The Selfish Gift - Go public with your purpose

With Donald Trump set to return to the White House for season 2 of his dystopian presidential freak show, Democrats and liberals like me are bracing for a potentially major blow to the democratic institutions and processes of the United States. Based on the past actions Trump has taken to expand and hold onto power, and also on promises he has made to further consolidate power and weaken or eliminate checks and balances against him, concerned citizens on the left, and also many on the right, see a tyrant in the making in Donald Trump. Can he be stopped before it's too late to save the American experiment? In this episode, I talk with the person who can answer this question perhaps better than anyone. Ira Chaleff is an internationally recognized expert on leadership and political followership studies, a field in which he's considered a pioneer. He has spent decades working in and around Washington in nonpartisan organizations, including over 20 years as director of the Congressional Management Foundation. Ira has led and participated in democracy-strengthening programs in Asia, West Africa, and Eastern Europe. His books The Courageous Follower: Standing Up to and for Our Leaders, and Intelligent Disobedience: Doing Right When What You're Told to Do is Wrong, are used widely in leadership programs and have been translated into multiple languages. Ira Chaleff's latest book is To Stop a Tyrant: The Power of Political Followers to Make or Brake a Toxic Leader, and I am proud to be its publisher under the Wonderwell Press imprint. Ira is a political independent, and in this interview, he struck a much more balanced perspective than I personally hold (or even feel all that comfortable engaging with). But I learned a lot from him and could feel my blood pressure deescalating even as we spoke. Yes, we are at a risky point in our political history, but no, it's not too late to do something about that. In this episode, we explore the definitions of tyranny, autocracy, and toxic leadership, emphasizing the importance of political followers in shaping leadership behavior. Ira introduces the concept of proto-tyrants and the critical window for intervention before a leader consolidates power. Our discussion also covers the types of followers—conformists, colluders, and courageous followers—and the dire consequences of inaction against tyranny. We also talked about the challenges posed by the current information ecosystem and the need for informed citizenry to safeguard democracy. Ira's book and message are for everyone, anywhere on the political spectrum. If you are alarmed or dismayed by the current state of our political climate and feeling powerless, listen in to learn how to effectively wield the power that you really do hold, not necessarily as a member of the opposition, but as a responsible and engaged follower. Historically, almost all democracies descend into tyranny. Ours doesn't have to. Learn more about the book, its author and publisher: To Stop a Tyrant (buy the book) Ira Chaleff (author website) Wonderwell Press More about Selfish Gift host Maggie Langrick: https://maggielangrick.com/ instagram.com/maggielangrick

Amy Low was a recently divorced mom with two teenage kids when she received some of the worst news a person can hear. She had stage four metastatic colon cancer and a large tumor on her liver with a very low chance of long-term survival. Against the odds, Amy has lived five years with her diagnosis, and the experience has changed her. Incredibly, Amy used this time to write her memoir, a beautiful book, The Brave In-Between: Notes From the Last Room. The "last room" refers to Amy's way of thinking about our lives as rooms that we move through. We will all find ourselves in that last room at some point, though most of us won't know we are in it. For Amy, it is an opportunity to find the "mundane miracles" in each day. This is a heart-stretching book in which Amy shows us what it looks like to move with resilience and grace through the most difficult and uncertain times. It's a sacred invitation to delve into the depths of the human condition. Amy and I went into some deep and at times challenging topics. In this interview, she talks about faith and forgiveness, and why she considers herself a "bridge dweller": a person who builds connections with many different types of people from all backgrounds and identities. This episode was recorded in advance of the 2024 election, as the Kamala Harris campaign was in its early days, and she and I were both hopeful of a Democratic win. Amy, who considers herself a liberal Christian, candidly shares her feelings about how American Christianity has changed over the years and how she hopes it might evolve back toward its ideals of love and inclusion. Of course, we also got into some shop talk about the writing process, which in Amy's case was complicated by the progression of her disease. She is a stalwart writer and an inspiration to anyone who wants to tell their story but feels daunted by the task! This is a thought-provoking conversation that will inspire you to find the mundane miracles in your life and the courage to share your story with the world. Find her at: Amy's Substack, Postcards from the Mountain Instagram: @amylow112 And find host Maggie Langrick at: Maggie's Substack, The Underwire Website: maggielangrick.com Instagram: @maggielangrick

Writing success comes to those who stick with it, and Diana Raab has stuck with writing for more than sixty years. Over that time she published fourteen books, ranging from poetry to self-help to memoir. How does she do it? Simple: She finds bliss in the act of writing! In fact, 'Writing From Bliss' is the name of one of her most beloved books. In today's episode, Diana shares wisdom from the book to help all writers lean more deeply into bliss. She also tells the fascinating story of her long and prolific writing life, which began in her early childhood, sparked by a family tragedy. Tune in for inspiration and encouragement to go the distance, creatively and emotionally. Diana's latest book is Hummingbird: Messages from My Ancestors: A Memoir with Reflection and Writing Prompts, published by Modern History Press. For more, visit: dianaraab.com maggielangrick.com wonderwell.press Follow us on Instagram: @maggielangrick @dianaraab

Two books published in one season? That's the kind of summer writer and illustrator Swan Huntley is having. Her novel I Want You More is a sapphic thriller and a rip-roaring beach read that I could not put down. Her other new release, You're Grounded: An Anti Self-Help Book to Calm You the Fuck Down, features her whimsical illustrations and some simple yet sagely guidance to help you cultivate mindfulness. Different as they may seem from each other, Swan explained to me that the books are both "really just me talking to myself". In this fascinating interview, Swan opens up about her writing process, self-revelation and the unconscious, and the differences—and similarities—between writing fiction and nonfiction. The memoir Swan is currently working on will be her seventh published work, but her path to success as a writer was not always smooth. Tune in to hear why her early manuscripts got rejected, the one simple tool that taught her how to write a well-paced book, and how quickly she writes her books now. (Spoiler: it's a matter of weeks, not months.) We covered a lot more in this one-hour conversation, from dysfunctional relationships to the slipperiness of addiction to the question of what to do with that Instagram square. For more, check out: www.swanhuntley.com www.selfishgiftpodcast.com www.maggielangrick.com And follow: instagram.com/swanhuntley instagram.com/maggielangrick instagram.com/wonderwellpress instagram.com/selfishgiftpodcast

Every writer experiences doubt—in our abilities, in the worthiness of our creativity, and more. But it doesn't have to stop us in our tracks, according to Amy L. Bernstein, a novelist, award-winning journalist, blogger, and certified book coach. Her forthcoming book Wrangling the Doubt Monster is set to publish in January 2025, and she explores the topic of creative self-doubt in her Substack Doubt Monster. This deep, inspiring conversation delves into the causes of creative doubt and how Amy says we can prevent it from derailing our writing practice. We talked about so much great stuff: • making a late-in-life career pivot into writing • finding the freedom to work with many forms of writing • the emotional sources of self-doubt • the role that culture plays in keeping us creatively stuck • why the hard work of revising can be a rewarding investment in yourself • finding motivation to go the distance with your writing Listen in for a confidence injection! For more, check out: https://amywrites.live https://wonderwell.press/ https://maggielangrick.com/ And follow: instagram.com/amylbernstein instagram.com/maggielangrick instagram.com/wonderwellpress instagram.com/selfishgiftpodcast Timestamps:  00:00: Introduction to Amy Bernstein and the Topic of Doubt 02:47: The Prevalence of Doubt in Writing and Creativity 08:48: The Role of an Accountability Partner in Overcoming Doubt 11:54: Challenges Faced by Professionals Transitioning into Writing 24:30: Creating the Right Conditions for Creativity 29:25: Embracing the Joy of the Creative Process 33:31: Giving Yourself Permission to Create 34:52: Understanding Your Creative Appetite 37:02: Exploring Openly Without Limits 38:39: Alleviating Doubt  41:28: The Importance of Rewriting and Revision 46:31: How to Persevere with a difficult piece of work 49:15: Authenticity in Building Your Platform 01:02:21: Choosing Joy and Purpose in Your Creative Journey

Melissa Urban is a truly inspirational human who has dedicated her life to helping people boost their health and happiness. She is the co-founder and CEO of Whole30, a 30-day food elimination and reintroduction program that helps identify hidden food sensitivities and restore a healthy relationship with food and the body. The original Whole30 book (just one of Melissa's seven New York Times bestsellers!) was published in 2015. For 2024 it has been entirely re-imagined and updated with new recipes, rules, and a wider range of accessible and culturally relevant foods. On her Substack MUXO and her Instagram page, Melissa is beloved for her empowering and encouraging messages, and also for her down-to-earth realness and relatability. In this episode, we talked about: • What's new in the updated Whole30 book and why fans of the program should pick it up, even if you already have the original edition • How Melissa maintains her mental health and connects to her spirituality through daily practices • How Whole30 came to be, and what drove her to expand it into a huge lifestyle brand • Her writing practice: where, when, and how often she writes, and why it is like "brain candy" for her • The boundaries she puts around her social media content creation to keep it authentic and fun • Some fun BTS facts about her publishing journey • Her advice for women with a big vision for their lives If you dream of reaching millions of people with your book and business, do not miss this inspiring conversation! For more, check out: https://whole30.com/ https://blog.melissau.com/ https://wonderwell.press/ https://maggielangrick.com/ And follow: instagram.com/melissau instagram.com/maggielangrick instagram.com/wonderwellpress instagram.com/selfishgiftpodcast

"If you can read, you can write." - Terri Trespicio, author of Unfollow Your Passion We don't just have one major passion in life or a single road to success, and fixating on finding yours could be making you miserable and keeping you stuck.  That's the core message in Terri Trespicio's book, Unfollow Your Passion. It's also the topic of her TEDx Talk, which has been viewed more than eight million times. In this episode of The Selfish Gift, Terri tells Maggie the surprising story behind that talk—and her unconventional road to success as an author, speaker, brand consultant, and writing teacher. (And did I mention she's also a poet?) Terri is a licensed instructor of the Gateless Writing Method, developed by Suzanne Kingsbury, which had a huge impact on Terri's writing and personal growth. In this conversation, she describes the Gateless approach to writing, explores the misconception that writing is only for professionals, and emphasizes the power of writing as a tool for self-discovery. She also shares her personal, story-led writing process and the story behind the publication of her book. If you have ever worried that you're spinning your wheels and need encouragement to trust yourself and keep moving forward, listen in. Takeaways Don't feel pressured to know your purpose or passion; it's okay to try different things and not have it all figured out. Failure is a part of the learning process and should not be feared. Success often comes from a winding career journey and trying different paths. Mindset is important, but it's not everything; skill development and practice are also crucial for success.  Expanding one's comfort zone is more important than seeking discomfort. Writing is a tool for self-discovery and personal growth. Craft in writing is essential for effectively sharing one's story or expertise. The Gateless Method is a transformative approach to writing that focuses on craft and removes criticism and judgment. Sharing one's work can be challenging but is a powerful and transformative experience. Know and love your work before seeking feedback from editors or agents. Be flexible in the writing process and trust the inherent qualities of your work. For more, check out: territrespicio.com maggielangrick.com wonderwell.press And follow: instagram.com/ttrespicio instagram.com/maggielangrick instagram.com/wonderwellpress instagram.com/selfishgiftpodcast

It's famously difficult for a first-time, unknown author to get a memoir traditionally published, much less to have traditional publishers get into a bidding war over it. Laura Cathcart Robbins defied all the odds when she burst onto the "quit lit" scene with her brilliant, brave recovery memoir, Stash: My Life in Hiding (Atria/Simon and Schuster, 2023).  Stash is the candid account of an affluent, Hollywood wife and mother struggling with addiction, and her battle to get sober even as her marriage is falling apart. It is relatable, inspiring, courageous, and a real page-turner! The book went on to appear three times in the New York Times, was named a "best memoir of the year" by Elle magazine, and earned its author awards, accolades, and national media coverage.  In this episode of The Selfish Gift, Laura opens up and tells all about her unconventional—and often "surreal"—meteoric rise as a celebrated author, including:  • How the first article she ever published went viral and changed everything  • What it's like being one of the only Black authors in the recovery memoir genre—and why we need more memoirs from authors of color  • The once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that kickstarted her publishing journey, even though the offer itself wound up being a dead-end  • How and why she started her popular podcast, "The Only One in the Room", and what she's learned from her guests  • The tough advice she received after her first book proposal was rejected years ago—and why she followed it  • How she laid down a track for her author career long before her book was published ...and much more!  Tune into this inspiring and revealing conversation and learn how vulnerability, determination, and the love of writing fueled Laura's success.  For more, check out: https://lauracathcartrobbins.com/ https://maggielangrick.com https://wonderwell.press And follow: https://www.instagram.com/theonlyoneintheroom/ https://www.instagram.com/lauracathcartrobbins https://www.instagram.com/wonderwellpress https://www.instagram.com/maggielangrick

cw: Sexually explicit material Rena Martine is a former deputy DA turned intimacy coach who helps women discover and express their authentic desires, inside and outside of the bedroom. This week on The Selfish Gift podcast, Rena offers heartfelt guidance on how to safely and courageously explore the outer limits of your sexuality and relationships. From sex parties to ethical non-monogamy to same-sex attraction, Rena reveals all in this explicit conversation. Most importantly, she shares guidance on how to explore your fantasies safely, even when trauma is present.  Aside from Rena's liberating message of sexual sovereignty and empowerment, one of the most inspiring aspects of this conversation is Rena's own journey toward a more authentic way of living, loving, and working. If you're considering making a big career change, you'll love Rena's story of how she made the difficult and rewarding decision to leave her straight-laced legal career and retrain as an intimacy coach and first-time entrepreneur.  Listen in to prompt your own journey of self-discovery, authenticity, and fulfillment. Learn more at: https://selfishgiftpodcast.com https://renamartine.com https://maggielangrick.com https://wonderwell.press Follow us on Instagram: @_rena.martine_ @maggielangrick  @wonderwellpress @selfishgiftpodcast 00:00 - Introduction to Rena Martine and her journey 02:16 - Defining Women's Intimacy Coaching 04:25 - Difference between Sex Therapy and Coaching 08:21 - The Connection between Authenticity and Intimacy 09:47 - The Personal Importance of Rena's Work 11:24 - The Target Audience of the Book 13:23 - Embracing Diversity in Women's Intimacy 14:44 - Being Open-Minded and Curious 18:52 - Accessing Disowned Desires and Fantasies 24:39 - The 27 Things List 27:40 - Bisexuality and Same-Sex Attraction 35:45 - Exploring Personal Preferences and Boundaries 36:32 - Understanding What You Crave and What You Don't 37:23 - Navigating Differences in Sexual Interests with a Partner 38:22 - Uncovering the Underlying Needs Behind Desires 39:39 - Making Difficult Relationship Decisions 41:20 - Exploring the Impact of Personal Authenticity 45:27 - Transitioning from a Legal Career to Intimacy Coaching 48:41 - Embracing a Bold and Authentic Identity 52:40 - Structuring the Book for Maximum Impact 56:20 - Navigating the Publishing Process 01:04:17 - The Transformative Power of Writing and Publishing

Time management is not the secret to a productive and rewarding life. Instead, we should be managing our energy, says Simon Alexander Ong, life coach, speaker, and author of Energize: Make the Most of Every Moment. In this episode, Simon explains that energy is the life force that determines how we show up each day and emphasizes the need to prioritize activities based on our energy levels. He also highlights the four dimensions of energy: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual, and shares personal experiences that led him to focus on energy management and the role of environment in supporting success.  Simon's journey as an entrepreneur and public speaker demonstrates the power of aligning work with values and purpose. He shares his journey from speaking to authorship and provides insights on how to accelerate a career in an authentic and powerful way.  He also shares some highly creative marketing techniques, such as collaborating with a bartender to create a signature cocktail and hosting a book launch in the metaverse. Takeaways • Managing energy is more important than managing time for productivity and fulfillment. • Energy has four dimensions: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. • Creating an empowering environment and surrounding oneself with like-minded individuals can accelerate success. • Aligning work with values and purpose is essential for maintaining high energy levels and fulfillment. Challenge the traditional path and find alternative ways to gain experience and opportunities in your field. • Lean into your unique story and vulnerabilities to connect with others and differentiate yourself. • Embrace unique talking points in your marketing strategy to generate engagement and interest. • Think outside the box and collaborate with individuals from different industries to create innovative marketing campaigns. For more, check out: https://simonalexanderong.com https://maggielangrick.com https://wonderwell.press And follow: https://instagram.com/simonalexandero https://instagram.com/maggielangrick https://instagram.com/wonderwellpress https://instagram.com/selfishgiftpodcast

One in four Americans is familiar with the term "sober curious", and author Ruby Warrington is the reason why. In this episode of The Selfish Gift, Ruby and host Maggie Langrick discuss the book that sparked the Sober Curious movement, as well as Ruby's new book, Women Without Kids. A common theme tying Ruby's books together is the importance of knowing oneself and being fully present in life, questioning societal expectations that can hinder this process, and embracing a rebellious spirit. Ruby also delves into the global trend of women reconsidering motherhood and the ecological and economic implications of population decline. As longtime book editors, Maggie and Ruby discuss the intersection of personal narrative and prescriptive nonfiction, and what new authors should consider when it comes to choosing a structure for their nonfiction book. Ruby opens up about her writing process, and how she navigates the public life/private life boundary, which can be especially tricky when writing about deeply personal—and possibly controversial—topics. In this episode, you'll learn: • The term Sober Curious coined by Ruby Warrington has sparked a global movement and given language to a mindset of exploring one's relationship with alcohol. • Choosing to be sober curious or child-free is a personal orientation that should be normalized, allowing individuals to make conscious choices about their own lives. • The decline in birth rates globally and the rise of women without kids challenge societal expectations and have ecological and economic implications. • Ruby Warrington's work encourages individuals to know themselves, be present, and question societal messages, embracing a rebellious spirit. • Living with integrity and authenticity means valuing the preciousness of the life you are living and standing firm in your integrity despite societal pressure. • When writing a nonfiction book, it's important to consider your storytelling style and how you like to deliver information. • A good structure is essential for any nonfiction book, regardless of the style. • Ruby Warrington takes a research-heavy approach to writing, collecting articles, research, and ideas before creating a loose structure for her books. For more, check out https://www.rubywarrington.com/ https://www.the-numinous.com/ And follow https://instagram.com/rubywarrington https://instagram.com/numinous_books https://instagram.com/maggielangrick https://instagram.com/selfishgiftpodcast https://instagram.com/wonderwellpress #authoradvice #sobercurious #alcoholfree #publishingadvice #nonfiction #purpose #lifepurpose #authenticity #womenwithoutkids #childfree #feminist

Anyone who's ever tried to create something beautiful or important must at times withdraw from everyday life to get the work done, whether that means getting up an hour early every day to write or going on a solo retreat. But how far would you go in pursuit of your art? Whatever your answer, today's guest is about to blow your mind and inspire you to go further than you ever thought possible. Deanne Whalen is an award-winning Canadian filmmaker, photographer, author, and public speaker. In her documentary films and their accompanying books, she specializes in telling intimate stories from extreme locations. For her first film, This Land, she snowmobiled across the high Arctic. Then she embedded herself in the climbing community on Mount Everest for 40 days at base camp. For her latest film, 500 Days in the Wild, Deanne spent six years traversing the entire 24,000 kilometers of Canada's land and water trails from sea to sea to sea.  In this episode, you'll learn: All about her incredible adventure—how she navigated, charged her emergency devices, survived several moments of life-threatening danger (bears! storms!), and more.  The wisdom traditions that indigenous communities generously shared with her along the way. How mindfully reconnecting with nature made her feel safer and more connected to other human beings, as well. How the journey affected her relationships—and eventually led to finding love on the trail. Her process of adapting 800 hours of footage into a documentary that has gotten distribution with Paramount Plus in Canada and a full Canadian theatrical release, including how she financed everything. For more, check out: 500daysinthewild.com maggielangrick.com wonderwell.press And follow: instagram.com/500daysinthewild instagram.com/diannewhelanphotos instagram.com/maggielangrick instagram.com/wonderwellpress instagram.com/selfishgiftpodcast

CW: drug use, abuse, and assault So many of us are moved to write books or create other works of art because of a traumatic life experience that we've suffered through. But when those experiences also carry a stigma, it can be tough to navigate the feelings of shame, self-protection, and privacy issues that come up. How do you free yourself to share your story when you're worried that it might affect your reputation or your career? My guest today knows all about it, and she's here to share her insights. Mary Beth O'Connor is an addiction recovery advocate who's been clean and sober for nearly 30 years. But in her teens and young adulthood, Mary Beth was addicted to methamphetamines, shooting up daily for years. It nearly destroyed her life. Yet after getting clean, she put herself through law school, became a lawyer, and eventually a federal judge. She chronicles her journey and offers hope to others seeking to break free from addiction and level up their lives in her memoir, From Junkie to Judge: One Woman's Triumph Over Trauma and Addiction. In this episode, you'll learn: How writing the book helped restore her self-confidence and self-compassion. How she transformed herself from just a legal writer with no experience in creative writing into an award-winning author. (Hint: Lots of reading, writing classes, and workshop groups were involved!) What her process of getting an agent and publishing deal was like. How she handles criticism from the public. The doors that writing a book can open for you—from media appearances to speaking engagements at conferences and events. For more, check out: junkietojudge.com maggielangrick.com wonderwell.press And follow: twitter.com/MaryBethO_ instagram.com/maggielangrick instagram.com/wonderwellpress instagram.com/selfishgiftpodcast

This episode is a no-holds-barred, myth-busting conversation with an incredibly smart and successful publishing professional. Richelle Fredson is a book coach, a publishing consultant, and the host of the Bound + Determined podcast. She's been in the industry for close to 20 years, formerly the director of publicity and book marketing for Hay House, and then part of their book acquisitions team.  Richelle may not use this moniker to describe herself, but many people call her "the six-figure book coach"—and for good reason. She now runs her own business supporting authors in the proposal and book development process, frequently landing them placements with influential agents and Big Five publishers. Today, we're going to scrape all of her best knowledge to expose the blind spots and correct misperceptions that most first-time authors have when starting their publishing journey. In this episode, you'll learn: How to make smart publishing decisions and navigate the sea of conflicting advice on the internet. How to decide which publishing path is best for you: self-publishing, hybrid, or traditional. (Hint: Whether or not you want to be in bookstores plays a big part in it.) Why putting the work into a professionally developed book plan/proposal is key—even if you’re self-publishing. What is important and what is not in terms of author platform—size, composition, etc. What a first-time author can reasonably expect, in terms of bestseller lists, advances, and royalties. For more, check out: richellefredson.com maggielangrick.com wonderwell.press And follow: instagram.com/richellefredson instagram.com/maggielangrick instagram.com/wonderwellpress instagram.com/selfishgiftpodcast

This episode is a JUICY one—and not just because we're talking about sex! If you want a deeper, more intimate connection with your partner, you should listen to it. If you've been concerned about the rise of anti-feminist spokesmen like Andrew Tate, you should listen to it. And if you want to write a non-fiction book that heals something in our culture—particularly if you're a therapist—you should DEFINITELY listen to it. Dr. Eric Fitzmedrud is a therapist specializing in relationship and sexual issues, specifically in helping men improve their sex lives by learning to regulate their emotions, removing sexual entitlement, and honing their sexual consent and negotiation skills. Eric is a speaker, a trainer of other therapists, and a teacher of graduate courses in psychology. His book is The Better Man: A Guide to Consent, Stronger Relationships, and Hotter Sex, a compassionate and practical approach to a topic that is courageous and challenging. In this episode, you'll learn: Why consent isn’t just about fear and safety—about not making harmful mistakes with your partner. It's also the key to some of our greatest pleasures. How the narrow confines of traditional masculinity are harming men and their relationships with others. How patriarchy and capitalism contribute to a sense of entitlement in men—even those who identify as feminists. How Eric overcame his fear of writing the book—how he navigated processing his own errors around consent to honor those he has hurt in the past, and the rigorous vetting process he used to make sure they were okay with their stories being included. His take on book promotion and being a public figure—and how being on social media and doing podcast interviews has made him more confident in his message. For more, check out: drericfitz.com maggielangrick.com wonderwell.press And follow: instagram.com/drericfitz instagram.com/maggielangrick instagram.com/wonderwellpress instagram.com/selfishgiftpodcast

If you are struggling with your to-do list and wondering how you'll ever reach the big goals that matter most to you, whether that's writing a book or starting a business, you are going to love learning from today's guest. Tina Wells is a powerhouse who has been featured everywhere from Fast Company to O, the Oprah Magazine. An entrepreneur since the age of 16, she is now a business strategist, speaker, CEO of Relevant Media, and founder of WNDR LN, a chic collection of travel products sold by Target. She's also the author of 20 (going on 21!) books, including a couple of tween fiction series and most recently, The Elevation Approach: Harness the Power of Work-Life Harmony to Unlock Your Creativity, Cultivate Joy, and Reach Your Biggest Goals.  With all those accomplishments under her belt, you'd think Tina was a workaholic who never slept, but guess what? She's not. The key to her success is the same "Elevation Approach" she teaches her clients, students, and readers—a four-part system for building a life that isn't just balanced with work, but in harmony with it. In this episode, you'll learn: How to achieve not just work-life balance, but work-life harmony. Hint: It's not just about adding more of either to balance the scales; it's about participating in a process and not just allowing things to happen to you. How the 4 phases of the Elevation Approach are the keys to doing everything you want to do: preparation, inspiration, recreation, and transformation. Why inclusion and representation are so important in storytelling. Why being honest about what you don’t know is actually a crucial strength that enhances your ability to grow. Why discipline is necessary for creativity to flourish. For more, check out: tinawells.com maggielangrick.com wonderwell.press And follow: instagram.com/tinawells instagram.com/maggielangrick instagram.com/wonderwellpress instagram.com/selfishgiftpodcast

If you yearn to do something big with your life, but you're feeling held back by your circumstances or your background, this episode is for you. Guess what? You are not defined by your struggles or your trauma, and your career path doesn't need to be defined by those things, either. Your inner child is already whispering the desires of your heart. You just need the motivation to pursue them. This week's guest is a master at shifting her clients' mindsets, getting them in touch with their inner child, and motivating them to build the successful, fulfilling, abundant lives of their dreams. Allyson Byrd is a renowned speaker, trainer, money minister, and voice alchemist who helps entrepreneurs step into their highest expression. This conversation is going to give every listener great sensations of possibility, joy, and a deep sense of being understood. You'll learn: Why prioritizing your needs and dreams is NOT selfish. How Allyson's "Spotlight Energetics" methodology can help you live in alignment with your purpose—the spotlight you were born for. How to expand your current mindset and then channel it into transforming your career and your life. How to make a living with your story. How to live a life of abundance while honoring your roots. For more, check out: allysonbyrd.com maggielangrick.com wonderwell.press And follow: instagram.com/iamallysonbyrd instagram.com/maggielangrick instagram.com/wonderwellpress instagram.com/selfishgiftpodcast

If you feel called to do good in the world but you aren't sure what that "good" should look like, or if you yearn for a career that aligns with your purpose but struggle with the idea of pairing business with matters of the soul, you're going to want to listen to this week's legendary guest—one of the leading lights of the spirituality and human potential movement, as well as a multimedia trailblazer.  Tami Simon is the founder of Sounds True, one of the preeminent publishing houses in the new thought spirituality world. She is also a public figure and thought leader in her own right. Tami hosts the very popular podcast, Insights at the Edge, which features conversations with spiritual leaders and visionaries, and has been downloaded more than 15 million times. Tami has also curated and edited several multi-author books, including The Self-Acceptance Project, with contributions from some of the world's most revered spiritual leaders. In this episode, you'll learn: What it means to be a spiritual entrepreneur. (Spirituality and business are not mutually exclusive!) How Tami went from being a college drop-out to founding one of the most respected spiritual publishing houses.  How to balance rational thought with a sincere openness to divine guidance on the journey to discovering your purpose—and finding the courage to leap into the unknown. How to achieve the optimal level of challenge and stay in your "growth zone." Why relationships and connectivity are the best routes to new business ideas and partnerships. For more, check out: The Inner MBA: innermba.soundstrue.com soundstrue.com maggielangrick.com wonderwell.press And follow: instagram.com/soundstrue instagram.com/maggielangrick instagram.com/wonderwellpress instagram.com/selfishgiftpodcast

If you are drawn to creative writing as a way to process the events of your life, this episode is for you. Today's guest is the founder of an incredible community called Narrative Healing, a writing program that seeks to release our stories in a way that's both accessible and empowering.  After beginning her career in book publishing, Lisa Weinert eventually became a certified yoga instructor with a specialty in trauma-informed restorative yoga—which ultimately led her to combine her professional training with her own trauma experience to create this unique work. Her first book, Narrative Healing: Awaken the Power of Your Story will be released on July 18th, but you're about to get a special preview of the wisdom it has to offer. In this episode, you'll learn: How stories—particularly trauma—can get stuck in your body, and how writing can be a path to emotional release and healing. How storytelling allows us to find joy and connection with our communities. Tips and exercises for getting past writer's block (for instance, how music and physical location can jog your memory). How to choose the right agent and publisher—what questions to ask and what to look for. What to expect from your publishing team after you get a book deal. For more, check out: lisaweinert.com maggielangrick.com wonderwell.press And follow: instagram.com/narrativehealing instagram.com/maggielangrick instagram.com/wonderwellpress instagram.com/selfishgiftpodcast

So many of us feel drawn to writing a memoir as a way to process through a difficult event. Writing is one of the most powerful ways to examine and reshape our internal narratives, and it can be a path to healing, as well as an act of service to others. Today's guest wrote her memoir for just those very reasons.  Ann Batchelder is an ordinary mom with a career in arts administration and communications. When her teenage daughter became depressed, Ann's world seemed to fall apart. As she desperately tried to understand her child's bulimia and later drug addiction, Ann turned to writing to cope with her emotions. Her debut memoir, Craving Spring, is about her journey as a traumatized mother and how the Greek myth of Demeter and Persephone helped her to rebuild her relationship with her daughter—and with herself. Ann is a passionate advocate for recognizing women's wisdom and reducing the stigma around depression and addiction.  In this episode, you'll learn: How Ann found peace, acceptance, and trust in her child’s difficult journey.  How to navigate privacy issues when you’re writing a story that involves—or even centers—another person. What the publishing process is like for a debut author without a platform. How Ann stayed sane while doing all of the marketing and promotion for her book—and how much she budgeted for it. The powerful ways narrative can help us make sense of our lives and the incredible value of writing your story—even if you don't plan to publish it. For more, check out: annbatchelder.com maggielangrick.com wonderwell.press And follow: instagram.com/annbatchelder instagram.com/maggielangrick instagram.com/wonderwellpress instagram.com/selfishgiftpodcast