The Brave Files

Self-Determined • Transformational • Grateful Hilary Hendershott gets to help women across the globe reach financial freedom every single day. There was a point in her life, however, where she struggled with financial insecurity. This wasn’t the breaking point for Hilary, it was the starting point. Determined never to hit rock bottom again, Hilary began her wealth adventure by understanding how to...

Catalyst • Adaptable • Community The original #DigitalNomad, Sunni VonMutius set out to make meaningful connections with friends, strangers, and potential clients. What she thought would be a fun way to spend her early (very early) retirement turned into a journey of her soul. Learning more about herself than she bargained for, and changing lives along the way. Top Takeaways: You can be an outgoin...

Curious • Adventurous • Self-Aware Mirinda Kossoff bravely tells her father’s story in her new book, The Rope of Life. Growing up in the south with a Jewish father who converted to Southern Baptist and was a WWII Veteran, with mental health challenges - Life was complicated. The oldest of four, Mirinda found herself raising her siblings and taking care of her parents. Sadly, struggling with physic...

Determination • Curiosity • Perception Michael Boly is a Senior in college who truly understands what it takes to live a happy, successful life. Armed with the power to control his reality (hint, this is through controlling his mindset), Michael has overcome many obstacles to become the entrepreneur he is today. Growing up an introvert and looking at all the things he was once too scared to do Mic...

Joy. Love. Happiness. Happy Holidays from The Brave Files! We're re-sharing an all-time favorite ... Our interview with SANTA CLAUS! Top Takeaways : There’s no person that can tell if you're genuine or not more than a child. Joy shared is happiness returned. Everyone is deserving of love. True magic can be found in the eyes of a child. Get additional details, show notes, links, and a full transcri...

COURAGE • ESTRANGEMENT • CONNECTION Best-selling author of “The Burning Light of Two Stars,” Laura Davis, shares the story of writing her very first memoir. Survivor of childhood trauma and severe illness, Laura had to figure out how to reconcile the relationship with her mother in order to care for her. A story of strength, humility, and vulnerability Laura truly had the “Courage to Heal.” Takeaw...

Joy • Grit • Compassion The Brave Files host, Heather Vickery, celebrates her birthday by re-sharing one of her favorite episodes. Paige Chenault is one of the most inspiring people on earth. The founder and "chief birthday enthusiast" for The Birthday Party Project has helped hundreds of children experiencing homelessness celebrate their birthday, many for the first time. By bringing joy, happine...

Vulnerable •  Courageous • Empath Amy Stephens is out and proud, and -oh-so- unapologetically herself. A Trans woman full of spunk and humor, Amy has truly gone through one of the toughest, but more rewarding,  transformations possible. From staunch god-fearing Republican and Mormon to a trans comic working to get a degree in mental health, Amy has reworked her life to be as authentic as possible....

Introducing a brand new podcast ... Was It Chance? This week we're sharing the very first episode of Heather's new podcast with co-host Alan Seales. Just four short months ago, these two were perfect strangers. And then they met by chance and embraced opportunity! In this first episode, Heather and Alan share the story of how they met, why they decided to start a new podcast together and what you...

Humanity • Culture • Voice Kiri-Maree Moore changed her story, then continued on helping leaders, across the world, change their own story and that of their companies. She is a consultant for global CEOs and focuses on helping them not only grow their businesses but shape them into something that can help humanity as a whole. This week on the Brave Files, we get a peek into corporate life, how one...

Sean Spence has spent his life helping others. He started activism young, and since then has continued trying to help make the world a better place, while still recognizing his privilege in life. He has done everything from organizing HIV testing days in the 80s, to raising money for public radio by breaking world records. This week’s episode is full of everyday bravery, choosing happiness, and th...

Impact •  Believe • Support Dana Heino experienced every parent's nightmare when her two-year-old daughter was diagnosed with a rare variety of brain cancer. Despite a long and painful battle, Avery did not survive. Dana now works to teach medical advocacy for parents and makes sure Avery remains a prominent part of her family. This episode, both beautiful and heart-wrenching, proves that family i...

Today on the Brave Files, Heather Vickery is her own guest. Having written just released her new book, F*CK FEARLESS - Making The Brave Leap, Heather is providing insights into her brave book journey including the writing process, publication, and even some sneak peeks into the well-anticipated book itself. Short and sweet, this episode of the Brave Files gives a little window into the behind-the-...

Kindness • Connection • Expansion Pain is always something that helps you grow! Leaving a job you love to create a life you love even more is badass! That’s what this week’s guest, Dr. Manuela Powell did! Manuela is a powerhouse and a force who celebrates failure, loves herself fiercely, and helps others do the same! Through a hard but rewarding journey, Manuela has become a better mother, a bette...

Reinvention • Unordinary • Unfinished Sonya Morton-Firth went from picked on kid to a cut-throat businesswoman making top dollar to jobless and burnt and, eventually, to hosting her own show. It was the hardest journey of her life, but she finally created her own version of success. Never let anyone tell you that you’re incapable, if there is a will, there is always a way.   Top Takeaway Never let...

Belief • Faith • Commitment Carlos Adell’s journey to turning his life around could be called a miracle, but in truth, it speaks to his hard-working nature and passion for helping others. From drug dealer to CEO of a renowned consulting agency, Carlos lives to embody his core values and live life knowing he’s helping make the world better. It isn’t always easy, but he knows that every minute of it...

Resilient • Genuine • Passionate  On the outside, Christine looks like she has it all figured out - some might even say her life looks “perfect.” But inside, she holds the hurt of losing her daughter Maeve, who was stillborn. But she still works to live her best life and create a legacy for her daughter. An author, coach, entrepreneur, and mother, Christine knows that she is capable and willing to...

Intuitive • Raw • Resilient Parenthood is rarely the journey we imagine it to be but when Ali Goodman discovered her son was Autistic, she had to recalibrate and learn to embrace and honor him just as he was. The journey towards acceptance and removing shame has been life-changing. Tune in to hear her inspiring story of love and resilience.  Top Takeaways The child you imagine will likely never be...

Gentle • Curious • Connection Etai is a funny, engaging, passionate heart-centered human. He’s compassionate, kind, and leads by example. He also has Cerebral Palsy. While his CP has dedicated a lot of his life, it hasn’t stopped him from making his mark on the world- and the people around him. Etai works to make the world a better place through understanding the people around him and even speaks...

Attacked • Intentional • Repurpose 20 years ago, on September 11, 2001, the world changed forever. The attacks of 9/11 took the lives of thousands and forever altered the lives of millions all over the world. Mike Cortes, a 9/11 first responder, honors the victims of the tragedy by sharing his story. Mike continues to carry out the legacy of the fallen through living his life with purpose and inte...

Inspiration - Love - Growth  A name change, a career change, and several adventures off the beaten path, Sloane tore her life down and rebuilt it with intention. Despite the challenges, by following her heart she’s found her purpose. She now understands the importance of growing into her true self by any means necessary. Takeaways Sometimes you have to allow yourself to grow, despite the people ar...

VULNERABLE • ZANY • ALIGNED Mike Iamele stumbled into the spotlight in 2014 after his coming-out story went viral. So when the business venture following his success failed, Mike was crushed. Rather than let the failure itself define him, Mike decided to host a Failure Celebration that changed his life. It turns out, failure is just as valuable as success.  Takeaways Failure is just as valuable as...

CIRCUITOUS • HARD-WON • IMPATIENT Annie P. Ruggles knows she’s brave—But it took a long time for her to recognize and admit it. For years, Annie believed bravery was reserved for grand acts. But now Annie sees that getting out of her comfort zone and doing small Brave acts throughout the day are what count most. There’s a power in every day brave, folks. Let’s get into it.  Top Takeaways: Your nam...

In this solo episode, Heather talks about the importance of being alone. She shares her own experiences and lessons from spending time alone and traveling alone. Do you like spending time with yourself? Why? Why not? If you don’t like to be alone—What are you afraid of? Takeaways: When we choose bravely with intention and thought, we choose bigger, we win bigger, and it’s contagious. Brave, much l...

Terry Tucker started his life following his father's dreams and ignoring his own passions. He didn’t realize any of this, of course, until his father passed away. Then he started to live the life HE had always dreamed of. And then he got cancer again, and again and again. But Terry’s a survivor. While he knows cancer will, eventually, take his life he is NOT interested in giving up. Because Terry...