Hack Your Happiness6 Nov 2025

BULLYING Into a BOOK Empire! Become Unapologetically Yourself | Rachel & Nikki Russell

If you’ve ever felt too different, too quiet, too you - this episode will remind you that those are the best parts of you. Today's conversation will change how you see yourself, and your “dorky” side.

Rachel Renée Russell once put her writing dreams on hold after harsh criticism. Decades later, after her daughter, Nikki, underwent harsh bullying, they created Dork Diaries. This is a book series that turns middle school awkwardness into a global celebration of self-acceptance. With over 55 million copies sold, their stories have helped kids (and grown-ups!) everywhere realize that being different isn’t something to hide, it’s something to celebrate.

Mercedes and Anastasia are joined by the iconic mother–daughter duo behind Dork Diaries, Rachel and Nikki Russell, to talk about turning rejection into resilience, transforming insecurities into creativity, and finding happiness by embracing your most authentic self.

In this episode:

How Dork Diaries began as a family project inspired by real middle school experiences
Hacks for embracing who YOU are
The behind-the-scenes magic of their creative collaboration as a mom–daughter team
Tips for you to strengthen your family bond
Most rewarding + challenging parts of writing a hit series

Whether you’re chasing a dream, facing self-doubt, or just trying to embrace who you really are, Rachel and Nikki’s story will remind you that being yourself isn’t risky — and they'll give you the actionable tips that you need to truly step into your own shoes.

Shop Mission: Small Bits of Happiness⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign Up For Waking Up & Get 30 Days Free!⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support Us⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Pre-order the NEW Dork Diaries graphic novel

Check out the Dork Diaries website

Ready to Hack Your Happiness some more? Listen to our interview with bestselling author of The Princess Diaries, Meg Cabot. In this episode, Meg shares her top tips for reducing distractions + focusing on your goals, advice for managing criticism, and her journey from writing The Princess Diaries to seeing it in theatres: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4sV3ZAnQf5UlnoSQBAmVGu?si=pHx3mMz9RxeQaZj6EFxuIg

(00:00) Welcome, Rachel & Nikki

(02:49) What Inspired Dork Diaries?

(04:08) Being Told 'You're Not a Good Writer'

(06:23) How Can I Believe In Myself + Navigate Other People's Doubts?

(09:10) Top Tips for Embracing Yourself

(12:32) How Did Nikki Start Illustrating?

(14:45) The REAL Motivation Behind Dork Diaries (lemons into lemonade)

(17:31) A Message to Anyone Who Has Ever Been Bullied

(23:09) A Message From Us to You

(23:32) How Does Working Together Impact Rachel & Nikki's Relationship?

(29:08) Do THIS for a Stronger Parent-Child/Teen Relationship

(34:12) Mercedes and Anastasia's "Sister Bonding Nights"

(34:53) BTS of Creating a Dork Diaries Book

(38:32) New Dork Diaries Teaser!

(40:22) How Do Rachel & Nikki Stay On Trend?

(42:45) A PEEK Inside Mercedes and Anastasia's Personal Diaries

(47:03) Sleep Better TONIGHT

(47:29) Rachel and Nikki On External Pressure

(50:44) Hacks For Managing External Pressure

(53:36) Nikki's Guide to Self-Care

(54:41) Everyone's Favorite Cheesecake

(55:57) Criticism & How to Handle It

(1:00:08) Dork Diaries' Parallels to Rachel & Nikki's Life

(1:03:04) Bullying As An Adult vs Teenager

(1:03:49) Rachel & Nikki To Their Teenage Selves

(1:04:51) What Brings Rachel & Nikki A Small Bit of Happiness?

(1:06:41) Rachel & Nikki's Motivational Quote

(1:08:04) Find Rachel and Nikki Here

(1:09:07) Key Takeaways

Denne episoden er hentet fra en åpen RSS-feed og er ikke publisert av Podme. Den kan derfor inneholde annonser.

Episoder(143)

The Behavior Coach: How to Break Old Patterns & Change Your Life - Eric Zimmer

You know what you want to change. So why is it still so hard to actually do it?Maybe you want to break a habit, get out of a relationship that isn’t good for you, become more consistent, or finally st...

2 Sep 57min

Rebecca Rusch on Mental Toughness: How to Keep Going When Life Gets Hard

What if trying to give 100% is actually holding you back?Rebecca Rusch has spent decades doing things most people would consider impossible. But one of the biggest lessons she has learned is surprisin...

26 Aug 1h 1min

The Exact Episode You Need to Hear If You’re Waiting to Feel Ready: Chef JJ Johnson

You are not waiting for the right time. You are waiting for someone to say you are ready.Chef JJ Johnson is here because you're ready. You're ready to go after your goals, change your habits, end that...

19 Aug 55min

Happiness Researcher: Do These 5 Things to Feel Happier Every Day! Dr. Elizabeth Dunn

More money can make you happier. But what you do with it may matter more than you think.In this episode, you’ll learn how to stop chasing the things you think will make you happy and start using your ...

12 Aug 59min

Gut Health Doctor: Do These 3 Things To Feel Happier, Live Longer, & Be Healthier! Dr. Tim Spector

The food you ate hours ago could be affecting your mood right now.Professor Tim Spector is here to explain the overlooked link between your gut, your brain, and your mood. In this conversation, we're ...

5 Aug 58min

How to Master Your Emotions, Stop People Pleasing, & Say No Without Guilt - Melissa Urban

Melissa Urban stopped being nice on purpose. Her relationships got better, not worse.You've said yes to plans you didn't want, dinners you dreaded, and favours that left you resentful. In this convers...

29 Jul 1h 3min

Why Eating Disorders Happen (and Who's at Risk): Expert Psychologist

Where's the line between healthy eating and a problem with food? This top psychologist draws it with one question.By the end of this episode, you'll have one simple question that tells you whether you...

23 Jul 1h 5min

Do THIS the Next Time Fear Freezes You! (It Takes 2 Seconds): Pro Skier Lynsey Dyer

Mercedes and Anastasia call today's episode one of the most powerful conversations about fear, courage, and self-worth ever to happen on the podcast.They say this is THE conversation for anyone who lo...

16 Jul 1h 10min