The Girl On The Left

In this behind-the-scenes special, I'm handing the mic to GOTL co-author Diane Jacobs Natoli as she interviews me, Megan Dirks, your usual host, for a heartfelt look at the making of The Girl on the Left. We talk about where the idea began, the unexpected challenges we faced, and the meaningful moments that shaped this project from the inside out.

You’ll hear about the messy drafts, the happy accidents, the big goals that kept us going, and the heart that fuels it all. It’s an honest and uplifting glimpse into how this book came to life and where we hope it will go next. Grab your favorite snack and come celebrate the story behind the story with us.

In this special Mother’s Day bonus episode, I sit down with my own mom, Heather, for a vulnerable and honest conversation about motherhood, daughterhood, and everything in between. We talk about what it was really like for her to raise me, how our relationship has grown over time, and the deeper emotional layers we’ve both had to unpack.

From the beauty of mother-daughter connection to the weight of generational patterns, we explore how healing happens through reflection, love, and the choice to do things differently. This one’s for the cycle breakers, the softhearted rebels, and anyone learning to hold their past with grace while still reaching for a better future.

In this special episode for Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Megan is joined by the fierce and fearless Brenda Del Granado for a conversation that pulls no punches.

They dive into how people-pleasing, early sexual exploration, and seeking validation can quietly lead girls into dangerous dynamics. They talk about the digital age, the rise of sex work in mainstream spaces, and why so many still struggle to name the difference between empowerment and exploitation.

This episode is about the gray areas no one wants to touch. The ones that shape our sense of safety, sexuality, and self-worth. Brenda brings clarity, compassion, and truth for those who never got the full story growing up.

Content Warning: Topics include sexual assault, grooming, and emotionally sensitive material.

Because the girl on the left deserved protection. This is how we start giving it.

Amanda Chatzikonstantinou takes us on a journey through her teenage years, where anxiety, depression, and a deep sense of not being enough were constant companions. Feeling trapped in the silence of her struggles, she recounts how the weight of societal expectations and mental health taboos shaped her world.

With raw honesty, Amanda shares the moments that nearly swallowed her whole—like an unwelcome panic attack in the hallway of her school. She invites listeners to reflect on their own experiences with mental health. If you’re struggling too, this episode is a reminder that you’re not alone: you’re not broken.

By the end of this episode, you’ll hear about how Amanda has turned her own struggles into a passion for coaching teens. She helps them break free from the weight of their anxieties and discover the empowered, unstoppable versions of themselves that were always within reach. 

Kimeiko Rae Vision takes us on a journey through time, beginning with an unexpected parking lot confrontation during the COVID-19 lockdown. She unravels a deeply personal story of resilience, childhood turmoil, and the unseen battles people carry. From the warmth of rediscovered hobbies to the icy sting of past trauma, she reflects on the power of kindness, the echoes of family violence, and the strangers who become unexpected angels.

Through moments of rage, redemption, and whispered prayers, this episode explores the weight of our experiences, the stories we tell ourselves, and the silent helpers who remind us we’re never truly alone.

 How do we react when faced with aggression?

 Can a single act of kindness shift the course of someone’s life?

 What happens when the ghosts of our past meet the struggles of our present?

Join us as Kimeiko unpacks these questions with raw honesty and heart. Tune in now for a conversation about compassion, survival, and the light that finds us—even in the darkest nights.

The road to motherhood is never just one thing. It’s joy, it’s struggle, it’s instinct battling expectation. In this raw and powerful episode, Lizzy Morris peels back the layers of medicalized birth, fatphobia, and the quiet ways we’re conditioned to surrender our power. From the heart-pounding moment of a long-awaited positive test to the trauma of a coerced C-section, Lizzy shares her deeply personal journey of reclaiming her autonomy: one battle at a time.

What happens when the system tells you your body isn’t built for birth? When the “care” you receive is laced with control? And what does it take to rewrite your own narrative?

This isn’t just a birth story. It’s a wake-up call. It’s a revolution. It’s a mother’s fight to be heard.

Listen in as we unpack the hard truths of modern maternity care, the weight of internalized doubt, and the relentless pursuit of a birth on your own terms.

Life threw Dr. Michelle Lappin every curveball imaginable. Family struggles, financial turmoil, and the challenges of military life—but instead of letting it break her, she built herself back up—stronger, wiser, and financially empowered.

In this episode, Michelle takes us on her real journey from rock-bottom debt to financial stability, proving that no matter how deep the hole is, there’s always a way out. She gets candid about the shame of seeking assistance, the power of mindset shifts, and how resilience (paired with a solid budget) changed everything.

If you’ve ever felt trapped by your circumstances, this one’s for you. Get ready to rewrite your own financial story: one empowered wealth-generating decision at a time.

From corporate executive to wellness entrepreneur, Tania Rizoski shares her journey of resilience, reinvention, and self-discovery. Born into a traditional Macedonian household, Tania followed a path she thought was set in stone: marriage, motherhood, and a successful career in the corporate world. But life had other plans.

In this episode, she opens up about the pivotal moments that shaped her—from navigating high-level leadership roles and earning her MBA amid personal and global challenges to experiencing complete burnout that forced her to reevaluate everything. Along the way, she discovered the power of energy work, spirituality, and feminine energy. This led her to leave the corporate world and launch Your Sanctuary Space, a retreat-based holistic wellbeing service-based business dedicated to helping women reclaim balance, purpose, and fulfillment.

Join us as we explore her transformational story, the lessons she’s learned, and how embracing ambition and intuition led her to a new, aligned chapter of life. If you've ever felt the pull toward something greater but weren't sure how to take the leap, this episode is for you!

Tiffany O’Hearn opens up about navigating the complexities of abuse, emotional trauma, and the transformative power of spiritual alchemy. Through the lens of astrology, healing, and self-discovery, Tiffany shares her deeply personal journey of turning pain into power and reclaiming her divine essence. She dives into how embracing both the light and the dark has shaped her healing process, helping her evolve into the healer she is today.

If you’ve ever faced abuse or felt lost in the chaos of life’s challenges, Tiffany’s story will resonate deeply. She gets real about the struggle to find yourself in the midst of trauma, the alchemical process of self-healing, and how spirituality became her compass toward empowerment. This episode is a reminder that you have the power to transmute your struggles into strength and emerge from the darkness into your own brilliant light.

Take a deep breath and hit play. Tiffany’s journey is not just about healing, it’s about embracing the fullness of who you are, trusting the process, and stepping into your power.

Diane gets real in this powerful episode about love, loss, and the fierce journey to reclaim herself. After losing her husband to alcoholism, navigating multiple marriages, and living with MS, she had to dig deep to redefine her worth. Through the chaos, Diane found the courage to rebuild, eventually becoming a life and health coach who helps others do the same.

Her story is about resilience, rising above the stigma, and learning that self-worth isn't tied to the past—it's about choosing yourself, no matter the obstacles. You can throw a pity party, but you can't live there! Diane’s raw, inspiring journey will have you rethinking your own strength and power to create a life on your terms.

Tune in and get ready for a refreshing dose of real talk and unapologetic empowerment. Diane's story is proof that no matter where you’ve been, you can always choose to rise.

Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of sexual assault and trauma. 

Brenda shares her deeply personal journey of surviving sexual assault as a teenager and how the trauma, buried for years, later manifested as chronic, undiagnosed pain. She opens up about the disconnect she felt from her body, the struggle to understand where her pain was coming from, and the powerful healing journey that followed. Learning valuable lessons along the way, gaining the courage to break through the silence, and setting herself free from the chains of an unspoken past. 

Through holistic healing modalities, Brenda discovered how trauma is stored in the body—and, more importantly, how to release it. Rising stronger than ever before. She opens up about reclaiming her power, rediscovering her worth, and loving herself unapologetically. 

This episode is for anyone who has ever felt disconnected from themselves, struggled with silenced invisible wounds, or wondered if their body is holding onto something unspoken. Brenda’s story is a raw and honest reminder that healing doesn’t always happen the way we expect—but when we learn to listen to our bodies, we can begin to reclaim our power.

In this raw and deeply moving episode, Coach Dr. Wu shares her experiences about the Desert Storm war, loss, and the unseen wounds that follow. After being sent to the front lines after a family tragedy, she faced the battles and the silent war within. She opens up about the reality of carrying those wounds home, the struggle to find peace returning home, and the journey to becoming a healer herself.

Her story is one of resilience, reckoning with the past, and transforming pain into purpose. She found healing through holistic health, strength in helping others as a medical doctor, and a way forward that wasn’t about forgetting, but reclaiming all the pieces of herself.

Coach Dr. Wu's story is raw, powerful, and full of hope. If you’ve ever struggled with trauma, loss, or the question of how to heal when the wounds run deep... This one’s for you!

Tawny opens up in this raw and deeply moving episode on love, loss, and the strength it takes to rebuild. After losing her husband to alcoholism, she was left navigating a storm of grief, anger, and the weight of showing up for her children while finding herself again. Tawny gets real about the heartbreak of watching someone you love struggle, the emotions no one talks about, and the long, messy fucking road to healing.

You know that feeling when life shatters, and you’re left picking up the pieces? When grief isn’t just sadness, but rage, exhaustion, and everything in between? Tawny does. Her story is about resilience, rediscovery, and learning to move forward without guilt. She found strength in her children, clarity in her pain, and a path to healing that wasn’t about forgetting—but about honoring love while choosing herself.

So take a deep breath and hit play. Tawny’s story is honest, heartbreaking, and full of hope. If you’ve ever struggled with loss, anger, or the question of how to start over—this one’s for you.

In this powerful episode, Berenice Brito opens up about her personal experience navigating the end of her marriage and how she found the strength to rebuild not just her life—but her relationships. It’s not about being perfect, but learning to show up as the best version of yourself, even when life takes wild turns!

Berenice also dives deep into the realities of co-parenting and how she’s learned to nurture a healthy, balanced relationship with her ex, while prioritizing what’s best for her son. Her journey proves that it’s possible to create stronger bonds with the people who matter most with patience, communication, and a commitment to personal growth.

Divorce can feel like a life-altering storm, but it doesn’t have to define who you become. Ready to shift your perspective and rebuild the relationships in your life? Tune in!

Reesa opens up about her journey through people-pleasing, generational trauma, and the weight of unspoken family dynamics. Raised in an environment where silence was survival and love felt earned, Reesa spent years shrinking herself to keep the peace—until she broke free. In this powerful episode, she shares how she transformed her pain into purpose, confronted shame, set boundaries, and discovered her voice.

Now a marriage therapist, Reesa helps couples heal, using the lessons from her own struggles to guide others toward deeper connection and intimacy. Her story is raw, relatable, and a testament to the power of breaking cycles and choosing yourself first.

If you’re ready to stop repeating old patterns and start creating relationships built on honesty and trust, hit play. Reesa’s here to remind you that it’s never too late to rewrite your story!

Abbie is here to get real about what happens when the job you love starts chipping away at the person you are. As a first responder, she’s been in the trenches—burnout, trauma, and stress were part of the gig until they weren’t. In this unfiltered and heartfelt episode, Abbie opens up about hitting her breaking point and how she traded survival mode for a life of breathwork, balance, and badass reinvention.

Ever felt like you’ve lost yourself in the hustle? Are you holding it together on the outside while falling apart behind the scenes? Abbie’s been there, and she’s equipped with a toolkit designed for first responder wellness. From the realities of policing to her journey with holistic health, she proves that it’s never too late to pause, pivot, and reclaim your peace.

Listen in as Abbie drops some truth bombs and a whole lot of hope. If you’re a first responder, a burnout survivor, or someone looking for a lifeline to start over, this one’s for you. Trust us—you’ll leave feeling a little lighter and much more ready to write your next chapter.

Béa opens her heart up in this deeply moving episode on cancer, family, and the power of being present. When her world was turned upside down with a cancer diagnosis in her son, 9 years old, she found herself grappling with the weight of illness and the urgency of time. Béa gets real about family dynamics and the profound clarity that comes when you’re forced to slow down and truly be with the people who matter most.

You know that ache when life feels like it’s slipping through your fingers? Or when the ordinary moments become extraordinary? Béa does. Her story is one of love, loss, and the gift of presence. She found strength in the quiet moments, unexpected lessons in grief, and an unshakable reminder that being here, even when it’s hard, matters most.

So pour yourself a cup of tea, settle in, and hit play. Béa’s story is raw, relatable, and a beautiful reminder to cherish the people around you. If you’ve ever needed a nudge to slow down, love a little harder, and just be—this one’s for you.  Today, her son is a survivor.

What would you do if the man who claimed to love you decided, at the last minute, that you weren’t “enough”—financially or otherwise? For Ayesha Sodha, that moment wasn’t the end; it was the beginning of a dramatic reinvention.

The challenges didn’t stop there. Surviving four near-death experiences, Ayesha found herself confronting not just physical and emotional recovery but deeper questions about her dreams, goals, and the life she truly wanted—all while grappling with the relentless demands of everyday life. Each chapter of her journey forced her to reevaluate what mattered most, shifting her perspective and uncovering hard-won lessons about resilience, identity, and personal power.

But instead of being defined by these hardships, Ayesha turned them into fuel. Today, she’s a thriving entrepreneur and business coach, helping women step into their power and create extraordinary lives on their own terms.

This episode is more than a story—it’s a rallying cry. Ayesha shares how to stop settling for “fine” and instead design a life that’s bold, fulfilling, and unapologetically yours.

Cheryl is serving up some truth with a side of sweetness in this raw and unfiltered episode on alcoholism. Her world was crumbling as addiction took control, pulling her further from the person she was meant to be. She gets real about self-sabotage, the messy in-between, and moments of clarity that led her toward a thriving recovery. Cheryl found unexpected lifelines proving that replacing old habits with new ones can change the game.

You know that feeling when people stop believing in you, distancing themselves, and disappearing? Cheryl does, and that's why her transformation is a comeback story for all. Her story proves that even in the darkest chapters, there’s a chance to rise again, stronger and more radiant than ever.

Join us, grab a cup of coffee, hit play, and let Cheryl show you how life’s toughest battles can lead to the sweetest victories. Whether you’re on your path to recovery or simply need inspiration, this is a story of resilience and hope you won’t want to miss. 

The Girl on the Left is flipping the script on “before and after” stories. Hosted by brand coach Megan Dirks, this podcast is all about loving every version of yourself—yes, even the messy, imperfect one you might want to leave behind. In this debut episode, Megan gets real about her own journey, from a depressed, video game-addicted teen to a wellness warrior who moonlights as a traveling petsitter. This is a story about embracing who you were, owning where you’ve been, and celebrating every step that led you here. Ready to raise a glass to the girl who paved the way? Let’s give the girl on the left the spotlight she deserves. All future episodes will feature incredible contributors sharing their stories from the upcoming Girl on the Left anthology! Each episode will highlight women who’ve faced it all, with plenty of sass, growth, and unapologetic self-love. It’s not about just getting by; it’s about owning your story, stepping into your power, and kicking ass along the way.