The Story I'm Telling Myself

Rita Ernst
  • 5.0 (10)
  • BUSINESS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The biggest thing holding you back is you. Every day, you tell yourself stories—some empower you, but others fuel self-doubt, fear, and limiting beliefs. Hosted by positivity influencer Rita Ernst, this podcast helps you rewrite your inner narrative, enabling you to build confidence, embrace vulnerability, and step into your full potential. Join inspiring conversations, learn practical mindset shifts, and start telling yourself a new, empowering story. Subscribe now!

  1. 2H AGO

    Are You the Weakness in Your Life?

    Are you intentionally creating the future you want, or are you just a passive participator in your own story? Grab the Companion Self-Reflection Guide & go deeper In this revelatory episode of The Story I'm Telling Myself, host Rita Ernst sits down with recurring guest and recently retired businessman Gary Spencer to explore the internal narratives that define our most significant life transitions. Why You Should Listen If you have ever felt like you are standing in your own way, this conversation provides a roadmap for moving from being "bent by the wind" of change to becoming an active initiator of your journey. Gary and Rita dive deep into how to maintain your character and intention when stepping into a space filled with unknowns. In this Episode You'll Discover The Personal SWOT Analysis: Move beyond business audits and learn how to apply Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats to your own life. Discover how to identify if you are the "weakest link" or a primary risk factor in your own growth. Active vs. Passive Transitioning: Whether you are facing retirement, a career shift, or global uncertainty, learn to distinguish between responding to what happens to you versus initiating the life you want. The "Yearly Word" Practice: Gary shares his transformative tradition of choosing a prophetic word—moving from "Resilience" to "Open"—to project into the future and remove the "planning blockages" obstructing his view. Harmonizing Head, Heart, and Gut: Understand why your head and heart must resolve their relationship so you can trust the decisions your gut makes. Jettisoning Life’s Clutter: Explore the metaphors of the "comfortable chair" and the "box of old screws"—the habits and artifacts of yesterday that we must jettison to move forward. Final Takeaway "The darkness does not have the power that you think it has." Gary illustrates this with the powerful story of a single match lighting a massive salt mine cavern, reminding listeners that their innate internal light is sufficient to dispel any darkness or uncertainty. Stop letting the story own you and start owning the story. Listen now to discover how to strike the match of self-awareness and unblock your perspective for the season ahead. Subscribe to The Story I'm Telling Myself for weekly insights on authentic leadership, mindset shifts, and overcoming self-limiting beliefs.Connect with Gary Gary's company, which he founded with his sons: www.mngspencer.co.uk Learn about Gary's leadership work: Caleb.org.uk

    40 min

  2. MAR 5

    Are You Good Enough to Make the Leap?

    In this episode of The Story I’m Telling Myself, host Rita sits down with Ellenit Serrano, a former Fortune 100 finance executive turned workplace well-being strategist. Together, they explore the invisible pressures of the corporate ladder, the reality of systemic burnout, and the "internal leap" required to find a success that is truly sustainable. GRAB THE EPISODE SELF-REFLECTION GUIDE The Myth of the "White Picket Fence" Ellenit shares how she had achieved the ultimate dream: the senior title, a beautiful family, and a gorgeous home—the classic "white picket fence". Internally, however, she was facing a level of struggle that she didn't even have a name for at the time: burnout. This episode dives deep into the corporate expectation to walk through security and pretend nothing else existed except work, and how that culture forces many to hide their personal lives. What You Will Learn: Holistic Well-being vs. Performance: Eleanor discusses moving away from externally determined measures of success based solely on performance to a holistic model that benefits both the individual and the operation. The Fire of Performance: A significant "well-being tip" shared is the distinction between the "fire of performance" for someone else’s mission and the internal fire that actually lights you up from within. The Internal Leap: Instead of waiting for an organization to change, Eleanor advocates for an "awakening of your choices". She describes her first leap as an internal shift in her agency and being, rather than just a change in employment. Systemic Culture Change: The conversation challenges the idea that "stopgap solutions" like yoga and meditation apps are enough. True transformation requires ownership, accountability, and measurement of well-being at every level of the organization. The Future of Leadership: As technology and AI change the nature of work, Eleanor explains why human-centered leadership and "human skills" are becoming a leader's most critical assets. How to identify the stories and imposter syndrome that prevent you from taking your next big leap.Why the traditional corporate ladder was not built for the modern, dual-career family or caregiver.Practical ways to integrate mindfulness and nervous system regulation into a high-stakes professional life.How to start practicing and building the person you need to be in the future, starting right now.Climbing Out of the Hole One of the most powerful metaphors discussed is the "view from the well". When you are in the midst of burnout, it is like being down in a hole; you can see a sliver of light, but you cannot see the vast sky of opportunity available to you. This episode provides the roadmap for your "first job": climbing out of the hole so you can finally see what is truly possible for your future. CONNECT WITH ELLENIT Learn more about her work: esenciasolutions.com

    47 min

  3. FEB 26

    Can Strong Women Have Imposter Syndrome?

    Reclaiming Your Light After Workplace Toxicity Have you ever felt like you were standing in your own way, despite a track record of high-level success?. In this powerful episode of The Story I'm Telling Myself, host Rita Ernst sits down with Dalia Feldheim, former CMO and author of Lead Like a Girl, to dismantle the myths surrounding imposter syndrome and toxic leadership. Dalia shares her "full-circle" journey from being a top-rated executive at Procter & Gamble to "shriveling" under the weight of a bully boss. This episode serves as a masterclass for any professional woman who has felt her confidence erode in a toxic environment. What you'll discover in this episode: How Imposter Syndrome Happens to Strong Women: Dalia reveals how even a 17-year streak of success couldn't protect her from a "not good enough" narrative when her core strengths were systematically denigrated.The Anatomy of a Toxic Boss: Learn the red flags of workplace bullying, including the "dance of death," where a leader deliberately uses humiliation and "tough love" without the love to belittle high-performers.Wounded Femininity vs. Wounded Masculinity: Explore the concept of "wounded" leadership traits and why it is critical for modern leaders to balance Emotional Intelligence (EQ) with IQ to drive long-term results.Post-Traumatic Growth: Discover how to turn workplace pain into purpose. Dalia discusses her transition from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) to a mission of humanizing the workplace.Actionable Insights for Listeners The "Frog in Boiling Water" Syndrome: How to recognize when you have become numb to microaggressions and "death by a thousand paper cuts".The Strengths-Based Reset: Learn the INSEAD-backed intervention of focusing on your strengths before a challenge to close the confidence gap.The Waterfall Analogy: Strategies for achieving emotional detachment by stepping into the "cave" behind the waterfall of toxic emotions.The Power of Speaking Up: Why "zero tolerance" is the only effective strategy against bullying and how to "lift others as you rise".Why You Should Listen Whether you are currently dealing with a toxic work environment or looking to build professional resilience, this conversation provides the language and tools to rewrite your internal story. Dalia reminds us that you cannot fight darkness; you can only focus on increasing your light until the darkness shrinks. Connect with Dalia Follow Dalia on Instgram Work with Dalia: daliafeldheim.com Watch Dalia's TEDtalk Buy Dalia's book: Lead Like A Girl

    48 min

  4. FEB 19

    Are You Good Enough to Be Here?

    Have you ever walked into a professional setting or a high-end space and asked yourself, “Do I belong here?” Join host Rita Ernst on The Story I’m Telling Myself for a transformative conversation with Mo McKnight Howe, the visionary owner of Revelry Gallery. In this episode, they dive deep into the "inner stories" of exclusion that artists and professionals face, the danger of elitist gatekeeping, and why it is time to cultivate your own spaces of belonging. What You’ll Discover in This Episode: The "Closed Door" Narrative: Mo shares her raw experience of graduating from art school and being told she couldn't make it in her hometown—leading her to challenge the "starving artist" story by building a commercial powerhouse that now supports over 150 local artists.The Anti-White Wall Gallery: Learn why Mo and her partner Paula rejected the "stark and sterile" elitism of traditional galleries. From blue walls and antique rugs to a gallery dog that greets you at the door, discover how to design an environment that feels like a home.Anti-Gatekeeping and Mentorship: Mo explains her "open book" approach to the art world, providing the professional guidance she never received—on everything from pricing and branding to helping artists "graduate" from odd jobs into full-time creators.The Kids Cove Strategy: Explore why the traditional "don't touch" rule in galleries breeds a sense of exclusion for families. Mo discusses cultivating childhood art appreciation through a dedicated space where the youngest collectors can pick out their own handmade pieces.Price Inclusivity as Belonging: Discover the strategic power of the four-dollar sticker. Mo discusses how offering accessible entry points ensures that everyone can support the creative economy, regardless of their budget.Why You Should Listen: If you have ever told yourself the "cruel story" that you aren't good enough or that you need to conform to fit into a certain professional mold, this episode is your permission slip to rewrite the narrative. Mo’s 15-year journey is a masterclass in career resilience, showing that you don't have to be the owner of a business to cultivate community—you can start by changing the touchpoints within your own team today. Stop waiting for an invitation and start building your own table. Learn how to move beyond professional intimidation and support the "shop local" movement to keep culture alive in your community. Listen now and subscribe to the show to start transforming the stories you tell yourself. Connect with Mo mo@revelrygallery.comwww.RevelryGallery.comhttps://www.bizjournals.com/louisville/news/2020/09/25/forty-under-40-mo-mcknight-howe.html

    39 min

  5. FEB 12

    Should You Dial It Down

    The Kindness Revolution – Reclaiming Joy Beyond Burnout ⁠Grab your complementary companion guideAre you tired of "chasing" a version of happiness that feels out of reach? Join host Rita Ernst on The Story I’m Telling Myself for a transformative conversation with leadership and storytelling coach Monica Kleijn Evason. In this episode, they dive deep into the "inner stories" that keep us stuck in burnout, the epidemic of modern loneliness, and why it is time for a "Kindness Revolution". What You’ll Discover in This Episode: Burnout vs. Stress: Monica explains the critical difference between the two and how burnout often breeds a layer of cynicism that makes the very idea of "happiness" feel like an "ick".The "Marmite" Identity: Learn why being told you are "polarizing" is actually a gift. Monica shares her journey from being a "love junkie" seeking universal approval to embracing her "Marmite" self—realizing she was never meant to be "vanilla".The Science of Loneliness: Explore the "loneliness pandemic" and how social anxiety can affect even the most extroverted leaders. Monica discusses building "warm hubs" to foster community connection.Kindness as a Reciprocal Soul: Discover why true kindness isn't just about the Giver—it’s about the "reciprocal soul" that feeds the person receiving it and the person doing it.The "Five Frogs" Rule for Action: If five frogs are on a log and one decides to jump, how many are left? (Hint: The answer is five). Monica breaks down the difference between deciding to act and actually jumping off the log. Why You Should Listen: If you have ever told yourself the "cruel story" that you don't deserve to be happy, or if you feel the pressure to "dial down" your energy to fit in, this episode is your permission slip to shine. From DJing at the World Happiness Summit to taking a group of 75-year-olds to a Rock Choir, Monica’s story is a masterclass in finding courage through playfulness. Stop surviving and start thriving. Learn how to raise your vibration through "strong kindness" and rewrite the inner narrative that is standing in your way. monicakevason.com

    40 min

  6. FEB 5

    Do You Need to Heal?

    Unpack Anxiety, Nervous System Regulation, and High-Achiever Burnout with Robyn Graham Grab your complementary companion guide Are you a high-achieving professional woman or entrepreneur who feels like you are standing in your own way?. You might be telling yourself the story that you don’t need to heal because your past wasn’t “bad enough” to count as trauma. But if you find yourself trapped in a cycle of perfectionism, control, and people-pleasing, your nervous system is revealing the truth. In this motivational and relatable episode of The Story I’m Telling Myself, you will discover: The Science of "Nervous System on Fire": Learn why high achievers often live in a state of constant high alert, cycling through fight, flight, freeze, or "fawn" (people-pleasing).The Truth About "Discounted Trauma": Robyn explores the internal narrative of believing your experiences weren't "bad enough" compared to others and why acknowledging your hurt is the first step to true healing.Breaking the Generational Curse: Understand how maternal anxiety and a dysregulated nervous system can create a "vicious cycle" that impacts your children.Rewiring Your Brain for Calm: Discover how your mind can control your brain to grow new neural pathways and move you from "emotional chaos" to a thriving life and career.Practical Tools for Resilience: Robyn shares the neuroscience behind a gratitude practice, explaining how identifying three things daily activates the prefrontal cortex to enhance creativity and executive functioning. Why Professional Women and Managers Need to Listen: Manager burnout is at an all-time high, often driven by the simultaneous pressure to please bosses, please teams, and maintain perfect control. Robyn identifies the "alarm bells" of dysregulation, such as overreacting to small requests, chronic physical pain, and the inability to sleep. Whether you are navigating a career transition or struggling with self-doubt, this conversation offers the practical tips and inspiration needed to rewrite your narrative and create the life you truly desire. Be sure to subscribe and leave a five-star review to help other ambitious women challenge their self-limiting stories. Connect with Robyn Graham: Website: www.therobyngraham.comBook for Parents Book for Teens

    39 min

  7. JAN 29

    Are You An Arsonist or An Architect?

    This episode of The Story I’m Telling Myself features Nathan Stuck, the "Social Impact Guy" and founder of Profitable Purpose Consulting, for a deep dive into the evolution of mission-driven business. GRAB THE COMPLIMENTARY COMPANION SELF-REFLECTION JOURNAL In this provocative conversation, host Rita Ernst and Nathan explore the choice between being an "Arsonist or an Architect" when it comes to systemic change and reimagining capitalism. From "B Corp Guy" to Social Impact Visionary, Nathan shares his personal epiphany of moving beyond being just the "B Corp guy". While he remains a staunch advocate for B Corp certification as the gold standard, he realized that focusing solely on ideological purity was causing him to lose sight of the forest for the trees. By shifting his narrative to focus on social impact, he has embraced a philosophy of progress over perfection, allowing him to help companies at any stage of their journey toward becoming better corporate citizens. Key Discussion Points: Arsonist vs. Architect: Why the "easy way out" of cancellation and "burning it all down" fails to move the needle, and why the "real work" involves the constructive, often difficult task of building a legacy within existing institutions.Reimagining Capitalism: How to move beyond a "check-the-box" approach to DEI and ESG to create a stakeholder-focused capitalism that rewards innovation and risk while maintaining ethical guardrails.The Business Case for Good: Nathan explains how social impact is a powerful economic engine, driving employer branding, talent retention, and consumer loyalty, ultimately creating a tangible ROI on doing good.Navigating Moral Nuance: A look at controversial examples like the Salvation Army and Nespresso, and a discussion on which "sins of the past" are truly irredeemable versus which organizations simply need a hand to do better.The Power of Small Actions: From picking up a bag of trash to rotating team-led volunteer activities, Nathan and Rita discuss how small, consistent deeds build the "beloved community".Why You Should Listen If you have ever felt paralyzed by the fear of doing it wrong or found yourself trapped in a righteous, judgmental space, this episode is your wake-up call. Learn how to meet the system where it is—much like the legacy of Ruth Bader Ginsburg—and use your intellect and business to push it toward a more equitable future. Connect with the Guest Nathan Stuck is the founder of Profitable Purpose Consulting, Executive Director of Be Local Georgia, and a lecturer at the University of Georgia. You can connect with him on LinkedIn to learn more about building a mission-driven enterprise. Watch his TEDx TalkGrab his book

    39 min

  8. JAN 22

    Does Letting Go Make You A Failure?

    What happens when you build a brand from scratch, reach the top 5% of Etsy shops worldwide, and realize the success you’ve built is actually exhausting you? In this powerful episode of The Story I’m Telling Myself, host Rita Ernst sits down with Allison Sherwin, the founder of Threads and Honey, to redefine the 'F' word—failure. Allison shares her transition from a 15-year corporate sales career to building an international embroidery brand featured in Food Network, House Beautiful, and The Observer. Despite hitting profitability within three years and scaling to a team of six in her in the basement of her home, Allison found herself stuck in the "messy middle" of growth. She reveals the internal battle she faced with imposter syndrome, the "ego trap" of viewing her business as her "baby," and the overwhelming mom guilt that surfaced as the business outpaced her gifts and desires. In this episode, we explore: The Scaling Trap: Why Allison chose "peace and joy" over scaling to an eight-figure manufacturing organization.The Permission Slip: The life-changing advice Allison received from her father during his final illness: "It’s okay to walk away and change your mind".Redefining Failure: How to dismantle the story that stopping a profitable venture negates your past achievements.The "What Next" Phase: Allison’s journey into her new chapter as an author and partner in her husband's business.Whether you are a perfectionist struggling with burnout, an entrepreneur contemplating an exit strategy, or a professional navigating a new season of life, Allison’s story is a "permission slip" to prioritize your mental health and purpose over your pedigree. “You are never stuck. Take the next right step that is right for you.” — Allison Sherwin-------------------------Connect with Our Guest: Allison Sherwin Episode Resources: Companion Journal Guide: Download our premium guide featuring prompts to redefine your relationship with failure and unlock your permission to act.Recommended Reading: What Color Is Your Parachute?.Don't forget to subscribe to The Story I’m Telling Myself and leave a five-star review if this episode helped you rewrite your own narrative!

    40 min
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The biggest thing holding you back is you. Every day, you tell yourself stories—some empower you, but others fuel self-doubt, fear, and limiting beliefs. Hosted by positivity influencer Rita Ernst, this podcast helps you rewrite your inner narrative, enabling you to build confidence, embrace vulnerability, and step into your full potential. Join inspiring conversations, learn practical mindset shifts, and start telling yourself a new, empowering story. Subscribe now!

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