Own Your Story Podcast

In this episode, Courtney shares the details behind the January creative writing challenge — a simple, joyful way to step into the new year with momentum, reflection, and a spark of creativity. After running a wildly successful November writing challenge inspired by Julia Cameron’s Morning Pages, she realized how many people were craving an accessible, low-pressure way to write and connect each da...

In this reflective, story-workshop style episode, Courtney explores one of her “story worthy moments” from the year - a seemingly ordinary one involving a simple chicken fried rice recipe. What started as a cooking class with her friend Holly, quickly became a cherished family ritual that continued long after the class was over. Courtney shares how the recipe became a rare parenting jackpot: a din...

In this workshop-style episode, Courtney invites listeners into the behind-the-scenes story of the very first Micro-Mothertelling event — a night that almost never happened. After selling only six tickets to a venue sized for over 100 people, she found herself convinced the event was a failure, ready to cancel, and battling the familiar negative self-talk of “Why would anyone want to come?” But a...

Melissa McIntosh shares her story "Inner Child Christmas" at our first ever Micro Mothertelling Event. In November 2025 a small group gathered to hear stories of the holiday season. Melissa shared how she made sure the magic of Santa stayed alive and well in her home. Listen and enjoy this magical story bu please listen with earbuds as it is not for little ears!

Anita Watamanuk shares her story "Magic Errands" at our first ever Micro Mothertelling Event. In November 2025 a small group gathered to hear stories of the holiday season. Anita shared how one chance encounter changed her whole perspecitve. Listen and enjoy this magical story bu please listen with earbuds as it is not for little ears!

Rose Couse shares her story "The Christmas Stocking" at our first ever Micro Mothertelling Event. In November 2025 a small group gathered to hear stories of the holiday season. Rose shared how joy made its way back into her holiday season after a devastating loss. Listen and enjoy this magical story but please listen with earbuds as it is not for little ears!

In this episode, Courtney shares one of the foundational lessons from inside the Mothertelling Academy : how to give solid feedback - the kind that is supportive, specific, useful, and focused on genuine growth. She breaks down the difference between vague comments and truly helpful feedback, explaining why “good job” isn’t enough and how solid feedback helps storytellers feel seen, understood, an...

In honour of her 40th birthday, Courtney reflects on the past year by sharing a curated list of 40 memorable “moments” — big, small, joyful, chaotic, emotional, and deeply human. From Maple getting sprayed by a skunk to the magic of the second Mothertelling MainStage to witnessing her daughters find their confidence on ice and on stage, this episode is a reminder that stories live inside ordinary...

In this heartfelt solo episode, Courtney shares her section of a collaborative tip sheet created with grief-support expert Marny Williams and parenting expert Rose Couse for families navigating loss. These five simple, compassionate tips are designed for anyone facing a moment where telling their story feels overwhelming, messy, or too raw to put into words. Courtney breaks down why your story doe...

Learn more about The Hummingbird Centre for Hope. A local, Waterloo Region charity that supports widows with young children living at home. Ths interview panel was recorded live at the Mothertelling Mainstage event that happened in May 2025. All 3 women that spoke are widows and Mothertelling storytellers. 💛 Marny Williams is one of the co-founders of the Hummingbird Centre for Hope. 💛 Rose Cous...

In this reflective episode, Courtney shares a personal story from a family reunion that reminded her why storytelling isn’t just art—it’s preservation. When her husband’s family unearthed a journal from his late grandmother, the act of reading, laughing, and remembering together became a living example of how stories keep us connected across generations. Through photos, memories, and simple shared...

In this heartfelt interview, Rose Couse reflects on her powerful storytelling experience at the second annual Mothertelling event. She shares the profound impact of her sons' support, the emotional journey of crafting and sharing a deeply personal story, and the unexpected affirmation from a fellow storyteller. Rose discusses how time and reflection have brought peace to her narrative, and how...

In this Halloween-themed episode, Courtney unwraps the “Monsters of Public Speaking”: four all-too-familiar habits that can haunt any speaker. From the Rambling Zombie to the PowerPoint Vampire, the Mummy, and the Invisible Speaker, each monster reveals a deeper truth about our fears and habits when we share our voices. Courtney offers simple, story-driven strategies to bring your presentations ba...

In this episode, Courtney dives into one of the most overlooked parts of storytelling and public speaking: practice. Whether you’re preparing for a keynote, a podcast interview, or a moment of self-introduction, the way you rehearse shapes the way you show up. Drawing on her background as a competitive dancer (and a mom watching her children practice), Courtney shares how true confidence isn’t abo...

Ever watched a brilliant speaker lose their audience halfway through? In this episode, Courtney shares lessons from a recent conference where timing or the lack of it, turned great talks into missed opportunities. From reading slides to skipping rehearsals to running 45 minutes over, Courtney unpacks the real reasons speakers lose the room and how preparation, pacing, and respect can transform any...

In this episode, Courtney steps back onto the storytelling stage to share her own Reclaiming Birth experience and what it taught her about the art of telling true stories. After years of coaching others, she realized how different it feels to be in the spotlight again. Courtney talks about the creative messiness of writing, forgetting lines, and rediscovering her voice. Whether you’re a seasoned s...

What happens when you dare to tell your truth? For Jennifer Sicoli, it became an act of healing, a tribute to her ancestors, and a leap into a new life. On this episode of Mothertelling: Own Your Story, Courtney sits down with Jennifer to explore the power of story to transform pain, spark connection, and birth something entirely new. You’ll hear about: A near-death experience that became the door...

In this episode, Courtney shares a powerful reminder for storytellers everywhere: your story doesn’t need to be big to be meaningful. With honesty and encouragement, she talks through the tendency to overthink what we share, whether on stage, social media, or at the dinner table and why it's often the small moments that resonate the most. What You'll Learn: Why we overthink our stories and how to...

Feeling the jitters before you speak? This episode offers practical, tangible tips to combat public speaking anxiety and help you show up confident and prepared. Discover five key strategies to transform your stage fright into powerful presence. Want more like this? Join us for our Own the Room Free workshop happening October 1st. Sign up here: https://mothertelling.myflodesk.com/owntheroomliveoct...

Join Courtney as she delves into the powerful connection between storytelling and celebration. Discover how stories are not just shared at celebrations, but are also acts of celebration in themselves, whether honouring others or recognizing your own achievements. Courtney shares insights on infusing dialogue for impactful narratives and opens up about a personal experience that highlights the prof...

In this special bonus episode, Courtney sits down with therapist and coach Laura May Culver to talk about Laura May's upcoming retreat, " The Sacred Daughter. " This retreat is designed to support women who don't have mom support, whether due to death, illness, estrangement, or emotional unavailability. Laura May shares her personal journey and why she is uniquely qualified to hold space for women...

Courtney sits down with Crystal Shadwell in this episode to discuss the profound impact of the Mothertelling program. Crystal shares her experience with the supportive community, the challenge of crafting her personal story for speaking engagements, and the therapeutic nature of storytelling. They also explore practical strategies for balancing personal and professional life, including the importa...

In this episode of Own Your Story, we dive deep into the art of creating vivid and captivating scenes for your stories, whether you're writing or telling them. Discover how to transport your audience directly into the heart of your narrative by mastering the power of description and sensory details. Explore the "show, don't tell" principle, with tangible examples that transform mundane description...

In this episode, Courtney sits down with Deanna Hope for a conversation that will inspire and resonate. Deanna shares her personal journey, from discovering Courtney's Mothertelling Program while pregnant to navigating a devastating miscarriage just weeks later. How did Deanna find healing and transform her grief into a powerful narrative? Discover how sharing her story in a safe space became "one...

Join Courtney as she chats with storyteller Rhea Daniels. Rhea was part of the very first Mothertelling Co-Hort that spoke on the first Mothertelling stage in May 2024. Listen as Rhea talks about: Facing fear of judgement, The importance of a supportive audience Stepping on to the next stage and where storytelling can take you. Storytelling is the just the beginning and Rhea proves that sharing ho...