I Don't Know How You Do It

Writing Your Own Rules: Reinvention, Rebellion, and Reclaiming Your Voice with Lynne Golodner


Listen Later

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Lynne Golodner, author of eleven books across multiple genres, who found her voice in midlife.

When Lynn chose Orthodox Judaism in her twenties, she was drawn to its structure and meaning—but years later, a moment of clarity during a camping trip sparked her realization that this path no longer aligned with her authentic self. What began as a spiritual journey evolved into a series of bold reinventions that would ultimately lead her to greater creative freedom and financial success.

Lynne shares the raw, unfiltered reality of navigating divorce during the 2008 recession as a freelance writer with three children—sitting on her stairs, methodically working through worst-case scenarios, and building a strategic plan to support her family. She explains how she transitioned from traditional publishing to self-publishing to protect her "very Jewish author brand," a decision that has allowed her to produce a book a year while staying true to her identity.

With refreshing candor, Lynne breaks down her practical approach to prolific writing. She offers actionable insights on claiming your identity as a writer before you feel "ready," reframing rebellious traits as leadership qualities, and building a sustainable creative practice despite overwhelming circumstances.

This conversation isn't just for authors or those in creative fields. Lynn's insights apply to anyone facing a transition that demands courage, strategic thinking, and the determination to write your own rules despite what conventional wisdom might suggest.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

  • How to face your fears systematically by naming them and working through worst-case scenarios
  • Why building dreams incrementally through consistent small steps leads to lasting change
  • The power of reframing "negative" traits like rebellion as strengths in your professional life
  • How to claim your identity as a writer, artist, or creator before you feel fully "ready"
  • The strategic importance of building a body of work over time
  • Why you should never dilute what makes you unique, even when it might limit your audience
  • How to channel idealism productively, even when it leads you down unexpected paths
  • Practical ways to transform your life one small step at a time when facing major transitions

Learn more about Lynne:

Website 

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

"This is my go-to podcast for inspiration and to discover new approaches to embrace the challenges in my life." If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me reach more people -- just like you -- find strategies and insights to do the things that feel undoable. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. Follow now!

Sign up for my newsletter and learn more about these remarkable stories at www.jessicafeinstories.com

Order Jessica's memoir, Breath Taking: A Memoir of Family, Dreams, and Broken Genes

Watch Jessica's TedX Talk

Music credit: Limitless by Bells

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

I Don't Know How You Do ItBy Jessica Fein

  • 5
  • 5
  • 5
  • 5
  • 5

5

81 ratings


More shows like I Don't Know How You Do It

View all
Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! by NPR

Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!

38,513 Listeners

Fresh Air by NPR

Fresh Air

37,881 Listeners

The Moth by The Moth

The Moth

27,074 Listeners

Hidden Brain by Hidden Brain, Shankar Vedantam

Hidden Brain

43,337 Listeners

The Daily by The New York Times

The Daily

110,705 Listeners

Up First from NPR by NPR

Up First from NPR

55,945 Listeners

Crime Junkie by audiochuck

Crime Junkie

366,415 Listeners

Dateline NBC by NBC News

Dateline NBC

47,235 Listeners

The Rare Life by Madeline Cheney

The Rare Life

145 Listeners

We Can Do Hard Things by Glennon Doyle and Audacy

We Can Do Hard Things

41,393 Listeners

The Retrievals by Serial Productions & The New York Times

The Retrievals

10,764 Listeners

A Place of Yes | A Grief Podcast by Bright Sighted

A Place of Yes | A Grief Podcast

123 Listeners

Good Hang with Amy Poehler by The Ringer

Good Hang with Amy Poehler

7,738 Listeners