Inspired Questions: Conversations on Self-Worth, Burnout & Showing Up Authentically

In this episode, I sit down with leadership coach Anjali Handa to talk about something so many of us struggle with - showing up authentically instead of performing. We dive into the exhausting cycle of editing ourselves, the stories we tell ourselves about not being good enough, and what shifts when we finally give ourselves permission to take up space and be heard. Anjali shares her journey from...

If you listened to my recent conversation with Shulamit Ber Levtov, you heard us talk about something that doesn't get said enough: there's nothing wrong with you when you're struggling. You're having a normal response to systems that weren't designed to support you. This 9-minute meditation is about giving yourself permission to struggle without carrying shame about it. Permission to be exactly w...

In this enlightening conversation, Ruth sits down with Shulamit Ber Levtov, known as The Entrepreneurs' Therapist, for a deep dive into the critical intersection of mental health and entrepreneurship. This isn't your typical "self-care will fix everything" conversation - it's a raw, honest exploration of why running a business takes such a toll on our mental health, and why that's not actually our...

In this guided meditation, we explore the impossible pressure of showing up at 100% everywhere, all the time - and why that's complete bullshit. If you've been carrying the weight of perfectionism, feeling like whatever you're offering isn't enough, or struggling with the voice that says your worth is tied to your productivity, this meditation is for you. What You'll Experience: A gentle body scan...

In this solo episode, Ruth challenges the impossible standard that we have to show up at 100% in every area of our lives, every day, or we're somehow failing. She shares her personal experience of managing a Crohn's flare while building her business, and how she's learning to redefine what it means to "show up." This episode is for anyone who's exhausted from trying to be perfect everywhere and is...

Welcome to the first meditation episode of Inspired Questions! This podcast is all about questions - the ones that help us understand ourselves better, challenge our beliefs, and guide us back to who we really are. Today's meditation explores the question: What does it feel like to be grounded in your body when your nervous system is calm? This isn't a question you answer with your mind - it's one...

In this episode, Ruth sits down with Heather Lillico, Neuroscience Coach, Meditation & Yoga Teacher, and founder of Cultivating Calm. They explore why surface-level wellness strategies often fall short and discuss the critical importance of nervous system work—especially for those who spend their lives holding space for others. If you've ever felt like you're doing all the "right" things (eating w...

In this conversation, I sit down with Natasha Skolny, founder of The Leadership Cabin, to talk about her fascinating journey from competitive figure skater to empowering women leaders. Natasha shares how the skills she developed on the ice - visualization, performance under pressure, resilience - translate directly into helping women navigate high-pressure careers with authenticity and confidence....

Sometimes doing the bare minimum isn't failing - it's brilliant prioritization. In this episode, I'm getting real about what it means to do the bare minimum when life gets busy, and why that's not only okay, but sometimes the smartest thing you can do. I'm recording this with very little time to spare because most of my energy this week has been focused on preparing for a free workshop, and that's...

Ruth explains the origin and evolution of Inspired Questions — why she started it, why she shifted to mostly solo episodes during serious health and life challenges, and what she learned about trusting her voice. She shares why she’s ready to return to interviews, her plan to balance one interview and one solo episode per month, and how she may streamline her signature questions to allow more natu...

Ruth records a last-minute episode after a difficult week of caregiving for her mother-in-law, sharing the emotional weight, exhaustion, and unexpected disruptions to her plans. She talks about the guilt of needing a break, the challenge of setting boundaries, the small moments of self-care that sustained her, and the necessity of asking for help. This episode offers solidarity and practical remin...

Ruth interviews Jodie Heffren — a registered nurse turned breathwork facilitator and cold-plunge guide who created Rooted Woodland after moving to the Blue Mountains. They discuss how Jodie built her nature-based retreats, hosts women-focused (and some mixed) events, and offers off-grid cabin stays, while using breathwork, cold plunges, saunas and community to support transformation. The conversat...

Welcome back to another episode of Inspired Questions with Ruth, where we explore big questions and honest stories about living a grounded and true life. This episode is a reminder that you are not broken and you don’t need to have everything figured out. We’ll dive into the power of breath - a simple yet transformative practice that can bring you back to yourself, helping you shift from stress to...

In this heartfelt episode of Inspired Questions, host Ruth delves into the complexities of self-love and acceptance, sharing her personal journey towards embracing her body. Through candid reflections, Ruth invites listeners to explore their own paths of healing, while challenging societal pressures and self-judgment. Join Ruth as she encourages us to start a daily gratitude practice and step into...

Join Ruth in this emotionally raw and real episode of Inspired Questions, where she delves into her personal experience with burnout and the journey of reclaiming herself. This episode isn't about quick fixes or generic advice; it's a heartfelt sharing that reveals the struggles and realizations from living in burnout to rediscovering self-worth and courage. Ruth reflects on recognizing the warnin...

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Deb Sloan, a registered dietitian, fitness trainer, and mom, as she shares her journey of navigating health, nutrition, and wellness. Discover how Deb transitioned from art history to dietetics, living with type 1 diabetes and celiac disease, and passionately advocating for women's health during crucial stages like perimenopause and menopause. This epi...

Join host Ruth Hirshberg in part two of her insightful conversation with Edie Gudaitis on the "Inspired Questions" podcast. This episode dives deep into the complexities of emotions, boundaries, and the journey of letting go of perfectionism. Listen as Ruth and Edie candidly share their personal struggles and triumphs, exploring themes of vulnerability, self-awareness, and the courage to be authen...

Welcome to Inspired Questions with Ruth Hirshberg, unfolding a deeply personal narrative in response to recent events. Ruth candidly shares her struggle to balance a dual identity, revealing the tension between public persona and private emotions amidst a backdrop of global conflict. This episode explores themes of authenticity, transparency, and the challenge of maintaining one's values while nav...

In this episode of Inspired Questions, host Ruth Hirshberg welcomes Edie Gudaitis — a yoga teacher, breathwork coach, and best-selling author — to explore her transformative journey from the corporate world to wellness. Edie shares her personal story of overcoming grief, navigating life's challenges, and finding her passion for teaching yoga and hosting retreats. Discover how Edie uses movement, m...

After an unexpected (and very human) pause, I’m back on the mic. In this heartfelt solo episode, I share where I’ve been, why I stepped away, and how life, healing, and a few curveballs have reshaped my path. I talk about recovery, burnout, letting go of perfectionism, and how I’m learning to show up more authentically—for myself and for you. I also share what’s next for the podcast and my work wi...

In this captivating episode, we welcome Kelsi Russell, a professional body piercer from Ottawa, as she shares her unique journey into the world of body piercing. Discover how Kelsey transitioned from art school ambitions to mastering the craft of piercing, all while juggling a job at a vet clinic. She opens up about her compassionate approach to handling young clients and the importance of patienc...

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Rabbi Elyse Goldstein, the founding rabbi of City Shul, a reformed congregation in Toronto. Rabbi Goldstein shares her remarkable journey as one of the first female rabbis in Canada and her groundbreaking work in making Judaism accessible and empowering for women. Discover how she has dedicated her career to teaching, writing, and mentoring, all through a...

In this episode, I connect with Sheena Marquis, a talented social worker, speaker, writer, and musician, based in Texas. Sheena passionately shares her journey from ministry to social work, highlighting her dedication to offering hope, healing, and purpose to others. We delve into her personal story, including her experiences with public speaking and songwriting, and how life’s unpredictable event...

Welcome to the first episode of 2025 of 'Inspired Questions' with your host, Ruth Hirshberg. In this mini episode, Ruth candidly shares her unexpected experiences of the past few weeks. Despite well-laid plans, life took an unforeseen turn, leading to a prolonged hospital stay and recovery from surgery. Ruth reflects on the lessons learned from this unexpected journey, emphasizing the importance o...

In this episode, join us as we delve into the inspiring journey of Doree Kovalio, a former federal public servant who took a leap of faith to pursue her passion for travel. After 20 years of service, Doree transformed her love for exploration into a thriving boutique travel agency, "YOLO Let's Go." With her wealth of travel experiences, having visited 40 countries, Doree helps clients overcome the...