Beacons of Bravery Podcast

In todays episode we discuss the feeling of being "trapped" in situations in life--when it doesn't seem that there's a way out. Rest assured, there is. As the Indian poet Rabindraneth Tagore (1861-1941) said: "The winds of grace are always blowing, but it is you that must raise your sails." We cover this metaphor, as well as a "bird in a cage" metaphor. There is a journaling/visualization prompt t...

Welcome back my friends! It's been a long while, but I've been thinking about you and this episode for a long time. In this episode you'll learn how to "literally" and "figuratively" get out of the quicksands in your life.  If you've been stagnant and stuck, I hope this will help pull you out.  Let's do this New Year in a better place! If you'd like to contact me please email Beaconsofbravery@gmai...

Welcome to episode 39 of the Beacons of Bravery podcast! Tune in if you feel stuck in life and don't see a way through your current circumstances.  There's always a silver lining to whatever you're going through. We'll talk about Neil Pasricha's work with the "Invisible Staircase" of our life and that we often are terrible predictors of our future.  Our current circumstances, set-backs and trials...

In this solo episode we dive into an insidious fear, one that most of us don't think we have, yet it rears it's head when we least expect it.  The Fear of Success. While we can all relate to the fear of failure, public embarrassment, etc.  We don't realize that our dreams and goals may be extinguished by the fear of success. We delve into the phenomena of "Tall Poppie Syndrome" and the "Crabs in a...

Welcome back to the Beacon's of Bravery podcast, where we rejoin the "What keeps us stuck? series."  Today I have a special guest, Colleen Frazier.  One of my very best childhood friends.  We lost touch after our high school senior trip, but reconnected 5 years ago.  We decided this past Christmas that we needed to go on a trip to celebrate turning 50 this year. So we did just that and this episod...

We're starting our themed series "What Keeps Us Stuck" with the first culprit--Perfectionism. Perfectionism is what (we think) makes us appear good on the outside, while it keeps us small and unfulfilled in our lives, especially if we want to achieve new things and big goals.  It's what also keeps us from being relatable. Even if you don't self-identify as a perfectionist, you should listen in to...

Welcome to this solo episode where we get into perspective on life, through good times and bad.  We've all had our ups and downs, and its easy to get stuck in the downs.  But we'll talk through it using the following concepts: -Life isn't a strait, linear path; rather its a spiral staircase -The first few lines of Charles Dickens "A Tale of Two Cities." -Analogy of life like the game of "Chutes an...

Shannon Wallis is our featured guest today.  You won't want to miss her story because each of you will relate in some way. Shannon is currently quite successful as an author of the outstanding book "WE the Change:  Launching Big Ideas and Creating New Realities."  She is also a consultant and coach to high level leaders. But this hasn't always been her story.  She describes her humble beginnings i...

Welcome Back to the Beacons of Bravery podcast. Today I discuss the somewhat difficult topics of depression, anxiety and panic attacks.  If you suffer from any of these, you are not alone! I share my own struggles but also offer the ANT vs. BIRD strategy, if you suffer as well. Most of all, after you listen to this episode and feel like you can relate or if you need help in any way, please don't h...

Welcome to today's solo episode where we talk about living fully. We go over a scenario about meeting a death angel suddenly--would you beg for one more week?  Realize that you haven't been living the life you were meant to live?  This concept was adapted from Jennifer Forster's book:  "The Power of a Peaceful Woman." Then we delve into the parable of the talents.  What it means literally and figu...

Welcome today's Beacon, Jenny Lisk!  She's a woman who has overcome devastating life circumstances and lives to inspire others to do the same.  She is an author, a podcaster and a consultant to other aspiring authors.  This is a must listen episode for everyone--because at some point in life, we all go through adversity. In today's episode we delve into the her story which has been largely impacte...

Welcome to today's show!  If you've ever had to make a big decision (who hasn't?) this show is for you. In this solo episode, we delve into what it takes to make a decision in your life that "goes against the grain."  And how this can ultimately help you from having regrets on your death bed--referencing Bonnie Ware's work on the 5 regrets of the dying.   #1 of which is:  "I wish I'd had the coura...

Welcome today's Beacon, Tony Frazier.  Talk about a true inspiration! Tony currently serves as the director of the Kroc Center in Salem, Oregon, USA.  He describes the mission of the Kroc Centers as providing fun, healthy and educational settings for lower income families.  Tony also runs the White Boards Consulting company. This wasn't his first venture into helping others and his passion is to h...

We're all are our worst critics.  We may have voices on the outside that tell us we aren't good enough, but they don't hold a  candle to the voices on our inside.  Welcome to this solo episode where I delve into our inner critics...the voices in our heads that tell us negative thoughts on repeat.   In this episode we will learn that our critics were meant to protect us for a time, but that now the...

Meet today's Beacon, Trish Bishop.  She has an amazing journey to share with you.  Trish authored a book called "The Question Journey" plus she's a speaker, leader, observer and innovator.  She will inspire you in so many ways.  If you need an injection of inspiration and enthusiasm, stay tuned. Her life hasn't been a fairy tale, she talks openly about struggles and fears that she's faced along th...

Meet today's Beacon, Kelsie Whittington.  She's a dynamic and happy young woman who has overcome significant physical obstacles and is now living her best life. Kelsie went through a major life change in her teenage years which would have sidelined most people.  Not her.  She beams a dynamic spirit, and with the love of a special man (James) she has gone on to be a happy, full-filled person. You w...

In today's solo episode, I discuss your money mindset, and the "thermometer" you might have set which keeps you from achieving your goals.   We specifically discuss the money block, but it pertains to any area in your life where you may feel stuck. Do you have a fear of success?  Do you sabotage yourself and always return to the same set level?  Me too.  I give a personal example about this relati...

Welcome today's Beacons Jodi Murphy and Jennifer Denny--my two sisters.  We have a chat about some of our favorite things.  Yes, the "Sound of Music" soundtrack should be playing through your head at this point :) What you will get from this episode:  TONS of good ideas, links and conversations.  The things mentioned will help keep you organized, keep your feet safe and comfortable, and wow your f...

Today's  Beacon is Bessie Coleman, who was a Beacon over a hundred years ago.  Her light is still shining. This episode is for you because it focuses on helping you remember your dreams and desires...what lights you up. Many of us have let our dreams go by the wayside when we became "responsible adults," or when our dreams see too far fetched. If you're not inspired by Bessie's life, you might wan...

Meet today's Beacon, Tara Roberts.  She is an extraordinary human who has achieved very high levels and she has faced her share of personal and family struggles.  Many of you will relate-- what someone's life looks like from the outside isn't usually what it looks like from the inside.  Tara has been a mentor, motivator and cheerleader to me and I know she'll inspire you as well. Some of the topic...

Welcome today's Beacon Abigail Roberts.  She's a breath of fresh air!  Among her many achievements as a 19 year old college student, here are a few: She started a non-profit called "What's Your Dash?" as a 13 year old.  (You'll hear more about this during the show). She's a Division 2 athlete and scholar.  She's an actress and most of all, a compassionate young woman who has a heart for others and...

Welcome today's co-host, Jennifer Denny--my sister, my original Beacon. We talk all about the book " Share Your Stuff.  I'll go First." by Laura Tremaine.  We get vulnerable here, so stay tuned.  (Also, shout out to Jennifer's husband Steve, the one who provides music for the show). This book does as it intends to do...spark meaningful conversations.  It's about getting real with your friends and...

Welcome back to the show!  In today's episode, I go solo to share with you how a friend helped me achieve a big goal. I don't know about you, but I like to do things on my own.  I'm not a "group" person.  But we can't achieve our biggest goals alone. This episode has a through line of "running" in my life, which is really just a metaphor for whatever in your life that has brought you peace and flo...

Meet today's Beacon, Alysha Myronuk.  Wow, does she have a life story to tell!  From body dysmorphia in childhood, to losing her parents at an early age, to marriage and divorce at an early age, suicidal thoughts/attempts and alcohol and prescription drug abuse, to name a few. She was even present during a mall shooting!  But that's not the end of her story, in fact she is grateful for all of it....

Welcome today's Beacon, Laarni Mulvey!  She is a breath of fresh air and has so much energy to give you. We talk about so many things, not the least of which is that ANYONE, can become strong and powerful despite your surroundings. Here are some of the highlights: -how to pivot your career, and the blessings of a pandemic -how to stop believing everything your environment is telling you--for examp...