The Write Your Own Story Podcast

Hosted by Betsy Leonidas

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Episodes

122

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

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.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

September 9, 20261 hr 17 min

Do It Scared: Building Before You Feel Ready with Abbey Cummins

What happens when you stop waiting to feel ready and just start? In this episode, Betsy sits down with Abbey Cummins, founder and CEO of Everything Cincy, to talk about what it actually takes to build a business from the ground up—from launching during the pandemic and navigating the unexpected loss of her father to growing a team, learning to let go of control, and turning Everything Cincy into a platform built around community and connection. Abbey gets candid about the parts of entrepreneurship we don’t talk about enough: protecting your energy, separating your identity from your business, knowing when persistence becomes a sign to pivot, saying no to opportunities that don’t align, and realizing that not all money is the right money. They also unpack why collaboration beats competition, why you can't build something meaningful entirely on your own, and why confidence usually comes after you take the leap—not before. Because sometimes writing your own story means doing it scared, figuring it out as you go, and trusting yourself enough to take the first step. If you’ve been sitting on an idea, doubting whether you’re ready, or wondering whether to keep going or change direction, this episode is your reminder: you don’t need a perfect plan. You just need to start. Support the show FREE FEEL BETTER SPRINT (7 DAYS) https://admirable-cake-433.myflodesk.com/feelbetterin7days JOIN THE WAITLIST, NOW WHAT: https://forms.gle/upoSwPQEu5vm1wYW6 Connect with Betsy: Website: writeyourownstory.co E mail: betsy @writeyourownstory.co Instagram: write_your_own_story_co Or betsyleo Youtube:writeyourownstorypodcast

September 2, 20261 hr 8 min

The Power of Following Your Curiosity & Creativity with Lori Siebert

What could happen if you stopped waiting until you felt talented enough, confident enough, or had everything figured out and started following what makes you curious? In this episode of Write Your Own Story, Betsy sits down with mixed media artist, designer, entrepreneur, and creative retreat teacher Lori Siebert to explore the power of curiosity, creativity, and giving yourself permission to follow what lights you up. If you’ve ever told yourself you’re “not creative,” it might be time to rethink that. Creativity isn’t something you either have or you don’t, it’s a muscle you build through practice. You’re allowed to be a beginner, make something imperfect, find yourself in the messy middle, and keep going anyway. And you don’t need to know where your curiosity is going to lead. The hobby, idea, or passion you can’t stop thinking about doesn’t need to have an immediate purpose or become a business. Sometimes, giving yourself permission to explore it can open doors you never expected. Lori shares how following her own curiosity led to a career full of pivots, from running a design firm and working in art licensing to creating art and teaching creative retreats around the world. Her story is a reminder that you don’t have to stay in one lane forever, you can recognize when something no longer fits and make more room for what brings you joy. You’ll also hear about letting go of constant productivity, making more space for play, protecting your creativity when it becomes a business, taking yourself on creative “field trips,” and finding ways to recharge before you hit burnout. So, what would you explore if you weren’t worried about being good at it? Where could your curiosity take you if you actually followed it? You don’t need to know where it’s going. You just need to be curious enough to begin. Support the show FREE FEEL BETTER SPRINT (7 DAYS) https://admirable-cake-433.myflodesk.com/feelbetterin7days JOIN THE WAITLIST, NOW WHAT: https://forms.gle/upoSwPQEu5vm1wYW6 Connect with Betsy: Website: writeyourownstory.co E mail: betsy @writeyourownstory.co Instagram: write_your_own_story_co Or betsyleo Youtube:writeyourownstorypodcast

August 26, 20261 hr 18 min

Embrace the Detours: Michelle Hopkins on Reinvention & Trusting the Process

What if your path was never supposed to be a straight line? In this episode of Write Your Own Story , Betsy sits down with six-time Emmy Award-winning journalist Michelle Hopkins for an honest and inspiring conversation about reinvention, embracing the detours, and trusting that every chapter of your life is preparing you for what comes next. Michelle’s career has been anything but linear. After stepping away from television for 13 years, she moved through new industries, roles, and seasons of life—gaining skills, perspective, and experiences she never could have planned for. Eventually, her path brought her back to television and the storytelling she loved, but this time in a way that felt more authentic and entirely her own. Together, Betsy and Michelle unpack what it means to let go of the idea that there is one “right” path and instead give yourself permission to pivot, evolve, and start again—at any age. In this episode, Betsy and Michelle talk about: 💗 Why your career—and your life—doesn’t have to follow a straight line ✨ Reinventing yourself and starting again at any age 🌷 Trusting the detours, pivots, and unexpected seasons along the way 💫 Carrying the lessons from every success, mistake, and experience into what comes next 🌿 Navigating the uncertainty of an in-between season when you can’t see the whole path yet 💕 Choosing peace, boundaries, and authenticity as your definition of success evolves ✨ Trusting the process while continuing to learn, grow, and prepare for your next opportunity Michelle’s story is a reminder that changing direction doesn’t mean you’re starting from scratch. Every twist, turn, success, mistake, and unexpected opportunity becomes part of the story you’re writing. You don’t need to know exactly where the path is taking you. You just have to be willing to keep moving, keep learning, and give yourself permission to change direction along the way. Because your path doesn’t have to be linear to lead you exactly where you’re meant to be. 💗 Support the show FREE FEEL BETTER SPRINT (7 DAYS) https://admirable-cake-433.myflodesk.com/feelbetterin7days JOIN THE WAITLIST, NOW WHAT: https://forms.gle/upoSwPQEu5vm1wYW6 Connect with Betsy: Website: writeyourownstory.co E mail: betsy @writeyourownstory.co Instagram: write_your_own_story_co Or betsyleo Youtube:writeyourownstorypodcast

August 20, 20261 hr 14 min

Create Your Own Path: Rhiannon Hoeweler on Taking Chances & Making Opportunities

What happens when you stop waiting for the “right” opportunity—and start creating your own? In this episode of Write Your Own Story, Betsy sits down with Rhiannon Hoeweler, CEO of MadTree, for an honest and inspiring conversation about ambition, leadership, trusting yourself, and having the confidence to do things your own way. Rhiannon’s career has never followed a traditional roadmap. After spending six years at home with her son, she returned to work with a degree in environmental science and landed an opportunity at the Cincinnati Zoo after making the call and asking for the chance. From there, she continued taking on new challenges, building roles around her strengths, and saying yes to opportunities that pushed her to grow—eventually leading her to become CEO of MadTree. In this episode, Betsy and Rhiannon talk about: 💗 Asking for what you want instead of waiting to be chosen ✨ Taking on challenges and figuring things out along the way 🌷 Building a career around your strengths, passions, and natural gifts 💫 Trusting yourself enough to do things differently 🌿 Creating your own path instead of following someone else’s definition of success Rhiannon’s story is a reminder that you don’t need to know exactly where every opportunity will lead. Sometimes you have to make the call, raise your hand, take on the challenge, and trust yourself to figure out the rest. There is no one “right” path. You get to make it your own. 💗✨ Support the show FREE FEEL BETTER SPRINT (7 DAYS) https://admirable-cake-433.myflodesk.com/feelbetterin7days JOIN THE WAITLIST, NOW WHAT: https://forms.gle/upoSwPQEu5vm1wYW6 Connect with Betsy: Website: writeyourownstory.co E mail: betsy @writeyourownstory.co Instagram: write_your_own_story_co Or betsyleo Youtube:writeyourownstorypodcast

August 5, 20261 hr 1 min

You’re Never Too Old to Reinvent Yourself with Michelle Jones

What if getting older wasn’t about becoming more careful—but becoming more yourself? In this episode, Betsy sits down with Cincinnati creator, connector, and the woman behind Hey Michelle, Michelle Jones, for a joyful and refreshingly honest conversation about reinvention, identity, friendship, and refusing to let age decide what your life gets to look like. Michelle shares how divorce and becoming an empty nester forced her to ask a question so many women eventually face: Who am I now? Instead of disappearing into the background, she chose to show up. What began as simply sharing the restaurants, places, and people she loved grew into a brand, a community, and a career built around the things that came naturally to her. Together, Betsy and Michelle talk about finding yourself again after a major life pivot, building genuine friendships as an adult, letting go of the pressure to have everything figured out, and why creating more joy doesn’t require completely changing your life. Sometimes it’s saying yes to the concert. Trying the class. Hosting the girls before the house is perfect. Walking into the room where you don’t know anyone. Doing something you might be terrible at simply because it sounds fun. Because there is no age when you suddenly become too old to try something new, meet new people, build something meaningful, or become a new version of yourself. Your life is still yours to play with. Support the show FREE FEEL BETTER SPRINT (7 DAYS) https://admirable-cake-433.myflodesk.com/feelbetterin7days JOIN THE WAITLIST, NOW WHAT: https://forms.gle/upoSwPQEu5vm1wYW6 Connect with Betsy: Website: writeyourownstory.co E mail: betsy @writeyourownstory.co Instagram: write_your_own_story_co Or betsyleo Youtube:writeyourownstorypodcast

July 29, 20261 hr 14 min

What Surviving Cancer Taught Me About Life with Kate Schroder

Description What happens when life forces you to rewrite your definition of success? In this episode, Betsy sits down with Kate Schroeder—CEO of Interact for Health, former global health leader, cancer survivor, and former congressional candidate—for a conversation about the moments that reshape who we are. From leading public health initiatives in Zambia to facing a life-changing lymphoma diagnosis in her early 30s, Kate shares how each unexpected chapter gave her a new perspective on purpose, ambition, and what truly matters. Together, they explore the tension between achievement and fulfillment, why service is at the heart of meaningful leadership, how criticism can become a catalyst for growth, and what it really means to live courageously when the outcome isn't guaranteed. Kate also opens up about running for Congress, letting go of fear, embracing uncertainty, and building a life guided by values instead of expectations. This episode is a powerful reminder that our greatest challenges often become the experiences that shape our greatest impact—and that sometimes the life you never planned becomes the one you're most grateful to live. Support the show FREE FEEL BETTER SPRINT (7 DAYS) https://admirable-cake-433.myflodesk.com/feelbetterin7days JOIN THE WAITLIST, NOW WHAT: https://forms.gle/upoSwPQEu5vm1wYW6 Connect with Betsy: Website: writeyourownstory.co E mail: betsy @writeyourownstory.co Instagram: write_your_own_story_co Or betsyleo Youtube:writeyourownstorypodcast

July 22, 20261 hr 10 min

This Is How You Know It's Time to Walk Away with Nat Jones

Have you ever looked around at the life you worked so hard to build… and quietly wondered, "Why doesn't this feel like me anymore?" This week Betsy sits down with former radio host, comedian, and creator Nat Jones to talk about what happens when success no longer feels fulfilling and why sometimes the bravest thing you can do is start over. Together, they explore what it means to stop living by everyone else's expectations, trust your intuition, and find the courage to walk away from a life that looks good on paper but no longer feels right. Inside this episode, you'll discover: ✨ How to know when it's time for a new chapter ✨ Why fear is often a sign you're growing—not failing ✨ The surprising power of slowing down and listening to yourself ✨ How alignment creates opportunities you could never force ✨ Why letting go of perfection is the first step toward becoming yourself If you've been feeling stuck, disconnected, or like you've outgrown the version of yourself you've been living, this episode is your reminder that you don't have to stay where you've stopped feeling alive. Sometimes the life you're meant for begins the moment you're brave enough to turn the page. 💛 Support the show FREE FEEL BETTER SPRINT (7 DAYS) https://admirable-cake-433.myflodesk.com/feelbetterin7days JOIN THE WAITLIST, NOW WHAT: https://forms.gle/upoSwPQEu5vm1wYW6 Connect with Betsy: Website: writeyourownstory.co E mail: betsy @writeyourownstory.co Instagram: write_your_own_story_co Or betsyleo Youtube:writeyourownstorypodcast

July 15, 202622 min

How I Found Peace in the Hardest Season of My Life

What if feeling better had nothing to do with fixing your life? So many of us spend our days waiting. Waiting for the promotion. The relationship. The weight loss. The kids to get older. Life to calm down. But what if you could start feeling happier, more peaceful, and more like yourself before any of those things happened? In this solo episode, Betsy shares the simple daily practice that helped her navigate one of the hardest seasons of her life and why happiness isn't something you earn once everything falls into place. It's something you create through small, intentional choices every single day. If you've been feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or like you're constantly waiting for life to get better, this episode will give you practical tools to start feeling different today. In this episode: Why waiting for happiness keeps us stuck The mindset shift that changed everything Betsy's method for creating more peace and confidence How tiny daily habits create lasting emotional change Why measuring your feelings can completely transform your mindset Simple ways to feel more like yourself again If this episode resonates with you, share it with someone who needs the reminder that they don't have to wait for a better life to start feeling better. FREE FEEL BETTER SPRINT (7 DAYS) https://admirable-cake-433.myflodesk.com/feelbetterin7days Support the show FREE FEEL BETTER SPRINT (7 DAYS) https://admirable-cake-433.myflodesk.com/feelbetterin7days JOIN THE WAITLIST, NOW WHAT: https://forms.gle/upoSwPQEu5vm1wYW6 Connect with Betsy: Website: writeyourownstory.co E mail: betsy @writeyourownstory.co Instagram: write_your_own_story_co Or betsyleo Youtube:writeyourownstorypodcast

June 25, 20261 hr 34 min

What Losing My Husband Taught Me About Life, Love & Healing with Sarah Herringer

What do you do when your entire life changes overnight? In this deeply moving conversation, Sarah Herringer shares her journey through unimaginable loss, trauma, grief, and the difficult process of rebuilding a life she never expected to have to create. Together, we explore why grief isn't something to fix, how loss changes your identity, the difference between trauma and grief, and what it actually means to keep living after losing someone you love. Sarah shares powerful insights on intuition, healing, relationships, nervous system recovery, and the reality of carrying grief long after the world expects you to move on. Whether you're navigating loss yourself or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers a compassionate reminder that grief isn't a problem to solve—it's love that still remains. In this episode: • Why grief and love are two sides of the same coin • The difference between trauma and grief • What to say (and not say) to someone who is grieving • How loss changes your identity • Rebuilding safety after trauma • The role of intuition during life's hardest seasons • Learning to carry grief without letting it define you If this episode resonates with you, share it with someone who may need it today. Sarah Heringer: https://linktr.ee/theladyheringer?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=acd787df-1bd4-43a7-96c3-d8ed2dcef6eb Support the show FREE FEEL BETTER SPRINT (7 DAYS) https://admirable-cake-433.myflodesk.com/feelbetterin7days JOIN THE WAITLIST, NOW WHAT: https://forms.gle/upoSwPQEu5vm1wYW6 Connect with Betsy: Website: writeyourownstory.co E mail: betsy @writeyourownstory.co Instagram: write_your_own_story_co Or betsyleo Youtube:writeyourownstorypodcast

June 19, 20261 hr 18 min

The Courage to Choose: How to Stop Waiting and Start Trusting Yourself with Nan Whaley

What if the life you're dreaming about is waiting on a decision you're too afraid to make? So many women spend years waiting to feel certain before they take the leap—whether that's changing careers, ending a relationship, starting a business, running for office, or simply admitting they want something different. But what if confidence doesn't come before the decision? What if it comes after? In this deeply honest conversation, former Dayton Mayor and trailblazing leader Nan Whaley shares why some of the most important choices of her life were made long before she felt ready. From becoming the first woman nominated by her party for Governor of Ohio to leading a city through extraordinary challenges, Nan has learned that perfection is not the goal—courage is. Together, we explore: ✨ Why perfectionism keeps women stuck ✨ The real reason decision-making feels so overwhelming ✨ How to stop waiting for certainty and start trusting yourself ✨ What failure actually teaches us ✨ Reinvention, resilience, and choosing again and again ✨ Why sharing our stories helps other women find their own strength This episode is for every woman standing at a crossroads, wondering if she's capable of more than the life she's currently living. Because the truth is: there is no perfect choice. There is only the choice to trust yourself enough to take the next step. JOIN THE WAITLIST, NOW WHAT: https://forms.gle/upoSwPQEu5vm1wYW6 Support the show FREE FEEL BETTER SPRINT (7 DAYS) https://admirable-cake-433.myflodesk.com/feelbetterin7days JOIN THE WAITLIST, NOW WHAT: https://forms.gle/upoSwPQEu5vm1wYW6 Connect with Betsy: Website: writeyourownstory.co E mail: betsy @writeyourownstory.co Instagram: write_your_own_story_co Or betsyleo Youtube:writeyourownstorypodcast

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