logo
episode-header-image
Sep 2025
12m 34s

A Healthier Approach to Criticism

Ryan Leak
About this episode

Most of us don’t know what to do with criticism. We either ignore it, pretend we don’t care, or rush to discredit whoever said it. But the truth is, words hurt... and if you don’t learn how to process them, they’ll either spiral you or shut you down. In this episode, I get personal about how I deal with criticism every day, from social media unfollows to tough feedback in real life.

I’ll share why defensive mode never brings out the best in us, what actually happens in your brain when you’re criticized, and a practical framework you can use to process tough feedback with a trusted voice. You’ll learn how to ask the right questions, sift what’s true from what’s noise, and turn criticism into a tool for growth instead of a weapon against your worth.

If you’ve ever struggled with a negative comment, a bad review, or a hard word from someone you love... this episode will give you a healthier, more empowering way to approach it.

Text PODCAST to 469-809-1201 to get encouraging text from me every week!

Up next
Sep 28
Even If You Don't Feel Like It
What if you stopped waiting to feel like it?The truth is, you get the same results from doing hard things when you don’t feel like it as you do when you do. The mile still counts. The rep still counts. The page still counts. The conversation still counts.In this episode, Ryan cha ... Show More
10m 4s
Sep 21
It's All Hard
It’s all hard. Building a career is hard. Leading people is hard. Marriage is hard. Parenting is hard. Starting over is hard. Staying the course is hard.But some hard things get even harder the longer you avoid them.In this episode, Ryan talks about why avoiding a difficult decis ... Show More
10m 31s
Sep 14
Keep It Moving
Getting started takes bravery. Keeping going takes resilience.Life won’t always cooperate with your plans. Ideas flop. People disappoint you. Opportunities disappear. Doors close. And sometimes the hardest part isn’t what happened. It’s figuring out how to move forward after it h ... Show More
11m 52s
Recommended Episodes
Apr 2021
Instead of Seeking Approval, Do This
How do you handle criticism or critique? Very few people can take criticism generously and put it to good use in their life or work. For most, it makes us feel uncomfortable or defeated. Darren addresses this topic in today's episode because feedback is a fundamental part of sust ... Show More
1m 51s
Jul 2022
criticism
hello- today we’re talking about criticism. i think criticism is so important in all of its forms. i experience criticism a lot, and have actually learned to appreciate it. it’s possible to benefit rather than suffer from criticism. i share what i see as the distinction between h ... Show More
45m 55s
Jan 2018
#194: How I Handle Criticism as an Online Marketer
Biggest Takeaways You Don’t Want to Miss: Criticism—it’s inevitable as an online marketer and business owner. As an entrepreneur I’ve come across my fair share. You’ll run into your own criticism at some point (if you haven’t already!) and yes, it may get uncomfortable. So I want ... Show More
20m 20s
Nov 2023
431: Dealing With Criticism
Criticism is something that will likely come up in relationships with friends, family, and romantic partners. How we deal with criticism is an important part of maintaining healthy relationships. Listen to today's show to learn how to deal with criticism much more! In this episod ... Show More
52m 32s
Dec 2022
Responding to Criticism, and Accepting The Way Things Are
Criticism is an unavoidable part of life. But even though we’re all going to be criticized from time to time, many of us spend much of our lives living in fear of criticism. Then, on the flip side, we’re all critics ourselves. We’ve all been in situations that aren’t quite what w ... Show More
53m 14s
Apr 2024
#202: Dealing with Criticism
<p>If you’re human, then you’ve probably received criticism. Though it can be quite unpleasant, your ability to encounter criticism and not let it affect you is directly proportionate to both your self-esteem and self-worth.</p> <p>In this episode, you will learn...</p> <ul> <li> ... Show More
27m 10s
Sep 2019
Be Tough, But Not Bulletproof [E159]
<p>With all the criticism and negativity that surround us today, it can be hard to maintain a positive attitude. But when we tune out <em>all</em> negative-sounding comments, we risk cutting ourselves off from even the constructive criticism we desperately need to grow and improv ... Show More
26m 7s
Sep 2024
232. Why do we hate criticism?
When someone criticises us we naturally feel on edge and defensive. This is because criticism threatens our ego and our sense of self and so we have a very emotional reaction. But that doesn't have to be the case. In today's episode, we break down: What makes us so sensitive to c ... Show More
42m 58s