ERP 512: The Courage Practice: How Facing Fear Deepens Intimacy and Connection — An Interview with Scott Simon
Empowered Relationship Podcast: Your Relationship Resource And Guide
Release Date: 01/20/2026
ERP 528: Love as a Practice: How Virtues Help Couples Stay Connected and Aligned - An Interview with Susanne Alexander
Empowered Relationship Podcast: Your Relationship Resource And Guide
What if the key to lasting love wasn’t just about finding the right person, but about growing the right partnership? Too often, couples step into long-term relationships without the relational tools, shared vision, or understanding of virtues that make for true unity. Instead of connection, misunderstandings and unresolved conflicts take root—leaving even the most committed couples wondering how to sustain harmony and joy in the face of life’s everyday challenges. In this episode, listeners are guided through a practical roadmap for cultivating deeper unity within their relationships....
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ERP 527: How Unconscious Patterns Shape Communication and Why We Miss Each Other — An Interview with Julie Nise
Empowered Relationship Podcast: Your Relationship Resource And Guide
Repeating the same old arguments with no satisfying conclusion? It’s a frustrating cycle—misunderstandings compound, resentment simmers, and the sense of connection begins to fade. Many couples find themselves stuck in patterns where efforts to communicate and show love seem to miss the mark, leaving both partners feeling unheard and unfulfilled. In this episode, listeners will uncover why these recurring disconnects happen and what can be done to break free from them. Through exploring the hidden influence of sensory preferences in communication and love, and sharing actionable techniques...
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ERP 526: Why Speaking up Deepens Love, Even When It Feels like Conflict — An Interview with Tonya Lester
Empowered Relationship Podcast: Your Relationship Resource And Guide
Are you tired of feeling like you have to choose between keeping the peace and being true to yourself in your relationships? Many people mistake silence for harmony, stuffing down their true feelings for fear of conflict, only to wake up one day feeling unheard, unseen, and disconnected. But what if speaking up—being honest about your needs and setting boundaries—was actually the path to deeper connection and intimacy, not the source of division? In this episode, listeners are invited to rethink what it means to be authentic in close relationships, especially when it comes to sharing hard...
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ERP 525: Why ‘Right and Wrong’ Thinking Is Hurting Your Relationship—and What to Do Instead — An Interview with Anna Sterk
Empowered Relationship Podcast: Your Relationship Resource And Guide
Ever found yourself stuck in an argument, desperately clinging to being “right,” only to realize it’s pushing you further from the person you love? So many of us fall into this silent trap—believing that our idea of respect, kindness, or connection is universal, only to watch as those assumptions breed tension, misunderstanding, and emotional distance in our relationships. In this episode, listeners are invited to challenge these rigid notions of right and wrong that quietly erode intimacy. By exploring the difference between complaints and vulnerable requests, unpacking the dangers of...
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ERP 524: Rethinking Forgiveness: Letting Go Without Letting It Be Okay — An Interview with Dr. Margaret Cochran
Empowered Relationship Podcast: Your Relationship Resource And Guide
Are you stuck in the painful loop of blame, shame, or resentment after a breakup or conflict? “Forgive and forget” sounds simple, but the reality of moving forward—especially when trust or boundaries have been violated—often feels like an impossible task. The baggage we carry from past relationships can quietly dictate our choices and limit our possibilities for genuine connection and growth. In this episode, listeners are guided through the often-misunderstood concept of forgiveness, exploring why it is a vital process for both personal growth and deeper intimacy. The conversation...
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ERP 523: The Subconscious Patterns That Keep Us Stuck in Love — And How to Break the Cycle – An Interview with Riana Malia
Empowered Relationship Podcast: Your Relationship Resource And Guide
Are you living a life that looks great on paper, but feels like something's missing beneath the surface? You’ve climbed the ladder, checked all the boxes, yet relationships and real fulfillment seem just out of reach. The cycle of “almost, but not quite” can leave even the most accomplished individuals wondering why old patterns keep resurfacing and why true connection remains elusive. In this episode, listeners will explore how subconscious beliefs, habitual thought patterns, and unresolved emotional baggage shape the dynamics of love and connection. Through practical approaches like...
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ERP 522: Fair Isn’t 50/50: How Couples Build a Financial Partnership That Works - An Interview with Heather and Douglas Boneparth
Empowered Relationship Podcast: Your Relationship Resource And Guide
Money isn’t just about numbers; it’s the silent language shaping intimacy, trust, and fairness in our closest relationships. Beneath the surface of budgets and bank accounts often lies a tangled web of beliefs, emotions, and unspoken histories that can spark misunderstanding, resentment, or even distance between partners. The challenge? Finding a way to transform financial conversations from battlegrounds into bridges of deeper connection. In this episode, listeners will discover how to unpack personal money stories, identify invisible patterns, and create a foundation for fairness that...
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ERP 521: Resentment as a Mirror and What It Reveals About You and Your Relationship - An Interview With Katie Rössler
Empowered Relationship Podcast: Your Relationship Resource And Guide
Resentment is the silent killer of connection—creeping in beneath the surface, quietly eroding the intimacy and trust between partners. Too often, the frustration we feel in our relationships stems not just from our partner’s actions, but from deeper unmet needs and patterns we haven’t paused to examine. When left unaddressed, this silent disconnect can blossom into the so-called “roommate syndrome,” where couples drift apart, stuck in cycles of survival mode, logistical interactions, and emotional isolation. In this episode, listeners are invited to explore how resentment actually...
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ERP 520: Why We Keep Repeating the Same Relationship Patterns and How to Change Them — An Interview With Dr. Molly Burrets
Empowered Relationship Podcast: Your Relationship Resource And Guide
Have you ever wondered why you keep finding yourself in the same relationship patterns, no matter how hard you try to change? It’s almost as if, despite our best intentions and awareness, we’re drawn to the familiar—even if it’s painful. The fear of uncertainty trumps the discomfort of what we know, leaving many stuck in cycles of repeated conflict, unmet needs, and unclear intentions. In this episode, listeners are guided through the origins of these repeating patterns, from early attachment experiences to later life trauma, and how they shape the template for adult relationships. The...
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ERP 519: From Love to Leadership: Creating Alignment in Family Life - An Interview with April Eldemire
Empowered Relationship Podcast: Your Relationship Resource And Guide
Love alone isn’t always enough to keep everyone under one roof feeling connected and secure. Despite the dream of harmony and the promise of new beginnings, many families find themselves struggling with uncertainty, misaligned expectations, and recurring conflicts that love simply can’t resolve. Is it possible to create a sense of “home” where everyone feels seen, heard, and supported—without sacrificing your relationship or your own well-being? In this episode, listeners will discover why building a thriving blended family isn’t just about love—it’s about creating alignment...
info_outlineWhat if playing it safe is actually keeping you from the life and relationships you truly want? Too often, fear convinces us to stay small, avoid discomfort, and stick to familiar routines, especially when it comes to our most important connections. The result? Missed opportunities for deep intimacy, vibrant trust, and authentic connection. It's a paradox: the very quest for comfort may be the greatest risk of all.
In this episode, listeners are invited to challenge the idea that comfort equals happiness. Through inspiring stories and practical tools, the conversation explores how embracing courage, even in small, everyday ways, can lead to deeper, more meaningful relationships. Discover why facing fears (rather than running from them) is essential for personal growth and intimacy, and how a simple courage practice can transform both self-perception and connection with loved ones. Whether it’s starting an uncomfortable conversation or supporting each other through life’s uncertainties, this episode offers actionable steps to help anyone move from fear to flourishing in their relationships.
Scott Simon is a thought leader, TEDx speaker, bestselling author, and founder of the Scare Your Soul movement, helping people transform their lives through small daily acts of courage. He’s worked with the UN, Nestlé, Ritz Carlton, Logitech, and the Cleveland Clinic to build braver teams and more connected cultures. When he’s not leading keynotes or designing transformative retreats, you’ll find Scott chasing live music, journaling in strange airports, or hunting down the world's best hole-in-the-wall restaurants.
Episode Highlights
04:24 Overcoming the tendency to shrink back and building momentum through bravery and courage.
09:20 How embracing discomfort leads to growth and creativity.
16:16 How small actions outside your comfort zone can build courage and lead to transformative outcomes.
20:08 Challenging relationship norms for deeper bonds.
28:47 Unlocking authenticity through vulnerability in relationships.
32:10 Aligning courageous choices with core values in relationships.
35:30 Personal examples of standing in your truth.
39:56 Practicing self-awareness and micro acts of courage for relational growth.
Your Checklist of Actions to Take
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Start a daily courage practice: Each day, do one small thing that scares you or takes you out of your comfort zone, just as the guest recommends.
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Pause and check in with yourself: Before difficult conversations, take a moment to breathe deeply and center yourself, allowing self-awareness to guide your next steps.
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Reflect on your core values: Use your values as a filter when deciding which courageous actions to take in your relationships.
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Initiate honest conversations: If you're holding back something important, practice being the one to “go first” and share vulnerably, even if it feels risky.
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Name your feelings in real-time: During tough moments, state what you’re experiencing physically or emotionally (e.g., “My heart is racing right now”), to foster connection and authenticity.
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Seek support for brave actions: Engage a partner or friend to do something courageous together, which can increase commitment and make the experience richer.
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Replace silence with authentic sharing: Consider what keeping quiet is truly serving, and choose to communicate openly instead of bottling things up.
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Practice small acts of kindness: Try courage-building social acts, like initiating a friendly conversation or buying someone a coffee, to strengthen your confidence and connectedness.
Mentioned
Scare Your Soul (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book)
David Schnarch (*Wikipedia link)
Conscious Loving (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book)
12 Relationship Principles to Strengthen Your Love (free guide)
Connect with Scott Simon
Websites: scottsimon.us | scareyoursoul.com
Instagram: instagram.com/scareyoursoul
Substack: scareyoursoul.substack.com