PODCAST · society
The Courage Effect
by Suzanne Weller - Weller Collaboration
The Courage Effect is a show about what becomes possible when you stop waiting to feel ready. Hosted by Suzanne Weller, it’s honest conversation about the fear, risk, and uncertainty behind every meaningful step — and how courage gets lived, not just talked about.Because it isn’t reserved for the dramatic moments. It’s a reinvention and it’s speaking up. It’s challenging inequality and it’s saying hello to a stranger. The big leaps and the small, daily acts both count — and both are where change happens.These are the stories that move us forward. Let’s go.
Episodes
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Kevin Bott: The Homecoming Ritual Prison Never Gave
#93: Suzanne Weller speaks with Kevin Bott about Ritual4Return, a homecoming project for people returning from incarceration. They explore why re-entry needs more than logistics, how storytelling and theater can help restore dignity, and why communities have a role in welcoming people home. Kevin...
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Nwando Anyaoku: Stop Translating Yourself
#92: In this episode of The Courage Effect, Suzanne Weller talks with Dr. Nwando Anyaoku — a board-certified pediatrician, physician executive, and advocate for women in leadership — about finding the courage to use your voice, own your story, and imagine a bigger future. Dr. Anyaoku shares her...
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Siamak Namazi: Never Out of Options
#91: Suzanne Weller speaks with Siamak Namazi about the eight years he spent detained in Iran, and how he turned an extreme loss of freedom into a set of practical decision-making tools. This conversation is equal parts survival story, systems thinking, and unexpectedly funny reflection on how to...
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Jessie Swisher Spiers: Why Great Leaders Stop Trying to Look Like Leaders
#90: Suzanne Weller sits down with Jessie Swisher Spiers (Executive Director of Seattle Humane) to talk about leading lived inside a high-stakes, mission-driven organization. Jessie traces her leadership back to a service-oriented upbringing in West Virginia and a career in nonprofit fundraising,...
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Julie Averill: Why the Best Tech Leaders Put People Before AI
#89: Suzanne sits down with Julie Averill (author of Chief Impact Officer and founder of Gold Thread LLC), who spent nearly three decades in retail technology, most recently as Global CIO at lululemon, where she helped scale the company from $2 billion to over $10 billion. Julie started out as…
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Shawn Vanderhoven: Tap the Pause
#88: Discover how slowing down can revolutionize your leadership approach and help your team excel amidst constant distractions. Shawn Vanderhoven shares his journey, insights from research, and practical tools to implement deliberate pauses for improved focus, impact, and well-being. He talks…
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Sharon K. Gillenwater: The Myth of the Flawless Founder
#87: Suzanne Weller talks with Sharon Gillenwater; a four-time founder navigating one of entrepreneurship's hardest moments: rebuilding from scratch after her previous company (Boardroom Insiders) was unexpectedly shut down following its sale. In this episode, she shares how she turned that…
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Emily Parkhurst: Men Ask Forgiveness, Women Ask Permission
#86: In this episode, Emily Parkhurst talks with Suzanne Weller about her inspiring journey from classical musician to Founder and CEO of Formidable Media, an organization dedicated to amplifying women's voices in media, leadership, and healthcare. Discover how she challenges industry norms and...
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Brent Robertson: Unpacking Courage, Blasphemy, and Organizational Narratives
#85: Suzanne Weller sits down with Brent Robertson, founder of Be Generative and TEDx speaker, for a conversation about courageous leadership, storytelling, and challenging the status quo. Brent shares why “blasphemy” is his word for what happens when someone questions the prevailing truth — and...
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Kat Kibben: There's Always Another Way Out
#84: Discover how intentionality in creating your personal and professional environments can cultivate courage and lived leadership. In this episode, Kat Kibben talks with Suzanne Weller about their transformative journey into van life, insights on leading through uncertainty, and practical ways…
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Season 2026 Teaser: It Starts With You
Think about the last environment you walked into — a meeting, a family dinner, a conversation with someone you manage or someone who manages you. Did you create that environment? Or did it just happen to you? Most of us spend a lot of time thinking about what we're in. What we don't always do —…
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Listener Favorite with Fumbi Chima: Getting There is One Thing, Staying There is Another
What does it really take to be a woman at the top — not just to get there, but to stay? In this listener favorite, Suzanne Weller sits down with global technology executive Fumbi Chima for an honest conversation about directness, equity, identity, and the quiet courage it takes to stop shrinking...
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Listener Favorite with Dr. Jeremy Nobel: Crafting Connections in a Lonely World
In this episode, Suzanne Weller engages in a profound conversation with Dr. Jeremy Nobel about the complexities of loneliness. They explore the different types of loneliness (psychological, societal, and existential) and emphasize the importance of acknowledging and addressing these feelings. Dr....
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Listener Favorite with Michael Hudson: The Courage to Be an Outsider
Michael Hudson moved to rural Vietnam at 22 and stayed through the hard parts. Now CEO of the Hudson Institute of Coaching, he shares what he learned about courage, identity, and the disruptions that force us to grow. Key Themes: Naive Courage vs. Cultivated Courage Naive courage gets you on the...
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Listener Favorite: Courageous Communication with Julie Pham
What happens when we avoid the hard conversations? Dr. Julie Pham, Founder/CEO of Curiosity Based and author of "Seven Forms of Respect," shares the messy truth about when she got it wrong—and what changed when she finally chose directness over avoidance. Julie opens up about quitting a job…
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2025 Season Reflections: Put Your Ass Where Your Heart Wants to Be
#83: The Courage Effect: 2025 Season Finale Suzanne reflects on this season's powerful conversations and asks: What are you waiting for permission to do? Season Themes: Speaking the Unspeakable From menopause (Jill Angelo) to family secrets (Susan Liu) to standing in gaps others won't (Andrea...
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When Life Throws You a Tree: A Mini Episode on Loss, Safety, and What Really Matters
#82: In this raw and personal mini episode, Suzanne opens up about a month of grief and disruption — losing her aunt to aggressive cancer and having a massive tree crash through her dining room skylight on her wedding anniversary. She reflects on what it means to feel safe and secure when life...
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Andrea Anderson: Good Trouble and Girl Scouts
#81: Andrea Anderson, CEO of Girl Scouts of Western Washington, discusses the courage to stand where others won't, lead authentically, and embrace not fitting in. From sex education to running one of the country's most progressive Girl Scout councils, Andrea shares why being an outsider is her...
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Massimo Backus: Why Being Kind to Yourself Makes You a Better Leader
#80: Massimo Backus, author of "Human First, Leader Second," shares his transformative journey from high-achieving "sage on the stage" to authentic leader through the power of self-compassion. Key Moments: The Wake-Up Call - Massimo was running global leadership development when devastating 360...
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Susan Lieu: Breaking the Silence on Family Secrets and Finding Your Voice
#79: When Susan Lieu's mother died from a botched cosmetic surgery at age 11, her Vietnamese immigrant family did what they knew how to do: they never spoke about it again. For three decades, the silence persisted. But when Susan faced the question "How do I become a mother if I never knew my…
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Lisa Fain: Building Developmental Networks & The Courage to Ask for Help
#78: In this conversation, Lisa Fain discusses the concept of developmental networks and the role of courage in creating intentional learning relationships. She emphasizes the importance of community, connection, and reciprocity in mentoring relationships, and how these elements contribute to...
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George Brewster: The Courage to Uproot
#77: George shares how a chance coffee shop conversation led to uprooting his family (three kids, ages 11-13) and moving to a small Spanish village for what became a two-year adventure. From navigating bureaucracy and language barriers to watching his children courageously walk into Spanish...
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Patricia Bravo: Empathy in Leadership
#76: Join host Suzanne Weller and Patricia Bravo (Founder of Bravo for You) as they explore why empathy requires courage in today's workplaces and how leaders can use empathy strategically without sacrificing results. Key Topics: Empathy isn't a soft skill — it's a strategic leadership advantage...
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Michele Y. Smith: Democratizing Arts and Culture
#75: In this conversation, Suzanne Weller interviews Michele Y. Smith, CEO of the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), discussing her journey of courage and leadership in the nonprofit sector. They explore themes of democratizing pop culture, the importance of community engagement, and the challenges...
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Ashley Gilbertson: Confronting Conflict and Change Through the Lens of Courage
#74: Join host Suzanne Weller for an unflinching conversation with award-winning photojournalist and writer Ashley Gilbertson, who has spent over two decades documenting conflict, migration, and pivotal moments that shape our world. From the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan to the halls of…
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Sharon Podobnik: Courage as a Skill and Learning to be Brave
#73: In this conversation, Sharon Podobnik (leadership coach, facilitator, and founder of The Center for Conscious Leadership) and Suzanne Weller explore the multifaceted nature of courage, emphasizing its inner and outer dimensions. They discuss personal experiences of courage, the evolution of...
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Pelumi Nubi: The Power of Solo Travel
#72: In this engaging conversation, Pelumi Nubi shares her inspiring journey as a trailblazing travel content creator, adventurer, and the first black woman to drive solo from London to Lagos. She discusses the courage it takes to travel alone (especially as a woman!) and the importance of...
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Jill Angelo: Empowering Women Through Menopause
#71: Jill Angelo (a visionary leader in women's health in midlife, and one of Inc. Magazine’s 2020 Top 100 Female Founders) talks with Suzanne about her journey of founding Gennev, a clinician-built menopause care platform. She shares her challenges and triumphs of founding the organization,...
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The Courage Effect Returns: New Season Teaser
#70: In this micro show, Suzanne announces our brand new season launching June 11th. From there, get ready for an incredible range of topics: We’re kicking off with a powerful episode on menopause — featuring a trailblazing woman who founded the first clinician-based menopause care platform....
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Listener Favorite: Leveraging Your Invisible Network with Michael Melcher
#24: Suzanne Weller engages with executive coach Michael Melcher to explore the themes of courage, growth, and the importance of networking. They discuss the discomfort that often accompanies personal change, the role of self-compassion, and how to navigate relationships that can either support…
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Listener Favorite: Stop Overthinking to Expand Your Creativity: Suzanne Weller
#43: In this episode of The Courage Effect, Suzanne Weller explores the intricate relationship between creativity and overthinking. Drawing inspiration from Rick Rubin's book “ The Creative Act”, she emphasizes the courage required to embrace creativity and the detrimental effects of overthinking...
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Listener Favorite: Courage and Trust on the Entrepreneurial Journey with Lenora Edwards
#21: In this episode of The Courage Effect, Suzanne Weller engages in a deep conversation with Lenora Edwards (CEO Advisor for Business Growth) about the themes of courage, trust, and entrepreneurship. They explore the journey of starting a business, the importance of trusting oneself, learning...
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Listener Favorite: Growth Following Trauma with Rebecca Weaver
#47: In this episode of The Courage Effect, host Suzanne Weller speaks with Rebecca Weaver, founder and CEO of HRuprise, about her journey through post-traumatic growth following a breast cancer diagnosis during the pandemic. They discuss the importance of recognizing collective trauma, the…
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Listener Favorite: The Perfection Trap with Dr. Thomas Curran
#39 | 1.24.2024: host Suzanne Weller engages in a deep conversation with Dr. Thomas Curran (the world's leading expert on perfectionism and author of the best-selling book The Perfection Trap) about the complexities of perfectionism. They explore its roots in societal pressures, the different…
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Listener Favorite: Magic and Mayhem with Susan Mann
Bringing out a show from our archive that about resilience, vulnerability, collective trauma, coping strategies, and leadership. #37: In this episode Suzanne engages in a heartfelt conversation with leadership coach Susan Mann about navigating the complexities of life, particularly in the context...
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Lessons Learned from Leaving Meta
#69 In this livestream conversation recorded on 2.25.2025, Suzanne and 3 other Meta refugees (Bridget Belden, Mellicia Marx, and Suzanne Rothmeyer) discuss their decision behind leaving Meta platforms. They share their individual experiences, values, and the impact of social media on their lives...
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Listener Favorite: Personal Safety with Barb Jordan
#17: Suzanne Weller speaks with Barb Jordan, a personal safety expert and founder of Always Bev, an organization dedicated to educating individuals about personal safety. Barb shares her personal journey, including the tragic loss of her sister to gun violence, which inspired her to create Always...
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Listener Favorite: Breaking Expectations with Sports Photographer Elsa
#33: Elsa shares her story of becoming a successful sports photographer, which started when she shot a football game in high school and has led to covering some of the most preeminent events including the Olympics, World Series, Super Bowl, NBA Finals, US Open, and FIFA Men’s and Women’s World…
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Emerge 2025: The Courage Effect’s Evolution
#68: Suzanne sets the tone for the year, exploring her word of the year: "Emerge," a focus on shaking things up, and announces exciting changes coming in the months ahead – including a shift to a seasonal podcast format. Referenced in this show: The Courage Effect #36: Courageous Intentions for…
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Embracing Grief and Growth with April McCormick
#67: Suzanne explores themes of grief, transformation, and the power of courage with April McCormick. April shares the heart-wrenching story of her son’s passing and how it shaped her leadership approach, highlighting the importance of understanding others, finding meaning in pain, and the…
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Unlocking Potential: Courage, Joy, and Personal Truth with Roger Kastner
#66. Roger Kastner (organizational development practitioner, leadership coach, and host of the What Do You Know To Be True? podcast) joins Suzanne for an exploration into the fluid nature of personal truth and the journey from fear to courage. They discuss how purpose, joy, and organizational...
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Listener Favorite: Courageous Conversations with Suzanne Weller
#32: Now we’re in the holiday season, there’s a good chance we’ll be having hard or awkward conversations with family, friends, or colleagues. Suzanne talks through some ways to prepare for what she calls a “courageous conversation” so we can transform these dreaded discussions into empowering,...
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Leadership Insights for Uncertain Times: A Conversation with Stacy Harris
#65. Suzanne is joined by visionary leadership coach Stacy Harris for a conversation about the tough realities leaders are facing right now – from navigating uncertain markets to managing remote teams and engaging a diverse workforce. They also share insights on their upcoming leadership…
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The Power of Pause: A Courage Up! 30-Day Challenge Mindfulness with Allie Siegel
#64: Join our October “Courage Up!” Challenge to practice mindfulness with our special guest, Allie Siegel. She challenges us to dedicate just 5 minutes a day to connect our mind and body through mindful meditation, using our senses to break the autopilot mode. Your path to greater presence and...
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Surviving a Chaotic World: Practical Strategies for Navigating Stress, Anger, and Anxiety
#63 Suzanne dives deep into emotional resilience, sharing insights on how to balance emotions, recognize anxiety as unmet needs, and turn stress into positive outcomes. We explore the power of emotional literacy and the courage to turn anger, stress, and anxiety into catalysts for growth and...
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Judy Greenfeld’s Journey Through Faith, Loss, and New Beginnings
Suzanne speaks with rabbi/cantor Judy Greenfeld, whose journey is a testament to the power of courage and resilience. Judy shares how she found strength in Judaism after her father's tragic murder (despite her earlier drift away from her faith), the transformative power of sharing personal…
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Conquer Procrastination with our Courage Up! 30-Day Challenge
#61: Join our October “Courage Up!” Challenge to Conquer Procrastination. Suzanne shares insights on understanding why we procrastinate – whether it's a daunting task or breaking a bad habit – and invites you to join her 30-day challenge to conquer what's been holding you back. Let's face it...
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Leadership Insights and Global Experiences with Mikaela Kiner
#60. Founder, CEO, and executive coach Mikaela Kiner talks with Suzanne about the importance of kindness, patience, and understanding in both personal and professional interactions. They touch on the courage it takes to address toxic behavior in the workplace, each leaders’ responsibility to…
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Courage Up! Your 30-Day Challenge to Learn Something New
#59: Suzanne invites you to join our September “Courage Up!” Challenge to Learn Something New Suzanne reflects on the stories of last month’s challenge to make one new connection, and invites you to join her new 30-day challenge: learning something new. Whether it's reading a book, taking a…
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The Courage to Disrupt: Michael Hudson on Change and Leadership
#58: Michael Hudson (CEO at the Hudson Institute of Coaching) joins Suzanne for a conversation about adapting to new environments, the courage to disrupt traditions, and why coaching is needed in our world today more than ever before. They discuss Michael’s early career experiences in Vietnam and...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The Courage Effect is a show about what becomes possible when you stop waiting to feel ready. Hosted by Suzanne Weller, it’s honest conversation about the fear, risk, and uncertainty behind every meaningful step — and how courage gets lived, not just talked about.Because it isn’t reserved for the dramatic moments. It’s a reinvention and it’s speaking up. It’s challenging inequality and it’s saying hello to a stranger. The big leaps and the small, daily acts both count — and both are where change happens.These are the stories that move us forward. Let’s go.
HOSTED BY
Suzanne Weller - Weller Collaboration
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Courage Effect have?
The Courage Effect currently has 108 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Courage Effect about?
The Courage Effect is a show about what becomes possible when you stop waiting to feel ready. Hosted by Suzanne Weller, it’s honest conversation about the fear, risk, and uncertainty behind every meaningful step — and how courage gets lived, not just talked about.Because it isn’t reserved for the...
How often does The Courage Effect release new episodes?
The Courage Effect publishes regularly with 108 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to The Courage Effect?
You can listen to The Courage Effect 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 The Courage Effect?
The Courage Effect is created and hosted by Suzanne Weller - Weller Collaboration.
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