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.

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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

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