#67: 12.18.2024

Suzanne explores themes of grief, transformation, and the power of courage with April McCormick. April shares the heart-wrenching story of her son’s passing and how it shaped her leadership approach, highlighting the importance of understanding others, finding meaning in pain, and the strength to confront incredibly difficult challenges.

#66: 12.4.2024

Roger Kastner (organizational development practitioner, leadership coach, and host of the What Do You Know To Be True? podcast) joins Suzanne for a discussion about how purpose, joy, and organizational development can shape meaningful change in the workplace, with Roger sharing powerful insights on accountability, feedback, and the courage to disrupt the status quo for a better future.

#65: 11.13.2024

Suzanne is joined by visionary leadership coach Stacy Harris for a conversation about the tough realities leaders are facing right now – from navigating uncertain markets to managing remote teams and engaging a diverse workforce. They also share insights on their upcoming leadership mastermind Outsight <> Insight, and the importance of seeking diverse viewpoints to grow and lead effectively.

#64: 10.30.2024

Join our October “Courage Up!” Challenge to practice mindfulness with our special guest, Allie Siegel. She challenges us to dedicate just 5 minutes a day to connect our mind and body through mindful meditation, using our senses to break the autopilot mode. Your path to greater presence and balance starts now!

#63: 10.23.2024

Suzanne dives deep into emotional resilience, sharing insights on how to balance emotions, recognize anxiety as unmet needs, and turn stress into positive outcomes. We explore the power of emotional literacy and the courage to turn anger, stress, and anxiety into catalysts for growth and creativity. 

#62: 10.9.2024

Suzanne speaks with rabbi/cantor Judy Greenfeld, whose journey is a testament to the power of courage and resilience. Judy shares how she found strength in Judaism after her father's tragic murder (despite her earlier drift  away from her faith), the transformative power of sharing personal stories, and the importance of community support.

#61: 9.25.2024

Join our October “Courage Up!” Challenge to Conquer Procrastination. Suzanne shares insights on understanding why we procrastinate – whether it's a daunting task or breaking a bad habit – and invites you to join her 30-day challenge to conquer what's been holding you back. Let's face it together and get some serious stuff done before the year's end!

#60: 9.4.2024

Founder, CEO, and executive coach Mikaela Kiner talks with Suzanne about the importance of kindness, patience, and understanding in both personal and professional interactions. They touch on the courage it takes to address toxic behavior in the workplace, each leaders’ responsibility to create healthy, inclusive cultures, and shares her recent experience of working remotely from Costa Rica..

#59: 8.28.2024

Suzanne reflects on the stories of last month’s challenge to make one new connection, and invites you to join her new 30-day challenge: learning something new. Whether it's reading a book, taking a class, or exploring fresh perspectives, let's commit to expanding our minds this fall (which is even more important with the upcoming election!).

#58: 8.21.2024

#57: 8.7.2024

Suzanne talks with Lisa Even (speaker, coach, author, and JOY connoisseur) about choosing joy in our lives, even when faced with challenges and obstacles. Lisa shares her insights on how to infuse joy into our daily lives, emphasizing that it's a personal choice that requires courage, attention, and nurturing. We also discussed the concept of a "good ripple effect" and how our attitudes and actions can positively impact those around us.

#56: 7.31.2024

Suzanne invites you to join our August “Courage Up!” Challenge focused on stepping out of your comfort zone to make new connections and curate meaningful relationships.

She’s challenging listeners to meet one new person in the next 30 days. You’ll hear tips on how to reframe networking and make it feel less intimidating, so you can approach it with confidence and courage.

#55. 7.24.2024

Suzanne speaks with Fumbi Chima, a dynamic leader and fierce advocate for women of color. They delve into the unique strengths women bring to leadership, the challenges of being at the top, and the real impact versus the talk of diversity initiatives. Fumbi candidly shared her journey from Nigeria to the C-suite, her pursuit of tech education, and the boldness required to drive meaningful change.

#54: 7.10.2024

Suzanne and Alicia Dara dive deep into the realities and challenges women face in the music industry and beyond, discussing the critical need for courage, solidarity, and a cultural shift. Alicia shares her personal experiences (including a physical assault in a club), touches on the importance of supportive whisper networks, and her commitment to helping women find their power voice.

#53: 6.6.2024

Suzanne invites you to join our next Courage Up! Challenge focused on curiosity. This month, step out of your comfort zone and practice asking meaningful questions in every conversation. Let's break the cycle of assuming and truly listen. Share your journey using #CourageUp and be part of the movement of spreading courageous contagion!

#52: 6.19.2024

Author, instructor, podcaster, and chef Becky Selengut shares her poignant struggles with balancing respect and empathy in contentious situations, from family disagreements on politics to broader global issues like the Middle East conflict. She talks with Suzanne about the importance of standing strong in one’s values while also expressing compassion and understanding towards those who differ.

#51. 6.5.2024

Dr. Erin Meyer from the Seattle Aquarium talks about the nexus of courage and conservation. She shares her journey from childhood visits to the aquarium to leading global conservation efforts, emphasizing the courage it takes to foster strong, respectful partnerships across cultures.

#50: 5.29.2024

Suzanne celebrates our 50th episode by kicking off the first Courageous Challenge! In these monthly “Courage Up!” challenges, she invites us to take small, courageous steps to spark positive change in our lives and communities. Our first challenge: Reconnect with someone meaningful we haven't spoken to in a while.

So . . . who will you reach out to this month?

#49: 5.22.2024

Suzanne discusses the world’s loneliness epidemic with Dr. Jeremy Nobel. They explore the types of loneliness – and the vital distinction between solitude and isolation – sharing insights on how engaging with the arts and community can lead us out of isolation and into connection.

#48: 5.8.2024

Suzanne dives deep with the incredible Kate Isler, co-founder of The WMarketplace and a true trailblazer in the tech industry and beyond.  Kate speaks to her journey of breaking boundaries and empowering women entrepreneurs globally.

#47: 4.24.2024

Rebecca Weaver, Founder and CEO of HRuprise, talks through the wounds we collectively experienced during the pandemic (and shares a powerful personal story) through the lens of "post-traumatic growth."

#46: 4.10.2024

Suzanne Weller celebrates one transformative year of The Courage Effect. We've delved deep into tales of triumph and heartbreak, revealing how facing fear unlocks possibility and growth. In this show, we hear Suzanne’s reflections on past shows, featuring the wisdom of previous guests Elsa, Susan Mann, Ruby Love, Troy Livingston, and Chezik Tsunoda.

#45: 3.27.2024

Kate Walker talks with Suzanne about her book A Candid Conversation: Lessons in Life, Love, and Leadership, a combined memoir and guide that shares relatable lessons in life for all the girls and women who feel unworthy, agreeable, codependent or helpless.

#44: 3.13.2024

What is solutions-journalism? Roxanne Patel Shepelavy (Executive Editor and Co-Executive Director of The Philadelphia Citizen) talks about her path to founding a nonprofit media outlet that stands for democracy, ignites civic action and innovative solutions.

#43: 3.6.2024

Suzanne gets inspired by Rick Rubin’s book The Creative Act, and speaks to how we can tackle one of our biggest creativity killers: overthinking.

#42: 2.21.2024

Andreas Gebhard talks with Suzanne about how we grow through the courageous acts of others (sharing an experience that shifted his thinking and made him a better leader), and the possibilities that arise when we do things differently.

#41: 2.7.2024

Suzanne talks with Filmmaker Chezik Tsunoda, about the courageous path she’s taken as an impassioned water safety advocate after her 3-year-old son Yori’s tragic drowning.

#40: 1.31.2024

Suzanne talks with guests Nicole Christie, Rick Ehlers, Dr. Adeola Mead, Rebecca Rockafellar, Jenna Taylor, and Melanie Vargas about the books that inspired them to be more courageous.

#39: 1.24.2024

Dr. Thomas Curran, the world's leading expert on perfectionism and author of the best-selling book The Perfection Trap, talks about the 3 different types of perfectionism, how they’re steeped in deficit thinking, and how it’s fed by our “growth at all costs” economy.

#38: 1.17.2024

Lara Zahaba, the Co-Owner of Stoup Brewing, talks with Suzanne about the courage it took to start their brewery, and the challenges of maintaining and growing the business.

#37: 1.10.2024

Susan Mann talks with Suzanne about why courage is a vital tool for us in navigating what she calls the “vulnerability sh#tshow” we’ve been living through these past few years.

#36: 1.3.2024

Suzanne talks us through intention-setting for 2024, shares her word of the year, and ideas around how we might bring more courage into the next 12 months.

#35: 12.20.2023

Cindy Elkins shares her experiences of being a leader, mother, and how she’s tapping her courage as an advocate (or “torch bearer”) for causes including transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) as a treatment for depression, art - healing - and loneliness, and blood donation.

#34: 12.13.2023

When is it time to pursue a new job, or stay where you are? Lora Poepping talks about taking the time to discern what’s best for you and the courage involved in either saying “yes” to a new opportunity, or settling in to appreciate the value you’re realizing in your current role.

#33: 12.6.2023

Elsa shares her story of becoming a successful sports photographer, which started when she shot a football game in high school and has led to covering some of the most preeminent events including the Olympics, World Series, Super Bowl, NBA Finals, US Open, and FIFA Men’s and Women’s World Cup.

#32: 11.29.2023

Suzanne talks through some ways to prepare for what she calls a “courageous conversation” so we can transform these dreaded discussions into empowering, mutually beneficial exchanges.

#31: 11.22.2023

Alisha Fernandez Miranda discusses her book My What If Year – where she details her adventure of pausing her career for a year to explore the “what if” jobs of her dreams, which took her from internships at a Broadway theater, a London art gallery, a Scottish luxury hotel, and a virtual fitness studio.

#30: 11.15.2023

Melissa Kirsch, deputy editor of Culture and Lifestyle at The New York Times, talks with Suzanne about two essential ingredients in the writing process: vulnerability and courage.

#29: 11.8.2023

Sarah O’Brien Hammond shares the story of waking up to what truly made her happy and the journey of creating positive change in her life through ditching the hustle and grind mentality and achieving success differently.

#28: 10.25.2023

Amy Kugler – who’s living in her “why not?” moment – talks about how powerful the act of storytelling can be, and how vital it is for us to not only share narratives broadly but bring others along to do the same.

#27: 10.18.202

Justin Reed talks through the turns of his professional career in the advertising industry, and the importance of knowing who you are to not only thrive but survive in work environments.

#26: 10.11.2023

Laura Sage talks about how the seven tenets of mindfulness aren’t only guideposts in her life and work, but how’ve they helped her be courageous. She and Suzanne discuss the challenges of being an entrepreneur, including necessary pivots and not being “too much in love with your own cooking.”

#25: 10.4.2023

Maureen Chiana shares a story where she had the courage to move on after something failed, her decision to study neuroscience, and how we empower ourselves through a better understanding of our brains.

#24: 9.27.2023

Michael Melcher talks with Suzanne about creating change in our lives by moving beyond the need for permission, the importance of relationships in career success, and the courage to cultivate your “invisible network.”

#23: 9.20.2023

Suzanne talks about a moment where her father disrupted her thinking as she was growing up, and she encourages us to welcome new challenges to rethink our deep-seated beliefs.

#22: 9.13.2023

Traca Savadogo shares the story of her path to the TEDX stage (which she originally turned down) and how the experience took her from being behind the curtain supporting others to taking the stage herself.

#21: 8.30.2023

Suzanne talks with her friend and business consulting partner Lenora Edwards about the role courage plays in starting and maintaining a successful business.

#20: 8.23.2023

Diversity thought leader Fawn Sanchez (who is Shoshone Bannock from Fort Hall, Idaho) talks about her journey from growing up on a reservation, joining the US Army, to working at Amazon where she’s currently the sole Native American person at her level in the organization.

#19: 8.16.2023

Dave Nelson, Stacy Harris, and Suzanne anchor their conversation on the importance of embracing the unknown in their lives, and being open to experimentation and do-over’s.

#18: 8.9.2023

Vanessa Laughlin and Suzanne delve into the meaning of courage, the equations we go through in our minds to calculate if something is worth it and how these surface in the lifespan navigation work Vanessa and her team do to support and bring grace to individuals and families in need.

#17: 8.2.2023

In a conversation about personal safety, Barb Jordan talks through the work she does at Always Bev, an organization she founded following her sister’s death, who was tragically killed by gun violence.

#16: 7.26.2023

Suzanne has a fun and inspiring conversation with Bridget Quigg, who shares stories about doing comedy, improvisational theater, and the importance of trusting your gut to unleash your creative genius.

#15: 7.19.2023

Nicole Christie dives into how courage shows up differently throughout the various phases of our lives, speaking to a number of challenges she’s navigated over the past few years (including battling cancer, ending a relationship, and relocating – all during the pandemic).

#14: 7.12.2023

Suzanne and fellow coach Jeff Jacobson anchor their conversation on the human tendency to defend ourselves.

#13: 6.28.2023

How can courage liberate you from stress and overwhelm? Suzanne talks with Christine Arylo about living in a culture built for burnout and how we wake up and shift to making choices that are right for ourselves.

#12: 6.21.2023

Providing insight into why she started The Courage Effect, Suzanne shares some personal stories about why courage is a recurring theme throughout her life – which she’s reminded of every day in the form of a scar.

#11: 6.14.2023

Keren Sachs discusses working in the photography industry and her being fueled by passion, the joy (and power) of creating community, and supporting underrepresented professionals. She shares the challenges of being a female founder and the courage it took to build her own business from the ground up (at 5 months pregnant!).

#10: 6.7.2023

Wayne Kimball Jr. talks through “leveraging his own courage chamber” and how he welcomes elements of the unknown into his life – starting with leaving his hometown in for boarding school, moving to the Silicon Valley to start his career, and cultivating a healthy relationship with risk as an investor, board member, and his work in mergers and acquisitions.

#9: 5.31.2023

Iliana Quinonez shares her story about facing a challenging medical diagnosis and she found courage in naming her fear, visualizing a positive result, and a dose of humor to stay the course and successfully recover.

#8: 5.24.2023

Ruby Love defines courage as stepping out in faith. She talks about how her upbringing during the civil rights movement shaped her values, the importance of learning to take risks (and the greater risk we all face when we don't say yes), and how our lives change when we tap into courage to unlearn destructive practices.

#7: 5.17.2023

Carmen Cano shares her story about love inspiring her move to the US from Madrid, what her “no regrets” mantra has brought to her life and work, and how fear of failure holds us back from learning and innovation.

#6: 5.10.2023

Michelle Grover shares how she broke away from expectations to launch a career in technology as a black woman, her work mentoring young people to open up fresh perspectives, and why she values not being able to give advice to her younger self.

#5: 5.3.2023

J.R. Siegel and Suzanne anchor their conversation on the topic of passions – they discuss seeing the macro view to ensure we’re pursuing what matters most to us and J.R. shares his recurring self-review process where he tests what he “loves, likes, can’t, and won’t” do.

#4: 4.26.2023

Organizational development leader Julie Pham, PhD discusses the role courage plays in communicating with others: the ways it’s challenged by our speed of work, the trend of self-censoring becoming more common, and how trusting our intuition surfaces the ability to stay true to ourselves.

#3: 4.19.2023

Mellicia Marx – a self-proclaimed iconoclast – talks about tapping into courage to make new memories (bikini included!), the power of claiming your authentic style, and how having a child allowed her to make more intentional choices for the life she creates for herself and her family.

#2: 4.12.2023

Lia De Feo talks about how she grew into being an empathetic leader and advocate through her own personal and professional struggles.

#1: 4.5.2023

Troy Livingston shares a story about the loss of a relationship that turned his world upside down, and how getting “pushed off a ledge” brought him to a place of freedom and choosing new ways.