The Life of Try: Personal growth, one try at a time.

Wynne Leon
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Biweekly

What happens when trying matters more than getting it right? The Life of Try is a personal growth and self-help podcast about getting unstuck, navigating uncertainty, and choosing to try—especially when it’s uncomfortable or not your idea. Hosted by Wynne Leon, episode alternate between interviews and real-world stories to explore reinvention, resilience, and what it takes to keep going when plans fall apart. If you’re ready to surf the uncertainty and start your try-cycle, you’re in the right place. The Life of Try isn’t about hustle or perfection. It’s about learning as you go.

  1. 50m ago

    Way Will Open: How To Trust Life's Timing

    Feeling stuck or unsure how to move forward? In this reflective episode of The Life of Try, Wynne Leon explores the Quaker phrase “way will open” and the unexpected guidancehidden in closed doors, delays, and seasons of waiting. Through personal stories of illness, motherhood, life transitions, and lessons from Parker J. Palmer and Mark Nepo, Wynne shares how to trust the process, stop forcing theoutcome, and recognize the next honest step. Listen for an encouraging reminder that rest is not failure, progress does not always look like motion, and the path ahead may become clearer when we notice what has closed behind us.

  2. Sep 30

    How to Stop Procrastinating and Start: The 10-Minute Rule for Taking Action

    What if the key to overcoming procrastination isn’tfinishing—it’s simply starting? In this episode of The Life of Try,Wynne Leon shares a practical 10-minute strategy for beginning before you feel ready, taking imperfect action, and building momentum when a goal feels overwhelming.Explore why starting can feel so difficult, how the Zeigarnik effect may keep unfinished tasks active in your mind, and why one small first step can help you move forward with greater clarity and confidence. You’ll leave with a simple challenge: set a timer, make one imperfect move, and give yourself a clear next step.If you’re ready to stop procrastinating, get unstuck, and take action on something that matters, this episode is your invitation to begin. Then continue building momentum with How to Build Habits That Stick featuring Dr. Mike Rucker.What will you start today?

  3. Sep 23

    The Art of Meaningful Conversations: Lessons from 200 podcast episodes

    What can 200 podcast episodes teach us about betterconversations, meaningful connection, and personal growth? In this milestone episode of The Life of Try, Dr. Vicki Atkinson turns the tables and interviews host Wynne Leon about nearly four years of podcasting—and the courage, creativity, and consistency it takes to keep going. Wynne shares why authentic conversations require bothpreparation and presence, how perfectionism can block openness, and why serving your audience matters more than simply publishing content. She and Vicki explore podcast audience growth, building trust over time, creating meaningful work in the age of AI, finding the right collaborators, and learning from the people who say yes. If you feel stuck, uncertain, or impatient with your progress, this encouraging conversation is a reminder that growth does not have to happen quickly. One thoughtful conversation, one genuine connection, and one brave try can move you forward. In this episode: ·       How to have deeper, more authentic conversations ·       Why preparation leads to better podcast interviews ·       How to let go of perfectionism and stop editing yourself ·       Why trust and audience growth take time ·       How small acts of courage can help you get unstuck Related themes: personal growth, authenticcommunication, podcasting lessons, creativity, overcoming perfectionism, getting unstuck, building an audience, courage, resilience, and human connection.

  4. Sep 16

    The Power of Saying Yes

    How can you say yes to more family adventures—without overspending or overplanning? In this episode of The Life of Try, Wynne Leon talks with Natasha Dillinger about raising adventurous kids, family camping, low-cost activities, preparing kids for new experiences, and staying flexible when plans fall apart. Discover practical ways to build confidence, resilience, and connection through imperfect adventures close to home. In this conversation: ·       How to raise kids who are willing to try new things ·       Why saying yes to adventure can become a family habit ·       Simple strategies for planning group trips ·       How to prepare children for change and uncertainty ·       Why flexibility and humor matter when plans fall apart If this episode resonates with you, listen next to WhenYour Plans Fall Apart for more encouragement on navigating unexpected turns with creativity, humor, and resilience. Subscribe to The Life of Try for more honest conversations about courage, personal growth, family adventure, resilience, and the joy of trying.

  5. Sep 9

    Growth Takes Energy| How Rest Helps Habits Stick

    Why does growth feel so exhausting—and could rest be themissing ingredient that helps new habits stick? In this episode of The Life of Try, Wynne Leon connects Carol Dweck’s growth mindset research, Adam Grant’s ideas about habits and identity, and the restorative power of sleep,fewer decisions, intentional breaks, and creativity. Through stories from the first day of school, middle-school drop-off, mountain climbing, and her daughter’s crochet project, Wynne shares three practical ways to protect yourenergy while building sustainable change. If you’re navigating a transition, working on personal growth, or trying to avoid burnout, this episode is a reminder that rest is not stepping away from the try—it is what helps you return. Listen next: Identity Before Strategy withKevin Yoder, a conversation about why lasting change begins with who we believe we are—not simply with a better plan. ABOUT MEHi, I’m Wynne Leon — host of The Life of Try, a personal growth and self-improvement podcast exploring resilience, reinvention, uncertainty, and the courage to keep trying.Through thoughtful interviews, reflective conversations, and real-life stories, I share insights to help you navigate change, get unstuck, and move forward with more intention.🌍 Website: https://wynneleon.com

  6. Sep 2

    When You Know You're Not Going to Make It

    What do you do when you realize the goal you were aiming for is no longer within reach? In this motivational episode of The Life of Try, Wynne Leon shares a winter climb on Mt. Whitney that became a powerful lesson in resilience, self-compassion, letting go of shame, and finding meaning when life does not go as planned. In This Episode You'll Learn: → Not reaching the summit is not the same as failing. Sometimes the value of a try is not in achieving the goal, but in what the attempt teaches us. → Pause before reacting to disappointment. When urgency, panic, or shame rises up, taking a moment can help us see the next right step more clearly. → Take the learning and leave the shame. Self-criticism makes the climb heavier; self-compassion helps us learn, adjust, and keep going. → Widen the definition of success. A try can still matter even when the original outcome changes. Courage, honesty, effort, and accepting help all count. → Accepting help is part of resilience. Being helped does not make the try less meaningful. Sometimes it is exactly what allows us to continue becoming someone who tries. If you are navigating disappointment, burnout, uncertainty, or a dream that feels too heavy to carry, this spoken-word reflection offers encouragement to pause, learn, accept help, and keep becoming the kind of person who tries. The Life of Try is a personal growth and self-improvement podcast about resilience, courage, mindset, creativity, reinvention, and learning to keep trying when life doesn't go according to plan. If you're ready to embrace uncertainty, build resilience, and discover the power of consistent effort, you're in the right place. 📘 Order Enough: Climbing Toward a True Self on Mount Everest 🌍 Show notes and more inspiration: https://wynneleon.com 🔗 Connect with Dr. Kristin Neff • Website:→ https://self-compassion.org/ • Linkedin: → https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinneff/🔔 Subscribe to The Life of Try for more conversations on:personal growth, creativity, reinvention, resilience, writing, and mindset. 📌 Subscribe To Our YouTube Channel & Stay Updated ABOUT ME Hi, I’m Wynne Leon — host of The Life of Try, a personal growth and self-improvement podcast exploring resilience, reinvention, uncertainty, and the courage to keep trying. Through thoughtful interviews, reflective conversations, and real-life stories, I share insights to help you navigate change, get unstuck, and move forward with more intention. 🎥 Watch Next ➡️ Letting Go Of Outcomes: The Mindset That Keeps You Moving ➡️ Why Second Place Isn't Failure | The Hidden Power of Persistence & Resilience ➡️ When Your Plans Fall Apart | How to Stay Resilient, Adapt & Keep Moving Forward 🔗 CONNECT WITH ME: • Website:→ https://wynneleon.com/ • Instagram:→ https://www.instagram.com/wynneleon/ • Facebook:→ https://www.facebook.com/wynne.leon/ • Amazon: → https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B002IKWX14 Remember: Success isn't always about finishing first. Sometimes the greatest victories belong to those who stay prepared, keep growing, and never stop trying.

  7. Aug 26

    Creating Lift: Leadership, Mentorship and the Courage to Keep Growing

    What does it take to create “lift” in our work, leadership, creativity, and personal growth? In this episode of The Life of Try, host Wynne Leon talks with Bruce Dorey, PhD, mechanical engineer, coach, and author of Lift and A Whole New Way to Work, about how we learn, lead, mentor, and keep honing our craft in a rapidly changing world.Bruce shares why leadership, like aerodynamic lift, doesn’t exist inside one person alone—it happens at the intersection of a person and their environment. Together, Wynne and Bruce explore the importance of mentorship, craftsmanship, and passing down hard-won wisdom from one generation to the next. They discuss why modern workplaces often lose the beauty of the master-apprentice model, and how reclaiming that spirit can help us become better leaders, teachers, collaborators, and human beings.The conversation also dives into the role of AI, augmented reality, virtual reality, and immersive technology in productivity, creativity, flow, and resilience. Bruce explains how tools like AI can help us capture tribal knowledge, reflect on our work, build better habits, and continue improving our craft without needing a formal guild or large support system. He also shares how VR can support rest, reset, awe, play, focus, and a deeper sense of connection.From the Miracle on the Hudson to mountain climbing, from craftsmanship to the gig economy, this episode is a thoughtful conversation about leadership development, personal growth, mentorship, technology, awe, and the courage to keep trying.If you’re interested in how to become a better mentor, build resilience, use technology more intentionally, find flow, overcome burnout, or create more meaning in your work, this episode offers practical inspiration and a new way to think about growth. 🔔 Subscribe to The Life of Try on YouTube for more conversations on: personal growth, creativity, reinvention, resilience, writing, and mindset. ABOUT ME Hi, I’m Wynne Leon — host of The Life of Try, a personal growth and self-improvement podcast exploring resilience, reinvention, uncertainty, and the courage to keep trying. Through thoughtful interviews, reflective conversations, and real-life stories, I share insights to help you navigate change, get unstuck, and move forward with more intention. 🌍 Website: https://wynneleon.com━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━🎥 Watch Next ➡️ Brand Strategy for Humans with Nancy Martira➡️ Identity Before Strategy: How to Break Through Invisible Ceilings with Kevin Yoder ➡️ How to Embrace What Makes You Different | Finding Your Purpose with Kym Gordon Moore 🔗 CONNECT WITH ME: • Website:→ https://wynneleon.com/ • Instagram:→ https://www.instagram.com/wynneleon/ • Facebook:→ https://www.facebook.com/wynne.leon/ • Amazon: → https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B002IKWX14

  8. Aug 19

    Brand Strategy for Humans with Nancy Martira

    In this episode of The Life of Try, Wynne Leon talks with brand strategist Nancy Martira of Clew Strategy about how to market yourself, promote your work, and build a personal brand without losing your humanity. Nancy helps expert-led businesses, authors, job seekers, and knowledge-based professionals find what makes them impossible to ignore. Together, Wynne and Nancy explore the difference between brand and reputation, the “say-do gap” between what we claim and how people experience us, and why authentic personal branding begins with believing you have something of real value to offer. This conversation is especially helpful for writers, creators, entrepreneurs, and professionals who feel uncomfortable with self-promotion. Nancy offers a practical and compassionate reframe: instead of trying to be everywhere or shouting into every algorithm, go where you’re wanted. Find the people who are already looking for what you have to give. Wynne and Nancy also talk about finding your unique value proposition, identifying your “iconic space,” using storytelling in book marketing and job searches, and navigating AI tools without sacrificing your voice, ethics, or originality. Nancy’s approach to brand strategy is deeply human, clear, and encouraging — perfect for anyone trying to become more visible while staying true to themselves. If you’ve ever wondered how to market a book, promote your business, refresh your LinkedIn profile, stand out in a crowded job market, or build a personal brand that feels authentic, this episode will help you think more clearly about reputation, positioning, storytelling, and the courage to be seen. Key Takeaways • Marketing works better when you go where you’re wanted. Instead of trying to be everywhere, focus on the audiences already looking for what you offer—readers, clients, employers, or communities who are most likely to value your work. • Find your iconic space. The goal isn’t just to list credentials or follow a formula. It’s to discover the unique value, story, and perspective that only you can bring. • Use AI as a tool, not a substitute for voice. Technology can help with SEO, titles, and tactics, but the strategy, values, and humanity behind your work need to come from you. 🌐 Nancy Martira at Clew Strategy: https://www.clewstrategy.com/ Show notes and more inspiration: https://wynneleon.com🔔 Subscribe to The Life of Try for more conversations on: personal growth, creativity, reinvention, resilience, writing, and mindset. 📌 Subscribe To Our YouTube Channel & Stay Updated: ABOUT ME Hi, I’m Wynne Leon — host of The Life of Try, a personal growth and self-improvement podcast exploring resilience, reinvention, uncertainty, and the courage to keep trying. Through thoughtful interviews, reflective conversations, and real-life stories, I share insights to help you navigate change, get unstuck, and move forward with more intention. 🌍 Website: https://wynneleon.com ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🎥 Watch Next Identity Before Strategy: How to Break Through Invisible Ceilings with Kevin Yoder The Power of Looking At Your Life Through a New Lens How to Tell Relatable Stories

See All (75)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

What happens when trying matters more than getting it right? The Life of Try is a personal growth and self-help podcast about getting unstuck, navigating uncertainty, and choosing to try—especially when it’s uncomfortable or not your idea. Hosted by Wynne Leon, episode alternate between interviews and real-world stories to explore reinvention, resilience, and what it takes to keep going when plans fall apart. If you’re ready to surf the uncertainty and start your try-cycle, you’re in the right place. The Life of Try isn’t about hustle or perfection. It’s about learning as you go.

Information

You Might Also Like