loader from loading.io

Find Your Inner Child: Practical Steps to Bring Fun and Joy Back into Adult Life

Sustained Courage

Release Date: 02/10/2025

Accountability is NOT Cruelty show art Accountability is NOT Cruelty

Sustained Courage

In this raw and powerful episode of Sustained Courage, I share a recent personal experience that sparked a deeper reflection on what accountability really means. After facing resistance for asking for something as reasonable as a vet bill reimbursement following a traumatic dog attack, I unpack why so many of us—especially women, caregivers, and empaths—are made to feel guilty for seeking justice, fairness, or follow-through. You'll learn: Why accountability is a form of respect, not punishment The surprising history of accountability across ancient civilizations and animal behavior ...

info_outline
The Mother of All Episodes: A Celebration of Mothers, the Original Caregiver show art The Mother of All Episodes: A Celebration of Mothers, the Original Caregiver

Sustained Courage

This heartfelt and thought-provoking episode is a tribute to motherhood in all its forms—biological, spiritual, cultural, and chosen. From ancient goddess worship and matrilineal societies to the surprising science of brain changes and mitochondrial inheritance, this episode explores how motherhood shapes us—body, mind, and lineage. Listeners will learn about the activist roots of Mother’s Day, the powerful transformation that happens in the maternal brain, and how to honor not only mothers but all those who have taken on mothering roles. Whether you’re a mother, missing a mother,...

info_outline
Invisible No More — Reclaiming Visibility, Voice & Value show art Invisible No More — Reclaiming Visibility, Voice & Value

Sustained Courage

Do you ever feel like you’re fading into the background as you age, juggle caregiving, or simply navigate spaces that weren’t built for women’s voices? You’re not imagining it—and you’re definitely not alone. In this empowering 45‑minute episode we unpack the science and sociology of being seen: why recognition is a biological need, how subtle silencing shows up at work and in healthcare, and why caregivers so often vanish from their own stories. We’ll tackle medical gas‑lighting, “hepeating,” and the guilt trap that tells caregivers their feelings don’t count. We’ll...

info_outline
Spring Forward: The Season of Awakening & Audacious Growth show art Spring Forward: The Season of Awakening & Audacious Growth

Sustained Courage

Spring isn’t just a season—it’s an invitation. In this episode, we explore how the Spring Equinox marks a profound turning point for our minds, bodies, and spirits. Backed by science, history, and spirituality, we uncover why this season is biologically designed to boost your mood, sharpen your thinking, and reawaken your courage. From the hormonal shifts that increase serotonin and motivation (Los Angeles Times, 2022) to studies showing the “fresh start effect” that makes us 3.5x more likely to pursue goals in spring (Penn Today, 2018), this episode is packed with insights that will...

info_outline
The Power of the Feminine – Strength, Suppression, and Resilience show art The Power of the Feminine – Strength, Suppression, and Resilience

Sustained Courage

In honor of International Women’s Day, this episode of Sustained Courage explores the deep-rooted power of the feminine—why it has been both revered and feared throughout history. We discuss the shift from matriarchal societies to patriarchal control, the suppression of women’s rights, and the ongoing fight for equality. From Elizabeth I’s leadership to the erasure of women in medical research, we uncover the struggles and triumphs of powerful women. Plus, we highlight incredible figures like Malala Yousafzai, Nellie Bly, and Kamala Harris, and share ways we can all embrace the...

info_outline
Sustained Courage Spotlight: Nellie Bly show art Sustained Courage Spotlight: Nellie Bly

Sustained Courage

Today,  we delve into the remarkable life of Nellie Bly, a pioneering journalist who shattered Victorian-era expectations for women and forever changed the landscape of investigative reporting. Learn how Bly, born Elizabeth Cochran, first made her mark by challenging sexist newspaper columns, and then fearlessly embraced “stunt reporting” to uncover hidden injustices—most famously by posing as an asylum patient for her exposé Ten Days in a Mad-House. We also chart her bold decision to circle the globe in a mere 72 days, beating the fictional record set by Jules Verne’s Around the...

info_outline
Shine the Light – The Power of Perspective show art Shine the Light – The Power of Perspective

Sustained Courage

What if the way we see things is just a matter of light? In this episode of Sustained Courage, we explore the concept of shining light—both literally and metaphorically—on the overlooked, the undervalued, and the challenging parts of our lives. Inspired by the Yooperlite, a nondescript rock that glows under a black light, we dive into the power of perspective shifts. We’ll uncover the symbolism of light in history, the science behind how light transforms our world, and actionable steps for reframing the darkest areas of our lives. Plus, we discuss why joy is an act of resistance—how...

info_outline
Find Your Inner Child: Practical Steps to Bring Fun and Joy Back into Adult Life show art Find Your Inner Child: Practical Steps to Bring Fun and Joy Back into Adult Life

Sustained Courage

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...

info_outline
Bending Time: Ancient Secrets, Einstein’s Revelations, and Modern Productivity Hacks show art Bending Time: Ancient Secrets, Einstein’s Revelations, and Modern Productivity Hacks

Sustained Courage

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...

info_outline
Sleep: The Superpower You’re Not Using Enough show art Sleep: The Superpower You’re Not Using Enough

Sustained Courage

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...

info_outline
 
More Episodes

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.