and still wondered why things weren’t working out? You’re not alone.
In this episode of The Story I’m Telling Myself, host Rita sits down with Jenn Whitmer, an international keynote speaker and workplace culture consultant, to challenge the hidden narrative that obedience guarantees success. Together, they explore how blindly following the “right way” can actually keep you stuck, and why reclaiming your agency is the true path to growth, influence, and freedom.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
The toxic story behind “If I just do everything right, it will work out”
How Jenn’s personal health journey revealed the limits of blind obedience
Why redefining your relationship with authority unlocks new possibilities
The cost of choosing safety over power, and how to take responsibility for your life
Practical ways to rewrite your internal story and claim your agency
Whether you’re navigating career growth, leadership challenges, or personal change, this conversation will help you stop handing over your power and start writing your own ending.
✨ “Be careful the tales you tell, that is the spell.” Into the Woods
🔗 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube & Audible.
#MindsetShift #PersonalGrowth #Leadership #Podcast
Are you over 40 and wondering if it’s too late to pivot your career or redesign your life? In this empowering episode of The Story I’m Telling Myself, host Rita sits down with Andrea Bjorkman, CEO & Co-Founder of Find Your Fizz, to talk about breaking free from age-related stereotypes, self-limiting beliefs, and outdated societal expectations.
At 58, Andrea left a high-level corporate executive role, only to discover how deeply her identity and worth were tied to her career. Faced with grief, ageism in the job market, and the fear of “starting over,” she transformed that experience into a new mission, helping women over 40 navigate professional and personal transitions with courage and clarity.
In this candid conversation, you’ll learn:
How to recognize and rewrite the self-limiting stories holding you back (“I’m too old,” “I’m not good enough”).
Why reclaiming a new identity is more powerful than trying to get your old one back.
Simple, practical steps to start moving toward a more authentic life today, without needing to “have it all figured out.”
Why putting yourself first isn’t selfish, but essential for keeping your spark alive.
How to shift from chasing external validation to finding fulfillment in making a difference, even for one person.
If you’re ready to release outdated rules, rediscover your purpose, and embrace the idea that your best chapter can still be ahead, this episode will show you how.
🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Audible to feel inspired, motivated, and empowered to start your next chapter, no matter your age.
#MidlifeReinvention #CareerChangeAfter40 #FindYourFizz #TheStoryImTellingMyself
In this episode of The Story I’m Telling Myself, Rita talks with professional speaker and coach Olivia Fitchett about overcoming crippling anxiety, self-doubt, and the stories that hold us back.
Olivia’s journey, from growing up in Southern Indiana with clinical anxiety to unexpectedly landing a White House internship, is a testament to courage, persistence, and the power of self-trust.
🎧 In this episode, you’ll learn:
How Olivia turned a “joke” application into a life-changing White House internship
The role a supportive friend played in challenging her self-doubt
Practical ways to challenge and rewrite your own self-limiting beliefs
Why the real win is in the attempt , not just the outcome
How to build self-trust, walk through doubt, and act even when you’re scared
The moment Olivia shifted her mindset from “I’m not good enough” to “Why not me?”
Perfect for you if you’re:
Battling imposter syndrome
Considering a bold career or life change
Looking for motivation to push through fear and self-doubt
Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube & Audible and start embracing your own “Why not me?” mindset today.
#OvercomingAnxiety #SelfDoubt #WhiteHouseInternship #WhyNotMe #TheStoryImTellingMyself
Are you ready to break free from limiting beliefs and step into unstoppable growth? In this episode of The Story I’m Telling Myself, Rita sits down with entrepreneur and community builder Sabrina Victoria, founder of Her Nation Global, to uncover how she transformed her life from victimhood to victor
Sabrina opens up about the turning points that forced her to confront her inner narrative, growing up in a strict religious household, facing abandonment, surviving an abusive relationship, and ultimately choosing to rewrite her story. With courage and raw honesty, she shares the practical mindset shifts that helped her build thriving businesses, create supportive communities for women, and embrace a fearless “go big or go bigger” philosophy.
If you’ve ever felt stuck in your past, battled self-doubt, or wondered how to move from survival mode to thriving, this conversation will give you the roadmap. Discover how to release your victim story, reframe fear as an opportunity, and step fully into the empowered version of yourself.
Don’t miss this inspiring episode filled with real stories, powerful takeaways, and the motivation you need to finally go bigger in your own life.
Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and Audible.
In this deeply moving episode of The Story I’m Telling Myself podcast, Rita sits down with Karen Taylor, grief integration coach, to explore the complexities of grief, loss, and guilt. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Am I to blame?” after losing a loved one, this episode is for you.
Karen shares her personal journey of grief after the tragic loss of her sister and explains the difference between grief (the emotional response to loss) and grieving (the long-term process of learning to live without someone). She dives into the stages of grief, including the “free fall,” and why rumination and guilt are natural responses that can help, but can also hold you back if you get stuck.
You’ll learn:
How to navigate guilt and self-blame after a loss
The difference between grief and grieving
Healthy ways to process rumination and “what ifs”
How to reframe painful thoughts using the “even if” technique
Why moving forward doesn’t mean leaving your loved one behind
The importance of being present and holding space for yourself and others
This episode is essential for anyone experiencing grief, supporting someone through loss, or seeking guidance on emotional healing, coping with loss, and mental health after tragedy.
🎧 Listen to The Story I’m Telling Myself podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and Audible.
In this episode of The Story I’m Telling Myself, host Rita sits down with Kelly Charles, a high-stakes communication expert, keynote speaker, and four-time author, to explore the stories we tell ourselves and how they shape our lives.
Kelly opens up about her journey from thriving lawyer to professional speaker, sharing the pivotal moment when she realized she could “cashflow what she knew” instead of grinding long hours in court. From battling self-doubt to embracing her identity as both attorney and speaker, she reveals how women can own their accomplishments and stop leaving parts of themselves behind.
The conversation dives into:
How to recognize and rewrite the stories holding you back
Why women must proudly own their “receipts” and credibility
Strategies for navigating confrontation with dignity and purpose
The power of bringing your whole self into every room
This episode is a reminder that it’s not bragging if it’s true, and that your lived experiences, skills, and resilience are your greatest assets.
🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and Audible.
#TheStoryImTellingMyself #KellyCharlesCollins #CareerChangeJourney #WomenInLeadership #ProfessionalSpeaker #HighStakesCommunication #PersonalGrowthPodcast #RewriteYourStory #CareerTransitions #EntrepreneurMindset #WomenEmpowerment #AuthenticLeadership #ConfrontationSkills #MindsetShift #LeaveNothingBehind #EmpoweredWomenEmpowerWomen #SelfDoubtToSuccess #CareerRedefinition #LeadershipDevelopment #OwnYourPower
Have you ever felt left out, unseen, or “not chosen” and instantly turned that moment into proof that you’re not enough? In this episode of The Story I’m Telling Myself Podcast, host Rita is joined by Tracy Borreson, a marketer and coach, to explore the powerful self-help concept of being “leavable.”
High achievers and driven professionals often carry silent fears of abandonment, rejection, or being overlooked. These fears become ingrained stories that shape our relationships, careers, and self-worth. Tracy shares her journey of recognizing her “I’m leavable” narrative, from childhood memories to divorce and career decisions, and how she learned to rewrite it into a new story: “I can create.”
What you’ll learn in this episode:
Why your brain is wired to confirm negative beliefs and fears
How “the unreliable narrator” in your head keeps you stuck
Practical tools to replace limiting stories with empowering ones
Why reframing rejection can lead to growth, creation, and resilience
How high achievers can stop shrinking in fear and start living limitlessly
This conversation is a must-listen for anyone in the self-help and personal development space who wants to overcome fear, heal feelings of rejection, and step into empowerment.
🎧 Tune in now to From “Leavable” to Limitless: Rewriting the Story in Your Head on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Audible.
Will I Be as Good? The Leap from Corporate Peak to Entrepreneur with Susan Collins
What if the best time to make a career change… is when you’re at your peak?
In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Susan Collins , career strategist, coach, and “The Network Concierge” to talk about her bold decision to leave a thriving 25-year career in corporate talent acquisition to start her own business.
Susan shares her journey from “steady Eddie” in the corporate world to stepping into the unknown, helping people see their full potential, and empowering them to ask for more , more money, more opportunities, and more from life.
We dive into:
Whether you’re feeling stuck, dreaming of something new, or simply curious about what it takes to leap from security to possibility, Susan’s story will leave you motivated, thoughtful, and ready to think ahead.
🎧 Listen now to The Story I’m Telling Myself Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube & Audible, and start building the life you can’t stop thinking about.
What’s Stopping You From Asking for Help?
The hard truth every high-achiever needs to hear.
If you’ve ever felt like asking for help makes you look weak, incapable, or not cut out for leadership, this episode is your permission slip to think again.
In this honest and eye-opening conversation, host Rita is joined by Leanne Elliot, Chartered Organizational Psychologist and host of Truth, Lies, and Work. Leanne shares the story of how her first big management role at just 27 went sideways, not because she wasn’t smart enough, but because she didn’t ask for help.
The result?
A tough demotion.
But also… a turning point that reshaped her career.
This episode is a must-listen for high performers, new managers, and ambitious professionals who are silently struggling under the pressure to do it all.
Inside this episode, we cover:
Why high-achievers fear asking for help (hint: it’s not about ego)
The psychology behind help-seeking behavior at work
Real data that shows people are more willing to help than you think
How Leanne turned a career low into her most powerful leadership lesson
Practical tips to build trust, vulnerability, and psychological safety with your team
Spoiler: You’re not weak for needing help, you’re human. And leaders who ask for support often build the strongest teams.
🎧 Tune in now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible, and YouTube
💌 Need help but don’t know where to start? Reach out to Leanne: hello@truthliesandwork.com
#TheStoryImTellingMyself #HighAchievers #LeadershipPodcast #AskForHelp #WorkplaceWellbeing #CareerGrowth #LeadershipDevelopment #ImposterSyndrome #DemotionRecovery #VulnerabilityIsStrength #YoungProfessionals #WomenInLeadership #TruthLiesAndWork
What if the voice telling you “you’re not ready” is the very reason you need to step up?
In this powerful episode of The Story I'm Telling Myself, we sit down with Elisa Juarez, author, speaker, DEIB consultant, and Board Chair of the Hispanic Heritage Foundation, to explore what it takes to lead with purpose, even when imposter syndrome whispers, “Why you?”
Elisa opens up about her journey navigating identity, self-doubt, and the pressure of leadership as a light-skinned Latina woman in spaces where she often felt like she didn’t “look the part.” But instead of shrinking, she leaned into the question that changed everything: “If not me, who?”
Whether you’re a high-achiever facing invisible barriers, a woman of color questioning if you belong in leadership, or an advocate ready to speak up for a greater cause, this episode will challenge and inspire you.
What You’ll Learn:
How to shift from imposter syndrome to impact-driven leadership
Why your identity isn’t a weakness, it’s your strength
The mindset that helps leaders take action before they feel 100% ready
How to advocate for others, even when your voice shakes
Why belonging starts with believing you deserve to be there
This is your reminder: You don’t need permission to lead. Your presence is powerful. Your voice matters. And someone else’s breakthrough might be waiting on your bold “yes.”
What do you do when life feels unbearable? When your body gives out, your joy disappears, and you feel like a burden to the people you love?
In this powerful and emotional episode of The Story I’m Telling Myself, host Rita sits down with Misha Safran, a woman whose world was turned upside down by chronic illness, unimaginable grief, and internal self-doubt.
Misha opens up about the darkest season of her life: losing her health, her career, and three close family members within a single year. At her lowest, she felt like a “wilting flower,” depleted and questioning her purpose. And yet through a mix of grace, humor, music, and deep inner work, she found a way to rise.
You’ll hear:
If you’ve ever felt like you’re falling apart, like you're not enough, or like joy is out of reach, this episode will meet you there. And it’ll help you remember that even wilting flowers can bloom again.
🎧 Tune in now and be reminded of your strength, your softness, and your power to heal.
#SelfEmpathy #HealingJourney #ChronicIllness #Resilience #BurnoutRecovery #GriefAndLoss #MentalHealth #SelfLove #OvercomingAdversity #InvisibleIllness #WomensEmpowerment #EmotionalWellness #RadicalSelfCare #MotivationalPodcast #TheStoryImTellingMyself #PodcastForHealing #JoyAfterPain #ReclaimYourPower #BloomAgain
Have you ever worked hard to prove your worth, only to feel invisible anyway?
In this powerful episode of The Story I’m Telling Myself, Rita sits down with Sharon K. Summerfield, also known as, to unpack the painful and often hidden experience of being undermined at work.
Sharon shares her personal story of working in a corporate environment where her contributions were quietly dismissed, her emails went unanswered, and her value was questioned, not because of her work ethic, but because of ingrained bias and poor leadership.
Together, we explore:
The subtle signs of workplace undermining
How high-achievers fall into the trap of overworking to feel seen
Why competence isn't always enough in toxic environments
The importance of values alignment and building a culture of care
How to recognise when it’s time to leave or shift roles
The power of self-advocacy and prioritizing your well-being
Whether you're a high-performing professional feeling undervalued, a leader trying to prevent burnout, or someone navigating toxic workplace dynamics, this conversation will help you rethink how you show up and who deserves your time, energy, and excellence.
🎧 Listen now on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Music & Audible.
#WorkplaceToxicity #BeingUnderminedAtWork #BurnoutRecovery #WomenInLeadership #SelfAdvocacy #ToxicWorkCulture #CareerTransitions #WorkplaceWellbeing #HighAchieverHealing #ValuesAlignment #TheStoryImTellingMyself
Is “fine” really fine—or is it self-abandonment in disguise?
In this special International Women’s Day episode of The Story I’m Telling Myself, host Rita sits down with poet, speaker, and women’s health advocate Susan LaPlaine Miller for a powerful conversation on self-abandonment, self-worth, and the journey to living in alignment with your values.
From childhood trauma responses to the pressures of motherhood and workplace expectations, Susan shares how she moved from people-pleasing and perfectionism to self-advocacy and authenticity. Together, she and Rita explore what happens when we disconnect from our truth and how to ur inner voice
If you’ve ever felt unseen, undervalued, or stuck in survival mode, this episode is your permission to stop abandoning yourself and start showing up fully.
🎧 Loved this episode? Be sure to follow and rate the show on Spotify—it helps more people find these honest, healing conversations.
Thanks for listening!
#SelfWorth #TheStoryImTellingMyself #WomenEmpowerment #HealingJourney #AuthenticLiving #PodcastForWomen
The Power of the Pause: Finding Authenticity and Success in Business with Gary Spencer
Do you really want a bigger business—or are you just chasing what looks like success?
In this episode of The Story I’m Telling Myself, we sit down with Gary Spencer, a seasoned UK entrepreneur, to explore what happens when you stop following the crowd and start leading from a place of authenticity. Gary shares his incredible journey of building businesses, facing failure, recovering from debt, and taking not one—but three—sabbaticals to reconnect with his purpose.
We unpack powerful themes around:
Authentic leadership and turning up whole in your work
Taking a pause to grow, even in high-stakes moments
Letting go of pressure, comparison, and the myth of constant growth
Raising over £1 million without pitching, by leading with purpose
The difference between chasing success and building a business on your own terms
If you're an entrepreneur navigating burnout, reevaluating your goals, or seeking more self-awareness in business, this conversation will shift your mindset and leave you feeling inspired to redefine what success really means.
🎧 Tune in now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible, or YouTube.
If this episode spoke to you, please take a moment to rate and review the show! Your feedback helps us grow and reach more listeners who need these honest, empowering conversations
#Entrepreneurship #BusinessPodcast #GarySpencer #LeadershipMindset #AuthenticSuccess #PauseToGrow #BurnoutRecovery #SelfAwarenessInBusiness #MindsetShift #UKEntrepreneurs #BusinessFailureRecovery #TheStoryImTellingMyself
What do you do when life demands a decision that could risk everything you’ve worked for?
In this powerful episode, Tirsa Hall—HR leader turned entrepreneur—opens up about her bold and emotional career pivot. At the height of her success as a Senior HR Director in the luxury resort industry, Tirsa’s life changed overnight when her twin daughters were diagnosed with autism. Faced with limited resources in the Caribbean, she made the impossible choice: move abroad for their care, even if it meant walking away from her thriving career and risking financial ruin.
This conversation is for high-achievers, career changers, and purpose-driven professionals who are navigating big life decisions, competing commitments, or career burnout. Tirsa shares how she turned fear into focused action—and why trusting yourself, asking for help, and getting clear on your core values can shift everything.
What you’ll learn:
• How to manage fear when life forces a pivot
• The mindset trap that keeps high-performers stuck
• Why seeking support is a strength, not a weakness
• The difference between being busy and being intentional
• How to reframe failure, fear, and uncertainty into purposeful action
Whether you're considering a career change, managing working parenthood, or trying to find peace in uncertainty, this episode will inspire you to own your story and take back control.
Connect with Tiersa
🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible, and YouTube.
🗣️ If this episode resonates with you, please take a moment to rate and review the show—it really helps us grow and reach more people who need to hear these stories.
#CareerChange #WorkingMoms #HighAchievers #MindsetShift #FearToFocus #PurposeDriven #TirsaHall #TheStoryImTellingMyself #PodcastRecommendations #CareerTransitions
What if you could train your environment to help you become your best self?
In this episode, our host Rita Ernst is joined by Melissa Robinson Hussain, a personal and professional development coach, self-coaching expert, and author of Positively Triggered. Melissa shares how she turned a period of personal burnout into a blueprint for transformation using what she calls positive trigger , intentional cues that realign you with the life you want to live.
From navigating career stagnation, burnout, and self-doubt, to building a life fueled by intention, alignment, and inner healing, Melissa walks us through how small changes in your space, habits, and thoughts can completely upgrade your personal operating system.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
• What Positive triggers are and how to use them for daily mindset realignment
• How to overcome people-pleasing and reclaim your power
• Tools to silence your inner critic and develop self-trust
• The truth about personal growth, even when it impacts others
• How to implement Self-coaching techniques to reset your habits and life path
• Why choosing yourself is the key to building a purpose-driven life
Melissa also shares the story behind powerful visual tools like her “middle finger ring” (inspired by The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F***) and a sorceress painting named Melissa—symbols that keep her grounded in intention, resilience, and impact.
This episode is for you if you're:
✓ Craving a fresh start
✓ Navigating a career or identity shift
✓ Ready to stop living on autopilot
✓ Looking for real strategies to heal from burnout and reclaim joy
✓ Curious about how to build a more intentional, empowered life
Bonus: Want a free Audible copy of Positively Triggered?
Email Melissa at melissa@positivelytriggered.coach in exchange for an Amazon review!
Explore more at: rinvoc.com
Loved this conversation?
If this episode moved you, helped you reflect, or made you think differently, please take a moment to rate and review the show on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Your support helps more people find these powerful stories of transformation.
What if grief wasn’t something to “get over,” but a doorway to deeper healing, mindfulness, and personal growth? In this soul-nourishing episode of The Story I’m Telling Myself, host Rita sits down with Carmen Alvarez—a mindfulness teacher, researcher, and Reiki practitioner—for a powerful conversation on grief, mental health, and emotional well-being.
Drawing from her personal journey of loss, Carmen redefines grief not just as the death of a loved one, but as any deep life transition—such as divorce, job loss, or identity shifts. With compassion and insight, she shares how embracing emotions through meditation, self-care, and presence can help us move from surviving to healing.
🧘♀️ In this episode, you’ll discover:
How to practice mindfulness and self-compassion in times of grief
Why meditation and emotional awareness are key tools for healing
The connection between grief and personal development
How positive psychology supports the coexistence of joy and sorrow
Practical ways to honor your pain and create meaning through service
This conversation is a heartfelt invitation to shift your internal narrative, nurture your mental health, and embrace grief as part of your wellness journey. Whether you're navigating loss or supporting someone who is, you'll walk away with grounded tools and hope for transformation.
🎧 Tune in to explore grief as a path to healing, self-care, and spiritual growth.
