Shows
The Courageous LifeOn Achieving the Transformation We Truly Seek | Ross EllenhornWe all have something we want to change about ourselves. But whether it's quitting smoking, losing weight, or breaking some common bad habit, we feel a sense of failure when we don’t succeed. This can often set off a cascade of negative feelings and discouragement, making it even harder to change. The voice in our head telling us: Why bother?In his profound book, How We Change: And Ten Reasons Why We Don’t Sociologist, pioneering psychotherapist, and author Dr. Ross Ellenhorn Takes a deep dive...
2025-12-1854 minThe Courageous LifeOn Depression, Callings, and Post Traumatic Growth | Chelsea Pottenger10 years ago Chelsea Pottenger found herself in a psychiatric hospital. Deep in the throes of severe PostNatal Depression following the birth of her daughter,Chelsea in many ways was fighting for her life and at the beginning of a long road toward healing, and ultimately post traumatic growth. Along the way she found herself in a monastery learning and practicing meditation,Arriving at new insights about how she wanted to live, And eventually choosing to leave a very successful corporate career to found EQ Minds - a comp...
2025-11-2058 minThe Courageous LifeOn the Science of Mastering Your Intuition | Laura HuangWhat sets the most successful people apart? You may think that the answer is hard work (and it’s certainly part of it), but in her interviews of the most accomplished individuals—from entrepreneurs and investors to Olympic athletes and Pulitzer Prize winners—Distinguished Professor of Management, Dr. Laura Huang discovered that what they called their gut feel, the product of their intuition, played the most important role.Laura, who has held faculty positions at Harvard Business School and the Wharton School has in many way...
2025-11-1353 minThe Courageous LifeOn the Healing Power of Love | Stephen G. PostProfessor Stephen G. Post, one of the world’s leading scholars on altruism, love, compassion, and the science of giving, has a beautiful new book out: Pure Unlimited Love: Science and the 7 Paths to Inner Peace.In it, he writes:When the happiness, security, and well-being of another feels as meaningful and real to us as our own, or perhaps more so, we love that person.This love, which Stephen has made a central focus across in his life’s work across 4 decadesAs a researcher, a writer...
2025-11-061h 11The Courageous LifeOn Unwinding Anxiety and Finding Inner Peace | Dr. Jud BrewerBetween the relentless uncertainty—political, environmental, societal—in the world and our own personal challenges, We are living through one of the most anxious periods any of us can remember.Many of us are feeling overwhelmed, and out of control.As a result we may find ourselves falling into unhealthy patterns that we struggle to change—worrying, stress-eating, constantly scrolling on social media, procrastinating, and more. The good news is that there’s a way out.In today’s episode...
2025-10-3052 minThe Courageous LifeOn the Power of Curiosity | Dr. Jud BrewerDr. Jud Brewer is an addiction psychiatrist, neuroscientist, and Director of Research and Innovation at Brown University’s Mindfulness Center. Jud is passionate about understanding how our brains work, and how to use that knowledge to help people make deep, permanent change in their lives — With the goal of reducing suffering in the world at large.This conversation, which we originally recorded and released during the Pandemic in 2021,Looked at the deepening division in our society, the patterns of 'othering', judgment, and blame, Through the lens of habit fo...
2025-10-2358 minThe Courageous LifeOn How to Flourish After Leaving Religion | Daryl Van TongerenAmericans today are leaving religion in record numbers. For many, the faith, practices, and institutions that once provided comfort and guidance no longer fit their beliefs and values. Today’s guest, Dr. Daryl Van Tongeren, a psychologist scientist who engages big existential questions to promote human flourishing, And author of the powerful book: Done: How to Flourish After Leaving Religioncalls this departure ‘The Great Disillusionment.’ His research and writing brings attention to several important, but often difficult questions that arise when people are no longer served by traditional religion: ...
2025-10-1656 minThe Courageous LifeOn Living a Life That Brings Us Truly Alive | Lee JohnsonLee Johnson likes to say that he’s as ordinary as dirt but as complex as soil. A former Course Director for the Colorado Outward Bound School and Certified Holistic Management Teacher, Lee has also managed ranches in Nebraska, Tennessee, and New Mexico. I first met him on a retreat at the Modern Elder Academy in Santa Fe.The Academy, which has been called "The World’s First Midlife Wisdom School"Sits on the beautiful Rising Circle Ranch where Lee serves as steward, and facilitates various experiences for guests. Muc...
2025-10-091h 13The Courageous LifeOn Awe, Wonder, and Everyday Miracles | Jonah PaquetteWhat do you feel when you gaze up at the Milky Way, take in a beautiful sunset, stand at the base of a mountain that seems impossibly high, or witness an extraordinary act of courage, kindness, or love?Often, it's a profound sense of awe - the overwhelming feeling we experience when we encounter something vast that transcends our understanding. In his book Awestruck, clinician, researcher, and multi-time author, Dr. Jonah Paquette, reminds us that awe-inspiring moments are all around us.Ranging...
2025-10-0245 minThe Courageous LifeOn Ordinary Mysticism, Wonder, and Love | Mirabai StarrIn her beautiful book: Ordinary Mysticism: Your Life as Sacred Ground, Bestselling author, translator, and celebrated spiritual teacher, Mirabai Starr Invites us to let go of the limiting belief that spiritual life exists only in traditional places of worship. She shares:You can visit an ashram in the Himalayas,Or kneel in a church pew to connect to the spirit or examine life’s big questions—but these aren’t the only opportunities to discover the sacred. Life itself, is holy ground. When we choose t...
2025-09-2559 minThe Courageous LifeOn the Power of Wonder | Monica ParkerIn her beautiful book, The Power of Wonder, Monica Parker, writes:“Wonder purls its way through our lives from first cry to last gasp - Moments that engage us, surprise us, take our breath away,And give us the gift of viewing the world, and our place in it,In an entirely different way.But something happens as we move from the wonder-filled days of childhood to obligation laden days of adulthood. We become increasingly jaded. Like the sun that continues to shine on a cloud...
2025-09-181h 00The Courageous LifeMeditation, Awakening, and Original Love | Henry ShukmanIn his new book, Original Love, Zen meditation master, award winning author and poet, and renowned spiritual teacher Henry Shukman offers a tantalizing proposition. At any moment there is a powerful possibility available to us.A possibility of piercing the illusion of separateness,And experiencing a profound sense of connection.In these moments which are deemed by some as ‘awakening', it can seem almost as if a spell is broken. That we are waking up from a sort of dream.As we see, feel, and know...
2025-01-301h 07The Courageous LifePracticing Courage #46: The subtle art of letting go with Amy DongToday's practice features guest teacher Amy Dong.Amy is a talented therapist, and a breath work facilitator, who specializes in helping both individuals and couples to find steady footing through life’s inevitable twists & turns. She’s also the author of a beautiful sub stack called The Softening.Which she describes as a walk through our internal landscape, a journey with mental health and well-being in long form. In our most recent Courageous Life episode, Amy joined me in conversation as we dove headfirst into the topic of uncertainty and the poss...
2024-10-1105 minThe Courageous LifePracticing Courage #45: Making friends with uncertainty and embracing positive possibilitiesThis past week clinical psychologist and bestselling author Dr. Meg Jay was back on the show. One of the big themes we explored together was uncertainty,And how we can experience more ease in the face of it. Meg offered a useful reminder that when we experience uncertainty research shows that our amygdala becomes more active. The amygdala being the part of the brain that is often casually referred to as the "alarm bell."Simply put, when things are uncertain we don't tend to like it very much...
2024-10-0408 minThe Courageous LifePracticing Courage #44: Learning to fail betterTo fail is human.It’s built into our experience from childhood.We begin to walk and we fall.We begin a project, we work toward a goal, or we start a business and we may fail.We experience these moments -When we are engaged in learning, When we are moving toward something we care about And we come up short.And in these moments there is an opportunity for practice -Learning to relate to these moments from a place curiosity, care...
2024-09-2707 minThe Courageous LifePracticing Courage #43: Finding peace right where you are with Amy DongOne of the highlights of this season on the Courageous Life has been expanding the show with a new series that features inspiring stories of everyday heroes and the helpers who walk beside them. One of these helpers conversations featured Amy Dong.Amy is a talented therapist and a breathwork facilitator. During our conversation she offered a window into her work and how she walks beside people on their journey in therapy,where one of her core areas of focus is helping people learn fundamental practices that can help regulate their...
2024-09-2007 minThe Courageous LifePracticing Courage #42: Don't underestimate the power of a kind actIn today’s practice you’ll hear a clip from a past conversation with kindness researcher Dr. Kelli Harding.She’ll offer a beautiful reminder about just how easy it can be to make someone else’s day. How little it takes to lift others up.And that when we do, when we offer these little acts of kindness, they generate positive ripples outward.One small act of kindness creating a win-win-win proposition:For the giver,The receiverAnd for anyone who witnesses the kind act. Curious to...
2024-09-1306 minThe Courageous LifePracticing Courage #41: A powerful way to connect and build relationshipsYesterday we re-released a moving Courageous Life conversation with Juliana Tafur. Juliana is a journalist, award winning documentary filmmaker, and bridge builder. She serves as the Program Director for the Greater Good Science Center’s Bridging Differences Program. During our time together she shared shared some of her story, and insights from her incredible work as we explored the art and science of listening in ways that lead to: Meaningful connectionDeeper relationshipsAnd ultimately that build bridges across difference. Today I’d like build on that conversation by re-releasing a practice that can supp...
2024-09-0511 minThe Courageous LifePracticing Courage #40: Let go of assumptions and embrace curiosityWhen I was first learning to be a coach we had a saying before stepping into a coaching conversation:Leave your assumptions at the door and embrace curiosity. In reality we often know SO little about someone’s experience, and about their story.And when we recognize that, what seems to make the most sense is to get curious.To ask questions,And to listen deeply. In a recent episode with Dr. Jonah Paquette we took a dive into the depths of awe and wonder he offered a...
2024-08-2904 minThe Courageous LifePracticing Courage #39: Rethinking the timeless advice to 'always do your best'Always do your best.When I was growing up I heard that a lot. "Just do your best.""Leave it all on the field."Or some similar version of that message.It seemed like a generally positive and empowering message. An invitation to show up fully and give it my all. I was on board. But what I didn’t realize was that this message was incomplete. It was missing an important piece. Today we'll explore what wa...
2024-08-2304 minThe Courageous LifePracticing Courage #38: Unlocking potential with the new science of mindsetIn yesterday’s Courageous Life episode with psychologist and author, Dr. Jill Stoddard, we took a deep dive into overcoming self doubt and imposterism. Part of which reminded me of a powerful practice for transforming stress.A practice I first learned from Dr. Alia Crum and her team at Stanford’s Mind and Body Lab. I originally created this practice for the 5-day Transforming Stress Challenge, which features 5 days of guided practices, insights from leading experts, and different tools that can help you change your relationship to stress in a whole host of bene...
2024-08-1514 minThe Courageous LifePracticing Courage #37: The only moment we'll ever have"It’s very important work to be calm in a storm. To be a center for the people in your life." -Elizabeth Lesser (Courageous Life Episode 112)So often when storms arise in our life they unleash a variety of feelings:UncertaintyFearGroundlessnessWhen these experiences arise the mind will often will enter into a cycle of trying to find ground, often by running through future based scenarios, and planning thinking. And while planning can be helpful up to a point, if we spend too much time focusing on what ifWe...
2024-08-0807 minThe Courageous LifePracticing Courage #36: Finding the courage to be realAfter work one evening I met a friend who has been navigating big questions about their career and what’s next.We sat outside and they shared some of their story.A close friend of theirs, whom they care about and deeply respectHad called them up And offered advice about what to do.While well intended it completely missed the mark. My friend left feeling much worse than they had before. Wishing that the advice had never been given. Wishing that their friend...
2024-08-0209 minThe Courageous LifePracticing Courage #35: Relaxing into uncertainty - a superpower for our timeThe blank canvas.The blank page.The big questions:What’s next in my life?What do I want to do for work? How do I want to live?These are familiar moments and seasons of life marked by the unknown.Often filled with feelings of uncertainty, what’s beautiful about these moments, and these seasons is that They are an invitation into creativity.But there’s a catch.To accept the invitation we often need to be able to practice opening. ...
2024-07-2512 minThe Courageous LifePracticing Courage #34: The path to inner freedomThere is a beautiful teaching metaphor that comes out of buddhist psychology about 2 darts.As we move through life we inevitably experience pain.From minor bumps and scrapes,To major injury, loss, heartbreak, and catastrophe.This is the 1st dart.What’s interesting about pain though is that it can often be accompanied by thoughts about the pain:“This shouldn’t be happening.”“What if this doesn’t end?”“There’s something wrong with you." Etc.These are add ons.
2024-07-1908 minThe Courageous LifePracticing Courage #33: The self-compassion practice no one is talking aboutWhy can it be so difficult to receive? Whether it’s something small like a compliment,Or something bigger, like receiving help when we are in some form of pain or distress. While the response can vary of course, For many of us the instinct can often be:To brush off the compliment To minimize the recognitionTo turn down the help Essentially to close off in one form or another. And there are a whole host of reasons why this might happen.From the way we’re...
2024-07-1105 minThe Courageous Life[Re-Release] Practicing Courage #32: Choosing courage over comfortAt the end of each day we do a mental scan, reviewing our experiences from that day.When people do this, they often find:The moments where they moved outside of their comfort zoneThe moments where they pushed themselvesAnd the moments where they were courageousAre often the moments that they end up being most proud of.Additionally, leading courage researcher, Dr. Jim Detert asserts that when looking back on life its acts of courage that are often associated with greater fulfillment, meaning, and positive legacy. Today I am...
2024-06-2708 minThe Courageous LifePracticing Courage #31: The space between stimulus and responseAs part of a 4-part series on the Power of Compassion on The Courageous Life, yesterday we released a beautiful conversation with Roshi Joan Halifax and Rhonda Magee. Together they explored a variety of themes related to meeting the most pressing challenges of our time with backbone and heart. To complement the conversations in this series I have be sharing some potent practices for opening the heart, and accessing more courage and compassion. Today's practice is a re-release of the first Practicing Courage episode we ever produced and relates to one of the them...
2024-06-2009 minThe Courageous Life[Re-release] Practicing Courage #30: Listening deeply - letting go of fixing, saving, and advisingAs part of a 4-part series on the Power of Compassion yesterday we released a moving conversation with Jerry Colonna and Leah Weiss. Together they explored the future of work: Love, Safety, and Belonging. To complement these conversations on compassion I am sharing some of the most potent practices I’ve come across for opening the heart, and accessing more courage and compassion. Today's we'll explore the question: “How can we create conditions for other people to be courageous?” A question I have been exploring for years, on The Coura...
2024-06-1410 minThe Courageous LifePracticing Courage #29: The art of building great relationshipsAs part of a 4-part series on the Power of Compassion which we are re-releasing on The Courageous Life, yesterday we released a beautiful conversation with Dr. James Doty and Dr. Jacinta Jiménez. Together they explored a variety of themes related to cultivating greater compassion and empathy, including the possibility of fostering cultures of care within organizations. To complement these conversations over the coming weeks I will be sharing some of the most potent practices I’ve come across for opening the heart, and accessing more courage and compassion. Today's practice is is the...
2024-06-0606 minThe Courageous LifeThe Power of Compassion Pt 2 | James Doty and Jacinta JiménezToday we're continuing our four-part series on the power of compassion with a deep, insightful, and moving conversation between Dr. Jacinta Jiménez and Dr. James Doty. Each episode in this series showcases a powerful duo made up of a leading researcher and practitioner who will explore themes related to compassion, courage, and living with a more open, kind, and loving stance toward the world. If you happened to miss part one with Dr. Barbara Fredrickson and Sharon Salzberg you can go back and listen to it anytime. It's become one of the most popular con...
2024-06-0551 minThe Courageous LifePracticing Courage #28: A powerful way to find common groundOver the next four weeks on the Courageous Life podcast we will be re releasing a 4-part series on the Power of Compassion. Yesterday we began with Part One, a powerful and moving conversation with Positive Psychology Pioneer Dr. Barbara Fredrickson and world renowned meditation teacher Sharon Salzberg.To complement these conversations over the coming weeks I will be sharing some of the most potent practices I’ve come across for opening the heart, and accessing more courage and compassion. And if you are interested in a deeper more experiential dive into these ins...
2024-05-3111 minThe Courageous Life[Re-Release] Practicing Courage #27: Overcoming fear of public speakingWhether it’s presenting, facilitating, sharing in a large meeting, hosting, or some other form of being in the spotlight,Speaking in public is one of people's greatest fears which may show up in various forms:DoubtFeeling anxious or nervousOver-focusing on oneselfThe list goes on. So today, we are re-releasing one of the most popular practices we've ever done, which addresses working with these fears by making a mindset shift from performance to curiosity.If you have a moment where you will be speaking, interviewing, facilitating, coaching, hosting, or jus...
2024-05-2307 minThe Courageous LifePracticing Courage #26: A simple practice for manifesting your dreamsYesterday we released a Courageous Life conversation with Dr. James Doty.Together we explored themes from his new book: Mind Magic The Neuroscience of Manifestation and How it Changes Everything.In both the book and our conversation Dr. Doty challenges the popular narrative around manifestation, A narrative that has narrowly emphasized outward success, materialism, and individual benefit.As an alternative James calls upon his work as a neurosurgeon, neuroscientist, and leader in the field of compassion science, As he invites us into a deep exploration of how our brains...
2024-05-1705 minThe Courageous LifePracticing Courage #25: How to connect (when it's difficult)Yesterday we released a moving Courageous Life conversation with Juliana Tafur.Juliana is a journalist, award winning documentary filmmaker, and bridge builder. She serves as the Program Director for the Greater Good Science Center’s Bridging Differences initiative. During our time together she shared shared some of her story, and insights from her incredible work as we explored the art and science of listening in ways that lead to: Meaningful connectionDeeper relationshipsAnd ultimately that build bridges across difference. Today I’d like build on that conversation and dig further into how we...
2024-05-0911 minThe Courageous LifePracticing Courage #24: Increasing the capacity to be with discomfortIn yesterday’s Courageous Life episode with Dr. Todd Kashdan, the author ofThe Art of Insubordination, we unpacked the recipe for what he calls, principled rebellion:A courageous practice of going against the stream, Challenging conformity and questioning conventional ideas.But doing so from a place of heart. Rebelling in ways that are generative as opposed to destructive. Along these lines, Todd offered practical research-backed insights into how we can dissent in ways that lead to:Being heard, Making change, And effectively defying an...
2024-05-0208 minThe Courageous LifePracticing Courage #23: Choosing learning over knowingWhen I was first learning to be a coach we had a saying before stepping into a coaching conversation:Leave your assumptions at the door and embrace curiosity. In reality we often know SO little about someone’s experience, and about their story.And when we recognize that, what seems to make the most sense is to get curious.To ask questions,And to listen deeply. In yesterday's episode with Dr. Jonah Paquette which took a dive into the depths of awe and wonder he offered a be...
2024-04-2504 minThe Courageous Life[Re-Release] Practicing Courage #22: Letting go of what doesn't serve youOn the heels of a powerful conversation with Dr. Emma Seppala we are re-releasing this Practicing Courage episode (originally #4) as it aligns intimately with the themes Emma and I explored together. Perhaps none more important than Sovereignty, which is the topic of Emma's beautiful new book: Sovereign. She defines Sovereignty as: Our innate human capacity for being resilient regardless of the chaos that life brings and for staying true to oneself and intentional regardless of outside influences. Part of staying true to oneself involves the practice of intentionally letting go of what no...
2024-04-1811 minThe Courageous LifePracticing Courage #21: Learning to fail betterTo fail is human.It’s built into our experience from childhood.We begin to walk and we fall.We begin a project, we work toward a goal, or we start a business and we may fail.We experience these moments -When we are engaged in learning, When we are moving toward something we care about And we come up short.And in these moments there is an opportunity for practice -Learning to relate to these moments from a place curiosity, care...
2024-04-1207 minThe Courageous LifeMeeting Failure with Curiosity and Compassion | Dr. Amy EdmondsonFailure is an experience that is deeply embedded into our lives. As we learn to walk we fall. As we learn to ride a bike we (usually) fall again. And yet even though it is so familiar, so intertwined with our journey through life, not all failure is created equal. Which brings up important questions:How do we fail well? What are the crucial distinctions that might help us separate good failure from bad?How do we learn to identify when failure is our friend, and prevent most of it when...
2024-04-1054 minThe Courageous LifePracticing Courage #20: Finding peace in an expansive mindIn my most recent interview with Dr. Nate Klemp, who is author of the new book Open: Living With an Expansive Mind in a Distracted World, we got the opportunity to talk deeply about opening more to life. Are you familiar with this feeling of openness? Perhaps for you it’s a sense of curiosity? Or a feeling of expansion in the mind, or in the body? Maybe it's being interested, receptive to learning, being open to new ideas, or even experiencing a sense of spaciousness.As part of this ex...
2024-04-0414 minThe Courageous LifePracticing Courage #19: The Art of Saying No EffectivelyYesterday I released a conversation with Dr. Vanessa Patrick. Vanessa is a professor of marketing and the associate dean for research at the Bauer College of Business at the University of Houston. Among other things, Vanessa researches what she calls the empowered refusal - A way of saying no that stems from your identity. This empowered form of saying no becomes possible when you have clarity about who are, who you want to be, and what matters to you. For me this was one of the more practical conversations I ’ve ever...
2024-03-2812 minThe Courageous LifePracticing Courage #18 - Finding Balance Through Life's StormsHow can we meet the storms in our lives (both big and small) with greater balance, courage, wisdom, and love?It’s a huge question, I know. And the list of practices and answers is long, varied, and personal. I certainly don’t have "the answer" for you. What I do have are some observations and practices I’ve found to be particularly useful. Today I will offer 3 simple practices that can increase our innate capacity to meet storms in these ways. As always, the invitation would be to try on whi...
2024-03-2111 minThe Courageous LifeFinding the Strength to Meet Adversity | Mark NepoToday’s conversation has been 5 years in the making. In 2018 I sat down with Mark Nepo, one of the great spiritual teachers, authors, and poets of our time. During our conversation he posed a question to walk with. Inviting me (and those tuning in) to live into the answers over time.When my heart begins to close, how do I open it again?For 5 years I've been exploring this question with some of the world's leading thinkers, and doers. And today Mark and I will dive deeper into this theme, as we...
2024-03-201h 10The Courageous LifePracticing Courage #17: All things are trueWhen the rain is falling, it’s dark out, and the storm seems unrelenting, Above the clouds the sky is blue and the sun is shining.All things are true.Someone’s last breath is met across time and space with the sounds of an infant crying,The signal of a new arrival.All things are true.As divorce papers are approved and a marriage meets an end,A preacher announces, "you may now kiss the bride."It is this bittersweetnessThis...
2023-12-1304 minThe Courageous LifePracticing Courage #16: Taking in the GoodIs it possible to turn beneficial states like gratitude, joy, calm, courage, grit, and compassion into enduring traits?And if it is, how do we go about doing it?I remember hearing these questions many years ago when I first came across the work of Dr. Rick HansonAt the time he was making a research-backed argument that said...yes, indeed we can and then provided a road map for practice.Here's the gist of what he shared:As we begin training our mind to cultivate these...
2023-12-0715 minThe Courageous LifePracticing Courage #15: Being in dialogue with your lifeHumans are universally equipped with a capacity for spirituality and our brains become more resilient and robust as a result. In Dr. Lisa Miller’s book The Awakened Brain she highlights groundbreaking research, including MRI studies genetics research, epidemiology, and more. All of which illuminate a surprising science of spirituality and how to engage it in our lives. This week I will release our conversation together on the podcast and you will hear more from Dr. Lisa Miller including her introduction to the two modes of awareness which she mapped in the human brain through cutt...
2023-11-2909 min
Career KombatCareer Coffee Chat with Joshua SteinfeldtOn this very special episode of Career Kombat, I have the pleasure of chatting with Joshua Steinfeldt. Joshua is one of the most peaceful and positive people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. He has a highly successful coaching business and podcast, The Courageous Life, helping people become more centered with a meaningful mixture of mindfulness, meditation, wit and wisdom. So get that fall beverage percolating and prepare to go on a journey of engagement with an endearing thought leader, coach, and modern mental marvel.
2023-11-1756 min
Career KombatCareer Coffee Chat with Joshua SteinfeldtOn this very special episode of Career Kombat, I have the pleasure of chatting with Joshua Steinfeldt. Joshua is one of the most peaceful and positive people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. He has a highly successful coaching business and podcast, The Courageous Life, helping people become more centered with a meaningful mixture of mindfulness, meditation, wit and wisdom. So get that fall beverage percolating and prepare to go on a journey of engagement with an endearing thought leader, coach, and modern mental marvel.
2023-11-1756 minThe Courageous LifePracticing Courage #13: A simple way to break free from worryDo you ever have times where the mind won’t stop thinking about what’s next?Things you need to do, actions to take etc? This is such a common experience, and while quite useful at times,At other times this cycle isn't helpful (for a variety of reasons):Maybe you can’t take action at the momentOr you have double-checked or thought through the plan many times alreadyOr maybe you need a bit more time or space to really think through what is neededThe list goes on...What’s...
2023-11-0809 minThe Courageous LifePracticing Courage #12: Creating the conditions that unlock courage“How can we create conditions for other people to be courageous?”This is a question I have been exploring for years. On The Courageous Life Podcast, and beyond. Part of the reason for such a deep interest in this question stems from the common and celebrated narrative (particularly in the US) of the lone hero.That romanticized myth of pulling oneself up by their bootstraps and doing it all on their own.While that might be an inspirational tale, it also puts a lot of pressure on an individual to be...
2023-10-3110 minThe Courageous LifePracticing Courage #11: Only light can drive out darkness"If we are looking for light in the darkness, sometimes it doesn't appear until we create it." - Samantha NovickIn moments of great tragedy, pain, uncertainty, loss, and suffering I often look for perspective, and for practices, that help me to find some light in the darkness.Often these practices (for me) are found in community, with friends, and through conversations on the podcast.This past week with the war beginning in Israel it is again one of these times as some of the worst parts of humanity have been fu...
2023-10-1711 minThe Courageous LifePracticing Courage #9: Is being with discomfort the key to a good life?At the end of each day we do a mental scan, reviewing our experiences from that day.When people do this, they often find:The moments where they moved outside of their comfort zoneThe moments where they pushed themselvesAnd the moments where they were courageousAre often the moments that they end up being most proud of. Additionally, leading courage researcher, Dr. Jim Detert asserts that when looking back on life its acts of courage that are often associated with greater fulfillment, meaning, and positive legacy. Today I am g...
2023-10-0308 minThe Courageous LifePracticing Courage #8: Want to be brave? Get excited to serveSpeaking in public is one of people's greatest fears. Today's practice focuses on a brief process for overcoming this fear. Its a mindset shift from performance to curiosity that begins with 4 simple words.If you have a moment where you will be speaking, interviewing, facilitating, coaching, hosting, or just generally interacting…and you find yourself getting nervousGive this a try, and see if it helps.Did you find today's practice valuable? Remember, courage is contagious. If you know someone who would benefit from today’s practice please share.
2023-09-2607 minThe Courageous LifePracticing Courage #7: Dispelling the myth of the lone heroAre you familiar with the story of the lone hero? It’s a long celebrated cultural narrative (in the U.S.) of pulling yourself up by your bootstraps, doing it all on your own, and being gritty, resilient, and fiercely independent. In essence - it’s about being courageous.While there may be some upsides to this story, one of the things I find so interesting is how it places a lot of pressure on an individual to be courageous. Pressure that perhaps isn’t always necessary. So today I will...
2023-09-1910 minThe Courageous LifePracticing Courage #6: Finding rest in a productivity cultureDo you ever get caught up in what I will casually call “the race”? The experience of moving from one thing to the nextSwept up in the to-do listFeeling an internal push to keep accomplishing, achieving, and making things happenConstantly in a mode of “doing.” Is this relatable?While neither good or bad I would invite you to consider the following:At what points is this beneficial (in your experience)? When might it become detrimental?Today’s pr...
2023-09-1210 minThe Courageous LifePracticing Courage #5: A mindset shift for greater connectionWhat happens when you begin to shift your attention outwardly to the ways in which we are connected and support one another? This in itself can be a question to explore and experiment with over time. Today’s practice will invite you to use your imagination to foster a mindset of connection and interdependence.For many, a shift to focusing on connection can bring with it numerous benefits. Here’s a couple of points that highlight this:When we over-focus on ourselves it narrows our possibilities, our perspective, and can...
2023-09-0513 minThe Courageous LifePracticing Courage #4: Letting go of un-helpful habitsAre there habitual ways of thinking or behaving that if you were to let go of, would bring more ease, wellbeing, and fulfillment? Today's practice will introduce you to the work of Dr. Jud Brewer and explore how we can leverage knowledge of how our brains work, the latest science of habit change, as well as a powerful blend of curiosity and kindness, to ultimately let go of ways of thinking and behaving that no are no longer helpful or beneficial in the pursuit of what we care about most.Thanks for practicing...
2023-08-2913 minThe Courageous LifePracticing Courage #2: The keys to resilienceWelcome back to the Practicing Courage Community - a space where we are dedicated to exploring what it means to live well, and engaging in practices that support finding the courage to do so. To support your own exploration of these deep and personal questions, once-a-week I will be offering you a brief practice that will infuse storytelling, research, and tips for making the most of whatever tool or practice may be offered. Today's practice: The Keys to ResiliencePart of the journey of living well is gaining clarity about what re...
2023-08-1511 minThe Courageous LifeThe Transformative Power of Humility | Dr. Daryl Van Tongeren -Every so often a researcher comes along and changes the game. Named a Rising Star by the Association for Psychological Science, Dr. Daryl Van Tongeren is doing just that. A leading mind on the science of humility - his work and his new book Humble, have helped debunk many of the myths around this ancient virtue, explaining why humility is a powerful strength at home, at work, in leadership, and how it can lead to thriving relationships. In this wide ranging and deep conversation Daryl will share more about:The link between humility and authenticity (or f...
2023-03-2153 minThe Courageous LifePractices for Great Relationships | Dr. Rick HansonDr. Rick Hanson is a multi-time past guest on the Courageous Life and is back to discuss themes from his new book, Making Great Relationships: Simple Practices for Solving Conflict, Building Connections, and Fostering Love. In today’s wide ranging conversation with Rick we discuss:How to find a sense of calm strength, groundedness, and choice that can help reduce reactivity and improve our relationships6 guidelines for speaking wisely and in ways that foster more effective communication, feedback, and that improve our connection with othersHow to work with anger more effectivelyRick’s thoughts on how to keep...
2023-03-0355 minThe Courageous LifeGentle Power - Shifting the Way We Define True Strength | Dr. E. Elisabet Lahti Pt. 2Often times gentleness and power can be seen as opposites, ideas or ways of being that may not go together. Today’s guest, Dr. Emilia Elisabet Lahti invites us to rethink this. Sharing a number of insights from her new book Gentle Power: A Revolution in How We Think, Lead and Succeed Using the Finnish Art of Sisu she argues that the intersection of these two qualities can be a catalyst for unlocking some of our greatest potential as people, and as leaders. In this episode:We dive into more of Elisabet’s journey inclu...
2023-01-241h 10The Courageous LifeThe Courageous Journey Toward Wholeness | Parker Palmer Pt. 1Parker J. Palmer is a writer, teacher, and activist. Founder and Senior Partner Emeritus of the Center for Courage & Renewal, he has written ten books, including the bestselling Let Your Life Speak, The Courage to Teach, A Hidden Wholeness, Healing the Heart of Democracy, and On the Brink of Everything: Grace, Gravity and Getting Old. He holds a Ph.D. in sociology from the University of California, Berkeley, and thirteen honorary doctorates. In 1998, The Leadership Project, a national survey of ten thousand educators, named Palmer as one of the thirty “most influential senior leaders” in higher education and...
2023-01-061h 32The Courageous LifeThe Power of Self-Compassion | Chris GermerChris Germer, PhD is a clinical psychologist and lecturer on psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. In 2007, Chris began collaborating with Kristin Neff, psychology professor at the University of Texas, Austin, and pioneering researcher on self-compassion. In 2009, he wrote the book, The Mindful Path to Self-Compassion, and, in 2010, Chris and Kristin co-developed Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC), an empirically-supported, 8-week training program for the general public. The Center for Mindful Self-Compassion was established in 2012 and since then tens of thousands of people have learned MSC. Additionally, they have co-authored two books on MSC, The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook and Teaching the Mi...
2020-09-2256 minThe Courageous LifeThe Courage to Become Your Best Self | Steph LabbéGoalkeeper Stephanie Labbé has been part of the Canadian Women’s Soccer program since 2002. She made her Olympic debut at Rio 2016 where she started five of six games, allowing just four goals, as Team Canada won the bronze medal. Labbé was on the Canadian roster for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2011, 2015, and 2019 (starting all 4 games in 2019). Labbé played collegiate soccer for the University of Connecticut. In her senior year she was named the 2008 Big East Goalkeeper of the Year. Labbé is the current starting goalkeeper for the professional team the North Carolina Courage. Learn more about Steph at steph...
2020-07-3044 minThe Courageous LifeEmpathy is the Antidote for our Time | Ian HockleyWhen the Hockley family relocated from England to Connecticut in the winter of 2011 it was the realization of a family dream. Ian had visited the United States regularly since childhood, Nicole was from Rhode Island and Jake was born on the 4th of July; in many ways it was coming home.They moved to the idyllic town of Sandy Hook which Ian selected after touring the beautiful neighborhoods and meeting the staff at the elementary school, knowing Dylan especially would get a fantastic start as they made their new life. This bright beginning ran full force into the American...
2020-07-0751 minThe Courageous LifeAwakening Compassion at Work | Jane Dutton and Monica WorlineScholars, consultants, teachers, and researchers Monica Worline and Jane Dutton are co-authors of the book Awakening Compassion at Work. Monica and Jane are co-founders of the CompassionLab, the world’s leading collaboratory for research on compassion and work organizations. Working together for more than fifteen years, Monica and Jane offer key insights regarding the value of compassion for addressing pain people bring into the workplace and pain that is created in the conduct of daily work. Monica and Jane teach and consult with leaders, managers, students, and change agents in a variety of organizations who are striving to awaken co...
2020-06-1555 minThe Courageous Life*Bonus* Rick Hanson: Warming the Heart meditationPlease enjoy this free BONUS guided meditation from Rick Hanson. This brief practice is the second of 7 practices outlined in Rick’s new book, Neurodharma: New Science, Ancient Wisdom, and Seven Practices of the Highest Happiness. This meditation focuses on warming the heart. For more on Rick please listen to our most recent conversation (episode 49), or our first conversation on the topic of resilience in episode 12 of the Courageous Life. You can also check out rickhanson.net.Support the show
2020-05-1408 minThe Courageous Life*Bonus* Rick Hanson: Steadying the Mind meditationPlease enjoy this free BONUS guided meditation from Rick Hanson. This brief practice is the first of 7 practices outlined in Rick’s new book, Neurodharma: New Science, Ancient Wisdom, and Seven Practices of the Highest Happiness. This meditation focuses on steadying the mind. For more on Rick please listen to our most recent conversation (episode 49), or our first conversation on the topic of resilience in episode 12 of the Courageous Life. You can also check out rickhanson.net.Support the show
2020-05-1411 minThe Courageous LifeMeditation and the Heights of Human Potential | Dr. Rick HansonRick Hanson, Ph.D., is a psychologist, Senior Fellow of the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley, and New York Times best-selling author. His books have been published in 29 languages and include Neurodharma, Resilient, Hardwiring Happiness, Buddha’s Brain, Just One Thing, and Mother Nurture. He’s lectured at NASA, Google, Oxford, and Harvard, and taught in meditation centers worldwide. An expert on positive neuroplasticity, his work has been featured on the BBC, CBS, NPR, and other major media. He began meditating in 1974 and is the founder of the Wellspring Institute for Neuroscience and Contemplative Wisdom. For...
2020-05-141h 09The Courageous LifeLimitless Mind - Learn, Lead & Live Without Barriers | Dr. Jo BoalerDr. Jo Boaler is a professor of education and equity at Stanford University and the faculty director of youcubed—an education resource that has reached over 230 million students. She is the author of the first MOOC on mathematics teaching and learning, as well as nine mathematics books and numerous research articles. Her work has been published in the New York Times, TIME magazine, The Telegraph, The Atlantic, The Wall Street Journal, and many other news outlets. She was named by the BBC as one of eight educators “changing the face of education.” Her latest book is: Limitless Mind: Learn, Lead...
2020-04-2850 minThe Courageous LifeChanging the World One Voice at a Time | Tania de JongTania de Jong (pronounced Yong) AM is a trail-blazing Australian soprano, global speaker, award-winning social entrepreneur, creative innovation catalyst and spiritual journeywoman. Tania is one of Australia’s most successful female entrepreneurs and innovators, developing 5 businesses and 3 charities over the past 3 decades including, but not limited to Creative Universe, Creativity Australia and the With One Voice program, Creative Innovation Global, and Mind Medicine Australia. She was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia and named one of the 100 Women of Influence and the one of the 100 Australian Most Influential Entrepreneurs. Tania has released eleven Al...
2020-04-0753 min
The Courageous Life*Bonus* Shelly Tygielski: 12-minute meditation - dealing with uncertainty related to COVID-19Please enjoy this free BONUS guided meditation from Shelly Tygielski. This brief practice is intended to promote a sense of ease, and help one deal with uncertainty surrounding COVID-19. For more on Shelly please listen to episode 46 of the Courageous Life and check out pandemicoflove.comSupport the show
2020-03-3012 minThe Courageous LifeThe Pandemic of Love | Shelly TygielskiThis is one of the most important and timely conversations I have had on the Courageous Life. Shelly Tygielski, a friend and return guest to the show, has started a movement called The Pandemic of Love. In response to the challenges surrounding COVID-19 including job loss, furloughs, illness, etc - the Pandemic of Love has connected over 10,000 families (to-date) in need of basic essentials like food and medicine with 10,000+ patrons who are offering support (financial or otherwise). Launched on March 14th, 2020 this movement is already going viral, with over 280 volunteers working behind-the-scenes, and more and more people connecting to...
2020-03-301h 07The Courageous LifeLeadership and the Art of Growing Up | Jerry ColonnaJerry Colonna is the CEO, and co-founder, of Reboot.io, an executive coaching and leadership development firm whose coaches and facilitators are committed to the notion that better humans make better leaders. For nearly 20 years, he has used the knowledge gained as an investor, an executive, and a board member for more than 100 organizations to help entrepreneurs and others to lead with humanity, resilience, and equanimity. He believes not only that work does not have to destroy us, but that work can be the way to achieve our fullest selves. Jerry is the author of Reboot: Leadership and the...
2020-03-101h 10The Courageous LifeHow Mindfulness Rewires Your Brain for Calm, Clarity, and Joy | Dr. Shauna ShapiroShauna Shapiro, PhD is a best-selling author, clinical psychologist and internationally recognized expert in mindfulness and self-compassion. She is a professor at Santa Clara University and has published over 150 papers and three critically acclaimed books, translated into 16 languages. Her latest book, Good Morning I Love You: Mindfulness and Self-Compassion Practices to Rewire Your Brain for Calm, Clarity + Joy was released in January of 2020. Shauna has presented her research to the King of Thailand, the Danish Government, Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness Summit, and the World Council for Psychotherapy, as well as to Fortune 100 Companies including Google, Cisco Systems and Li...
2020-03-0252 minThe Courageous LifeAn FBI Agent's Code for Building Trust and Healthy Relationships | Robin DreekeRobin Dreeke is a best-selling author, professional speaker, trainer, facilitator, and retired FBI Special Agent and Chief of the Counterintelligence Behavioral Analysis Program, which has been depicted in TV and movies, including the acclaimed show Mind Hunter on Netflix. Robin has taken his life's work of recruiting spies and broken down the art of leadership, communication, and relationship building into Five Steps to TRUST and Six Signs of who you can TRUST. Since 2010, Robin has been working with large corporations as well as small companies in every aspect of their business. Whether it is newly promoted leaders, executives, sales...
2020-02-1455 minThe Courageous LifeCourage, Hope, and Human Transformation | Dr. Kelly McGonigalKelly McGonigal is a health psychologist and lecturer at Stanford University who specializes in understanding the mind-body connection. As a pioneer in the field of "science-help," her mission is to translate insights from psychology and neuroscience into practical strategies that support personal well-being and strengthen communities. She is the best-selling author of The Willpower Instinct and The Upside of Stress. Through the Stanford Center for Compassion and Altruism, she helped create Stanford Compassion Cultivation Training, a program now taught around the world that helps individuals strengthen their empathy, compassion, and self-compassion. You might know her from her TED talk, "...
2020-01-231h 15The Courageous LifeBecoming Deeply Present in an Un-Present World | Cory MuscaraCory Muscara is an international speaker and teacher on the topics of presence and wellbeing. He has taught mindfulness-based leadership at Columbia University, and currently serves as an instructor of positive psychology at the University of Pennsylvania, where he completed his graduate work. In 2012, Cory spent six months in silence living as a monk in Burma, meditating 14-20 hours each day under the instruction of the late Sayadaw U Pandita. A frequent guest on the Dr. Oz show, he now aims to bring these teachings to people in a practical and relatable way, presenting to schools, organizations, and healthcare...
2020-01-111h 04The Courageous LifeThe Courageous Journey Toward Wholeness | Parker PalmerParker J. Palmer is a writer, teacher, and activist. Founder and Senior Partner Emeritus of the Center for Courage & Renewal, he has written ten books, including the bestselling Let Your Life Speak, The Courage to Teach, A Hidden Wholeness, Healing the Heart of Democracy, and On the Brink of Everything: Grace, Gravity and Getting Old. He holds a Ph.D. in sociology from the University of California, Berkeley, and thirteen honorary doctorates. In 1998, The Leadership Project, a national survey of ten thousand educators, named Palmer as one of the thirty “most influential senior leaders” in higher education and...
2020-01-041h 32The Courageous LifeHow Mindfulness Can Free You From The Inner Critic | Mark ColemanMark Coleman has studied mindfulness meditation practices for three decades, and has taught mindfulness workshops and meditation retreats in six continents for the past twenty years. He is a senior meditation teacher at Spirit Rock Meditation Center, a trainer for Search Inside Yourself Leadership Institute (developed at Google), and holds a MA in Clinical Psychology, drawing on his extensive experience in working with people as a therapist and coach. Mark leads Professional Mindfulness Teacher Trainings in the US and UK annually, and has brought mindfulness training programs to companies and the nonprofit sector across North America and Europe. He a...
2019-12-1848 minThe Courageous LifeDesigning Your Life | Bill BurnettBill Burnett is the Executive Director of the Design Program at Stanford. He directs the undergraduate and graduate program in design at Stanford, both interdepartmental programs between the Mechanical Engineering department and the Art department. He got his BS and MS in Product Design at Stanford and has worked professionally on a wide variety of projects ranging from award-winning Apple PowerBooks to the original Hasbro Star Wars action figures. Bill co teaches Designing Your Life, one of the most popular elective courses at Stanford. Centered on the principles taught in the Product Design Program and the d.school at...
2019-12-101h 05The Courageous LifeTransforming Communities With Mindfulness (and Love) | Ali SmithAli Smith co-founded the Holistic Life Foundation in 2001, where he currently serves as Executive Director. He is a native of Baltimore, Maryland and graduate of the Friends School of Baltimore and the University of Maryland, College Park, receiving a BS in Environmental Science and Policy with a Biodiversity specialization. He has over 15 years of experience teaching yoga and mindfulness to diverse populations. Through his work at the Holistic Life Foundation he has helped develop and pilot yoga and mindfulness programs at public and private schools, drug treatment centers, juvenile detention centers, mental crisis facilities, and retreat centers, n...
2019-10-311h 00The Courageous LifeThe Mindful Art of Communicating Effectively | Oren Jay SoferOren Jay Sofer is the author of the acclaimed new book Say What You Mean: A Mindful Approach to Nonviolent Communication, a practical guidebook for having more effective, satisfying conversations. He is also co-author of two books on teaching mindfulness to teens and adolescents: The Mindful Schools Curriculum for Adolescents and Teaching Mindfulness to Empower Teens. Oren leads retreats and workshops on mindful communication and meditation at retreat centers and educational settings around the United States. A member of the Spirit Rock Teacher's Council, he holds a degree in Comparative Religion from Columbia University, teaches in the Insight Meditation...
2019-10-221h 14The Courageous LifeDifficult Conversations and the Science of Effective Feedback | Douglas StoneDouglas Stone is a Founder of Triad Consulting Group and a Lecturer on Law at Harvard Law School, where he teaches negotiation. Through Triad, he consults to a wide range of organizations, including Fidelity, Honda, HP, IBM, Merck, Microsoft, and Shell. Doug is co-author of the New York Times bestsellers Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss What Matters Most (Penguin 2000), and Thanks for the Feedback: The Science and Art of Receiving Feedback Well (Even When It’s Off-Base, Unfair, Poorly Delivered and Frankly, You’re Not in the Mood) (Viking/Penguin 2014). His articles on negotiation and conflict resolution have appeared in t...
2019-09-2057 minThe Courageous LifeCreating Fearless Organizations | Dr. Amy EdmondsonAmy C. Edmondson, PhD, is the Novartis Professor of Leadership and Management at the Harvard Business School, a chair established to support the study of human interactions that lead to the creation of successful enterprises that contribute to the betterment of society. Edmondson has been recognized by the biannual Thinkers50 global ranking of management thinkers in 2011, 2013, 2015 and 2017 and was honored with the Talent Award in 2017. If you are not familiar with Thinkers50 it has been described as “The Oscars of Management Thinking.” This year (2019) Amy Edmondson is nominated for the Breakthrough Idea award. Her work on psychological safe...
2019-08-291h 01The Courageous LifeLeadership From the Inside Out | Kevin CashmanKevin Cashman is a best-selling author, global thought leader, CEO Advisor, keynote speaker, and pioneer of the ‘grow the whole person to grow the whole leader’ approach to transformative leadership. He is the founder of LeaderSource Ltd, and the Chief Executive Institute® recognized as one of the top three leadership development programs globally. In 2006, LeaderSource was acquired by Korn Ferry, where Kevin is now Global Leader of CEO and Executive Development across 130 offices that touch the lives of 100,000+ leaders monthly. Kevin has advised thousands of CEOs, senior executives and senior teams in more than 80 countries worldwide. He has written six b...
2019-08-2159 minThe Courageous LifeChanging the Conversation About Sexuality | Dr. Brianna BoothBrianna Booth, Ph.D. is the Director of Positive Sexuality at Stanford University. Compelled by a deep belief that we as a society can do better on the challenges of sexuality, Brianna aims to transform the cultural conversation to more fundamentally level-up on both the challenges and possibilities of sexuality. She earned her PhD in Human Sexuality Studies, focusing her research on the lived experience of sexuality and the skills of navigating it well. Brianna is working with students to create a series of programs for undergraduates--Beyond Sex Ed--which take a whole-person, whole-culture approach, centering on student storytelling, the...
2019-08-1753 minThe Courageous LifeThe Untold Story of Resilience | Dr. Meg JayIn this episode I sat down with bestselling author, TED speaker, and acclaimed psychologist, Dr. Meg Jay. I had been looking forward to this conversation for years, and it did not disappoint. In this episode we explore Meg's wisdom and insights related to her recent book, Supernormal - The Untold Story of Adversity and Resilience, including:How we can build resilienceHow love can transform the effects of adversity and trauma (and the science behind it)The relationship between courage, empathy, and deep listeningHow to support friends, colleagues, and loved ones in the face of adversityHow to challenge the...
2019-07-1654 minThe Courageous LifeTrauma-Sensitive Mindfulness | Dr. David TreleavenIn this episode I sat down with acclaimed author, trauma expert, leadership coach, and renowned mindfulness teacher, Dr. David Treleaven. This wide-ranging conversation included a variety of topics related to his recent book Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness including: David's experiences and challenges with meditationWhy David is so passionate about looking at mindfulness from a trauma-informed perspectiveThe dangers of viewing mindfulness as a panacea and why mindfulness is not always beneficialWays to engage in meditation and mindfulness practice that maximize the benefits while minimizing potential downsidesWhat trauma is, and why David believes that a greater understanding of trauma can m...
2019-07-021h 16The Courageous LifeTransforming Pain Into Purpose | ParklandIn this episode I had a deeply moving and powerful conversation with four members of the Parkland community who were impacted by the school shooting that took place at Marjory Stoneman Douglas Senior High School on February 14, 2018. In this conversation MSD students - Danielle Gilbert and Danny Tabares, Adult Chair of March for Our Lives Parkland - Samantha Novick, and community organizer and respected meditation teacher Shelly Tygielski courageously share their experiences of that day and their road to healing. This is one of the most hopeful and inspirational conversations that has taken place on this show (and that...
2019-06-191h 28The Courageous LifeThe Magic of Conflict | Tom CrumThomas Crum is an acclaimed author, martial arts instructor, and presenter in the fields of conflict resolution, peak performance, and stress management. He is known throughout the world for The Thomas Crum Approach, designed to help people become more centered under conflict, more resourceful when facing challenges, and more effective under stress. For over 30 years, Tom has delivered dynamic presentations to management and employees at all levels in corporations, government and non-profit organizations. Some of his corporate clients include Amgen, Sony Pictures, Sony Entertainment, Intel, the Navy SEALS and the National Football League. You can f...
2019-05-091h 13The Courageous LifeThe Inner Work of Racial Justice | Rhonda MageeRhonda V. Magee, J.D. is a Professor of Law at the University of San Francisco, and an internationally recognized thought and practice leader focused on integrating mindfulness into Higher Education, Law and Social Justice. She also is a leading expert on how mindfulness can be an effective way to reduce implicit bias. You can find out much more about Rhonda's remarkable background in her bio below. In this episode we had a deep, authentic, and wide-ranging conversation related to mindfulness, race, and social justice. Some key highlights included: Rhonda’s perspective on building orga...
2019-03-271h 10The Courageous LifeWhat Death Can Teach Us About Living Fully | Frank OstaseskiIn this episode I sat down with Frank Ostaseski and had a wide ranging and deep conversation about courage, authenticity, and living life fully by embracing all aspects of one's experience. Frank Ostaseski is an internationally respected Buddhist teacher and visionary cofounder of the Zen Hospice Project (the first Buddhist Hospice in America). He has lectured at Harvard Medical School, the Mayo Clinic, Wisdom.2.0 and teaches at major spiritual centers around the globe. His groundbreaking work has been highlighted on The Oprah Winfrey Show, and honored by the Dalai Lama. He is the author of The Five Invitations: Discovering...
2019-03-0156 minThe Courageous LifeHow Compassion Can Transform Our Lives | Thupten Jinpa PhDThupten Jinpa holds his Ph.D. from Cambridge University and has been the principal English translator to the Dalai Lama since 1985. He has translated and collaborated on numerous books by the Dalai Lama including the New York Times Bestsellers Ethics for the New Millennium and The Art of Happiness. He is also the author of A Fearless Heart: How the Courage to be Compassionate Can Transform Our Lives and is the main author of Compassion Cultivation Training (CCT) developed for Stanford University in 2009. In this conversation, Jinpa and I sat down to explore a variety of topics...
2018-12-2759 minThe Courageous LifeFinding Inner Courage Where it Lives | Mark NepoMark Nepo is a world renowned poet, story teller, teacher, New York Times best-selling author and past guest on Oprah Winfrey’s: Super Soul Sunday. In this episode we sat down to explore many topics from his teachings, his life, and his new book, More Together Than Alone, including:Loneliness and it’s antidoteBuilding community, connection, and belongingMark’s creative process and how he approaches writingMark’s journey with cancer and how that has impacted his life and his workCourage and compassionIf you enjoyed this episode please visit www.joshuasteinfeldt.com/podcast for links to show not...
2018-12-211h 04The Courageous LifeUsing Mindfulness to Navigate Life's Transitions | Yael ShyIn this episode - Author, renowned meditation teacher, and Senior Director of the NYU Global and Spiritual Life Center, Yael Shy, and I sat down to discuss:Mindfulness (what it is, and why many people practice)How mindfulness and meditation can support people as they navigate major life transitions (like going to college, starting a career, becoming a parent, etc) Why mindfulness can be considered a form of courageHow meditation can help with challenges and difficulties including strong emotions, and feelings of anxietyMore topics out of her outstanding new book: What Now? Meditation for Your Twenties a...
2018-12-1153 minThe Courageous LifeChanging for Good | Dr. James and Janice ProchaskaDrs. James and Janice Prochaska, and I, sat down to discuss a wide variety of topics related to their new book, Changing to Thrive. Some key highlights include: How we can successfully make changes in our lives, around our health, or in our work that we may have put off, or struggled with in the pastOvercoming fear and other obstacles that hold us back from changingOvercoming self-doubt, and discouragement Finding the courage to changeHow to skillfully support people as they go through the process of changeEvidence-based strategies for thrivingIf you enjoyed this episode you visit www.jo...
2018-11-1954 minThe Courageous LifeThe Connection Cure | Lisa DaronIn this episode I sat down with Professional Coach, Peace Corps Volunteer, Entrepreneur, and Storyteller, Lisa Daron. Lisa has set off on a mission she calls "The Connection Cure" to see if she can heal herself from chronic illness by traveling across the country and forming meaningful moments of connection with people she meets along the way. Topics we explore in this conversation include: -Lisa's journey with chronic illness and how she came up with the idea for the Connection Cure -What micro moments of connection are and the science behind them
2018-11-0553 minThe Courageous LifeLearning Self-Acceptance and Finding Real Happiness | Alison CanavanAt the tender age of 15 Alison Canavan was catapulted onto the international stage when she represented Ireland in the Supermodel of the World competition in Las Vegas. This spawned a near 22 year career in the fashion industry, which has taken her to the main fashion capitals of London, Paris, Milan and New York and as far around the world as South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and Asia. Having travelled the world as one of Ireland’s most successful international models for nearly two decades, in recent years she has devoted her time to her greatest passion: true health and we...
2018-09-031h 03