My Rejection Story

What does it cost a child to grow up knowing who they are might be enough to lose their family? And when family rejection is the backdrop of your adolescence, how do you learn to trust that romantic love is even possible?In this episode of My Rejection Story, Alice is joined by Kenny Ethan Jones — British activist, model, author, and the first trans man to front a period campaign — to explore transgender family rejection, trans family rejection trauma, and what it actually takes to start dating as a trans man when the statistics are stacked against you.Kenny came out to his mother at eleven, without the language to name it. Her response was immediate: I think we should talk to a doctor. That support became his anchor against the family rejection he faced elsewhere — his father, a Caribbean man raised in Jamaica, took years of breadcrumbing and boundary-holding before he came around, just before his death from cancer. Kenny speaks candidly about how rejection by family members shapes a child, and what it means to build yourself without a blueprint.The conversation turns to dating while transitioning and the realities of online dating as a trans man — including the 87.5% of people who say they would not date a trans person. Kenny shares the practical vetting framework he uses before disclosing: reading dating profiles for queer-coded signals, sharing news articles as a values test, and trusting instincts when something feels off. He also addresses PTSD from romantic rejection, being treated as an experiment, and why not settling starts with self-trust.In this episode they explore:How family rejection trauma shapes identity and mental health in trans youthKenny's mother's response versus his father's — and the years between rejection and acceptanceAdvice for anyone whose family rejected them and needs to build support elsewhereDating apps as a trans man: Kenny's vetting framework before coming out to a partnerOnline dating rejection, and disclosure timingWhy self-trust is the foundation of dating as a trans guyConnect with Kenny Ethan JonesInstagram: @kennyethanjones, https://www.instagram.com/kennyethanjonesTikTok: @kennyethanjonesBook: Dear Cisgender People (2024) — available wherever books are soldChapters:00:00 The Data on Transgender Family Rejection and Why Family Support Is Life-Saving05:59 Growing Up Trans: Copying the Boys and the All-Girls School10:28 Coming Out at Eleven Without the Language for It13:54 Was Less Awareness Actually Less Pressure15:08 Building Trans Identity Without a Blueprint16:56 The First Romantic Rejection and What She Got Right20:41 Dating as a Trans Man When 87.5% Say No25:57 The Vetting Framework: Dating Apps, News Articles, and Red Flags28:05 His Father, Trans Family Rejection, and Years of Baby Steps32:53 Standing Your Ground When a Parent Won't Accept You36:35 A Father-and-Son Moment Before It Was Too Late37:50 Advice for Trans Youth Whose Families Are Not a Safe Place

Why does spending a lifetime wondering what is wrong with you feel more personal than a medical oversight — why does it feel like confirmation? And what happens when a diagnosis finally arrives in your forties and reframes everything you thought you knew about yourself?In this episode of My Rejection Story, Alice is joined by Dari Crawford — fractional Director of Operations, Chief of Staff, and host of Distracted, Not Disqualified — to explore late-diagnosis ADHD, the exhausting weight of lifelong masking, and why ADHD and rejection sensitivity so often travel together.Dari was diagnosed in early 2025, after a routine doctor's appointment where her daughter filled in the gaps she hadn't known to name. The news reframed decades of anxiety, depression, and relentless over-functioning. As a Black woman, Dari sat squarely in the demographic least likely to receive a diagnosis — Black women and women broadly are significantly underrepresented in ADHD identification. For Dari, inattentive ADHD rejection sensitivity never looked like distraction. It looked like 57 browser tabs open in her brain, every birthday in her calendar, every system in place — and total exhaustion underneath. ADHD rejection anxiety had been present since childhood bullying in junior high, compounded by a home environment where walking on eggshells was survival, and a community where there was simply no language for neurodivergence or mental health. What family called "bad nerves" was, in fact, the symptoms of ADHD rejection sensitivity playing out in real time.Together, Alice and Dari unpack how ADHD and fear of rejection quietly drive people-pleasing, over-committing, and performing a version of yourself that other people will accept. They explore adult ADHD rejection sensitive dysphoria in friendships, in parenting, and in the workplace — and what it cost Dari to finally stop. In May 2025, she resigned from her job to do nothing: to nap, grieve her diagnosis, and learn how to deal with ADHD rejection sensitivity by first sitting still long enough to feel it. ADHD rejection avoidance had kept her performing for decades. Stopping was the most radical thing she had ever done.In this episode they explore:Why Black women are among the least diagnosed with ADHD and what that gap costsHow ADHD rejection dysphoria develops through childhood bullying and traumaThe masking-to-anxiety-to-depression pipeline and why it goes undetectedRejection sensitive dysphoria and ADHD in friendships, parenting, and workWhat grieving a late diagnosis actually looks like — and why it's worth itResigning from a job to choose yourself for the first timeThis episode is for anyone who has spent a lifetime performing their way out of rejection. Your brain was never broken. It just needed the right language.Connect with Dari CrawfordPodcast: Distracted, Not Disqualified — YouTube and all major podcast platforms: https://www.youtube.com/@DistractedNotDisqualifiedLinkedIn: Dari Crawford, https://www.linkedin.com/in/daricrawfordChapters00:00 Why Black Women Are the Least Likely to Be Diagnosed with ADHD03:20 Dari's Late Diagnosis and What Finally Led to the Appointment07:10 Masking, High Functioning, and the Cost of Looking Like You Have It Together11:45 Childhood Bullying and the Roots of ADHD Rejection Anxiety16:00 Bad Nerves: When There Was No Language for Mental Health19:30 EMDR, Childhood Trauma, and Starting to Release It22:40 Carrying ADHD Into Adulthood Without Knowing It26:00 Parenting With ADHD and Learning to Show Grace31:20 People-Pleasing, Overcommitment, and Fear of Rejection35:00 Losing Friendships When You Stop Performing43:00 Resigning to Rest: Choosing Herself for the First Time47:10 What Napping Taught Her About Safety and Her Own Brain51:30 Grieving the Diagnosis — and Why She Would Do It All Again

Why does one rejection have the power to override dozens of wins? Why does your brain cling to the time you were told you're not good enough — and quietly use that story to limit what you try next?In this episode of My Rejection Story, Alice is joined by Anne-Laure Le Cunff (neuroscientist and author of Tiny Experiments) to explore how the negativity bias shapes our response to rejection, why the brain's survival wiring keeps us playing small, and how tiny experiments can help us break free.Anne-Laure explains the neuroscience behind brain negativity bias: your brain records negative experiences with far more weight than positive ones because in ancestral environments, rejection meant being cast out of the group, which meant death. This negative bias psychology made sense for survival, but in modern life the negativity bias quietly convinces us that raising our hand or trying something new is a threat worth avoiding. She also introduces the self-consistency fallacy — the belief that because you've always been a certain way, you must continue that way. This negative cognitive bias narrows possibility and keeps us stuck.If you've seen Anne-Laure Le Cunff's TED talk or her Anne-Laure Le Cunff Big Think appearance, you'll recognize the themes — but this conversation goes deeper into the personal fear behind the framework. Anne-Laure shares her own story of leaving Google after a health scare, launching a startup for the wrong reasons, and finding liberation when it failed. That failure became the catalyst for everything that followed, including Tiny Experiments by Anne-Laure Le Cunff.Together they explore how to stop negativity bias from running your life — not through willpower, but through curiosity-driven experimentation and metacognition. They discuss why big goals often backfire, why tracking metrics without tracking how you feel is a trap, and how negative attribution bias causes us to internalize rejection as proof of unworthiness rather than information. Anne-Laure Le Cunff's tiny experiments framework offers an alternative: small, time-bound actions evaluated through honest reflection on both external results and internal experience. This is overcoming negativity bias not by fighting your brain, but by giving it new data.In this episode they explore:How the negativity bias developed as a survival mechanism and why it backfires todayThe self-consistency fallacy and how past rejection becomes a limiting identity storyWhy you cannot rationalize your way out of fear and what actually worksThe neuroscience of exposure therapy and rewiring brain negativity biasAnne-Laure's journey from Google to burnout to building Ness LabsWhy big goals trigger the arrival fallacy and social comparisonHow metacognition makes experiments meaningfulIntentional imperfection and communicating your limits to prevent burnoutThe difference between toxic productivity and mindful productivityThis episode is an invitation to stop letting the negativity bias write your story. Your brain's job is to keep you safe — your job is to decide whether safe is enough.Connect with Anne-Laure Le CunffWebsite: nesslabs.comInstagram: @neuranneBook: Tiny Experiments, https://www.amazon.ae/Tiny-Experiments-Freely-Goal-Obsessed-World/dp/0593715136 Chapters00:00 The Self-Consistency Fallacy and How Rejection Shapes Identity02:10 The Negativity Bias and Why Your Brain Overweights Rejection05:25 Why Rational Thinking Cannot Override Fear07:57 Exposure Therapy and Rewiring the Brain09:33 Leaving Google and a Life-Threatening Health Scare13:46 How the Brain Handles Uncertainty17:52 When Failure Becomes Liberation22:02 Tiny Experiments as a Tool for Rebuilding Agency29:35 Metacognition and Reflecting on What Actually Worked34:59 Anne-Laure's Own Tiny Experiments41:45 Intentional Imperfection and Overcoming Burnout46:11 Mindful Productivity Over Toxic Productivity

Why does rejection sometimes feel bigger than the moment itself? Why can a missed text, a declined invitation, or a breakup trigger something that feels far older and deeper than the situation at hand?In this episode of My Rejection Story, Alice is joined by Dr. Carol Chu-Peralta, clinical psychologist and trauma specialist, to explore the powerful link between rejection and abandonment. Together, they unpack what rejection abandonment really means, how early caregiver dynamics shape our fear of rejection and abandonment, and why abandonment wounds can amplify even small relational disappointments.Dr. Carol explains the key difference between rejection and abandonment: rejection is often situational and time-limited, while abandonment tends to be chronic, relational, and rooted in early attachment experiences. When someone carries rejection abandonment issues from childhood, everyday rejection can feel like proof of being fundamentally unworthy. What might objectively be a mismatch can subjectively register as rejection abandonment betrayal injustice trauma.Throughout the conversation, they explore how fear of rejection abandonment issues can develop into anxiety rejection abandonment patterns in adulthood—such as overanalyzing relationships, keeping people at arm’s length, or rejecting others first to avoid being left.They also dive into healing: how to pause before spiraling, how to differentiate between intuition and trauma response, and how gradual exposure, community, and movement can support overcoming rejection and abandonment. Rather than offering quick fixes, this episode offers grounded, practical insight into rejection sensitivity and abandonment—and what it takes to build resilience without shaming yourself.If you’ve ever wondered what does rejection abandonment mean in real life, why feelings of abandonment and rejection can feel existential, or how rejection and abandonment trauma shape your relationships today, this conversation will help you understand your patterns with more clarity and compassion.In this episode, they explore:The psychological difference between rejection and abandonment—and why it mattersHow fear of rejection and abandonment often stems from early caregiver dynamicsWhy people with rejection abandonment issues may personalize neutral eventsThe link between rejection sensitivity and abandonment traumaHow anxiety around rejection abandonment shows up in adult relationshipsHow to pause, label, and reframe negative self-talk loopsHow to tell the difference between red flags and trauma-triggered fearWhy gradual exposure (not extreme “rejection challenges”) builds real resilienceThe role of community in healing rejection and abandonment traumaHow bilateral movement and somatic work support trauma processingThis episode is an invitation to see your fear of rejection abandonment not as weakness, but as an adaptive response that once kept you safe. Healing isn’t about eliminating vulnerability—it’s about building capacity to stay present when connection feels risky.Connect with Dr. Carol Chu-Peralta:Website: www.centerforresiliency.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/centerforresiliencynj/Chapters00:00 What Does Rejection Abandonment Mean?03:00 The Difference Between Rejection and Abandonment07:00 How Abandonment Trauma Fuels Fear of Rejection12:00 Anxiety Rejection Abandonment in Adult Relationships18:00 Why Rejection Can Feel Like Betrayal or Injustice24:00 Pausing Before You Personalize31:00 Intuition or Trauma Response? How to Tell the Difference39:00 Exposure Therapy and Building Rejection Resilience47:00 Loneliness, Isolation, and the Fear of Being Seen53:00 Movement, Bilateral Processing, and Healing Trauma01:00:00 Final Thoughts: Overcoming Rejection and Abandonment Without Shaming Yourself

Why does heartbreak hurt so much? According to psychologist and bestselling author Guy Winch, it’s not just emotional—it’s biological. Heartbreak hijacks your brain like an addiction, making it one of the most painful experiences a person can endure. In this episode, Guy breaks down the science of heartbreak, the biggest mistakes people make when trying to move on, and why heartbreak needs a mourning ritual—just like grief. If you’ve ever struggled to let go, this episode is for you.Website:⁠https://www.guywinch.com⁠Guy’s TED Talks:⁠https://www.ted.com/speakers/guy_winch⁠Guy’s Books:📕How to Fix a Broken Heart⁠https://www.amazon.com/dp/1501120123⁠📕Emotional First Aid: Healing Rejection, Guilt, Failure, and Other Everyday Hurts⁠https://www.amazon.com/dp/0142181072⁠📕The Squeaky Wheel: Complaining the Right Way to Get Results, Improve Your Relationships, and Enhance Self-Esteem⁠https://www.amazon.com/The-Squeaky-Wheel-Guy-Winch-Ph-D-audiobook/dp/B004INR2VU/⁠Listen to Guy’s PodcastDear Therapists:⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dear-therapists-with-lori-gottlieb-and-guy-winch/id1523340696⁠Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Guy Winch03:32 Heartbreak as the Ultimate Rejection09:45 Why Heartbreak Feels Like Drug Withdrawal14:20 The Science Behind Rejection and Emotional Pain19:05 The Mistakes People Make When Healing from Heartbreak24:40 Why Social Media Stalking Makes It Worse30:15 The Importance of a Mourning Ritual for Heartbreak37:00 How to Stop Idealizing Your Ex42:18 Replacement Strategies—The Healthy Way to Move On48:30 Rebuilding Rejection Resilience and Dating Again🎧 Listen to the full episode to learn how to heal a broken heart and move forward with resilience!

What if the fear of rejection is actually a fear of being fully seen?In this poetic and soul-searching episode, author and spoken word artist Arielle Estoria opens up about what it means to grow beyond who the world expects you to be—and how devastating, liberating, and cyclical that journey can be.Best known for her viral Arielle Estoria poems, her book The Unfolding, and her ability to speak straight to the soul, Arielle shares the deeply personal story behind her own “unfolding.” She discusses the grief of leaving behind old identities, the risk of becoming someone new, and the human need for belonging—especially when you no longer fit the roles that once made you feel loved.We talk about how her relationship with her husband gave her the courage to question inherited beliefs, why creativity is a core value in her life, and what it means to trade approval for truth. Whether you're in the middle of your own unfolding story or afraid to let go of the identity you’ve outgrown, this conversation is a balm for anyone who's ever felt the sting of having no sense of belonging.What We Cover:The awakening: What it feels like to outgrow the life that once felt safeHow Arielle’s husband became a catalyst for growth and authenticityGrief as part of growth: What we don’t talk about when we talk about becomingLetting go of people, labels, and spaces that no longer reflect who you areWhy creativity as a value is about healing, not performanceThe cost of honesty: Losing gigs, friends, and familiarity—and choosing truth anywayWhat it means to rewrite your “too much” narrativeHow her book The Unfolding and her album The Art of Unfolding were created for her own healing firstThe one Arielle Estoria quote every creator needs to hearHow rejection became redirection—and why the work always finds who it’s meant forUsing art to create belonging, not applauseWhy even non-artists can use creativity for healingQuotes That Hit Hard:💬 "I’d rather have friends who love me whole than love me half."💬 "That’s the old story. Now, what’s the new one?"💬 "Creativity is not about sounding good—it’s about speaking soul to soul."💬 "Rejection isn’t a dead end. Sometimes, it’s a reroute to yourself."Chapters:00:00 – Intro01:30 – Awakening vs autopilot living04:45 – How her husband gave her permission to explore08:30 – The grief of growing and letting go12:00 – Rejection, community loss, and spiritual dissonance15:10 – Redefining self-worth and belonging18:20 – How Arielle Estoria poems became a healing practice22:45 – Why her writing isn’t for the ears—but for the soul26:10 – Her response to low book sales and how she redefined success30:45 – Can anyone access healing through art? (Yes.)35:00 – The raw vulnerability of publishing your truth40:00 – What rejection taught her about audience, ego, and trust43:00 – Rewriting the unfolding story in real timeResources:📚 Arielle Estoria books: The Unfolding🎧 The Art of Unfolding – Spoken word album (Spotify, Apple Music, etc.)🔗 Website: www.arielleestoria.com📲 Instagram: @arielleestoria

Why does book rejection feel so personal—so final? Why does a book rejection letter have the power to stall a project for years, even when the idea still matters? And how do some authors seem to land book deals—sometimes before the book is even written—while others stay stuck in endless rejection cycles?In this episode of My Rejection Story, Alice is joined by Allison Lane, founder of Allison Lane Literary, a former PR executive turned book strategist who has helped every one of her clients land an agent and secure a book publishing deal. Together, they unpack what rejection in the publishing world actually means—and why it’s rarely about your worth, talent, or intelligence.Allison reframes rejection as a strategic signal, not a dead end. Drawing from decades in PR, brand strategy, and publishing, she explains why most aspiring authors misunderstand how the industry works, why writing the full book too early can actually hurt your chances, and how to become “book rejection proof” by thinking like a business—not a hopeful artist waiting for approval.Throughout the conversation, Alice and Allison explore how childhood rejection, shame, and trauma shape creative ambition, why nonfiction books are sold on proposal (not passion), and how authors can learn how to get a book deal with no money, without an agent, or before writing the book—if they understand the real rules of the game.In this episode, they explore:Why book publishing rejection is usually a signal—not a verdictWhat a book rejection letter is actually telling you (and what it’s not)How to deal with rejection when writing books without losing momentumHow to get a book deal without an agent—and when an agent actually mattersHow to get a book deal with a publisher by pitching the idea, not the manuscriptWhy nonfiction authors should learn how to get a book deal before writing the bookHow to get a book publishing deal by widening—not narrowing—your audienceWhy “being good” isn’t what sells books, and what doesHow authors with small platforms still land major deals (including lessons from Allison Lane books and clients)Rather than romanticizing rejection or offering empty encouragement, this episode gives listeners a clear-eyed look at the publishing ecosystem—where books are products, authors are brands, and rejection is part of the filtering process, not a personal failure.If you’ve ever asked yourself how do you get a book deal? or how can I get a book deal without burning years on the wrong strategy? this conversation will fundamentally change how you approach publishing—and rejection itself.Connect with Allison Lane:Website: https://lanelit.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonlanelit/ Chapters00:00 Rejection as Redirection—and Why Publishing “No’s” Aren’t Dead Ends03:30 Saying Yes Early: Why Idealism Can Quietly Stall Creative Careers08:45 What PR Teaches You About Pitching—and Why Most Book Pitches Fail13:30 ADHD, Trauma, and Why Rejection Cuts Deeper for Some Creators18:00 Shame, Silence, and the Stories We’re Afraid to Write23:00 Why Some People Grow After Trauma—and Others Get Stuck27:30 Imposter Syndrome, Ambition, and the Fear of Being Left Behind32:00 Standing Out Without Credentials: How Alison Learned to Be Unignorable37:00 Why Writing the Full Book First Is a Mistake in Nonfiction41:00 How Publishers Actually Decide Which Books to Buy46:00 The Myth of “Too Niche” vs. the Reality of Audience Expansion51:00 Why Books Don’t Sell Because They’re Good—and What Actually Makes Them Sell56:00 Becoming the Marketer of Your Own Book (Without Doing Everything)01:00:30 Building a Platform Before the Book—and Why Timing Matters01:02:00 Final Thoughts: Becoming Book-Rejection-Proof and Taking Action

What does it actually mean when someone cuts off their family — and why does family estrangement provoke such intense reactions from the outside world?In this short solo episode, Alice uses the recent public fallout involving Brooklyn Beckham, David Beckham, and Victoria Beckham as a cultural moment to explore family rejection and estrangement, one of the most misunderstood — and stigmatized — forms of rejection.Rather than speculating about who is right or wrong in the Beckham situation, Alice explains why public stories about family conflict are almost always incomplete. She unpacks why family estrangement in adulthood can be both a necessary act of self-protection and an emotionally devastating loss — and why outsiders often rush to assign blame when an adult child cuts contact with their parents.Drawing directly from Psychology Today research, this episode breaks down what family estrangement actually is, why adult children most often initiate it, and why it’s frequently confused with family alienation or scapegoating. Alice also explores why family estrangement stories — especially high-profile ones like the Brooklyn Beckham situation — trigger such strong emotional reactions, moral judgments, and assumptions about loyalty.In this episode, Alice explains:What family estrangement really means, based on psychological researchWhy estrangement usually unfolds slowly over years, not suddenly or impulsivelyThe most common reasons adult children experience family rejection, including emotional abuse, neglect, and clashes of valuesThe difference between family estrangement and family alienation — and why black-and-white thinking can signal unresolved harm rather than clarityWhy family estrangement carries so much stigma, shame, and social judgmentWhat research shows about how long family estrangement typically lasts, and why reconciliation isn’t always possible — or healthyWhy people are so uncomfortable with the idea that someone might need distance from their family to protect their mental healthAlice also addresses why public speculation about the Brooklyn Beckham feud — including assumptions about control, loyalty, and marriage — reflects broader cultural discomfort with family estrangement and rejection trauma, rather than any real understanding of what happens behind closed doors.This episode is not about celebrity gossip.It’s about family estrangement, rejection, boundaries, and the psychological toll of being misunderstood when the people who are supposed to love you become unsafe.If you’ve ever struggled to understand why someone would estrange themselves from their family — or if you’ve lived through family rejection and felt judged, dismissed, or forced to justify your decision — this episode offers clarity without blame.Resources mentioned:Psychology Today — Family Estrangement (Reviewed by Psychology Today Staff)https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/family-dynamics/family-estrangementFern Schumer Chapman, What Research Tells Us About Family Estrangement (2024)https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/brothers-sisters-strangers/202402/statistics-that-tell-the-story-of-family-estrangementCalling Home podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/calling-home-with-whitney-goodman-lmft/id1706820976Chapters:00:00 Why the Brooklyn Beckham Story Triggered Such a Strong Reaction02:00 Why We Don’t Actually Know What’s Happening Inside That Family04:00 What Family Estrangement Is — and What It Isn’t06:00 Why Adult Children Cut Off Parents08:00 Estrangement vs. Alienation: Complexity vs. Black-and-White Thinking10:30 Why Family Estrangement Is So Stigmatized13:00 How Long Estrangement Lasts — and Whether Reconciliation Is Possible15:00 Final Thoughts: Why Family Rejection Is One of the Hardest Losses to Explain

Why does rejection feel so threatening—sometimes even more destabilizing than physical danger? Why does losing approval, status, or belonging shake our confidence so deeply? And why does the fear of rejection seem impossible to fully “heal” or outgrow?In this episode of My Rejection Story, Alice is joined by Jeremy Sherman, an evolution and social science researcher who studies the origins of life, human behavior, and what he calls the “black market of confidence.” Together, they explore rejection not as a psychological flaw—but as a survival mechanism rooted deep in human evolution.Jeremy challenges the idea that rejection hurts simply because of brain wiring or trauma. Instead, he reframes rejection as a threat to confidence itself—something humans have always needed to stay alive, belong to groups, and navigate danger. With language, imagination, and social comparison layered on top of biology, humans became uniquely vulnerable to rejection in ways no other species is.Throughout the conversation, Alice and Jeremy unpack why confidence operates like a scarce resource, why humans quietly compete for affirmation while pretending they don’t need it, and why attempts to “solve” rejection often miss the point entirely.In this episode, they explore:Why fear of rejection didn’t evolve for happiness—but for survivalHow humans operate in a constant “black market” of confidence and affirmationWhy language and imagination make rejection more destabilizing for humans than animalsThe evolutionary trade-off between visibility, status, and dangerWhy confidence feels abundant until it disappears—and why we panic when it doesWhy there may be no permanent cure for fear of rejection, only ways to live with it more honestlyRather than offering tidy solutions, this episode invites listeners to sit with paradox: the need for confidence, the inevitability of rejection, and the freedom that comes from recognizing that this tension is part of being human—not evidence that something is wrong with you.If you’ve ever wondered why rejection feels existential, why confidence feels fragile, or why approval seems to matter more than logic says it should, this conversation will leave you thinking—and possibly relieved that the struggle isn’t personal.Connect with Jeremy:TRYING BEINGS Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjH_fBN6aQQ0uw5324tSrcg?view_as=subscriberInstagram: instagram.com/jeremyshermanphd/?hl=enChapters00:00 Why Rejection Feels Like a Survival Threat02:00 Introducing Jeremy Sherman and a New Way to Think About Rejection06:00 Confidence as a Scarce Resource—and a Black Market11:00 Language, Imagination, and Why Humans Fear Rejection So Deeply18:00 Why Confidence Feels Stable—Until It Disappears26:00 The Evolutionary Trade-Off Between Visibility and Safety34:00 Why There Is No Permanent Cure for Fear of Rejection43:00 Aging, Status Loss, and the Fear of Becoming Invisible52:00 Purpose, Community, and What Happens When Roles End01:02:00 Final Thoughts: Living With Rejection, Not Solving It

In this episode, ADHD thought leader, author, and host of the Tracy Otsuka podcast joins Alice for a conversation about identity, rejection, and the quiet conditioning that teaches so many women to shrink. Drawing from her own story and the research behind learned helplessness psychology, Tracy explains why women with ADHD are especially vulnerable to internalizing criticism — and how those early messages of “you’re too much,” “you’re not enough,” “you’re disorganized,” shape a lifetime of self-doubt.Tracy breaks down the learned helplessness meaning in practical terms: the moment you stop trying because every attempt has been shut down. She shares learned helplessness examples from childhood socialization, school environments, and relationships where girls are punished for intuition, sensitivity, and non-linear thinking. And she clarifies the difference between weaponized incompetence vs learned helplessness — one is manipulation, the other is survival.She also explains the neuroscience behind why ADHD brains shut down during rejection, why emotional flooding sends the prefrontal cortex offline, and how that creates a cycle of avoidance, fear, and stalled decision-making. Tracy and Alice explore the overlap between learned helplessness and depression, how masking becomes a default for ADHD women, and why regaining a sense of agency begins with identity, not productivity hacks.This conversation is for anyone who’s ever felt stuck, ashamed, or convinced they “can’t trust their brain.” For anyone wondering how to explain the concept of learned helplessness to themselves or others, or why learned helplessness ADHD patterns can be reversed with intention, identity work, and small acts of self-trust. Tracy reminds us that the opposite of helplessness isn’t perfection — it’s action, built one decision at a time.If you’ve ever felt like you’re living someone else’s version of your life, or if you want to understand why ADHD women struggle despite being intuitive, brilliant, and highly capable, this episode is a must-listen. Tracy’s work — through her coaching, her Tracy Otsuka book, and her learned helplessness podcast conversations — offers a blueprint for reclaiming your agency and building an identity rooted in who you truly are.Resources & Links:Tracy’s book: ADHD for Smart Ass WomenTracy’s podcast: ADHD for Smart Ass WomenWebsite & Programs: ADHDforSmartWomen.comChapters00:00 The Double Standard: Why Women With ADHD Carry More Shame03:40 Intuition, Sensitivity, and Reading the Room04:35 What Rejection Does to an ADHD Brain06:51 Socialization, Masking, and the Roots of Learned Helplessness07:26 Learned Helplessness Meaning: When Self-Preservation Becomes Avoidance09:15 The Gendered Misdiagnosis of ADHD & Emotional Flooding12:18 Action, Dopamine, and Why Interest Drives Everything13:49 Trauma, Identity, and Reversing Learned Helplessness15:40 Finding Your Area of Interest & Building Positive Emotion18:07 How Tracy Wrote Her Book Using Fun, Challenge, and Social Accountability21:33 Intention, Identity, and Becoming Someone You Trust24:59 The Opposite of Helplessness: Pride, Purpose, and Dopamine

In this powerful mini replay, positive psychology practitioner and author Jodi Wellman joins Alice for a conversation about mortality, motivation, and the brave work of actually living our lives instead of waiting for the perfect moment. Jodi — known for her viral TED Talk, her book You Only Die Once, and her work at Four Thousand Mondays — explains why death is a great motivator, and why many of us need the uncomfortable truth of our finiteness to finally stop procrastinating the things that matter most.Jodi shares how her mother’s early death shaped her philosophy, and why the reminder you are dying isn’t morbid — it’s honest. She breaks down the psychological insight behind death as motivation, the research that shows we act more boldly when we acknowledge our limits, and why “there’s no greater motivator than death” when we’re stuck in fear.From reloading a stapler in a corporate job she knew she’d outgrown, to making the leap into coaching, to leaving a successful business partnership to build 4000 Mondays, Jodi explains how we can recognize the moment when procrastination turns into self-betrayal — and how to reclaim our agency before regret piles up.This episode is for anyone who keeps waiting to feel confident, ready, or “better” before making a move; for anyone asking is death a good motivator? or wondering why fear feels louder than desire. Jodi’s answer is simple: motivation rarely arrives. We create it by acting.If you’ve ever needed a reminder that your Mondays are ticking down, that your dreams won’t wait, or that you only die once, this conversation will wake you up in the best possible way.Resources & LinksBook: You Only Die Once https://www.amazon.com/You-Only-Die-Once-Regrets/dp/0316574279 Website: https://fourthousandmondays.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fourthousandmondays/?hl=enTED Talk: Jodi Wellman on how facing death helps us live, https://www.ted.com/embed/jodi_wellman_how_death_can_bring_you_back_to_lifeChapters00:00 The Wake-Up Call: Losing Her Mother Early01:29 Fear, Procrastination, and the Self-Talk That Finally Works02:40 Why Positive Psychology Still Needs a Little Pain03:53 Denying Death, Compromised Inner Lives04:33 Playing Small to Avoid Rejection06:40 The Stapler Moment: Staying Too Long in Work That Drains You08:58 Why Confidence Never Arrives First10:11 Studying Memento Mori & Starting Four Thousand Mondays11:25 The Moment She Committed to Leaving Corporate12:20 Choosing the Thesis That Changed Everything13:08 Community, Courage, and Feeling More Alive14:33 Rejection in Real Time: The TV Project She’s Avoiding16:59 Eating Rejection for Breakfast18:04 Why the Sweaty Rejections Matter Most19:54 Alice’s Big Audacious Rejection Goal20:46 Where to Find Jodi & What to Read First

Why does rejection hurt so intensely — even when the relationship was brief, online, or never fully real? Why do some rejections destabilize your entire sense of self while others barely register? In this solo episode, Alice breaks down exactly what rejection does to a person, why you may be taking rejection so hard, and how to recover with science-backed compassion.Alice opens with a story from early 2020: a fast, dopamine-fueled pandemic connection with someone she never met — and the emotional crash that followed when it abruptly ended. If you’ve ever wondered “why am I so hurt by rejection?”, “why do I get so hurt by rejection?” or “what does constant rejection do to a person?”, her experience will feel uncannily familiar.Blending neuroscience and psychology, Alice explains:How rejection affects the brain, including why social rejection activates the same neural pathways as physical painHow rejection makes you feel overwhelmed, foggy, or obsessive, and why these reactions are biological, not personal failuresWhy you might handle rejection so badly, especially when fantasy, intensity, and uncertainty fuel attachmentHow rejection affects mental health, including stress responses, rumination, and emotional dysregulationHow rejection can affect self-esteem and identity, even when the relationship was short or never fully formedWhat constant rejection does to a person over time, and how it erodes confidence and connectionAlice also unpacks the psychology of idealization, intermittent reinforcement, imagined futures, and the collapse of emotional safety — offering a grounded explanation for why some rejections hurt more than “real” breakups.Finally, she shares practical, evidence-based tools to help you rebuild resilience, calm your nervous system, and stop interpreting rejection as proof of inadequacy.If you’ve ever asked yourself “why am I taking rejection so hard?”, “why do I handle rejection so badly?” or “what does rejection do to a person?”, this episode will help you understand your reactions — and give you a path to healing that doesn’t blame you for being human.Resources:Alice's Refinery29 article: https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2021/04/10403226/get-over-someone-you-never-dated Eisenberger et al., 2003: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14551436Eisenberger, 2012: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3273616Kross et al., 2011: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3076808Allen & Leary, 2010: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2914331Koch, 2020: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/01973533.2020.1726748Beato et al., 2021: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/18/4/2017Stutts et al., 2022: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10653232Baumeister et al., 2002: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11881675Shields et al., 2016: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27474311Fisher et al., 2010: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3612400Hazan & Shaver, 1987 summary: https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1988-13004-001Chapters00:00 Why Rejection Hurts More Than Logic Can Explain02:00 Alice’s Story: A Pandemic Connection That Felt Real05:00 How Rejection Affects the Brain Like Physical Pain08:00 Why Rejection Makes You Spiral, Ruminate & Obsess11:00 Dopamine, Fantasy & Why You Get Attached So Fast14:00 What Constant Rejection Does to a Person17:00 How Rejection Impacts Mental Health & Self-Esteem20:00 Why Some Rejections Hit Harder Than Real Breakups23:00 Tools for Recovery: Self-Compassion, Reframing & Regulation27:00 Final Thoughts: You’re Not Broken — You’re Human

In this episode, multicultural marketing strategist and founder of aam creative, Afshan Nasseri, joins Alice to unpack a quietly growing crisis among expats: the rise of loneliness in Dubai and the emotional reality of why it’s hard to make friends as an adult. Whether you’ve just moved to the UAE, you’re struggling to build community, or you feel disconnected despite being surrounded by people, Afshan brings language to something so many feel but rarely admit.Afshan’s story spans Boston, Montreal, India, Iran, and now Dubai. She grew up in a home overflowing with culture, community, and connection—yet found herself starting from zero when she moved here. From questioning who she could call when things went wrong to navigating a social landscape that can feel transactional, Afshan shares the truth most expats whisper only to themselves.If you’ve ever wondered how to make new friends as an adult, why Dubai can feel emotionally isolating even when it’s exciting, or what it actually takes to build deeper relationships here, this episode will resonate deeply.Afshan walks Alice through:Why so many people in Dubai feel lonely even when they “shouldn’t”How transient expat culture erodes community-building instinctsThe difference between coffee friends vs. friends you can rely onWhy adult friendship requires intentional vulnerability—and why that feels riskyHow making friends in Dubai often requires going first, being open, and allowing others inThe cultural pressures that make people hide their loneliness, especially in appearance-driven citiesWhat Afshan learned from teaching in rural India at 14—and how that shaped her identity todayHow her multicultural upbringing led to founding aam creative and advocating for authentic representationWhy showing up unfiltered online unexpectedly helped her form deeper offline friendshipsHow to spot the early signs of people you can build real connection with in DubaiAfshan also speaks candidly about the fear of being judged, the myth that everyone else has a thriving social circle, and the surprising truth: almost everyone is looking for meaningful connection… they’re just waiting for someone to go first.This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating expat life, rebuilding their social world from scratch, or trying to understand why adulthood friendships require more courage—and more honesty—than we ever expected.Resources & Links📸 Instagram: @afshannasseri🌐 AAM Creative: https://www.aamcreative.co/

In this episode, high-conflict divorce strategist and advocate Lisa Johnson joins Alice to unpack one of the most overwhelming and destabilizing experiences anyone can face: navigating divorce with a narcissist. Whether you're trying to divorce a narcissistic husband, divorce a narcissist wife, or find your footing after divorce after abusive marriage, Lisa offers clarity that is both deeply validating and strategically life-saving. Lisa’s story is astonishing: a 20-year relationship built on hidden lives and deception, a $100,000 divorce in year one, and nearly a decade of court battles where she eventually represented herself more than 100 times. Her testimony even helped pass Jennifer’s Law, expanding Connecticut’s legal definition of domestic violence to include coercive control.If you’ve ever wondered what actually happens when you divorce a narcissist, why a narcissist during divorce behaves in ways that defy logic, or how to survive divorce mediation with a narcissist who lies, gaslights, and retaliates, this episode will finally make the chaos make sense.Lisa walks Alice through:The early grooming patterns that pull intelligent, grounded people into unhealthy bondsWhy those coming from religious environments face a unique layer of shame — especially in Christian divorce narcissist situations where community pressure insists you “stay no matter what”How coercive control erodes your authority, self-trust, and sense of realityWhat to expect in a divorce trial with a narcissisThe psychological fallout of emotional abuse divorce, including the self-blame, shock, and confusion that linger long after the separationHow to protect your children if you must divorce a narcissist with kids or divorce an abuser with kids,What to do if you’ve ended up with a divorce attorney narcissist who escalates conflict instead of reducing itLisa also reveals the hidden truth about high-conflict separation: the moment you leave is statistically the most dangerous. She offers a grounded path forward for anyone attempting to divorce a narcissist husband, divorce a narcissist wife, or rebuild themselves after decades of coercive control. She explains why you must be strategic—not emotional—and why the goal is not to “win,” but to get out with your sanity and safety intact.This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating divorce after abusive marriage, preparing for divorcing an abusive husband, or trying to understand how to make it out of a high-conflict situation with clarity, protection, and a plan.Resources & Links🌐 Find Lisa Johnson: https://beentheregotout.com📘 Been There, Got Out: Toxic Relationships, High Conflict Divorce and How to Stay Sane Under Insane Circumstances📘 Been There, Got Out: When Your Ex Turns the Kids Against You🧠 Legal Abuse Support Group, Courses & Strategic Communication Training📸 Instagram: @been_there_got_outChapters:00:00 Lisa’s Story: A 20-Year Marriage Built on Secrets02:00 How Smart People End Up in Abusive Dynamics05:30 Coercive Control, Grooming & Denial08:10 Faith Communities & Christian Divorce Narcissist Pressures11:30 Emotional Abuse Divorce: The Invisible Damage15:00 When You Divorce a Narcissist: Why Everything Escalates18:40 Divorce a Narcissistic Husband / Divorce a Narcissist Wife22:00 Narcissist Divorce Strategy: Money, Kids, Court25:20 Divorce Mediation With a Narcissist: What Actually Works28:00 Divorce an Abuser With Kids: Safety, Threats & Manipulation31:10 Divorce a Narcissist With Kids: Protecting Them From Loyalty Warfare34:00 When Your Divorce Attorney Narcissist Makes Things Worse38:00 Divorce Trial With a Narcissist: Reality vs Fantasy41:40 Building Your Team (Therapist, DV Center, Strategist, Attorney)45:10 Leaving Safely: Exit Planning & Community Resources48:00 Negotiating Without Feeding Their Ego or Rage51:00 Divorce After Abusive Marriage: Rebuilding Yourself55:00 Lisa’s Resources for Anyone in High-Conflict Divorce

In this episode, human relations professor and author Dr. Sterlin Mosley joins Alice to break down one of the most confusing and destabilizing experiences anyone can face: what happens when you reject a narcissist — romantically, sexually, emotionally, or otherwise.If you’ve ever wondered how to reject a narcissist safely, what narcissists do when you reject them, or why even highly intelligent people end up trapped in cycles of love bombing, self-doubt, and psychological whiplash, this conversation is going to hit with startling clarity.Sterlin opens with a statistic that flips the entire narrative on its head: while official numbers say 1–2% of people have Narcissistic Personality Disorder, the real number of people with significant narcissistic traits is likely closer to 8–10%. From there, he explains why NPD is so often undiagnosed, how narcissists take rejection, and why denial (“I’m not a narcissist!”) is often the most predictable response.Alice and Sterlin go deep into the relational fallout of setting boundaries — including when you reject a narcissist hoover and they attempt to pull you back, when you reject a narcissist sexually, and why narcissists often escalate, punish, or retaliate when their supply is cut off. Sterlin also breaks down the neurology behind the love bombing narcissist meaning — why it feels euphoric, addictive, and impossible to leave — and what to do when you're involved with a love bombing narcissist husband, partner, parent, or friend.For listeners dealing with covert narcissists, Sterlin explains why covert personalities are harder to identify, how they use vulnerability as manipulation, and how to reject a covert narcissist without getting caught in the guilt–shame–blame cycle.Most importantly, Sterlin offers grounded, non-sensationalized guidance on the best way to reject a narcissist, the emotional withdrawal that follows, and how to rebuild honesty, clarity, and safety in your own body again.This episode is a must-listen for anyone in a confusing relationship, navigating the aftermath of narcissistic rejection, or trying to understand why even the strongest people can get trapped in dynamics that erode their confidence, intuition, and well-being. It’s for anyone who’s ever wondered: If you reject a narcissist, what happens next — and how do you protect yourself in the process?Resources & Links🌐 Explore Dr. Sterlin Mosley’s work at http://sterlinmosley.com/📚 Read Center of the Universe: https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/center-of-the-universe-9781538186435/📰 Subscribe to Sterlin’s Substack for deeper case studies and essays on narcissism: https://substack.com/@sterlinmosleyChapters00:00 Why So Many Narcissists Go Undiagnosed02:00 What Happens When You Reject a Narcissist05:00 Do Narcissists Deny Being a Narcissist?08:20 Why the DSM Gets Narcissism Wrong11:40 How Narcissists Take Rejection in Relationships14:00 The Reality of Rejecting a Covert Narcissist18:10 “Love Bombing” Explained — Neurology, Addiction & Fantasy22:30 When You Reject a Narcissist Sexually25:00 What to Do When You Reject a Narcissist After Betrayal28:40 The Narcissistic Hoover: Why They Pull You Back32:00 The Best Way to Reject a Narcissist Safely35:20 Trauma, Armoring & the Roots of Narcissistic Personality40:00 What Narcissists Do When You Reject Them (and Why)45:30 Breadcrumbing, Gaslighting, and DARVO50:00 Rebuilding Reality After Emotional Manipulation53:10 Why You Blame Yourself — and Why You Shouldn’t56:30 Choosing Yourself Again59:00 Sterlin’s Advice for Anyone Living in Narcissistic Chaos

In this mini replay episode, therapist and bestselling author Whitney Goodman joins Alice for an unflinchingly honest conversation about toxic positivity — what it is, how it shows up, and why so many of us default to forced optimism instead of honest connection.Whitney Goodman, known online as @sitwithwit and the author behind the viral toxic positivity book, breaks down toxic positivity explained in a way that finally feels human. She talks about how social media has turned everyday life into a public performance, why people feel pressure to appear happy even when they’re not, and how positivity becomes harmful when it’s used to deny the full emotional experience.Alice and Whitney walk through the central question: what is toxic positivity, really? Whitney explains why phrases like “just stay positive,” “everything happens for a reason,” or “you’ll learn from this one day” often make people feel worse, not better. They discuss how these responses are usually rooted in fear — fear of uncertainty, fear of saying the wrong thing, fear of sitting with someone else’s pain.The conversation also explores the nuanced difference between toxic positivity vs optimism — and why healthy positivity leaves space for grief, frustration, and disappointment instead of covering them with a motivational bow.Drawing from stories in Whitney’s book, Alice and Whitney discuss how early childhood messages around “not being sensitive,” “not crying,” or “being strong” can lead adults to suppress emotions, over-function, or rely on cheerfulness as a shield. Whitney explains how toxicity and positivity often intertwine when people are taught that expressing negative feelings is dangerous or shameful.You’ll hear Whitney break down the science of emotional suppression — how unprocessed feelings often show up in physical symptoms like sleep issues, irritability, or trouble concentrating. She also shares why some people fear joy, why others numb sadness, and why emotional awareness is a skill, not a personality trait.They also explore the subtle ways people use work, productivity, travel, or “keeping busy” as a socially rewarded form of avoidance, and how to check in with yourself to know if you’re genuinely thriving or simply distracting yourself.This episode is for anyone who’s ever felt guilty for struggling, pressured to be grateful in the middle of something hard, or frustrated by the “good vibes only” culture online. If you’ve ever wondered why forced optimism feels empty — or why suppressing your feelings only makes them louder — this toxic positivity podcast episode will feel grounding, compassionate, and clarifying.Resources & Links:Visit Whitney’s community Calling Home: callinghome.coFind Whitney on Instagram: @sitwithwitInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sitwithwhitTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@whitneygoodmanlmftChapters:00:00 The Pressure to Look Happy02:00 Why We Rarely Share the Hard Parts Online05:45 The Problem with “Everything Happens for a Reason”08:40 Why Meaning-Making Only Works When It Comes From Within11:00 Positivity as a Defense Mechanism13:30 When Optimism Becomes Denial16:00 The Hidden Cost of Suppressing Emotions18:40 Using Work or Productivity to Avoid Hard Feelings21:00 Why Some People Fear Joy23:30 Our Fear of Uncertainty26:00 What We Can and Can’t Control28:00 How to Support Others Without Dismissing Their Pain30:00 Whitney’s Work, Book, and Where to Find Her

In this episode, novelist and writing instructor Eva Langston joins Alice to break open one of the most under-discussed truths in publishing: sometimes your book dies even after you’ve done everything “right.”After years in the query trenches, eight manuscripts, and dozens of literary agent queries, Eva finally landed representation — the milestone so many writers dream of. But what happened next wasn’t the success story she expected. Her agented novel went out on submission and became what the industry quietly calls a rejected book. Then the next one died on submission, too.Eva shares the emotional toll of spending years querying an agent, fighting through inbox silence, and learning the real book deal meaning after rejections from many publishers. She traces the shame spiral that followed — the week she couldn’t eat, couldn’t smile, and seriously wondered if she would ever see her work in print — and the surprising statistic that changed everything: only 5% of agented manuscripts get picked up by publishers.What looks like failure from the outside was, for Eva, the beginning of a creative rebirth. She talks about the sculpture garden visit that sparked her next novel, how she wrote it in a burst of catharsis, and why she believes the books rejected by publishers often contain the seeds of better ones.Eva and Alice also dive into the power of building a writing community — both offline and through an online writing community like Substack — and why being a “good literary citizen” is one of the most sustaining forces in the book writing community. From reaching out to debut authors, to creating her new podcast The Long Road to Publishing, to finding critique partners through workshops, Eva shows how connection can hold you steady when querying book agents threatens to break you.This episode is a must-listen for anyone querying an agent, drafting a novel, navigating rejection, or searching for an honest look at what it means to query agents and publishers in today’s saturated market. It’s for every writer who has wondered if their dream is taking too long — and for anyone who needs the reminder that you haven’t failed if you’re still trying.Resources & Links:🌐 Listen to Eva’s podcast The Long Road to Publishing📬 Subscribe to Eva’s Newsletter for Writers on Substack💻 Connect with Eva at evalangston.com🎧 Listen to This Mama Is Lit, where Eva is co-hostChapters:00:00 Why We Don’t Talk About Dead-On-Submission Books02:00 Eva’s Earliest Rejection & Her Mother’s Brutal Honesty06:30 Entering the Query Trenches—Writing Eight Novels10:20 When Literary Agent Queries Go Nowhere12:40 Querying a Book vs. Querying Your Worth15:30 Landing an Agent After 90 Queries18:00 The First Book Dies on Submission—And Then the Second21:40 The 5% Statistic That Changed Everything24:00 Publisher Silence, Rejection Emails, and Mental Health27:05 Rebuilding Confidence Through a Writing Community30:10 Substack, Online Writing Community, and Literary Citizenship34:00 The Sculpture Garden Breakdown → Breakthrough37:20 Writing a New Novel in Two Months40:15 Exciting Developments (She Can’t Share Yet…)41:40 Why She Started The Long Road to Publishing46:10 AI Manuscripts, Inbox Saturation & Querying Book Agents Today50:00 Champagne Rejections & How to Keep Going52:30 How to Build Your Own Book Writing Community57:00 Eva’s Parting Words: “You Haven’t Failed If You’re Still Trying.”

In this episode, keynote speaker and former litigator Kim Bolourtchi joins Alice to unpack what happens when following all the rules still leaves you feeling hollow.After building a high-powered legal career, Kim realized that the very traits that made her “successful” — discipline, control, and achievement — were also keeping her small. She opens up about the moment her two worlds collided: arguing before the Missouri Supreme Court when her husband revealed her secret life as a Latin dancer. What felt like career sabotage became the spark that changed everything.Kim and Alice dive deep into the invisible rules we inherit — from childhood conditioning to workplace norms — and how these rules shape our sense of belonging, respectability, and self-worth. Kim shares her journey of strategic unruliness: identifying the beliefs that no longer serve you, learning to trust your own desires, and taking small, courageous steps toward a more authentic life.From losing a national dance competition in a catsuit to redefining what success looks like beyond external validation, Kim’s story is a masterclass in breaking patterns without burning down your life.This episode is for anyone who’s done everything “right” and still feels like something’s missing — anyone who’s ready to stop performing success and start embodying it.Resources & Links:📘 Strategic Unruliness: Break the Rules, Build What’s Next by Kim Bolourtchi🌐 Take Kim’s “Which Rule Is Running Your Life?” quiz at kimbolourtchi.com💬 Connect with Kim on LinkedInChapters:00:00 The Ache of Doing Everything Right01:10 Arguing Before the Supreme Court—and Being Outed as a Dancer06:20 Integrating the Parts of Yourself You’ve Hidden10:45 The Rules We Inherit From Childhood15:00 When People-Pleasing Stops Serving You20:00 Taking Small Steps Toward Alignment26:30 The Catsuit Story: Breaking Convention and Rediscovering Joy33:00 The Keynote Flop That Taught Her Conviction41:00 Resentment, Envy, and the Signals of Misalignment47:00 Redefining Security and Success on Your Own Terms50:00 Building a Strategically Unruly Life

In this episode, I bring together four of the smartest, funniest, most relatable ADHD creators I know to unpack one of the trickiest topics in business: self-promotion.We talk about everything from the executive dysfunction that makes “just post it” feel impossible, to the dopamine desert that hits after you finally do. There’s a lot of laughter, a lot of honesty, and a few mic-drop strategies that had me replaying the conversation for days.You’ll hear from:Meredith Carder, ADHD educator and author of It All Makes Sense Now, who breaks down the emotional toll of visibility for neurodivergent creators—and why we so often ghost our own ideas.Jesse J. Anderson, author of Extra Focus, who shares his “pretend your friends and family don’t exist” strategy for posting content without panic.Diann Wingert, host of the ADHD-ish podcast and a business coach for ADHD entrepreneurs, who offers a brilliant reframe on negativity bias and visibility fear.Tayla Blaire, writer, journalist, and creator of the We Are Made of Stories writing course, who opens up about ghosting, grief, and the inner conflict of wanting to be seen while simultaneously hiding.Whether you’re navigating public speaking with ADHD, wondering how to succeed in business with ADHD, or just trying to post consistently without spiraling, this conversation is for you.If you’ve ever Googled things like “self-promotion ADHD” or “ADHD and executive functioning”—or you’ve been paralyzed by the thought of sharing your work—this episode will leave you feeling a lot less alone.Meredith Carder📘 It All Makes Sense Now📰 Subscribe to Meredith’s Substack📲 @hummingbird_adhd on InstagramJesse J. Anderson📘 Buy Extra Focus📝 Sign up to his newsletter📲 @adhdjesse on Instagram and XDiann Wingert🌐 Business coaching services🎧 Listen to ADHD-ish🧠 Take her “What’s Holding You Back?” quiz💼 Connect on LinkedInTayla Blaire✍️ Courses & writing mentorship📲 @scribblingsidehustlers on Instagram💼 Connect on LinkedIn

In this episode, bestselling author and former Hallmark executive Tara Jaye Frank joins Alice to talk about the messy, courageous process of letting go—of careers, of marriages, and of identities that no longer fit. From leaving a long-term marriage to walking away from a lucrative book deal, Tara opens up about what it means to choose yourself when everything in you has been wired for people-pleasing behavior.She shares the subtle shifts that whisper when to leave a marriage—and how she found peace in deciding to leave, even when it meant stepping into uncertainty. Tara also reflects on burnout at work, the identity unraveling that followed her departure from Hallmark, and how she rebuilt her life through what she calls a transformation after midlife.This is an episode for anyone standing at the crossroads of should I leave my marriage or when to call it quits in a marriage, wondering how to move through the end of a marriage or prepare to leave a good marriage without losing yourself in the process.Tara’s story is a reminder that growth doesn’t always look like winning—it often looks like walking away.If you’ve ever found yourself asking, “When should you leave a marriage?” or felt like you’re outgrowing the version of yourself who once fit so neatly into your life, this conversation is for you.Resources & Links:📘 The Waymakers by Tara Jaye Frank: https://www.thelwaymakers.com🌐 Subscribe to Tara’s LinkedIn newsletter You Are Before the World: Tara J. Frank on LinkedIn`Chapters:00:00 The Shy Child Who Learned to Listen03:40 Leaving a 21-Year Career at Hallmark10:02 Preparing to Leave a Marriage—and Trusting Yourself Again17:45 The Law of Least Effort and Accepting What’s True26:50 When the Pain of Staying Outweighs the Fear of Leaving31:40 I Left My Marriage: Learning to Let Go Without Losing Yourself36:10 Publisher Rejection, Creative Alignment, and After 40 Transformation43:00 Burnout, Boundaries, and the Helper’s Dilemma50:00 Knowing What Matters So You Can Do What Counts

What if success takes longer than expected?In this reflective and empowering episode, writer and creative entrepreneur Jamie Varon joins My Rejection Story to talk about the uncomfortable space between effort and outcome. We dig deep into the psychology of delayed gratification vs instant gratification, what it means to stay motivated when the world isn’t watching, and how to keep creating even when the payoff is years away.Jamie shares how she rebuilt her creative process around trusting herself first—detaching from results, resisting the urge to quit too soon, and embracing the art of delayed gratification. She shares raw personal stories, including how she almost walked away from writing entirely—and what brought her back.If you’ve ever burned out from hustle culture, doubted your work after one rejection, or felt crushed when something didn’t “go viral,” this episode will shift how you think about success. It’s a masterclass in delayed gratification motivation and creative resilience, especially for those building something meaningful.In this episode, we discussed:Delayed gratification explained: why it’s harder than ever and how to build itThe emotional cost of creating in a world obsessed with overnight successWhy Jamie no longer ties her worth to her metrics (and how she made that shift)How to reframe “rejection” as a signal—not a stop signInstant and delayed gratification in the context of writing, publishing, and marketingLearning to love the process more than the praiseThe role of delayed gratification in business and why short-term wins can sabotage long-term growthHer viral essay on Main Character Energy—and how the world twisted itJamie’s new approach to creativity: aligned action, not panic performanceWhat most people get wrong about motivation—and how she reclaimed hersOne of our favorite Jamie Varon quotes: “You can’t rush what you want to last.”Quotes:💬 "You might spend two years for a one-minute result. So why not make those two years joyful?"💬 "Trying is brave. And trying again is revolutionary."💬 "Detaching from results isn’t giving up—it’s finally breathing."💬 "Rejection doesn’t mean you were wrong. It might mean you’re early."Chapters:00:00 – Intro02:00 – Delayed gratification motivation and what’s changed in the digital age05:30 – The moment Jamie almost quit writing09:00 – Navigating rejection and rebuilding self-trust12:45 – The fork in the road: believe the rejection, or believe your vision16:20 – How Jamie Varon books have evolved alongside her inner world21:10 – Jamie Varon main character energy—and the backlash25:30 – Letting go of hustle for alignment29:00 – Why we confuse feedback with fact32:00 – Creative longevity and delayed gratification in business36:00 – Writing for soul, not sales40:00 – What she tells herself now when things don’t take off44:00 – The secret to finishing what you startResources:Jamie Varon books: Radically Content, Main Character EnergyWebsite: www.jamievaron.comInstagram: @jamievaronExplore more Jamie Varon quotes and essays at Radically Content

What if the fear of rejection is actually a fear of being fully seen?In this poetic and soul-searching episode, author and spoken word artist Arielle Estoria opens up about what it means to grow beyond who the world expects you to be—and how devastating, liberating, and cyclical that journey can be.Best known for her viral Arielle Estoria poems, her book The Unfolding, and her ability to speak straight to the soul, Arielle shares the deeply personal story behind her own “unfolding.” She discusses the grief of leaving behind old identities, the risk of becoming someone new, and the human need for belonging—especially when you no longer fit the roles that once made you feel loved.We talk about how her relationship with her husband gave her the courage to question inherited beliefs, why creativity is a core value in her life, and what it means to trade approval for truth. Whether you're in the middle of your own unfolding story or afraid to let go of the identity you’ve outgrown, this conversation is a balm for anyone who's ever felt the sting of having no sense of belonging.What We Cover:The awakening: What it feels like to outgrow the life that once felt safeHow Arielle’s husband became a catalyst for growth and authenticityGrief as part of growth: What we don’t talk about when we talk about becomingLetting go of people, labels, and spaces that no longer reflect who you areWhy creativity as a value is about healing, not performanceThe cost of honesty: Losing gigs, friends, and familiarity—and choosing truth anywayWhat it means to rewrite your “too much” narrativeHow her book The Unfolding and her album The Art of Unfolding were created for her own healing firstThe one Arielle Estoria quote every creator needs to hearHow rejection became redirection—and why the work always finds who it’s meant forUsing art to create belonging, not applauseWhy even non-artists can use creativity for healingQuotes That Hit Hard:💬 "I’d rather have friends who love me whole than love me half."💬 "That’s the old story. Now, what’s the new one?"💬 "Creativity is not about sounding good—it’s about speaking soul to soul."💬 "Rejection isn’t a dead end. Sometimes, it’s a reroute to yourself."Chapters:00:00 – Intro01:30 – Awakening vs autopilot living04:45 – How her husband gave her permission to explore08:30 – The grief of growing and letting go12:00 – Rejection, community loss, and spiritual dissonance15:10 – Redefining self-worth and belonging18:20 – How Arielle Estoria poems became a healing practice22:45 – Why her writing isn’t for the ears—but for the soul26:10 – Her response to low book sales and how she redefined success30:45 – Can anyone access healing through art? (Yes.)35:00 – The raw vulnerability of publishing your truth40:00 – What rejection taught her about audience, ego, and trust43:00 – Rewriting the unfolding story in real timeResources:📚 Arielle Estoria books: The Unfolding🎧 The Art of Unfolding – Spoken word album (Spotify, Apple Music, etc.)🔗 Website: www.arielleestoria.com📲 Instagram: @arielleestoria

What happens when the dream ends and you're left with nothing?In this raw and powerful episode of My Rejection Story, former NFL player turned motivational speaker Marques Ogden shares his incredible journey through identity loss, business collapse, and ultimately, self-reinvention.At one point, Marques was at the top: running a $25 million construction company, driving luxury cars, and living the life of a successful ex-athlete. But behind the scenes, ego, poor financial decisions, and misplaced trust led to a devastating fall. He lost it all—his home, his cars, and his sense of purpose.What followed was even harder: a humbling stint as a night-shift custodian, addiction recovery, and facing the painful truth about his role in it all. This episode doesn’t just explore rejection. It unpacks what happens when you stop blaming the world and start taking ownership.Marques shares openly about grief, addiction, bankruptcy, and the moment he decided to rebuild his life—this time on truth, not illusion. If you've ever asked yourself “What is entrepreneurial ego?” or wondered how to bounce back from failure, this one’s for you.What We Cover:Life after the NFL: Why 78% of athletes go broke and how Marques found himself spiralingGrief, addiction, and the tattoo that became his wake-up callBuilding a $25M company from scratch—and the early cracks he ignoredBusiness debt meaning: how undocumented deals led to financial ruinThe fine line between confidence and arrogance in entrepreneurshipLosing it all: how one client’s handshake deal cost him everythingHitting rock bottom as a custodian—and learning to tell the truthHow he became a full-time Marques Ogden speaker and keynote coachHis current relationship with external validation and humilityHow gratitude and discipline helped him reclaim purposeThe importance of listening to your team and trusting the right peopleThe role of Marques Ogden’s wife and daughter during his hardest seasonsWhy rejection is often the best data point we can getChapters00:00 – Intro02:00 – Life after NFL: Expectation vs reality04:30 – Rock bottom: Addiction, grief, and survival mode08:00 – The tattoo incident that changed everything12:30 – From redemption to arrogance: Building and losing the biz18:45 – The phone call that ended everything23:00 – Repossession, foreclosure, and starting over26:00 – Ego and ignored advice: What Marques would do differently30:00 – The moment he realized he was a “fake and a phony”34:00 – The spilled milk story: Rock bottom reenacted37:00 – Becoming a speaker and rebuilding his reputation41:00 – The discipline myth: You don’t need to be gifted43:00 – Gratitude, ego, and redefining successResources Mentioned:Marques Ogden podcast: Get Authentic with Marques OgdenWebsite: www.marquesogden.comThe Marques Ogden App (with exclusive content and coaching offers)Instagram & LinkedIn: @marquesogdenEmail: [email protected]

Ever heard of defensive failure? What about productive failure?In this deeply honest and psychologically rich episode, cognitive psychologist and bestselling author Dr. Amanda Crowell unpacks what it means to do the work that truly matters. We explore the Great Work framework, the emotional toll of overachievement, and the quiet sabotage of “defensive failure”—a pattern that stops us from even attempting the things we care about most.Amanda shares her own story of striving for approval, hitting burnout, and experiencing a health collapse that forced her to radically rethink her life. From panic attacks and autoimmune flare-ups to a TEDx talk viewed by 1.7M+ people, her story is a roadmap for finding meaning at work, rediscovering your voice, and finally choosing yourself.This conversation is for anyone yearning to feel more alive—whether by finding purpose at work, outside of work, or figuring out how to enjoy work again after years of burnout. It’s also a must-listen if you’ve ever doubted your potential, or convinced yourself you’re “not that kind of person.”What We Cover:Why most people fail before they even start—and how to spot “defensive failure” in your own lifeThe pressure to overachieve: How childhood patterns, trauma, and external validation drive burnoutAmanda’s breaking point: a panic attack that led to an unexpected health crisis and major life resetWhat “great work” really means—and how to spot your own great work threadThe surprising way intrinsic motivation works (and why competitive goals often backfire)How to build momentum in the smallest ways—and stop self-rejection in its tracksReframing rejection as data, not defeatFinding purpose at work worksheet (included in Amanda’s book!)How to do less, enjoy more, and feel alive againWhy burnout recovery requires joy, not just restChapters:00:00 – Intro02:40 – Her first memory of rejection: the cheerleading squad05:10 – The invisible weight of early identity labels08:05 – How Amanda became a triathlete after years of saying she “wasn’t athletic”11:50 – Intrinsic vs extrinsic motivation: how to enjoy work life again15:45 – The real reason most people never start18:50 – Behind the viral TEDx talk (and the bra strap seen around the world)23:30 – The panic attack that sent her to the hospital26:50 – Finding purpose outside of work (and inside a slower life)31:00 – Giving up the hustle—and discovering Great Work36:45 – Why rejection is an advanced problem40:50 – How to get comfortable being a beginner again44:20 – Two clues to help you find your Great Work48:15 – Free resources and monthly classes to help you go deeperQuotes That Hit Hard:💬 “Rejection is an advanced problem. Most people fail defensively—before they ever start.”💬 “I was hiding inside my own excellence and getting really, really bored.”💬 “You either live in the arena, making mistakes—or you keep doing what you’ve always done.”💬 “Your identity is not a fixed thing. It’s a prison you can walk out of.”💬 “Stop tap dancing for approval. Let the failure happen. It’s not as painful as avoiding it forever.”Resources Mentioned:Amanda’s website: www.amandacrowell.comGet the Great Work book + journal (includes the “Finding Purpose at Work” worksheet!)Free monthly Great Work classes: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/the-great-work-series-classes-3888663Follow Amanda on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-amanda-crowell-51188130/

What if the thing that hurts the most isn’t rejection itself, but how your brain processes it?In this emotionally resonant solo episode, host Alice Draper unpacks the lived experience of Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD): a lesser-known but deeply felt condition experienced by many, especially those with ADHD. Through childhood memories, Reddit stories, and peer-reviewed research, she explores why RSD feels like a punch in the gut, and what we can do to cope with it.Alice shares a painful moment from her teenage years that still echoes today: being excluded by a close friend in front of others, and the full-body shutdown that followed. It’s a familiar story for many people with rejection sensitive dysphoria ADHD, particularly rejection sensitive dysphoria women navigating friendships, love, and work in a world that often mistakes sensitivity for weakness.You’ll hear from others too: Stories pulled from rejection sensitive dysphoria Reddit communities that reveal just how common and debilitating these experiences are. Alice also walks through evidence-backed strategies pulled from a rejection sensitive dysphoria workbook by Neurodivergent Insights, and introduces a free rejection sensitive dysphoria test that listeners can use to assess their own experience.Whether you're searching how to cope with rejection sensitive dysphoria, how to overcome rejection sensitive dysphoria, or curious about rejection sensitive dysphoria ADHD treatment options, this episode offers understanding, science, and self-compassion in equal measure.If you’ve ever felt “too sensitive,” this conversation will help you feel a little more seen, and a lot less alone.What We Cover:What rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD) actually is—and why it’s not just about being overly sensitiveThe neuroscience behind why social rejection activates the same part of the brain as physical painA deeply personal story from Alice’s teenage years and how those feelings still show up todayRaw, relatable Reddit posts from people living with RSDThe staggering statistic that children with ADHD hear 20,000 more negative messages by age 10 (via Dr. William Dodson)A reputable, expert-backed rejection sensitive dysphoria test you can take to assess your symptomsA resource-rich article from Neurodivergent Insights that doubles as a rejection sensitive dysphoria workbookTools and strategies for emotional regulation, black-and-white thinking, and self-compassionWhen (and how) to seek professional help—and what to know about ADHD treatment for rejection sensitive dysphoriaChapters:00:00 Understanding Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD)04:28 Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria Reddit Stories07:50 How Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria Ended A Friendship Of Mine10:54 Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria Test: An Overview11:47 Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria Workbook12:16 How To Cope With Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria16:18 Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria Regulation Techniques18:13 Case Study On How To Overcome Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria21:33 Seeking Professional Help and Support for Rejection Sensitive DysphoriaResources mentioned:🧠 Take the RSD test by ADDitude Magazine: https://www.additudemag.com/rejection-sensitive-dysphoria-adhd-symptom-test📄 Use this article as a rejection sensitive dysphoria workbook: Neurodivergent Insights - How To Deal With RSD🔍 Read the full article on the 20,000-message stat by Dr. William Dodson: ADDitude article💬 Browse experiences in the rejection sensitivity dysphoria Reddit and rejection sensitive dysphoria ADHD women communities: r/ADHDwomen

What happens when success becomes a prison?In this candid and soul-baring episode, bestselling author and branding expert Jessica Zweig opens up about the emotional cost of staying in a business that no longer aligned with her truth. She shares the moment she realized it was more painful to stay than to leave—and what followed was a journey of healing, identity loss, and radical self-reinvention.Jessica speaks about the real-life complexities of leaving a business partnership without an agreement, navigating debt in entrepreneurship, and the slow unraveling that comes when you’ve built something that no longer serves your growth. Through her story, we unpack what it really means to change your life—not through hustle, but through alignment.This episode will resonate deeply with anyone feeling stuck, burnt out, or silently questioning the cost of their own ambition.What We Cover:Why Jessica left her first company, even though it looked like a dream from the outsideThe emotional and financial aftermath of splitting a business partnership with no formal exit planThe toll of chronic burnout and situational depression—despite outward “success”How to begin healing when your identity has been tied to achievementThe meaning of spiritual entrepreneurship and how Jessica integrates it into her life todayPractices that supported her transformation and helped her change her life for the betterWhat sovereignty means—and why it’s not a luxury, but a necessityChapters:00:00 – Intro03:15 – The rejection that shaped her confidence06:42 – Building a business from burnout09:30 – Leaving a business partnership without an agreement13:20 – The illusion of success vs. internal collapse17:00 – Depression, debt, and detangling identity from output24:45 – Spiritual awakenings and redefining ambition30:11 – What is a spiritual entrepreneur?34:52 – How to change your life in 30 days40:28 – Letting go of hustle culture for nervous system healing46:05 – How Jessica lives in alignment todayQuotes That Hit Hard:💬 "The pain of staying was greater than the pain of leaving."💬 "I was succeeding outwardly and dying internally."💬 "I walked away with no plan—and found myself in the process."💬 "We are sovereign. We just forget."Resources Mentioned:Jessica’s website: www.jessicazweig.comJessica on Instagram: @jessicazweigJessica’s podcast: The Spiritual Hustler

In this short and powerful replay, ADHD coach, creator, and author Meredith Carder explains why masking happens, what ADHD masking symptoms look like, and how to make strategic choices about when to mask and when to unmask. Many people with ADHD mask their symptoms (at work, with friends, or in public) to fit in and avoid judgment. But masking comes at a cost, and for some, it can lead to ADHD masking burnout. Meredith shares practical ADHD masking examples and her “low-reward masking” approach for reducing the energy drain of constant self-monitoring. We also talk about finding masking accommodations that help you function without burning out, and how community can ease ADHD friendship struggles, ADHD friendship issues, and help you build genuine ADHD friendship groups.The conversation then shifts to ADHD rejection sensitive dysphoria (also called ADHD rejection sensitivity disorder), including what’s happening in the brain during perceived rejection, why rejection sensitive dysphoria in ADHD women can feel especially intense, and how emotional regulation and ADHD are connected. Meredith shares tools for increasing rejection tolerance, the role of executive functioning in ADHD women, and how to apply these strategies in daily life.If you’ve ever looked up an ADHD masking questionnaire, searched for ways to prevent burnout, or wondered how to deal with RSD in a relationship, this episode will give you practical insights and compassionate perspective.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeThe risks of constant masking and signs of ADHD masking burnoutHow to identify ADHD masking symptoms in yourselfReal-life ADHD masking examples that can actually helpMeredith’s “low-reward masking” approach to conserving energyHow to find masking accommodations that support your needsNavigating ADHD friendship struggles, ADHD friendship issues, and building ADHD friendship groupsUnderstanding ADHD rejection sensitive dysphoria and ADHD rejection sensitivity disorderWhy rejection sensitive dysphoria in ADHD women can feel differentTools for emotional regulation and ADHDThe connection between executive functioning in ADHD women and rejection toleranceHow to deal with RSD in a relationship and practical steps to reduce its impactLinks & ResourcesFollow Meredith Carder on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hummingbird_adhd/Read Meredith’s book on adult ADHD: It All Makes Sense Now: Embrace your ADHD brain to live a creative and colorful lifeSubscribe to Meredith's Substacks: Meredith Carder Substack and It All Makes Sense Now SubstackTake an ADHD masking questionnaire to explore your own masking patterns: https://www.bhcsmt.com/aammChapters:01:33 The dangers of masking03:35 How masking can be beneficial04:10 Meredith’s “low-reward masking” approach06:30 Finding masking accommodations07:35 ADHD friendship struggles and friendship groups09:06 Understanding ADHD rejection sensitive dysphoria11:31 What’s happening in the brain during perceived rejection12:46 Emotional regulation and ADHD14:10 Executive functioning in ADHD women and cognitive inflexibility16:07 Why self-awareness matters for managing RSD18:33 How to deal with RSD in a relationship and improve rejection tolerance20:30 Lifestyle factors that increase emotional resilience

Christine Platt boldly embraces the power of less. She has written more than two dozen books, and spent more than 20 years advocating for social justice and the environment in academia, governments, non-profits and the private sector. After writing The Afrominimalist’s Guide to Living with Less,she became widely known as the Afro-minimalist, a black woman who started a movement. In the book, she radically revisions minimalism, integrating it with history and heritage. In this episode, Christine Platt explores how rejection can lead us to tell self-limiting stories about ourselves. By reframing these rejection stories, we can open up opportunities for personal transformation. She reflects on the development of self-awareness and resilience, and highlights the role of self-talk, and language in letting go of limiting beliefs. She describes the discomfort of learning to “be” instead of constantly “doing” which had led her to a state of overwhelm.  She touches on the pandemic and proposes that we are still going through an unspoken cycle of collective grief - that needs attention.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Christine Platt and Her Journey01:00 The Gift of Parental Support and Career Freedom03:04 Transitioning from Doing to Being06:09 Navigating Uncertainty and Life Cycles10:04 Rejection Stories and Their Impact12:01 The Power of Reframing Rejection17:53 Finding Meaning in Lowest Lows and Highest Highs33:03 Understanding Rejection Stories38:01 The Journey of Self-Discovery42:17 The Importance of Introspection45:53 Navigating Collective Grief56:30 Building Community and ConnectionResources and Links:Her new book “Less Is Liberation: Finding Freedom from a Life of Overwhelm” will be released in October 2025 and you can pre-order here: https://www.amazon.com/Less-Liberation-Finding-Freedom-Overwhelm/dp/153875830X Instagram: @iamchristineplattSubscribe to Christine’s Substack: https://christineplatt.substack.com/To find out more about Christine Platt visit: https://www.iamchristineplatt.com/ 

This episode is personal, vulnerable, and messy — for a reason.Alice reflects on the fear of saying the wrong thing, the rejection that often follows speaking up, and what happened when influencer Jenna Kutcher finally broke her silence on Palestine.This is a conversation about rejection, shame, activism, and the paralysis of perfectionism in the age of public scrutiny.Chapters:00:00 Opening — fear, paralysis, and why this episode feels scary01:23 Jenna Kutcher’s post on Gaza03:00 Background information on Palestine04:40 Silence after October 7 and influencer inaction06:32 Why some people don’t speak up08:40 The impossible expectations around speaking out10:50 The science of rejection and how it relates to activism12:36 Self-affirmation theory and how it helps us take action14:03 Personal reflection on sharing imperfect thoughts15:42 Final thoughts — rejection, risk, and showing up anywayResources & Mentions:Jenna Kutcher’s Instagram post:https://www.instagram.com/p/DMmA5sbOYG5/?igsh=MTRyOTBpZnR3eHFndw==Alice’s interview with Sarah Rice on This Changes Everything:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/learning-to-reject-rejection/id1640548625?i=1000708545091Scientific American: Study on why rejection activates the same brain regions as physical pain:https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-we-are-wired-to-connect/APA article on self-affirmation theory:https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2007-19538-004

Your loneliness isn't weakness, it's love without a home.In this raw and reflective episode, writer and mindset coach Katie Horwitch joins Alice to explore the emotional roots of identity, self-talk, loneliness, and healing. Katie shares her journey from childhood eating disorders to building a platform that helps others shift their inner narratives—without sugarcoating the messiness of that process.Together, they dive into the stories we tell ourselves when we’re rejected, the parts of us we learn to perform, and why so many high-functioning people are secretly lonely.You’ll hear:Why Katie says “loneliness is love with nowhere to go”How eating disorders were a way to create control and connectionThe cost of being the “good girl” in every roomWhy self-love isn’t the same as self-likeWhat happens when recognition doesn't feel like belongingHow to break fluency in negative self-talk—and learn a new emotional languageThis episode is a compassionate and cutting look at how we reject ourselves before anyone else can—and what it takes to stop.Chapters:00:50 Intro03:02 When Katie realized her dream no longer fit07:44 How eating disorders became a survival strategy10:55 Performing perfection and the cost of control14:20 “I was fluent in shame”16:12 Loneliness as a side effect of masking18:49 Rebuilding identity after letting go of the stage23:03 Self-talk as a learned language26:57 What happens when we stop performing healing30:14 Why recognition felt hollow without real connection34:30 Holding high standards and self-compassion38:08 Katie’s approach to rebuilding community and belonging42:10 Where to find Katie and her workResources & Links:Katie’s book: Want YourselfWebsite: katiehorwitch.comFollow Katie on Instagram: @katiehorwitch

Heartbreak doesn’t just feel like withdrawal. It is withdrawal.In this short, powerful replay, psychologist and author Guy Winch explains why breakups hurt so much and why trying to “stay friends” with your ex might be sabotaging your recovery.He breaks down the neuroscience of heartbreak, compares it to addiction, and shares why going cold turkey - unfollowing, muting, and cutting contact - isn’t dramatic. It’s necessary.You’ll hear:Why heartbreak activates the same brain regions as physical painThe science behind why you’re obsessively thinking about your exHow heartbreak mimics the brain patterns of drug withdrawalWhy unfollowing your ex is a psychological intervention, not a petty moveWhat to do instead of re-reading old messages or checking their feedThis is a must-listen if you, or someone you love, can’t stop going back to the ghost of a relationship.Resources & Mentions:Guy Winch’s TED Talk: How to Fix a Broken Heart, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0GQSJrpVhM&pp=0gcJCfwAo7VqN5tDBook: How to Fix a Broken Heart, https://www.amazon.com/How-Fix-Broken-Heart-Books/dp/1501120123 Podcast: Dear Therapists, https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dear-therapists-with-lori-gottlieb-and-guy-winch/id1523340696Website: guywinch.com

What if every tiny criticism (real or imagined) felt like a full-body betrayal?In this validating and deeply personal episode, ADHD educator and author Jesse J. Anderson joins Alice to unpack what rejection-sensitive dysphoria (RSD) really feels like, and how it’s shaped his relationships, self-perception, and emotional responses.Jesse shares how RSD used to hijack his nervous system, leading to blow-ups in conversations with his wife and shame spirals that lasted for days. But over time, he’s learned to pause, name what’s happening, and create space for a different response.You’ll hear:How RSD distorts emotional cues and triggers emotional overwhelmWhy Jesse used to “blow up” and what he does differently nowThe therapist phrase that helped him access logic in the middle of a spiralWhat happens when ADHDers interpret normal conflict as deep rejectionWhy emotional regulation looks different for ADHD brains, and why it mattersHow Jesse’s layoff pushed him to lean on community instead of hidingThis episode is a must-listen for anyone with ADHD—or anyone who loves someone with it.Chapters:00:50 Intro02:21 Jesse on being the “bad kid” with undiagnosed ADHD05:33 What rejection-sensitive dysphoria (RSD) actually feels like10:10 The therapist phrase that changed everything13:55 ADHD and marriage: how Jesse nearly blew it17:42 Learning to pause before blowing up21:05 Jesse’s “hand over mouth” moment23:18 Getting laid off and going public26:50 The healing power of community31:45 Why ADHD friendships often fall apart35:22 Jesse’s app idea for remembering friends38:10 Grieving the ADHD kid you were41:03 How Jesse shows up differently now45:12 Where to find Jesse and his workResources & Links:Jesse's book, Extra Focus: https://www.amazon.com/Extra-Focus-Quick-Start-Guide/dp/B0CGKL5FGFFollow Jesse on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adhdjesse/Follow Jesse's Substack: https://substack.com/@adhdjesse

Why do we still fear being left out, even in safe, loving friendships?In this solo episode, Alice opens up about a vivid dream that left her in tears and the deeper fears it uncovered. Despite being a grown adult with supportive relationships, her subconscious still clings to the belief that one day, the people she loves might just… stop loving her.This episode dives into the science behind social rejection, the wounds we carry from childhood friendship dynamics, and what rejection-sensitive dysphoria looks like in everyday life (yes, even in dreams). With warmth, insight, and zero toxic positivity, Alice shares how she copes when the fear of being unwanted comes roaring back.You’ll hear:Why our brains process rejection like physical painThe childhood friendship that left a mark—and still shows up in dreamsHow rejection-sensitive dysphoria impacts friendships and self-trustWhy “rejection = redirection” isn’t always helpfulPractical ways to cope with perceived rejection without spiralingWhy diversifying your identity makes rejection hurt lessThis one’s for anyone who’s ever walked away from a group hang wondering, “Did I say something wrong?” or reread a text thread five times to confirm they weren’t being iced out.Chapters:00:50 The dream that triggered this episode03:12 Why safe friendships still feel unsafe sometimes06:40 The science of rejection and why it physically hurts10:45 Childhood friendship wounds and feeling ousted15:05 Why I still carry those fears into adulthood17:00 Lessons from Sarah Rice on dealing with mass rejection20:22 How to cope when social media amplifies rejection23:05 You don’t need to find the lesson right away25:19 Feeling grief and gratitude at the same time28:14 Why nuance matters: people aren't all good or all bad31:08 Diversifying your identity to soften the sting34:35 Reflections on nine months of podcasting36:45 A thank you, and what's next for the showResources:Cyberball study on social rejection (a meta-analysis)My Rejection Story Interview with Whitney Goodman on Toxic PositivityAlice Draper's Interview on Sarah Rice's Podcast "This Changes Everything"Email Alice: [email protected]

What would you do if a media giant stole your idea—and then went viral with it?In this deeply personal and surprisingly funny episode, Alice sits down with Marina Iakovleva, the creator of Dating Beyond Borders, a wildly popular YouTube channel with over 675,000 subscribers. Marina built her brand from a scrappy video experiment in Panama to a global platform exploring intercultural relationships—and she did it without a team, a big budget, or any media backing.But along the way, her ideas were copied by Buzzfeed and other production companies with massive teams and bigger marketing power. Instead of quitting, she pivoted—and found a new format that reignited her creativity and brought her closer to her audience than ever before.You’ll hear:How a three-day vacation romance inspired Marina’s entire businessWhat she did after Buzzfeed copied her video concept (and commenters said she was the copycat)Why she pivoted from studio shoots to street interviews—and never looked backHer honest take on the loneliness of digital nomad life and not having a place to call “home”Why you’re more attractive when you’re in a city you actually likeHow to make peace with fractured identity—and keep showing up anywayThis is an episode about content, connection, and carving your own lane when no one hands you a map.Chapters:00:50 Intro02:44 Being the anxious kid and earliest rejections05:53 Why teaching felt safe—but wrong08:13 Choosing regret minimization over predictability13:41 “Where do I belong?”—living between cultures24:49 The vacation romance that started it all27:40 How Sebastian the German became Marina’s origin story31:09 Building a business from rejection36:20 How she grew to 100K+ subscribers in under a year43:49 The Rebel Wilson problem—pivoting when your audience doesn’t want you to48:54 Buzzfeed, copycats, and being accused of stealing your own idea51:13 What to do when you’re the underdog in a production war56:25 Boundaries, burnout, and reactivity in business01:00:08 How Marina approaches content growth (and why obsession > perfection)01:05:16 Where to find Marina and hire her as a speakerMarina’s YouTube: Dating Beyond BordersMarina’s podcast: Dating Beyond Borders PodcastMarina’s book: Sex Before Coffee: A Guide to Dating in ScandinaviaSpeaking inquiries: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/marina-iakovleva-dbb

Why does criticism feel like a punch to the gut when you have ADHD? And why do so many women with ADHD go undiagnosed for decades?In this bold and eye-opening episode, bestselling author and podcast host Tracy Otsuka joins Alice to unpack how rejection shows up in the ADHD brain, and why it’s often misunderstood, minimized, or masked.Tracy shares the brain science behind rejection-sensitive dysphoria, the gendered shame baked into our understanding of ADHD, and how her son’s diagnosis ultimately led to her own. You’ll hear candid stories of failure, identity shifts, and the powerful moment a psychologist told her to lower her expectations for her child.You’ll hear:What rejection does to the ADHD brain (and why your mind feels like it “goes offline”)The truth behind why girls often go undiagnosed until adulthoodHow masking, people-pleasing, and perfectionism fuel burnoutThe timer trick Tracy swears by for getting started (even when it feels impossible)Why ADHD is not a productivity problem—it’s an identity oneThis is an episode about shame, stigma, and how to rewrite your internal narrative, on your terms.Chapters:00:50 Intro01:18 The label 'too much' and early rejection03:38 Shame, gender norms, and ADHD in women06:53 What happens in the ADHD brain during rejection10:28 Learned helplessness and internalized criticism12:44 Why girls are misdiagnosed with anxiety and depression13:41 Hormones, dopamine, and maturity-onset ADHD17:02 Moving from inaction to identity-based action22:26 Fun, challenging, and social—the ADHD productivity trifecta25:52 Building a trustworthy identity with micro-habits30:31 Tracy’s time cube hack for procrastination35:00 How her son's diagnosis led to her own38:28 “Your son is too ambitious”—a psychologist’s rejection42:34 How diagnosis changed Tracy’s self-perception45:14 The rejection that comes from not trusting yourself50:50 Where to find Tracy and her workResources & Links:Tracy’s book: ADHD for Smart Ass WomenTracy’s podcast: ADHD for Smart Ass WomenWebsite & Programs: ADHDforSmartWomen.com

What if success wasn't the reward for grinding through work—but the result of actually enjoying it?In this candid and deeply insightful episode, multi-time founder and former Airbnb leader Jason Silver joins Alice to unpack the often backwards narratives we hold about work, ambition, and rejection.Jason shares the raw story of crashing his startup—and the surprising way that failure led to a life-changing opportunity at Airbnb. He also dives into the neuroscience behind why so many people regret changing jobs, what "hedonic adaptation" has to do with your career dissatisfaction, and how he redefined productivity after a personal tragedy.You’ll hear:Why Jason believes enjoyment is a practice, not a perkHow he almost got fired after presenting the “perfect” plan to Airbnb leadershipA dead-simple question that helped him 9x his resultsThe personal loss that transformed how he approached work and lifePractical frameworks for finding more energy, meaning, and satisfaction in your current jobThis is an episode about failure, but also about designing a working life you don’t need to escape from.Chapters:00:50 Intro02:44 Why quitting your job doesn’t make you happier06:26 Hedonic adaptation at work09:22 The difference between fun and enjoyment13:34 Doing the same task differently19:45 The iPhone list exercise28:00 The 10x Airbnb challenge35:57 What would need to be true?41:46 Defining rejection43:52 Crashing a startup52:24 The grief that changed everything59:51 How Jason has changed1:03:13 Advice to enjoy growing a podcastResources & Links:Jason’s website: thejasonsilver.comJason’s book: Your Grass Is Greener – yourgrassisgreener.comFollow Jason on LinkedIn: Jason Silver

Uncertainty can feel like standing on the edge of a cliff, waiting for instructions that never arrive.In this solo episode, Alice reflects on her early career decision to turn down traditional jobs and lean into freelancing—not because it felt brave, but because it made a strange kind of sense. Years later, she’s still navigating the discomfort of not-knowing, and learning to stay present through the fog.This is a gentle, personal reflection on:The subtle self-rejection baked into chasing certaintyHow clarity doesn’t always come with a five-step planMicro-decisions that help you feel more groundedWhy uncertainty often brings up shame, even when we’re doing the “right” thingAlice also shares tools that help her hold the discomfort without rushing through it—like labeling what’s still certain, making room for nuance, and trusting that inner clarity takes time.🎧 If you're in the middle of a career shift, life decision, or quiet personal reckoning… this one’s for you.

with Senamile ZunguIn this episode, Alice sits down with her best friend Senamile Zungu for the most personal conversation ever recorded on My Rejection Story. Sena opens up about what it took to unravel—and survive—after years of perfectionism, people-pleasing, and pushing through pain.From two psychiatric hospitalizations to setting boundaries that cost her relationships, this is the story of what happens when a woman chooses herself for the very first time.Together, Alice and Sena reflect on friendship, anger, grief, and the violent pressure to be everything to everyone. It’s a raw and unfiltered conversation about burnout, identity loss, and what it takes to reinvent your life from scratch.This episode is about loving someone through the ugliest seasons of their life—and holding onto yourself when the world tells you to disappear.In This Episode, We Cover:Why burnout was just the symptom—and how much deeper the wound wentWhat people-pleasing costs you (and who you have to grieve to stop doing it)What it’s like to survive a suicide attempt and still feel like a burdenThe rage that comes when you finally stop self-abandoningWhy boundaries feel like betrayal—even when they’re saving your lifeHow it feels to lose family, faith, and career—and still want to try againWhat it means to be witnessed in your full, messy, human selfThis episode is about loving someone through the ugliest seasons of their life—and holding onto yourself when the world tells you to disappear.Links & Resources:🎧 Listen to Sena’s podcast, Colour-fullhttps://pod.link/1736137543📘 Read: When The Body Says No by Dr. Gabor Matéhttps://www.amazon.com/When-Body-Says-Understanding-Stress-Disease/dp/0470923350📱 Follow Senamile on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/sena_zungu/💼 Connect with Senamile on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/senamile-zungu-a8375627a/Chapters:00:00 The Friendship Behind the Mic06:11 What Burnout Really Looked Like10:42 Surviving Hospitalization—and the Shame That Follows15:33 People-Pleasing and the Loss of Self21:58 Rage, Religion, and Rejection26:40 What Happens When You Start Saying No32:14 Grieving Who You Used to Be36:59 The Rebuild: Boundaries, Healing, and a New Kind of Success41:46 How to Love Someone Who’s Falling Apart47:18 Being Seen and Loved in the Middle of the Mess

We all know we’re going to die. So why do we live like we have unlimited time?In this episode, author and life design coach Jodi Wellman joins Alice to talk about the surprising power of using your mortality as a motivator for living a bigger, bolder life. Jodi shares how rejection, boredom, and “just fine” living are often symptoms of a life stuck in autopilot—and how death can wake us up to the urgency of now.From the “stapler moment” that made Jodi realize she was stuck in a corporate loop she didn’t want, to the mindset shift that helped her trade regret for action, this is a conversation about the kind of clarity that only comes when you confront the one truth we’re all avoiding: our time is running out.If you’ve been postponing joy, waiting to feel ready, or secretly wondering if this is all there is—this episode is for you.Resources & Links:📘 Order Jodi’s Book: You Only Die Once, https://www.amazon.com/You-Only-Die-Once-Regrets/dp/0316574279 🌐 Learn more about Jodi’s work:https://www.fourthousandmondays.com/Chapters:00:00 The Moment Jodi Realized She Was Sleepwalking Through Life06:45 Refilling the Stapler—and Other Signs You’re Playing It Safe11:33 Death as a Productivity Tool16:58 Why Rejection Is Better Than Regret23:40 How to Stop Waiting to Feel Ready30:22 The “Monday Countdown” That Will Change Your Perspective36:50 Designing a Life That Feels Fully Alive42:14 Jodi’s Final Question: What Would You Do If You Knew You Were Dying?

What happens when you reach the next level—and feel worse, not better?In this episode, confidence coach and podcast host Nicole Kalil shares the story of climbing the corporate ladder, earning the promotion she thought she wanted… and realizing she was completely misaligned with the life she was building.We talk about what it’s like to have external success and internal disconnection, why so many women feel like frauds in rooms they worked hard to enter, and how Nicole began untangling her identity from titles, praise, and other people’s expectations.This episode is for anyone who’s ever thought, “If I’m doing everything right, why does it still feel wrong?”LinksThis is Women's Work Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-is-womans-work-with-nicole-kalil/id1493225373Nicole's website: https://nicolekalil.com/Order Nicole's book, Validation Is For Parking: https://www.amazon.com/Validation-Parking-Women-Beat-Confidence/dp/1544532695Chapters00:00 Introduction & Confidence vs. Appearance03:27 Why Success Didn’t Feel Like Success07:53 The Breaking Point After Her Promotion10:01 The Messy Middle of Rebuilding Confidence14:20 Defining Confidence as Internal Trust18:42 From Achievement Addiction to Alignment23:50 Rejection Sensitivity and People-Pleasing27:33 The Book Launch Disaster: A Meltdown Moment32:00 The Invisible Rejections of Publishing36:51 Why She Doesn’t Lead With “Author”39:13 Writing a Book = Birthing a Business Baby42:23 How the Book Changed Her Business47:22 Social Media, Comparison & Mental Health50:44 Quitting Instagram—and What Happened Next53:13 The Podcast as Her Most Authentic Platform56:11 The “Secret Society” of Top Podcasters59:42 Does the Podcast Make Money? (And Why She Keeps Going)1:02:31 How to Find Nicole & What to Do Next

What happens when everything you’ve worked for starts to feel misaligned—but you’re too successful to quit and too scared to stay?In this episode, Kelli Thompson, leadership coach and author of Closing the Confidence Gap, returns to the show to talk about the messy middle—what she calls the “Poop Soup” phase—when clarity hasn’t arrived, but your gut already knows it’s time for change.Kelli shares the story of her own career pivot, the rejection that woke her up, and the internal unraveling that followed. We talk about why doubt is a feature, not a flaw, how to recognize the difference between fear and dread, and why some of the most important decisions in life come down to choosing peace over resentment.If you’re stuck in limbo, secretly fantasizing about burning it all down, or waiting for someone to give you permission—this episode is for you.Resources & Links:📘 Kelli’s book, Closing the Confidence Gaphttps://www.amazon.com/Closing-Confidence-Gap-Potential-Paycheck/dp/1637554206🎙 More from Kelli Thompsonhttps://www.kelliraethompson.com/📧 Grab Kelli's success toolkithttps://kelliraethompson.myflodesk.com/Chapters:00:00 The Rejection That Sparked a Career Change06:18 What “Poop Soup” Feels Like12:40 When Confidence Isn’t the Problem—Clarity Is17:33 Choosing Peace Over Resentment23:59 The Danger of But-First Thinking31:21 What Happens When You Wait Too Long38:05 Kelli’s Rule for Making Hard Decisions42:47 Why Doubt Is a Sign of Growth48:20 The Aftermath of Walking Away

Why did so many of us grow up believing we were too loud, too hairy, too much?In this episode, journalist, author, and personal essayist Iman Hariri-Kia joins Alice to unpack how early media shaped our shame—and how she’s spent her adult life writing herself out of it. From reading Cosmo and Seventeen at an age when she barely understood her own body, to publishing her debut novel and watching it become eerily prophetic, Iman shares what it means to unlearn cultural conditioning, take up space on your own terms, and write the stories you never saw growing up.They talk about beauty, desirability, being “passable,” and the exhausting performance of palatability. Iman opens up about how her work in personal essays helped her process identity shame—and how it also left her overexposed and burned out.This episode is for anyone who’s ever felt unseen, unchosen, or forced to shrink themselves just to belong.Links & Resources:📚 Read Iman’s debut novel, A Hundred Other Girls: https://www.amazon.com/Hundred-Other-Girls-Novel/dp/1728247950/📚 Read Iman's sophomore novel, The Most Famous Girl in the World: https://www.amazon.com/Most-Famous-Girl-World-Novel/dp/1728270618/📝 Follow Iman on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/imanharirikia/📰 More of Iman’s writing:https://www.imanharirikia.com/Chapters:00:00 The Shame We Inherited From Teen Magazines06:40 When Representation Still Centers Whiteness10:15 Trying to Be Passable—and The Cost of It13:33 Writing as a Way to Reclaim Power17:55 Personal Essays, Parasocial Fatigue, and Overexposure23:44 From Cultural Shame to Public Voice27:52 The Scam Economy and Who We Forgive31:20 On Writing a Novel That Became Uncomfortably Real35:05 Rejection, Resilience, and Starting Over in Publishing

What do you do when business slows down, your confidence wavers, and you're tempted to disappear?In this solo episode, Alice gets real about what it looks like to keep showing up in uncertain time, not because things feel easy or clear, but because she’s learned how to minimize regret, even when momentum stalls.She shares the mental tug-of-war between self-protection and putting yourself out there, how internal rejection creeps in when you're not paying attention, and the one mindset shift that helps her stay in motion, even when fear tells her to pause everything.If you’re wondering whether it’s worth it to keep showing up, this episode is for you.In This Episode, Alice Covers:The invisible cost of hiding when things feel hardWhy perfectionism is just rejection in disguiseThe regret minimization strategy she uses in business (and life)The power of internal rejection—and how to spot it before it stalls youHow to get back in motion when everything feels uncertainQuestions to ask yourself before hitting pauseChapters:00:00 When You're Tempted to Disappear04:12 What Regret Minimization Actually Looks Like07:56 Hiding as a Coping Strategy10:10 Is It Rest or Is It Resistance?13:42 How Internal Rejection Shows Up in Business16:55 Catching the Ostrich Before It Takes Over19:37 Taking Imperfect Action (Even If It Doesn't Feel Strategic)22:50 This Season Might Be Slow—But That Doesn’t Mean You Should Stop

What happens when you're known for helping people feel seen—but suddenly, you're the one being misunderstood?In this episode, therapist and bestselling author Whitney Goodman joins Alice to talk about the emotional labor of being visible online, the backlash that followed her viral posts, and how she’s built resilience without losing authenticity. But this conversation goes far beyond internet culture.They unpack the hidden costs of toxic positivity, how emotional suppression shows up in our daily lives, what denial really feels like inside a family system, and why we need better tools for handling discomfort. Whitney also shares her most personal rejection stories—from being publicly “dragged” to quietly questioning whether she could keep showing up.Whether you're navigating rejection, burnout, visibility, or vulnerability—this episode is packed with honesty, nuance, and relief.Resources & LinksOrder Whitney’s BookToxic Positivity: Keeping It Real in a World Obsessed with Being Happy amazon.com/Toxic-Positivity-Keeping-World-Obsessed/dp/0593542754/Join Whitney’s CommunityCalling Home: https://www.callinghome.coFollow Whitney OnlineInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sitwithwhitTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@whitneygoodmanlmftChapters00:00 The Hidden Rejection of Being Misunderstood02:27 Why We Reach for Positivity in the Wrong Moments06:32 “Everything Happens for a Reason” and Other Harmful Messages12:14 Toxic Positivity as a Coping Strategy18:52 How Emotional Suppression Becomes Exhausting22:57 The False Comfort of Certainty28:11 What It’s Like to Be Misunderstood by Thousands35:50 The First Time Whitney Got Dragged Online41:57 Her Relationship With Rejection Today48:33 How She Keeps Showing Up Anyway

Why does sharing your story feel like standing naked in a room full of strangers?In this solo episode, Alice reflects on the hidden vulnerability behind visibility. She shares the behind-the-scenes truth of how she promotes her own brand and books guests like Guy Winch and Neil Patel, how most great pitches begin with fear, and what to do when visibility feels like a personal attack.From recounting a brutal rejection that left her physically sick to explaining how storytelling makes your work more compelling (but more exposing), Alice breaks down how to pitch yourself, how to emotionally survive it, and why the fear of being seen is something we all have to learn to live with.If you’ve ever said “I know I need to put myself out there, but…”—this one is for you.Resources Mentioned:📄 Grab Alice’s pitch template:https://hustlingwriters.com/template📬 Contact Alice for consults or agency support:[email protected] or [email protected]://hustlingwriters.comChapters:00:00 The Six-Month Mark & What You Didn’t See Behind the Scenes04:15 Pitching Vulnerability: Why It’s So Uncomfortable06:35 When Clients Don’t Want to Share Their Story08:57 Visibility That Feels Aligned11:23 Are You Avoiding Visibility—Or Is Something Else Misaligned?13:40 Pricing, Accessibility, and What Made Podcasting Feel Right16:00 The Rejection Story That Gets Alice Booked on Top Podcasts20:00 How to Hook People with a Vulnerable Story24:40 What to Include in Your Pitch (and Where to Get the Template)27:36 Facing Uncertainty and Rejection Head-On30:36 The Most Brutal Rejection Alice Ever Got32:57 Find Your Front Row—Why Community Is Everything35:12 Rejection Challenges, Pitch Tracking, and Why It’s All Worth It

What if your fear of rejection isn’t a flaw—but a survival strategy passed down through generations?This week’s guest is Vera Milan Gervais, a speaker, author, and success mentor who has spent her life pushing against the systems that tried to define her. From being disowned by her father at 19 to rewriting the story of a childhood medical trauma, Vera has learned how to reclaim power in the face of rejection.In this episode, she shares the scientific and ancestral roots of rejection sensitivity, the ways women are taught to reject first before being rejected, and what it means to finally become yourself—even if you were told you were defective from the start.If you’ve ever been called “too much,” if you’ve ever muted yourself to stay safe, if you’ve ever rejected a dream before it had the chance to reject you—this conversation will meet you there.In This Episode, We Cover:Why women are wired to fear rejection—and how it ties to historical survivalThe “identity ceiling” that keeps us from becoming who we truly areWhat happened when Vera’s father called her the black sheepThe medical trauma that became her first memoryHow we self-abandon in order to stay lovableWhy rewriting your story might mean confronting everything you were taughtLinks & Resources:Find Vera’s work and coaching offerings:https://veragervais.comRead The Wordz We Wear on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Wordz-We-Wear-confidence-create/dp/1998754448/Chapters:00:00 How Rejection Sensitivity Becomes a Survival Strategy06:45 “We Were Bait Without a Man”: The Female Social Conditioning Around Rejection13:20 When Women Pre-Reject Themselves to Stay Safe19:12 “My Father Called Me the Black Sheep”24:08 Getting Married Young—and Being Disowned for Leaving26:58 The Childhood Medical Trauma That Changed Everything33:41 The Real Meaning of Belonging and Self-Trust41:17 The Power of Rewriting Your Story

Hannah Brencher has built a career around sharing her life openly, but at what cost? In this episode, she gets brutally honest about the dark side of public vulnerability, the pressure to turn your life into content, and the raw reality of rejection.She shares the moment she realized she was burning out from oversharing, the painful lesson of being turned into content herself, and why one friend muted her on Instagram because her life seemed too perfect.Ever had a moment where you thought, maybe I should stop putting my life online? This episode is for you.In This Episode, We Cover:The moment Hannah realized her personal storytelling was harming her mental healthWhy social media makes friendships more complicated than everThe fear of rejection—and why it hurts so much when you're trying to be kindWhat happens when you stop seeking external validation onlineHow to be vulnerable without losing your sense of selfLinks & Resources:Read Hannah’s book The Unplugged Hours: https://www.amazon.com/Unplugged-Hours-Cultivating-Digitally-Connected/dp/0310367700Visit Hannah’s website: https://hannahbrencher.comJoin Hannah’s newsletter: https://hannahbrencher.com/newsletter/Follow Hannah on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannahbrencher/Chapters:00:00 Why Hannah Stopped Turning Her Life Into Content06:23 The Boyfriend Who Didn’t Want to Be “Content”12:45 The Blog Post That Ended a Friendship18:10 Rejected at the Doorstep—The Christmas Cookie Story24:35 A Therapist Was Discussing Hannah’s Depression in Someone Else’s Therapy Session30:52 The Friend Who Muted Her on Instagram38:17 Why Being the “Main Character” in Your Own Story Can Be Dangerous45:50 How to Protect Your Personal Life While Still Sharing Your StoryDon't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and tag us on Instagram with your thoughts on this episode.

In this episode of My Rejection Story, host Alice Draper speaks with therapist and author Jason VanRuler about the complexities of rejection, particularly in relationships. They discuss the importance of rewriting personal narratives, the necessity of grieving losses, and the journey towards authenticity. Jason shares his experiences with rejection and how they shaped his path to becoming a thought leader in the mental health space. The conversation emphasizes the value of community, the challenge of faulty beliefs, and the growth that comes from embracing rejection.Takeaways:You can rewrite your story and make it true.Grieving a future is a different kind of grief.Growth comes from feeling and grieving loss.It's better to share scars than wounds.You need a purpose greater than yourself to take risks.Simplicity scales, complexity fails.Practice saying no to build confidence.Surround yourself with people who uplift you.Rejection can prompt personal growth.Authenticity is key in relationships.For anyone listening, you can order a copy of Get Past Your Past on Amazon, here: https://a.co/d/gIGMvYQ I will also be giving away a copy to a listener who subscribes and reviews the podcast. You just need to email screenshots to [email protected] find out more about Jason VanRuler and his work, visit: https://www.jasonvr.com/ Follow Jason on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jason.vanruler/ 

Why is it so terrifying to truly try? According to writer and creative entrepreneur Jamie Varon, it’s because trying means opening yourself up to rejection. It’s easier to self-reject, to stay small, to convince yourself you didn’t really want it anyway. But what if the real risk isn’t rejection—it’s never trying at all?In this episode, Jamie and Alice unpack the deep emotional weight of putting yourself out there. They explore why self-rejection is often the biggest hurdle, how social media tricks us into idolizing effortless success, and what happens when you stop chasing external validation and start trusting yourself instead. Jamie shares the raw reality of her own career—the disappointments, the setbacks, and the turning point when she finally decided to stop letting rejection define her.If you’ve ever struggled with self-doubt or felt like giving up, this episode is your reminder that the only way forward is through.Find Jamie online:📖 Read Jamie’s Books:📕 Radically Content: Being Satisfied in an Endlessly Dissatisfied Worldhttps://www.amazon.com/Radically-Content-Satisfied-Endlessly-Dissatisfied/dp/B09VY6CLR6📘 Main Character Energyhttps://www.amazon.com/Main-Character-Energy-Jamie-Varon/dp/0778334201/🌎 Jamie’s Website:https://www.jamievaron.com📱 Follow Jamie on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/jamievaronChapters:00:00 The Fear of Self-Rejection05:27 Rewriting the Narrative After Failure12:45 Why Trying is a Vulnerable Act18:32 The External Validation Trap24:51 Effortless Success is a Myth—Here’s the Reality30:16 Building a Career on Resilience, Not Luck37:04 Radically Opting Out of Societal Conditioning43:18 The Fork in the Road: Do You Keep Going or Let Rejection Win?Let me know if you need any more tweaks!

💡 Why does thinness always seem to make a comeback?Chrissy King is a writer, speaker, and the author of The Body Liberation Project. She’s spent years examining the toxic cycles of diet culture, thin privilege, and body liberation—only to watch mainstream culture backslide into the same outdated beauty standards.In this episode, Chrissy and Alice discuss:✔ Why thinness is “back with a vengeance” and how body liberation lost momentum✔ The privilege of thinness—and the price Chrissy paid to maintain it✔ The diet industry’s billion-dollar lie and why it thrives on self-rejection✔ The emotional process of body grief & how to accept a changing body✔ How fear of visibility and self-rejection keep us from showing up in the world✔ Why rejection isn’t always bad—sometimes, it’s just redirectionIf you’ve ever struggled with body image, diet culture, or the pressure to shrink yourself, this episode is for you.📖 Read Her Book:The Body Liberation Project➡ Book Link:https://www.amazon.com/Body-Liberation-Project-Understanding-Collective-ebook/dp/B0B44P3BQV📰 Join Her Substack: Body Liberation For Real Life➡ Substack:https://chrissyking.substack.com🌍 Visit Her Website & Work With Her➡ Website:https://www.chrissyking.com📸 Follow Chrissy on Instagram & TikTok➡ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/iamchrissyking➡ TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@iamchrissyking00:00 Introduction – Why Thinness Is Back03:40 How the Body Liberation Movement Lost Momentum08:10 The Privilege of Thinness & The Price of Maintaining It12:55 The Billion-Dollar Lie: How The Diet Industry Thrives on Rejection18:20 Body Grief: How to Accept a Changing Body22:37 Why We Fear Visibility & How to Overcome Self-Rejection30:45 Rejection as Redirection: Chrissy’s Career Story37:20 Choosing a Child-Free Life & Facing Social Expectations45:00 Final Thoughts – How to Stop Shrinking Yourself📩 Loved this episode? Share your biggest takeaway on Instagram or LinkedIn and tag me! Subscribe & leave a review—it really helps the show grow!🔥 And if you’re struggling with body image, rejection, or self-doubt—know this: You are not the problem.Connect with Chrissy King:Chapters