The Write Your Own Story Podcast

In this heartfelt and eye-opening episode of the Write Your Own Story podcast, Betsy  sits down with Dr. Ashley Solomon, a clinical psychologist and founder of Galia Collaborative, for a deeply honest conversation about women’s mental health, body image, and the complex layers of eating disorders. Dr. Solomon, a recovering perfectionist and fierce advocate for women’s well-being, shares her insigh...

In this radiant, laughter-filled episode of Write Your Own Story , Betsy welcomes the wildly creative and contagiously joyful Chrissie Blatt —event designer, balloon magician, and unapologetically real entrepreneur. Chrissie opens up about her journey from art school dreams to running two beloved Cincinnati businesses: Chrissie Blatt Creative and the brilliantly fun Balloon Bombed . What begins as...

In this soul-stirring episode of Write Your Own Story , Betsy is joined by the incredible Ericka Nicole Malone — award-winning screenwriter, director, producer, and the visionary behind Remember Me: The Mahalia Jackson Story . From staging her own plays in college to fund her education to rewriting the narrative of her life through storytelling, Ericka shares the pivotal moments that shaped her pa...

Why do we stay hooked on people who don’t choose us back? Why do we fall for the fantasy over reality—and call it love? In this deeply raw and revealing episode of Write Your Own Story , Betsy sits down with author, TED speaker, and podcaster Amanda McCracken, whose personal journey through decades of longing, idealization, and self-sabotage led her to redefine love, worth, and emotional safety. F...

In this soul-stirring episode of Write Your Own Story , Betsy sits down with longtime friend and total powerhouse, Lisa Saia —board vice chair of ArtWorks Cincinnati—for an unfiltered, deeply inspiring conversation about purpose, pivots, and the power of public art. What starts as a fun reunion quickly unfolds into a powerful narrative about civic pride, youth empowerment, and finding your creativ...

In this radiant and raw episode of Write Your Own Story, Betsy sits down with the remarkable Rachel DesRochers—serial entrepreneur, speaker, community builder, and founder of Power to Pursue—to explore what it really means to lead with gratitude, embody resilience, and live a purpose-driven life. From launching food ventures and a nonprofit Kitchen Collective to empowering thousands of women throu...

In this electric and soul-stirring episode of Write Your Own Story, host Betsy Leonis sits down with the radiant Katrena Friel—a business coach, spiritual guide, and unapologetic business witch—to unravel what it truly means to live a life rooted in authenticity, magic, and unapologetic self-leadership. 🌍 From Australia to your ears, Katrena shares her path from spiritual awakening to building a...

What if happily ever after wasn’t a destination… but a decision ? In this deeply heartwarming and soul-nourishing episode, host Betsy sits down with the radiant Amy Furbay—self-proclaimed Chief Happiness Officer, co-owner of Cincinnati’s beloved Trevor Furbay store, and walking embodiment of authentic joy. From losing her mom at age seven to navigating heartbreak, reinvention, and new beginnings,...

In this deeply insightful episode of Write Your Own Story, Betsy sits down with Tarita Preston, a renowned life and leadership coach, for a conversation that will leave you feeling empowered, grounded, and ready to step into your highest potential. Together, they explore: 💫 Inner leadership—how to break free from external validation and trust yourself fully 💫 The magic of 5%—why small, intention...

In this heartwarming episode of Write Your Own Story, host Betsy Leonidas sits down with the incredibly talented Jen Hall of Jennifer Hall Needlepoint to chat about turning creativity into a thriving business, the magic of community, and embracing life’s unexpected twists. 🌷✨ Jen’s journey is a beautiful example of following your passion—from engineering and nursing to designing stunning needlep...

🌸 In this eye-opening episode of the Write Your Own Story podcast, Betsy  welcomes Tracy Cook from ProKids to illuminate the hidden realities facing children in the foster care system—and how each of us can help change their stories. From understanding the first call that sparks an investigation to discovering the transformative role of a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate), Tracy shows how o...

Welcome back to the Write Your Own Story Podcast! I’m your host, Betsy Leonidas, and today’s episode is one that’s been brewing in my mind for over a year. If you’re an ambitious, hardworking woman feeling exhausted by hustle culture, you’re not alone. I know the feeling all too well—juggling the roles of single mother, CEO, and leader—all while pushing through life in a way that felt inauthentic...

In this heartwarming and inspiring episode of Write Your Own Story, Betsy is joined by Brittany Everly—attorney, entrepreneur, and a true survivor who’s faced the unimaginable head-on. From navigating stage IV colon cancer treatments while planning a wedding to confronting the emotional hurdles of infertility, Brittany’s story shines with resilience, strength, and a refusal to give up. Together, B...

In this heartwarming and inspiring episode of Write Your Own Story, Betsy sits down with Kristi Colby, founder of The Makeup Box and Colby Cosmetics, to explore the intersection of beauty, confidence, and authenticity. From growing up in the pageant world to becoming a successful entrepreneur and educator, Kristi shares her deeply personal journey of redefining beauty standards and creating tools...

In this soulful episode of Write Your Own Story , host Betsy welcomes her tennis bestie and creative powerhouse, Abby Allen. Together, they dive into the beauty of reconnection—reconnecting with ourselves, others, and our shared humanity. Abby, the visionary behind Sweet Gum Manor, shares how she’s building the first-ever "social sanctuary" in Cincinnati: a space dedicated to wellness, c...

Welcome back to the Write Your Own Story podcast! After a holiday break filled with family time and reflection, I’m so excited to be back on the couch and diving into this first episode of 2025. If you’re feeling behind this January, overwhelmed by the chaos of life, or just unsure how to start the year off strong—this episode is for YOU. In this heartfelt and inspiring conversation, I’ll walk you...

Welcome to a very special episode of the Write Your Own Story podcast! As we wrap up 2024 and start envisioning what 2025 will bring, your host Betsy reflects on some of the most impactful moments shared on the podcast this year. In this data-driven recap, Betsy brings you heartfelt clips that resonated deeply with our global sisterhood community — stories of bravery, self-discovery, hard question...

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode of the Write Your Own Story Podcast , host Betsy welcomes Liz Michaels, a self-advocate for the autistic community whose incredible journey will leave you snapping, clapping, and shouting “hell yes!” Diagnosed with autism at just three years old, Liz was met with doubt and dismissal from society—but she’s spent her life proving everyone wrong. From navigatin...

In this heartfelt and enlightening episode of Write Your Own Story , Betsy sits down with Emmy Schroder, Executive Director of La Soupe—a Cincinnati-based nonprofit tackling food waste and food insecurity in groundbreaking ways. From their humble beginnings as a “Soup Shack” to becoming a model organization recognized nationwide, Emmy shares La Soupe’s journey of transforming discarded food into n...

In this warm and whimsical episode, Betsy is joined by her hilarious and heartfelt bestie, Lara Roller, for a candid and comforting chat. Together, they tackle the rollercoaster of emotions that come with the holiday season— from festive joys to the stress of missing shin guards, misplaced pants, and surprise morning performances. What’s in store? 💡 Real Talk: Navigating the holiday hustle and em...

In this solo episode of the Write Your Own Story podcast, Betsy speaks directly to all the amazing entrepreneurs navigating the beautiful chaos of the holiday season. Whether you're just starting out or already running your own business, this episode is packed with practical insights and inspiration to help you thrive—all while working just 20 hours a week . 🙌 With humor, heart, and hard-ear...

TRIGGER WARNING: SEXUAL CONTENT  Calling all hopeless romantics, love skeptics, and anyone in between—this episode is for YOU! 💕 On this week’s Write Your Own Story podcast, host Betsy Leonidas chats with the fabulous Lisa Le and Julia Lestage, co-founders of a soon-to-launch dating app that’s flipping the script on modern love. Think fewer awkward swipes and more meaningful sparks—yes, please!...

In this heart-to-heart episode of the Write Your Own Story podcast, Betsy sits down with Kyle Buchta and Kim Griffiths, the inspiring women behind Moms of All Trades. Together, they explore the beauty of friendship, embracing life’s pivots, and staying true to what brings joy. From their journey navigating business twists—from styling to launching a new venture, Hut Paddle Co.—Kyle and Kim reveal...

In this powerful episode of Write Your Own Story, Betsy sits down with Michelle Dempsey-Multack, founder of Moms Moving On. Michelle is a celebrated author, divorce coach, and the incredible mind behind a platform dedicated to helping parents navigate the tough transitions of divorce with grace, resilience, and—most importantly—a child-centered approach. In this raw and uplifting conversation, Mic...

Welcome back to the Write Your Own Story podcast, where every episode is a celebration of self-discovery, honesty, and growth! Today, Betsy is joined by a true trailblazer—Lisa King, founder of Free AF, a non-alcoholic cocktail brand that’s taking the sober-curious movement to new heights. Lisa’s journey from corporate marketing to creating a thriving social enterprise to launching Free AF is a te...