The Courageous Life

Joshua Steinfeldt
  • 5.0 (8)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Founded by coach and teacher Joshua Steinfeldt, The Courageous Life invites you into a deep conversation about finding the courage to pursue what matters most in life, work, and love.

  1. 10 HRS AGO

    On a New Way to Thrive in Uncertainty | Elizabeth Weingarten

    In his book Letters to a Young Poet Celebrated author and poet  Rainer Maria Rilke wrote: “Be patient towards all that is unsolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves as if they were locked rooms or books written in a very foreign language.  Don’t search for the answers, which could not be given to you now because you would not be able to live them. And the point is to live everything.  Live the questions now. Perhaps then, someday far in the future, you will gradually, without even noticing it, live your way into the answer.” In 2025, with the publication of her beautiful book: How to Fall in Love with Questions: A New Way to Thrive in Times of Uncertainty Journalist and applied behavioral scientist,  Elizabeth Weingarten carries Rilke’s work forward.  Through contemporary research, powerful storytelling, and her beautifully written prose, Elizabeth charts a new path for personal growth— a way to embrace the questions of our lives instead of seeking fast, easy answers. She writes: “What do you do when faced with a big, important question that keeps you up at night?  Many people, understandably, seize answers dispensed by "experts," influencers, gurus, and more.  But these fast, easy, one-size-fits-all solutions often fail to satisfy, and can even cause more pain. What if our questions—the ones we ask about relationships, work, meaning, identity, and purpose—are not our tormentors, but our teachers?” In today’s conversation we’ll explore the fascinating possibility of living the questions.   Elizabeth will share stories from her journey of discovering a fresh, evidence-based approach for navigating uncertainty.  One inspired by Rilke’s 150-year-old advice, and the moving stories of many others, whose lives have transformed through a different, and better, relationship with uncertainty. Elizabeth’s work offers a powerful reminder: When we find the courage to love the questions of our lives It opens the door the kind of self-discovery that’s only possible when we feel most alive - That is, in the moments where don’t know what will happen next. For more on Elizabeth, her book, and other offerings please visit elizabethweingarten.com Enjoying the show? Please rate it wherever you listen to your podcasts! Did you find this episode inspiring? Here are other conversations we think you'll love: On the Science of Mastering Your Intuition | Laura HuangOn the Power of Wonder | Monica ParkerOn Work, Friendship, and Embracing Impermanence | Parker Palmer & Jerry ColonnaThanks for listening! Support the show

    57 min

  2. MAR 5

    [Best Of] On Expanding Our Window of Tolerance | Dr. David Treleaven

    Dr. David Treleaven is a a writer, educator, and trauma professional whose work lies at the intersection of mindfulness and trauma. At the heart of David’s work is the notion that mindfulness is more powerful when combined with an understanding of trauma. Part of what’s behind this is the growing realization over the years that mindfulness meditation isn’t all good. There are a number of potential pitfalls that have been increasingly documented over time. One of which is that mindfulness can exacerbate symptoms of traumatic stress. As a result David has focused on offering mindfulness providers the knowledge and tools they require to meet the needs of those struggling with trauma. In this conversation (which was originally recorded during COVID and we are re releasing again) David and I will explore a few big questions: What is the relationship between increasing our capacity to be with discomfort and a meaningful and fulfilling life? How can we increase our capacity to tolerate distress and discomfort while staying regulated, and responsive in the process? When we are working at the edge of our comfort zone, or are working with the more difficult aspects of our experience how do we know when to keep going, and when to back off? This is one of my favorite conversations on the show over the years and Partly because David is such a skilled teacher, and partly because the framework we'll discuss together (called the window of tolerance) is one of the most practical I  have come across for answering these big and nuanced questions about how to meet life from a more responsive and regulated place.  For more on David, his book, courses and events please visit: davidtreleaven.com Note on re-releasing this episode: Every so often we will choose to re release an episode from earlier years. These conversations are often some of the best we've had on the show and you'll see [Best of] in the title. This conversation was originally recorded in 2021 during COVID, yet the themes, and what David offers feel just as timely and useful today as they did years ago. I hope you enjoy! Interested in taking David's flagship Trauma Sensitive Mindfulness Course? As a listener of The Courageous Life you can get $400 off. To receive the discount: 1. Head to: https://davidtreleaven.com/trauma-sensitive-mindfulness-complete/ 2. Upon checkout enter the coupon code: courage400 Did you find this episode inspiring? Here are more conversations we think you'll love: On Why We Suffer and How We Heal | Dr. Suzan SongOn the Transformative Power of Equanimity | Margaret CullenOn the Power of Wonder | Monica ParkerEnjoying the show? Please rate it wherever you listen to your podcasts! Thanks for listening!  Support the show

    1h 13m

  3. FEB 26

    On the Underrated Power of Oversharing | Leslie John

    We all know the feeling: That gut-wrenching post-conversation replay, cringing at how much we just revealed.  Many of us live in fear of saying too much, so we keep our mouths shut,  guard our emotions, and lock away our most personal thoughts.  But what if we’ve been worrying about the wrong thing? A growing body of research shows we vastly underestimate the value of sharing more than we think we should, with our spouses, friends, colleagues, and even strangers.  In her new book, Revealing: The Underrated Power of Oversharing,   Behavioral Scientist and Harvard Business School Professor, Leslie John Draws on over a decade of research and real-life stories, as she explores:  why we hesitate to open up, when sharing really does backfire, and how to strike a balance between too much and too little.In today’s conversation we’ll dive into this practice of wise disclosure,   And how when we pair vulnerability and openness  with the practice of skillful discernment, We can unlock some of life’s richest rewards.  For more on Leslie, her book and other offerings please visit proflesliejohn.com Enjoying the show? Please rate it wherever you listen to your podcasts! Did you find this episode inspiring? Here are other conversations we think you'll love: On Becoming the Best Version of Yourself | Marc BrackettOn the Science, and Magic, of Great Conversations | Alison Wood BrooksA Cardiologist's Journey to Healing, Health, and Happiness | Dr. Jonathan FisherThanks for listening! Support the show

    55 min

  4. FEB 19

    [Best Of] On Wisdom & Love in Troubling Times | Mark Nepo & Elizabeth Lesser

    In times of great division, disruption, and uncertainty, how can we find the ability to stay grounded?  While each of us may find we have different answers,  Here are a few that have been emerging for me recently: The first - remembering, in the words of one of today’s guests:  you don’t have to do it alone.  Remembering the power (and necessity) of seeking out supportive community, and friends.  The second -turning to history.  Gaining perspective and insight by revisiting times in the past where humans have collectively endured, and persevered in the face of tremendous adversity. The third - turning to the wisdom of elders. Seeking out the wise and caring teachers, mentors, and leaders in our communities who are further along the path and can offer guidance from where they stand.  Two of these modern elders in many ways are Mark Nepo and Elizabeth Lesser. Chosen as one of OWN's SuperSoul 100,  a group of inspired leaders using their gifts and voices to elevate humanity,  Mark Nepo is one of the great poets and spiritual guides of our time.  And  bestselling author, and Co-Founder of Omega Institute, one of the world’s leading conference and retreat centers,  Elizabeth Lesser has had the opportunity to learn from, and collaborate with many of the greatest spiritual teachers and leaders around the world.  Something she’s done since Omega was first founded in 1977.  I asked Elizabeth and Mark if they’d be willing to come together to engage in a rich conversation - sharing some of their own insights, practices, and ultimately what they’ve learned from some of their teachers about navigating troubling times.  In this conversation (originally released in March 2025) we'll explore: The possibility of meeting whatever is here,  including the grand challenges we are facing,  with greater wisdom, balance, and love. For more on Mark please visit marknepo.com For more on Elizabeth check out elizabethlesser.org, and for more on Omega Institute please visit: eomega.org I was reminded in this conversation that perhaps the most potent way we might find our way through these times,  And back to each other, Is by remembering that at some level we are all made of the same stuff.  Each one of us, a human being - part of a larger whole. A reminder which in Mark’s words took this form: “When we come back into direct connection with life, There’s a reverence for life.  And when we have a reverence for life we can’t do harm.” Did you find this episode inspiring? Here are other conversations we think you'll love: On the Transformative Power of Equanimity | Margaret CullenOn Saving the World and Ourselves | john a. powellRediscovering the Art of Constructive Dialogue | Dr. Mylien Duong Enjoying the show? Please rate it wherever you listen to your podcasts.  Thanks for listening! Support the show

    1h 3m

  5. FEB 12

    On Why We Suffer and How We Heal | Dr. Suzan Song

    You may know people who are seemingly unflappable.  Steadfast.  As if they’ve somehow been inoculated with antibodies to render them able to survive, strive, and even thrive through major life stressors and transitions.  What’s different about these people?  Are they born with resilient genes, or does culture play a role?  Do they have certain outlooks or behaviors that make them able to manage life with grace and confidence? If so, are these skills that everyone can learn? Today’s guest, Stanford and Harvard trained psychiatrist, medical anthropologist, and humanitarian adviser, Dr. Suzan Song, has been exploring these questions for decades.  Working with people facing everything from everyday instability to profound human rights violations, She’s witnessed first-hand the limits of routine Western approaches to adversity.  And now, in her highly anticipated debut book,  Why We Suffer and How We Heal,  Suzan shows us that resilience isn’t inherited or taught in isolation— it emerges from the stories we tell, the rituals we keep, and the connections we depend on.  In today’s conversation we’ll unpack some of Dr. Song’s hard-earned wisdom,  Her insights about what helps most to weather life’s storms,  And the groundbreaking path she’s uncovered that can lead to deep healing,  thriving in spite of challenges,  and feeling fully alive again.   Perhaps most importantly though, she reminds us that this path  Is open to us all. For more on Dr. Song’s extraordinary work, speaking, and her new book (which if you enjoy this conversation I can’t recommend highly enough) please visit Suzansong.com Enjoying the show? Please rate it wherever you listen to your podcasts! Did you find this episode inspiring? Here are other conversations we think you'll love: On Curiosity, Presence, and Love | Dr. Jacob HamOn Choosing Love | Mark NepoOn Unlocking Our Primal Intelligence | Angus FletcherThanks for listening! Support the show

    55 min

  6. FEB 5

    On the Remedy for a World on Fire | Dr. Joanna Cheek

    What if the mental health symptoms we face aren’t the actual problem?  What if they’re signals that can help us see and solve the real problem?  Psychiatrist, award winning professor of medicine, journalist, and leading mental health expert,  Dr. Joanna Cheek invites us to lean into these questions Arguing In her timely new book:  It’s Not You, It’s the World, A Mental Health Survival Guide for Us All,  that we’re not broken or doing it wrong when we’re stressed or struggling. She writes: “As our world clashes and collapses around us, it’s no surprise that one in two of us will be diagnosed with a mental health condition by the age of forty.  It’s hard to view all our mental health symptoms as disordered if so many of us are experiencing them.  Perhaps it’s not that something’s gone wrong in our bodies and minds, but that something’s gone right:  These symptoms are brilliant alarms and adaptations to help us survive in a disordered world.  Having sensitive protective functions that sound alarms or short-circuit when we’re threatened isn’t a design flaw.  It’s a design success.” Her words, and the deeply compassionate, expansive set of insights, tools, and practices she offers in her book, and through the powerful work she does in the world, Invite us into a space of empowerment, connection, and hope. It’s the type of action-oriented hope that stems from grounded possibility. The possibility that when we care for both ourselves and our collectives,  And learn to understand and befriend our alarms  we can come together to solve the shared problems they’re signaling, we can heal the systems that are making us all sick,  And we can build a healthier future together.  For more on Joanna, her new book, events, and other work please visit joannacheek.ca Enjoying the show? Please rate it wherever you listen to your podcasts.  Did you find this episode inspiring? Here are other conversations we think you'll love: On the Transformative Power of Equanimity | Margaret CullenOn Saving Ourselves and the World | john a. powellOn Wisdom and Love in Troubling Times | Mark Nepo and Elizabeth LesserThanks for listening! Support the show

    57 min

  7. JAN 30

    On Presence, Community, and Flourishing | Daniel Coyle

    In his new book Flourish, bestselling author, scientific journalist, and leading culture expert Daniel Coyle trains his eye on the groups and people who demonstrate exceptional connectivity, presence, and dynamism.  His focus driven by a deep curiosity to better understand some of life’s biggest questions: What is a meaningful life, and how do we make one?  And How do certain communities foster closeness, fulfillment, happiness, and energy? To uncover the answers, Daniel spent 5 years visiting with,  and studying these diverse groups who he writes:  "Have, accidentally or on purpose, demonstrated an extraordinary ability to cultivate joyful, meaningful growth."  Some of them include:  An unlikely brotherhood of thirty-three men who were trapped in a Chilean mine, A tiny Michigan deli that blossomed into a $90 million ecosystem of businesses, while still keeping its soul.A children’s television show host whose quiet presence captured the hearts of parents and kids across generations.And a nonprofit in an impoverished Nairobi settlement that has improved quality of life for thousands of people.Through his trademark original reporting, Daniel found that these flourishing groups do two things:  They make meaningThey build communityBut how this unfolds is where things get really interesting:  Daniel shares: “The curious thing was, The source of aliveness seemed to be located in moments in which the group did absolutely nothing. That is, they often stopped their activities and came together in ritual-like stillness, and in those quiet moments meaningful connections would arise. These moments were mostly defined by what they lacked. There was no deciding, no information sharing, no reaching for outcomes. Instead the were about deliberately stopping, zooming out to take in the bigger picture, noticing and savoring connection." His beautiful new book, and today’s conversation, offer a powerful reminder -  To slow down,  To practice presence,  And through the process,  To connect more deeply with ourselves, each other, and the world around us.  If we do, it may just be the doorway to the meaning, joy, and fulfillment  so many of us yearn for.  For more on Daniel, his books, and other work please visit danielcoyle.com Enjoying the show? Please rate it wherever you listen to your podcasts! Did you find this episode inspiring? Here are other conversations we think you'll love: On the Science of Mastering Your Intuition | Laura HuangOn the Power of Wonder | Monica ParkerOn Unlocking Our Primal Intelligence | Angus FletcherThanks for listening! Support the show

    57 min

  8. JAN 22

    On the Transformative Power of Equanimity | Margaret Cullen

    There is an internal strength of mind and heart that is characterized by  non-reactivity and clear seeing.  It is a strength that holds the power to help us navigate the biggest challenges in our lives — not by ignoring them, not by reacting to them in destructive ways,  But rather by being present with, and open to, all the very real struggles of being human  without being hijacked by them.  In her new book, Quiet Strength: Find Peace, Feel Alive, and Love Boundlessly Through the Power of Equanimity,  Revered meditation teacher and licensed psychotherapist Margaret Cullen,  Speaks to how how we can grow our capacity for equanimity.  For 3 years Margaret took a deep dive into Equanimity.  Meeting with leading neuroscientists,  psychologists,  faith leaders,  meditation teachers,  and even a politician, All to explore equanimity’s promise.  Which she writes: "Is expansiveness. An ability to love life in all it’s poignancy;  To fearlessly let go of self-limiting definitions;  and to see in sadness, fear and anger some of the same signs of being  ferociously alive we feel in delight connection and awe.  Equanimity is our capacity to be  tender-hearted without sentimentality,  vulnerable without weakness,  wise without detachment,  humble without diffidence,  and to surrender without passivity." Today we’ll explore this promise. The very real possibility of meeting life’s challenges from a place of grounded wisdom,  And growing the quiet strength needed to create a better world.  For more on Margaret, her books, teaching, live events, and other offerings please visit margaretcullen.com And to preorder your copy of Quiet Strength (coming in March 2026) please visit:  https://margaretcullen.com/publications/book/quiet-strength Enjoying the show? Please rate it wherever you listen to your podcasts! Did you find this episode inspiring? Here are other conversations we think you'll love: On Ordinary Mysticism, Wonder, and Love | Mirabai StarrOn Choosing Love | Mark NepoOn Work, Friendship, and Embracing Impermanence | Parker Palmer & Jerry ColonnaThanks for listening! Support the show

    56 min
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About

Founded by coach and teacher Joshua Steinfeldt, The Courageous Life invites you into a deep conversation about finding the courage to pursue what matters most in life, work, and love.

Information

  • Creator
    Joshua Steinfeldt
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    232
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Courageous Life
  • Show Website
    The Courageous Life

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