It's famously difficult for a first-time, unknown author to get a memoir traditionally published, much less to have traditional publishers get into a bidding war over it. Laura Cathcart Robbins defied all the odds when she burst onto the "quit lit" scene with her brilliant, brave recovery memoir, Stash: My Life in Hiding (Atria/Simon and Schuster, 2023). Stash is the candid account of an affluent, Hollywood wife and mother struggling with addiction, and her battle to get sober even as her marriage is falling apart. It is relatable, inspiring, courageous, and a real page-turner! The book went on to appear three times in the New York Times, was named a "best memoir of the year" by Elle magazine, and earned its author awards, accolades, and national media coverage. In this episode of The Selfish Gift, Laura opens up and tells all about her unconventional—and often "surreal"—meteoric rise as a celebrated author, including: • How the first article she ever published went viral and changed everything • What it's like being one of the only Black authors in the recovery memoir genre—and why we need more memoirs from authors of color • The once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that kickstarted her publishing journey, even though the offer itself wound up being a dead-end • How and why she started her popular podcast, "The Only One in the Room", and what she's learned from her guests • The tough advice she received after her first book proposal was rejected years ago—and why she followed it • How she laid down a track for her author career long before her book was published ...and much more! Tune into this inspiring and revealing conversation and learn how vulnerability, determination, and the love of writing fueled Laura's success. For more, check out: https://lauracathcartrobbins.com/ https://maggielangrick.com https://wonderwell.pressAnd follow: https://www.instagram.com/theonlyoneintheroom/ https://www.instagram.com/lauracathcartrobbins https://www.instagram.com/wonderwellpress https://www.instagram.com/maggielangrick

cw: Sexually explicit materialRena Martine is a former deputy DA turned intimacy coach who helps women discover and express their authentic desires, inside and outside of the bedroom. This week on The Selfish Gift podcast, Rena offers heartfelt guidance on how to safely and courageously explore the outer limits of your sexuality and relationships. From sex parties to ethical non-monogamy to same-sex attraction, Rena reveals all in this explicit conversation. Most importantly, she shares guidance on how to explore your fantasies safely, even when trauma is present. Aside from Rena's liberating message of sexual sovereignty and empowerment, one of the most inspiring aspects of this conversation is Rena's own journey toward a more authentic way of living, loving, and working. If you're considering making a big career change, you'll love Rena's story of how she made the difficult and rewarding decision to leave her straight-laced legal career and retrain as an intimacy coach and first-time entrepreneur. Listen in to prompt your own journey of self-discovery, authenticity, and fulfillment.Learn more at:https://selfishgiftpodcast.comhttps://renamartine.comhttps://maggielangrick.comhttps://wonderwell.pressFollow us on Instagram:@_rena.martine_@maggielangrick @wonderwellpress@selfishgiftpodcast00:00 - Introduction to Rena Martine and her journey02:16 - Defining Women's Intimacy Coaching04:25 - Difference between Sex Therapy and Coaching08:21 - The Connection between Authenticity and Intimacy09:47 - The Personal Importance of Rena's Work11:24 - The Target Audience of the Book13:23 - Embracing Diversity in Women's Intimacy14:44 - Being Open-Minded and Curious18:52 - Accessing Disowned Desires and Fantasies24:39 - The 27 Things List27:40 - Bisexuality and Same-Sex Attraction35:45 - Exploring Personal Preferences and Boundaries36:32 - Understanding What You Crave and What You Don't37:23 - Navigating Differences in Sexual Interests with a Partner38:22 - Uncovering the Underlying Needs Behind Desires39:39 - Making Difficult Relationship Decisions41:20 - Exploring the Impact of Personal Authenticity45:27 - Transitioning from a Legal Career to Intimacy Coaching48:41 - Embracing a Bold and Authentic Identity52:40 - Structuring the Book for Maximum Impact56:20 - Navigating the Publishing Process01:04:17 - The Transformative Power of Writing and Publishing

Time management is not the secret to a productive and rewarding life. Instead, we should be managing our energy, says Simon Alexander Ong, life coach, speaker, and author of Energize: Make the Most of Every Moment.In this episode, Simon explains that energy is the life force that determines how we show up each day and emphasizes the need to prioritize activities based on our energy levels. He also highlights the four dimensions of energy: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual, and shares personal experiences that led him to focus on energy management and the role of environment in supporting success. Simon's journey as an entrepreneur and public speaker demonstrates the power of aligning work with values and purpose. He shares his journey from speaking to authorship and provides insights on how to accelerate a career in an authentic and powerful way. He also shares some highly creative marketing techniques, such as collaborating with a bartender to create a signature cocktail and hosting a book launch in the metaverse.Takeaways• Managing energy is more important than managing time for productivity and fulfillment.• Energy has four dimensions: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual.• Creating an empowering environment and surrounding oneself with like-minded individuals can accelerate success.• Aligning work with values and purpose is essential for maintaining high energy levels and fulfillment. Challenge the traditional path and find alternative ways to gain experience and opportunities in your field.• Lean into your unique story and vulnerabilities to connect with others and differentiate yourself.• Embrace unique talking points in your marketing strategy to generate engagement and interest.• Think outside the box and collaborate with individuals from different industries to create innovative marketing campaigns.For more, check out:https://simonalexanderong.comhttps://maggielangrick.comhttps://wonderwell.pressAnd follow:https://instagram.com/simonalexanderohttps://instagram.com/maggielangrickhttps://instagram.com/wonderwellpresshttps://instagram.com/selfishgiftpodcast

One in four Americans is familiar with the term "sober curious", and author Ruby Warrington is the reason why. In this episode of The Selfish Gift, Ruby and host Maggie Langrick discuss the book that sparked the Sober Curious movement, as well as Ruby's new book, Women Without Kids. A common theme tying Ruby's books together is the importance of knowing oneself and being fully present in life, questioning societal expectations that can hinder this process, and embracing a rebellious spirit. Ruby also delves into the global trend of women reconsidering motherhood and the ecological and economic implications of population decline. As longtime book editors, Maggie and Ruby discuss the intersection of personal narrative and prescriptive nonfiction, and what new authors should consider when it comes to choosing a structure for their nonfiction book. Ruby opens up about her writing process, and how she navigates the public life/private life boundary, which can be especially tricky when writing about deeply personal—and possibly controversial—topics.In this episode, you'll learn:• The term Sober Curious coined by Ruby Warrington has sparked a global movement and given language to a mindset of exploring one's relationship with alcohol.• Choosing to be sober curious or child-free is a personal orientation that should be normalized, allowing individuals to make conscious choices about their own lives.• The decline in birth rates globally and the rise of women without kids challenge societal expectations and have ecological and economic implications.• Ruby Warrington's work encourages individuals to know themselves, be present, and question societal messages, embracing a rebellious spirit.• Living with integrity and authenticity means valuing the preciousness of the life you are living and standing firm in your integrity despite societal pressure.• When writing a nonfiction book, it's important to consider your storytelling style and how you like to deliver information.• A good structure is essential for any nonfiction book, regardless of the style.• Ruby Warrington takes a research-heavy approach to writing, collecting articles, research, and ideas before creating a loose structure for her books.For more, check outhttps://www.rubywarrington.com/https://www.the-numinous.com/And followhttps://instagram.com/rubywarringtonhttps://instagram.com/numinous_bookshttps://instagram.com/maggielangrickhttps://instagram.com/selfishgiftpodcasthttps://instagram.com/wonderwellpress#authoradvice #sobercurious #alcoholfree #publishingadvice #nonfiction #purpose #lifepurpose #authenticity #womenwithoutkids #childfree #feminist

Anyone who's ever tried to create something beautiful or important must at times withdraw from everyday life to get the work done, whether that means getting up an hour early every day to write or going on a solo retreat. But how far would you go in pursuit of your art? Whatever your answer, today's guest is about to blow your mind and inspire you to go further than you ever thought possible.Deanne Whalen is an award-winning Canadian filmmaker, photographer, author, and public speaker. In her documentary films and their accompanying books, she specializes in telling intimate stories from extreme locations. For her first film, This Land, she snowmobiled across the high Arctic. Then she embedded herself in the climbing community on Mount Everest for 40 days at base camp. For her latest film, 500 Days in the Wild, Deanne spent six years traversing the entire 24,000 kilometers of Canada's land and water trails from sea to sea to sea. In this episode, you'll learn:All about her incredible adventure—how she navigated, charged her emergency devices, survived several moments of life-threatening danger (bears! storms!), and more. The wisdom traditions that indigenous communities generously shared with her along the way.How mindfully reconnecting with nature made her feel safer and more connected to other human beings, as well.How the journey affected her relationships—and eventually led to finding love on the trail.Her process of adapting 800 hours of footage into a documentary that has gotten distribution with Paramount Plus in Canada and a full Canadian theatrical release, including how she financed everything.For more, check out:500daysinthewild.commaggielangrick.comwonderwell.pressAnd follow:instagram.com/500daysinthewildinstagram.com/diannewhelanphotosinstagram.com/maggielangrickinstagram.com/wonderwellpressinstagram.com/selfishgiftpodcast

CW: drug use, abuse, and assaultSo many of us are moved to write books or create other works of art because of a traumatic life experience that we've suffered through. But when those experiences also carry a stigma, it can be tough to navigate the feelings of shame, self-protection, and privacy issues that come up. How do you free yourself to share your story when you're worried that it might affect your reputation or your career? My guest today knows all about it, and she's here to share her insights.Mary Beth O'Connor is an addiction recovery advocate who's been clean and sober for nearly 30 years. But in her teens and young adulthood, Mary Beth was addicted to methamphetamines, shooting up daily for years. It nearly destroyed her life. Yet after getting clean, she put herself through law school, became a lawyer, and eventually a federal judge. She chronicles her journey and offers hope to others seeking to break free from addiction and level up their lives in her memoir, From Junkie to Judge: One Woman's Triumph Over Trauma and Addiction.In this episode, you'll learn:How writing the book helped restore her self-confidence and self-compassion.How she transformed herself from just a legal writer with no experience in creative writing into an award-winning author. (Hint: Lots of reading, writing classes, and workshop groups were involved!)What her process of getting an agent and publishing deal was like.How she handles criticism from the public.The doors that writing a book can open for you—from media appearances to speaking engagements at conferences and events.For more, check out:junkietojudge.commaggielangrick.comwonderwell.pressAnd follow:twitter.com/MaryBethO_instagram.com/maggielangrickinstagram.com/wonderwellpressinstagram.com/selfishgiftpodcast

This episode is a no-holds-barred, myth-busting conversation with an incredibly smart and successful publishing professional. Richelle Fredson is a book coach, a publishing consultant, and the host of the Bound + Determined podcast. She's been in the industry for close to 20 years, formerly the director of publicity and book marketing for Hay House, and then part of their book acquisitions team. Richelle may not use this moniker to describe herself, but many people call her "the six-figure book coach"—and for good reason. She now runs her own business supporting authors in the proposal and book development process, frequently landing them placements with influential agents and Big Five publishers. Today, we're going to scrape all of her best knowledge to expose the blind spots and correct misperceptions that most first-time authors have when starting their publishing journey.In this episode, you'll learn:How to make smart publishing decisions and navigate the sea of conflicting advice on the internet.How to decide which publishing path is best for you: self-publishing, hybrid, or traditional. (Hint: Whether or not you want to be in bookstores plays a big part in it.)Why putting the work into a professionally developed book plan/proposal is key—even if you’re self-publishing.What is important and what is not in terms of author platform—size, composition, etc.What a first-time author can reasonably expect, in terms of bestseller lists, advances, and royalties.For more, check out:richellefredson.commaggielangrick.comwonderwell.pressAnd follow:instagram.com/richellefredsoninstagram.com/maggielangrickinstagram.com/wonderwellpressinstagram.com/selfishgiftpodcast

This episode is a JUICY one—and not just because we're talking about sex! If you want a deeper, more intimate connection with your partner, you should listen to it. If you've been concerned about the rise of anti-feminist spokesmen like Andrew Tate, you should listen to it. And if you want to write a non-fiction book that heals something in our culture—particularly if you're a therapist—you should DEFINITELY listen to it. Dr. Eric Fitzmedrud is a therapist specializing in relationship and sexual issues, specifically in helping men improve their sex lives by learning to regulate their emotions, removing sexual entitlement, and honing their sexual consent and negotiation skills. Eric is a speaker, a trainer of other therapists, and a teacher of graduate courses in psychology. His book is The Better Man: A Guide to Consent, Stronger Relationships, and Hotter Sex, a compassionate and practical approach to a topic that is courageous and challenging. In this episode, you'll learn:Why consent isn’t just about fear and safety—about not making harmful mistakes with your partner. It's also the key to some of our greatest pleasures.How the narrow confines of traditional masculinity are harming men and their relationships with others.How patriarchy and capitalism contribute to a sense of entitlement in men—even those who identify as feminists.How Eric overcame his fear of writing the book—how he navigated processing his own errors around consent to honor those he has hurt in the past, and the rigorous vetting process he used to make sure they were okay with their stories being included.His take on book promotion and being a public figure—and how being on social media and doing podcast interviews has made him more confident in his message.For more, check out:drericfitz.commaggielangrick.comwonderwell.pressAnd follow:instagram.com/drericfitzinstagram.com/maggielangrickinstagram.com/wonderwellpressinstagram.com/selfishgiftpodcast

If you are struggling with your to-do list and wondering how you'll ever reach the big goals that matter most to you, whether that's writing a book or starting a business, you are going to love learning from today's guest. Tina Wells is a powerhouse who has been featured everywhere from Fast Company to O, the Oprah Magazine. An entrepreneur since the age of 16, she is now a business strategist, speaker, CEO of Relevant Media, and founder of WNDR LN, a chic collection of travel products sold by Target. She's also the author of 20 (going on 21!) books, including a couple of tween fiction series and most recently, The Elevation Approach: Harness the Power of Work-Life Harmony to Unlock Your Creativity, Cultivate Joy, and Reach Your Biggest Goals. With all those accomplishments under her belt, you'd think Tina was a workaholic who never slept, but guess what? She's not. The key to her success is the same "Elevation Approach" she teaches her clients, students, and readers—a four-part system for building a life that isn't just balanced with work, but in harmony with it. In this episode, you'll learn:How to achieve not just work-life balance, but work-life harmony. Hint: It's not just about adding more of either to balance the scales; it's about participating in a process and not just allowing things to happen to you.How the 4 phases of the Elevation Approach are the keys to doing everything you want to do: preparation, inspiration, recreation, and transformation.Why inclusion and representation are so important in storytelling.Why being honest about what you don’t know is actually a crucial strength that enhances your ability to grow.Why discipline is necessary for creativity to flourish.For more, check out:tinawells.commaggielangrick.comwonderwell.pressAnd follow:instagram.com/tinawellsinstagram.com/maggielangrickinstagram.com/wonderwellpressinstagram.com/selfishgiftpodcast

If you yearn to do something big with your life, but you're feeling held back by your circumstances or your background, this episode is for you. Guess what? You are not defined by your struggles or your trauma, and your career path doesn't need to be defined by those things, either. Your inner child is already whispering the desires of your heart. You just need the motivation to pursue them.This week's guest is a master at shifting her clients' mindsets, getting them in touch with their inner child, and motivating them to build the successful, fulfilling, abundant lives of their dreams. Allyson Byrd is a renowned speaker, trainer, money minister, and voice alchemist who helps entrepreneurs step into their highest expression. This conversation is going to give every listener great sensations of possibility, joy, and a deep sense of being understood. You'll learn:Why prioritizing your needs and dreams is NOT selfish.How Allyson's "Spotlight Energetics" methodology can help you live in alignment with your purpose—the spotlight you were born for.How to expand your current mindset and then channel it into transforming your career and your life.How to make a living with your story.How to live a life of abundance while honoring your roots.For more, check out:allysonbyrd.commaggielangrick.comwonderwell.pressAnd follow:instagram.com/iamallysonbyrdinstagram.com/maggielangrickinstagram.com/wonderwellpressinstagram.com/selfishgiftpodcast

If you feel called to do good in the world but you aren't sure what that "good" should look like, or if you yearn for a career that aligns with your purpose but struggle with the idea of pairing business with matters of the soul, you're going to want to listen to this week's legendary guest—one of the leading lights of the spirituality and human potential movement, as well as a multimedia trailblazer. Tami Simon is the founder of Sounds True, one of the preeminent publishing houses in the new thought spirituality world. She is also a public figure and thought leader in her own right. Tami hosts the very popular podcast, Insights at the Edge, which features conversations with spiritual leaders and visionaries, and has been downloaded more than 15 million times. Tami has also curated and edited several multi-author books, including The Self-Acceptance Project, with contributions from some of the world's most revered spiritual leaders.In this episode, you'll learn:What it means to be a spiritual entrepreneur. (Spirituality and business are not mutually exclusive!)How Tami went from being a college drop-out to founding one of the most respected spiritual publishing houses. How to balance rational thought with a sincere openness to divine guidance on the journey to discovering your purpose—and finding the courage to leap into the unknown.How to achieve the optimal level of challenge and stay in your "growth zone."Why relationships and connectivity are the best routes to new business ideas and partnerships.For more, check out:The Inner MBA: innermba.soundstrue.comsoundstrue.commaggielangrick.comwonderwell.pressAnd follow:instagram.com/soundstrueinstagram.com/maggielangrickinstagram.com/wonderwellpressinstagram.com/selfishgiftpodcast

If you are drawn to creative writing as a way to process the events of your life, this episode is for you. Today's guest is the founder of an incredible community called Narrative Healing, a writing program that seeks to release our stories in a way that's both accessible and empowering. After beginning her career in book publishing, Lisa Weinert eventually became a certified yoga instructor with a specialty in trauma-informed restorative yoga—which ultimately led her to combine her professional training with her own trauma experience to create this unique work. Her first book, Narrative Healing: Awaken the Power of Your Story will be released on July 18th, but you're about to get a special preview of the wisdom it has to offer.In this episode, you'll learn:How stories—particularly trauma—can get stuck in your body, and how writing can be a path to emotional release and healing.How storytelling allows us to find joy and connection with our communities.Tips and exercises for getting past writer's block (for instance, how music and physical location can jog your memory).How to choose the right agent and publisher—what questions to ask and what to look for.What to expect from your publishing team after you get a book deal.For more, check out:lisaweinert.commaggielangrick.comwonderwell.pressAnd follow:instagram.com/narrativehealinginstagram.com/maggielangrickinstagram.com/wonderwellpressinstagram.com/selfishgiftpodcast

So many of us feel drawn to writing a memoir as a way to process through a difficult event. Writing is one of the most powerful ways to examine and reshape our internal narratives, and it can be a path to healing, as well as an act of service to others. Today's guest wrote her memoir for just those very reasons. Ann Batchelder is an ordinary mom with a career in arts administration and communications. When her teenage daughter became depressed, Ann's world seemed to fall apart. As she desperately tried to understand her child's bulimia and later drug addiction, Ann turned to writing to cope with her emotions. Her debut memoir, Craving Spring, is about her journey as a traumatized mother and how the Greek myth of Demeter and Persephone helped her to rebuild her relationship with her daughter—and with herself. Ann is a passionate advocate for recognizing women's wisdom and reducing the stigma around depression and addiction. In this episode, you'll learn:How Ann found peace, acceptance, and trust in her child’s difficult journey. How to navigate privacy issues when you’re writing a story that involves—or even centers—another person.What the publishing process is like for a debut author without a platform.How Ann stayed sane while doing all of the marketing and promotion for her book—and how much she budgeted for it.The powerful ways narrative can help us make sense of our lives and the incredible value of writing your story—even if you don't plan to publish it.For more, check out:annbatchelder.commaggielangrick.comwonderwell.pressAnd follow:instagram.com/annbatchelderinstagram.com/maggielangrickinstagram.com/wonderwellpressinstagram.com/selfishgiftpodcast

If you love to sleep until noon and you're allergic to the word initiative, but you still want to live a big, rich life full of fame, fortune and fun, this episode is for you. Laura Belgray may be the world's unlikeliest success story. A self-proclaimed "lazy person," she's a bonafide digital business superstar as the founder of Talking Shrimp, where she makes millions of dollars writing sassy emails to her devoted list of subscribers. She's also the co-creator of The Copy Cure with Marie Forleo, an online course in writing scintillating copy that makes your business sound like an actual human being. And now she's a published author. Laura's first book, Tough Titties, is out June 13th.In this episode, Laura talks about how she crafted a business and a life that is true to who she is. Being a "lazy person" doesn't mean she never works hard, but it does mean saying no to most aspects of hustle culture. Getting up at the crack of dawn? No, thanks. Cramming her calendar with meetings and projects? Hard pass. Instead, Laura focuses on using her authentic voice to connect with readers in a way that naturally aligns with selling her copywriting services and trainings. People buy from Laura because they like Laura. She's brilliant and hilarious and unapologetically herself.In this episode, you'll learn:Why writing in your own voice—even if it's for your business—is the most effective way to connect with readers.The value of untangling your self-worth from how hard you work.How Laura got an agent and a publishing deal.How Laura fought to create the book she actually wanted to write, rather than what her publisher thought she should write.Why saying no to a lot of the things you're "supposed" to do creates space in your life for the things you truly desire.For more, check out:talkingshrimp.commaggielangrick.comwonderwell.pressAnd follow:instagram.com/laurabelgrayinstagram.com/maggielangrickinstagram.com/wonderwellpressinstagram.com/selfishgiftpodcast

If you dream of creating work that leaves a massive mark on our culture and is embraced by millions of people, you're going to love listening to today’s guest. Stephanie Savage is a screenwriter, television producer, and co-creator of some of the most iconic TV shows of our time, most famously the smash hit teen drama Gossip Girl, as well as The O.C., the Dynasty reboot, Marvel's Runaways, and Nancy Drew. In this episode, Stephanie tells us all about what it takes to develop a hit TV show, shares her creative process, and maybe even dishes a little gossip herself.Throughout the conversation, Stephanie delves into her journey to success and shares practical advice on overcoming the obstacles that come with developing a successful TV series. She also discusses the importance of collaboration, the value of taking creative risks, and the impact of digital media on the entertainment industry.Key takeaways from this episode include:The importance of finding your unique voice and staying true to your creative vision.The benefits of collaboration and building strong relationships with industry professionals.The value of taking creative risks and pushing the boundaries of what's been done before.The impact of digital media on the entertainment industry.The power of persistence and determination in achieving your goals, even in the face of rejection or setbacks.For more, check out:fakeempire.commaggielangrick.comwonderwell.pressAnd follow:instagram.com/fakeempireteaminstagram.com/maggielangrickinstagram.com/wonderwellpressinstagram.com/selfishgiftpodcast

It seems like everyone has a podcast these days—except you! If you've ever thought about starting one, or even if you're just interested in learning how to build a community around something you love, you'll want to listen to this episode for expert advice on creating impactful content, leveraging personal stories, and networking effectively to grow your audience and connect with like-minded individuals. You'll also learn how to overcome fear and self-doubt, which can be major obstacles in pursuing your purpose.Today's guest is a media trailblazer who has opened the door for countless people to share their gift through podcasting. Jessica Kupferman is one of the earliest female podcasters and a huge, vocal champion of women and nonbinary folks in her field. She's the CEO, cofounder, and host of She Podcasts, as well as the creator of the Sonic Bloom Awards and the She Podcasts Live conference for women and people of marginalized gender who want to raise their podcasting game. In addition to giving her best tips for starting and growing a podcast, Jessica discusses how She Podcasts was founded to support and uplift women in the podcasting industry, and the importance of creating safe spaces for underrepresented voices. Whether you're an aspiring podcaster, an entrepreneur, or simply looking to build a supportive community around your interests, this episode offers practical tips and inspiration to help you take the next step.Key listener takeaways:The importance of creating content that resonates with your audience.How to leverage personal stories to build connections and inspire others.Strategies for networking and collaborating effectively in the online space.Tips for overcoming fear and self-doubt when pursuing your passion.How to build a thriving community that reflects your values and goals, and provides women and marginalized people a voice.For more, check out:shepodcasts.comsonicbloomawards.commaggielangrick.comwonderwell.pressAnd follow:instagram.com/jesskupfermaninstagram.com/shepodcastsinstagram.com/maggielangrickinstagram.com/wonderwellpressinstagram.com/selfishgiftpodcast

This episode is for all the therapists, clinicians, and professors out there who hope to write a popular book for the general public about your field of expertise. How do you make the leap from clinic or classroom to the bestseller lists? And do you have to become a social media influencer in order to pull it off? How do you know if you have anything really new to say, and what if your peers criticize you? Today's guest is here to tell us how she managed through all of that.Dr. Laurie Mintz is an author, therapist, professor, and speaker whose life's work is helping people live more authentic, joyful, and sexually satisfying lives. As a tenured professor at the University of Florida, Laurie teaches the psychology of human sexuality to hundreds of undergrad students each year. She's the author of two popular books, both written with the aim of empowering women sexually: Becoming Cliterate and A Tired Woman's Guide to Passionate Sex. Laurie also writes a popular blog on Psychology Today, and maintains an active social media platform with over 50k Instagram followers, as well as a small private practice working with individuals and couples on general and sexual issues. In this episode, you'll learn:How to transition from being a practitioner or professor into a bestselling author.The surprising correlation between one's sex life and overall happiness—and why talking about it with your therapist is important.The difference between spontaneous and responsive desire.How Laurie ran clinical trials to analyze the efficacy of the advice in her book.How to get the most out of social media—such as community and support—while dealing with the trolls. (Hint: Block, block, block!)For more, check out:drlauriemintz.commaggielangrick.comwonderwell.pressAnd follow:instagram.com/drlauriemintzinstagram.com/maggielangrickinstagram.com/wonderwellpressinstagram.com/selfishgiftpodcast

If you have difficulty deciding what to write about or make content about, you might be having a creative identity crisis. In this special solo episode, host Maggie Langrick shares her insights on how to find "your thing"—not what you think other people would want, but what truly lights up that creative spark in you. It's the key to offering your most authentic, powerful gift to the world. Whether you're a writer, an artist, or some other type of creative, Maggie offers valuable advice on how to build a sustainable and fulfilling career doing what you love. You'll learn:The difference between being a creative professional and an artist.How to tell if the work you're doing isn't actually aligned with who you are.How to overcome self-doubt and creative blocks that can prevent you from expressing yourself fully.The three steps to finding your identity—not just as a creator but also as a human.A fun, impactful thought exercise for finding "your thing," if you're still not sure what it is.For more, check out:maggielangrick.comwonderwell.pressAnd follow:instagram.com/maggielangrickinstagram.com/wonderwellpressinstagram.com/selfishgiftpodcast

If you're thinking of writing a deeply personal memoir about some tough stuff, but you're not sure how much to share, and you're worried about how going public with your story might affect the people closest to you, this episode is for you. Today's guest has written two books focusing on her journey from alcohol dependence to sobriety, and her stories very much deal with how her drinking affected her family. Laura McKowen is the author of the bestselling memoir, We Are the Luckiest: The Surprising Magic of a Sober Life, and Push Off from Here: Nine Essential Truths to Get You Through Sobriety (and Everything Else), releasing March 2023. Laura has written for the New York Times and has been featured in many national media outlets, including the TODAY Show and more. In 2020, she founded The Luckiest Club, a global sobriety support group, and she writes a Substack newsletter called Love Story. In this episode, you'll learn:How writing your story can be a powerful tool for emotional processing and connection with others.How sharing your story, even when it feels vulnerable, can inspire and help others who may be going through similar experiences.The importance of self-care and self-compassion in the writing process—not just to avoid burnout, but also to ensure that you're writing from a place of authenticity and honesty.How writing prompts and exercises can help you to overcome writer's block and spark your creativity.How sharing your unique and valuable story can help you feel seen, heard, and understood.For more, check out:lauramckowen.commaggielangrick.comwonderwell.pressAnd follow:instagram.com/laura_mckoweninstagram.com/maggielangrickinstagram.com/wonderwellpressinstagram.com/selfishgiftpodcast

If you have a growing girl or a young woman in your life, you know the intense pressure she faces to be pretty, to be popular, to be perfect. And sometimes she may feel like her contentment is less important than living up to the expectations and images that she sees on social media. My guest today is dedicated to putting the power back in girls' hands and helping them to develop the skills and confidence that will set them up for a fulfilling life—skills that you can also apply to your own life as an author, a creative, and a human in this world. Lindsay Sealey is the CEO and founder of Bold New Girls and Brave New Boys. She's also the author of three books: Growing Strong Girls; Rooted, Resilient, and Ready; and Made for More. In this episode, you'll learn:Why authenticity is the key not just to building strong relationships, but also to your success as an author.Lindsay's strategies for author self-care: taking breaks, setting boundaries, and practicing mindfulness to maintain well-being.How challenging experiences can cultivate resilience and adaptability. (This includes facing rejection from agents and publishers!)Why building a strong support network is crucial for maintaining well-being and productivity. (Being part of a supportive writing community can help you get through that manuscript.)How to stay focused on your passions and purpose for a more fulfilling, meaningful life.For more, check out:lindsaysealey.commaggielangrick.comwonderwell.pressAnd follow:instagram.com/boldnewgirlsinstagram.com/maggielangrickinstagram.com/wonderwellpressinstagram.com/selfishgiftpodcast