887 | The Role of Vulnerability in Writing Your Damn Book
Own Your Choices Own Your Life
Release Date: 07/28/2025
902 | Your Past Gives You the Lessons to Change Your Future with Valerie J. Walsh
Own Your Choices Own Your Life
In this episode, I am speaking with Best-Selling Author, Inspirational Speaker, Mental Health Advocate, Valerie J. Walsh. Valerie is a best-selling author, inspirational speaker, and transformational leader known for turning pain into purpose. After losing her mother to suicide, surviving cancer twice, and overcoming addiction, Valerie made the bold decision not just to heal—but to serve. Her story is one of deep resilience, raw honesty, and a powerful commitment to helping others rise from their own darkest moments. Through her books Shattered to the Core and COREAGEOUS, she delivers...
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901 | At Any Stage, At Any Age, You Always Have a Choice
Own Your Choices Own Your Life
In this episode, I want to reflect on the core message that has been a guiding principle throughout my life and this podcast: you always have a choice. No matter your age or stage in life, you possess the power to make choices that shape your reality. I understand that it can often feel like circumstances are beyond our control, but I assure you that we can always choose how we respond to those circumstances. At 55 years old and navigating the complexities of the sandwich generation, caring for aging parents while managing a business that feels ever-evolving, I find myself constantly reminded...
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900 | From Scrappy Beginnings to #900
Own Your Choices Own Your Life
In this special episode of the "Own Your Choices, Own Your Life" podcast, we celebrate a monumental milestone: episode 900! This is a special episode where Marsha is being interviewed by Sue Ruhe, her podcast manager, ninja extraordinaire and close friend. Marsha shares her thoughts on the significance of reaching 900 episodes, emphasizing the importance of personal growth and the unique space the podcast has provided her to navigate both business and personal challenges. We discuss the power of vulnerability in her solo episodes, where she imparts valuable lessons from her own...
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899 | Why Strategy Isn’t Enough to Share Your Story
Own Your Choices Own Your Life
In this episode, we are on the brink of a significant milestone—episode 900! As I prepare to share more of my journey in the upcoming episode, I want to dive deep into a topic that I believe is crucial for anyone looking to make an impact, whether through writing, coaching, speaking, or any other form of expression. Today, I discuss the importance of sharing your story and how it connects to building genuine relationships with others. Many people underestimate the power of their narrative, thinking that strategy alone will lead to success. Strategy is only 5% of the equation; the remaining...
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898 | How to Write Your Book from the Optimal State
Own Your Choices Own Your Life
In this episode, I discuss the everyday struggles many authors face, such as fear of judgment from family and friends, and the realization that we cannot control how others perceive our words. Our internal representation of the world shapes our responses, and I share personal anecdotes to illustrate how our states can influence our reactions to others. Instead of focusing on the strategy first, it is essential to get into the right state of mind, energy, and nervous system regulation before writing. Our subconscious mind, which governs 95% of our actions, responds to feelings of safety rather...
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897 | Aligned, Activated, Unapologetic: The Marsha Effect
Own Your Choices Own Your Life
In this episode of the podcast, we are sharing a recording from Marsha’s interview on the Ambitious, Awakened & Aligned Podcast. Marsha is interviewed as a guest and wanted to share this incredible interview with her listeners. In this episode, we explore the inner revolution that happens when we stop operating from sheer ambition and start aligning with our subconscious power. Marsha shares what it means to burn the old stories to the ground, step out of proving energy, and own your boldest truths — even when they terrify you. Together, we explore how nervous system regulation,...
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896 | The Difference Between Feeling Numb and Unbothered
Own Your Choices Own Your Life
In this episode, I explore the concept of being unbothered vs feeling numb. Being unbothered involves feeling emotions without being controlled by them. I recount my journey over the past couple of years, particularly the challenges I've faced, including navigating past stories of teen substance abuse and personal turmoil. Through these experiences, I have learned to strengthen my boundaries and prioritize self-care, allowing me to listen to my needs rather than numb them. I pose the question: Are you numb or unbothered? I explain the characteristics of both states, highlighting that numbness...
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895 | Burn Away What’s Not Meant to Come With You
Own Your Choices Own Your Life
In this episode, we are sharing the theme of fire, as a metaphor for personal transformation and as a reflection of my own experiences. This quote summarizes it all: “The fire burned brighter inside of me than around me," by Joshua Graham. What would change if you could learn to embrace the fire as a transformative force rather than a destructive one? I encourage everyone to reflect on what they are carrying that is no longer theirs to bear and to allow the fire to burn away those burdens. By doing so, we can ignite our inner fire, leading to a stronger, more authentic self. ...
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894 | Manifesting Dreams: Declaring Your Vision with Vision Boards with Debbi Sluys
Own Your Choices Own Your Life
In this episode, I am speaking with Founder and Personal Development & Empowerment Coach, Debbi Sluys. Debbi empowers people to live their best lives and be the best professionals they can be by discovering their vision, balancing their lives, and realizing their inner power. Debbi is the Founder of the Dare to Declare™ Academy, which certifies coaches and entrepreneurs to lead impactful vision board experiences for their clients. HIGHLIGHTS 00:01:11 - Debbie's Unique Business 00:02:51 - Transitioning to Vision Boards 00:05:30 - The Impact of COVID-19 00:08:16 - Following Dreams and...
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893 | The Emotions Your Body Holds While You Write Your Story
Own Your Choices Own Your Life
In this episode, I share the intricate relationship between writing, emotions, and the body. As I embark on the journey of writing my second solo book, I feel compelled to share insights that have emerged from my experiences and the experiences of the authors I support. This past month, I have been sharing a virtual masterclass on how our emotions influence our writing process and how we can navigate these feelings to create more authentic and powerful narratives. HIGHLIGHTS 00:00:00 - Introduction to Writing and Emotions 00:01:00 - Understanding Emotions in Writing 00:02:30 - The Role...
info_outlineIn this episode, I encourage listeners to embrace their fears and recognize that waiting for the perfect moment to share their stories will only lead to inaction. Writing a book is not just about recounting events; it’s about reclaiming one’s voice and sharing the lessons learned through personal experiences. I discuss how vulnerability can be a superpower, making our stories relatable and real, especially during challenging times.
To support this process, I introduce various tools and techniques, including NLP strategies, that can help writers anchor themselves in a safe internal state before writing. I emphasize the importance of focusing on the intention behind the writing and who it is meant to help, rather than getting bogged down by fears of judgment or criticism.
As I share my own journey of writing my first book, "When She Stopped Asking Why," I reflect on how the act of writing helped me heal and reclaim my power. I encourage listeners to visualize their future selves holding their completed books, reminding them that the process of writing is a journey of self-discovery and growth. This is the work we will be diving into in the Write Your Damn Book Digital Program, presales coming in August.
HIGHLIGHTS
00:01:00 - The Importance of Sharing Your Story
00:02:30 - Understanding Boundaries in Vulnerability
00:04:00 - Courage as a Precursor to Vulnerability
00:05:30 - Rewiring Your Nervous System
00:07:00 - The Healing Power of Writing
00:08:30 - Embracing the Process of Becoming
00:09:30 - Creating Change Through Fear
00:10:30 - Introducing the Write Your Damn Book Program
00:11:30 - Finding Your Supportive Community
Marsha Vanwynsberghe — NLP Storytelling Trainer, OUTSPOKEN NLP Coaching Certification, Author, Speaker, and Podcaster
Download “You Are Supported” Hypnosis and Subliminal Bundle HERE
Join the next cohort of OUTSPOKEN NLP Coaching Certification (kick-off in Oct 2025 in person or virtual) HERE
Learn more about changing the Stories We Tell Ourselves Digital Program HERE. Use Code PODCAST to receive 20% off. Code FASTACTION20
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