The Power of Owning Your Story with Ruthie Ackerman

This week, I talk with Ruthie Ackerman—a talented author, journalist, and writing teacher who has turned her own journey into a blueprint for helping others find their voice. Ruthie’s work has appeared in The New York Times, Modern Love, and many other renowned outlets, but her true passion lies in empowering others to discover and write their own stories. Through her workshops, one-on-one coaching, and book incubators, Ruthie helps writers connect with their experiences, heal from the past, and find deeper meaning in their lives. We explore Ruthie’s journey—from traveling the world in her 20s, to pivoting into journalism, to teaching creative nonfiction and memoir to students around the globe. We also dive into the deeply personal moments that shaped her path, including her journey to motherhood. Ruthie’s insights on storytelling, healing, and personal growth are inspiring, and I hope our conversation encourages you to reflect on your own story and its potential to create meaning and connection. Let’s get to it!

In this episode:

(00:00) - Intro
(02:48) - How Ruthie ended up in Malawi
(10:31) - The path to journalism
(13:19) - Brooklyn dreams
(18:38) - Reporting from Liberia and Lebanon
(28:18) - The Forbes experience
(32:05) - Starting Write Your Life
(36:12) - How Ruthie teaches writing
(47:51) - The importance of memoir
(53:25) - Balancing personal and professional life
(01:03:55) - The journey to motherhood
(01:09:28) - Dealing with changing desires
(01:16:14) - Understanding self-silencing and emotional repression
(01:24:02) - The reality of fertility treatments
(01:28:24) - Dating after divorce
(01:33:17) - Finding love and facing heartbreak
(01:44:19) - Meeting Rob
(01:48:37) - Reflections on the journey and personal growth
(01:52:06) - Ruthie's most beautiful future
(01:55:09) - Who Ruthie is becoming

Key Takeaways

Follow Your Curiosity: Ruthie emphasizes the importance of pursuing curiosity over conventional paths. Her journey from psychology to art and journalism highlights how exploration can lead to unexpected and fulfilling opportunities.
There’s No One “Right” Path: Life often presents multiple viable paths, and the idea that there’s only one correct choice is misleading. Ruthie found meaning in all the routes she explored, whether staying in Malawi, returning to the U.S., or pivoting her career.
Permission to Be a Writer: Writing isn’t just about mastering craft—it’s about giving yourself the authority to tell your story. Ruthie encourages writers to own their voices and see themselves as authors of their narratives.
The Power of Adaptation: Moving her writing classes online during the pandemic expanded Ruthie’s reach and redefined her business. Flexibility and adaptation can turn challenges into opportunities.
Play and Creativity Matter: Ruthie reminds us that adults often neglect play and exploration, undervaluing activities that don’t have immediate monetary return. Creative expression is essential to personal and professional growth.

Quotes

“The thing that I'm teaching is not writing. You can't teach writing. The thing I'm teaching is giving yourself permission to be a writer. You have the authority to write your story.” ~ Ruthie Ackerman

“As adults, we don’t play enough. We don’t explore enough. We don’t follow our curiosity. We don’t play in the sandbox. Capitalism has done this to us, where if we can’t pinpoint the value monetarily, then it doesn’t exist. And that I think is what’s killing us.” ~ Ruthie Ackerman

“I was trying to find a career that matched the things that I love to do rather than fit myself into a career.” ~ Ruthie Ackerman

“Every story has a big lie, and when that’s cracked open, that’s how the narrator finds the truth. And that’s true in life as well.” ~ Ruthie Ackerman

“Figuring out what you want to do and who you want to be is the most important journey of all.” ~ Ruthie Ackerman

Links