126 - The True Measure of Courage with Former Navy SEAL Alex Pease
In this episode, I sit down with Alex Pease, a former Navy SEAL whose extraordinary story—both heart-wrenching and deeply inspiring —threads through The Courage Gap. Alex’s journey reveals the truest measure of courage: the willingness to embrace vulnerability and give ourselves grace. We dive into the universal need to belong, the power of authentic leadership, and why forgiving our failures is essential—not just for healing the past, but for unlocking our future. If you’ve ever resisted lowering your guard, struggled to make peace with your past, or wished for the courage you admire in others, this conversation is for you. Alex’s insights will challenge, inspire, and remind you that true strength—and the most meaningful connections—come from facing our fears and the parts of ourselves we might otherwise want to hide. Compelling listening for anyone ready to step into a braver, more authentic life, this is one of my most inspiring conversations. Order The Courage Gap
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1:01:02
125 - Step Into Discomfort: Why Risking More Awkward Moments Will Change Your Life
In this episode, I unpack a key principle from The Courage Gap—one I learned early in life: “Growth and comfort can’t ride the same horse.” Because while staying in our comfort zones might feel safe, over time, it can slowly cause us to shrink on the vine of our own lives. I share a few personal stories of my own dance with discomfort, including the time I risked looking like a borderline stalker as I refused to let my fear of feeling awkward keep me from taking the very actions that would open new doors and enable me to travel far… literally! We’ll explore why the “tyranny of a comfortable life” can keep us stuck, what Maslow observed about our deep need for growth, and how neuroscience shows that even the smallest brave actions can rewire our brains and strengthen our ‘courage muscles’ over time. If there’s something you’ve been putting off or playing small around, I hope this episode gives you the nudge (or loving kick) you need to step into your ‘courage gap’ and make peace with discomfort! Order The Courage Gap
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47:10
124 - Courage & Character: A Conversation with General Stanley McChrystal
In this episode, I speak to General Stanley McChrystal to explore the intersection of courage and character—two mutually reinforcing virtues being put to the test in today’s world. Building on his powerful Foreword for The Courage Gap and themes from his upcoming book On Character, we discuss how to find the courage to do the right thing, particularly when uncertainty is high and there’s a lot at stake. Together, we explore why anchoring to core principles is essential for staying true to ourselves and shaping a better world. Order The Courage Gap Write a review on GoodReads Stan’s new book On Character
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123 - Breathe in Courage: Transform the psychology of fear into the physiology of courage
Sweaty hands. Butterflies in the belly. A total sense of paralysis. Let’s face it—fear is deeply physical. In this episode, I explore another key concept from The Courage Gap: how to reset your fear at the physiological level. Fear isn’t just in your mind—it embeds in your body. Understanding this unlocks a powerful pathway to cultivating courage and harnessing the full power of your physical presence. I share a personal experience from 2020 when COVID-19 tilted my world totally off its axis, triggering my fear and leaving me awash with anxiety. While very humbling, it reinforced the importance of learning how to reset our ‘defensive self’ at the ground level and respond more effectively when stressors pile up. Learn how to turn the psychology of fear into the physiology of courage, so you can bring your bravest self, to your biggest challenges and boldest goals. Get ready to breathe in courage, breathe out fear and play your bravest game. Order The Courage Gap Write a review on Amazon Write a review on GoodReads
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122 - Rescript what keeps you stuck, stressed, or living TOO safe!
All behavior is belief-driven. Finding the courage to take actions that would strengthen our relationships and improve our future requires examining the narrative we’re living in—including the stories we tell ourselves. These stories can fuel doubt, shrink confidence, and keep us stuck in place. This episode shares why the price tag of our self-protective stories is never worth the payoff and how you can rescript your narrative to connect to the courage lying dormant within you. If you ever feel defensive, insecure, frustrated with your situation, or more anxious than you’d like to be, take a listen! Order The Courage Gap Write a review on Amazon Write a review on GoodReads Download the Workbook
Welcome to my Live Brave Podcast!
This podcast was inspired by the many conversations I’ve had with people around the world who confided how often they let their doubts and fears hold them back from going after what they want or changing what they don’t.
You’ll not only hear my own hard-won wisdom, but insights and inspiration from world-renowned leaders, luminaries and incredible people on how to take those chances and make changes - in your career, relationships, leadership and life. People like General Stanley McChrystal, Steve Forbes, Harvard's Amy Edmondson, Olympian Jacqui Cooper, Dr Phil… and many many more.
I hope each episode will embolden you to own your power, dial up your courage and live the biggest life you’re capable of living.
Margie
Ireland