My Rejection Story

Alice Draper
  • 5.0 (19)
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In exclusive interviews, bestselling authors like Tina Wells, Kristen Butler, Jason VanRuler, and Neil Patel share how they navigated the toughest periods of their personal and professional lives, and how this shaped the success they now experience today. Studies show that the stories we tell ourselves about rejection influence whether these failures fuel our ambition and propel us forward, or stifle our growth and hold us back. If your rejection story is holding you back, it is time for a reframe.

  1. Tara Jaye Frank: Leaving A Marriage, Learning Through Publisher’s Rejection, & The Helper’s Dilemma

    4D AGO

    Tara Jaye Frank: Leaving A Marriage, Learning Through Publisher’s Rejection, & The Helper’s Dilemma

    In this episode, bestselling author and former Hallmark executive Tara Jaye Frank joins Alice to talk about the messy, courageous process of letting go—of careers, of marriages, and of identities that no longer fit. From leaving a long-term marriage to walking away from a lucrative book deal, Tara opens up about what it means to choose yourself when everything in you has been wired for people-pleasing behavior. She shares the subtle shifts that whisper when to leave a marriage—and how she found peace in deciding to leave, even when it meant stepping into uncertainty. Tara also reflects on burnout at work, the identity unraveling that followed her departure from Hallmark, and how she rebuilt her life through what she calls a transformation after midlife. This is an episode for anyone standing at the crossroads of should I leave my marriage or when to call it quits in a marriage, wondering how to move through the end of a marriage or prepare to leave a good marriage without losing yourself in the process. Tara’s story is a reminder that growth doesn’t always look like winning—it often looks like walking away. If you’ve ever found yourself asking, “When should you leave a marriage?” or felt like you’re outgrowing the version of yourself who once fit so neatly into your life, this conversation is for you. Resources & Links:📘 The Waymakers by Tara Jaye Frank: https://www.thelwaymakers.com🌐 Subscribe to Tara’s LinkedIn newsletter You Are Before the World: Tara J. Frank on LinkedIn` Chapters:00:00 The Shy Child Who Learned to Listen03:40 Leaving a 21-Year Career at Hallmark10:02 Preparing to Leave a Marriage—and Trusting Yourself Again17:45 The Law of Least Effort and Accepting What’s True26:50 When the Pain of Staying Outweighs the Fear of Leaving31:40 I Left My Marriage: Learning to Let Go Without Losing Yourself36:10 Publisher Rejection, Creative Alignment, and After 40 Transformation43:00 Burnout, Boundaries, and the Helper’s Dilemma50:00 Knowing What Matters So You Can Do What Counts

    57 min
  2. Jamie Varon on Delayed Gratification versus Instant Gratification & How To Detach From Results

    SEP 24

    Jamie Varon on Delayed Gratification versus Instant Gratification & How To Detach From Results

    What if success takes longer than expected? In this reflective and empowering episode, writer and creative entrepreneur Jamie Varon joins My Rejection Story to talk about the uncomfortable space between effort and outcome. We dig deep into the psychology of delayed gratification vs instant gratification, what it means to stay motivated when the world isn’t watching, and how to keep creating even when the payoff is years away. Jamie shares how she rebuilt her creative process around trusting herself first—detaching from results, resisting the urge to quit too soon, and embracing the art of delayed gratification. She shares raw personal stories, including how she almost walked away from writing entirely—and what brought her back. If you’ve ever burned out from hustle culture, doubted your work after one rejection, or felt crushed when something didn’t “go viral,” this episode will shift how you think about success. It’s a masterclass in delayed gratification motivation and creative resilience, especially for those building something meaningful. In this episode, we discussed: Delayed gratification explained: why it’s harder than ever and how to build it The emotional cost of creating in a world obsessed with overnight success Why Jamie no longer ties her worth to her metrics (and how she made that shift) How to reframe “rejection” as a signal—not a stop sign Instant and delayed gratification in the context of writing, publishing, and marketing Learning to love the process more than the praise The role of delayed gratification in business and why short-term wins can sabotage long-term growth Her viral essay on Main Character Energy—and how the world twisted it Jamie’s new approach to creativity: aligned action, not panic performance What most people get wrong about motivation—and how she reclaimed hers One of our favorite Jamie Varon quotes: “You can’t rush what you want to last.” Quotes: 💬 "You might spend two years for a one-minute result. So why not make those two years joyful?"💬 "Trying is brave. And trying again is revolutionary."💬 "Detaching from results isn’t giving up—it’s finally breathing."💬 "Rejection doesn’t mean you were wrong. It might mean you’re early." Chapters: 00:00 – Intro02:00 – Delayed gratification motivation and what’s changed in the digital age05:30 – The moment Jamie almost quit writing09:00 – Navigating rejection and rebuilding self-trust12:45 – The fork in the road: believe the rejection, or believe your vision16:20 – How Jamie Varon books have evolved alongside her inner world21:10 – Jamie Varon main character energy—and the backlash25:30 – Letting go of hustle for alignment29:00 – Why we confuse feedback with fact32:00 – Creative longevity and delayed gratification in business36:00 – Writing for soul, not sales40:00 – What she tells herself now when things don’t take off44:00 – The secret to finishing what you start Resources: Jamie Varon books: Radically Content, Main Character Energy Website: www.jamievaron.com Instagram: @jamievaron Explore more Jamie Varon quotes and essays at Radically Content

    22 min
  3. Arielle Estoria on The Human Need for Belonging & Unfolding

    SEP 17

    Arielle Estoria on The Human Need for Belonging & Unfolding

    What if the fear of rejection is actually a fear of being fully seen? In this poetic and soul-searching episode, author and spoken word artist Arielle Estoria opens up about what it means to grow beyond who the world expects you to be—and how devastating, liberating, and cyclical that journey can be. Best known for her viral Arielle Estoria poems, her book The Unfolding, and her ability to speak straight to the soul, Arielle shares the deeply personal story behind her own “unfolding.” She discusses the grief of leaving behind old identities, the risk of becoming someone new, and the human need for belonging—especially when you no longer fit the roles that once made you feel loved. We talk about how her relationship with her husband gave her the courage to question inherited beliefs, why creativity is a core value in her life, and what it means to trade approval for truth. Whether you're in the middle of your own unfolding story or afraid to let go of the identity you’ve outgrown, this conversation is a balm for anyone who's ever felt the sting of having no sense of belonging. What We Cover: The awakening: What it feels like to outgrow the life that once felt safe How Arielle’s husband became a catalyst for growth and authenticity Grief as part of growth: What we don’t talk about when we talk about becoming Letting go of people, labels, and spaces that no longer reflect who you are Why creativity as a value is about healing, not performance The cost of honesty: Losing gigs, friends, and familiarity—and choosing truth anyway What it means to rewrite your “too much” narrative How her book The Unfolding and her album The Art of Unfolding were created for her own healing first The one Arielle Estoria quote every creator needs to hear How rejection became redirection—and why the work always finds who it’s meant for Using art to create belonging, not applause Why even non-artists can use creativity for healing Quotes That Hit Hard: 💬 "I’d rather have friends who love me whole than love me half."💬 "That’s the old story. Now, what’s the new one?"💬 "Creativity is not about sounding good—it’s about speaking soul to soul."💬 "Rejection isn’t a dead end. Sometimes, it’s a reroute to yourself." Chapters: 00:00 – Intro01:30 – Awakening vs autopilot living04:45 – How her husband gave her permission to explore08:30 – The grief of growing and letting go12:00 – Rejection, community loss, and spiritual dissonance15:10 – Redefining self-worth and belonging18:20 – How Arielle Estoria poems became a healing practice22:45 – Why her writing isn’t for the ears—but for the soul26:10 – Her response to low book sales and how she redefined success30:45 – Can anyone access healing through art? (Yes.)35:00 – The raw vulnerability of publishing your truth40:00 – What rejection taught her about audience, ego, and trust43:00 – Rewriting the unfolding story in real time Resources: 📚 Arielle Estoria books: The Unfolding 🎧 The Art of Unfolding – Spoken word album (Spotify, Apple Music, etc.) 🔗 Website: www.arielleestoria.com 📲 Instagram: @arielleestoria

    47 min
  4. Marques Ogden on Life After NFL, Identity Loss, Losing a $25M Construction Biz, & More

    SEP 10

    Marques Ogden on Life After NFL, Identity Loss, Losing a $25M Construction Biz, & More

    What happens when the dream ends and you're left with nothing? In this raw and powerful episode of My Rejection Story, former NFL player turned motivational speaker Marques Ogden shares his incredible journey through identity loss, business collapse, and ultimately, self-reinvention. At one point, Marques was at the top: running a $25 million construction company, driving luxury cars, and living the life of a successful ex-athlete. But behind the scenes, ego, poor financial decisions, and misplaced trust led to a devastating fall. He lost it all—his home, his cars, and his sense of purpose. What followed was even harder: a humbling stint as a night-shift custodian, addiction recovery, and facing the painful truth about his role in it all. This episode doesn’t just explore rejection. It unpacks what happens when you stop blaming the world and start taking ownership. Marques shares openly about grief, addiction, bankruptcy, and the moment he decided to rebuild his life—this time on truth, not illusion. If you've ever asked yourself “What is entrepreneurial ego?” or wondered how to bounce back from failure, this one’s for you. What We Cover: Life after the NFL: Why 78% of athletes go broke and how Marques found himself spiraling Grief, addiction, and the tattoo that became his wake-up call Building a $25M company from scratch—and the early cracks he ignored Business debt meaning: how undocumented deals led to financial ruin The fine line between confidence and arrogance in entrepreneurship Losing it all: how one client’s handshake deal cost him everything Hitting rock bottom as a custodian—and learning to tell the truth How he became a full-time Marques Ogden speaker and keynote coach His current relationship with external validation and humility How gratitude and discipline helped him reclaim purpose The importance of listening to your team and trusting the right people The role of Marques Ogden’s wife and daughter during his hardest seasons Why rejection is often the best data point we can get Chapters 00:00 – Intro 02:00 – Life after NFL: Expectation vs reality 04:30 – Rock bottom: Addiction, grief, and survival mode 08:00 – The tattoo incident that changed everything 12:30 – From redemption to arrogance: Building and losing the biz 18:45 – The phone call that ended everything 23:00 – Repossession, foreclosure, and starting over 26:00 – Ego and ignored advice: What Marques would do differently 30:00 – The moment he realized he was a “fake and a phony” 34:00 – The spilled milk story: Rock bottom reenacted 37:00 – Becoming a speaker and rebuilding his reputation 41:00 – The discipline myth: You don’t need to be gifted 43:00 – Gratitude, ego, and redefining success Resources Mentioned: Marques Ogden podcast: Get Authentic with Marques Ogden Website: www.marquesogden.com The Marques Ogden App (with exclusive content and coaching offers) Instagram & LinkedIn: @marquesogden Email: marques@marquesogden.com

    44 min
  5. Dr. Amanda Crowell: The “Great Work” Psychologist & How Defensive Failure Is Getting In The Way

    SEP 3

    Dr. Amanda Crowell: The “Great Work” Psychologist & How Defensive Failure Is Getting In The Way

    Ever heard of defensive failure? What about productive failure? In this deeply honest and psychologically rich episode, cognitive psychologist and bestselling author Dr. Amanda Crowell unpacks what it means to do the work that truly matters. We explore the Great Work framework, the emotional toll of overachievement, and the quiet sabotage of “defensive failure”—a pattern that stops us from even attempting the things we care about most. Amanda shares her own story of striving for approval, hitting burnout, and experiencing a health collapse that forced her to radically rethink her life. From panic attacks and autoimmune flare-ups to a TEDx talk viewed by 1.7M+ people, her story is a roadmap for finding meaning at work, rediscovering your voice, and finally choosing yourself. This conversation is for anyone yearning to feel more alive—whether by finding purpose at work, outside of work, or figuring out how to enjoy work again after years of burnout. It’s also a must-listen if you’ve ever doubted your potential, or convinced yourself you’re “not that kind of person.” What We Cover: Why most people fail before they even start—and how to spot “defensive failure” in your own life The pressure to overachieve: How childhood patterns, trauma, and external validation drive burnout Amanda’s breaking point: a panic attack that led to an unexpected health crisis and major life reset What “great work” really means—and how to spot your own great work thread The surprising way intrinsic motivation works (and why competitive goals often backfire) How to build momentum in the smallest ways—and stop self-rejection in its tracks Reframing rejection as data, not defeat Finding purpose at work worksheet (included in Amanda’s book!) How to do less, enjoy more, and feel alive again Why burnout recovery requires joy, not just rest Chapters: 00:00 – Intro02:40 – Her first memory of rejection: the cheerleading squad05:10 – The invisible weight of early identity labels08:05 – How Amanda became a triathlete after years of saying she “wasn’t athletic”11:50 – Intrinsic vs extrinsic motivation: how to enjoy work life again15:45 – The real reason most people never start18:50 – Behind the viral TEDx talk (and the bra strap seen around the world)23:30 – The panic attack that sent her to the hospital26:50 – Finding purpose outside of work (and inside a slower life)31:00 – Giving up the hustle—and discovering Great Work36:45 – Why rejection is an advanced problem40:50 – How to get comfortable being a beginner again44:20 – Two clues to help you find your Great Work48:15 – Free resources and monthly classes to help you go deeper Quotes That Hit Hard: 💬 “Rejection is an advanced problem. Most people fail defensively—before they ever start.”💬 “I was hiding inside my own excellence and getting really, really bored.”💬 “You either live in the arena, making mistakes—or you keep doing what you’ve always done.”💬 “Your identity is not a fixed thing. It’s a prison you can walk out of.”💬 “Stop tap dancing for approval. Let the failure happen. It’s not as painful as avoiding it forever.” Resources Mentioned: Amanda’s website: www.amandacrowell.com Get the Great Work book + journal (includes the “Finding Purpose at Work” worksheet!) Free monthly Great Work classes: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/the-great-work-series-classes-3888663 Follow Amanda on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-amanda-crowell-51188130/

    51 min

  6. AUG 27

    Alice Draper: How to Cope With Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria

    What if the thing that hurts the most isn’t rejection itself, but how your brain processes it? In this emotionally resonant solo episode, host Alice Draper unpacks the lived experience of Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD): a lesser-known but deeply felt condition experienced by many, especially those with ADHD. Through childhood memories, Reddit stories, and peer-reviewed research, she explores why RSD feels like a punch in the gut, and what we can do to cope with it. Alice shares a painful moment from her teenage years that still echoes today: being excluded by a close friend in front of others, and the full-body shutdown that followed. It’s a familiar story for many people with rejection sensitive dysphoria ADHD, particularly rejection sensitive dysphoria women navigating friendships, love, and work in a world that often mistakes sensitivity for weakness. You’ll hear from others too: Stories pulled from rejection sensitive dysphoria Reddit communities that reveal just how common and debilitating these experiences are. Alice also walks through evidence-backed strategies pulled from a rejection sensitive dysphoria workbook by Neurodivergent Insights, and introduces a free rejection sensitive dysphoria test that listeners can use to assess their own experience. Whether you're searching how to cope with rejection sensitive dysphoria, how to overcome rejection sensitive dysphoria, or curious about rejection sensitive dysphoria ADHD treatment options, this episode offers understanding, science, and self-compassion in equal measure. If you’ve ever felt “too sensitive,” this conversation will help you feel a little more seen, and a lot less alone. What We Cover: What rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD) actually is—and why it’s not just about being overly sensitive The neuroscience behind why social rejection activates the same part of the brain as physical pain A deeply personal story from Alice’s teenage years and how those feelings still show up today Raw, relatable Reddit posts from people living with RSD The staggering statistic that children with ADHD hear 20,000 more negative messages by age 10 (via Dr. William Dodson) A reputable, expert-backed rejection sensitive dysphoria test you can take to assess your symptoms A resource-rich article from Neurodivergent Insights that doubles as a rejection sensitive dysphoria workbook Tools and strategies for emotional regulation, black-and-white thinking, and self-compassion When (and how) to seek professional help—and what to know about ADHD treatment for rejection sensitive dysphoria Chapters: 00:00 Understanding Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD)04:28 Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria Reddit Stories07:50 How Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria Ended A Friendship Of Mine10:54 Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria Test: An Overview11:47 Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria Workbook12:16 How To Cope With Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria16:18 Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria Regulation Techniques18:13 Case Study On How To Overcome Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria21:33 Seeking Professional Help and Support for Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria Resources mentioned: 🧠 Take the RSD test by ADDitude Magazine: https://www.additudemag.com/rejection-sensitive-dysphoria-adhd-symptom-test 📄 Use this article as a rejection sensitive dysphoria workbook: Neurodivergent Insights - How To Deal With RSD 🔍 Read the full article on the 20,000-message stat by Dr. William Dodson: ADDitude article 💬 Browse experiences in the rejection sensitivity dysphoria Reddit and rejection sensitive dysphoria ADHD women communities: r/ADHDwomen

    25 min
  7. Jessica Zweig: "It Was More Painful To Stay!" Walking Away From A Successful Business To Find Alignment

    AUG 20

    Jessica Zweig: "It Was More Painful To Stay!" Walking Away From A Successful Business To Find Alignment

    What happens when success becomes a prison? In this candid and soul-baring episode, bestselling author and branding expert Jessica Zweig opens up about the emotional cost of staying in a business that no longer aligned with her truth. She shares the moment she realized it was more painful to stay than to leave—and what followed was a journey of healing, identity loss, and radical self-reinvention. Jessica speaks about the real-life complexities of leaving a business partnership without an agreement, navigating debt in entrepreneurship, and the slow unraveling that comes when you’ve built something that no longer serves your growth. Through her story, we unpack what it really means to change your life—not through hustle, but through alignment. This episode will resonate deeply with anyone feeling stuck, burnt out, or silently questioning the cost of their own ambition. What We Cover: Why Jessica left her first company, even though it looked like a dream from the outside The emotional and financial aftermath of splitting a business partnership with no formal exit plan The toll of chronic burnout and situational depression—despite outward “success” How to begin healing when your identity has been tied to achievement The meaning of spiritual entrepreneurship and how Jessica integrates it into her life today Practices that supported her transformation and helped her change her life for the better What sovereignty means—and why it’s not a luxury, but a necessity Chapters: 00:00 – Intro03:15 – The rejection that shaped her confidence06:42 – Building a business from burnout09:30 – Leaving a business partnership without an agreement13:20 – The illusion of success vs. internal collapse17:00 – Depression, debt, and detangling identity from output24:45 – Spiritual awakenings and redefining ambition30:11 – What is a spiritual entrepreneur?34:52 – How to change your life in 30 days40:28 – Letting go of hustle culture for nervous system healing46:05 – How Jessica lives in alignment today Quotes That Hit Hard: 💬 "The pain of staying was greater than the pain of leaving."💬 "I was succeeding outwardly and dying internally."💬 "I walked away with no plan—and found myself in the process."💬 "We are sovereign. We just forget." Resources Mentioned: Jessica’s website: www.jessicazweig.com Jessica on Instagram: @jessicazweig Jessica’s podcast: The Spiritual Hustler

    52 min
  8. Meredith Carder: ADHD Masking Burnout & When Masking Can Help

    AUG 13

    Meredith Carder: ADHD Masking Burnout & When Masking Can Help

    In this short and powerful replay, ADHD coach, creator, and author Meredith Carder explains why masking happens, what ADHD masking symptoms look like, and how to make strategic choices about when to mask and when to unmask. Many people with ADHD mask their symptoms (at work, with friends, or in public) to fit in and avoid judgment. But masking comes at a cost, and for some, it can lead to ADHD masking burnout. Meredith shares practical ADHD masking examples and her “low-reward masking” approach for reducing the energy drain of constant self-monitoring. We also talk about finding masking accommodations that help you function without burning out, and how community can ease ADHD friendship struggles, ADHD friendship issues, and help you build genuine ADHD friendship groups. The conversation then shifts to ADHD rejection sensitive dysphoria (also called ADHD rejection sensitivity disorder), including what’s happening in the brain during perceived rejection, why rejection sensitive dysphoria in ADHD women can feel especially intense, and how emotional regulation and ADHD are connected. Meredith shares tools for increasing rejection tolerance, the role of executive functioning in ADHD women, and how to apply these strategies in daily life. If you’ve ever looked up an ADHD masking questionnaire, searched for ways to prevent burnout, or wondered how to deal with RSD in a relationship, this episode will give you practical insights and compassionate perspective. What You’ll Learn in This Episode The risks of constant masking and signs of ADHD masking burnout How to identify ADHD masking symptoms in yourself Real-life ADHD masking examples that can actually help Meredith’s “low-reward masking” approach to conserving energy How to find masking accommodations that support your needs Navigating ADHD friendship struggles, ADHD friendship issues, and building ADHD friendship groups Understanding ADHD rejection sensitive dysphoria and ADHD rejection sensitivity disorder Why rejection sensitive dysphoria in ADHD women can feel different Tools for emotional regulation and ADHD The connection between executive functioning in ADHD women and rejection tolerance How to deal with RSD in a relationship and practical steps to reduce its impact Links & Resources Follow Meredith Carder on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hummingbird_adhd/ Read Meredith’s book on adult ADHD: It All Makes Sense Now: Embrace your ADHD brain to live a creative and colorful lifeSubscribe to Meredith's Substacks: Meredith Carder Substack and It All Makes Sense Now SubstackTake an ADHD masking questionnaire to explore your own masking patterns: https://www.bhcsmt.com/aamm Chapters:01:33 The dangers of masking03:35 How masking can be beneficial04:10 Meredith’s “low-reward masking” approach06:30 Finding masking accommodations07:35 ADHD friendship struggles and friendship groups09:06 Understanding ADHD rejection sensitive dysphoria11:31 What’s happening in the brain during perceived rejection12:46 Emotional regulation and ADHD14:10 Executive functioning in ADHD women and cognitive inflexibility16:07 Why self-awareness matters for managing RSD18:33 How to deal with RSD in a relationship and improve rejection tolerance20:30 Lifestyle factors that increase emotional resilience

    22 min
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About

In exclusive interviews, bestselling authors like Tina Wells, Kristen Butler, Jason VanRuler, and Neil Patel share how they navigated the toughest periods of their personal and professional lives, and how this shaped the success they now experience today. Studies show that the stories we tell ourselves about rejection influence whether these failures fuel our ambition and propel us forward, or stifle our growth and hold us back. If your rejection story is holding you back, it is time for a reframe.

Information

  • Creator
    Alice Draper
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    59
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Alice Draper
  • Show Website
    My Rejection Story

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