Episode Summary: "Daria Burke, OF MY OWN MAKING: A Memoir"
In this heartfelt episode of Totally Booked with Zibby, host Zibby Owens sits down with Daria Burke, an accomplished business leader, author, and angel investor, to delve into her upcoming memoir, Of My Own Making: A Memoir. Released on May 22, 2025, this episode offers listeners an intimate look into Daria's personal journey, her professional achievements, and the profound insights that shaped her life and work.
1. Introduction to Daria Burke
Timestamp: [02:20]
Zibby Owens introduces Daria Burke, highlighting her multifaceted career as an author, bookstore owner, publisher, and podcaster. Daria's extensive background includes accolades from prestigious publications such as Forbes and Vogue, and appearances on various media platforms, showcasing her as a prominent figure in both the literary and business worlds.
Notable Quote:
"Her creativity and impact have been recognized by Women's Wear Daily, Adweek, Forbes, Vogue, Teen Vogue, the CFDA, Town and Country, The Cut, and Nylon Magazine." – Podcast Introduction
2. Early Life and Grief
Timestamp: [03:05] - [05:56]
Daria opens up about her tumultuous childhood marked by profound grief. The tragic loss of her grandmother in a car accident when Daria was seven left an indelible mark on her family. Her mother's struggle with grief, leading to drug addiction, created a chaotic environment during Daria's formative years. This section delves into the challenges Daria faced, including the absence of a stable "North Star" figure, which left her feeling disoriented and forced her to mature prematurely.
Notable Quote:
"It was very much like a storm was just sort of raging in her. And I feel like she could never find the line between sort of numbing herself enough to function and then just completely tapping out." – Daria Burke
3. Discovering the Truth About Her Grandmother’s Accident
Timestamp: [05:56] - [09:27]
Years later, Daria’s quest for closure leads her to uncover the heartbreaking details of her grandmother’s accident through an old newspaper article. Viewing the graphic photograph of the accident was a pivotal moment, forcing her to confront unresolved grief that she had long suppressed. This revelation propelled her towards a deeper understanding of her past and the unfinished emotional processing surrounding her grandmother's death.
Notable Quote:
"It was stunning how I was just taken back to the time when she passed away. But it was like 37-year-old me going back and witnessing it happen at that time." – Daria Burke
4. The Genesis of Of My Own Making
Timestamp: [09:45] - [13:13]
Inspired by therapy and the influence of memoirs like The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls, Daria felt compelled to share her own story. She recognized the universal value in personal narratives, understanding that sharing her journey could offer healing and insight to others facing similar struggles. The idea for her memoir matured over a decade, blending her personal experiences with her professional knowledge in marketing, neuroplasticity, and epigenetics to explore themes of early childhood development and post-traumatic growth.
Notable Quote:
"If there's anything that I could do by sharing my own story and acknowledging the suffering that I went through... I wanted to do that for other people." – Daria Burke
5. Daria’s Professional Journey
Timestamp: [15:06] - [18:00]
Daria recounts her impressive career trajectory, from earning an MBA at NYU Stern to leading marketing initiatives at major companies like L'Oréal and Estée Lauder. Her roles evolved from operational to strategic positions, including tenure at Rent the Runway and Facebook (now Meta). Currently serving as a Chief Marketing Officer and an angel investor in female-founded ventures, Daria leverages her extensive experience to advise startups and foster new business growth, all while preparing to launch her memoir.
Notable Quote:
"I am really excited to see how it unfolds. I think now that I've allowed myself to speak, so to speak, on behalf of myself, you know, it's really exciting to think about all the other things now that I want to talk about and write about." – Daria Burke
6. Marketing the Memoir: A Strategic Approach
Timestamp: [18:19] - [20:48]
Drawing from her marketing expertise, Daria discusses the challenges and strategies involved in promoting her memoir within an evolving publishing landscape. She emphasizes the integration of brand partnerships that resonate with the book's themes, such as themed gifting and targeted giveaways. Daria also reflects on the importance of authentic storytelling, ensuring that her personal narrative remains both relatable and inspiring without being overshadowed by the trauma it portrays.
Notable Quote:
"Our stories are so different... but quite, quite similar in some ways. But I saw myself in it." – Daria Burke
7. Resilience and Personal Growth
Timestamp: [20:48] - [25:20]
The conversation shifts to the themes of resilience and the power of personal choices in overcoming adversity. Daria shares her belief that while innate traits play a role in how individuals navigate challenges, the small, everyday decisions collectively shape one's journey. She underscores the importance of seeing possibility and maintaining optimism, even in the face of crippling grief. Daria's insights highlight how intentional choices can lead to profound personal growth and healing.
Notable Quote:
"Our lives reflect a version of the stories we tell about ourselves. They really do. Our lives reflect a version of that." – Daria Burke
8. Closing Thoughts and Encouragement
Timestamp: [25:20] - [26:39]
Zibby offers heartfelt thanks to Daria for sharing her story and expressing excitement for the memoir’s release. The episode concludes with mutual well-wishes, emphasizing the inspirational impact of Daria's journey and her commitment to empowering others through her writing.
Conclusion:
This episode of Totally Booked with Zibby serves as a compelling introduction to Daria Burke's memoir, offering listeners a glimpse into her profound personal experiences and the resilience that propelled her to success. Through candid discussions and poignant storytelling, Daria not only shares her struggles but also provides valuable insights into overcoming adversity, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in personal growth and inspiring life stories.
Remember to tune in to Totally Booked with Zibby for more in-depth conversations with authors and storytellers who are shaping the literary landscape.