In this episode, I unpack a key principle from The Courage Gap—one I learned early in life: “Growth and comfort can’t ride the same horse.” Because while staying in our comfort zones might feel safe, over time, it can slowly cause us to shrink on the vine of our own lives.

I share a few personal stories of my own dance with discomfort, including the time I risked looking like a borderline stalker as I refused to let my fear of feeling awkward keep me from taking the very actions that would open new doors and enable me to travel far… literally!

We’ll explore why the “tyranny of a comfortable life” can keep us stuck, what Maslow observed about our deep need for growth, and how neuroscience shows that even the smallest brave actions can rewire our brains and strengthen our ‘courage muscles’ over time.

If there’s something you’ve been putting off or playing small around, I hope this episode gives you the nudge (or loving kick) you need to step into your ‘courage gap’ and make peace with discomfort!

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In this episode, I speak to General Stanley McChrystal to explore the intersection of courage and character—two mutually reinforcing virtues being put to the test in today’s world. Building on his powerful Foreword for The Courage Gap and themes from his upcoming book On Character, we discuss how to find the courage to do the right thing, particularly when uncertainty is high and there’s a lot at stake. Together, we explore why anchoring to core principles is essential for staying true to ourselves and shaping a better world.

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• Stan’s new book On Character

Sweaty hands. Butterflies in the belly. A total sense of paralysis. Let’s face it—fear is deeply physical.

In this episode, I explore another key concept from The Courage Gap: how to reset your fear at the physiological level. Fear isn’t just in your mind—it embeds in your body. Understanding this unlocks a powerful pathway to cultivating courage and harnessing the full power of your physical presence.

I share a personal experience from 2020 when COVID-19 tilted my world totally off its axis, triggering my fear and leaving me awash with anxiety. While very humbling, it reinforced the importance of learning how to reset our ‘defensive self’ at the ground level and respond more effectively when stressors pile up.

Learn how to turn the psychology of fear into the physiology of courage, so you can bring your bravest self, to your biggest challenges and boldest goals.

Get ready to breathe in courage, breathe out fear and play your bravest game.

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