Navigating Independence & Leading by Example with Raena Worley
Courageous Conversations
How do you balance independence with guidance and find resilience in every challenge? In this week’s episode, Amy talks with Raena Worley, a University of Kentucky gymnast, about navigating these questions on her journey to becoming a young female leader. Growing up with a strong role model in her mother, Raena reflects on the impact of homeschooling, learning from family dynamics, and the importance of developing her own style of quiet yet effective leadership. Key Takeaways: Embrace the process of balancing independence with guidance, recognizing the value of support...
info_outline
Navigating Your Future: Career Goals, Confidence, and Financial Smarts with Leah Leverich
Courageous Conversations
As a young adult, balancing society’s expectations while feeling the weight of your future resting on the decisions you’re making right now can feel overwhelming. In this week’s episode, Amy sits down with Leah Leverich to dive into what it truly means to prepare for the future with confidence. Leah, a recent high school graduate and social media manager, shares her journey of exploring career paths, gaining financial literacy, and building confidence in her unique path, a journey she hopes will inspire other young women navigating their own choices. Key Topics...
info_outline
Breaking the Mental Health Stigma in Athletics with Maddie Williams
Courageous Conversations
In a world where female athletes are often expected to “push through” the pain and stress, Maddie Williams challenges young women to embrace mental health as a crucial part of their journey. In this week’s episode, Amy sits down with Maddie, a dedicated D1 gymnast and mental health advocate, to uncover the hidden challenges that female athletes face. From struggling with performance anxiety in middle school to finding strength in therapy during college, Maddie shares her journey of resilience, self-discovery, and the importance of mental wellness in sports. This heartfelt...
info_outline
From Thrifting to Thriving: How Elle Nicole Built a Business From Her Passion For Fashion
Courageous Conversations
A $500 budget, a love for thrifting, and a lot of heart. That’s all Elle Nicole had when she first started flipping vintage finds on Instagram as a high schooler, building what would become a vibrant brand, Elle Nicole. In this week’s episode, Amy and Elle dive into the journey from humble beginnings to a thriving business, sharing how she embraced change, expanded her product lines, and turned passion into purpose. Through trial and error and creative determination, Elle evolved her brand into a vibrant, retro-inspired business. She opens up about starting with a small budget,...
info_outline
Navigating Chronic Illness, Creativity, and Advocacy with Maddie Marie
Courageous Conversations
Life as a teenager already has its challenges, but imagine being a teenager, battling chronic illness, and still finding the strength to run a thriving business. For Maddie Marie, that was her reality. In this week’s episode, Amy welcomes teen entrepreneur Maddie Marie, who shares her courageous journey through chronic illness while building her creative business, Maddie Marie Designs. Maddie Reveals her experience at a pain treatment facility, the disconnect between promises and reality, and how finding the right doctor brought her pain levels from debilitating to manageable. She...
info_outline
Building Unshakable Confidence, Courage, and Hard Work with Aiko Jones
Courageous Conversations
Imagine standing on stage, about to give a speech, but feeling like you don’t belong–like an imposter in your own success. That’s exactly where Aiko Jones found herself, a professional athlete known for her volleyball prowess, now stepping into uncharted territory. Instead of letting self-doubt win, Aiko embraced her fear and turned it into fuel for growth. In this episode of Courageous Conversations, Amy sits down with Aiko Jones, a professional volleyball player and aspiring filmmaker, to discuss her journey from battling self-doubt to building unshakable confidence....
info_outline
Navigating Transitional Anxiety & Rejection with Riley Ruberton
Courageous Conversations
Stepping into a new chapter of life can feel like walking into a whirlwind–exciting, yet filled with moments of self-doubt and anxiety. In this episode of Courageous Conversations, Amy speaks with Riley Ruberton, a Penn State student and the voice behind the TikTok platform Big Sister College Advice. Riley discusses how she managed transitional anxiety, from starting college to dealing with rejection, and the steps she took to remain grounded. Sharing her viral journey, Riley reflects on the relatable content that gained her a following of over 10,000 young women, inspiring them to...
info_outline
Advocating For Fellow Adoptees and Empowering Foster Youth with Taylor RuiPing Shennett
Courageous Conversations
Navigating life with the weight of your identity resting on your shoulders, where every question from a stranger feels like a window into the soul is the reality for many. What if you could transform that weight into a voice that advocates for others, paving the way for understanding and empowerment? In this powerful episode, Amy sits down with Taylor RuiPing Shennett, a passionate advocate for adoptees and foster care youth. Taylor, a Chinese adoptee herself, shares her journey from growing up in a transracial adoptive family to embracing her identity and becoming a strong voice...
info_outline
Overcoming Adversity: Elizabeth Garrett’s Journey of Resilience and Redefining Life After Tragedy
Courageous Conversations
Your life can turn completely upside down at any given moment. For Elizabeth Garrett, a tragic car accident at 18 led to a complete redefinition of her life. In this week’s episode, Amy sits down with Elizabeth Garrett, a 19-year-old former athlete and psychology major from California, whose life was forever changed by a car accident that left her paralyzed from the waist down. Elizabeth opens up about the emotional struggles she faced following the accident, including battling depression and grief over the loss of her mobility. Now focused on what she can achieve rather than...
info_outline
Balancing College Sports and Identity: Sara Gordon on Managing Pressure and Finding Purpose Beyond Athletics
Courageous Conversations
Have you ever felt like you’re defined by one thing–whether it’s sports, school, or a passion you’ve committed to? But… What if stepping outside of that box could actually lead to a stronger, more balanced version of yourself? In this week’s episode of Courageous Conversations, Amy explores the challenges of balancing passion and identity with University of Georgia softball player, Sara Gordon. Sara shares her journey as a college athlete, revealing the mental pressures that come with high expectations and the struggle to find balance outside of sports. Practical...
info_outlineYou’ve probably heard the saying, less is more. But is that really true??
In today’s Courageous Conversation, Amy is joined by Ryan White, a D1 volleyball player going into her senior year at Oregon State University! Amy and Ryan dive into the topic of why doing more can be beneficial and how it contributes to your own personal growth and fulfillment.
Ryan is living proof that doing more is the way to do it. While at Oregon State she is majoring in Business Administration and minoring in Chemistry. Although she is a D1 volleyball player with a busy schedule she also makes time to coach a 15U volleyball team, and serves as the event chair for the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee AND she is involved in her local community, as a volunteer for the Boys and Girls Club.
Key takeaways:
-
Staying active and engaged in various activities helps to build relationships and gain diverse experiences.
-
Ryan shares her strategies for managing her time effectively, including using a planner and prioritizing tasks.
-
Discover the value of being present in the moment and making decisions based on personal growth and opportunities.
Less is NOT more. There are benefits to embracing a busy lifestyle, pursuing new experiences, and finding balance in life. You can do it!
Connect with Ryan HERE!
Instagram: @ryyan.white
Stay Connected with The Courageous Brand HERE!
TikTok | Instagram | LinkedIn | Our Website