Sustained Courage

What if the worst thing that happened to you isn't the whole story? After falling down a rabbit hole of Legends of the Fall clips and reading the absolutely wild Wikipedia plot summary, I realized something: if you reduce a life to its biggest tragedies, every life starts to look like a disaster. But that's not how life is actually lived. In this episode, I explore why our brains remember the dram...

What if the one thing you actually needed… wasn't motivation, discipline, or a complete life overhaul—but consistency? In this episode, we break down the most underrated superpower on the planet: doing the same small, meaningful things over and over again. From ancient rituals and survival patterns to modern neuroscience and habit formation, we explore how humans have always relied on repetition t...

What if your alter ego isn't fake — what if they are the part of you that's been waiting for permission? In this episode, we officially welcome Beatrix, my sharp, sarcastic, AI co-host/alter ego with British librarian energy and absolutely no patience for nonsense. Together, we explore the strange and fascinating history of alter egos, from ancient masks and shamans to warriors, superheroes, stage...

January broke me a little. Living in Minneapolis during political tension, violence, and constant headlines left me feeling something I haven't felt in years: hopelessness. And here's the truth no one talks about — you can feel grateful for your life and still feel overwhelmed by the world. Those two things live together. In this deeply personal episode of Sustained Courage , we explore: • How hum...

The holidays have a way of bringing everything to the surface—old family dynamics, sharp comments, gossip, and conversations that leave us feeling judged, overwhelmed, or activated. In this episode of Sustained Courage , we explore one deceptively simple question that can change how you move through conflict, conversation, and even your own inner dialogue: "What value does this bring?" Rooted in a...

To celebrate one year of the show, I'm pulling back the curtain on my entire journey—what terrified me, what surprised me, and what transformed me along the way. I dive into the fascinating history of retrospection, from ancient hunters around the fire to philosophers, monks, scientists, and modern innovators. I also break down the neuroscience behind why reflection rewires the brain, reshapes mem...

This Halloween, Sustained Courage steps into the dark — exploring the shadow self and the power of embracing both light and darkness within us. I unpack the deeper meaning behind Halloween's rituals, the psychology of the shadow, and the myths that have always told us the same truth: balance requires both sides. Blending history, science, and self-reflection, this episode is a thoughtful journey t...

When the world feels heavy, friendship can be a lifeline. In this heartfelt and thought-provoking episode, Rachel explores the deep power of female friendship—why women have always been stronger together, and why that has historically frightened the world. From the ancient Amazons and medieval "covens" to modern sisterhoods, we trace the myths, magic, and history of women's groups and the enduring...

This special companion episode is a  20-minute guided meditation designed to help you connect with your ancestors—whether by blood, by choice, or through story and spirit. In this extended practice, you'll be guided step-by-step into a calm, grounded space where you'll walk a forest path, enter a sacred gathering place, and invite an ancestor to join you. Unlike shorter meditations, this journey i...

What if you're literally carrying pieces of your ancestors inside you—and what if they still have wisdom to share? In this episode of Sustained Courage , we dive into the fascinating, sometimes unhinged, always human world of ancestor connection. From Romans parading wax death masks, to Victorians wearing hair jewelry, to cultures today that dance with their dead—history shows we've always wanted...

Feeling foggy, anxious, or just  off ? In this episode of Sustained Courage , we explore how somatic practices like EFT tapping, lymphatic drainage, breathwork, and affirmations can help reset your body and mind. We'll trace the fascinating history of these techniques—from ancient Egyptian rituals to Navy SEAL breathing strategies—and dive into the modern science that explains why they work. You'l...

In this raw and powerful episode of Sustained Courage , I share a recent personal experience that sparked a deeper reflection on what accountability really means. After facing resistance for asking for something as reasonable as a vet bill reimbursement following a traumatic dog attack, I unpack why so many of us—especially women, caregivers, and empaths—are made to feel guilty for seeking justice...

This heartfelt and thought-provoking episode is a tribute to motherhood in all its forms—biological, spiritual, cultural, and chosen. From ancient goddess worship and matrilineal societies to the surprising science of brain changes and mitochondrial inheritance, this episode explores how motherhood shapes us—body, mind, and lineage. Listeners will learn about the activist roots of Mother's Day, th...

Do you ever feel like you're fading into the background as you age, juggle caregiving, or simply navigate spaces that weren't built for women's voices? You're not imagining it—and you're definitely not alone. In this empowering 45‑minute episode we unpack the science and sociology of being seen : why recognition is a biological need, how subtle silencing shows up at work and in healthcare, and why...

Spring isn't just a season—it's an invitation. In this episode, we explore how the Spring Equinox marks a profound turning point for our minds, bodies, and spirits. Backed by science, history, and spirituality, we uncover why this season is biologically designed to boost your mood, sharpen your thinking, and reawaken your courage. From the hormonal shifts that increase serotonin and motivation (Lo...

In honor of International Women's Day, this episode of  Sustained Courage explores the deep-rooted power of the feminine—why it has been both revered and feared throughout history. We discuss the shift from matriarchal societies to patriarchal control, the suppression of women's rights, and the ongoing fight for equality. From Elizabeth I's leadership to the erasure of women in medical research, w...

Today,  we delve into the remarkable life of Nellie Bly , a pioneering journalist who shattered Victorian-era expectations for women and forever changed the landscape of investigative reporting. Learn how Bly, born Elizabeth Cochran, first made her mark by challenging sexist newspaper columns, and then fearlessly embraced "stunt reporting" to uncover hidden injustices—most famously by posing as an...

What if the way we see things is just a matter of light? In this episode of Sustained Courage , we explore the concept of shining light—both literally and metaphorically—on the overlooked, the undervalued, and the challenging parts of our lives. Inspired by the Yooperlite, a nondescript rock that glows under a black light, we dive into the power of perspective shifts. We'll uncover the symbolism o...

Ever feel like life's responsibilities have pushed aside your sense of fun? In this episode, we dive into the importance of play for adults—why we need it, what it does for our mental health, and how to weave more imagination and laughter into our daily routines. We'll explore the history of play in human culture (and even the animal kingdom), unpack the science behind why it boosts creativity, an...

Ever feel like there's never enough time in the day? In this hour-long deep dive, we tackle the concept of time from every angle—spanning ancient civilizations, revolutionary breakthroughs by Einstein, and the practical day-to-day tricks that help you get more done. Discover how understanding the elastic nature of time can change the way you plan, work, and live. We'll talk about the roots of our...

This week's episode is a special one, kicking off with a heartfelt birthday shoutout to my sister Kimberly. Happy Birthday, Kim! From there, we dive into one of life's biggest challenges: sleep. Whether it's stress, hormonal changes, or just the chaos of modern life, sleep is a struggle for many of us — myself included. In this episode, we'll explore why sleep is so critical, how humans have viewe...

It's the second week of January, and for many, New Year's resolutions are already hanging by a thread. Welcome to Quitter's Day—the second Friday of January, when most people abandon their goals. But giving up doesn't have to be the end. It's a chance to reflect, refocus, and make a powerful choice: to keep going. In this episode of Sustained Courage , we explore the history of New Year's resoluti...

  In this episode of  Sustained Courage , we journey into the remarkable life of Laura Ingalls Wilder, the beloved author of the Little House series. Beyond her celebrated books, Laura's life was a testament to resilience, adaptability, and courage. From surviving harsh winters on the Dakota prairie to building a farm from scratch in Missouri, Laura's experiences as a pioneer offer powerful lesson...

In this heartfelt episode, I explore the profound experience of grief and its many forms—from the loss of loved ones to life's quieter sorrows, like the end of relationships or unfulfilled dreams. Inspired by my own recent personal losses, this conversation delves into the history, science, and cultural traditions that shape how we grieve. I discuss the rituals that help us heal, the universal and...

Nostalgia has a way of wrapping us in a warm, comforting glow—but what if it could do more than just make us smile? What if the memories of your past could help you grow, heal, and find strength for the future? In this episode, we explore how to harness the power of nostalgia to build resilience and courage. Learn why your brain reshapes memories, how to find meaning in even the toughest times, an...