Good Work with Barrett Brooks

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 Get full show notes and links at https://GoodWorkShow.com [https://goodworkshow.com]. Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@barrettabrooks [https://www.youtube.com/@barrettabrooks].

This week, I talk with Andy Crissinger, a world-class coach and master facilitator who has guided leaders at some of the world’s most renowned startups and companies. Andy’s journey to coaching is remarkable, weaving through ministry, startup leadership, and eventually finding his calling as a coach. In the first half of our conversation, we explore his personal story, which is deeply relatable and filled with lessons about growth and resilience. In the second half, we dive into a coaching curriculum built around five transformative books, offering practical insights for personal and professional development. These resources can help you grow into the leader, partner, and parent you aspire to be. I loved this conversation with Andy about finding purpose, building trust, and achieving meaningful growth, and I think you will too. Let’s get to it! In this episode: * (00:00) - Intro * (00:05) - Who is Leonard? * (03:25) - What music represents for Andy * (07:28) - Family, integrity, and sense-making * (14:15) - Andy's transition to ministry * (17:09) - What Andy learned about community through ministry * (23:13) - Coaching vs teaching * (30:20) - The journey through infertility * (39:16) - How impact and joy of fatherhood * (43:15) - Transitioning to coaching * (48:00) - Founding Worksong * (01:00:23) - Humble Inquiry by Edgar Schein * (01:13:11) - Inherited Family Trauma * (01:19:42) - Andy's beautiful future * (01:22:18) - Who And is becoming * (01:24:19) - Trees by Howard Nemerov Get full show notes and links at https://GoodWorkShow.com [https://goodworkshow.com]. Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@barrettabrooks [https://www.youtube.com/@barrettabrooks].

This week, I talk with Patrick McKenzie, better known online as “patio11.” Patrick has built an impressive career by sharing his insights publicly, with more than three million words published to date. From his years at Stripe to his current sabbatical, Patrick’s journey proves that the “traditional path” is not always the best one. We explore how his love for systems thinking and complex problem-solving has shaped his career. He shares candidly about his 20 years in Japan, navigating work-life balance, his evolving thoughts on autonomy, and how writing has opened doors to unexpected opportunities. Known for his deep dives into topics you didn’t realize you cared about, Patrick brings fresh perspectives on tech, culture, and finding meaning in work. Let’s get to it! In this episode: * (00:00) - Intro * (03:10) - Why gaming is underrated for learning real-world skills * (06:21) - Why do thieves steal soap? * (08:54) - Following intellectual curiosity * (13:18) - Call centers and organizational systems * (22:39) - Lessons from 20 years in Japan * (28:30) - The salaryman * (37:08) - Patrick's transition to entrepreneurial ventures * (39:09) - How to know what to keep and what to change * (42:14) - Dealing with career uncertainty * (52:08) - Professionals vs amateurs * (57:14) - Lessons from Stockfighter * (01:01:07) - Stripe and stepping into the void * (01:21:50) - The impact of writing and sharing knowledge * (01:26:30) - The relationship between community and impact Get full show notes and links at https://GoodWorkShow.com [https://goodworkshow.com]. Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@barrettabrooks [https://www.youtube.com/@barrettabrooks].

This week, I talk with Tim Grahl, CEO of Story Grid and author of The Shithead, a novel that’s both thrilling and deeply personal. Tim made a name for himself as a book marketer who landed multiple titles on the New York Times  Bestseller list at the same time. Tim’s work with Story Grid, alongside his partner Shawn Coyne, has guided hundreds of aspiring authors in mastering the essential elements of storytelling, helping them transform “I hope I can write a book someday” into a published reality. We cover a range of topics, from Tim’s journey as a book marketer to his insights on the power of structure in storytelling. We also dive into his personal experiences, including the impact of therapy on his growth as both a person and a professional. Tim’s work ethic and passion for meaningful storytelling are infectious, and I think you’ll find our conversation both inspiring and thought-provoking. Let’s get to it! In this episode: * (00:00) - Intro * (05:06) - Tim's perfect vacation * (11:54) - Doing work that people don't understand * (15:19) - The "secret" to Tim's success * (20:34) - The moment Tim knew his business was broken * (31:06) - What is an object of desire? * (34:10) - The problem with online courses (and how to fix it) * (01:03:47) - Behind the scenes of writing a meaningful book * (01:13:37) - Success and the half warm beer theory * (01:18:03) - Reflecting on regret * (01:24:28) - How therapy changed everything * (01:32:58) - Chasing insight vs integration * (01:38:19) - Tim's beautiful future * (01:42:47) - Who Tim is becoming Get full show notes and links at https://GoodWorkShow.com [https://goodworkshow.com]. Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@barrettabrooks [https://www.youtube.com/@barrettabrooks].

This week, I talk with my friend Mo Bunnell, founder of GrowBIG and the Bunnell Idea Group, which offers one of the most in-depth, relationship-driven trainings on sales and business development. Mo is the author of Give to Grow, a book I recommend to anyone interested in learning business development with a values-centered approach. We start by diving into Mo’s personal life, his deep commitment to family, and the strength of his marriage. In the second half, Mo shares his unique business development framework, applying it to my business in ways that make it practical and actionable. Mo’s insights reveal how success, when rooted in genuine connection, transforms careers and lives. I hope you enjoy this conversation with one of the kindest, most relationship-driven people I know. Let’s get to it! In this episode: * (00:00) - Intro * (03:32) - How Mo ended up tied to a donkey in the Colorado mountains * (09:22) - Reflecting on 32 years of marriage * (12:41) - The power of writing down goals * (16:13) - Case study: Pursuing a dream home * (24:45) - Parenting and the importance of family rituals * (34:59) - Celebrating achievements and friendships * (37:21) - The role of community and friendship * (39:26) - Building a sense of belonging * (40:00) - The Breckenridge and Mashup experience * (41:01) - Creating and hosting events * (49:28) - Writing, publishing, and becoming an author * (01:03:35) - Applying the Give to Grow framework * (01:11:52) - The five lies we tell ourselves * (01:14:31) - Overcoming the lies and setting goals * (01:19:35) - Designing a buy-in process * (01:22:14) - Identifying and engaging with clients * (01:24:49) - The power of specialization * (01:30:37) - Creating scalable systems * (01:38:37) - Mo's beautiful future * (01:40:23) - Who Mo is becoming Get full show notes and links at https://GoodWorkShow.com [https://goodworkshow.com]. Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@barrettabrooks [https://www.youtube.com/@barrettabrooks].