Inspired Questions

Understanding and Managing Anger: A Personal Exploration

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.

Redefining Success: A Conversation with Dallas Lombardi

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

Finding Hope in Words: A Conversation with Author Fiona Valpy

Join us for an inspiring episode as we welcome acclaimed best-selling author Fiona Valpy. With her novels topping Amazon Kindle charts worldwide and recognition as a Washington Post and Wall Street Journal bestseller, Fiona shares her journey of becoming a writer later in life. She discusses the themes of resilience, love, and courage in her dual timeline fiction, often set against the backdrop of World War II.
Fiona reveals the inspiration she draws from strong female role models and personal experiences, emphasizing the importance of storytelling in preserving untold histories. She also shares insights from her travels to the Himalayas and her charitable work with the Little Sherpa Foundation.
Discover Fiona's writing process, her advice for aspiring writers, and the significance of finding stillness and grounding amidst life's chaos. This episode is a celebration of women's strength, creativity, and the enduring power of stories.
You can find Fiona on Instagram @fionavalpy and her website www.fionavalpy.com

Mini Episode - Change is Coming: Reflecting on Gratefulness and Motivation

Hey guys, welcome to Inspired Questions. I'm your host, Ruth Hirshberg, and today is a mini-episode featuring just me. We are going to talk about the question change that is coming up. I have finished releasing the episodes with the old questions and recorded a few with the new list. Only two questions are leaving us, but they'll come back. It's not that they aren't worthy, but there's so much to cover.
For this episode, I want to talk about those two questions, what I've learned from all the wonderful guests, and share the two new questions that are taking their place. I'll also answer them myself. The first question leaving us is, "What is something you are grateful for?" I've learned the importance of gratitude, how it boosts both emotional and physical health, and different ways to practice it.
The second question we are saying goodbye to is, "What helps you with motivation and staying consistent?" This one is hard for me. I've learned about intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, starting small, finding your why, changing what isn't working, and rewarding yourself.
The first new question is, "How have you dealt with times that you failed at something?" I'll share my thoughts on defining failure and the importance of trying. The second new question is, "Do you think you are a perfectionist and how do you deal with this?" I'll discuss my experience with perfectionism and how it has held me back.
I'm glad I did this mini-episode and I hope it resonates with you. Please message me or email me if you have any questions, topics, or guest suggestions. Follow me on Instagram @groundingwithruth or visit my website groundingwithruth.com. Like, share, and download to empower more women. Stay grounded, and I'll talk to you in two weeks.

Inspiration and Resilience: Jen Donaldson's Journey from Dog Walking to Pilates

Join Ruth in an inspiring conversation with Jen Donaldson, a dynamic entrepreneur who has seamlessly blended her passions into successful ventures. Jen shares her journey of starting a dog walking business, Citizen Canine, and how she transitioned into becoming a Pilates instructor. Discover how she navigates challenges, stays grounded, and maintains forward momentum in life and business.
Jen opens up about the importance of setting daily intentions, finding joy in the little things, and the power of reinvention. She also touches on the significance of self-care routines and the grace needed to handle life's ups and downs. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of resilience, personal growth, and the courage to follow one's passions.
If you're looking for inspiration and practical advice on balancing multiple roles and staying true to yourself, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to hear Jen's insightful tips and moving stories that will leave you feeling motivated and empowered.

Exciting Update: Shifting to a Bi-Weekly Schedule

Hey guys, it's Ruth here. I hope that you are all having a good week, weekend, all of those things. As you have guessed, there is no episode this week. It's just me here chatting with you, and I wanted to give a little bit of an explanation of why.I have made the decision, I'm continuing with the podcast. Let's just put that out there. I love it. I'm really enjoying it. But I have decided to switch from publishing episodes weekly to bi-weekly. So instead of every week, I will be doing it every other week. And there's a few reasons for that, which I'm going to share with you.When I started the podcast, like any new project, I was super excited and gung-ho. I don't think I really knew what to expect from it. I've never done a podcast before, never done anything like this before. I thought that weekly episodes would be the way to go. But as I've sort of dived into this world, I'm finding that it's a lot. It's a lot to keep up with and sort of keep the quality, the episodes, and my guests to what I want it to be.I feel a little bit of pressure and rush to get things out there. And I don't want that. I really don't. I want this project, this podcast to be the best that I think it can be. To do that, I think I need to give myself more time. So that is one of the reasons.Another reason is all the beautiful lessons and wisdom that I've learned from all these incredible guests about finding balance and taking care of myself. It's so easy to give out advice, but it's very hard sometimes to practice what you preach. I have a very busy life with our businesses and we got a new puppy which is very exciting but he is a handful. I want to put out something that I'm very proud of but I also want to make sure that there's longevity in it. I'm worried that if I try to keep up the pace that I have been, there's not going to be. I'm going to burn myself out, and that would be the last thing that I would want to do.So those are two of the big reasons why I'm going to be switching from releasing weekly episodes to bi-weekly episodes. I'm going to still throw in some minis in there. I'm going to keep up the format. I'm actually going to have a few episodes, I think one more episode with the old questions, and then the questions change a little bit with some new episodes. I have some more exciting ideas that I really would love to pursue, and giving myself this little extra space to do it, I think it will come together better.As always, I really do appreciate everybody who has taken the time to listen and support me. It's really for all of you that I do this. Please, again, like, share, download, get it out there to as many people as we can. Keep sending in suggestions of people you think would be great to be on, or reach out to me if you would like to be on. If there's a topic for the mini episodes that you would love to hear, please just reach out. I would love to hear from you.You can reach me on Instagram at groundingwithruth. I don't post very much but I am there. If you do message me, I will respond. I'm also hoping to be a little bit more present on there with this extra time. You can also reach out to me through my website groundingwithruth.com.I hope you have a great rest of the week. New episode coming next week on this new schedule. Until then, stay grounded. I know I'm working on it. Bye.

Mini Episode - Demystifying Sex Therapy: Conversations with Taylor McConnachie

Welcome to Inspired Questions with your host, Ruth Hirschberg. In this inaugural mini-episode, Ruth reconnects with Taylor McConnachie, a sex therapist and educator, to delve deeper into the intricacies of sex therapy.
Taylor demystifies common misconceptions about sex therapy, clarifying that it is not inherently sexual but rather a relational therapy aimed at enhancing individuals' relationships with themselves and others. She highlights the importance of understanding one's body, addressing sexual shame, and redefining what sex means beyond traditional views.
The episode also explores the misconceptions women have about their bodies, desire, and relationships. Taylor emphasizes the need for comprehensive sexual education to empower women and reduce shame. She also discusses how cultural scripts and lack of education impact women's views on sex and intimacy.
This thought-provoking discussion aims to create a safe space for conversations about sex, relationships, and body image, encouraging listeners to reach out with feedback and topics they want to explore further. Stay tuned for more insightful mini-episodes!

Finding Balance: Yoga, Meditation, and Embracing Life's Cycles with Queenie Phair

In this enlightening episode, Ruth sits down with Queenie Phair, a seasoned yoga teacher, meditation instructor, and traditional Chinese medicine acupuncturist who has traveled the world. They delve into Queenie's journey from discovering yoga in university to integrating traditional Chinese medicine into her practice. Queenie shares her insights on staying grounded amid life's chaos, the importance of slowing down, and how to navigate life's inevitable cycles.
Queenie also discusses the profound impact of her global travels, the lessons learned from different cultures, and the unique experiences that have shaped her perspective. They touch upon the challenges of setting boundaries, the significance of self-awareness, and the power of gratitude in daily life.
This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom on balancing modern life's demands with inner peace and well-being. Tune in to gain valuable tips on mindfulness, the benefits of slowing down, and finding joy in the simple things.
You can find Queenie on Instagram @queeniephair.

Declutter Your Space, Clear Your Mind with Erin Moreau

Join us for an insightful episode featuring Erin Moreau, the organizing queen who transformed my home into a serene, clutter-free haven. Erin shares her journey from a naturally organized individual to a professional organizer, helping others see the potential beyond their clutter. We dive into her personal story of finding passion through grief and hardship and how she now inspires others to lead more organized lives.
Erin discusses practical tips on maintaining organization, the therapeutic aspects of decluttering, and how a well-organized space can significantly reduce mental clutter. She also shares her morning and evening routines that keep her grounded and motivated in her busy life as a mother, wife, and business owner.
Tune in to discover Erin's unique approach to organization, her strategies for staying consistent, and the importance of setting boundaries. Whether you struggle with physical clutter or mental chaos, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration to help you create a more organized and peaceful life.
Don't miss this engaging conversation filled with laughter, practical advice, and heartfelt moments. Check out Erin's resources on her Instagram at @GetOrganizedWithErin, her website at gowitherin.com, and her podcast "You Can Be Organized with Erin" for more tips and inspiration.

Embrace Your Whole Self: A Journey with Tanya Gillies

In this heartwarming episode, Ruth welcomes Tanya Gillies, a guide for women in loving their whole selves. Tanya shares her journey of overcoming personal and familial mental health challenges, and how it led her to specialize in somatic trauma work and nervous system education. Ruth and Tanya discuss the importance of embracing every part of oneself, including the challenging aspects, and the profound impact it can have on personal growth and resilience.
Tanya talks about her business, on IG @loveyour_wholeself, and the transformative experiences she facilitates through women's retreats, Goddess Flow movement practice, and one-on-one coaching. She emphasizes the need for small, doable steps towards self-discovery and healing, and the role of community and nature in fostering a sense of groundedness and calm.
This episode is a beautiful reminder of the power of self-love and the importance of creating space for all parts of ourselves. Tune in to be inspired and to learn practical tips for staying grounded, moving forward when feeling stuck, and setting healthy boundaries.
Don't miss the insightful conversation on how our nervous system impacts our well-being and the importance of seeking support and resources for mental health. Join Ruth and Tanya on this journey of self-love, resilience, and empowerment.