No matter what stage of life you’re in, chances are you’ve experienced Imposter Syndrome. It often shows up as negative self-talk that leads us to reject ourselves—sometimes so subtly we don’t even notice.

Tune into my conversation with Dr. Rebecca Malhi, where she shares her story of rejection (being laid off from the oil and gas sector) and how it ultimately redirected her toward a career as a social psychologist.

We’ll also explore evidence-based strategies for managing Imposter Syndrome—and for all the recovering perfectionists out there (I see you, and you are not alone!). Yes, there is a way to remain productive while still prioritizing self-care, and that’s exactly what we’ll talk about.

My favourite quote from Rebecca that stuck with me is: “You will be hitting bumps along the road, but those bumps can ultimately help you jump higher.”

Additional Links/Resources:

• Rebecca's Podcast, The Joyful Scholar: https://luminawriting.com/the-joyful-scholar-podcast/
• Rebecca's Services: https://luminawriting.com/
• Learn more about Rebecca's current role as a psychologist and adjunct professor at the University of Calgary: https://profiles.ucalgary.ca/rebecca-malhi

Connect with Rebecca:

📧 Email: rmalhi@luminawriting.com

💼 LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/Rebecca-Malhi

📢 Connect with Us:

📸 Instagram: @the_rejectedpremed_podcast

📩 Email: valerusu55@gmail.com

☕ Support the show: buymeacoffee.com/valeriarusnak

Would you like to join a community where you can share your rejection stories and support others along the way? We all have those stories—now it’s time we learn from them and maybe help others too: https://www.facebook.com/groups/466124329823199/

If you need support navigating rejection or feeling lost, book a private meeting at calendly.com/valerusu55. I may not have all the answers, but there is beauty in sticking together through tough times 🫶

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to provide legal, medical, or professional advice.

🎧 Listen Now on Your Favorite Platform: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | RSS

Have you ever felt like the "good one," the "pretty one," or the "smart, put-together one"? You may be even admired on the outside, but quietly crumbling under pressure on the inside?

In this solo episode, Valeria returns with an honest update to explore the hidden cost of being placed on a pedestal—by others and by yourself. She opens up about growing up under the "overachiever" label, and how chasing admiration often comes hand-in-hand with self-rejection, burnout, and loneliness.

This episode is for you if:

• You've ever felt pressure to be perfect
• If you feel you have to embody a certain role or image within your career or relationships
• You’ve struggled with rejection after changing your path, setting boundaries, or simply showing your human side
• You’re learning to embrace imperfection, vulnerability, and authenticity

Valeria also shares personal updates—including her pivot from medicine to business school—and practical strategies for setting boundaries, practicing self-compassion, and building a life that feels good instead of just looking good.

💬 Connect with Valeria:

If you need support navigating rejection or feeling lost, book a private meeting at calendly.com/valerusu55. I may not have all the answers, but there is beauty in sticking together in tough times 🫶

💌 Join The Rejections Room Facebook group (safe space to share & heal): https://www.facebook.com/groups/466124329823199/

☕ Support Valeria's work by donating: buymeacoffee.com/valeriarusnak

📸 Follow along for additional updates and content: @the_rejectedpremed_podcast

🙏 Special Thanks:

To our generous donors—including Qing and our anonymous supporter—thank you for helping this message reach more people. 💛

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to provide legal, medical, or professional advice.

Listen Now on Your Favorite Platform: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | RSS

In this powerful episode, Valeria sits down with multidisciplinary artist, author, and businessman Karan Wadhwani to talk about how rejection often starts from within—and how embracing intuition, creativity, and spiritual practice can lead to a more fulfilling and resilient life.

In This Episode, We Explore:

• Why “others can only reject you when you reject yourself”
• The difference between fear and intuition
• Building resilience through adaptability, self-trust, and self-compassion
• Why being your own best friend is the key to overcoming external and internal rejection
• What it means to be successful—and how to redefine failure
• Tai Chi, spirituality, and how martial arts can teach us how to flow with rejection
• The importance of making the most of every moment and acting despite fear
• Creative balance, joy, and how to not hold yourself back
• Lessons from The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron
• Understanding that we’re all walking our own paths, but not alone

Career Advice You’ll Love: Karan shares why liking what you do matters more than titles, and how working across industries made him more resilient. Hear his practical tips on building a path that’s authentic—even when it's unconventional.

Karan’s Book: So You Want To Be A... – Order now on Amazon

Learn more: karanwadhwani.ca

Connect with Karan:

• Instagram: @kwadhwan
• Email: info@whoiskaran.com

📢 Connect with Us:

📸 Instagram: @the_rejectedpremed_podcast

💼 LinkedIn: Valeria Rusnak

📩 Email: valerusu55@gmail.com

☕ Support the show: buymeacoffee.com/valeriarusnak

If you need support navigating rejection or feeling lost, book a private meeting at calendly.com/valerusu55. I may not have all the answers, but there is beauty in sticking together in tough times 🫶

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to provide legal, medical, or professional advice.

Listen Now on Your Favorite Platform: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | RSS

Remember: "Don’t be fearful of things that are intuitively who you are." Let go of the fear and let yourself become who you're meant to be.