Best Alana Ruoso Podcasts (2025)

1
EP76: Not Being "Seen" at Work [Career & Personal Growth] 20:59

Play Pause

9h ago20:59

20:59

Send us a text In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into: The experience of not matter what you do or change, others don't see your progress How this can seriously affect your job fulfillment 📣 Download your FREE guide How to Build a Brilliant Career: 6 Insider Tips to Help You Succeed No Matter Where You Are Right Now ⚡️Looking for career…

1
EP75: When You Still Can't Find the Root Cause of Your Pain [Personal & Health] 22:21

8d ago22:21

22:21

Send us a text In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into: An update on all of the things I'm doing to help heal and transform my body I'm getting a PRP injection in my knee--I talk about what that's all about Getting to the root cause of your pain When all the things you try "don't work" 📣 Download your FREE guide How to Build a Brilliant …

1
EP74: Career "Overload" & "Fragmentation"--It's Painful AF [Career & Personal Growth] 33:41

14d ago33:41

33:41

Send us a text In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into: The two most common themes I see with coaching clients: Overload and Fragmentation That client of mine who worked 6-days a week at his corporate job–REQUIRED, not optional How overload leads to burnout and corporations don't care Getting clear on how much you will tolerate with your…

1
EP73: My Brief, Weird & Creepy Facilitator Job [Personal Story & Career] 22:56

21d ago22:56

22:56

Send us a text In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into: That time I took a coaching gig that, in the end, just made my stomach turn There may or may not have been a weird hot tub from the 1970s When you just "know" you have to leave something as soon as you've started! 📣 Download your FREE guide How to Build a Brilliant Career: 6 Insider…

1
EP72: Healing From Panic Disorder and Building a Skin Care Empire [Conversation with Jeanne Retief] 52:33

28d ago52:33

52:33

Send us a text In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into: A conversation with Dr. Jeanne Retief, Founder of FIGGI Beauty Her brave journey with anxiety and panic disorder What it is like to have your life so affected by these experiences Being a Highly Sensitive Person Tips for managing anxiety How she has built an incredible skin care lin…

1
EP71: My Top 10 Tips for Graphic Designers [Career & Business Strategy] 35:32

1M ago35:32

35:32

Send us a text In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into: My top 10 tips for graphic designers I've worked as a designer and creative for over 20 years and share the best of what I have learned 📣 Download your FREE guide How to Build a Brilliant Career: 6 Insider Tips to Help You Succeed No Matter Where You Are Right Now ⚡️Looking for care…

1
EP70: Apparently I Have "Calmed Down"?!! [Personal & Health] 27:28

1M ago27:28

27:28

Send us a text In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into: Growing up in 'conflict and combat' and how that affected my nervous system The basics of the nervous system and why it is crucial we understand how our minds and bodies are connected Hearing my husband's take on how I have changed over the years How you can calm your own nervous sy…

1
EP69: You are NOT Stuck--But Your Subconscious Mind Is [Conversation with Marsha Vanwynsberghe] 1:03:15

2M ago1:03:15

1:03:15

Send us a text In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into: A conversation with Marsha Vanwynsberghe, NLP Trainer, Speaker, Author, Podcaster, Boutique Publisher How Marsha realized she was living on the struggle bus - and felt SO stuck The major struggles Marsha has been through: health crises, surgeries, teen substance abuse, having no sup…

1
EP68: I (Almost) Regretted My Entire Design Career [Personal & Career] 34:01

2M ago34:01

34:01

Send us a text In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into: (Almost) regretting my entire career as a designer and creative Choosing the "wrong" path in your career How frickin' hard it is to have a creative career The moment when it all made sense to me and I felt ok with my career choices 📣 Download your FREE guide How to Build a Brilliant…

1
EP67: No Regrets--From Successful Hairstylist to Superstar Entrepreneur [Conversation with Eliza Trendiak] 54:05

2M ago54:05

54:05

Send us a text In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into: A conversation with Eliza Trendiak, Owner/Founder of Lavoh facecloths Making the leaps from booked solid hairstylist to multiple salon-owner, to entrepreneur in a product-based business Building your career with no regrets Taking action, being dedicated and delegating What it really…

1
EP66: 10 Products I Love! [Health & Lifestyle] 25:20

2M ago25:20

25:20

Send us a text In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into: • Products I love! Barre Definition Graceful Grip Mat Ello Tidal Glass Tumbler with Straw Caf Lib Lake & Oak Ashwaganda and Chill Tea Indie Lee Squalane Facial Oil Cubii Under Desk Elliptical Nota Large Notebooks from Indigo Vessi Weekend Chelsea Boot Himalayan Salt Lamp Santevia MI…

1
EP65: PART 4--My Toxic Boss Story--Important Update! [Personal & Career Strategy] 40:34

3M ago40:34

40:34

Send us a text An important follow up to my 3-part Toxic Boss Story series. Here I share exactly HOW I took leave from work and ways you can plan your own toxic job exit. In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into: 💄That time in 2021 I left my job as a Creative & Graphics Manager at a cosmetics company after I got a new toxic boss who: 🚩Was…

1
EP64: Let Yourself Be Seen & Reach Your Full Potential [Conversation with Lisa Jeffs] 53:17

3M ago53:17

53:17

Send us a text In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into: A conversation with Lisa Jeffs, Founder of Purpose Academy Pro Lisa's work as an intuitive life and career coach for business leaders and entrepreneurs The courage to take up space and be seen as an authentic high-achiever The difference between confidence and self-worth How to buil…

1
EP63: I Got a Spin Bike Despite the Internet Telling Me NOT To [Personal & Health] 24:11

3M ago24:11

24:11

Send us a text In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into: My new (second-hand) spin bike purchase and how that has affected my mental and physical health Why the internet told me NOT to do cardio Why I decided NOT to listen Trusting your intuition and what is right for YOU Links and references ⚡️ 🎙️EP49: Chronic Pain, High Cortisol and Low…

1
EP62: Thrive as a Freelancer with Confidence & Authenticity [Conversation with Georgie Darling] 50:27

3M ago50:27

50:27

Send us a text In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into: A conversation with Georgie Darling, Freelance Travel Writer & Business Strategy Coach Working under tremendous pressure at her corporate job and not being able to do it anymore (cue crying in the bathroom) Not having any more to give and realizing you just "can't see the light at t…

1
EP61: PART 3--My Toxic Boss Story [Personal & Career] 41:04

4M ago41:04

41:04

Send us a text PART 3 of 3 In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into: 💄That time in 2021 I left my job as a Creative & Graphics Manager at a cosmetics company after I got a new toxic boss who: 🚩Was a covert narcissist 🚩Was threatened by me and any woman who was competent 🚩Wanted me out of my job and deliberately set me up to fail 🚩Retaliat…

1
EP60: PART 2--My Toxic Boss Story [Personal & Career] 36:47

4M ago36:47

36:47

Send us a text PART 2 of 3 In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into: 💄That time in 2021 I left my job as a Creative & Graphics Manager at a cosmetics company after I got a new toxic boss who: 🚩Was a covert narcissist 🚩Was threatened by me and any woman who was competent 🚩Wanted me out of my job and deliberately set me up to fail 🚩Retaliat…

1
EP59: PART 1--My Toxic Boss Story [Personal & Career] 29:00

4M ago29:00

29:00

Send us a text PART 1 of 3 In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into: 💄That time in 2021 I left my job as a Creative & Graphics Manager at a cosmetics company after I got a new toxic boss who: 🚩Was a covert narcissist 🚩Was threatened by me and any woman who was competent 🚩Wanted me out of my job and deliberately set me up to fail 🚩Retaliat…

1
EP58: Finding Your Way Out of a Soul-Sucking Career [Conversation with Nicole Richards] 40:03

4M ago40:03

40:03

Send us a text In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into: A conversation with Nicole Richards, Personal Reinvention & Human Potential Coach Nicole's story of being downsized from her corporate career--and how grateful she was when it happened Building her multi-six figure makeup artistry business Trusting your intuition and following the s…

1
EP57: Clearing Your Space and Using Your Stuff to Create Abundance [Personal Growth] 13:46

4M ago13:46

13:46

Send us a text In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into: Purging and clearing your space to create abundance The concept of the "law of use" and using what we have Getting out of struggle mode and believing "nothing will go my way" Links and references ⚡️ 📕 The Game of Life and How to Play It free ebook 📺 Minimalism documentary 📺 The Pez …

1
EP56: Change Your Mindset, Change Your Life [Conversation with Kimberly Jarman] 50:00

5M ago50:00

50:00

Send us a text In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into: A conversation with Kimberly Jarman, Mental Performance Coach All things mindset including victim mindset Kimberly's personal story of deep pain and anguish How to pull yourself out of despair and build a life you love and build a life you love How everyone brings their own trauma t…

1
EP55: Burnout, Boundaries and Toxic Corporate Culture [Personal Growth & "Hammertime"] 23:56

5M ago23:56

23:56

Send us a text In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into: What really happens when you tell friends and family you have burnout How to navigate burnout and dig deep to recover A list of 12 burnout signs from coach Lisa Jeffs - they are SO GOOD!! My personal thoughts on how corporate culture does not actually care about your burnout or ment…

1
EP54: 3 Ways I'm Setting Myself Up for Success in the New Year [Personal Growth & Tips] 14:56

5M ago14:56

14:56

Send us a text In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into: 3 simple ways to set yourself up for success in 2025 (whatever success means to you) NOT falling into the trap that you have to accomplish a billion things in the New Year Letting go of the need to crush it 24/7 (that's so last year lol) Leaning into the seasons when you are goal se…

1
EP53: Building a (Unique!) Career From Your Passions [Conversation with Licia Tobias] 47:07

6M ago47:07

47:07

Send us a text In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into: A conversation with Licia Tobias, owner of LVT Agency, a successful jewellery wholesale company What wholesale actually is and how to build a business representing other people's brands Building authentic relationships with clients Growing up in retail and learning how to sell at a …

1
EP52: Detaching from Rejection, Negative Feedback and Harsh Criticism [Personal Growth] 17:00

6M ago17:00

17:00

Send us a text In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into: Navigating (often painful) moments of rejection and criticism Putting yourself "out there" even when it feels scary The fear of what people with think of us--and our work How to "sit in the cringe" and be in the line of fire The stress of hearing harsh feedback Taking inspo from oth…

1
EP51: Creating an Authentic Life of Action, Adventure and Meaning [Interview with Amelia Ellenstein] 52:00

6M ago52:00

52:00

Send us a text In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into: A conversation with Amelia Ellenstein, Founder & CEO of ameliaellenstein.com and brand strategist, keynote speaker and adventurer How Amelia left a job as a VP at a near billion dollar company in 2016 and then sold her house, sold her things and bought a one way ticket to Hawai’i Cr…

1
EP50: The Courage to Ditch Self-Sabotage [Personal Story & Inspo] 31:06

6M ago31:06

31:06

Send us a text In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into: That time in college (Ontario College of Art & Design) that I dug deep to create a "win" for myself--despite wanting to curl up in a ball and hide from the world forever Low self-esteem, self-sabotage, panic attacks and migraines Navigating my parent's nasty divorce (that took 15 ye…

1
EP49: Chronic Pain, High Cortisol and Low Patience [Personal Update & Health] 31:46

7M ago31:46

31:46

Send us a text In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into: An update on my health journey to eliminate chronic knee/hip/back pain How I found out my cortisol was sky high and I'm officially in burnout mode IV therapy (ugg, needles!) as a way to get my adrenals back in action The mindset that is required to heal after many months of pain How…

1
EP48: From Survival Mode to Thriving as a Creative Entrepreneur [Interview with Leah Yard] 1:01:55

7M ago1:01:55

1:01:55

Send us a text In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into: A conversation with Leah Yard, Owner/Designer behind the demi-fine jewellery brand Leah Yard Designs in Vancouver, Canada How Leah worked minimum wage jobs for over ten years (!) and how she finally broke out into entrepreneurship Living in survival mode and how it wears you down, m…

1
EP47: Permission to Leave Your (Good or Bad) Job Granted! [Career Strategy & Stories] 27:36

7M ago27:36

27:36

Send us a text In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into: Giving ourselves permission to leave a job that is no longer serving us When "should" you leave a job? {Spoiler Alert: whenever you want to} The crazy rules and regulations we make up about how long to stay in a job The fear of how we will look on our resume if we leave a job after …

1
EP46: Overcoming Health Struggles and Imposter Syndrome as a Graphic Designer [Interview with Faron Dawe] 57:22

7M ago57:22

57:22

Send us a text In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into: A conversation with Faron Dawe, certified Graphic Designer and creative powerhouse in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada Work/life balance and the REAL impact it can have on our mental and physical health Overcoming imposter syndrome How to let go of the reins in your business-and what …

1
EP45: "Nobody's Watching and Nobody Cares" [Life & Career Strategy] 27:42

7M ago27:42

27:42

Send us a text In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into: How the phrase "Nobody's watching and nobody cares" has had a huge impact on my life (thank you, Emily Williams!) How to push through the fear of doing/trying new things The fear of what other people think and how it messes us up The importance of creating for the sake of creating C…

1
EP44: Vacation Drama, Ireland & How Declan Went From "Dazzling" to "Tire Blow-Out" [Personal Update & Stories] 33:02

8M ago33:02

33:02

Send us a text In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into: Stories from my recent trip to Ireland (that I almost didn't make!) My resistance to taking vacation and my weird issues with it Growing up working all the time and not really taking down time How my husband Declan went from looking "dazzling" on vacation to like a "tire blow-out of…

1
EP43: Nervous System Nourishment for Healing Trauma & Anxiety [Interview with Sarah Kleiner] 1:05:37

8M ago1:05:37

1:05:37

Send us a text In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into: A conversation with Sarah Kleiner, a Somatic Experiencing® Practitioner (SEP) which focuses on trauma resolution in the nervous system How our nervous systems work and what somatic exercise is Connecting back to who we really are and what we really want Navigating big life changes a…

1
EP42: My Simple "Tree Thanking" Practice to Stay Grounded & Calm [Inspo & Health] 10:50

8M ago10:50

10:50

Send us a text In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into: A simple practice to stay grounded, calm and feel peacful Being in a state of gratitude The importance of connecting back to nature 🌿 How this simple practice has had a noticeable, positive effect on my mood and emotions 📣 Download your FREE guide How to Build a Brilliant Career: 6 …

1
EP41: Knowing My Worth & Quitting A Stressful Art Director Gig [Job Story] 30:46

8M ago30:46

30:46

Send us a text In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into: Working an incredibly stressful job as an Art Director at The Shopping Channel (TSC) Seeing my health take a nose dive from the stress Realizing I didn't have to stay in this job - big 'aha' moment Quickly looking for a new job and giving myself permission to do so Digging deep to f…

1
EP40: How Toxic Relationships Lead to Breakdowns and Breakthroughs [Interview with Sara McCready] 56:35

9M ago56:35

56:35

Send us a text In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into: A conversation with Sara McCready, The Women's Emotional Mastery Coach How Sara experienced four (4!) toxic relationships and went through a dark night of the soul How her breakdown led to a breakthrough Her work empowering women to overcome triggers and build confidence Toxic relat…

1
EP39: That Time Amazon Shampoo (Almost) Burned All My Hair Off [Personal & Buyer Beware] 14:03

9M ago14:03

14:03

Send us a text In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into: The totally fake, total dupe Mon Platin shampoo I bought on Amazon that traumatized me 😬 How to be discerning about online purchases A friendly reminder to consider purchasing directly from suppliers instead of via Amazon–you'll thank me later! Links and references ⚡️ 🛍️ The fake sh…

1
EP38: Money, Money, Money! Ditch Financial Fears & Feel Empowered [Interview with Jen Fontanilla] 1:01:29

9M ago1:01:29

1:01:29

Send us a text In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into: A conversation with Jen Fontanilla, money mindset coach for creative professionals (and anyone who has an entrepreneurial spirit or fear of finances!!) Taking the leap from a "job job" /steady paycheque to being self-employed 😬 Allllll of the fears around money (which everyone has a…

1
EP37: Boundaries and Burnout in "Banana Town" [Personal Growth & Corporate Culture Rant] 19:21

9M ago19:21

19:21

Send us a text In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into: Recent personal stories of my boundaries being crossed at work Why people feel the need to send emails on a Saturday?!! (please explain!) Feeling burnt out and NOT feeling the right to even feel burnt out How we compare our workload and job stress to others - to our detriment Living…

1
EP36: Chronic Pain, Deep Despair and "Trying Everything" [Personal Update & Health] 26:07

10M ago26:07

26:07

Send us a text In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into: My story of navigating debilitating back/hip/knee pain for the last 6 months Join me as I embark on this healing journey which is very much in progress Feeling despair when you're "trying everything" and nothing is working That time I just wanted a bottle of balsamic vinegar and it …

1
EP35: Leaping into Entrepreneurship, Crushing Self-Doubt & Building Big Brand Energy [Interview with Katrina Owens] 58:38

10M ago58:38

58:38

Send us a text In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into: A conversation with Katrina Owens, Personal Branding & Publicity Expert Why PR is NOT just for big, established companies - small businesses need it too! BIG BRAND ENERGY and how you can bring it to your business⚡️ Self-doubt and how Katrina found herself crying in Times Square The …

1
EP34: How One Small Decision I Made Prevented Years of Feeling Crappy [Personal Growth] 12:01

10M ago12:01

12:01

Send us a text In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into: How small decisions can lead to profound effects on your life Why things you DON'T do often matter more than the things you DO do How I realized reading design magazines was NOT good for me Making conscious decisions and checking in to see how they make you FEEL Ditching the pressur…

1
EP33: The Courage To Change Jobs, Being Flexible As a Perfectionist & Trusting Your Gut [Interview with Jen Cook] 50:50

10M ago50:50

50:50

Send us a text In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into: An interview with Jen Cook, one of the co-founders of Otto Studio and an incredible Graphic Designer in Vancouver, Canada Day jobs, side hustles and freelancing - we discuss! Entrepreneurship as a creative Being an entrepreneur with a TEAM and working with friends The one powerful q…

1
EP32: Sharing My Anxiety Management Toolbox [Personal & Health] 28:18

11M ago28:18

28:18

Send us a text In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into: Exactly what is in my anxiety management toolbox including: supplements, techniques and meditations How anxiety is a sign our bodies feel unsafe (even if it is) The journey of finding what works uniquely for you Links and references ⚡️ 🌿 Ashwaganda capsules ☕ Valerian tea 🌿 Lavender…

1
EP31: Choosing Community Over Competition in Corporate Graphic Design [Interview with Lisa Parkyn] 57:30

11M ago57:30

57:30

Send us a text In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into: A conversation with Lisa Parkyn, RGD, Graphic Designer and Marketing Strategist with over 20 years' experience, shares what it's REALLY like working as an in-house graphic design lead and branding specialist Can we build community instead of competition, even in a stressful corporat…

1
EP30: Navigating Multiple Job Interviews & Job Offers [Career Strategy] 17:43

11M ago17:43

17:43

Send us a text In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into: What to do when you are interviewing with many different companies and get a job offer you don't really want Should you take the job offer?? How to be loyal to yourself in the job interview process The one question I ask every client when they are struggling with navigating multiple…

1
EP29: Discover the "Gift of Contrast" & Feel Good About Your Mistakes [Personal Growth] 15:11

11M ago15:11

15:11

Send us a text In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into: The concept of the "gift of contrast" Why sometimes the best gift of all is the gift you DON'T want How sometimes the only way to know what you don’t want is to experience a sh*tstorm. Stories from my friend who kept finding herself in crappy contracts and why that was SO GOOD to ex…

1
EP28: Discover Your Innate Skills, Embrace Your Multiple Passions & Transform Your Career [Interview with Jolie Rose] 56:39

11M ago56:39

56:39

Send us a text In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into: Jolie's story of working in the Health & Wellness industry and pivoting to Copywriting 🖋️ Living the "multipotentialite" life and doing LOTS of different things (often at once!) Do we need to choose just one thing in our careers?? 😬 Hustle culture and the "push push push" way of wor…

1
EP27: The Power of Victim Mode & How it Drains People Pleasers [Personal Growth] 11:44

12M ago11:44

11:44

Send us a text In this episode of Ditch the Struggle we dive into: How a text from someone in victim mode shed light on my people pleasing tendencies Why people pleasers put others' needs first The advantage and benefit of being in victim mode (we all do it at some point) Feeling sorry for people causes us to cross our boundaries, leaving to exhaus…