The Write Your Own Story Podcast - podcast cover

The Write Your Own Story Podcast

Betsy Leonidaswww.buzzsprout.com

Grab your fav pen ladies, because it’s time to write the story of how your life goes! The Write Your Own Story podcast is here to encourage women to live the life they dream about by sitting with women business owners, game changers, community leaders and friends in the most honest, no perfect allowed, just girls gabbin way, about all things life and womanhood. Stories are rooted in meaning, connection, and understanding and so often are the clues for our future selves. It’s so important for all of us to hear what other women are doing with their lives. Their successes, their struggles, their perseverance, what failure has taught them, how they show up in this world, and what sets their heart on fire. It’s these stories that make us realize we’re not alone and motivate us to take a closer look at our own dreams. I promise it will be down to earth, super real and honest, funny, and feel like we’re all just gabbin over a cup of coffee or a glass (glasses) of wine. At the end of each show, my hope ist women are inspired to block out the societal “should’s” and the inner voices of “Why me?” and “Am I enough?” so they can pick up the pen with confidence and write their own stories of their lives.



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Episodes

Can Your Marriage Be Saved? Here’s Where to Start with Sophie Orozco

If you’re in a relationship that looks fine from the outside — but inside you feel invisible, disconnected, and exhausted — this episode is for you. Whether you’ve tried therapy, countless conversations, or just kept pushing through, it still feels like you’re carrying the emotional weight of it all. This week, Betsy sits down with Sophie Orozco , certified relationship coach and creator of the Relationship Miracle Method , who brings 20+ years of experience in emotional healing and behavior cha...

Jul 16, 202559 min

When the World Feels Too Heavy: An Honest Conversation About Anxiety, Tragedy, and Motherhood

In this solo episode, Betsy opens up about the heavy anxiety so many of us are feeling right now—amid summer chaos, heartbreaking news out of Texas, and the emotional toll of simply trying to keep it all together. She shares her own experience with anxious spirals and past panic attacks, and offers two simple, powerful tools that helped her move through a sleepless night: conscious breathing and a mindset reframe you can use anytime, anywhere. This episode is not expert advice—it’s real talk, fr...

Jul 09, 202522 min

Understanding Perimenopause: What Every Woman Should Know with Dr. Sara Rinala

Brain fog? Palpitations? Random anxiety, stubborn weight, and sleep that straight-up vanished? Welcome to the chaos we never got the manual for: perimenopause. In this honest, hilarious, and hope-filled episode, Betsy sits down with women’s health expert and truth-teller Dr. Sara Rinala to pull back the curtain on the decade before menopause that no one talks about—but every woman deserves to understand. Whether you’re 35 and confused, 43 and overwhelmed, or deep in the “WTF is happening to me” ...

Jun 25, 20251 hr 9 min

The Art of Happiness: How to Feel Better, Even When Life Doesn’t

What if happiness wasn’t something to chase… but something you create , even on the messiest days? In this deeply personal episode of Write Your Own Story , we’re getting real about what happiness actually is—and what it isn’t. No toxic positivity. No shiny Instagram-filtered illusions. Just honest truths about grief, boundaries, acceptance, letting go, and the radical bravery it takes to choose joy over and over again. Betsy shares her own journey through the “messy middle”—navigating heartbrea...

Jun 18, 202537 min

LinkedIn Without the Cringe: Building Your Brand with Confidence with Angie Snowball

What if LinkedIn wasn’t just for job hunting—and actually became one of your favorite places to learn, connect, and grow your personal brand? In this energizing episode of Write Your Own Story, host Betsy Leonis sits down with LinkedIn strategist and storytelling powerhouse Angie Snowball. Together, they bust the myths around LinkedIn (“Isn’t it just for finding a job?”), tackle imposter syndrome head-on, and unpack why every woman—from stay-at-home moms to small business owners and corporate cl...

Jun 11, 20251 hr 14 min

The Conscious Mom: Coming Home to Yourself in the Chaos of Motherhood with Erin Morrison

In this deeply grounding episode of Write Your Own Story, Betsy Leonis sits down with Erin Morrison—therapist, author, and creator of The Conscious Mom—to explore what it really means to mother from a place of inner clarity, not outer pressure. Together, they unpack the internal tug-of-war so many moms feel: the push to get it right and the pull of emotional overload, perfectionism, and self-doubt. Erin introduces her transformative book Three Minutes for Mom, a daily invitation to reconnect wit...

Jun 03, 20251 hr 14 min

Your Home, Your Healing: Interior Design for Mental Wellness with Jackie Barnes

In this inspiring episode of Write Your Own Story, host Betsy Leonidas sits down with interior designer Jackie Barnes to explore the profound connection between our living spaces and our mental health. From her roots as a mental health professional to her thriving design career, Jackie shares how thoughtful, intentional design can transform a home into a sanctuary of peace, comfort, and joy. Together, they dive into: ✨ The power of designing spaces that reflect you — beyond trends and staged per...

May 27, 20251 hr 1 min

Rebuilding After the Storm: Grief, Grace, and Growth with Jaime Townzen

In this heartfelt episode of Write Your Own Story, Betsy sits down with author and artist Jaime Townzen for a powerful conversation on grief, motherhood, and rediscovering yourself after unimaginable loss. Together, they explore: 🌿 The invisible weight women carry when they put everyone else first 🌿 How creativity became Jaime’s path to healing after losing eight loved ones in six years 🌿 The radical act of choosing yourself—especially when life feels impossibly heavy 🌿 How honoring your voi...

May 20, 20251 hr 11 min

Reclaiming Our Bodies: Navigating Eating Disorders with Dr. Ashley Solomon

In this heartfelt and eye-opening episode of the Write Your Own Story podcast, Betsy sits down with Dr. Ashley Solomon, a clinical psychologist and founder of Galia Collaborative, for a deeply honest conversation about women’s mental health, body image, and the complex layers of eating disorders. Dr. Solomon, a recovering perfectionist and fierce advocate for women’s well-being, shares her insights from over a decade of experience treating eating disorders and supporting women struggling with pe...

May 13, 20251 hr 3 min

From Balloons to Big Business: Chrissie Blatt on Joy, Chaos & Creating Your Own Lane

In this radiant, laughter-filled episode of Write Your Own Story , Betsy welcomes the wildly creative and contagiously joyful Chrissie Blatt —event designer, balloon magician, and unapologetically real entrepreneur. Chrissie opens up about her journey from art school dreams to running two beloved Cincinnati businesses: Chrissie Blatt Creative and the brilliantly fun Balloon Bombed . What begins as a story about business quickly transforms into a rich conversation about motherhood, ambition, burn...

May 06, 20251 hr 22 min

Stillness is a Superpower: Creativity, Courage, and Coming Alive with Ericka Nicole Malone

In this soul-stirring episode of Write Your Own Story , Betsy is joined by the incredible Ericka Nicole Malone — award-winning screenwriter, director, producer, and the visionary behind Remember Me: The Mahalia Jackson Story . From staging her own plays in college to fund her education to rewriting the narrative of her life through storytelling, Ericka shares the pivotal moments that shaped her path — including how stillness, self-belief, and creative courage became her compass. The two dive dee...

Apr 29, 20251 hr 3 min

From Longing to Loving: Rewriting the Story You Tell Yourself About Love with Amanda McCracken

Why do we stay hooked on people who don’t choose us back? Why do we fall for the fantasy over reality—and call it love? In this deeply raw and revealing episode of Write Your Own Story , Betsy sits down with author, TED speaker, and podcaster Amanda McCracken, whose personal journey through decades of longing, idealization, and self-sabotage led her to redefine love, worth, and emotional safety. From navigating virginity into her 40s to breaking the habit loop of limerence (the intoxicating high...

Apr 22, 20251 hr 6 min

Shaping Cities, Shaping Lives: The Work Behind ArtWorks with Lisa Saia

In this soul-stirring episode of Write Your Own Story , Betsy sits down with longtime friend and total powerhouse, Lisa Saia —board vice chair of ArtWorks Cincinnati—for an unfiltered, deeply inspiring conversation about purpose, pivots, and the power of public art. What starts as a fun reunion quickly unfolds into a powerful narrative about civic pride, youth empowerment, and finding your creative purpose—especially in motherhood and beyond. Lisa pulls back the curtain on ArtWorks, a game-chang...

Apr 15, 202559 min

Gratitude Is the Path: Resilience, Purpose & Leading with Heart with Rachel DesRochers

In this radiant and raw episode of Write Your Own Story, Betsy sits down with the remarkable Rachel DesRochers—serial entrepreneur, speaker, community builder, and founder of Power to Pursue—to explore what it really means to lead with gratitude, embody resilience, and live a purpose-driven life. From launching food ventures and a nonprofit Kitchen Collective to empowering thousands of women through one of the Midwest’s largest women’s movements, Rachel’s journey is anything but ordinary. But be...

Apr 08, 20251 hr 1 min

Reclaiming Your Power Through Spiritual Business with Katrena Friel

In this electric and soul-stirring episode of Write Your Own Story, host Betsy Leonis sits down with the radiant Katrena Friel—a business coach, spiritual guide, and unapologetic business witch—to unravel what it truly means to live a life rooted in authenticity, magic, and unapologetic self-leadership. 🌍 From Australia to your ears, Katrena shares her path from spiritual awakening to building a business that blends fierce strategy with feminine flow. They dive deep into: ✨ Balancing divine mas...

Apr 01, 20251 hr 7 min

Happily Ever Now: Choosing Joy Through Every Twist and Turn with Amy Furbay

What if happily ever after wasn’t a destination… but a decision ? In this deeply heartwarming and soul-nourishing episode, host Betsy sits down with the radiant Amy Furbay—self-proclaimed Chief Happiness Officer, co-owner of Cincinnati’s beloved Trevor Furbay store, and walking embodiment of authentic joy. From losing her mom at age seven to navigating heartbreak, reinvention, and new beginnings, Amy shares how she’s used gratitude, signs from the universe (hello, koala bears and doves!), and in...

Mar 25, 202559 min

The Courage to Be Seen: Letting Go of Fear & Leading with Confidence with Tarita Preston

In this deeply insightful episode of Write Your Own Story, Betsy sits down with Tarita Preston, a renowned life and leadership coach, for a conversation that will leave you feeling empowered, grounded, and ready to step into your highest potential. Together, they explore: 💫 Inner leadership—how to break free from external validation and trust yourself fully 💫 The magic of 5%—why small, intentional shifts lead to the biggest transformations 💫 Escaping the “100% doing” trap—and learning to lead...

Mar 13, 20251 hr 3 min

Turning Your Passion Into a Business with Jennifer Hall

In this heartwarming episode of Write Your Own Story, host Betsy Leonidas sits down with the incredibly talented Jen Hall of Jennifer Hall Needlepoint to chat about turning creativity into a thriving business, the magic of community, and embracing life’s unexpected twists. 🌷✨ Jen’s journey is a beautiful example of following your passion—from engineering and nursing to designing stunning needlepoint pieces that now grace homes and boutiques across the country. She opens up about the joys and ch...

Mar 04, 20251 hr 5 min

Transforming Children’s Lives with Tracy Cook from ProKids

🌸 In this eye-opening episode of the Write Your Own Story podcast, Betsy welcomes Tracy Cook from ProKids to illuminate the hidden realities facing children in the foster care system—and how each of us can help change their stories. From understanding the first call that sparks an investigation to discovering the transformative role of a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate), Tracy shows how one caring adult can shift a child’s entire future. 💕 Join us as we explore the crucial ways ProKids ...

Feb 20, 20251 hr 12 min

Breaking Free from Hustle Culture: How Feminine Energy Creates True Success with Betsy Leonidas

Welcome back to the Write Your Own Story Podcast! I’m your host, Betsy Leonidas, and today’s episode is one that’s been brewing in my mind for over a year. If you’re an ambitious, hardworking woman feeling exhausted by hustle culture, you’re not alone. I know the feeling all too well—juggling the roles of single mother, CEO, and leader—all while pushing through life in a way that felt inauthentic and draining. Today, I’m sharing my journey of rediscovering feminine energy. I’ll take you through ...

Feb 12, 202527 min

Just Keep Going: Brittany’s Journey Through Cancer, Infertility, and Finding Joy

In this heartwarming and inspiring episode of Write Your Own Story, Betsy is joined by Brittany Everly—attorney, entrepreneur, and a true survivor who’s faced the unimaginable head-on. From navigating stage IV colon cancer treatments while planning a wedding to confronting the emotional hurdles of infertility, Brittany’s story shines with resilience, strength, and a refusal to give up. Together, Betsy and Brittany discuss: Learning to self-advocate when faced with a life-altering diagnosis How B...

Feb 06, 20251 hr 53 min

Redefining Beauty, Confidence, Creativity, and Building Colby Cosmetics with Kristi Colby

In this heartwarming and inspiring episode of Write Your Own Story, Betsy sits down with Kristi Colby, founder of The Makeup Box and Colby Cosmetics, to explore the intersection of beauty, confidence, and authenticity. From growing up in the pageant world to becoming a successful entrepreneur and educator, Kristi shares her deeply personal journey of redefining beauty standards and creating tools to empower others. Together, Betsy and Kristi discuss: How natural beauty and confidence shine from ...

Jan 29, 20251 hr 28 min

Reconnecting with Yourself and the World with Abby Allen

In this soulful episode of Write Your Own Story , host Betsy welcomes her tennis bestie and creative powerhouse, Abby Allen. Together, they dive into the beauty of reconnection—reconnecting with ourselves, others, and our shared humanity. Abby, the visionary behind Sweet Gum Manor, shares how she’s building the first-ever "social sanctuary" in Cincinnati: a space dedicated to wellness, creativity, and meaningful connection. Expect laughter, vulnerability, and deeply insightful moments as Betsy a...

Jan 21, 20251 hr 11 min

How to Make 2025 Your Best Year Yet

Welcome back to the Write Your Own Story podcast! After a holiday break filled with family time and reflection, I’m so excited to be back on the couch and diving into this first episode of 2025. If you’re feeling behind this January, overwhelmed by the chaos of life, or just unsure how to start the year off strong—this episode is for YOU. In this heartfelt and inspiring conversation, I’ll walk you through my simple, proven methodology to guarantee 2025 will be your best year yet. Together, we’ll...

Jan 16, 202527 min

The Stories We Wrote and the Lessons We Learned in 2024

Welcome to a very special episode of the Write Your Own Story podcast! As we wrap up 2024 and start envisioning what 2025 will bring, your host Betsy reflects on some of the most impactful moments shared on the podcast this year. In this data-driven recap, Betsy brings you heartfelt clips that resonated deeply with our global sisterhood community — stories of bravery, self-discovery, hard questions, and honest truths. Whether you're navigating life transitions, seeking clarity, or simply craving...

Jan 03, 20251 hr 11 min

Writing Her Own Story: Liz Michaels on Thriving as an Autistic Adult

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode of the Write Your Own Story Podcast , host Betsy welcomes Liz Michaels, a self-advocate for the autistic community whose incredible journey will leave you snapping, clapping, and shouting “hell yes!” Diagnosed with autism at just three years old, Liz was met with doubt and dismissal from society—but she’s spent her life proving everyone wrong. From navigating the challenges of middle school bullying to building a thriving career, Liz’s story is one of resi...

Dec 24, 20241 hr 12 min

Turning Food Waste into Nourishment with Emmy Schroder of La Soupe

In this heartfelt and enlightening episode of Write Your Own Story , Betsy sits down with Emmy Schroder, Executive Director of La Soupe—a Cincinnati-based nonprofit tackling food waste and food insecurity in groundbreaking ways. From their humble beginnings as a “Soup Shack” to becoming a model organization recognized nationwide, Emmy shares La Soupe’s journey of transforming discarded food into nutritious meals for those in need. Discover: How 40% of food in the U.S. goes to waste and what we c...

Dec 18, 20241 hr 14 min

The Ultimate Guide to a Stress-Free Holiday Season with Lara Roller

In this warm and whimsical episode, Betsy is joined by her hilarious and heartfelt bestie, Lara Roller, for a candid and comforting chat. Together, they tackle the rollercoaster of emotions that come with the holiday season— from festive joys to the stress of missing shin guards, misplaced pants, and surprise morning performances. What’s in store? 💡 Real Talk: Navigating the holiday hustle and embracing the chaos without losing your magic. 🪞 Holding the Mirror: Learn how to recognize and celeb...

Dec 10, 20241 hr 25 min

How to Build a Profitable Business in 20 Hours a Week as a Mom (Step-by-Step Guide)

In this solo episode of the Write Your Own Story podcast, Betsy speaks directly to all the amazing entrepreneurs navigating the beautiful chaos of the holiday season. Whether you're just starting out or already running your own business, this episode is packed with practical insights and inspiration to help you thrive—all while working just 20 hours a week . 🙌 With humor, heart, and hard-earned wisdom, Betsy dives into how to reclaim your time, rediscover your passions, and take your business t...

Dec 04, 202444 min

Love, Tech, and Breaking the Swipe Cycle with Lisa Le and Julia Lestage

TRIGGER WARNING: SEXUAL CONTENT Calling all hopeless romantics, love skeptics, and anyone in between—this episode is for YOU! 💕 On this week’s Write Your Own Story podcast, host Betsy Leonidas chats with the fabulous Lisa Le and Julia Lestage, co-founders of a soon-to-launch dating app that’s flipping the script on modern love. Think fewer awkward swipes and more meaningful sparks—yes, please! ✨ These brilliant women share how they’re rehumanizing dating with a fresh approach that’s all about r...

Nov 26, 20241 hr 3 min
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