Inspired Questions: Conversations on Self-Worth, Burnout & Showing Up Authentically

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.

Empowering Women's Sexual Wellness: A Journey with Taylor McConnachie

In this enlightening episode, we welcome Taylor McConnachie, a psychotherapist, holistic sex therapist, and educator, to discuss the intricate connections between sex, health, and the human experience. Taylor shares her personal journey with stage four endometriosis and how it inspired her to found Embodied Sexual Wellness and Psychotherapy, aiming to help women reconnect with their bodies and trust their experiences.
We delve into the importance of open conversations about sex, the impact of societal messages on women's sexual health, and the challenges of navigating a medical system that often dismisses women's pain. Taylor also touches on the significance of comprehensive sexual education and the need for a radical shift in how we view and discuss sexual wellness.
Additionally, Taylor provides valuable insights on managing neurodivergence, grounding techniques, and the importance of allowing oneself to experience and express emotions fully. This episode is a powerful reminder of the importance of self-compassion and the need to normalize conversations about sex and body autonomy.
Join us for this thought-provoking discussion that not only educates but also empowers women to embrace their bodies and experiences with confidence and self-love.
You can find Taylor on IG @embodiedsexualwellness and her website www.embodiedsexualwellness.com

Navigating Life with Jacki Nelson-Shiletto: From PR to Banana Bread Bliss

Welcome to an inspiring episode featuring Jacki Nelson-Shiletto, a dynamic PR professional, wife, and dog mom. Join us as we delve into her journey from being a radio and TV broadcaster to founding her own public relations firm, Nelson Connects.
Jacki shares her experiences growing up in a family rooted in media, her transition into PR, and the entrepreneurial spirit that led her to start her own consultancy. Learn how she navigates the competitive world of communications while maintaining a balance between passion projects and financial needs.
Discover the routines and habits that keep Jacki grounded, such as her unique approach to baking banana bread as a form of mindfulness. She also discusses the importance of gratitude, positive self-talk, and the power of visualization in overcoming challenges.
Get a glimpse into Jacki's personal life, including her role as a stepmom and the joy brought into her life by her beloved dog, Desmond. Jacki’s warmth and positivity shine through as she talks about the little things that bring happiness and the importance of standing in your power.
Don’t miss this heartfelt conversation filled with wisdom, resilience, and a few laughs along the way.
You can find Jacki on Instagram @nelsonconnects or @dose.of.desmond

Embracing the Magic of Words with Sara Rogers

Join us in this captivating episode as Ruth sits down with Sara Rogers, an inspiring poet, clothing designer, mom, and teacher. Discover how Sara's book of poetry, "Elemental Magic: Poetic Chapters of Wild Self-Love," has touched Ruth's life and explore the profound impact of words and nature on creativity and self-expression.
Sara shares her journey, discussing the essence of inspiration, the power of hope, and the importance of staying grounded amidst life's chaos. Listen as she reflects on the lessons she would impart to her younger self and the significance of balancing creativity with daily responsibilities.
Throughout this heartfelt conversation, Sara reveals her routines for refilling her energy bucket, the joy of connecting with family, and the value of embracing one's unique quirks. Learn about her approach to setting boundaries, staying motivated, and the inspiring women in her life.
Don't miss this beautiful exchange that highlights the transformative power of poetry, the strength of the human spirit, and the importance of self-compassion.
Follow Sara on Instagram @sararogerspoetry or check out her website sararogers.ca.

A Heartfelt Pause: No Episode this Week

Hey everyone, it's Ruth here. I'm taking a brief pause from our regular schedule of Inspired Questions this week. Unfortunately, I don't have a new episode ready for tomorrow, but we'll be back on Tuesday, July 16th with an exciting interview featuring the incredible Sarah Rogers, a poet and clothing designer.
In this update, I share a personal and heartfelt reason for the delay. Last week, we had to say goodbye to our beloved dog, Rommy. He was 15 and a half years old, and losing him has been incredibly tough. If you're an animal lover, you can understand the heartbreak of losing a furry family member.
Grief is a complex journey, and it affects everyone differently. I've experienced several losses this year, both human and animal, and it's been a challenging time. Despite the pain, I believe it's essential to go through the emotions to heal, and the love we have for our pets makes the pain worthwhile.
Thank you for your understanding and support. I didn't want to release an episode that I wasn't proud of, so I chose to take this week to grieve and prepare properly. Please stay tuned for the next episode, and in the meantime, hug your pets and loved ones a little tighter. You can connect with me on Instagram @groundingwithruth or visit my website, groundingwithruth.com. Stay grounded.
See you next week,
Ruth

Getting to Know your Host: Ruth's Journey of Self-Discovery and Grounding

In this heartfelt episode, Ruth takes a step back from her usual role as host to be interviewed by a familiar voice—her sister, Naomi. This unique episode offers listeners an intimate glimpse into Ruth's life, journey, and the motivations behind her podcast, "Inspired Questions"
Ruth shares candidly about her experiences growing up, her career transitions from social work to starting a dog walking business, and her ongoing battle with Crohn's disease. She also discusses the importance of meditation, setting boundaries, and the personal growth she has experienced along the way.
Join Ruth and Naomi as they delve into topics like dealing with insecurities, finding consistency, and the power of breathing exercises. This episode is not only a deep dive into Ruth's personal story but also a testament to the resilience and strength found in vulnerability and self-acceptance.
Listen in to get to know Ruth on a more personal level and discover the inspiration behind her work and passion for helping others.

Reconnecting with Feminine Magic: Charise Alyssa’s Journey of Embodiment and Healing

In this episode, we welcome Charise Alyssa, a healer, teacher, and guide focusing on female embodiment, somatic breathwork, and Reiki healing for women. Charise shares her journey from burnout in a hyper-masculine society to rediscovering the power of the feminine through practices like yoga, meditation, and sound healing. She delves into the importance of balancing action with intuition, and how embodying the feminine can transform one's life.
Charise talks about her transition from Toronto's hustle to a more balanced life in Bali, where she embraced deeper layers of mindfulness and body awareness. She emphasizes the significance of creating safe spaces for women to reconnect with their inner voices and heal from within.
The conversation also explores somatic breathwork, a powerful tool for emotional release and clarity. Charise explains how breathwork can quiet the mind, allowing us to hear our true inner voice and process deep-seated traumas.
Join us as we dive into topics like staying grounded amidst chaos, moving forward when feeling stuck, and the transformative power of breathwork. Charise shares practical advice for nurturing oneself, setting boundaries, and staying motivated by connecting with one's purpose. This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone looking to embrace their feminine magic and live a more authentic, balanced life.
You can find Charise on Instagram @itscharisealyssa where she is active in her stories.