Everyday Bravery

Sometimes in life, you can’t fix what’s broken or replace what’s lost. When you hit a wall, starting over takes acts of everyday bravery. Meet a family that never gave up after losing a dad who gave them everything; Brendan, a travel writer whose drinking had to hit rock bottom before he could climb mountains; and Urvashi, who was brave enough to challenge medical experts about an illness that almost put her out of business.

Losing a loved one. Losing your eyesight. Moving forward with your life takes bravery. Meet Rachel, who tackled her bucket list while she could still see; Amelia, who found joy in singing again after losing her joy in life; and Mickey’s many admirers, who are keeping her glittery spirit alive.

Forget about forgetting. Forgiving and accepting is harder. Giving someone’s who has hurt you a chance at redemption is an everyday act of bravery. Like Zorana calling out the father who left without a word; or Damion, who healed old wounds by forgiving his attacker; and Brenda, who gave up on retirement to care for her disabled great-grandchild instead. Learn more about Damion's organization, Project Pneuma, [here][1].

Putting others first can mean putting yourself at risk. Showing up, reaching out, and taking charge are everyday acts of bravery. Meet Marilyn who saves a life on her vacation; Tracey, who quits her job and goes to law school; Mike and Aileen who build a hotel with their bare hands; and Mike MacMillan who takes a risk and helps a desperate animal.

Putting our families first isn’t always as easy as it sounds. Stepping up for the people we love can take courage. In this episode, Tom and his mom team up to solve a crime; 6-year-old Eloise has to be brave while her dad serves in Afghanistan, and Michael makes a tough decision when their family dog becomes dangerous.

Jobs have a way of testing us. Facing fears to land a dream job, or having the courage to walk away from one that isn’t—everyday acts of bravery can have a big impact. In this episode, we'll hear from Erin, and her live TV news “trial by fire”; from Monica, a cruise ship actor who can't swim; Jon, who abandons science for adventure, and Tobin, who deals with the aftermath of an animal hit by a car.

Making sacrifices to help others makes you stronger. Everyday acts of bravery reward you in ways you never imagined. Hear about an unplanned home birth; about sisters meeting the woman who received their father's heart, and an artist who paints for kids fighting sickness in a hospital.

It takes courage to stand up and face your fears—from stage fright to walking alone at night. Running toward, not away from, a challenge takes everyday acts of bravery. In this episode, we meet: Sophie, who stalks her stalker; Peter, who fights anxiety with stand-up; Barbara wants to be a cheerleader again, and Rhiannon, who stands up to a preschool bully (courtesy of Raconteurs).

Be inspired by real-life stories from people who dare to dream big, speak up, hang in, say no, let go, and take action. Hear how their acts of courage enrich their lives and the ones they love, and could enrich yours.