In this episode of the Course Building Secrets Podcast, Tara welcomes Ash Wylder, founder of the Story Breath School, to discuss her unique approach to teaching writing. She explains the three levels of her coursework, designed to help individuals from finding their voice to becoming authors. Ash shares her background in writing, massage therapy, and neuroscience-based coaching, and how they all converged to form her current coaching practice. She emphasizes the importance of clear customer journeys and personalized coaching. Ash also discusses her tactic of building a business without relying on social media, emphasizing authenticity and strategic visibility.

Ash Wylder is the owner and writing instructor of The Story Breath School. With a background in creative writing and Neuroscience, Ash empowers individuals to find their unique voice and articulate their stories. She gains much of her experience from the High Performance Institute and working with top-level athletes.  Ash is one of 700 elite Certified High Performance Coaches in the world.

Contact Ash: www.storybreathschool.com

Mentioned in this episode:

https://taralbryan.com/step/15-learn-to-scale-call

Hey everybody, it's Tara Bryan and you are listening

to the Course Building Secrets® Podcast. Whether you're a coach

or a CEO, the success of your team and clients is based on

your ability to deliver a consistent experience and guide

them on the fastest path to results. This podcast will give

you practical real life tips that you can use today to build

your online experiences that get results and create raving fans.

Why? So you can monetize your expertise and serve more people

without adding more time or team to your business? If you're

looking to uncover your million dollar framework, package it and

use it to scale you're in the right place. Let's dive in.

Hey, everybody, welcome to today's episode of the Course

Building Secrets® Podcast. I am so happy to be here today. With

me today is Ash Wylder, our guest interviewer. So welcome

Ash, I'm so happy to have you on the show. To get us started,

tell us a little bit about yourself, your business and what

you're up to.

Thanks. Hi, I'm really happy to be here. Um, so

my business is called the Story Breath School and the Story

Breath School is like writing pricing activities and

mythopoetic exercises to help people get writing and creative

in a way that academia there, there's a lot of walls that

around how we learn writing, because we've kind of pushed it

off into this thing that we learn in school. And then we

don't get to go take it like we take a cooking class or a dance

class kind of just for the heck of it. So there's kind of all of

this pressure, but there. So the story rest school exists in a

lot of ways to tear down those boundaries and give people

access to this kind of support. In a way that doesn't feel so

intimidating. Yeah,

that's awesome. So is it for authors or just anyone

who wants to write better? Yeah, there's

kind of like three level and my online coursework

exists for like level one and level two. And that's a poetry

course. And then every once in a while, I'll fold into that just

like a general writing course, depending on what's coming up

with, you know, my newsletter readers. But so journey, like,

level one is really I want to find my voice, like maybe you

know, you're neurodivergent, or highly sensitive, or just didn't

have the opportunity in school to really play with what it

feels like to experiment with language on the page in a way

that sound like you. So That's level one. Level two is like I

have my voice or maybe I'm still finding it. But I really want to

hone my craft, I want to learn more of like, the 10 techniques

of writing, grammar, things like that things that will help you

tell your story on the page. And this can you know, take the the

form of personal essays or poetry or you no content copy on

websites. But it's like how do we concisely and briefly say

what we need to say in a way that other people can

understand. And then stage three is, I am an author or I have a

dream of becoming an author or a writer. And I really want to

take it to that next level and that for us are one on one

coaching for

people. Yeah, super cool. Okay, so I have all sorts

of questions. It's interesting, though. So when you're talking

about finding your voice, and and you specialize in helping

people who are highly sensitive to like wanting to figure that

out, right, so. So it's interesting that you say that.

So one of the things, so I have owned an agency for, like 16

years in an online business. And just recently, I think it was

maybe six months to a year ago, I was like, Hey, I'm not very

good at telling my story. Like I couldn't get it out, even just

to verbalize it, much less write it. So it was interesting,

because I did work with the story, coach, it sounds so much

similar, where it's like, here's how you tell your story in a

compelling way that is congruent with who you are and how.

Because because it is there's sometimes sometimes there's like

a, a block between how you want to say it and having it sound

like you write it. So that's what you're talking about as

being able to help people articulate that and then be able

to write it.

Right, exactly. And then you know, another layer of

this too is for a while I was working with a woman who

specializes in flow. Our essences that are read through,

like an astrology lens. So she has this really kind of wild

business. And one of our goals for our work together was like,

how do we distill that into a way in pure, you know, way of

speaking, where people really understood what she was up to in

her business? Like, how do we just take this complicated thing

and distill it down into some thing? That's consumable?

Yeah. Interesting. So yeah. And so not only are

taking into your story, but helping other people understand

your story. And what that looks like. Yeah, very cool. Okay, so

I love this. So how, how did you get started in doing this kind

of work, where, what's your background and, and kind of what

brought you to this place?

It's kind of multi pronged and interesting, you

know, as everything in life, we like to distill it down into a

straight line for people and sometimes distilling it down

into a straight line doesn't actually tell the whole story.

So the whole story is that I've been writing since I was a

child, it was like my way of making sense of the world. And

then I got into massage therapy, and medical and sports massage

therapy and started having access to professional athlete,

and, you know, just really high performing people. And then I,

as we all did shifted in the pandemic, I had received a

coaching certification in a neuroscience back program in

early 2019. And then in 2020, I didn't feel like I could

continue doing massage, I was getting mixed messages from the

government, we all were, it was kind of back crazy place. And so

I pivoted really hard into this neuroscience based coaching. And

what I realized you're continuing to do that work with

people is that I was drawing so much from this, like creative

writing background, that I had to help people facilitate their

own voice. So that was really what I ended up doing. And then

it was like a matter of my brand, kind of catching up with

that transition. So that's how the story breath school was

born. And what makes, you know, the writing coaching that I do

really fun and interesting is that it does have this like deep

pocket and mindfulness and body awareness, and also

neuroscience, that's all of my background. So I can bring that

into sessions with people in the coursework that I create. So

that highly sensitive and neurodivergent people, they

don't feel like they have to push past their nervous systems

boundaries, in order to get something done. So we really

learn how to work with those systems to create habits that

can help clarity continue coming up, and like that writing

progress, you know, become easier. Yeah, yeah.

That's super cool. Okay, so you had a pivot? Do you

started? Do you start doing more one on one? Or what did you go

directly to packaging? Some of your stuff?

I started with one on one. Yeah, I kind of felt

like that was the easiest pivot my, you know, for massage

therapy like that I'd really built on a one on one basis, or

that was how I started. And then I did courses and started off by

just doing live courses, because I felt like I want that

relationship with the, you know, primary instructor, if they're

completely removed, I don't always feel like I can trust the

product. Um, so that's how that kind of started and then I've

been trickling in, you know, more of the passive coursework,

but also giving a lot of this. Because especially for, you

know, highly sensitive people, there's, there's searching that

happen for finding the right answer for the assignment or for

the coach or for, you know, but if we can give each other

permission and just hold that space for I don't know, is it

for, like, breaking the mold within the program? That's where

people's voice really comes alive in their writing? Yes,

sometimes it just need that reinforcement, right?

Or just that. Just to be able to have somebody else say, yep,

like, look at it from that different perspective. Right.

Yeah. So I love that because so so this is a journey that a lot

of people take right is oh, I'm I, you know, have this

expertise. I have this kind of thing that I love to do. People

are now starting to pay me for it. I'm doing it one on one. Oh,

gosh. Now I don't have time to do all the one on one because

I'm doing you know, continuously teaching or repeating yourself.

I call it fifty first dates. It's right, like you wrote, you

know, you're, you're teaching your curriculum and coaching. So

you're packaging your curriculum now. And then you're able to so

Coach handles personal conversations, which gives you

that fulfillment, but also gives that ability for somebody to

connect with you in a different way, but gets your message out

there. So I love that. And it allows you to obviously scale

and see more people, right? So you can put them in, what are

some, like key approaches that you take in not only your

package curriculum, but in your coaching that you'll feel makes

a huge difference in people staying and engaging and

actually getting results?

Yeah, I think my customer journey is really

clear. So you know, the stage one people that people who are

just unsure, maybe they don't even call themselves writers or

want to, but they just like, know that they need to be able

to write better, they know that, you know, their access to this

sort of work, and to me is as deep as they want it to go. But

they know that they can start with these free events, these

workshops, and then this poetry course. And then it's kind of

the same first stage to like, they know where they can plug

in, where they can get support, and then what the next thing can

look like. So many people, even if I'm doing a one on one

coaching with them, they'll still sign up for a poetry

course, or for a workshop or free event, just because it's

like more support in a variety of different ways. Um, but it

allows people to kind of plug in for where their pain points are

at that time, because one thing that we know, in any sort of

self growth business or personal development business is that

people's pain points return after they've reached a certain

new level, you know, it's like a spiral staircase to kind of

seeing the same thing from a slightly different angle. So

being able to tap back into these other things is really

helpful for just like, the dynamic room. It's like, the

dynamic conversation of becoming a writer or becoming a person

who knows themselves better through writing that space. So I

think that that is really helpful and important. And it's

probably put me farther along than when I was just like, I do

writing thing. Right,

right. For sure. And I love that the personalized

levels, where people can go, oh, yeah, this is me, this is me,

this is me. And then you have that ascension path that people

can go through to get sort of that deeper skill set deeper

level with you, as you're working. So I love that for

those of you who are sort of new to this journey, thinking about

the customer experience is really important. And because if

it's clear for your customers, it helps you create a clear

program. Because that's, that's one of the things that you know,

to your point, like, oh, I can help anyone who wants to write?

Well, my guess is now that you are specific, you're actually

helping more people who are a better fit and more people in

general, because you're being specific about what what it is

that you do. They'll help Help me understand. So, so people

come to you primarily people buy programs or buy coaching from

people when they have a problem. So do you primarily work with

like, with entrepreneurs who are told that they have to write

emails and social media and blog posts and and all the things in

there like, right? Or is it really like aspiring authors who

want to sit down and write a book? Like do you how do you

differentiate between the two?

That's a really good question. And I started off by

doing exactly that. I used to have two doors on my website and

I was like content writers slash entrepreneurs, come over here.

And then creative writers or aspiring authors come over here.

And I found that that didn't work that you know what? Most

people fall into both of those categories if you're writing

content or your business you're probably a creative because

you're brave enough to be building a business and there

might be this creative writing pocket that we're gonna want to

steal so that it can bleed over into the content writing um, and

when Yeah, when I had those doors, I had a little link right

below that was like don't know which one of these you are

that's fine. Just book a call and that I think to you if I can

go back to your previous question was a huge well, for

just building my business because when somebody books one

of those 22 Minute Calls, I call it a dip your toes in

consultation. It's like a no pressure. Let's just see where

you are. Okay, great. This might be where you plug in if I'm not

the right fit. I have a look. List of other people that like

can help you get to where you want to be. And from those

calls, I was realizing that people really just like, wanted

something that was tailor made for them if they were going to

do one on one card thing. And while they wanted their projects

to move forward, they wanted the freedom to be like, this is an

acute thing, we're going to work on this right now, like, this is

a thing that I will want to, you know, drive that consistently

over time. And most people didn't want to do a one hour

every week for six weeks or 12 weeks sort of thing they wanted

like a one hour on week one, and then a four hour block on week

four, so that they could compile everything that they had written

over the past however long and really focus it. But again, it

kind of depends on the project. So I have people that I work

with, where we sit down, and we are working on their website

content, we're trying to figure out their copy and their voice

through it. And then I have clients who are working on a

bigger book, or a bigger project, something that long

form, and I have clients who want to get published in a

variety of areas, they just want, you know, somebody who can

look at each piece before they send it out for publication, and

be like, great, this is what you know, we need to shift or maybe

this place is a better place to send a submission than this one.

It's pretty varied. I think that my ISBA more than what they're

writing is this highly sensitive, maybe neurodivergent

person who really wants to dive into their writing bar.

Yeah, cool. I like, um, yeah, I love, I love the

your perspective of thinking from multi lenses, right? Like,

it's a multi step path. And for those of you who are getting

started, this is the point where you start to grow is when you

can look at where people fit, and then how to how to bridge

that gap. I will tell you, for everyone, I'm going to give you

ashes website and access to any of her materials in the show

notes. But I did go out to your website. And I have to say that

like that you have an energy about you that shows up actually

on your website. And I was a little cranky this morning, I

will admit to all my listeners, and I went to your site, I'm

like, Oh, I feel kind of relaxed now and like ready to have this

conversation. So there is something about how you are

approaching even, you know, even your presence just on is very

commonly that shows up in your website. And I don't know if

it's because of the theme that you have, I will keep that as a

secret. So everybody can go look at it, but like the theme that

you have on your website, but but it did draw me in almost

from that. Wholeness perspective, right, like, it's

fine to find your story, it's fine to start writing, like,

just do it. It's good. And so I think it's, it's interesting,

too, because you're demonstrating on your site, how

to find your voice, because I assume that this is reflective

of you, right. And so for those of you who are getting started

to like match your personality, match your expertise with how

you're, you're putting yourself out there, and then you're

attracting the right people who are coming in who want kind of

that calm presence. And I'm just assuming this is the first time

that we've talked, but I'm just assuming, like a calm presence,

to help you uncover something without kind of the high energy

piece to it, where you know, you're, you don't like, you

know, frenzy people up, right? It's just like, alright, let's

just figure this out. Right. And so definitely go check out our

website, because I think it demonstrates that the other

thing it demonstrates that I just want to call out is that

path that you're talking about that you do have those three

levels. And so if you are kind of looking at how to structure

your business, it's a great model to look at as the is you

know, the three different pieces. So, so there you go,

that was a quick endorsement for you but but I did like that as I

went out and surprisingly, in maybe it was like the the write

until your your chair becomes your butt or something.

Write until your chair becomes the shape of your

butt. Yeah,

that's right until the chair becomes the shape of

your butt. Maybe it was that I was like, I love that. Like, I

hopethat that didn't happen. But I get it like it's very

descriptive. So that was cute. Awesome. Okay, cool. So, or, or

those people who are listening who want to either package your

expertise or kind of get into you know, building an online

business, what kind of advice do you have for that? What's your

biggest tip or trick that you want to share with our audience?

Yeah,

it's a little counterculture. So, you know, I

have built my business, social media free. I've gotten on

podcasts, I've done some emails and word of mouth. And it's been

a little bit lower of a growth. But for me, and for my ICA,

like, or my ideal client, um, being on social media can feel a

little overwhelming. And so for me to be putting my energy

there, I don't even do it personally, it was just like a

very clear thing. And I had gone through a lot of business

coaches and marketing programs that really pushed it. And it

took me a while to find the right mentors. And yeah, the

right community of other entrepreneurs and business

owners that either weren't doing it, or were relying totally on

it, to find my way through it. But you do not need social

media. If you do not want to do social media, that's fine. No,

it might take a little bit longer. But for me, it feels

really good to know that my list is resilient enough to not rely

on

what sounds like it's congruent with your brand

to like, I'm, I'm exactly the same way where I had the same

advice. And I felt like a dancing monkey kind of thing

where it's like, all the time. And and I did the same thing.

I'm like, No, nope, I can be really strategic and intentional

about who I'm attracting and how I'm out there without feeling

like it's a volume way and how much I can show up on social

media. And so I think that's interesting, because honestly, I

feel like that's the pendulum is sort of swinging in that

direction, more and more, which you're happy about, I'm happy

about. Because I do think that while visibility is really

important, there are other ways to become visible other than

just, you know, daily, real, or, you know, how many random videos

can you put out there that aren't meaningful? So you've

heard that from us first people, like don't just do it to do it.

And I think, to me, that's the bigger thing, right is the

advice that you get is like, just show up on social media

every day. And, and like it. What matters is how many views

you have. And like, No, not really, what matters is how you

connect with your people. And your people probably aren't on

social media, in a safe, same way that you're not on social

media, right? Or the way that they're consuming social media

is different than mainstream, you know, gurus out there who

are just, you know, get as many views as possible. And then

maybe one or two of them will convert, though I love that,

because because I think that, that you're right, that's the

message that we get is just do this cookie cutter approach.

And, and it isn't that way. And but my guess is, is that when

you teach people how to uncover their story, and be able to tell

their story clearly, that the social media or the podcast

interviews, or the speaking engagements, or however, you

know, it is that people are becoming visible, becomes more

strategic and meaningful, because they're leading with

that story of who they are, and finding their voids, versus just

sort of the pray and spray method, right, like, so that

that probably brings it full circle to you to write is that

you're able to help people publish in a way that's

meaningful instead of noise. Well, and

I think that when your voice is strong, and your

story is strong, and your message is strong, like it's

like a magnet, and there was a time when I was like, really

considering getting on social media, where I just sat down and

I was like, Okay, but how much do I trust the universe or God

or creator? Like, if I'm showing up and I'm doing the work, and

I'm doing it authentically and intentionally, is impatience the

thing that is driving me towards wanting to do social media? Or

can I trust that like, I'm showing up in a way that

eventually is going to bring the right people towards me? Or, and

that doesn't mean not being visible. I've put myself out

there a lot of different platforms in a lot of different

ways. It also means that I've gotten really creative with my

marketing. Yeah.

I love that. I love that very cool. Okay. What's one

book tool or resource that you cannot live without?

Well, Atomic Habits by James Clear, it's

a good one and like them? Yeah, I asked this

question every single time I interview a guest and most of

the time, that's, that's the book that comes up. It is a game

changer, isn't it? It is. And

I think that when you really start looking for

those 1% differences, you know, the like, this isn't gonna

change my life tomorrow, it also starts to detox the dopamine

addiction that we have it like, we're not looking for the giant

win anymore. We're looking for like the consistent practice

that's going to bring us towards the goal. So I think it also

gets us to think more realistically, we're not talking

about habits.

Yeah, yeah. I love it. Awesome. are very cool. So

for my listeners who want to find out more about you. And

obviously go look at that website that I mentioned. Give

us a shout out to your website. And and then again, I'll put all

of that in the show notes. So how can we find you what is the

best way to find you not on social media as you just heard

her?

Not on social media? Yep. www.storybreathschool.com

Awesome. Very cool. Well, thank you so much for

joining us today. I appreciate it. And until next time.

Thank you so much for having me.