In this episode, Courtney shares personal stories about taking "scary leaps" in life, from transferring universities to moving across the country and than across an ocean to Scotland for Teachers College. She reflects on how these experiences pushed her outside her comfort zone and shaped who she is today.

The episode also delves into the topic of sharing personal stories and how this can be a big scary leap - emphasizing its importance for connection and vulnerability.

Courtney discusses the internal doubts and imposter syndrome that can arise when considering sharing, and offers strategies for overcoming these feelings, particularly through the use of affirmations.

Key points discussed:

• Personal anecdotes about significant life changes and the fears associated with them.
• The importance of stepping outside of comfort zones.
• The value and vulnerability of sharing personal stories.
• Strategies for combating self-doubt and imposter syndrome.
• The use of affirmations to build confidence and belief in oneself.

If you need encouragement to embrace "doing the scary thing" and to borrow belief from others when needed, this is the episode for you!

Love stuff like this?

Be sure to connect with Courtney on IG @iamcourtneyhobbs or join her weekly email newsletter: A Delightful Distraction

Music: Fun Day, ⁠bensound.com⁠

In this episode of Mothertelling, I sit down with Kris Daria, a storyteller, mother, and advocate who took the stage at the first Mothertelling event to share her journey of raising a deaf child. Kris opens up about the difficult choices she faced, the fears she had around sharing her story, and how storytelling has become a powerful tool for connection and change.

We explore the emotional challenges of navigating a diagnosis, the power of storytelling as a way to process and heal, and how Kris is now using her voice to support other parents. If you’ve ever struggled with self-doubt or hesitated to share your truth, this conversation will inspire you to take that leap.

In This Episode, We Talk About:

✨ How Kris’s journey led her to an unexpected but powerful path

✨ The fears she had around sharing her story publicly

✨ Why storytelling is a tool for both personal healing and advocacy

✨ The importance of community and support in navigating parenthood

✨ How Kris is now helping other parents through her work

Connect with Kris:

🌎 Website: https://krisdaria.com/

📲 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/krisdaria/

🎥 Watch Kris' Story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTQThoOICZI

Connect with Courtney:

📖 Website: www.courtneyhobbs.com

📖 Instagram: @iamcourtneyhobbs

If you loved this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who needs to hear it!

Music: Fun Day, ⁠bensound.com⁠

License code: 5QPZF9UMOE4VOVVF

Did you know that even mild dehydration can cause brain fog, reduce creativity, and make public speaking harder? If you’ve ever struggled with focus, energy, or a dry mouth before stepping on stage, your water intake might be to blame!

In this episode, I’m sharing 10 simple hydration hacks to keep your brain sharp, your voice strong, and your creative ideas flowing. Plus, I’ll be sharing my weekly water tracker so you can stay on top of your hydration goals!

Tune in to learn:

💧 How dehydration affects creativity and cognitive flexibility

🎤 Why hydration is key for vocal health and confidence on stage

🚀 Easy, practical ways to drink more water (without feeling overwhelmed!)

Resources & Links:

📥 Download my Weekly Water Tracker

💡 Join the conversation on Instagram @iamcourtneyhobbs

Let’s stay hydrated and keep telling great stories!

Ever feel like your voice isn’t ready when you need it most? In this episode, I’m sharing five quick, practical vocal warm-ups to help you sound clear, confident, and strong—whether you’re on a podcast, in an interview, or stepping on stage.

What you'll learn:
🎙️ Why warm-ups aren’t just for singers and actors🎙️ How to loosen up your voice in under five minutes🎙️ The best warm-ups for busy people (do them while driving!)🎙️ A bonus tip that helps with both voice clarity and relaxation

✨ BONUS: Grab my free one-pager of fun tongue twisters to take your vocal clarity to the next level! [Insert link]

💬 Have a favourite warm-up of your own? DM me or leave a review—I’d love to hear it!

In this episode of Mothertelling: Own Your Story, I sit down with Lisa Szabon-Smith, a former bobsleigh athlete turned business owner and fearless advocate.

Lisa shares how her journey—from training for the Olympics to running her own gym to teaching advocacy—has shaped her understanding of confidence, communication, and reinvention.

We talk about how the words we use impact our reality, the importance of knowing who you are beyond titles and achievements, and how to navigate difficult conversations with confidence.

In this episode, we talk about:

🏆 How Lisa’s Olympic dreams taught her the power of self-talk

💡 Why the words we use can make or break our success

🎤 How storytelling plays a role in advocacy and leadership

🚀 Navigating identity shifts in business, sports, and life

🙌 The importance of showing up, speaking up, and owning your voice

Connect with Lisa:

🌎 Website: http://szabon.com

📲 Instagram: @szabon.com_

🎓 Fearless Changemakers Course: https://szabon.systeme.io/fearless_membership

Connect with Courtney:

📖 Website: courtneyhobbs.com

📖 Instagram: @iamcourtneyhobbs

If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who needs to hear it!

Do you wonder if your story is worth sharing? This pep talk episode is here to remind you that your voice matters! Join me as I break down the three powerful reasons why sharing your story is so important:

Preservation – Your story is your legacy, keeping your experiences and lessons alive for future generations.

Empathy – Stories build bridges and foster understanding in ways facts never can.

Connection – Sharing your story inspires others and strengthens bonds.

You’ll leave this episode inspired to start sharing your story today. Plus, grab my free “My Story Starter” worksheet to take the first step!

Call to Action:

Have a story you’ve been holding back? Share it with me, and let’s find the perfect platform to get it out into the world.

Resources Mentioned:

Freebie: [My Story Starter Worksheet]

In this episode, I share a deeply personal moment with my daughter that reminded me why storytelling is one of the most powerful tools we have. Whether it’s preserving the little moments of motherhood or sharing your journey as a business owner, our stories are what keep us connected.
What You'll Learn in This Episode:
💛 How a simple moment can turn into a lasting memory
📖 Why storytelling isn’t just about sharing—it’s about preserving
➡️ The two key ways storytelling can impact your life and business
🎥 How to start capturing your own meaningful stories today

Resources & Next Steps:
👉 Grab my Story Starter Worksheet to help you begin your storytelling journey.
👉 Listen to Episode #3 for more ways to capture and preserve

MOMents.
If this episode resonated with you, please leave a review and share your favourite takeaway!

Music: Fun Day, ⁠bensound.com⁠

License code: 5QPZF9UMOE4VOVVF

In this episode of Own Your Story, Courtney sits down with Marny Williams, a storyteller from the very first Mothertelling event. Marny opens up about what it was like to revisit a deeply personal experience, the emotions of sharing it publicly, and the profound impact it had on her and her daughter, who was in the audience. She also reflects on the storytelling process, the surprising challenges of memorization, and the incredible community that formed through this journey. Plus, she shares more about her work with the Hummingbird Center for Hope, a support network for widowed parents. Stay tuned until the end of the episode to hear Marny’s powerful story in her own words!

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• How storytelling can help us process grief and emotions

• The difference between storytelling and public speaking

• The power of sharing personal stories with an audience

• The unexpected friendships that come from vulnerability

• How Marny supports widowed parents through the Hummingbird Center for Hope

Links & Resources:

• Learn more about the Hummingbird Center for Hope: https://hummingbirdcentreforhope.com/

Music: Fun Day,⁠bensound.com⁠

License code: 5QPZF9UMOE4VOVVF

In this episode of Own Your Story, I dive into the therapeutic power of storytelling and what it means to be truly ready to share your personal story. I explore the importance of transformation in storytelling, the difference between a “scar” and an “open wound,” and how vulnerability creates connection.

We’ll also discuss:

• Why great stories don’t have to be dark to be powerful.
• How to know if you’re emotionally ready to share your story.
• Why audiences crave realness and authenticity.
• The role of storytelling coaches in helping you craft your narrative.
• 
  

If you’re considering sharing your story but feel unsure about where to begin, this episode is for you. Listen in to learn why storytelling is healing and how you can ensure your story becomes a source of connection, inspiration, and growth for yourself and others.

Links & Resources:

• Follow me on Instagram for tips and behind-the-scenes storytelling inspiration:@courtneyhobbs
• Ready to work with a storytelling coach? Let’s connect:Click here
• Book mentioned:How to Tell a Story by The Moth

Music: Fun Day, ⁠bensound.com⁠

License code: 5QPZF9UMOE4VOVVF

In this episode of the Own Your Story Podcast, we explore the transformative power of the 5-second moment in storytelling.

Many people think great stories are born from big events, but the truth is, it’s often the small, universal moments that create the deepest connections.

Join me as I share:

➡️ Why small, relatable moments matter more than grand experiences.

➡️ My personal 5-second moment in the NICU and its emotional significance.

➡️ A touching story from a fellow storyteller about a graduation day that left everyone feeling collective joy.

➡️ Practical tips to find your own 5-second moment and make your stories impactful.

Whether you’re a parent, storyteller, or someone looking to improve your communication, this episode will inspire you to find and share the moments that truly matter.

Links to 2 stories mentioned in this episode:

Anita's Story: https://youtu.be/pOrCRnuPfpk

This is Going to Suck by Matthew Dicks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0E0NPlbEfI

Music: Fun Day, ⁠bensound.com⁠

License code: 5QPZF9UMOE4VOVVF