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What do you do when the path you've carefully planned no longer feels like the one you're meant to follow?

In this episode, Ally Berthiaume shares how her lifelong love of writing kept calling her back, even as she explored careers in psychology, forensic work, and mental health. Although she was fascinated by understanding people and human behavior, she realized that writing was the thing that truly lit her up, and ultimately built a business around helping others tell their stories through memoir, editing, and book coaching.

Toby and Ally talk about navigating entrepreneurship as a single mom, raising a son who already sees his mother as both an author and a business owner, and the beautiful full-circle moment of publishing her first memoir when her son was the same age she had been when she first dreamed of becoming a writer. They also explore the realities of building a business that evolves over time and why flexibility has become one of Ally's greatest measures of success.

Ally opens up about the difficult seasons that made her question entrepreneurship, the freedom that keeps her committed to it, and the importance of supporting both family and community while creating a life on her own terms. Her advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is refreshingly honest: try things, gather data, embrace pivots, and trust that where you begin doesn't have to be where you end up.

This conversation is a powerful reminder that the work we're meant to do often leaves clues throughout our lives, and that sometimes the bravest thing we can do is follow what continues to call us forward.

About Ally Berthiaume:

Ally Berthiaume is an author, memoir coach, editor, and the founder of The Write Place Right Time. She helps aspiring authors transform their stories into meaningful books while empowering them to embrace the natural evolution of both their writing journeys and their lives. 

Connect with Ally:

🌐 Website: http://thewriteplacerighttime.com/

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayberthiaume/

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ayberthiaume/

📹Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewriteplacerighttime

🎁 Free Resource: My free 30-minute call (Story Stroll) https://bit.ly/3HPIQkK

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About Me: https://tobymyles.com/about/

Free Gift: The Nashville Method: 5-Day Storytelling Mini-Course

Subscribe to Her Origin Story on your favorite platform. New episodes every week with real, raw stories about the moments that started it all.

Her Origin Story is produced by Toby Myles Copywriting, and podcast editor Ilorah Dela Cruz

All content © 2026 Toby Myles. All rights reserved.

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What if the very struggles that once made you feel broken became the reason you could help others heal?

In this episode, Cynthia Coufal shares her deeply personal origin story—from growing up as a rebellious teen in a strict religious environment to becoming an educator and coach who helps teens navigate anxiety, self-discovery, and life's biggest transitions. Cynthia opens up about the years she spent believing she wasn't good enough, the impact of religious trauma, and the healing journey that followed divorce and finding a healthier sense of self.

Toby and Cynthia explore why so many teens feel misunderstood, how parents and children can learn to see situations from each other's perspectives, and why confidence often grows from self-awareness rather than achievement. Cynthia also shares insights from her coaching work, including the importance of meeting teens where they are, helping them regulate emotions, and supporting students as they transition into college and adulthood.

This conversation is a powerful reminder that our hardest experiences can become our greatest source of empathy, and that sometimes the people best equipped to guide others are the ones who've walked through the struggle themselves.

About Cynthia Coufal:

Cynthia Coufal is a teen anxiety coach, former educator, and host of The Teen Anxiety Maze podcast. Through one-on-one coaching, she helps teens and young adults build self-awareness, manage anxiety, strengthen confidence, and navigate major life transitions with greater clarity and resilience. 

Connect with Cynthia:

🌐 Website: https://www.betterregulatethannever.com/

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthia-coufal-836a2236/

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cynthiacoufalcoaching/

💬 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cynthiacoufalcoaching

🎙 Podcast: https://www.betterregulatethannever.com/podcast

📹Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO9WBijdxeYpQSekM7RZYvA

🎁 Free Resource: https://cheerful-writer-462.kit.com/f48953fbed

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About Me: https://tobymyles.com/about/

Free Gift: The Nashville Method: 5-Day Storytelling Mini-Course

Subscribe to Her Origin Story on your favorite platform. New episodes every week with real, raw stories about the moments that started it all.

Her Origin Story is produced by Toby Myles Copywriting, and podcast editor Ilorah Dela Cruz

All content © 2026 Toby Myles. All rights reserved.

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What happens when the life you planned for yourself evolves into something completely different?

In this episode, Cindy Liebel shares her origin story, from dreaming of becoming a fashion designer as a child, to serving in the military, climbing the corporate ladder, and eventually building a successful career as a jewelry artist and entrepreneur. Cindy reflects on how travel, architecture, art, and fashion shaped her creative perspective, and why she believes it's okay if the path you choose at 20 isn't the one you follow forever.

Toby and Cindy also have an honest conversation about the realities of entrepreneurship, including the importance of accountability, the pressure of running a business alone, and the challenges of balancing work while navigating personal loss. Following the recent passing of her father, Cindy opens up about grief, resilience, and the practices that help her reconnect with creativity when life feels overwhelming.

This episode is a reminder that success isn't about having everything figured out; it's about continuing to grow, adapt, and create through every season of life.

About Cindy Liebel:

Cindy Liebel is the founder and designer behind Cindy Liebel Jewelry. Drawing inspiration from travel, architecture, art, and fashion, she creates handcrafted jewelry while sharing her passion for creativity, craftsmanship, and lifelong learning. 

Connect with Cindy:

🌐 Website: https://cindyliebel.com/

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cindyliebeljewelry/

💬 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cindyliebeljewelry

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About Me: https://tobymyles.com/about/

Free Gift: The Nashville Method: 5-Day Storytelling Mini-Course

Subscribe to Her Origin Story on your favorite platform. New episodes every week with real, raw stories about the moments that started it all.

Her Origin Story is produced by Toby Myles Copywriting, and podcast editor Ilorah Dela Cruz

All content © 2026 Toby Myles. All rights reserved.

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Randi Kest’s story is about resilience, identity, and the courage to pivot midlife. After a layoff from her media career, she faced the challenge of redefining her path while navigating perimenopause, divorce, and self‑doubt. What began as uncertainty turned into a calling: supporting women through coaching, writing, and connection.

In this episode, Randi shares how mentors and communities helped her see strengths she couldn’t recognize on her own, why she views her layoff as both painful and liberating, and how she reframed shame into possibility. We talk about the winding path of career pivots, the importance of routines and community, and the power of staying open to what comes next.

About Randi Kest:

Randi Kest is a writer, coach, and former media professional who helps women navigate midlife transitions with purpose and connection. She blends her background in media with her passion for coaching to support identity shifts, resilience, and reinvention.

Connect with Randi:

🌐 Website: https://www.randikest.com/

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randi-kest/

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/randikest/

💬 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/randi.k.wheeler.9

📑 Substack: https://randikest.substack.com/

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About Me: https://tobymyles.com/about/

Free Gift: The Nashville Method: 5-Day Storytelling Mini-Course

Subscribe to Her Origin Story on your favorite platform. New episodes every week with real, raw stories about the moments that started it all.

Her Origin Story is produced by Toby Myles Copywriting, and podcast editor Ilorah Dela Cruz

All content © 2026 Toby Myles. All rights reserved.

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Amy Lokken’s story is one of reinvention, resilience, and soul‑led pivots. Growing up on a Wisconsin dairy farm taught her resourcefulness and creativity, lessons she carried into a career in retail design and eventually into launching Mood Modular, her award‑winning marketing display system. When life shifted, and she became the primary caregiver for her parents through cancer and Lewy body dementia, Amy turned her experience into a support group that helped families for over 15 years.

In this episode, Amy shares how those life chapters shaped her perspective, why she believes women need spaces to be “seen without being exposed,” and how The Amy Factor grew out of her desire to help others navigate heavy life experiences with authenticity and presence. Listeners will walk away with insights on resilience, caregiving, and the power of real connection.

About Amy Lokken:

Amy Lokken is an industrial designer, entrepreneur, and founder of The Amy Factor. She helps women and caregivers create space for authenticity and connection, blending her background in design, marketing, and lived caregiving experience into work that supports resilience and community.

Connect with Amy:

🌐 Website: https://theamyfactor.com/

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amylokken/

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theamylokken/

🎁 Free Resource: https://theamyfactor.com/the-sophisticated-caregiver/

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About Me: https://tobymyles.com/about/

Free Gift: The Nashville Method: 5-Day Storytelling Mini-Course

Subscribe to Her Origin Story on your favorite platform. New episodes every week with real, raw stories about the moments that started it all.

Her Origin Story is produced by Toby Myles Copywriting, and podcast editor Ilorah Dela Cruz

All content © 2026 Toby Myles. All rights reserved.

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Teresa Thomas has spent her life weaving connections that matter. From organizing arts celebrations in college to leading Women In Networking for over 20 years, her story is rooted in creating spaces where people feel valued and belong. In this episode, she shares how curiosity can replace transactional networking, why having a role or purpose makes connecting easier, and how her project 50 Fun Things grew from a birthday idea into a global movement.

We dive into the lessons she’s learned about intentional connection, the ripple effects of empowering others to network in ways that fit them, and how joy isn’t frivolous, it’s fuel for resilience and fulfillment. Teresa’s journey is a reminder that meaningful connection starts with curiosity and that fun can be a powerful strategy for life and work.

About Teresa Thomas:

Teresa Thomas is a connector, facilitator, and author who helps people create meaningful networks and joyful lives. As the longtime leader of Women In Networking and founder of 50 Fun Things, she’s known for transforming how people approach connection with curiosity, intention, and joy.

Connect with Teresa:

🌐 Website: https://winwinconnects.com/

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/superconnector/

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About Me: https://tobymyles.com/about/

Free Gift: The Nashville Method: 5-Day Storytelling Mini-Course

Subscribe to Her Origin Story on your favorite platform. New episodes every week with real, raw stories about the moments that started it all.

Her Origin Story is produced by Toby Myles Copywriting, and podcast editor Ilorah Dela Cruz

All content © 2026 Toby Myles. All rights reserved.

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Jen Baxter’s story is one of unexpected pivots and resilience. After taking a leap of faith into book publishing, she faced sudden layoffs and the uncertainty of starting over. What began as a side project with Substack turned into a coaching business helping authors and entrepreneurs launch meaningful newsletters. Along the way, Jen embraced AI tools to support clients in amplifying their voices and building systems that work.

In this episode, Jen shares the turning points that shaped her career, how she reframed setbacks into opportunities, and why she calls herself an “entrepreneur by default.” Listeners will walk away with insights on balancing stability and creativity, using technology with integrity, and building a business ecosystem that supports both freedom and security.

About Jen Baxter:

Jen Baxter is a copywriter, strategist, and newsletter coach who helps authors and entrepreneurs create intentional, reader‑focused newsletters. She blends her background in publishing with her expertise in Substack and AI tools to help clients build sustainable systems and authentic connections. 

Connect with Jen:

🌐 Website: https://www.jenbaxter.com/

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenbaxter/

📑 Substack: https://jenbaxter.substack.com/

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About Me: https://tobymyles.com/about/

Free Gift: The Nashville Method: 5-Day Storytelling Mini-Course

Subscribe to Her Origin Story on your favorite platform. New episodes every week with real, raw stories about the moments that started it all.

Her Origin Story is produced by Toby Myles Copywriting, and podcast editor Ilorah Dela Cruz

All content © 2026 Toby Myles. All rights reserved.

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When Juliet Cutler traveled to Tanzania as a young volunteer, she thought she was simply offering her skills to help support girls’ education. What she didn’t expect was how deeply the experience would reshape her understanding of purpose, storytelling, and the impact one person can have on an entire community.

In this episode, Juliet shares how witnessing extreme poverty, resilience, and the transformative power of education changed the trajectory of her life and work. She opens up about the reverse culture shock she experienced returning home, the winding path that eventually led her into museum interpretation and experiential storytelling, and why curiosity and listening are at the heart of every meaningful story.

Toby and Juliet also explore the idea of “getting quiet” enough to hear the inner voice guiding you toward work that matters. From Maasai girls’ education to museum curation, Juliet’s story is ultimately about paying attention to the stories that deserve to be told, and recognizing that purpose can create a ripple effect far beyond ourselves.

If you’ve ever questioned whether your work is making a meaningful difference, this conversation will leave you reflecting on impact, intuition, and the power of using your skills in service of something bigger.

About Juliet Cutler:

Juliet Cutler is an author, storyteller, and interpretation consultant whose work focuses on cultural storytelling, museums, parks, and educational experiences. Through her books and her work with Nomad Studio, she helps bring overlooked stories to life while advocating for education and community impact initiatives in Tanzania.

Connect with Juliet:

🌐 Websites: www.julietcutler.com and www.nomad-studio.net

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julietcutler/

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cutler.juliet

💬 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/juliet.cutler/

Stalk Me Online!

About Me: https://tobymyles.com/about/

Free Gift: The Nashville Method: 5-Day Storytelling Mini-Course

Subscribe to Her Origin Story on your favorite platform. New episodes every week with real, raw stories about the moments that started it all.

Her Origin Story is produced by Toby Myles Copywriting, and podcast editor Ilorah Dela Cruz

All content © 2026 Toby Myles. All rights reserved.

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Amanda Hofman didn’t set out to reinvent branded merchandise, but her frustration with outdated swag sparked a new path. In this episode, she shares how she went from running a women’s networking group in New York City to co‑founding a company that helps businesses create merch people actually want to use and wear. 

We talk about the turning points that shaped her entrepreneurial journey, why swag should reflect values instead of just logos, and how perspective helps balance the highs and lows of business ownership. Amanda also explains how print‑on‑demand storefronts can transform client and employee gifting into something personal, sustainable, and memorable. 

About Amanda Hofman:

Amanda is the co‑founder of a modern merchandise company that helps businesses create branded products aligned with their values. She’s passionate about making swag strategic, sustainable, and something people genuinely love to use. 

Connect with Amanda:

🌐 Website: https://gotomarket.studio/

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandagoldfinehofman/

📸 Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/gotomarketstudio

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About Me: https://tobymyles.com/about/

Free Gift: The Nashville Method: 5-Day Storytelling Mini-Course

Subscribe to Her Origin Story on your favorite platform. New episodes every week with real, raw stories about the moments that started it all.

Her Origin Story is produced by Toby Myles Copywriting, and podcast editor Ilorah Dela Cruz

All content © 2026 Toby Myles. All rights reserved.

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Melanie Borden didn’t grow her brand by playing it safe, and that’s exactly why people pay attention. In this episode, she shares how she carved out her space on LinkedIn by showing up with honesty, personality, and a willingness to be seen beyond the highlight reel.

We talk about what it actually looks like to build visibility from the ground up, including the mindset shifts that come with putting yourself out there, the pressure to “perform” online, and how Melanie learned to trust her voice instead of following someone else’s formula.

Melanie also breaks down her approach to content; why real, human posts outperform overly polished ones, how she creates connection through storytelling, and what consistency really looks like behind the scenes. If you’ve been holding back from showing up fully online, this conversation will challenge you to rethink what authenticity actually looks like in your brand.

About Melanie Borden:

Melanie Borden is a LinkedIn strategist and personal branding expert known for helping entrepreneurs and professionals grow bold, authentic brands that stand out. She’s built her presence by blending strategy with personality, showing others how to turn visibility into meaningful connections and opportunities.

Connect with Melanie:

🌐 Website: www.humantobrand.com

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanieborden/

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/humantobrand/

Stalk Me Online!

About Me: https://tobymyles.com/about/

Free Gift: The Nashville Method: 5-Day Storytelling Mini-Course

Subscribe to Her Origin Story on your favorite platform. New episodes every week with real, raw stories about the moments that started it all.

Her Origin Story is produced by Toby Myles Copywriting, and podcast editor Ilorah Dela Cruz

All content © 2026 Toby Myles. All rights reserved.