the effing audacity

the effing audacity

Vulnerable stories of courage, self‑discovery, travel, and personal growth, inspiring those to step out of the comfort zone and into the authentic lives they were meant to live.  Hosted by Renee Maxine Haas, who had the effing audacity to quit her job and solo travel around the world for two years.

  1. a psychologist’s take on authenticity

    2D AGO

    a psychologist’s take on authenticity

    The one where Dr. Maika Steinborn from Germany says your emotions aren’t the problem. In this conversation, clinical and educational psychologist Dr. Maika Steinborn discusses the importance of authenticity and how to cultivate it in our lives. She emphasizes the role of self-acceptance, emotional intelligence, and the concept of the Change Triangle, which helps individuals navigate their inner experiences. The discussion covers the eight qualities of the authentic self, the barriers posed by self-judgment, and practical steps to allow emotions to flow, ultimately leading to a more authentic and fulfilling life.

    15 min
  2. when everything changes, change everything

    MAR 24

    when everything changes, change everything

    The one where Sue from the UK uses travel at midlife to navigate grief. I’m joined by Sue from Sue Where Why What who shares her transformative journey of grief and self-discovery through travel after the loss of her husband, Terry. She discusses how travel became a means to navigate her emotions, redefine her identity, and face her fears. Through her experiences, she emphasizes the importance of vulnerability, the challenges of societal judgments, and the myths surrounding travel, ultimately inspiring others to embrace their own journeys of personal growth.

    23 min
  3. kindred spirits, no last names

    MAR 10

    kindred spirits, no last names

    The one where Melissa from Canada discovers travel is relationship bootcamp… even with people you just met. In this engaging conversation, Melissa Rodway shares her journey from writing emails during her travels in Southeast Asia to publishing her book, 'The People You Meet: Luxury, Leeches, Love, and Lao-Lao.' She discusses the importance of honesty and vulnerability in travel writing, the contrasting experiences of luxury and backpacking, and the personal growth that comes from traveling with a partner. Melissa also reflects on the deep connections formed with fellow travelers and the lessons learned from these experiences, ultimately revealing how her book has resonated with others and the insights gained from her journey.

    22 min
  4. crystal ball says 'unclear'

    FEB 24

    crystal ball says 'unclear'

    The one where Renee gets vulnerable about sitting with discomfort of the unknown. Host Renee Maxine Haas shares her personal journey of vulnerability, exploring themes of courage, uncertainty, and the quest for clarity in life. She reflects on her past aspirations, the impact of travel on her self-discovery, and the challenges of navigating societal expectations. Through her experiences, she emphasizes the importance of embracing discomfort and finding peace amidst chaos, while also addressing generational challenges and the evolving definition of success.

    15 min
  5. the avatar you are looking for is not available

    FEB 10

    the avatar you are looking for is not available

    The one where Renee recounts her dissolution of identity. Host Renee Maxine Haas shares her personal journey of solo travel and the profound impact it had on her identity. She reflects on how her sense of self became fluid and less defined as she traveled, leading to a deeper understanding of authenticity and the courage it takes to embrace a dynamic existence. Through her experiences, she encourages listeners to let go of rigid self-definitions and celebrate the complexity of being human.

    12 min
  6. travel: an education in how to human

    JAN 27

    travel: an education in how to human

    The one where Renee shares how travel is a masterclass in personal development. Host Renee Maxine Haas explores the transformative power of solo travel. She discusses how traveling alone fosters authenticity, allows for reevaluation of personal values, cultivates gratitude, promotes self-reliance, and builds courage. Through personal anecdotes and insights, Haas emphasizes the importance of stepping out of comfort zones and embracing the growth opportunities that come with solo adventures.

    17 min
  7. quest to explore indigenous resilience

    11/11/2025

    quest to explore indigenous resilience

    The one where Constance Scharff, PhD travels the world researching resilience within indigenous communities. In this conversation, Dr. Constance Scharff discusses her research on bravery and resiliency, emphasizing the importance of community and indigenous wisdom in fostering resilience. She shares insights from her travels and studies, highlighting the need for a broader understanding of resilience that goes beyond individual experiences to encompass community and cultural perspectives. The discussion also touches on the impact of climate change on indigenous communities and the reciprocal relationships that can be formed through service and trust.

    23 min
  8. a catalyst to greatness

    10/28/2025

    a catalyst to greatness

    The one where Renee redefines change. In this episode she discusses the importance of embracing change and the courage it takes to redefine our relationship with it. She shares her personal travel experiences and how they shaped her understanding of human connection and personal growth. The conversation emphasizes that change should not be viewed as something to fear, but rather as an opportunity for greatness and self-evolution. Through everyday choices, we can cultivate a life of authenticity and inspire others to do the same.

    11 min
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About

Vulnerable stories of courage, self‑discovery, travel, and personal growth, inspiring those to step out of the comfort zone and into the authentic lives they were meant to live.  Hosted by Renee Maxine Haas, who had the effing audacity to quit her job and solo travel around the world for two years.

Information

  • Creator
    the effing audacity
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    19
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    the effing audacity