Episode Summary: Amy Griffin, THE TELL: A Memoir

Podcast: Totally Booked with Zibby
Host: Zibby Owens
Guest: Amy Griffin
Release Date: March 13, 2025

Introduction to Amy Griffin and Her Memoir

In this heartfelt episode of Totally Booked with Zibby, host Zibby Owens welcomes Amy Griffin, the author of the forthcoming memoir, THE TELL. Zibby extends her congratulations and expresses admiration for Amy's courage in sharing her deeply personal story. The conversation delves into the motivations behind writing the memoir, the challenges faced during its creation, and the profound impact it has had on Amy’s life and relationships.

[02:38] Zibby Owens: "Amy Griffin is the author of THE TELL: A Memoir. Amy lives in New York City with her husband, John, and their four children. She is the founder of the investment firm G9VEN Welcome. Amy, thank you so much for coming on Totally Booked with Zibby to talk about THE TELL, your amazing memoir. Congratulations."

The Genesis of THE TELL

Amy shares that the initial intention behind writing THE TELL was purely personal. She began documenting her experiences without any plans to publish, aiming to better understand herself and her journey. Over five years, what started as a self-reflective exercise transformed into a memoir that would not only serve her personal healing but also provide solace to others facing similar struggles.

[04:05] Amy Griffin: "I wrote the book for me. I wrote it the first time honestly about my life. It was the first time I was truly honest with myself."

Breaking the Silence: The Importance of Sharing Personal Stories

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the importance of breaking silence around personal trauma. Amy emphasizes that secrets can isolate individuals, preventing meaningful connections and authentic relationships. By sharing her story, she discovered that she was not alone, fostering a sense of community and support among her readers.

[04:05] Amy Griffin: "Secrets keep people closed off from the relationships and the lives they could be having. Sharing my story made me realize I'm not alone."

Impact on Personal Relationships

Zibby and Amy explore how writing and sharing the memoir transformed Amy’s relationships, especially with her children. Amy admitted to having built walls around herself, inadvertently keeping emotional distance from her family. Through the process of storytelling, these walls began to crumble, leading to deeper, more meaningful connections.

[07:05] Zibby Owens: "You start the book and... you had basically put this sort of wall up. As we go through the book, to see it completely come down and the closeness that... turns out very powerful."

The Role of Vulnerability and Connection

Amy discusses vulnerability as a cornerstone of her memoir and personal growth. She reflects on how being open about her trauma not only liberated her but also inspired others to share their own stories. This reciprocal sharing fosters stronger connections and a supportive community.

[14:54] Amy Griffin: "Being vulnerable is like the greatest strength. It's not perfect, it's scary, it's ugly sometimes, but there's almost this incredible joy in being vulnerable."

Navigating Fear and Embracing Courage

The conversation delves into the fears Amy faced when deciding to publish her memoir. From fearing disbelief to concerns about altering others' perceptions of her seemingly perfect life, Amy candidly shares the internal battles she overcame to bring her story to light.

[22:37] Amy Griffin: "I have so much fear. It's fear of being told not to tell the story, of not being believed, of people thinking my life looks perfect so how can I tell this story?"

Professional Success and Storytelling

Amy connects her professional journey as an investor and brand builder to her memoir. She draws parallels between brand storytelling and personal narrative, highlighting how both require authenticity and the courage to share one’s true self.

[20:26] Zibby Owens: "What does it feel like to build, help build a consumer brand? And how does that relate to now building the brand of your own book?"

[20:39] Amy Griffin: "Brand building is storytelling. These products make our lives better, and similarly, my book tells my story to connect and resonate with others."

The Ripple Effect: Inspiring Others

Amy expresses her hope that THE TELL will inspire a ripple effect, encouraging others to share their stories and seek connection. She envisions her memoir as not just her story but a catalyst for broader conversations about trauma, healing, and the power of storytelling.

[28:29] Amy Griffin: "I hope that the book lives outside of me and does its own thing. When someone tells me they passed the book to someone else because they think they need it, that's the nicest thing."

Conclusion: Embracing Freedom and Connection

In closing, Amy reflects on the liberation that comes from sharing her story. She underscores the importance of relationships and therapy in her healing process, emphasizing that connection is integral to overcoming personal trauma.

[30:21] Zibby Owens: "Freedom is exactly the right word and freedom and connection."

[30:26] Amy Griffin: "The relationships in my life... were as important as therapy."

Zibby offers her unwavering support and expresses excitement for the impact THE TELL will undoubtedly have on its readers. The episode concludes with a mutual acknowledgment of the strength found in sharing personal narratives and the communal bonds they forge.

Notable Quotes:

• Amy Griffin ([04:05]): "Secrets keep people closed off from the relationships and the lives they could be having. Sharing my story made me realize I'm not alone."

• Zibby Owens ([07:05]): "As we go through the book, to see it completely come down and the closeness that... turns out very powerful."

• Amy Griffin ([14:54]): "Being vulnerable is like the greatest strength. It's not perfect, it's scary, it's ugly sometimes, but there's almost this incredible joy in being vulnerable."

• Amy Griffin ([22:37]): "I have so much fear. It's fear of being told not to tell the story, of not being believed, of people thinking my life looks perfect so how can I tell this story?"

• Amy Griffin ([28:29]): "I hope that the book lives outside of me and does its own thing. When someone tells me they passed the book to someone else because they think they need it, that's the nicest thing."

If you're inspired by Amy Griffin's journey, don't miss the release of her memoir, THE TELL: A Memoir. Stay tuned to Totally Booked with Zibby for more engaging conversations with authors and story creators.