Episode 3: Ellen’s Story
“There’s so much our body knows how to do, as long as we don’t get in the way of it.”

In our third episode, Ellen from Vail, CO, shares how she empowered herself to overcome her fears and make a choice aligned with her values: natural childbirth.

A mystery childhood illness inspired Ellen to pursue a career as a naturopathic physician. Despite pushback from family members and others, she found the courage to follow that path and establish her practice in California. Years later, when preparing for the birth of her first child, Ellen realized she carried unconscious biases against midwives that mirrored the skepticism she faced in her profession. Determined to make the right choice for herself, Ellen took on the research, built a supportive community, and prepared her body for the journey ahead. 

Ellen’s story reminds us that we can do hard things when we trust our instincts, build supportive communities, and live with intention.

You’ll relate to Ellen’s story if you’ve ever:

• Pursued a career inspired by childhood challenges
• Faced pushback from family members when making early career decisions
• Been through a major life event that reinforced your habits and values
• Considered alternatives to a traditional hospital birth (or simply been curious about natural childbirth) 
• Reconsidered your body image and redefined its purpose 
• Become a parent!

Resources from the Episode

• Ellen’s Website: Explore naturopathic medicine and connect with Ellen.
  • Book an Appointment 
• Yuka: A mobile app that lets you scan everyday cosmetic and food products to understand their ingredients and find healthier alternatives.
• EWG’s Skin Deep® Database: A trusted resource for checking the safety of skincare and other personal products. 
• Pain Free Birth: An educational resource for expecting moms interested in natural childbirth (or anyone curious about working with a doula or midwife!)
• Holistic Hub Podcast: On Ellen and baby Freddy’s first podcast appearance,  Dr. Ellen shares her expertise on environmental toxins and physician-assisted detox.

Meet Your Host: Berkeley Joy Mashburn
Berkeley is a former political campaigner turned full-time creative enjoying the end of her twenties (Berkeley turns 30 in August). After years of private scribbling and longing for the right creative outlet, Berkeley realized nothing inspires her more than intimate conversations with friends about their unique yet usually relatable lives. On Exiting Our Twenties, Berkeley interviews friends about pivotal experiences in their twenties. Through exploring these true stories, Berkeley aims to bring hope and self-confidence to women of all ages, while reminding women in their late twenties and early thirties that the best is yet to come.

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Follow us on Spotify or Apple Podcasts and visit ExitingOurTwenties.com to stay in the loop. If you know someone who would enjoy this episode, or a young woman you think w

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If you’re a woman in your late twenties or early thirties with a story to tell (trust us—everyone has one), fill out the guest form linked HERE or at ExitingOurTwenties.com. We’d love to hear from you!

Episode 2: Marnie’s Story
 “I had this feeling that I wasn’t where I needed to be to grow.” 

In our second episode, Marnie from Austin, TX, shares how she embraced the unknown to leave the corporate world and a long-term relationship in her late twenties and start her own business.

At a time when everything in her life looked right on paper, Marnie felt like something was missing. With faith that just because something is unknown doesn’t mean that it’s bad, Marnie found the courage to bet on herself. Her story is a reminder that self-awareness and openness to the unknown are gifts, and that intuition is a muscle you can strengthen. 

You’ll relate to Marnie’s story if you’ve ever:

• Felt like you’d “made it” in your career… only to realize something was missing or that you were ready for a change 
• Moved cities or changed jobs in search of more variety
• Lived with a Boomer parent during COVID…
• Debated whether to leave your 9-5 and go all-in on a side hustle, or whether to leave a long-term romantic relationship
• Experienced a lot of change in your life around 30 years old
• Enjoyed being underestimated in your twenties

Resources from the episode:

• Marnie’s Pick:
  • Career Contessa: A helpful resource for women navigating every step and every challenge in their career. 
• Work with Marnie: Marnie works with individuals at every stage of their careers to help them supercharge their job search, prepare for interviews and salary negotiations, and unpack any beliefs that may be holding them back from crafting work lives full of meaning. Explore Marnie’s Coaching Services and check out other resources (resume templates, interview ebook, and more) at https://www.marnielemonik.com/ 
  • 25% OFF: Use code TWENTIES for a discount on your first purchase, including coaching services.
  • Book a Free Coaching Consult: https://calendly.com/marnieglemonik/coaching-consultation
• Connect with Marnie: 
  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marnielemonik/ 
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marnielemonik/ 
• Berkeley’s Rec: 
  • Check out Berkeley’s theory of essential data on Substack.

Meet Your Host: Berkeley Joy Mashburn
Berkeley is a former political campaigner turned full-time creative enjoying the end of her twenties (Berkeley turns 30 in August). After years of private scribbling and longing for the right creative outlet, Berkeley realized nothing inspires her more than intimate conversations with friends about their unique yet usually relatable lives. On Exiting Our Twenties, Berkeley interviews friends about pivotal experiences in their twenties. Through exploring these true stories, Berkeley aims to bring hope and self-confidence to women of all ages, while reminding women in their late twenties and early thirties that the best is yet to come.

Follow & Subscribe
Don’t miss an episode! Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen. Visit

Share Your Story
If you’re a woman in your late twenties or early thirties with a story to tell (trust us—everyone has one), fill out the guest form linked HERE or at ExitingOurTwenties.com. We’d love to hear from you!

Episode 1: Jo’s Story
“It’s OK to question everything – and it’s OK on the other side.”
 
In our very first episode, Jo from New York City tells the story of how and why she left her parents' church. 

Throughout her twenties, Jo was discouraged from looking closely at childhood religious beliefs that never felt right. After an existential crisis at 25, Jo confronted her doubts head-on and embraced her inner authority. Jo reminds us that it’s okay to question everything and that there’s relief on the other side of confronting our cognitive dissonance.

You’ll relate to Jo’s story if you’ve:

• Struggled to trust your inner authority during your twenties
• Broken with your parents’ expectations for your life 
• Grown up in a religious household but ended up less religious than your parents
• Experienced existential dread or spiritual discomfort
• Found the courage to ask hard questions about your identity or beliefs

Resources from the Episode
 Jo’s Favorite Reads:

• Author Brandon Sanderson: "Sometimes a hypocrite is nothing more than a (wo)man in the process of changing."
• ACOTAR: A Court of Thorns and Roses (aka Faerie Smut)

Jo’s Podcast Rec:

• You Have Permission by Dan Koch — An embracing listen for anyone examining their faith or religious upbringing.

Berkeley’s Book Rec:

• Revolution from Within by Gloria Steinem – An empowering read for women of any age. //"I think the idea of an inner authority is upsetting to those accustomed to looking outside for orders – and certainly to those accustomed to giving them." 

Meet Your Host: Berkeley Joy Mashburn*
Berkeley is a former political campaigner turned PR strategist enjoying the end of her twenties (Berkeley turns 30 in August). After years of private scribbling and longing for the right creative outlet, Berkeley realized nothing inspires her more than intimate conversations with friends about their unique – yet usually relatable – lives. On Exiting Our Twenties, Berkeley interviews old friends and new about pivotal experiences in their twenties. Through exploring these true stories, Berkeley aims to bring hope and self-confidence to women of all ages, while reminding women in their late twenties and early thirties that the best is yet to come.

*In Episode 1, Berkeley reveals a long-held secret: She used to write Harry Potter FanFiction. 

Follow & Subscribe
Don’t miss an episode! Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen. Visit ExitingOurTwenties.com to stay in the loop. And if there’s someone in your life who would enjoy this episode–or a young woman you think would benefit from hearing Jo’s story– please share our show with them!

Share Your Story
If you’re a woman in your late twenties or early thirties with a story to tell (trust us—everyone has one), fill out the guest form linked HERE or at ExitingOurTwenties.com. We’d love to hear from you!

No one makes it through their twenties without a story to tell. 

Exiting Our Twenties is a show about the real-life experiences of women just like you. Join us April 11th as we build a new community for women, one story at a time.

Share Your Story
If you’re a woman in your late twenties or early thirties with a story to tell (trust us—everyone has one), fill out the guest form linked HERE or at ExitingOurTwenties.com. We’d love to hear from you!