You’ve checked all the boxes—career, family, beautiful life—and yet, there’s that quiet voice asking, is this really it?

In this soul-stirring (and joyfully real) conversation, Betsy sits down with Cherylanne Skolnicki—founder of Brilliant Balance and beloved mentor to thousands of driven women—to unpack the hidden weight of success. Together, they explore the tension between ambition and presence, and how to finally stop doing it all so you can start living fully.

Cherylanne’s no stranger to high performance—she’s a former Procter & Gamble exec with a Cornell degree, an MBA from Emory, and decades of experience coaching powerhouse women across industries. But what makes her magical is how she helps you remember: you’re allowed to be wildly successful and wildly at peace.

They talk about:
– Why so many high-achieving women quietly feel unfulfilled
– The myth of “having it all” vs. the power of choosing what matters
– How to make space in your life without burning it all down
– Learning to trust future-you (she’s a badass, by the way)
– The difference between lowercase-t time and capital-T Time
– And why freedom—not perfection—is the new goal

This episode is your permission slip to let go of the “shoulds,” rewrite your own rules, and make space for the life you actually want.

Support the show

Connect with Betsy:

Website: writeyourownstory.co

Email: betsy@writeyourownstory.co

Instagram: write_your_own_story_co Or betsyleo

Youtube:writeyourownstorypodcast

More:

SHOP MY AMAZON: https://www.amazon.com/shop/write_your_own_story_co

FEMALE FOUNDERS MASTERCLASS: https://writeyourownstory.co/ffa-courses

HUNGRYROOT:
code: WRITEYOUROWNSTORY40

https://www.hungryroot.com/?promo=WRITEYOUROWNSTORY40&b=1197&utm_source=write-your-own-story&utm_medium=influencer&utm_campaign=in-house

DONATE TO CINCY's CHILDREN HOSPITAL:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2270822/support

FLODESK

• Give your friends 50% off their first year of Flodesk and get $19 when they join!
  • https://flodesk.com/c/JX92HK

MANYCHAT

• First month free https://manychat.partnerlinks.io/ky00qzu6mn1r-ogcg6e

If you’re in a relationship that looks fine from the outside — but inside you feel invisible, disconnected, and exhausted — this episode is for you. Whether you’ve tried therapy, countless conversations, or just kept pushing through, it still feels like you’re carrying the emotional weight of it all.

This week, Betsy sits down with Sophie Orozco, certified relationship coach and creator of the Relationship Miracle Method, who brings 20+ years of experience in emotional healing and behavior change. Sophie shares how she rebuilt her own marriage after her husband asked for a divorce, and how you can do the same — even if your partner has checked out, even if you feel like you’re the only one still trying.

Inside, you’ll learn:

• Why high-functioning women often feel most alone in their relationships
• The real reason resentment builds — and how to release it
• The difference between pushing for change vs. inspiring it
• How to reconnect with yourself and shift your energy to transform your relationship
• What to do when you’re ready to leave, but your heart isn’t

This isn’t about manipulating your partner or pretending everything is okay — it’s about reclaiming your power, seeing clearly, and making space for something better.

If you’re wondering whether your marriage can be saved… this is where to begin.

Support the show

Connect with Betsy:

Website: writeyourownstory.co

Email: betsy@writeyourownstory.co

Instagram: write_your_own_story_co Or betsyleo

Youtube:writeyourownstorypodcast

More:

SHOP MY AMAZON: https://www.amazon.com/shop/write_your_own_story_co

FEMALE FOUNDERS MASTERCLASS: https://writeyourownstory.co/ffa-courses

HUNGRYROOT:
code: WRITEYOUROWNSTORY40

https://www.hungryroot.com/?promo=WRITEYOUROWNSTORY40&b=1197&utm_source=write-your-own-story&utm_medium=influencer&utm_campaign=in-house

DONATE TO CINCY's CHILDREN HOSPITAL:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2270822/support

FLODESK

• Give your friends 50% off their first year of Flodesk and get $19 when they join!
  • https://flodesk.com/c/JX92HK

MANYCHAT

• First month free https://manychat.partnerlinks.io/ky00qzu6mn1r-ogcg6e

In this solo episode, Betsy opens up about the heavy anxiety so many of us are feeling right now—amid summer chaos, heartbreaking news out of Texas, and the emotional toll of simply trying to keep it all together.

She shares her own experience with anxious spirals and past panic attacks, and offers two simple, powerful tools that helped her move through a sleepless night: conscious breathing and a mindset reframe you can use anytime, anywhere.

This episode is not expert advice—it’s real talk, from one human to another. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone. Betsy’s here to hold space, share what’s helped her, and gently remind you: you are not crazy, broken, or weak. You're just human—and you’re doing your best.

In this episode, we talk about…
🌸 The mental load of summer parenting
🌸 How world events can trigger personal anxiety
🌸 Betsy’s past struggles with panic attacks
🌸 A breathing technique that helps calm the chaos
🌸 A simple mental exercise to stop spirals
🌸 Grounding tools using your senses (and a lemon 🍋)
🌸 Verified places to donate for Texas relief
🌸 A reminder to be gentle with yourself

TW: Mentions of anxiety, panic attacks, and child-related tragedy.
Real, raw, and straight from the heart. 💗

DONATE:

https://kerrvillepetsalive.com

https://convoyofhope.org/donate/disaster-relief/tx-floods-25/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=CAM-007057&utm_content=Paid-TX&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22748880915&gbraid=0AAAAADsB1DCohTdk_u8_fJJkBEZDqP2K5&gclid=CjwKCAjwyb3DBhBlEiwAqZLe5D6KmAploIl2Nsak2-9K8HLDNXGnE48HDc_hKjMYxjxF0WwRTpnu0BoC45YQAvD_BwE

https://www.redcross.org/?srsltid=AfmBOoqA81oRuT3UZDpHcIUUlyseXSO4_QaGhSDMsirJf4jo1ujXkG39

https://cftexashillcountry.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=4201

Support the show

Connect with Betsy:

Website: writeyourownstory.co

Email: betsy@writeyourownstory.co

Instagram: write_your_own_story_co Or betsyleo

Youtube:writeyourownstorypodcast

More:

SHOP MY AMAZON: https://www.amazon.com/shop/write_your_own_story_co

FEMALE FOUNDERS MASTERCLASS: https://writeyourownstory.co/ffa-courses

HUNGRYROOT:
code: WRITEYOUROWNSTORY40

https://www.hungryroot.com/?promo=WRITEYOUROWNSTORY40&b=1197&utm_source=write-your-own-story&utm_medium=influencer&utm_campaign=in-house

DONATE TO CINCY's CHILDREN HOSPITAL:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2270822/support

FLODESK

• Give your friends 50% off their first year of Flodesk and get $19 when they join!
  • https://flodesk.com/c/JX92HK

MANYCHAT

• First month free https://manychat.partnerlinks.io/ky00qzu6mn1r-ogcg6e

Brain fog? Palpitations? Random anxiety, stubborn weight, and sleep that straight-up vanished? Welcome to the chaos we never got the manual for: perimenopause. In this honest, hilarious, and hope-filled episode, Betsy sits down with women’s health expert and truth-teller Dr. Sara Rinala to pull back the curtain on the decade before menopause that no one talks about—but every woman deserves to understand.

Whether you’re 35 and confused, 43 and overwhelmed, or deep in the “WTF is happening to me” stage, this conversation will make you feel seen, supported, and strong. Sara keeps it real and breaks down what’s happening in your body, why you’re not “just tired,” and what options actually exist to help you feel like you again—without shame, fear, or BS.

This isn’t about shrinking, fixing, or hustling through. It’s about power. Ownership. And finally having the conversation we should’ve had years ago.

Because you’re not losing your mind. You’re finding your voice.
And this season? You’re writing it your way.

🎧 Listen now—and share with every woman you love.

Support the show

Connect with Betsy:

Website: writeyourownstory.co

Email: betsy@writeyourownstory.co

Instagram: write_your_own_story_co Or betsyleo

Youtube:writeyourownstorypodcast

More:

SHOP MY AMAZON: https://www.amazon.com/shop/write_your_own_story_co

FEMALE FOUNDERS MASTERCLASS: https://writeyourownstory.co/ffa-courses

HUNGRYROOT:
code: WRITEYOUROWNSTORY40

https://www.hungryroot.com/?promo=WRITEYOUROWNSTORY40&b=1197&utm_source=write-your-own-story&utm_medium=influencer&utm_campaign=in-house

DONATE TO CINCY's CHILDREN HOSPITAL:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2270822/support

FLODESK

• Give your friends 50% off their first year of Flodesk and get $19 when they join!
  • https://flodesk.com/c/JX92HK

MANYCHAT

• First month free https://manychat.partnerlinks.io/ky00qzu6mn1r-ogcg6e

What if happiness wasn’t something to chase… but something you create, even on the messiest days?

In this deeply personal episode of Write Your Own Story, we’re getting real about what happiness actually is—and what it isn’t. No toxic positivity. No shiny Instagram-filtered illusions. Just honest truths about grief, boundaries, acceptance, letting go, and the radical bravery it takes to choose joy over and over again.

Betsy shares her own journey through the “messy middle”—navigating heartbreak, overwhelm, and the fear of losing happiness once she’s found it. You’ll hear about the power of small rituals, the myth of “should,” how to shift from victim to creator, and the game-changing practice of writing your own rules.

This episode is your permission slip to stop waiting for the perfect moment and start loving the life right at your feet.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in the middle of hard and hopeful, this one’s for you.

🎧 Highlights include:

• How to let go (again and again)
• The victim mindset and its silent cost
• Creating micro-moments of joy
• Setting emotional boundaries (with yourself and others)
• Why faith + self-trust are non-negotiables
• Practices to manufacture happiness—without faking it

Wherever you are right now—in chaos, stillness, grief, or grace—you’re not alone. And yes, you can feel better. Even today.

Support the show

Connect with Betsy:

Website: writeyourownstory.co

Email: betsy@writeyourownstory.co

Instagram: write_your_own_story_co Or betsyleo

Youtube:writeyourownstorypodcast

More:

SHOP MY AMAZON: https://www.amazon.com/shop/write_your_own_story_co

FEMALE FOUNDERS MASTERCLASS: https://writeyourownstory.co/ffa-courses

HUNGRYROOT:
code: WRITEYOUROWNSTORY40

https://www.hungryroot.com/?promo=WRITEYOUROWNSTORY40&b=1197&utm_source=write-your-own-story&utm_medium=influencer&utm_campaign=in-house

DONATE TO CINCY's CHILDREN HOSPITAL:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2270822/support

FLODESK

• Give your friends 50% off their first year of Flodesk and get $19 when they join!
  • https://flodesk.com/c/JX92HK

MANYCHAT

• First month free https://manychat.partnerlinks.io/ky00qzu6mn1r-ogcg6e

What if LinkedIn wasn’t just for job hunting—and actually became one of your favorite places to learn, connect, and grow your personal brand?

In this energizing episode of Write Your Own Story, host Betsy Leonis sits down with LinkedIn strategist and storytelling powerhouse Angie Snowball. Together, they bust the myths around LinkedIn (“Isn’t it just for finding a job?”), tackle imposter syndrome head-on, and unpack why every woman—from stay-at-home moms to small business owners and corporate climbers—should claim their space on the platform.

Angie shares her own reinvention journey, from corporate expat to English teacher to personal branding expert, and why storytelling isn’t just a soft skill—it’s a power move. This is the pep talk every woman needs to get visible, get clear, and start using LinkedIn as the professional playground it was meant to be.

You’ll learn:

Why visibility isn’t self-promotion—it’s self-respect
How to get started on LinkedIn without posting a single thing
What a “Social Selling Index” is and why it matters
How to think about your personal brand without needing a rebrand
Why now is always the best time to reinvent yourself
This is not just a conversation about LinkedIn. It’s a rallying cry to own your story, share it unapologetically, and build the future you actually want.

🔗 Ready to stop lurking and start leading?
 This one’s for you.

Support the show

Connect with Betsy:

Website: writeyourownstory.co

Email: betsy@writeyourownstory.co

Instagram: write_your_own_story_co Or betsyleo

Youtube:writeyourownstorypodcast

More:

SHOP MY AMAZON: https://www.amazon.com/shop/write_your_own_story_co

FEMALE FOUNDERS MASTERCLASS: https://writeyourownstory.co/ffa-courses

HUNGRYROOT:
code: WRITEYOUROWNSTORY40

https://www.hungryroot.com/?promo=WRITEYOUROWNSTORY40&b=1197&utm_source=write-your-own-story&utm_medium=influencer&utm_campaign=in-house

DONATE TO CINCY's CHILDREN HOSPITAL:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2270822/support

FLODESK

• Give your friends 50% off their first year of Flodesk and get $19 when they join!
  • https://flodesk.com/c/JX92HK

MANYCHAT

• First month free https://manychat.partnerlinks.io/ky00qzu6mn1r-ogcg6e

What if LinkedIn wasn’t just for job hunting—and actually became one of your favorite places to learn, connect, and grow your personal brand?

In this energizing episode of Write Your Own Story, host Betsy Leonis sits down with LinkedIn strategist and storytelling powerhouse Angie Snowball. Together, they bust the myths around LinkedIn (“Isn’t it just for finding a job?”), tackle imposter syndrome head-on, and unpack why every woman—from stay-at-home moms to small business owners and corporate climbers—should claim their space on the platform.

Angie shares her own reinvention journey, from corporate expat to English teacher to personal branding expert, and why storytelling isn’t just a soft skill—it’s a power move. This is the pep talk every woman needs to get visible, get clear, and start using LinkedIn as the professional playground it was meant to be.

You’ll learn:

• Why visibility isn’t self-promotion—it’s self-respect
• How to get started on LinkedIn without posting a single thing
• What a “Social Selling Index” is and why it matters
• How to think about your personal brand without needing a rebrand
• Why now is always the best time to reinvent yourself

This is not just a conversation about LinkedIn. It’s a rallying cry to own your story, share it unapologetically, and build the future you actually want.

🔗 Ready to stop lurking and start leading?
 This one’s for you.

Support the show

Connect with Betsy:

Website: writeyourownstory.co

Email: betsy@writeyourownstory.co

Instagram: write_your_own_story_co Or betsyleo

Youtube:writeyourownstorypodcast

More:

SHOP MY AMAZON: https://www.amazon.com/shop/write_your_own_story_co

FEMALE FOUNDERS MASTERCLASS: https://writeyourownstory.co/ffa-courses

HUNGRYROOT:
code: WRITEYOUROWNSTORY40

https://www.hungryroot.com/?promo=WRITEYOUROWNSTORY40&b=1197&utm_source=write-your-own-story&utm_medium=influencer&utm_campaign=in-house

DONATE TO CINCY's CHILDREN HOSPITAL:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2270822/support

FLODESK

• Give your friends 50% off their first year of Flodesk and get $19 when they join!
  • https://flodesk.com/c/JX92HK

MANYCHAT

• First month free https://manychat.partnerlinks.io/ky00qzu6mn1r-ogcg6e

In this deeply grounding episode of Write Your Own Story, Betsy Leonis sits down with Erin Morrison—therapist, author, and creator of The Conscious Mom—to explore what it really means to mother from a place of inner clarity, not outer pressure. Together, they unpack the internal tug-of-war so many moms feel: the push to get it right and the pull of emotional overload, perfectionism, and self-doubt.

Erin introduces her transformative book Three Minutes for Mom, a daily invitation to reconnect with your centre in the midst of real-life motherhood—without needing to meditate, journal, or become someone new. Just three minutes a day to feel more like you again.

Expect raw truth, deep resonance, and a quiet revolution in how you show up for yourself and your children.

💬 Topics Covered:

Why your worth as a mom isn’t measured by your child’s behaviour
What it actually means to “trust your intuition”
The quiet power of repair, presence, and micro-moments of clarity
How to stop outsourcing your value to external validation
A new lens on “mom guilt” and the myths that keep us stuck
✨ Perfect For:
Mothers navigating overwhelm, self-reclamation, and the desire to raise children without losing themselves in the process.

🛒 Grab Three Minutes for Mom by Erin Morrison wherever books are sold, and follow her at @theconsciousmom.

🎧 Listen now—and feel seen, grounded, and just a little more whole.

Support the show

Connect with Betsy:

Website: writeyourownstory.co

Email: betsy@writeyourownstory.co

Instagram: write_your_own_story_co Or betsyleo

Youtube:writeyourownstorypodcast

More:

SHOP MY AMAZON: https://www.amazon.com/shop/write_your_own_story_co

FEMALE FOUNDERS MASTERCLASS: https://writeyourownstory.co/ffa-courses

HUNGRYROOT:
code: WRITEYOUROWNSTORY40

https://www.hungryroot.com/?promo=WRITEYOUROWNSTORY40&b=1197&utm_source=write-your-own-story&utm_medium=influencer&utm_campaign=in-house

DONATE TO CINCY's CHILDREN HOSPITAL:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2270822/support

FLODESK

• Give your friends 50% off their first year of Flodesk and get $19 when they join!
  • https://flodesk.com/c/JX92HK

MANYCHAT

• First month free https://manychat.partnerlinks.io/ky00qzu6mn1r-ogcg6e

In this deeply grounding episode of Write Your Own Story, Betsy Leonis sits down with Erin Morrison—therapist, author, and creator of The Conscious Mom—to explore what it really means to mother from a place of inner clarity, not outer pressure. Together, they unpack the internal tug-of-war so many moms feel: the push to get it right and the pull of emotional overload, perfectionism, and self-doubt.

Erin introduces her transformative book Three Minutes for Mom, a daily invitation to reconnect with your centre in the midst of real-life motherhood—without needing to meditate, journal, or become someone new. Just three minutes a day to feel more like you again.

Expect raw truth, deep resonance, and a quiet revolution in how you show up for yourself and your children.

💬 Topics Covered:

• Why your worth as a mom isn’t measured by your child’s behaviour
• What it actually means to “trust your intuition”
• The quiet power of repair, presence, and micro-moments of clarity
• How to stop outsourcing your value to external validation
• A new lens on “mom guilt” and the myths that keep us stuck

✨ Perfect For:
Mothers navigating overwhelm, self-reclamation, and the desire to raise children without losing themselves in the process.

🛒 Grab Three Minutes for Mom by Erin Morrison wherever books are sold, and follow her at @theconsciousmom.

🎧 Listen now—and feel seen, grounded, and just a little more whole.

Support the show

Connect with Betsy:

Website: writeyourownstory.co

Email: betsy@writeyourownstory.co

Instagram: write_your_own_story_co Or betsyleo

Youtube:writeyourownstorypodcast

More:

SHOP MY AMAZON: https://www.amazon.com/shop/write_your_own_story_co

FEMALE FOUNDERS MASTERCLASS: https://writeyourownstory.co/ffa-courses

HUNGRYROOT:
code: WRITEYOUROWNSTORY40

https://www.hungryroot.com/?promo=WRITEYOUROWNSTORY40&b=1197&utm_source=write-your-own-story&utm_medium=influencer&utm_campaign=in-house

DONATE TO CINCY's CHILDREN HOSPITAL:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2270822/support

FLODESK

• Give your friends 50% off their first year of Flodesk and get $19 when they join!
  • https://flodesk.com/c/JX92HK

MANYCHAT

• First month free https://manychat.partnerlinks.io/ky00qzu6mn1r-ogcg6e

In this inspiring episode of Write Your Own Story, host Betsy Leonidas sits down with interior designer Jackie Barnes to explore the profound connection between our living spaces and our mental health. From her roots as a mental health professional to her thriving design career, Jackie shares how thoughtful, intentional design can transform a home into a sanctuary of peace, comfort, and joy.
Together, they dive into:

✨  The power of designing spaces that reflect you — beyond trends and staged perfection
✨ How clutter, light, color, and layout impact mental and emotional well-being
 ✨ Why slowing down and tuning into your true needs is essential for authentic home transformation
✨  Practical tips for starting your redesign journey without overwhelm or fear
 ✨The deep healing that can come from a home that supports your whole life — mind, body, and spirit

Jackie’s unique approach blends psychology, creativity, and empathy to help clients create spaces that nurture mental health and honor life’s evolving seasons. Whether you’re dreaming of a fresh start or seeking to bring more calm and intention into your daily environment, this episode offers hope, wisdom, and actionable insights.

💡 If you’ve ever felt intimidated by design or overwhelmed by your space, this conversation will empower you to reclaim your home as your most personal, restorative place.

Loved this episode?

 ✨ Share with a friend who’s ready to transform their home and mind

 ✨ Subscribe for more heartfelt conversations on creativity, growth, and living fully
  
 ✨ Leave a review to help more people find this empowering message

Support the show

Connect with Betsy:

Website: writeyourownstory.co

Email: betsy@writeyourownstory.co

Instagram: write_your_own_story_co Or betsyleo

Youtube:writeyourownstorypodcast

More:

SHOP MY AMAZON: https://www.amazon.com/shop/write_your_own_story_co

FEMALE FOUNDERS MASTERCLASS: https://writeyourownstory.co/ffa-courses

HUNGRYROOT:
code: WRITEYOUROWNSTORY40

https://www.hungryroot.com/?promo=WRITEYOUROWNSTORY40&b=1197&utm_source=write-your-own-story&utm_medium=influencer&utm_campaign=in-house

DONATE TO CINCY's CHILDREN HOSPITAL:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2270822/support

FLODESK

• Give your friends 50% off their first year of Flodesk and get $19 when they join!
  • https://flodesk.com/c/JX92HK

MANYCHAT

• First month free https://manychat.partnerlinks.io/ky00qzu6mn1r-ogcg6e