The Power of Owning Your Story with Ruthie Ackerman

Dec 10, 2024

Ruthie Ackerman, an accomplished author and journalist, specializes in empowering others to tell their own stories. In this insightful conversation, Ruthie shares her transformative journey from journalism to teaching creative writing. She discusses the importance of memoir in understanding personal pain and resilience, and how storytelling can foster connection and healing. Ruthie also reflects on the challenges of balancing motherhood and professional aspirations, offering valuable lessons on self-discovery and growth.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Books

Transcript

Episode notes

ANECDOTE

Malawi Love Story

Ruthie Ackerman's path to Malawi involved a love story with a Zimbabwean potato farmer.
After their relationship ended, she questioned her unconventional life choices.

INSIGHT

Path Privilege

Ruthie felt societal pressure to follow a traditional path, despite her desire for travel and storytelling.
She realized any path could lead to a good life, highlighting the privilege of choice.

ANECDOTE

Unexpected Journalism Path

Ruthie's journalism career started unexpectedly with an NYU scholarship application from a Nairobi internet cafe.
She used essays written in Malawi, showcasing her passion for storytelling.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

You Can Make This Place Beautiful

null

Maggie Smith

Maggie Smith's "You Can Make This Place Beautiful" offers a poignant exploration of divorce and its aftermath. The book delves into the emotional complexities of separation, examining themes of grief, loss, and self-discovery. Smith's honest and vulnerable portrayal of her experiences resonates with readers who have faced similar challenges. The book explores the process of healing and rebuilding one's life after a significant loss. It offers a message of hope and resilience, reminding readers that even in the midst of pain, beauty and growth are possible.

The Mother Code

null

Ruthie Ackerman

Ruthie Ackerman's "The Mother Code" is a deeply personal memoir exploring her journey to motherhood. The book delves into the complexities of her own desires and the societal pressures she faced. Ackerman recounts her experiences with infertility treatments, navigating a divorce, and ultimately finding love and building a family. The book explores themes of self-discovery, resilience, and the challenges of balancing personal and professional life. It offers a raw and honest portrayal of the emotional rollercoaster of becoming a mother.

Vindication of the Rights of Pregnant Women

null

Liz Lenz

Liz Lenz's "Vindication of the Rights of Pregnant Women" examines the societal pressures and expectations placed upon pregnant women. The book explores how these pressures can impact a woman's autonomy and decision-making process. Lenz challenges traditional views of motherhood and pregnancy, advocating for women's right to make choices that align with their individual needs and desires. The book provides a critical analysis of the medicalization of pregnancy and the limitations placed on women's bodily autonomy. It ultimately empowers women to prioritize their own well-being and make informed choices about their reproductive health.

The personal MBA

Master the Art of Business

Josh Kaufman

The Personal MBA distills the most valuable business lessons into simple, memorable mental models that can be applied to real-world challenges. The book covers a wide array of topics including entrepreneurship, marketing, sales, negotiation, operations, productivity, and systems design. It is designed to provide a self-directed crash course in business, helping readers understand and analyze the fundamental elements that make every successful business function. The book emphasizes the importance of creating value, effective marketing, and delivering on promises, and it includes a recommended reading list to further enhance business knowledge.

On Our Best Behavior

Elise Loehnen

Wild

From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail

Cheryl Strayed

In 'Wild', Cheryl Strayed recounts her journey hiking the Pacific Crest Trail alone, a trek that spans from the Mojave Desert to Cascade Locks, Oregon. The book chronicles her physical and emotional struggles as she confronts her past, including the death of her mother, the breakdown of her family, and the end of her marriage. Through her experiences with nature, encounters with various people, and reflections on her life, Strayed finds a path to healing and self-discovery. The memoir is known for its vivid descriptions, honest portrayal of grief and personal growth, and the author's unique narrative style that interweaves past and present events.

Atomic Habits

James Clear

Atomic Habits by James Clear provides a practical and scientifically-backed guide to forming good habits and breaking bad ones. The book introduces the Four Laws of Behavior Change: make it obvious, make it attractive, make it easy, and make it satisfying. It also emphasizes the importance of small, incremental changes (atomic habits) that compound over time to produce significant results. Clear discusses techniques such as habit stacking, optimizing the environment to support desired habits, and focusing on continuous improvement rather than goal fixation. The book is filled with actionable strategies, real-life examples, and stories from various fields, making it a valuable resource for anyone seeking to improve their habits and achieve personal growth[2][4][5].