Episodes
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What if the very struggles that once made you feel broken became the reason you could help others heal?
In this episode, Cynthia Coufal shares her deeply personal origin story—from growing up as a rebellious teen in a strict religious environment to becoming an educator and coach who helps teens navigate anxiety, self-discovery, and life's biggest transitions. Cynthia opens up about the years she spent believing she wasn't good enough, the impact of religious trauma, and the healing journey that followed divorce and finding a healthier sense of self.
Toby and Cynthia explore why so many teens feel misunderstood, how parents and children can learn to see situations from each other's perspectives, and why confidence often grows from self-awareness rather than achievement. Cynthia also shares insights from her coaching work, including the importance of meeting teens where they are, helping them regulate emotions, and supporting students as they transition into college and adulthood.
This conversation is a powerful reminder that our hardest experiences can become our greatest source of empathy, and that sometimes the people best equipped to guide others are the ones who've walked through the struggle themselves.
About Cynthia Coufal:
Cynthia Coufal is a teen anxiety coach, former educator, and host of The Teen Anxiety Maze podcast. Through one-on-one coaching, she helps teens and young adults build self-awareness, manage anxiety, strengthen confidence, and navigate major life transitions with greater clarity and resilience.
Connect with Cynthia:
🌐 Website: https://www.betterregulatethannever.com/
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthia-coufal-836a2236/
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cynthiacoufalcoaching/
💬 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cynthiacoufalcoaching
🎙 Podcast: https://www.betterregulatethannever.com/podcast
📹Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO9WBijdxeYpQSekM7RZYvA
🎁 Free Resource: https://cheerful-writer-462.kit.com/f48953fbed
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About Me: https://tobymyles.com/about/
Free Gift: The Nashville Method: 5-Day Storytelling Mini-Course
Subscribe to Her Origin Story on your favorite platform. New episodes every week with real, raw stories about the moments that started it all.
Episode Notes Footer:
Her Origin Story is produced by Toby Myles Copywriting, and podcast editor Ilorah Dela Cruz
All content © 2026 Toby Myles. All rights reserved. -
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What happens when the life you planned for yourself evolves into something completely different?
In this episode, Cindy Liebel shares her origin story, from dreaming of becoming a fashion designer as a child, to serving in the military, climbing the corporate ladder, and eventually building a successful career as a jewelry artist and entrepreneur. Cindy reflects on how travel, architecture, art, and fashion shaped her creative perspective, and why she believes it's okay if the path you choose at 20 isn't the one you follow forever.
Toby and Cindy also have an honest conversation about the realities of entrepreneurship, including the importance of accountability, the pressure of running a business alone, and the challenges of balancing work while navigating personal loss. Following the recent passing of her father, Cindy opens up about grief, resilience, and the practices that help her reconnect with creativity when life feels overwhelming.
This episode is a reminder that success isn't about having everything figured out; it's about continuing to grow, adapt, and create through every season of life.
About Cindy Liebel:
Cindy Liebel is the founder and designer behind Cindy Liebel Jewelry. Drawing inspiration from travel, architecture, art, and fashion, she creates handcrafted jewelry while sharing her passion for creativity, craftsmanship, and lifelong learning.
Connect with Cindy:
🌐 Website: https://cindyliebel.com/
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cindyliebeljewelry/
💬 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cindyliebeljewelry
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About Me: https://tobymyles.com/about/
Free Gift: The Nashville Method: 5-Day Storytelling Mini-Course
Subscribe to Her Origin Story on your favorite platform. New episodes every week with real, raw stories about the moments that started it all.
Episode Notes Footer:
Her Origin Story is produced by Toby Myles Copywriting, and podcast editor Ilorah Dela Cruz
All content © 2026 Toby Myles. All rights reserved. -
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Randi Kest’s story is about resilience, identity, and the courage to pivot midlife. After a layoff from her media career, she faced the challenge of redefining her path while navigating perimenopause, divorce, and self‑doubt. What began as uncertainty turned into a calling: supporting women through coaching, writing, and connection.
In this episode, Randi shares how mentors and communities helped her see strengths she couldn’t recognize on her own, why she views her layoff as both painful and liberating, and how she reframed shame into possibility. We talk about the winding path of career pivots, the importance of routines and community, and the power of staying open to what comes next.
About Randi Kest:
Randi Kest is a writer, coach, and former media professional who helps women navigate midlife transitions with purpose and connection. She blends her background in media with her passion for coaching to support identity shifts, resilience, and reinvention.
Connect with Randi:
🌐 Website: https://www.randikest.com/
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randi-kest/
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/randikest/
💬 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/randi.k.wheeler.9
📑 Substack: https://randikest.substack.com/
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About Me: https://tobymyles.com/about/
Free Gift: The Nashville Method: 5-Day Storytelling Mini-Course
Subscribe to Her Origin Story on your favorite platform. New episodes every week with real, raw stories about the moments that started it all.
Episode Notes Footer:
Her Origin Story is produced by Toby Myles Copywriting, and podcast editor Ilorah Dela Cruz
All content © 2026 Toby Myles. All rights reserved. -
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Amy Lokken’s story is one of reinvention, resilience, and soul‑led pivots. Growing up on a Wisconsin dairy farm taught her resourcefulness and creativity, lessons she carried into a career in retail design and eventually into launching Mood Modular, her award‑winning marketing display system. When life shifted, and she became the primary caregiver for her parents through cancer and Lewy body dementia, Amy turned her experience into a support group that helped families for over 15 years.
In this episode, Amy shares how those life chapters shaped her perspective, why she believes women need spaces to be “seen without being exposed,” and how The Amy Factor grew out of her desire to help others navigate heavy life experiences with authenticity and presence. Listeners will walk away with insights on resilience, caregiving, and the power of real connection.
About Amy Lokken:
Amy Lokken is an industrial designer, entrepreneur, and founder of The Amy Factor. She helps women and caregivers create space for authenticity and connection, blending her background in design, marketing, and lived caregiving experience into work that supports resilience and community.
Connect with Amy:
🌐 Website: https://theamyfactor.com/
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amylokken/
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theamylokken/
🎁 Free Resource: https://theamyfactor.com/the-sophisticated-caregiver/
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About Me: https://tobymyles.com/about/
Free Gift: The Nashville Method: 5-Day Storytelling Mini-Course
Subscribe to Her Origin Story on your favorite platform. New episodes every week with real, raw stories about the moments that started it all.
Episode Notes Footer:
Her Origin Story is produced by Toby Myles Copywriting, and podcast editor Ilorah Dela Cruz
All content © 2026 Toby Myles. All rights reserved. -
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Teresa Thomas has spent her life weaving connections that matter. From organizing arts celebrations in college to leading Women In Networking for over 20 years, her story is rooted in creating spaces where people feel valued and belong. In this episode, she shares how curiosity can replace transactional networking, why having a role or purpose makes connecting easier, and how her project 50 Fun Things grew from a birthday idea into a global movement.
We dive into the lessons she’s learned about intentional connection, the ripple effects of empowering others to network in ways that fit them, and how joy isn’t frivolous, it’s fuel for resilience and fulfillment. Teresa’s journey is a reminder that meaningful connection starts with curiosity and that fun can be a powerful strategy for life and work.
About Teresa Thomas:
Teresa Thomas is a connector, facilitator, and author who helps people create meaningful networks and joyful lives. As the longtime leader of Women In Networking and founder of 50 Fun Things, she’s known for transforming how people approach connection with curiosity, intention, and joy.
Connect with Teresa:
🌐 Website: https://winwinconnects.com/
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/superconnector/
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About Me: https://tobymyles.com/about/
Free Gift: The Nashville Method: 5-Day Storytelling Mini-Course
Subscribe to Her Origin Story on your favorite platform. New episodes every week with real, raw stories about the moments that started it all.
Episode Notes Footer:
Her Origin Story is produced by Toby Myles Copywriting, and podcast editor Ilorah Dela Cruz
All content © 2026 Toby Myles. All rights reserved. -
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Jen Baxter’s story is one of unexpected pivots and resilience. After taking a leap of faith into book publishing, she faced sudden layoffs and the uncertainty of starting over. What began as a side project with Substack turned into a coaching business helping authors and entrepreneurs launch meaningful newsletters. Along the way, Jen embraced AI tools to support clients in amplifying their voices and building systems that work.
In this episode, Jen shares the turning points that shaped her career, how she reframed setbacks into opportunities, and why she calls herself an “entrepreneur by default.” Listeners will walk away with insights on balancing stability and creativity, using technology with integrity, and building a business ecosystem that supports both freedom and security.
About Jen Baxter:
Jen Baxter is a copywriter, strategist, and newsletter coach who helps authors and entrepreneurs create intentional, reader‑focused newsletters. She blends her background in publishing with her expertise in Substack and AI tools to help clients build sustainable systems and authentic connections.
Connect with Jen:
🌐 Website: https://www.jenbaxter.com/
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenbaxter/
📑 Substack: https://jenbaxter.substack.com/
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About Me: https://tobymyles.com/about/
Free Gift: The Nashville Method: 5-Day Storytelling Mini-Course
Subscribe to Her Origin Story on your favorite platform. New episodes every week with real, raw stories about the moments that started it all.
Episode Notes Footer:
Her Origin Story is produced by Toby Myles Copywriting, and podcast editor Ilorah Dela Cruz
All content © 2026 Toby Myles. All rights reserved. -
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When Juliet Cutler traveled to Tanzania as a young volunteer, she thought she was simply offering her skills to help support girls’ education. What she didn’t expect was how deeply the experience would reshape her understanding of purpose, storytelling, and the impact one person can have on an entire community.
In this episode, Juliet shares how witnessing extreme poverty, resilience, and the transformative power of education changed the trajectory of her life and work. She opens up about the reverse culture shock she experienced returning home, the winding path that eventually led her into museum interpretation and experiential storytelling, and why curiosity and listening are at the heart of every meaningful story.
Toby and Juliet also explore the idea of “getting quiet” enough to hear the inner voice guiding you toward work that matters. From Maasai girls’ education to museum curation, Juliet’s story is ultimately about paying attention to the stories that deserve to be told, and recognizing that purpose can create a ripple effect far beyond ourselves.
If you’ve ever questioned whether your work is making a meaningful difference, this conversation will leave you reflecting on impact, intuition, and the power of using your skills in service of something bigger.
About Juliet Cutler:
Juliet Cutler is an author, storyteller, and interpretation consultant whose work focuses on cultural storytelling, museums, parks, and educational experiences. Through her books and her work with Nomad Studio, she helps bring overlooked stories to life while advocating for education and community impact initiatives in Tanzania.
Connect with Juliet:
🌐 Websites: www.julietcutler.com and www.nomad-studio.net
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julietcutler/
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cutler.juliet
💬 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/juliet.cutler/
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About Me: https://tobymyles.com/about/
Free Gift: The Nashville Method: 5-Day Storytelling Mini-Course
Subscribe to Her Origin Story on your favorite platform. New episodes every week with real, raw stories about the moments that started it all.
Episode Notes Footer:
Her Origin Story is produced by Toby Myles Copywriting, and podcast editor Ilorah Dela Cruz
All content © 2026 Toby Myles. All rights reserved. -
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Amanda Hofman didn’t set out to reinvent branded merchandise, but her frustration with outdated swag sparked a new path. In this episode, she shares how she went from running a women’s networking group in New York City to co‑founding a company that helps businesses create merch people actually want to use and wear.
We talk about the turning points that shaped her entrepreneurial journey, why swag should reflect values instead of just logos, and how perspective helps balance the highs and lows of business ownership. Amanda also explains how print‑on‑demand storefronts can transform client and employee gifting into something personal, sustainable, and memorable.
About Amanda Hofman:
Amanda is the co‑founder of a modern merchandise company that helps businesses create branded products aligned with their values. She’s passionate about making swag strategic, sustainable, and something people genuinely love to use.
Connect with Amanda:
🌐 Website: https://gotomarket.studio/
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandagoldfinehofman/
📸 Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/gotomarketstudio
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About Me: https://tobymyles.com/about/
Free Gift: The Nashville Method: 5-Day Storytelling Mini-Course
Subscribe to Her Origin Story on your favorite platform. New episodes every week with real, raw stories about the moments that started it all.
Episode Notes Footer:
Her Origin Story is produced by Toby Myles Copywriting, and podcast editor Ilorah Dela Cruz
All content © 2026 Toby Myles. All rights reserved. -
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Melanie Borden didn’t grow her brand by playing it safe, and that’s exactly why people pay attention. In this episode, she shares how she carved out her space on LinkedIn by showing up with honesty, personality, and a willingness to be seen beyond the highlight reel.
We talk about what it actually looks like to build visibility from the ground up, including the mindset shifts that come with putting yourself out there, the pressure to “perform” online, and how Melanie learned to trust her voice instead of following someone else’s formula.
Melanie also breaks down her approach to content; why real, human posts outperform overly polished ones, how she creates connection through storytelling, and what consistency really looks like behind the scenes. If you’ve been holding back from showing up fully online, this conversation will challenge you to rethink what authenticity actually looks like in your brand.
About Melanie Borden:
Melanie Borden is a LinkedIn strategist and personal branding expert known for helping entrepreneurs and professionals grow bold, authentic brands that stand out. She’s built her presence by blending strategy with personality, showing others how to turn visibility into meaningful connections and opportunities.
Connect with Melanie:
🌐 Website: www.humantobrand.com
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanieborden/
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/humantobrand/
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About Me: https://tobymyles.com/about/
Free Gift: The Nashville Method: 5-Day Storytelling Mini-Course
Subscribe to Her Origin Story on your favorite platform. New episodes every week with real, raw stories about the moments that started it all.
Episode Notes Footer:
Her Origin Story is produced by Toby Myles Copywriting, and podcast editor Ilorah Dela Cruz
All content © 2026 Toby Myles. All rights reserved. -
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If you’ve ever felt like your career path has taken unexpected turns, this episode will feel like a deep exhale. Sara Torpey’s story is one of evolution, from classroom teacher to instructional coach, to working in the corporate world with a major digital education company, and eventually building her own business.
In this conversation, Sara shares what it was like to leave the structure of teaching for a completely different world, including the steep learning curve of working remotely long before it was the norm. She opens up about becoming the “translator in the middle”, bridging the gap between educators, sales teams, and developers, and how that skill became a defining strength in her career.
We also dive into how her business began organically, with people asking for her guidance until it became clear she was already doing the work of a coach. Today, through her Uncomplicating Business Lab and her refreshing approach to sales, “Selling for Weirdos”, Sara helps entrepreneurs simplify their businesses, embrace what makes them different, and sell in a way that actually feels good.
This episode is a powerful reminder that your skills are transferable, your path doesn’t have to be linear, and sometimes you’re the last one to recognize your own brilliance.
About Sara Torpey:
Sara Torpey is a former educator turned consultant and coach who helps entrepreneurs simplify their businesses and sell in ways that feel authentic. Through her Uncomplicating Business Lab and “Selling for Weirdos” philosophy, she supports people in building businesses that actually fit them.
Connect with Sara:
🌐 Website: www.torpeycoaching.com
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saratorpey/
💬 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saractorpey/
🎙 Podcast: https://www.torpeycoaching.com/podcast
🎁 Free Resource: https://torpeycoaching.kit.com/freemasterclassStalk Me Online!
About Me: https://tobymyles.com/about/
Free Gift: The Nashville Method: 5-Day Storytelling Mini-Course
Subscribe to Her Origin Story on your favorite platform. New episodes every week with real, raw stories about the moments that started it all.
Episode Notes Footer:
Her Origin Story is produced by Toby Myles Copywriting, and podcast editor Ilorah Dela Cruz
All content © 2026 Toby Myles. All rights reserved. -
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If you’ve ever struggled to talk about what you do, or felt like your message isn’t landing, this episode will shift the way you think about storytelling. Toby Myles shares how she built her work around helping entrepreneurs find the beauty in their lived experiences and turn those stories into meaningful connections.In this conversation, Toby walks through the role storytelling plays in building trust, why your story is more powerful than you think, and how many business owners overlook the very things that make them relatable. We also dive into the difference between simply sharing content and telling stories that resonate, and how that impacts your ability to speak and sell with confidence.
Toby also introduces her approach to story work, including her Core Storyhub Framework inside the Her Story Authority mentorship, and how it helps clients bring their voices to life in a way that feels natural and aligned. This episode is a reminder that your story isn’t just part of your brand; it is the bridge that connects you to the people you’re meant to serve.
About Toby Myles:
Toby Myles is a storytelling coach and strategic copywriter who helps entrepreneurs find the beauty in their stories and use them to build connection and trust in their marketing. Through her workshops, private coaching, and Core Storyhub Framework inside the Her Story Authority mentorship, she helps clients speak and sell with confidence.
Stalk Me Online!
🌐 Website: https://tobymyles.com/
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toby-myles/
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tobymyles.storycoach/
🎙 Podcast: https://tobymyles.com/podcast/
🎁 Free Resource: https://chipper-creator-2128.kit.com/56150443a6📖 Her Story Authority: https://tobymyles.thrivecart.com/her-story-authority/
Subscribe to Her Origin Story on your favorite platform. New episodes every week with real, raw stories about the moments that started it all.
Episode Notes Footer:
Her Origin Story is produced by Toby Myles Copywriting, and podcast editor Ilorah Dela Cruz
All content © 2026 Toby Myles. All rights reserved. -
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Chrissy Liu’s path is anything but traditional, and that’s exactly what makes her story so powerful. From working as a lawyer to transitioning into healthcare administration, then building a career in jewelry design, and now stepping into authorship, Chrissy opens up about what it really looks like to evolve across multiple chapters of life.
In this episode, she shares the internal struggles that come with outgrowing identities that once felt “safe,” and the courage it takes to walk away from paths that no longer align. She talks about navigating uncertainty, trusting your intuition even when it doesn’t make logical sense, and permitting yourself to start over, more than once.
If you’ve ever felt pulled in a new direction but questioned whether you’re “allowed” to change, this conversation will remind you that reinvention isn’t failure, it’s growth.
About Chrissy Liu:
Chrissy Liu is a former lawyer, healthcare administrator, and jewelry designer turned debut author, whose work explores identity, reinvention, and the courage to embrace new chapters.
Connect with Chrissy:
🌐 Website: https://chrissyliu.com/
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrissycliu💬 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chrissy.cianflone
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About Me: https://tobymyles.com/about/
Free Gift: The Nashville Method: 5-Day Storytelling Mini-Course
Subscribe to Her Origin Story on your favorite platform. New episodes every week with real, raw stories about the moments that started it all.
Episode Notes Footer:
Her Origin Story is produced by Toby Myles Copywriting, and podcast editor Ilorah Dela Cruz
All content © 2026 Toby Myles. All rights reserved. -
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If you’ve ever felt like you’re checking all the “right” boxes, but still feel unfulfilled, this episode will resonate deeply. Laura Tadd shares how she moved from a structured corporate path into a more intuitive, purpose-driven life and business rooted in astrology and personal alignment.
In this conversation, Laura opens up about learning to trust her inner voice, navigating uncertainty during major life pivots, and how astrology became a powerful tool for understanding timing, energy, and decision-making. She also breaks down how women can reconnect with their intuition, step out of societal expectations, and create a life that actually feels aligned.
This episode is a powerful reminder that your path doesn’t have to look conventional to be meaningful, and that clarity often comes when you start listening inward instead of outward.
About Laura Tadd:
Laura Tadd is an intuitive astrologer and coach who helps women use astrology as a tool for self-discovery, alignment, and intentional living. Through her work, she empowers clients to trust themselves, understand their timing, and design lives rooted in purpose.
Connect with Laura:
🌐 Website: https://mythicsky.com/
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlauratadd/💬 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MythicSkyAstrology
🎙 Podcast: https://mythicsky.com/mythic_sky_-story_time/
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About Me: https://tobymyles.com/about/
Free Gift: The Nashville Method: 5-Day Storytelling Mini-Course
Subscribe to Her Origin Story on your favorite platform. New episodes every week with real, raw stories about the moments that started it all.
Episode Notes Footer:
Her Origin Story is produced by Toby Myles Copywriting, and podcast editor Ilorah Dela Cruz
All content © 2026 Toby Myles. All rights reserved. -
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Neelam describes the pivotal moment in 2003 when she stepped onto an open mic stage for the first time, terrified yet exhilarated, and discovered her creative home. She shares how blind faith led her to produce a one-woman show at the Capital Fringe Festival, despite having little theater experience, and how that leap brought unexpected opportunities and press coverage. Together, Neelam and Toby explore the “messy middle,” the importance of a beginner’s mindset, and why imperfect action often leads to the most meaningful growth. Neelam also talks about her book Burning It Down, Dancing in the Rubble, and how accountability, community, and persistence helped her finally bring it to life after years of dreaming.
About Neelam Patel:
Neelam Patel is a poet, performer, and author of Burning It Down, Dancing in the Rubble. She helps audiences embrace creativity, courage, and authenticity by sharing her journey from tech professional to artist, showing how saying yes before you’re ready can transform your path.
Connect with Neelam:
🌐 Website: https://www.tailoredpoetry.com/
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancewithneelam/Stalk Me Online!
About Me: https://tobymyles.com/about/
Free Gift: The Nashville Method: 5-Day Storytelling Mini-Course
Subscribe to Her Origin Story on your favorite platform. New episodes every week with real, raw stories about the moments that started it all.
Episode Notes Footer:
Her Origin Story is produced by Toby Myles Copywriting, and podcast editor Ilorah Dela Cruz
All content © 2026 Toby Myles. All rights reserved. -
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Kate Ferrian’s origin story begins with a powerful moment of clarity; standing in her closet, realizing she needed to leave an abusive relationship and start choosing herself. What followed wasn’t an instant transformation, but years of courageous inner work, healing, and rebuilding trust in her own voice.
In this episode, Kate shares how her experiences in corporate leadership, marriage, divorce, and personal growth led her to break generational patterns and rethink what a fulfilling life truly looks like. She and Toby explore the ways self-doubt and old conditioning can keep women stuck, and how learning to trust yourself can change everything.
Kate also talks about the deeper work behind personal transformation: healing old wounds, setting boundaries, and creating a life that feels aligned rather than simply successful on the outside. Listeners will walk away with powerful insights on self-trust, personal growth, and the courage it takes to rewrite your story.
About Kate Ferrian:
Kate Ferrian is the founder of Simply Become It, where she helps women heal old patterns, overcome self-doubt, and build lives rooted in self-trust and alignment. Drawing from 16 years in corporate leadership and her own journey through divorce and personal transformation, Kate guides women in creating lives that truly reflect who they are.
Connect with Kate:
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kateferrian/
🌐 Websites: https://www.simplybecomeit.com/
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplybecomeit/🎁 Free Resource: https://www.simplybecomeit.com/5-minute-freebies-resetrealign/confidence
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About Me: https://tobymyles.com/about/
Free Gift: The Nashville Method: 5-Day Storytelling Mini-Course
Subscribe to Her Origin Story on your favorite platform. New episodes every week with real, raw stories about the moments that started it all.
Episode Notes Footer:
Her Origin Story is produced by Toby Myles Copywriting, and podcast editor Ilorah Dela Cruz
All content © 2026 Toby Myles. All rights reserved. -
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If you’ve ever wondered what comes next after a long, successful career, this conversation will resonate deeply. Courtney Burton spent decades building a dependable corporate career before two powerful coaching conversations challenged her to rethink where she truly thrived, and what she wanted the next chapter of her life to look like.
In this episode, Courtney shares how those moments sparked major pivots in her life and career, including stepping away from corporate work, training as a coach, and pursuing her lifelong passion for music. She also opens up about navigating retirement transitions, caring for family during difficult seasons, and the surprising identity shift that happens when the structure of a traditional job disappears.
Toby and Courtney explore the power of questioning the stories we tell ourselves, why outside perspectives can reveal possibilities we can’t see on our own, and how it’s never too late to design a life that aligns with purpose, creativity, and joy.
About Courtney Burton:
Courtney Burton is a coach and singer who helps people reflect on their next chapter and create lives aligned with purpose and fulfillment. After decades in corporate leadership and sales, she now blends coaching with her lifelong passion for music as she builds a meaningful post-corporate career.
Connect with Courtney:
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtneyaburton/
🌐 Websites: https://www.courtneyburtoncoaching.com/ and https://courtneyburtonmusic.com/
💬 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/betterhealthwithsarahStalk Me Online!
About Me: https://tobymyles.com/about/
Free Gift: The Nashville Method: 5-Day Storytelling Mini-Course
Subscribe to Her Origin Story on your favorite platform. New episodes every week with real, raw stories about the moments that started it all.
Episode Notes Footer:
Her Origin Story is produced by Toby Myles Copywriting, and podcast editor Ilorah Dela Cruz
All content © 2026 Toby Myles. All rights reserved. -
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If you’ve ever felt torn between being the creative visionary and the CEO of your business, this episode will resonate deeply.
Tracy Matthews opens up about her early days as a jewelry designer, the realities of building a product-based brand, and the hard lessons she learned about scaling too fast and chasing the wrong metrics. She shares how burnout became a wake-up call, and how redefining growth on her own terms led to more profit, more freedom, and more impact.
In this conversation, Tracy and Toby explore the mindset shifts required to build a sustainable business, why so many entrepreneurs underprice themselves, and how aligning strategy with values changes everything. Listeners will walk away with practical insight on scaling smarter, protecting their creative energy, and building a brand that supports their life, not consumes it.
About Tracy Matthews:
Tracy Matthews is a jewelry designer turned business strategist who helps product-based entrepreneurs scale sustainably and profitably. Through her coaching programs and frameworks, she teaches creatives how to build thriving brands without burnout.
Connect with Tracy:
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamtracymatthews
🎙 Podcast: https://pod.link/1050430716
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamtracymatthews🎁 Free Resource: https://resources.tracymatthews.com/breakthrough-map
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About Me: https://tobymyles.com/about/
Free Gift: The Nashville Method: 5-Day Storytelling Mini-Course
Subscribe to Her Origin Story on your favorite platform. New episodes every week with real, raw stories about the moments that started it all.
Episode Notes Footer:
Her Origin Story is produced by Toby Myles Copywriting, and podcast editor Ilorah Dela Cruz
All content © 2026 Toby Myles. All rights reserved. -
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Erika Andersen’s origin story begins with a childhood shaped by feminist parents and suffragist grandmothers, instilling a belief in possibility and independence. After pursuing music and spending nearly a decade in an ashram, Erika discovered her calling in organizational transformation; eventually founding Proteus in 1990.In this episode, Erika explains why having a clear mission and vision is critical for entrepreneurs, how self-talk can quiet the “white noise” of anxiety, and why transformation must be rooted in authenticity rather than outside prescriptions. She also shares how Proteus pivoted during the pandemic and why true success comes from helping people become who they want to become.
Listeners will walk away with practical insights on resilience, clarity, and building businesses that align with their deepest purpose.
About Erika Andersen:
Erika is a leadership expert, bestselling author, and founding partner of Proteus. For over 35 years, she has helped CEOs and companies like Spotify, Amazon, and Charter Spectrum grow through change with clarity and confidence. Her latest book, The New Old, applies her wisdom to aging well and crafting your best later life.
Connect with Erika:
🌐 Website: https://erikaandersen.com/
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andersenerika/
📑 Substack: https://substack.com/@erikaandersen1Stalk Me Online!
About Me: https://tobymyles.com/about/
Free Gift: The Nashville Method: 5-Day Storytelling Mini-Course
Subscribe to Her Origin Story on your favorite platform. New episodes every week with real, raw stories about the moments that started it all.
Episode Notes Footer:
Her Origin Story is produced by Toby Myles Copywriting, and podcast editor Ilorah Dela Cruz
All content © 2026 Toby Myles. All rights reserved. -
Check Out These Highlights:
Many women build lives that look successful from the outside, only to realize something feels off on the inside. For Sarah, that realization came when her son’s sensitive skin reacted to “natural” products that weren’t as safe as they claimed.
She shares how digging into hidden ingredients and the lack of regulation in personal care products opened her eyes to the bigger picture: the everyday exposures in our homes that quietly affect our health. From switching out cookware and food storage to teaching her kids how to read labels, Sarah explains how small, manageable shifts can make a big difference.
Her experience as a breast cancer survivor deepened her perspective on resilience and clarified why environmental factors deserve more attention in health conversations. Throughout the episode, Sarah speaks candidly about identity, self‑trust, and the emotional work of making changes, while also offering practical advice for reducing toxins without feeling like it has to be “all or nothing.”
If you’ve been curious about clean living or felt overwhelmed by conflicting information, this episode is a reminder that healthier choices are possible one step at a time.
About Sarah Clark:
Sarah Clark is the founder of Better Health with Sarah, where she helps families cut through the overwhelm of clean living and take practical steps to reduce harmful chemicals in their homes, products, and diets. As a breast cancer survivor and former TV reporter, she combines her love of educating with a grounded perspective on resilience, identity, and the everyday choices that shape long‑term health.
Connect with Sarah:
🌐 Website: https://betterhealthwithsarah.com/
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/betterhealthwithsarah/
💬 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/betterhealthwithsarah
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betterhealthwithsarah/Stalk Me Online!
About Me: https://tobymyles.com/about/
Free Gift: The Nashville Method: 5-Day Storytelling Mini-Course
Subscribe to Her Origin Story on your favorite platform. New episodes every week with real, raw stories about the moments that started it all.
Episode Notes Footer:
Her Origin Story is produced by Toby Myles Copywriting, and podcast editor Ilorah Dela Cruz
All content © 2026 Toby Myles. All rights reserved. -
Check Out These Highlights:
Brienne Hennessy’s origin story begins in the labs of linguistics and acoustics, where her fascination with voice first took root. From 14 years as a speech and voice pathologist to launching her own practice, she reveals how a pivotal leap in 2020 reshaped her career and mission.In this episode, Brienne explains why preventative voice care matters, how misalignment shows up in both sound and confidence, and why courage is required every time we choose to step into visibility. Listeners will walk away with a deeper understanding of the connection between voice, intuition, and empowerment, and practical insights for sustaining vocal health while showing up authentically.
About Brienne Hennessy:
Brienne is a vocal empowerment guide who helps leaders, speakers, and everyday professionals reconnect with their natural voice. With a background in clinical voice pathology, she now focuses on holistic, preventative wellness, ensuring her clients sound aligned, confident, and resilient.
Connect with Brienne:
🌐 Website: www.yourvocalvitality.com
💼 LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/brienne-hennessy
💬 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yourvocalvitality/
📑 Substack: https://substack.com/@BRIENNEHENNESSYStalk Me Online!
About Me: https://tobymyles.com/about/
Free Gift: The Nashville Method: 5-Day Storytelling Mini-Course
Subscribe to Her Origin Story on your favorite platform. New episodes every week with real, raw stories about the moments that started it all.
Episode Notes Footer:
Her Origin Story is produced by Toby Myles Copywriting, and podcast editor Ilorah Dela Cruz
All content © 2026 Toby Myles. All rights reserved. - Show more
