PODCAST · health
Sustained Courage
by Rachel Caruso-Novack
Welcome to Sustained Courage – the podcast where we dive deep into unlocking the inner hero within us all. I'm Rachel Caruso-Novack: employee, mother, wife, caretaker, author, and lifelong research enthusiast. Every week, I break down the latest research on grit, resilience, bravery, and more, so you can learn how to harness your own superpowers and face life's challenges with unwavering courage.Whether you're starting over, navigating a new chapter, or simply seeking to grow stronger, this show is for you. Let's embark on this journey together and unleash our inner heroes – starting right now!
Episodes
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Harvesting Courage: What Will Carry You Through the Darker Seasons?
Why does fall make you want to cancel your plans, put on sweatpants, and disappear into your house—and why are we so determined to fight it? For most of human history, autumn wasn't just a season. It was an accounting: What grew? What survived? What will sustain us through what's coming next? In...
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Sustained Courage Spotlight: Dolly Parton
What would Dolly do? In this Sustained Courage Spotlight, we celebrate the extraordinary life and legacy of Dolly Parton—and the lessons she left behind about authenticity, reinvention, boundaries, generosity, and knowing exactly who you are. From the little girl in the Smoky Mountains who…
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Happy Birthday to Me: On Aging, Wisdom & Giving Fewer F@#&s
Getting older gets a terrible reputation. We obsess over wrinkles, youth, milestones, timelines and all the things we think we should have accomplished by now. But on my birthday, I wanted to ask a different question: What if aging is actually one of the greatest privileges we get? In this solo...
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Can You Be Fair and Impartial? The Courtroom in My Head.
What does it really mean to be fair and impartial? After an unintentional July break, I'm back with a new episode inspired by my recent jury duty experience — a process that felt equal parts fascinating, frustrating, inefficient, and deeply American. What began as a courthouse rant quickly became…
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Your Life Is Not a Plot Summary
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....
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Consistency: The Most Boring Superpower on Earth
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…
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The Alter Ego Effect: Becoming on Purpose
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…
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When the World Is On Fire… and You Still Have to Do the Dishes
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...
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The Question That Stops Harmful Conversations Cold
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…
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How to Transform Your Life Without Burning It Down
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…
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Shadow Season: Trick, Treat, and the Courage to Face Your Darkness
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...
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The Power of Female Friendship: How We Heal, Sync, and Thrive Together
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...
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20 Minute Guided Ancestor Meditation ASMR
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...
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Ancestors: Unhinged History, DNA Secrets, and How to Connect
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...
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Your Body's Built-In Reset Button (and How to Press It)
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…
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Accountability is NOT Cruelty
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…
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The Mother of All Episodes: A Celebration of Mothers, the Original Caregiver
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…
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Invisible No More — Reclaiming Visibility, Voice & Value
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:...
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Spring Forward: The Season of Awakening & Audacious Growth
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...
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The Power of the Feminine – Strength, Suppression, and Resilience
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...
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Sustained Courage Spotlight: Nellie Bly
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...
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Shine the Light – The Power of Perspective
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...
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Find Your Inner Child: Practical Steps to Bring Fun and Joy Back into Adult Life
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...
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Bending Time: Ancient Secrets, Einstein's Revelations, and Modern Productivity Hacks
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...
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Sleep: The Superpower You're Not Using Enough
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…
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Choose Your Hard: Turning Quitter's Day Into a Comeback
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...
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Sustained Courage Spotlight: Laura Ingalls Wilder
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…
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Good Grief: How Death and Loss Can Be a Catalyst for Life
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...
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Nostalgia: Turning Past Memories Into Present Strength
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...
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Throw Guilt Out the Window: How to Manage Guilt and Prioritize Yourself
The holiday season is here, and so is its unwelcome guest—guilt. From skipping holiday parties to indulging in "guilty pleasures," guilt can creep into every corner of our lives. But what if you could reclaim your time and energy by letting go of unnecessary guilt? In this episode, we explore the...
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The Everyday Magic of Inspiration: Practical Steps to Get Unstuck and Take Action
In this episode, we dive into the transformative magic of inspiration—what it is, how it works, and how you can use it to fuel your growth, creativity, and purpose. Learn how to spark those "aha!" moments, find motivation even in challenging times, and turn your ideas into meaningful action. With...
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From Pickles to Profound: The Power of Curiosity
Curiosity fuels innovation, growth, and connection—but it's not without its challenges. In this episode, we explore the power of curiosity, from its role in shaping history to its impact on our personal and professional lives. Drawing inspiration from one of history's most curious minds, Leonardo...
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Activating Sisu: The Finnish Art of Courage, Resilience, and Strength
What is sisu? More than just a word, it's a way of being—a Finnish concept of resilience, determination, and inner strength that has no direct English translation. In this episode, we explore how sisu is the spark that drives us forward when we feel stuck, exhausted, or on the brink of giving up....
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Welcome to Sustained Courage – the podcast where we dive deep into unlocking the inner hero within us all. I'm Rachel Caruso-Novack: employee, mother, wife, caretaker, author, and lifelong research enthusiast. Every week, I break down the latest research on grit, resilience, bravery, and more, so you can learn how to harness your own superpowers and face life's challenges with unwavering courage.Whether you're starting over, navigating a new chapter, or simply seeking to grow stronger, this show is for you. Let's embark on this journey together and unleash our inner heroes – starting right now!
HOSTED BY
Rachel Caruso-Novack
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Sustained Courage have?
Sustained Courage currently has 33 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Sustained Courage about?
Welcome to Sustained Courage – the podcast where we dive deep into unlocking the inner hero within us all. I'm Rachel Caruso-Novack: employee, mother, wife, caretaker, author, and lifelong research enthusiast. Every week, I break down the latest research on grit, resilience, bravery, and more, so...
How often does Sustained Courage release new episodes?
Sustained Courage has 33 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Sustained Courage?
You can listen to Sustained Courage on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Sustained Courage?
Sustained Courage is created and hosted by Rachel Caruso-Novack.
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