"You don't have to explain your ambition. You can just be ambitious."

In episode 30 of Speak Shame, journalist and author Rachel Hartigan shares her journey from feeling like an imposter in journalism to writing a book that unravels one of history's greatest mysteries: Amelia Earhart's disappearance.

Rachel spent 12 years at National Geographic covering everything from genetic potatoes to the long road to women's suffrage. But it was two expeditions to a remote Pacific island – searching for traces of Amelia Earhart – that led her to write Lost: Amelia Earhart's Three Mysterious Deaths and One Extraordinary Life.

What you'll hear:

· How Rachel found her way into journalism (hint: her dad handed her a magazine)

· Why she felt like she was "faking it" for years and when that changed

· What she learned about storytelling from writing 200-word pieces on genetic potatoes

· The moment she realised she could write a book

· Why Amelia Earhart refused to explain her ambition and what that means for women today

· Rachel's advice to her younger self: "Stop wasting energy on insecurity. Just try."

Rachel's message: You don't have to justify what you want to do. Men don't have to explain themselves so why should we?

If you're a writer, journalist, or woman tired of over-explaining your ambition, this conversation is for you.

Topics covered: journalism career path, imposter syndrome, National Geographic, Amelia Earhart mystery, female ambition, writing a book, not apologising for your goals, women in history

📖 Get Rachel's book: Lost: Amelia Earhart's Three Mysterious Deaths and One Extraordinary Life

🌐 Connect with Rachel: RachelHartiganAuthor.com; Instagram: @RJ_Hartigan

01:12 Meet Rachel Hartigan

02:16 Origin Story: Reader

03:46 Finding Journalism Path

08:00 Owning Journalist Identity

10:06 National Geographic Curiosity

13:25 Lessons as a Reporter

16:37 Amelia Earhart Expeditions

20:25 Why Earhart Still Matters

25:42 Ambition Without Apology

28:23 Next Book Ideas

29:37 Advice for Aspiring Writers

31:25 Words to Younger Self

32:31 Where to Find Rachel

33:38 Remarkable Woman Inspiration

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