In this special episode of Lives of Courage, I’m inviting you to join me in an honest and heartfelt conversation about facing election anxiety and the difficult choice between love and fear. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by the uncertainty, the high stakes, or even just the noise surrounding election season, you’re not alone. I’ll be talking t…

Have you ever found yourself effortlessly outlining what you want for others but freezing up when it comes to your own desires? You’re not alone. In this transformative episode of Lives of Courage, Jessica tackles the powerful question: “What do you really want?” Join Jessica as she delves into the common barriers that prevent us from identifying a…

In this episode of Lives of Courage, we dive into the importance of having a hobby—a creative outlet that’s just for you. So many of us feel stuck in the cycle of work and family obligations, leaving little time for ourselves. But finding a hobby isn’t just a luxury—it’s a form of self-care. We’ll explore the mental health benefits of crafting, sha…

In this episode of Lives of Courage, we explore the powerful practice of saying no and how it can help you create a life that aligns with your passions and purpose. Drawing from personal experience and the philosophy of "If it’s not a Heck Yes, it’s a no," we discuss how setting boundaries and being intentional with your yeses can lead to more fulf…

In this episode of the Lives of Courage Podcast, we dive deep into navigating life's pivotal moments—those times when you know it's time for a change, but the path forward seems unclear. Whether you're considering a career shift, going through a personal life change, or simply feeling stuck in your current routine, this episode is for you. Join me …

Are you feeling stuck in a monotonous routine, going through the motions without any real sense of purpose or direction? In this episode of the Lives of Courage Podcast, Jessica explores the pivotal moments in our lives when we feel like we’re on a never-ending moving walkway, just coasting through each day. These moments of stagnation can be power…

In this powerful and essential episode of the Lives of Courage Podcast, Jessica dives deep into the concept of self-accountability. Often easier said than done, self-accountability is about becoming your own best boss, holding yourself to the commitments you make, and trusting that you will follow through on your promises to yourself. Jessica explo…

In this episode of the Lives of Courage Podcast, Jessica dives into a topic that resonates with everyone at some point in their lives: what to do when things don’t go as planned. We meticulously plan, set goals, and envision a clear path forward. But life, in its unpredictable nature, often throws us curveballs, leaving us feeling disoriented, frus…

In this heartfelt episode, we explore the all-too-common feeling of "This isn't what I thought my life would be." Join host Jessica as she delves into why so many of us find ourselves at this crossroads and what we can do about it. We'll uncover the reasons behind our reluctance to seek help, such as the fear of change, doubt in effectiveness, time…

In this episode, we’re diving deep into the little stories we tell ourselves and how they shape our lives, especially in midlife. Have you ever thought, "I'm too old for this," or "It's too late to change"? These limiting beliefs can hold us back from reaching our true potential. But here's the good news: we have the power to rewrite these stories.…

In this eye-opening episode of "Lives of Courage," host Jessica challenges the widely accepted mantra of "faking it until you make it" and reveals why this approach can be more harmful than helpful. Discover the pitfalls of unrealistic affirmations and how they can damage your self-esteem and motivation. Instead, Jessica introduces the concept of l…

In this heartfelt and transformative episode of the Lives of Courage Podcast, host Jessica takes you on a deeply personal journey of discovering and setting boundaries. As a recovering people pleaser, Jessica opens up about her struggles with saying no and the profound impact it had on her well-being. She shares how understanding and challenging de…

In this episode of the Lives of Courage podcast, host Jessica explores the essential trait of resilience, sharing inspiring stories and practical strategies for overcoming life's challenges. Discover how to build your inner strength, navigate difficult times, and emerge stronger than ever. Jessica begins by defining resilience and discussing its ke…

Are you feeling trapped in the monotony of daily life, longing for the passion and dreams you once had? Join host Jessica on this episode of the Lives of Courage podcast as she dives into the mid-life struggle of feeling unfulfilled and stuck in a joyless routine. In this episode, Jessica explores the journey of recognizing unfulfilled dreams and o…

Welcome back to another episode of Lives of Courage! In this episode, we tackle a universal challenge—feeling stuck. Whether it's in your career, personal life, or a specific project, feeling like you're in a rut can be incredibly frustrating. Listen as we dive into practical steps to help you break free from this stagnation and start moving forwar…

In this episode of the Lives of Courage podcast, host Jessica takes you on a journey of setting and achieving courageous goals. Discover how to identify what truly matters to you, break down your aspirations into actionable steps, and navigate obstacles with the powerful AND technique. You'll learn to: Reflect on your passions and interests to set …

Episode Description In this heartfelt episode of Lives of Courage, host Jessica delves into a topic that resonates deeply with many women – the silent struggle of loneliness and the challenge of showing our true selves. Despite our external successes, many of us battle feelings of isolation and the pressure to maintain a façade. Jessica explores th…

In this episode of the 'Lives of Courage' podcast, host Jessica dives deep into the process of unpacking years of accumulated emotional baggage. Many of us carry an invisible weight filled with unresolved feelings, past hurts, and unexpressed emotions. Over time, this can impact our mental and physical health, relationships, and overall quality of …

Episode Description: In this installment of the Lives of Courage podcast, Jessica addresses the pressing issue of emotional exhaustion. She explores how it affects our everyday lives and offers methods for recovery. The episode differentiates emotional exhaustion from burnout, includes personal anecdotes, and provides practical advice for managing …

Description: In this episode of "Lives of Courage," host Jessica Stong dives deep into the Enneagram, revealing how each personality type uniquely encounters and can combat burnout. Discover the specific stress triggers for your Enneagram type and learn practical, tailored strategies to prevent burnout before it starts. Jessica provides a comprehen…

Episode Description In this empowering episode of the "Lives of Courage Podcast," host Jessica Stong tackles the critical issue of burnout, with a special focus on working women. Discover practical strategies to manage work-life balance, set effective boundaries, and integrate self-care into your busy schedule. Whether you're juggling career demand…

Episode Description Welcome to the 200th episode of the Lives of Courage Podcast! In this special milestone episode, host Jessica Stong dives deep into the empowering concept of "Courageous Belief." Join us as Jessica shares her personal journey and explores how believing in ourselves can transform our lives. Learn about the cycle of hope, courage,…

Join us as we explore the subtle yet impactful ways we sabotage our own success. We delve into common self-sabotaging behaviors and offer practical advice on how to overcome them. Discover how to manage your mental energy effectively, face your emotions with honesty, learn from failures, set achievable goals, and find solutions within yourself. Wit…

Episode Description Join us as we dive into the subtle yet profound ways courage manifests in our daily lives. This episode, titled "Everyday Courage: The Strength of Small Choices," explores how everyday decisions can be acts of bravery that significantly shape our personal growth and happiness. From redefining courage to sharing transformative st…

In this inspiring episode of "Lives of Courage," we delve into the transformative power of social connections and their essential role in our well-being. Discover the scientific and emotional facets of why we are inherently wired to seek connections, hear personal stories that highlight the profound impact of robust social ties, and learn practical…

In this enlightening episode of the "Lives of Courage" podcast, host Jessica Stong dives deep into the transformative power of courageous self-love and self-acceptance. Unpack the essence of embracing our authentic selves in a world that often values conformity and outward success. Discover why turning inward and fostering a compassionate relations…

In this episode of "Lives of Courage," we delve into the soul-stirring query of our existence, inspired by Billie Eilish's reflective lyrics in "What Was I Made For." As Eilish contemplates, "I used to know but I'm not sure now, What I was made for," we find ourselves at the heart of a shared human experience—questioning our path and earnestly seek…

In this compelling episode of Lives of Courage, we delve into the profound and often misunderstood world of desire. Inspired by the rich insights of Trevor Hudson's "Seeking God" and complemented by the deep explorations in Curt Thompson's "The Soul of Desire," we embark on a journey to understand the true essence of our heart's longings. Desire is…

In this enlightening episode, we delve deep into the second pillar of the Cycle of Courage: Connection. Often overlooked but crucially important, Connection serves as the relational backbone that amplifies our capacity for courage. Discover the three key aspects of Connection—connecting with oneself, others, and God—and how they serve as catalysts …

In today's fast-paced world, stress and burnout are becoming the norm rather than the exception. So how do we push the 'reset' button on our mental well-being? This episode explores the concept of a 'Mental Health Day'—what it is, why you desperately need one, and how to plan it effectively. Host Jessica Stong dives into the science-backed benefits…

In this compelling episode of "The Lives of Courage Podcast," we delve deep into the transformative power of emotions with our episode titled "Feel It to Heal It." We explore the four common pathways people take when faced with uncomfortable emotions: Distract, Shut It Down, Overreact, and Feel the Feeling. Each option comes with its own set of cha…

In this profound episode of the Lives of Courage podcast, Jessica Stong delves deep into the intricate realm of cognition, a foundational pillar of the Cycle of Courage. Journey with Jessica as she unravels how our thoughts not only shape our emotions and actions but also sculpt the outcomes we experience in life. Drawing from the transformative TE…

In this today's episode, we dive deep into the profound mutual growth that occurs between a guide and their clients. From transformative stories of resilience and empathy to the unexpected ways clients have served as teachers, this episode is a celebration of the shared human journey. Tune in to explore the interwoven paths of lessons, gratitude, a…

In this episode, Jessica dives deep into the ancient concept of 'embodied shalom'—a holistic peace that permeates our body and every action, thought, and emotion. Discover how this profound experience intertwines with courage, the steps to integrate it into our daily rhythm, and a transformative weekly challenge to help listeners embark on the brav…

Episode Summary:Dive into the complex relationship between anxiety and courage, unraveling their historical context, understanding modern triggers, and discovering ways to navigate this emotional landscape. In today's episode, we dive deep into the intricate interplay of anxiety and courage. In a world filled with constant notifications, pressures,…

In this heartwarming episode of the Lives of Courage podcast, join us for a delightful conversation with Theo, a bright and curious 7-year-old, as he explores the world of boredom and play with his parent, Jess. Together, they delve into the fascinating topic of why being bored can actually be a good thing!Theo and Jess candidly share their experie…

Welcome to another invigorating episode of "Lives of Courage with Jessica Stong." This week, we are delving into the captivating concept of the Healthy Mind Platter, a mental wellness model formulated by renowned experts Dr. Daniel J. Siegel and Dr. David Rock. Tune in to explore the seven essential activities that promote a balanced and thriving m…

In this deeply personal and vulnerable episode, Jess peels back the layers of an imposter self, wrestling with anxiety and depression, revealing a story that resonates with our shared human experience. Through the wisdom of Brennan Manning, Jessica explores the "unaffected heart" - a state of dispassion that can creep into our lives, resulting in u…

In this thought-provoking episode, we delve into the hidden depths of our identities, exploring the imposter that lurks within us all and the shadow self that we often ignore. Drawing on the profound insights of Brennan Manning's "Abba's Child" and Thomas Merton's wisdom, we discuss how our false self can blind us to our true potential and hinder o…

In this meaningful episode, we explore the concept of the 'Wounded Healer' as described by spiritual guides Henri Nouwen and Brennan Manning. Drawing on Nouwen’s transformative idea that our deepest wounds could be a source of healing for ourselves and others, we delve into how struggles can lead to a profound understanding of our shared humanity. …

Welcome to this week's episode! In this installment, we delve into the vital topic of emotional well-being and the transformative power of self-care habits. Life's journey presents us with ups and downs, and it's crucial to recognize that it's okay to not always feel okay. Our host, Jessica, shares her personal experiences and insights on maintaini…

Welcome to the Lives of Courage podcast, where we explore the transformative power of emotions and their profound impact on our lives. In this episode, we delve into the concept of emotional clarity and its role in guiding us towards personal growth and positive change. Join your host, Jessica Stong, as she uncovers the secrets to understanding and…

In this episode, we delve into the encouraging (and unfiltered!) world of the Psalms. The Psalms have long been a source of comfort, guidance, and inspiration; these biblical prayers and hymns offer solace during trying times, inspire courage in the face of fear, and foster a deeper relationship with God. They offer ways for us to empower our praye…

In this powerful episode of Lives of Courage, we delve into a fascinating conversation about rewriting our stories and how fear can be transformed into a tool for personal growth. What You'll Learn: Understanding fear as a natural human emotion. Recognizing and breaking free from fear-induced patterns. How to consciously shift focus from fear to mo…

In this episode of Lives of Courage, host Jessica Stong takes you on a transformative journey as she explores the practical application of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in everyday life. Discover how integrating CBT principles can empower your mindset, improve your mental well-being, and help you navigate life's challenges with resilience and …

Welcome to another episode in the Mental Health Matters Series. Today, we tackle a sensitive yet crucial topic that affects countless lives around the world: youth suicide. This episode aims to shed light on the complex factors that contribute to this devastating issue, while also exploring strategies and resources for promoting mental health. Join…

Welcome back to another episode the Mental Health Matters series during May’s Mental Health Awareness Month. I’m honored to discuss some of the crucial issues surrounding mental well-being. Today we're diving into a topic that needs careful consideration: breaking the blame game. In recent years, there has been a growing trend of blaming parents fo…

Join me as I discuss the facts and statistics for Mental Health Awareness Month - celebrated every May since 1949!! It's so important for us to educate ourselves and others about the importance of taking care of our mental health. This year, Mental Health Awareness Month is more critical than ever, as the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted our daily l…

It's time we start talking about our mental health. And let's be honest, this episode has been a long time coming. It's my time to share. So here's my raw, unedited, unscripted (of course) story of my family's current journey. I'm scared and filled with shame but I'm going to choose courage. I accept this is part of my story. And I just pray it hel…

In part two of this goal setting series, I discuss why it’s so important to co-create goals with an open hand. I want to introduce you to my five step roadmap for goals that the results: Download Prioritize Commit Believe Practice Maybe you’re ready to set some powerful and exciting goals for 2022. I want to help you. If you join the Courageous Lif…