The Courage Effect

#74: Join host Suzanne Weller for an unflinching conversation with award-winning photojournalist and writer Ashley Gilbertson, who has spent over two decades documenting conflict, migration, and pivotal moments that shape our world. From the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan to the halls of the US Capitol on January 6th, Ashley brings us face-to-face with uncomfortable truths through his lens....

#73: In this conversation, Sharon Podobnik (leadership coach, facilitator, and founder of The Center for Conscious Leadership ) and Suzanne Weller explore the multifaceted nature of courage, emphasizing its inner and outer dimensions. They discuss personal experiences of courage, the evolution of what courage means over time, and the importance of somatic practices in understanding our bodies' res...

#72: In this engaging conversation, Pelumi Nubi shares her inspiring journey as a trailblazing travel content creator, adventurer, and the first black woman to drive solo from London to Lagos. She discusses the courage it takes to travel alone (especially as a woman!) and the importance of community support. Pelumi also opens up about her experience with dyslexia and how it shaped her perspective....

#71: Jill Angelo (a visionary leader in women's health in midlife, and one of Inc. Magazine’s 2020 Top 100 Female Founders) talks with Suzanne about her journey of founding Gennev , a clinician-built menopause care platform. She shares her challenges and triumphs of founding the organization, shepherding its acquisition by United Women’s Healthcare, and the importance of community in addressing wo...

#70: In this micro show, Suzanne announces our brand new season launching June 11th. From there, get ready for an incredible range of topics: We’re kicking off with a powerful episode on menopause — featuring a trailblazing woman who founded the first clinician-based menopause care platform.  Leadership & Courage: We’re diving into what it really means to be courageous, exploring empathy and l...

#24: Suzanne Weller engages with executive coach Michael Melcher to explore the themes of courage, growth, and the importance of networking. They discuss the discomfort that often accompanies personal change, the role of self-compassion, and how to navigate relationships that can either support or hinder our growth. Michael emphasizes the significance of taking courageous actions, the unpredictabi...

#43:  In this episode of The Courage Effect, Suzanne Weller explores the intricate relationship between creativity and overthinking. Drawing inspiration from Rick Rubin's book “ The Creative Act”, she emphasizes the courage required to embrace creativity and the detrimental effects of overthinking on our creative processes. Suzanne discusses the importance of self-reflection, understanding our tho...

#21: In this episode of The Courage Effect, Suzanne Weller engages in a deep conversation with Lenora Edwards (CEO Advisor for Business Growth) about the themes of courage, trust, and entrepreneurship. They explore the journey of starting a business, the importance of trusting oneself, learning from mistakes, and the balance between logic and creativity in business. The discussion emphasizes the s...

#47: In this episode of The Courage Effect, host Suzanne Weller speaks with Rebecca Weaver , founder and CEO of HRuprise , about her journey through post-traumatic growth following a breast cancer diagnosis during the pandemic. They discuss the importance of recognizing collective trauma, the concept of post-traumatic growth, and how to navigate personal and professional challenges with courage an...

#39 | 1.24.2024: host Suzanne Weller engages in a deep conversation with Dr. Thomas Curran (the world's leading expert on perfectionism and author of the best-selling book The Perfection Trap ) about the complexities of perfectionism. They explore its roots in societal pressures, the different types of perfectionism, and how the growth at all costs mentality exacerbates these tendencies. Dr. Curra...

Bringing out a show from our archive that about resilience, vulnerability, collective trauma, coping strategies, and leadership. #37: In this episode Suzanne engages in a heartfelt conversation with leadership coach Susan Mann about navigating the complexities of life, particularly in the context of collective trauma and personal loss. They explore the themes of courage, vulnerability, and the imp...

#69 In this livestream conversation recorded on 2.25.2025, Suzanne and 3 other Meta refugees ( Bridget Belden , Mellicia Marx , and Suzanne Rothmeyer ) discuss their decision behind leaving Meta platforms. They share their individual experiences, values, and the impact of social media on their lives and businesses, while also exploring alternative platforms and strategies for connecting with their...

#17: Suzanne Weller speaks with Barb Jordan , a personal safety expert and founder of Always Bev, an organization dedicated to educating individuals about personal safety. Barb shares her personal journey, including the tragic loss of her sister to gun violence, which inspired her to create Always Bev  (short for Always Be Vigilant). The conversation emphasizes the importance of intuition in perso...

#33: 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.  She talks with Suzanne about learning to bet on herself, the courage it takes to work in a male dom...

#68: Suzanne sets the tone for the year, exploring her word of the year: "Emerge," a focus on shaking things up, and announces exciting changes coming in the months ahead – including a shift to a seasonal podcast format.   Referenced in this show: The Courage Effect #36: Courageous Intentions for the New Year . NSA Northwest’s 'Last Story Standing' Competition happening on February 15, 2025.   Mor...

#67: 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. April is a wife, mother, coach, and senior manager for...

#66. Roger Kastner (organizational development practitioner, leadership coach, and host of the What Do You Know To Be True? podcast) joins Suzanne for an exploration into the fluid nature of personal truth and the journey from fear to courage. They discuss how purpose, joy, and organizational development can shape meaningful change in the workplace, with Roger sharing powerful insights on accounta...

#32: Now we’re in the holiday season, there’s a good chance we’ll be having hard or awkward conversations with family, friends, or colleagues.  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.

#65. 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 effect...

#64: 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! Allie's new drop-in series (starting in December) is for anyone interested in explo...

#63 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.  Referenced in this episode: Emotions Wheel Permission to Feel by Mark Brackett, PhD   Thanks t...

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. Thanks to the support of our show sponsor BetterHelp.  Us...

#61: 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!   More information about Weller Collabora...

#60. 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: d...

#59: Suzanne invites you to join our September “Courage Up!” Challenge to Learn Something New 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 im...