Welcome to Inspired Questions with Ruth Hirshberg, unfolding a deeply personal narrative in response to recent events. Ruth candidly shares her struggle to balance a dual identity, revealing the tension between public persona and private emotions amidst a backdrop of global conflict. This episode explores themes of authenticity, transparency, and the challenge of maintaining one's values while navigating fear and societal pressures.

Ruth reflects on her Jewish heritage and the impact of anti-Semitism, delving into the complexities of personal and professional life. She shares intimate experiences from her past, grappling with internal conflict, and her journey to reconcile them with her public life.

Listen as Ruth finds her voice, offering insights on courage, fear, and the imperative of speaking out, despite the risks. Her story provides resonance for anyone feeling caught between professional duties and personal truth.

Join Ruth in this heartfelt exploration of fear, hope, and the enduring power of authentic connection.

In this episode of Inspired Questions, host Ruth Hirshberg welcomes Edie Gudaitis — a yoga teacher, breathwork coach, and best-selling author — to explore her transformative journey from the corporate world to wellness. Edie shares her personal story of overcoming grief, navigating life's challenges, and finding her passion for teaching yoga and hosting retreats. Discover how Edie uses movement, meditation, and breath work to help others heal and grow. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about embracing change, empowering women, and finding equilibrium in life.

You can find Edie on her website https://ediegudaitiswellness.com/ or Instagram ediegudaitis.wellness. You can also listen to Edie's podcast You're Already Whole.

After an unexpected (and very human) pause, I’m back on the mic. In this heartfelt solo episode, I share where I’ve been, why I stepped away, and how life, healing, and a few curveballs have reshaped my path.

I talk about recovery, burnout, letting go of perfectionism, and how I’m learning to show up more authentically—for myself and for you. I also share what’s next for the podcast and my work with Grounding with Ruth, including a new online course, growing my presence in the wellness space, and my deepening passion for meditation.

This isn’t goodbye—it’s a gentle pivot. The podcast will continue, with a new rhythm, new intentions, and a lot of heart.

In this episode, I share:

If you love the show, please:

In this captivating episode, we welcome Kelsi Russell, a professional body piercer from Ottawa, as she shares her unique journey into the world of body piercing. Discover how Kelsey transitioned from art school ambitions to mastering the craft of piercing, all while juggling a job at a vet clinic. She opens up about her compassionate approach to handling young clients and the importance of patience and empathy in her work.

Kelsey also discusses the challenges of being self-employed, setting boundaries, and dealing with imposter syndrome in the piercing industry. She offers personal insights into handling life's transitions, from relationship changes to career shifts, and highlights the value of therapy and self-care in maintaining balance.

This episode is a deep dive into the artistry and dedication behind body piercing, complete with honest reflections on personal growth, perseverance, and the power of making big, sometimes challenging, life decisions.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Rabbi Elyse Goldstein, the founding rabbi of City Shul, a reformed congregation in Toronto. Rabbi Goldstein shares her remarkable journey as one of the first female rabbis in Canada and her groundbreaking work in making Judaism accessible and empowering for women.

Discover how she has dedicated her career to teaching, writing, and mentoring, all through a feminist lens. In this episode, Rabbi Goldstein also discusses her new venture into coaching and pastoral counseling, offering guidance in a world filled with challenges.

Whether you're connected to Judaism or simply seeking inspiration, Rabbi Goldstein's story of resilience and passion for breaking barriers will leave you motivated and empowered. Don't miss this conversation on spirituality, community, and personal growth.

You can find Rabbi Goldstein on her website www.rabbielysegoldstein.com

In this episode, I connect with Sheena Marquis, a talented social worker, speaker, writer, and musician, based in Texas. Sheena passionately shares her journey from ministry to social work, highlighting her dedication to offering hope, healing, and purpose to others. We delve into her personal story, including her experiences with public speaking and songwriting, and how life’s unpredictable events have shaped her path.

Sheena discusses the importance of community support and faith in staying grounded amidst life's challenges. She shares her insights on overcoming insecurities, the significance of boundaries, and how these elements contribute to personal growth. We also explore her transition back to Texas and prioritizing family life, as well as her creative endeavors in music, which have been a source of healing and connection.

Join us for an inspiring conversation full of practical wisdom and heartfelt stories, and discover more about Sheena's work and music on various streaming platforms under her name.

Welcome to the first episode of 2025 of 'Inspired Questions' with your host, Ruth Hirshberg. In this mini episode, Ruth candidly shares her unexpected experiences of the past few weeks. Despite well-laid plans, life took an unforeseen turn, leading to a prolonged hospital stay and recovery from surgery.

Ruth reflects on the lessons learned from this unexpected journey, emphasizing the importance of listening to one's body, adapting to circumstances, and allowing oneself grace. Balancing a busy life with multiple passions, Ruth offers insights into managing what can oftentimes feel uncontrollable. Join Ruth as she shares her story of resilience, acceptance, and hope for the future episodes to come.

In this episode, join us as we delve into the inspiring journey of Doree Kovalio, a former federal public servant who took a leap of faith to pursue her passion for travel. After 20 years of service, Doree transformed her love for exploration into a thriving boutique travel agency, "YOLO Let's Go." With her wealth of travel experiences, having visited 40 countries, Doree helps clients overcome the overwhelm of travel planning, enabling them to explore new destinations with ease and excitement.

Listen as Doree shares her transformative story of moving from a conventional 9 to 5 life to becoming an independent travel advisor. Discover how her personal experiences have shaped her mission to help others follow their travel dreams and embrace life's adventures. Whether you're an anxious traveler or someone yearning for new experiences, Doree's insights and contagious enthusiasm might just inspire your next journey.

You can find Doree on Instagram @yololetsgoinsta or her website yololetsgo.com

In this insightful mini-episode of Inspired Questions, host Ruth Hirshberg delves into the complex emotion of anger, particularly from a woman's perspective. Ruth shares her personal journey with anger, discussing the societal conditioning that influences how women experience and express this powerful emotion.

She explores the physical manifestations of anger and offers practical techniques for managing it, such as mindful breathing and physical activity. Ruth also emphasizes the importance of focusing on the positives in life and connecting with others to navigate feelings of powerlessness in a world filled with challenges.

Join Ruth as she candidly discusses her struggles and offers valuable insights into embracing and managing anger. This episode serves as a reminder that amidst the chaos, hope and beauty still exist.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Dallas Lombardi, a remarkable entrepreneur who has made her mark in the event planning industry and beyond. From orchestrating luxury weddings and corporate events to co-founding 'A Chance to Dance,' an inclusive dance party for individuals with disabilities, Dallas is a powerhouse of innovation and compassion.

In this episode, Dallas shares her journey from working in the restaurant industry as a teenager to becoming the director of a luxury event company by the age of 26. Discover how motherhood and the challenges of being a single parent led her to establish her own company, Dallas & Co. Events Agency, allowing her to align her work with her personal values and family needs.

Dallas also opens up about her personal healing journey and her motivation for writing her first book, a memoir aimed at helping others navigate trauma. She emphasizes the importance of redefining success, setting boundaries, and embracing vulnerability, offering valuable insights for anyone seeking personal and professional growth.

Listen in as Dallas discusses the power of connection, the significance of self-care, and the liberating experience of pursuing creative endeavors. Whether it's taking herself on solo getaways or participating in a local 'Dancing with the Stars' event, Dallas embodies the spirit of living life on her own terms.

Don't miss this episode filled with wisdom, inspiration, and practical advice for anyone looking to redefine their path and connect with their true selves. Stay tuned until the end for information on how to follow Dallas's journey and upcoming projects.

You can find her on Instagram @dallas.lombardi, @dallasandcoevents and @achancetodancecanada