Own Your Story Podcast

In this episode, we dive deep into the art of storytelling, focusing on a crucial element that hooks your audience and keeps them engaged: Stakes. Whether you're sharing a personal anecdote, writing a novel, or crafting a compelling presentation, understanding and utilizing stakes is key to making your narrative resonate. What You'll Learn: Defining Stakes: What exactly are stakes in a story, and...

Join me this week as I share a story from a family trip to British Columbia that turned into a powerful lesson on the importance of storytelling. What started as a peaceful ferry ride with my young daughters quickly escalated into an unexpected event that left us all shaken. Discover how acknowledging fear, processing emotions, and most importantly, sharing our story, became a surprisingly cathart...

oin Courtney in this episode as she shares a fun and creative game perfect for sparking stories and mining memories: "First, Last, Best, Worst." This game is simple and fun to play solo or with others. It's an excellent way to: Spark creativity and get your juices flowing. Engage in deeper conversations with friends and family. Make road trips more entertaining. Discover new stories about yourself...

In this episode of Own Your Story, I sit down with Rebecca Ogilvie, founder of The Detour Co., a natural skincare brand built on authenticity, storytelling, and community. Rebecca shares her journey from travel blogger to entrepreneur, how motherhood completely transformed her identity, and the role storytelling plays in her business and personal growth. We dive into the challenges of showing up a...

Please note: this episode was recorded about 2 months ago in April 2025. In this heartfelt and vulnerable episode of Own Your Story, Courtney shows up with stuffed sinuses, grief, exhaustion, and all, to remind us what it really means to be creative and committed in the messy middle of life. After a whirlwind season of loss, illness, and sleepless nights, she shares five honest, practical ways she...

In this episode, Courtney shares personal stories about taking "scary leaps" in life, from transferring universities to moving across the country and than across an ocean to Scotland for Teachers College. She reflects on how these experiences pushed her outside her comfort zone and shaped who she is today. The episode also delves into the topic of sharing personal stories and how this can be a big...

In this episode of Mothertelling, I sit down with Kris Daria, a storyteller, mother, and advocate who took the stage at the first Mothertelling event to share her journey of raising a deaf child. Kris opens up about the difficult choices she faced, the fears she had around sharing her story, and how storytelling has become a powerful tool for connection and change. We explore the emotional challen...

Did you know that even mild dehydration can cause brain fog, reduce creativity, and make public speaking harder? If you’ve ever struggled with focus, energy, or a dry mouth before stepping on stage, your water intake might be to blame! In this episode, I’m sharing 10 simple hydration hacks to keep your brain sharp, your voice strong, and your creative ideas flowing. Plus, I’ll be sharing my weekly...

Ever feel like your voice isn’t ready when you need it most? In this episode, I’m sharing five quick, practical vocal warm-ups to help you sound clear, confident, and strong—whether you’re on a podcast, in an interview, or stepping on stage. What you'll learn: 🎙️ Why warm-ups aren’t just for singers and actors 🎙️ How to loosen up your voice in under five minutes🎙️ The best warm-ups for busy people...

In this episode of Mothertelling: Own Your Story, I sit down with Lisa Szabon-Smith, a former bobsleigh athlete turned business owner and fearless advocate. Lisa shares how her journey—from training for the Olympics to running her own gym to teaching advocacy—has shaped her understanding of confidence, communication, and reinvention. We talk about how the words we use impact our reality, the impor...

Do you wonder if your story is worth sharing? This pep talk episode is here to remind you that your voice matters! Join me as I break down the three powerful reasons why sharing your story is so important: Preservation – Your story is your legacy, keeping your experiences and lessons alive for future generations. Empathy – Stories build bridges and foster understanding in ways facts never can. Con...

In this episode, I share a deeply personal moment with my daughter that reminded me why storytelling is one of the most powerful tools we have. Whether it’s preserving the little moments of motherhood or sharing your journey as a business owner, our stories are what keep us connected. What You'll Learn in This Episode: 💛 How a simple moment can turn into a lasting memory 📖 Why storytelling isn’t...

In this episode of Own Your Story, Courtney sits down with Marny Williams, a storyteller from the very first Mothertelling event. Marny opens up about what it was like to revisit a deeply personal experience, the emotions of sharing it publicly, and the profound impact it had on her and her daughter, who was in the audience. She also reflects on the storytelling process, the surprising challenges...

In this episode of Own Your Story, I dive into the therapeutic power of storytelling and what it means to be truly ready to share your personal story. I explore the importance of transformation in storytelling, the difference between a “scar” and an “open wound,” and how vulnerability creates connection. We’ll also discuss: Why great stories don’t have to be dark to be powerful. How to know if you...

In this episode of the Own Your Story Podcast, we explore the transformative power of the 5-second moment in storytelling. Many people think great stories are born from big events, but the truth is, it’s often the small, universal moments that create the deepest connections. Join me as I share: ➡️ Why small, relatable moments matter more than grand experiences. ➡️ My personal 5-second moment in th...

In this episode, I share one of my favorite storytelling practices, "Daily MOMents," adapted from Matthew Dicks' "Homework for Life." This simple habit helps you capture and cherish those fleeting, story-worthy moments that make life meaningful—especially as a parent. Tune in to hear how this practice transformed the way I view my days, and learn practical tips to start your own story-collecting h...

Welcome to the very first episode of Own Your Story! 🎉 I’m Courtney Hobbs—mom, educator, speaker, author, and founder of Mothertelling—and I’m here to help you find, build, and tell true stories that connect and captivate. Whether you’re speaking on stage, in a meeting, at an interview, or just making small talk, this podcast will give you the tools to communicate with confidence, clarity, and cr...