In exclusive interviews, bestselling authors like Tina Wells, Kristen Butler, Jason VanRuler, and Neil Patel share how they navigated the toughest periods of their personal and professional lives, and how this shaped the success they now experience today.
Studies show that the stories we tell ourselves about rejection influence whether these failures fuel our ambition and propel us forward, or stifle our growth and hold us back.
If your rejection story is holding you back, it is time for a reframe.
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Geraldine DeRuiter: “I’m a rejection-avoidant bestselling author”
Season 1 · Episode 1
Monday, September 2, 2024 • Duration 01:07:00
Geraldine DeRuiter, a James Beard award-winning writer and author, discusses her experience with a negative review of her book and how her community turned it around to make it a bestseller.
She shares the personal attacks she faced in the review and the emotional toll it took on her. Despite the hurtful beginning, her community's support and the negative review actually helped boost the book's sales.
Geraldine also reflects on her ambition as a child and the importance of perseverance and authenticity in her writing journey. Geraldine shares her experience of how her blog gained traction and how she navigated rejection in her writing career. She emphasizes the importance of putting yourself out there and not being afraid of rejection. She also discusses the fear of stating what you want and offers advice for aspiring writers and creators.
Geraldine encourages setting audacious rejection goals and aiming high. She shares personal anecdotes and insights on overcoming the fear of rejection and pursuing your dreams.
For anyone listening, you can order a copy of If You Can't Take the Heat: Tales of Food, Feminism, and Fury on Amazon.
I will also be giving away a copy to a listener who subscribes and reviews the podcast. You just need to email screenshots to media@hustlingwriters.com.
Tracy Stewart, book mentor and developmental editor, author, and ghostwriter, website: freshlypress.com
Javacia Harris Bowser, host of a community for female writers, bloggers, and entrepreneurs, website: seejanewritebham.com
If you are interested in exploring hybrid publishing, I highly recommend getting in touch with Nick Courtright, CEO of atmospherepress.com
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
01:33 The Negative Review and Emotional Impact
16:00 Childhood Ambition and Writing Journey
29:58 Traffic Increase and the Power of Authenticity
33:50 Gaining Traction and Overcoming Rejection
36:06 Transitioning from Anonymity to Recognition
37:29 The Impact of Viral Success
38:24 The Condensing Timeframe of Success
40:19 Dealing with Rejection in Personal Life
43:19 Protecting Oneself from Rejection
46:21 The Fear of Stating What You Want
48:06 External Motivation and Accountability
50:18 The Love of Having Written
52:58 The Fear of Rejection vs. Actual Rejection
54:24 Setting Audacious Rejection Goals
59:06 Reaching Out to Influential People
INTRODUCING "My Rejection Story" with Alice Draper. Coming September 3
Episode 1
Friday, August 30, 2024 • Duration 01:09
In exclusive interviews, society's bestselling authors share how they navigated the toughest periods of their personal and professional lives, and how this shaped the success they now experience today.
You probably know your favorite authors’ success stories. After all, you chose to read their books because of their expertise, wisdom, and great storytelling skills. But do you know their rejection story? I am not talking about the glossed-over “rags to riches” story that you may hear briefly mentioned in a press interview. I’m talking about hearing — directly from them — what it was like in the thick of it.
My mission with this podcast is to humanize the stories of some of society’s most successful thought leaders. Grab a cup of tea, plug your headphones in, and take a listen. Who knows? You might just see yourself in their stories.
Gay Hendricks: “No editor cared about my book, and I’d spent the quarter of a million dollars advance”
Season 1 · Episode 2
Tuesday, September 3, 2024 • Duration 01:01:18
Gay Hendricks shares his personal journey of transformation and finding his zone of genius. He discusses how a moment of clarity after falling on the ice led him to discover a state of pure consciousness.
Gay emphasizes the importance of facing and accepting our emotions and experiences in order to transform our lives. He also highlights the role of meditation in connecting with our true selves and finding inner peace.
In this part of the conversation, Gay discusses the importance of self-acceptance and making new choices to create positive change.
He introduces the FAC method. Gay also shares his experience with the upper limit problem, where he encountered self-sabotage after experiencing success. He emphasizes the power of wonder and asking questions to uncover limiting beliefs. Gay offers advice for aspiring writers, highlighting the importance of voicing ambitions and taking action.
For anyone listening, you can order a copy of Your Big Leap Year, as well as Gay’s other books, on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Your-Big-Leap-Year-Next-Level/dp/1250292794
I will also be giving away a copy to a listener who subscribes and reviews the podcast. You just need to email screenshots to media@hustlingwriters.com.
To find out more about Gay Hendricks, his work and his books, visit: https://hendricks.com/
A special thanks to our partners, who I highly recommend getting in touch with.
If you are looking for a book writing coach to get your manuscript out there, I recommend working with:
Lindy Pfeil, Author and Memoir Coach, website: lindypfeil.com
Nokuhle Kumalo: “I’m A Realistic Delulu Person”
Season 1 · Episode 3
Wednesday, September 4, 2024 • Duration 01:17:51
Nokuhle Kumalo shares her journey of feeling rejected by her accounting career and making the decision to leave and pursue her own business.
She discusses the challenges and doubts she faced along the way, as well as the support she received from her community. Nokuhle emphasizes the importance of finding a career that aligns with your personality and values, as well as the satisfaction that comes from living according to your purpose. She also talks about the audacious confidence she has always had and how it has helped her go after what she wants in life.
In this conversation, Nokuhle discusses her confidence in achieving her goals and the support she received from her father.
She also talks about the challenges she faced as a Black woman in corporate South Africa and the need to constantly prove herself, sharing her experiences of code-switching and the importance of language and cultural identity.
Nokuhle introduces her book, 'Get Ready With Me Work Edition,' which serves as a survival guide for young professionals in the workplace.
Nokuhle shares her experience of self-publishing, including the challenges of finding a printer and obtaining a barcode (who would have guessed!). Despite not actively marketing her book, she has had success in sales and has even had bulk sales from corporate clients. Nokuhle also reveals her plans to write a second book aimed at high school students.
I will also be giving away a copy to a listener who subscribes and reviews the podcast. You just need to email screenshots to media@hustlingwriters.com.
Subscribe to Nokuhle's popular Youtube channel: Follow Nokuhle on Instagram:
Neil Patel: “Rejection doesn’t need to sting”
Season 1 · Episode 4
Thursday, September 5, 2024 • Duration 28:05
Neil Patel, a renowned marketer and author, shares his insights on rejection and success. He emphasizes the importance of not letting rejection sting and the need to embrace rejection as a part of life and business. Neil discusses his own experiences with rejection and how he learned to be patient and persistent.
He also talks about the mindset of not having much to lose, which allowed him to take risks and pursue his dreams. Neil shares his thoughts on long-term planning, adapting to change, and the importance of community and support in overcoming rejection. He also highlights the value of taking action and not overthinking, as well as the need to own your dreams and not just rent them. Neil provides advice on navigating disagreements and criticism, and he suggests pitching Ray Dalio as a potential guest for the podcast.
I will also be giving away a copy to a listener who subscribes and reviews the podcast. You just need to email screenshots to media@hustlingwriters.com.
In this conversation, Alice Draper is interviewed by Diann Wingert, the host of the ADHD-ish podcast. Together, they discuss the complex nature of rejection, its historical roots in human survival, and the psychological impacts it has on individuals, particularly those with ADHD and marginalized identities. The dialogue explores the science behind rejection sensitivity, cultural conditioning, and a gendered perspectives on failure.
Check out:The ADHD-ish Podcast.This podcast alternates between straight-shooting solo episodes, guest interviews with other successful female solopreneurs, and client success stories of women who have worked with Diann to transform their businesses and mindset.
Alice Draper: "Losing my father to dementia is the worst and best thing that happened to me"
Season 1 · Episode 12
Wednesday, October 30, 2024 • Duration 38:04
In this episode, Alice Draper reflects on her journey through the first 11 episodes of her podcast, focusing on the theme of rejection and personal growth. She shares her own experiences with rejection, trauma, and caregiving, emphasizing how these challenges have shaped her resilience and identity. The conversation explores the duality of rejection and success, highlighting that both can coexist and lead to personal transformation. Alice encourages listeners to embrace their rejection stories as sources of strength and motivation for growth.
takeaways
Rejection is a universal experience that everyone faces.
Using rejection as a growth tool can lead to personal fulfillment.
Personal trauma can significantly impact one's resilience and identity.
Caregiving can shift one's sense of self and purpose.
Finding support is crucial in navigating difficult life changes.
Transformation often comes from facing adversity head-on.
Rejection can serve as a catalyst for positive change.
Confidence is built through action, not just belief.
Both rejection and success can coexist in our journeys.
Embracing our stories of rejection can fuel our ambitions.
Tina Wells: “No one looked like me when I started my business in 1996”
Season 1 · Episode 11
Wednesday, October 23, 2024 • Duration 50:30
Tina Wells shares her rejection story and the pivotal moment in her life when she felt rejected. She talks about the changes in the agency world and how she had to confront the rejection and make a decision. Tina emphasizes the importance of taking a pause and becoming present with oneself to navigate through rejection.
For anyone listening, you can order a copy of The Elevation Approach: Harness the Power of Work-Life Harmony to Unlock Your Creativity, Cultivate Joy, and Reach Your Biggest Goals on Amazon: https://a.co/d/boRRTDv
To find out more about Tina Wells, her books, services and courses, visit: https://tinawells.com/
Follow Tina on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tinawells/
I will also be giving away a copy of Tina’s latest book to a listener who subscribes and reviews the podcast. You just need to email screenshots to media@hustlingwriters.com.
Distribution Partners:
A special thanks to our partners, who I highly recommend getting in touch with.
If you are interested in exploring hybrid publishing, I highly recommend getting in touch with Nick Courtright, CEO of atmospherepress.com
Special shout out to Eva Langston. Eva created a writing resources newsletter with the goal of giving the advice, encouragement, and resources she wished she’d had at various stages in her writing career. Her Substack newsletter for writers on the journey to publication now has over 4,500 subscribers. Subscribe here: https://evalangston.substack.com/
If you are looking for a book writing coach to get your manuscript out there, I recommend working with: Lindy Pfeil, Author and Memoir Coach, website: lindypfeil.com
Kimberly Brown: "It is never too late to change careers"
Season 1 · Episode 10
Wednesday, October 16, 2024 • Duration 01:07:07
In this episode of My Rejection Story, Kimberly Brown shares her personal journey of rejection and redirection in her career. She discusses the emotional impact of job rejections, the importance of vulnerability, and how to navigate the job market effectively. Kimberly emphasizes the significance of asking questions during interviews and the need for self-coaching in professional development. She also opens up about her experience as an author, the challenges of promoting her book, and the importance of community support. The conversation concludes with practical advice for growing a podcast and engaging with an audience.
Takeaways:
Rejection can lead to unexpected opportunities.
It's essential to ask questions during the interview process.
Vulnerability is a crucial part of career transitions.
Building a community can provide support during tough times.
Self-coaching is vital for personal and professional growth.
Aligning with your core values is key to job satisfaction.
The pain of regret is often worse than the pain of trying something new.
Creating engaging content can help grow your audience.
It's important to understand what makes your work unique.
Being authentic can help you connect with your audience.
For anyone listening, you can order a copy of Next Move, Best Move, on Amazon: https://a.co/d/74iDP5I
I will also be giving away a copy to a listener who subscribes and reviews the podcast. You just need to email screenshots to media@hustlingwriters.com.
Jason VanRuler: "I didn't know how to have a secure relationship"
Season 1 · Episode 9
Wednesday, October 9, 2024 • Duration 55:24
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 media@hustlingwriters.com.
Tracy Stewart, book mentor and developmental editor, author, and ghostwriter, website: freshlypress.com
Javacia Harris Bowser, host of a community for female writers, bloggers, and entrepreneurs, website: seejanewritebham.com
If you’re looking for a brain / neuro trainer, check out Paula Echeverri, website: neuromomceo.com
Freelance writers, you are going to want to get your hands on Amber Perry’s guide, 250+ nonfiction publications that pay, so people can start pitching right away.
Chapters
00:00 Confronting Rejection and Embracing Change
07:05 The Power of Work-Life Harmony
19:09 Finding Inspiration and Supportive Communities
24:55 Finding Your Community
29:10 The Value of ‘Friend-tors’
31:47 Strategic Networking: Mentors vs. Sponsors
41:22 Effective Communication and Presentation
45:13 Turning Rejections into Opportunities
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Rejection and Redirection
04:22 Kimberly's Job Rejection Story
07:22 The Impact of Rejection on Career Paths
10:23 Navigating the Job Market and Interviews
13:14 The Importance of Asking Questions in Interviews
16:12 Vulnerability in Professional Growth
19:27 The Journey of Writing and Promoting a Book
21:58 Building a Community Around Your Work
24:51 The Process of Self-Coaching and Leadership Development
28:04 The Challenges of Being Visible and Authentic
31:47 Advice for Growing a Podcast
34:53 Conclusion and Future Aspirations
Distribution Partners:A special thanks to our partners, who I highly recommend getting in touch with. If you are looking for a book writing coach to get your manuscript out there, I recommend working with: Lindy Pfeil, Author and Memoir Coach, website: lindypfeil.com Emily Tamayo Maher, Author & bestselling author in women’s spirituality, website: meaningmethod.com. Tracy Stewart, book mentor and developmental editor, author, and ghostwriter, website: freshlypress.com Javacia Harris Bowser, host of a community for female writers, bloggers, and entrepreneurs, website: seejanewritebham.com If you are interested in exploring hybrid publishing, I highly recommend getting in touch with Nick Courtright, CEO of atmospherepress.com If you’re looking for a brain / neuro trainer, check out Paula Echeverri, website: neuromomceo.com Freelance writers, you are going to want to get your hands on Amber Perry’s guide, 250+ nonfiction publications that pay, so people can start pitching right away. Here’s the link: If you are interested in exploring hybrid publishing, I highly recommend getting in touch with Nick Courtright, CEO of atmospherepress.com
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