Silencing the Critic Within

What do you do when the meanest voice you hear is your own? 

For independent filmmaker and Pixar artist Masha Ellsworth, that question became the most important creative challenge of her life. After a decade of professional success, she found herself feeling stuck, fearful, and creatively paralyzed—until a message inside a fortune cookie gave her a new mission: "Silence the critic within."

In this vulnerable and deeply relatable conversation, Masha takes host Lira Ndifon on her journey to understand and tame the inner bully that was holding her back. She reveals the psychological origins of the inner critic, how it can be a distorted echo of parents, teachers, and even our heroes, and why its ultimate goal is to keep us "safe" by keeping us small. This episode is a powerful exploration of how to reclaim your authentic self from the grip of self-doubt.

This is a must-listen for any creative, perfectionist, or anyone who has ever felt like they weren't good enough. You will discover:

• The Fortune Cookie That Started It All: The simple, profound moment that sparked an entire film and a journey of self-healing.
• Taming Your Inner Bully: Why fighting your inner critic doesn't work, and how to build a new relationship with it through self-compassion and understanding.
• Practical Tools for a Quieter Mind: Masha shares the surprising, non-meditative techniques she uses to take a break from negative thought-loops—from simple puzzle games to doodling.
• The Inner Critic vs. The Inner Child: How nurturing your inner child's sense of play and wonder is the most powerful antidote to the critic's voice of perfectionism.

This isn't just a conversation about filmmaking; it's a practical guide to making peace with the most difficult parts of yourself, so you can finally get on with the business of living a full, brave, and creative life.