Alana Ruoso
Ditch the Struggle with Alana Ruoso | Career & Success Coaching for Personal Growth
If you’ve ever felt lost and trapped in your career, frustrated with the life you’re living, stuck in a state of struggle and maybe even–like me–haunted by the fear of unfulfilled potential, then you’re definitely in the right place. Been there, done that, bought the T-shirt and then burned it–a few times over. Hi! I'm Alana. I'm an award-winning graphic designer and certified career & success coach in Toronto, Canada. I can’t wait to share personal stories from my deep dive into personal development work, career growth and strategies, entrepreneurship, toxic jobs and nightmare bosses (yes, I’...
Author
Alana Ruoso
Category
Podcast website
Latest episode
Jul 8, 2026
Where to listen?
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Episodes
EP115: My Stupid Simple Strategy For Taking Risks [Career & Personal Growth] 08.07.2026 18:30
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into: An easy way I talk myself into taking risks and trying new things The mindset needed for transformation How I ditched perfectionism The podcast where we dive headfirst into personal development work, career growth and strategies, entrepreneurship, toxic jobs and nightmare bosses (yes, I’m going there), anxiety, self-esteem and co...
EP114: How Self-Compassion (Finally) Got Easier For Me [Personal Growth] 01.07.2026 13:07
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into: A mindset shift that made me look at self-compassion differently How can still be affected by our past experiences–even when we think we are 'older and wiser' The podcast where we dive headfirst into personal development work, career growth and strategies, entrepreneurship, toxic jobs and nightmare bosses (yes, I’m goin...
EP113: One Shift That Transforms Your Relationship with Money [Finance & Mindset] 24.06.2026 25:37
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into: How one thing my friend said changed my perspective on money forever Having a new article published on Addicted2Success Losing a chunk of money at the ATM and what I did (and didn't do!) 📕 My new article on Addicted2Success 🖋️ Dakota Nyght , Editor extraordinaire! The podcast where we dive headfirst into personal developmen...
EP112: Joe's "Prison Break" & Leaving Corporate Without a Plan [Career & Personal Growth] 17.06.2026 25:07
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into: The story of Joe, who just left his (awful) corporate job unexpectedly How friends have lots to say when you 'take time off' Why you can take time to figure things out, even if society doesn't want you to The podcast where we dive headfirst into personal development work, career growth and strategies, entrepreneurs...
EP111: Mantras & Affirmations--A Waste of Time? [Personal Growth] 10.06.2026 25:11
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into: Mantras & affirmations-do they even do anything? Breaking destructive thought loops and catastrophic thinking How I personally use them and the benefits I've discovered Check out the work of Louise Hay , as mentioned in this episode. The podcast where we dive headfirst into personal development work, career growth and st...
EP110: Terrified of Self-Promotion? How to Put Yourself Out There [Business & Personal Growth] 03.06.2026 16:26
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into: Being terrified to promote yourself and/or business Whey it easier to promote other people's products or services It's time to BUY NOW--step up your game! How we question the value of what we have to offer The podcast where we dive headfirst into personal development work, career growth and strategies, entrepreneurship,...
EP109: My J.Crew Job & Side Gig Advice [Job Stories & Career] 27.05.2026 20:19
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into: Taking a part-time retail job at J. Crew in 2013 (yes, a mall job!) The stories we tell ourselves when we "need to get more work" Going from a fancy art director job to working retail and serving a former co-worker 3 important lessons I learned from this experience! The podcast where we dive headfirst into personal deve...
EP108: How Not to Resent Others--Ditching "Must Be Nice" Thinking [Personal Growth] 13.05.2026 17:10
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into: Ever found yourself saying, "Must be nice?" when someone has it easier than you? Realizing that not everyone is meant to have the same struggles as you–and that is ok. You don't need empathy from everyone. It's impossible. Not needing to be understood AND letting others have their own experience and learn the...
EP107: Keep Your "Judgmental" Friends Close--Especially At Work [Personal & Corporate Stories] 06.05.2026 25:18
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into: Is it judgment or intuition? When you know something is up with someone, but people assume you are being judgmental Work stories where my intuition was on point about some toxic colleagues The podcast where we dive headfirst into personal development work, career growth and strategies, entrepreneurship, toxic jobs and nightmare b...
EP106: Grief is a B*tch--I'm Back! [Personal Update] 29.04.2026 26:25
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into: A personal update Moving through the grief of losing our dog Dolly How it's affected podcast production and moving through life/work 🌈 🐶 Pet Grief video on IG The podcast where we dive headfirst into personal development work, career growth and strategies, entrepreneurship, toxic jobs and nightmare bosses (yes, I’m going...
EP105: From Exhausted Pilot to Thriving Photographer [Convo with David Enloe] 04.02.2026 51:55
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into: A conversation with David Enloe, a Marin and San Francisco family photographer who traded the cockpit for the coastline After years in aviation — a career that looked adventurous from the outside but proved toxic on the inside — he walked away to build a practice rooted in presence, connection, and creativity How he summoned the...
EP104: Feng Shui to Bring Harmony, Energy & Magic to Your Space [Convo with Laura Morris] 21.01.2026 52:36
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into: A conversation with Laura Morris, co-founder of the Mindful Design Feng Shui school, co-host of the Holistic Spaces podcast and co-author of Mindful Living: a Guide to the Everyday Magic of Feng Shui The basics of Feng Shui - explained brilliantly How the art of placement deeply affects your space and surroundings Using the thing...
EP103: Addicted to Working Under Extreme Pressure? [Work & Personal Growth] 24.12.2025 20:22
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into: The habit of working under high pressure/last minute deadlines Using cortisol to fuel your task completion The podcast where we dive headfirst into personal development work, career growth and strategies, entrepreneurship, toxic jobs and nightmare bosses (yes, I’m going there), anxiety, self-esteem and confidence, self-sabotage,...
EP102: Get Unstuck & Move Through Change with Confidence [Convo with Jyoti Pannu, Career Coach & Realtor] 17.12.2025 48:23
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into: A conversation with Jyoti Pannu, Career Coach & Realtor Jyoti is a Career & Transition Coach and Realtor® who helps women move through big life changes with clarity and confidence, whether it’s a new job, a fresh start, or a new home. After years in leadership within the healthcare sector, Jyoti saw firsthand how many wom...
EP101: Interview Red Flags & Running Away From the Cray [Job Interview Stories] 10.12.2025 18:15
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into: Interviewing at a beauty brand where there were tons of red flags The interviewer who had a 'streak of cray' Paying attention to red flags in interviews Knowing when a role is just not right for you and walking away The podcast where we dive headfirst into personal development work, career growth and strategies, entrepr...
EP100: Celebrating Episode 100--Podcasting, Intuition & Not Being Famous [Convo with Me & Sue Ruhe, My Producer] 03.12.2025 51:46
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Ditch the Struggle : We celebrate 100 episodes of Ditch the Struggle! This episode is a fun one: my podcast producer and editor Sue Ruhe interviews ME, so the tables are turned It's casual convo about all things podcasting, struggle, intuition, not being famous and the grocery isle (love a random sidebar!) PS: we have a new (shorter!) Intro/Outro! The pod...
EP99: Career Clarity! When You Don't Know What You Want [Career & Manifesting] 26.11.2025 21:24
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into: How to figure out what you want in a new job or career, even if you don't know what you want My go-to career "manifesting" exercise Why you need to write down what elements of a job/career are important to you--and be honest! Forget about job titles when exploring career options! The podcast where we dive headfirs...
EP98: Quitting Lululemon & Building an Underwear Revolution [Convo with Sara Jonsdottir, Founder Revol Cares] 19.11.2025 55:39
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into: A conversation with Sara Jonsdottir, the visionary Founder & CEO of Revol Cares, a company revolutionizing menstrual care with medically recognized, toxin-free leak proof underwear. The embarrassing work incident which led her sewing her own underwear... and then selling her handmade underwear–sometimes on the street in a zip...
EP97: You're Not Failing--It's an "Ugly Art Day" [Personal Growth & Work Stories] 12.11.2025 17:01
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into: The concept of "Ugly Art Day" – a term coined at my job as as Art Director at Harlequin Books The pressure we put on ourselves to always be perfect, especially as a high performer/high achiever Giving ourselves grace when we "fail" or simply don't deliver The podcast where we dive headfirst into personal...
EP96: How Understanding Toxic Relationships Helps Me Navigate Social Media [Personal Growth & Business] 05.11.2025 30:00
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into: My thoughts on social media--is it a toxic relationship at its core? How I became at peace with using it as a tool, but it still drives me nuts Reflecting on the relationship I want to have with it, and how it shapes my identity today I rant a little. Ok maybe a lot. The podcast where we dive headfirst into personal development w...
EP95: You CAN Change Your Reality & Identity [Conversation with Daniel Cianci, Coach & Speaker] 29.10.2025 53:39
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into: A conversation with Daniel Cianci, keynote speaker, coach and host of the Redefining Wisdom podcast Known as a Reality Architect, Daniel helps high performers, entrepreneurs, and growth-minded leaders break free from outdated identities and rewire the subconscious stories that keep them stuck. Having grown up with a stutter and t...
EP94: The Moment You Realize You Ruined Your Life (or--Desk Jobs Suck) [Personal Growth & Health] 22.10.2025 23:00
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into: One big way I have 'ruined my life'–and how I'm course correcting Why being a graphic designer turns you into a pretzel How I'm trying to stretch out my fascia–and why fascia is everything Checking in with your health priorities–is there anything more important than taking a break and practicing self-care? 👉...
EP93: A Pawn Shop, Raisin Pie & Vibes Are Everything [Personal Stories & Energy] 15.10.2025 30:22
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into: Stories of experiencing intense energy in different locations - including a pawn shop, private school and a creepy basement How energy is really everything and we are always tapping into our environment, but not always consciously When to walk away from something because it simply feels 'off' Protecting yourself from be...
EP92: Falling Apart & Rebuilding Yourself After a Toxic Boss [Convo with Jenn Verser, Life Coach] 08.10.2025 54:10
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into: A conversation with Jenn Verser, Life Coach How Jenn ended up with a toxic boss (retail corporate) and experienced devastating physical and emotional symptoms as a result How one 'bad apple' can change your work experience dramatically How to deal with resentment Stop "shoulding" on yourself! Having self-compa...
EP91: The Chicken Sticker & Podcast Updates [Career & Money] 17.09.2025 22:18
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into: That time I had to design a $1 off chicken sticker for a large grocery retailer How that project at a design studio turned into a 20-hr marathon of ridiculousness Getting over the fear of charging what you're worth–and submitting the invoice How our perception of 'expensive' is relative The podcast where we dive he...
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