Sustained Courage Podcast
Activating Sisu: The Finnish Art of Courage, Resilience, and Strength
What is sisu? More than just a word, it’s a way of being—a Finnish concept of resilience, determination, and inner strength that has no direct English translation. In this episode, we explore how sisu is the spark that drives us forward when we feel stuck, exhausted, or on the brink of giving up. It’s about finding the courage to act in the face of doubt, fear, or failure, and stepping fully into your power.
Join us as we unpack the essence of sisu, uncover how you can harness it in your own life, and discover why this untranslatable force is a game-changer for pushing past limits and stepping into action. Whether you’re navigating personal challenges, chasing big goals, or just trying to get through a tough day, sisu might be exactly what you need.
Listen here: https://directory.libsyn.com/episode/index/id/34095216
From Pickles to Profound: The Power of Curiosity
Curiosity fuels innovation, growth, and connection—but it’s not without its challenges. In this episode, we explore the power of curiosity, from its role in shaping history to its impact on our personal and professional lives. Drawing inspiration from one of history’s most curious minds, Leonardo da Vinci, we uncover lessons on balancing exploration with focus, managing the darker sides of curiosity, and using it as a tool for resilience and creativity.
Discover how curiosity can spark new ideas, deepen relationships, and even help you embrace imperfection. Plus, gain practical tips to cultivate healthy curiosity in your daily life—whether you’re tackling challenges, building skills, or simply wondering, “Is God as big as a pickle?”
Let’s get curious together!
Listen here: https://directory.libsyn.com/episode/index/id/34170470
The Everyday Magic of Inspiration: Practical Steps to Get Unstuck and Take Action
In this episode, we dive into the transformative magic of inspiration—what it is, how it works, and how you can use it to fuel your growth, creativity, and purpose.
Learn how to spark those "aha!" moments, find motivation even in challenging times, and turn your ideas into meaningful action. With practical tips, real-world examples, and a journey through the science and history of inspiration, this episode is packed with insights to help you stay motivated, creative, and connected to what truly matters.
Tune in now to ignite your spark and step into your best self!
Throw Guilt Out the Window: How to Manage Guilt and Prioritize Yourself
The holiday season is here, and so is its unwelcome guest—guilt. From skipping holiday parties to indulging in "guilty pleasures," guilt can creep into every corner of our lives. But what if you could reclaim your time and energy by letting go of unnecessary guilt?
In this episode, we explore the origins of guilt, its role in human history, and the psychological science behind why we feel it. We’ll help you distinguish between helpful and harmful guilt, set boundaries, and say no with confidence—without the weight of guilt holding you back.
Through relatable stories, practical tips, and a focus on self-compassion, this episode will empower you to prioritize your well-being and live authentically. Let’s throw guilt out the window and make space for what truly matters.
Tune in and start living guilt-free! Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with someone who needs a little less guilt in their life.
https://directory.libsyn.com/episode/index/id/34397975
Nostalgia: Turning Past Memories Into Present Strength
Nostalgia has a way of wrapping us in a warm, comforting glow—but what if it could do more than just make us smile? What if the memories of your past could help you grow, heal, and find strength for the future?
In this episode, we explore how to harness the power of nostalgia to build resilience and courage. Learn why your brain reshapes memories, how to find meaning in even the toughest times, and how to turn bittersweet reflections into fuel for growth. Whether you’re reminiscing about snow days or tackling life’s current challenges, this episode will show you how to use your past as a springboard for your best future.
Your memories hold the key—discover how to unlock them.
🎧 Click play now and take the first step toward building a stronger, braver you.
Good Grief: How Death and Loss Can Be a Catalyst for Life
In this heartfelt episode, I explore the profound experience of grief and its many forms—from the loss of loved ones to life’s quieter sorrows, like the end of relationships or unfulfilled dreams. Inspired by my own recent personal losses, this conversation delves into the history, science, and cultural traditions that shape how we grieve.
I discuss the rituals that help us heal, the universal and individual aspects of mourning, and how grief is a reflection of love and connection. You’ll also learn actionable ways to support others through loss and prepare for your own legacy, including the thoughtful practice of Swedish Death Cleaning.
Join me for an honest and compassionate exploration of grief, its challenges, and the resilience it fosters. This episode is a reminder that even in loss, we can find meaning and connection.
Sustained Courage Spotlight: Laura Ingalls Wilder
In this episode of Sustained Courage, we journey into the remarkable life of Laura Ingalls Wilder, the beloved author of the Little House series. Beyond her celebrated books, Laura’s life was a testament to resilience, adaptability, and courage. From surviving harsh winters on the Dakota prairie to building a farm from scratch in Missouri, Laura’s experiences as a pioneer offer powerful lessons for navigating challenges in our own lives.
We’ll explore her biography , from her childhood in a frontier family to her late-in-life success as an author. Along the way, we’ll uncover how Laura’s spirit of resourcefulness and determination can inspire us to embrace change, persevere through hardship, and find joy in life’s simplest moments.
Tune in for an inspiring discussion on how the pioneer spirit lives on and how we can activate it in our modern world to face adversity, cultivate resilience, and write our own stories of courage.
Choose Your Hard: Turning Quitter’s Day Into a Comeback
It’s the second week of January, and for many, New Year’s resolutions are already hanging by a thread. Welcome to Quitter’s Day—the second Friday of January, when most people abandon their goals. But giving up doesn’t have to be the end. It’s a chance to reflect, refocus, and make a powerful choice: to keep going.
In this episode of Sustained Courage, we explore the history of New Year’s resolutions, from their beginnings with the ancient Babylonians and Romans to their modern focus on self-improvement. But more importantly, we’ll discuss why resolutions fail and how you can overcome setbacks with the transformative concept of choosing your hard.
Life will always have challenges. It’s hard to stick to a fitness routine, but it’s also hard to feel unfit. It’s hard to budget, but it’s also hard to live with financial stress. The key is to choose the hard that leads to growth and the life you want.
Whether you’ve stumbled on your goals or just need a boost, this episode will inspire you to embrace the struggle, find your strength, and turn Quitter’s Day into a comeback story. Tune in now and learn how to choose your hard and make this your year of transformation! https://directory.libsyn.com/episode/index/id/34889575
Sleep: The Superpower You’re Not Using Enough
This week’s episode is a special one, kicking off with a heartfelt birthday shoutout to my sister Kimberly. Happy Birthday, Kim!
From there, we dive into one of life’s biggest challenges: sleep. Whether it’s stress, hormonal changes, or just the chaos of modern life, sleep is a struggle for many of us — myself included. In this episode, we’ll explore why sleep is so critical, how humans have viewed it through history, and practical tips to improve your sleep hygiene.
What to Expect:
- The fascinating history of sleep: from ancient dream interpretations to biphasic sleep patterns.
- The science of sleep: what happens during light sleep, deep sleep, and REM — and why each stage matters.
- Military sleep techniques to help you fall asleep in minutes.
- A historical case study on how sleep deprivation impacted major events during WWII.
- Expert tips for creating a bedtime routine, optimizing your sleep environment, and even starting your mornings right to sleep better at night.
Plus, I’ll share my own challenges with sleep and invite you to join me in a month-long experiment to improve our rest. Because sleep isn’t just rest — it’s your ultimate recharge.
Don’t miss this practical and inspiring deep dive into the one thing that can make or break your courage, resilience, and creativity: sleep. Tune in now and take the first step toward reclaiming your rest!
Let’s be brave, be rested, and be our own heroes.
Bending Time: Ancient Secrets, Einstein’s Revelations, and Modern Productivity Hacks
Ever feel like there’s never enough time in the day? In this hour-long deep dive, we tackle the concept of time from every angle—spanning ancient civilizations, revolutionary breakthroughs by Einstein, and the practical day-to-day tricks that help you get more done. Discover how understanding the elastic nature of time can change the way you plan, work, and live. We’ll talk about the roots of our modern clocks and calendars, why busy people seem to get more done, and how to reduce the everyday barriers that slow you down. Plus, we’ll share simple yet powerful productivity tips—everything from AI-assisted meal planning to bite-sized housekeeping strategies from How to Keep House While Drowning. If you’ve ever felt like time is slipping through your fingers, this episode will help you grab hold and make every moment count.
Find Your Inner Child: Practical Steps to Bring Fun and Joy Back into Adult Life
Ever feel like life’s responsibilities have pushed aside your sense of fun? In this episode, we dive into the importance of play for adults—why we need it, what it does for our mental health, and how to weave more imagination and laughter into our daily routines. We’ll explore the history of play in human culture (and even the animal kingdom), unpack the science behind why it boosts creativity, and tackle the barriers that keep many of us from letting loose. You’ll hear practical tips for scheduling “play dates,” embracing playful hobbies, and sparking that childlike wonder you thought was lost.
If you’re ready to trade stress for spontaneity and rediscover the magic of play, this episode is for you. Tune in and let’s recharge our imaginations, one silly activity at a time.