The Courage Project: Recent Episodes

Elyse Vickers

The Courage Project is your expansive community and safe space to take your connection with yourself and others to the next level. We skip the small talk and dive deep into topics around self discovery, authenticity, and living in alignment with your truest self. Courage is a choice, a daily practice. The Courage Project is your guide to cultivating that moment-to-moment courage to discover and embody your dharma. Host Elyse Vickers leaves nothing off limits as she takes you along the un-curated journey of her own self-discovery and spiritual awakening, and dives deep into the stories and wisdom of inspirational guests. Our weekly conversations will inspire you to expand your beliefs about what is possible, embody your fullest potential, and let your inner light shine. Your first step is to press play, and let’s navigate this journey together!

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welcome to the courage project!!

when you click "play" on this episode, expect some grounding re-assurance, permission to Be Where You Are, and a hype girl chat that will light a fire lit under your booty to get you where you want to be.

today, we discuss some things I wish I could tell myself during times when I am being hard on myself. we will dive into some tactical tips to start making moves toward getting where you actually want to be--whether it's in your health, career, relationships, or any area of life.

enjoy this conversation! and don't forget to share it with someone who may need to hear it too.

with love,
elyse

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connect with Elyse on instagram @elyselaurine

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welcome to the Courage Project !!

we are finally bringing back guests to the show after one year, and I can't think of a better conversation to start us off.

Alex Hardy is an explorer, leader, and student of life. he spent a decade in the corporate world working on Wall Street, then building and selling a software business to DocuSign. despite success on paper, he couldn't find lasting happiness or meaning climbing the career ladder. so he quit, without a backup plan.

for the past year, Alex has been reconnecting with himself and exploring the topics that bring him alive. these include spirituality, menswork, and every healing modality imaginable. now, Alex splits his time between Austin (TX), Bali, and Costa Rica.

in this conversation, we discuss:

  • Alex’s journey from hustling in his career on Wall Street to a more soul-nourishing life
  • "spirituality", through a few different lenses
  • norms about what it means to be a man (& what must be SUPPRESSED to satisfy those norms)
  • what kind of support men need to live an integrated life
  • how we can have compassion for ALL populations of people

if you enjoy this chat, please let me know by sending me a quick Instagram DM, and share to your stories or someone who might need to hear it too! <3

with love,

Elyse
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connect with Alex on Instagram @integratedalex
connect with Alex on Twitter @integratedalex

connect with me on Instagram @elyselaurine

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welcome to the Courage Project !!

this week’s chat is about intentionally throwing yourself “off the deep end” & into uncomfortable experiences.

we talk about:

  • being in situations where you feel significantly stretched.
  • times during my travels where I’ve grown from uncomfortable situations, both intentionally and unintentionally.
  • what I’ve gained & learned as a result of stretching myself beyond my comfort zone.

if you enjoy this chat, please let me know by sending me a quick Instagram DM, and/or by leaving me a review! your feedback and support are so important to me and mean the world <3

with love,

elyse
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connect with me on Instagram

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welcome to the courage project !!

today we're having a conversation all about community and relationships, exploring surprising lessons I’ve learned since I left home 7+ months ago to solo travel.

we will discuss important elements that must be present to create a sense of community, and the experiences that I’ve drawn from to determine those elements as important.

we dive deep into conversation around maintaining a sense of community while travelling long-term, or just amidst the changeable nature of our natural life trajectory.

this chat will resonate with any fellow travellers listening in, and anyone who is craving a sense of belonging in community (aka ALL OF US).

enjoy this chat, and send me a message on Instagram letting me know how it resonates with you!!

with love,

elyse
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connect with me on Instagram

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welcome to the Courage Project !!

drawing upon past versions of yourself doesn’t have to mean you are going backward.  you can’t “un-live” all the life you’ve experienced since you were that version of you.  those experiences will always inform and colour you, your life, your thoughts, your beliefs, and your actions. 

life comes in seasons, and you don’t need to stay trapped in where you’re at now because you’re afraid of regressing backwards.  “backwards” is not synonymous with “failure”.

every experience you’ve had in this lifetime has shaped who you are today.  you can leverage aspects of your past selves in a way that accelerates you forward in the journey of becoming more of yourself.

many of you resonated with my Instagram reel on this topic, so here is a little more depth to the conversation.  I hope you enjoy!

with love,

elyse
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connect with me on Instagram

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how often do we hold ourselves back from going for the things we want?  from creating the changes we know will elevate our lives?  

maybe it’s because we’re afraid to risk the safety of what’s known.  afraid of what will happen if life as we know it changes.

topics we explore in this episode:

  • what needs to happen for change to happen?
  • can we be more than one thing at once?
  • an easy (and interesting!) way you can recognize the qualities that exist within you
  • a short visualization meditation to amplify the energy you desire to embody!
  • and more juicy goodness!

I hope you love this convo and meditation experience!  let me know your thoughts by messaging me on IG.

with love,

elyse
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connect with me on instagram 

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I am navigating my way out of a long winter season. I’m not talking about the calendar winter, but a period of uncomfortable times that we often try to jump out of as soon as we feel ourselves entering them.

In this episode, we explore how every season has a purpose. Even an uncomfortable season has its own richness that you won't want to rush!

We contemplate surrendering what we think life should look like, and softening into what is alive before us.

We chat about what’s REALLY happening beneath the surface as we go through a seemingly slow and inactive winter season.

May this conversation be your permission to be present in your current season, whatever season that may be.

With love,

Elyse <3
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Connect with me on Instagram 

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inspired by many moments of deep gratitude I am experiencing lately, I dive into one of the key qualities I’ve cultivated that has landed me on the gorgeous path that I continue to walk today.  

let’s contemplate the topics of fear, change, expansion, and evolution. 

let’s get intimate with creating embodied experiences for yourself that can shift your perception of how good it gets to be…

all in the name of experiencing more of the fullness of life !!

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instagram: @elyselaurine
DM me & let me know you're listening in!

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returning to the podcasting space after nearly nine months, I give insight into who I am by telling a story that I've never shared anywhere before -- my story.

we'll walk along the timeline of my major transition portals over the past few years that have largely shaped me into who I am today.  these are the experiences I believe have been cornerstones along my journey of self-remembering.

we chat about how I stumbled upon the spiritual path, and the ever-unfolding rewards of surrendering to the often uncomfortable process. 

may this episode give you deeper understanding of myself and the voice behind the conversations to come on the courage project podcast.

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instagram: @elyselaurine
DM me & let me know you're listening in!

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welcome to the courage project!!

having commitment issues?  we all do sometimes, and we often don't even realize we are self-sabotaging in the process.  it's time to bring light to the commitments we are involved in (or lack thereof), and get intentional about prioritizing YOURSELF on that list.

in this episode:
- what it looks like when you keep your commitments with yourself, and the alternative
- a process to
- things to bring your attention to when making commitments to yourself
- & more!!

with love and gratitude,

elyse <3

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connect with the podcast on instagram 

connect with me on instagram 

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welcome to the courage project!!

what is your relationship with your EMOTIONS?  do you allow yourself to experience them?  do you find yourself completely consumed by your emotions?  or maybe you avoid feeling them at all?

today's conversation is all about emotions, and how you can begin to build a healthier relationship with them.

in this episode:
- the two ways we tend to unconsciously "deal with" emotions
- how time can be your ally in emotionally intense situations
- how to honour whatever emotions arise
- how to let yourself experience those emotions
- some questions to ask yourself when you feel overwhelmed by emotions
- & more!

with love and gratitude,

elyse <3

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connect with the podcast on instagram 

connect with me on instagram 

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welcome to the courage project!!

today I am absolutely delighted to bring to you an inspiring and educational conversation with Jessie Morassut.

Jessie is a teacher, writer, mindfulness facilitator, Reiki practitioner, and embodiment & empowerment leader. she supports and empowers others to reconnect to self through conscious living that transforms body, mind, and soul to realize potential and claim their own sense of ease and joy. Jessie lives, works, and plays in the Kootenays of British Columbia on the traditional lands of the Sinixt and Ktunaxa.

in this episode, we take a journey through Jessie's transformation from living on auto-pilot to reclaiming her well-being through reconnecting with herSelf. we take "pit stops" along the way to linger on important topics and lessons learned.

topics we explore include:

  • expectations to follow through with something once we’ve started
  • physical and mental impacts of pushing through burnout
  • the ultimate choice we have in any given moment
  • trusting the guidance of your inner wisdom
  • suggestions of healing methods and tools
  • what is Reiki?!
  • & so much more!!

I can’t wait for you to listen in to this expansive conversation.

with love and gratitude,

elyse <3

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connect with Jessie on instagram

connect with the podcast on instagram

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welcome to the courage project!!

today's conversation is truly one-of-a-kind, as is our guest, Carol Wert.

Carol is a Career & Life Coach and founder of Carol Wert Coaching. through this calling, she helps individuals reconnect with the heart and soul of who they are to live purposeful lives and thrive in their careers. with more than 20 years of experience in career development and coaching, Carol brings a holistic and integrated approach to the work she does with clients. as a passionate coach, she has always been inspired by the insight, courage, and potential we each hold within us to achieve or get through anything in life.

in this episode:

  • Carol’s journey into her life’s work as a Coach
  • how to live from a place of authenticity
  • living with purpose and discovering your soul’s purpose
  • signs you may be living out of alignment
  • how you can begin to come home to your authentic Self
  • taking the step from connection with your Self to being part of something bigger

I am beyond excited for you to experience the radiance and magic that came through in this conversation.

with love and gratitude,

elyse <3

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Carol’s website + coaching offerings

connect with Carol on instagram

connect with Carol on facebook

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connect with the podcast on instagram

connect with me on instagram

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welcome to the courage project!!

today's conversation arose from my own present battles through a turbulent season of life, and the purpose of our chat is to help you take back your power & OWN your current season, whatever that may be.

in this episode:
- a raw conversation about the season I am currently navigating
- easing into feeling safe to express your true self
- the collective experience we are going through in this season
- a new perspective around your triggers
- & more!

with love and gratitude,

elyse <3

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connect with the podcast on instagram @courageproject.podcast

connect with me on instagram @lifewithelyse_

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welcome to the courage project!!

today’s solo conversation includes a life update + chat about why you might want to consider taking a step back to move forward without resistance. 

highlights of today's conversation:

  • I disappeared from social media??
  • signs you might need to take a step back
  • how life could look if you do take that step back, or if you choose not to
  • how to actually take that courageous step
  • the main reason why it makes sense to take a step back

I hope you love this conversation!  send me a message on IG @courageproject.podcast & let me know if you’re considering taking a step back.  let’s chat through it!!

with love and gratitude always,

elyse <3

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connect with the podcast on instagram @courageproject.podcast

connect with me on instagram @lifewithelyse_

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I am truly excited to bring you today's conversation about connecting to your body, and living life at a higher level with deep self-confidence and self-love, with Dr. Stephanie Burgos.

Dr. Stephanie is a multi-passionate Healer and Guide. she is an Emergency Medicine Physician turned Medicine Woman, Plant Medicine Guide and Integrator, Breathwork Facilitator, Embodiment Guide, Energy Healer, Wellness Coach, Author and Speaker. she is passionate about helping others "come home" to their body, move past their inner roadblocks, and embody self-love and their sovereignty.

as a burnt out professional who sacrificed herself for the sake of achievement and external validation, Dr. Stephanie had a "wake up" moment that changed the trajectory of her life. she switched her goals and decided to choose self-love as her new career. Stephanie has over 8 years of experience helping others to build their self-confidence and dive deeper into self-love.

highlights of this conversation:

  • Dr. Stephanie’s transition from medical doctor to medicine woman
  • healing with western medicine vs intuitive Earth medicine
  • the first step to raising your vibration to achieve your dreams
  • living in a state of surrender
  • becoming the observer of your thoughts
  • how to connect with your body (hint: you're already doing it!)
  • the Universe is simply a MIRROR??

I hope you love this convo! let me know what resonated by tagging Stephanie & I on social media, or send me an instagram DM <3

with love and gratitude,

elyse

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connect with Stephanie on instagram @healthyerdoc

check out Stephanie’s offerings here.

connect with the podcast on instagram @courageproject.podcast

connect with me on instagram @lifewithelyse_

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hey loves!! welcome back to the courage project. I am so excited to bring to you this conversation with cancer survivor turned entrepreneur, Mike Yewdell.

Mike Yewdell is the co-founder of BEAM: Be Amazing whose story is based on his battle with cancer. BEAM is the acronym for the chemotherapy that saved his life and is now a symbol for creating a lasting positive impact for years to come. this conversation will inspire you to trust in the power of your mindset, and get you thinking about how you can turn any circumstances you’re given into an opportunity.

highlight-worthy discussion points of this episode:

  • how Mike shaped his circumstances into a brand and mission
  • taking responsibility for your life
  • the importance of the little things in achieving your big vision
  • choosing your response to the challenges you face
  • how the overcoming of Mike’s health battles wove into the DNA of BEAM
  • the victim mentality
  • the power of reflecting on your own transformation

I hope you love this convo! let me know your thoughts by tagging Mike & I on social media, or send me an instagram DM <3

with love and gratitude,

elyse

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connect with Mike on instagram @yewdell

shop BEAM supplements here and use code ELYSE10 for a discount.

connect with the podcast on instagram @courageproject.podcast

connect with me on instagram @lifewithelyse_

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hello loves!!  welcome back to the courage project.  

my birthday is this week, so I have been reflecting on chapter 20 of my life.  I extracted 21 of the lessons that I have learned as I enter my 21st year of life, and I am so excited to share them with you today.

this was undoubtedly my favourite solo chat I've recorded yet, so many juicy nuggets packed into one episode. 

I would love to hear which of the 21 lessons resonated with you, and I am happy to go more in-depth on any of the topics I mention in today’s episode.  send me a DM on instagram and let me know!!

with love & gratitude,

elyse

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connect with the podcast on instagram @courageproject.podcast

connect with me on instagram @lifewithelyse_ 

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today's solo episode brings together topics around living in a new city + moving back home after having lived on your own, to answer some questions that I often receive around these topics.  this discussion comes right in this midst of myself moving back home with my parents, and I dive into how I am navigating this transition.

in this episode we discuss:

  • making friends in a new city
  • moving back to your hometown after living on your own
  • creating a new way of experiencing old environments
  • establishing new boundaries and honouring yourself in old relationships

if you enjoyed this conversation, I invite you to leave a review on Apple Podcasts and tell me what you loved!  or send me a DM on Instagram, I always love to chat!

with love & gratitude,

elyse

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connect with the podcast on instagram @courageproject.podcast

connect with me on instagram @lifewithelyse_ 

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today we sit down with Susan Newman, Doctor of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, for an educational conversation about the inherent healing power of the body.  Susan is my acupuncture doctor, and I have been absolutely fascinated by all she has taught me during our sessions together.  I knew I had to bring her onto The Courage Project to share her knowledge with you too.  I can't wait for you to listen in!

in this episode, we talk about:

  • Traditional Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture and the philosophy behind these modalities
  • the most common barrier that holds people back from incorporating TCM in their healing journey
  • creating balance in your life in today’s world
  • Susan’s studies in Yunnan, China
  • and so much more!!

if you enjoyed this conversation, I invite you to leave a review on Apple Podcasts and tell me what you loved about this episode or The Courage Project podcast! 

with love & gratitude,

elyse

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check out Wellness On 1st & book a consult with Susan here!

connect with the podcast on instagram @courageproject.podcast

connect with me on instagram @lifewithelyse_ 

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so, you’re starting to explore self/spiritual development? 

in today’s episode, I sit down for a candid first conversation with fellow yogi, Darren, about spirituality and the spiritual journey. the two of us exchange ideas around various topics of spiritual development in this chat guided by curiosity. 

topics we discuss:

  • defining spiritual development
  • the power of presence, awareness, and consciousness
  • a deeper meaning behind creative expression

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connect with Darren and check out his art on instagram @darrenbrea

connect with the podcast on instagram @courageproject.podcast

connect with me on instagram @lifewithelyse_ 

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I am so excited to share with you this conversation with Sheridan Godfrey. Sheridan is a fitness influencer who uses her platform to share about her training as a competitive weightlifter, and her journey with mental health and living with PTSD. she is also an aerospace engineer and personal trainer. I have always admired Sher for her unwavering authenticity in the online space, a trait I acknowledge is rare to see and difficult to maintain.

in this conversation, Sher and I danced around the topic of self-identity through conversations about fitness and mental health.

topics we discuss:

  • navigating a shift in your identity
  • mindset around body weight and body image
  • authenticity and staying true to yourself
  • separating the path that people tell you to follow vs. what you know is best for you
  • surrounding yourself with like-minded people to create stability around your truest self
  • setting boundaries to create an environment that supports you
  • belonging vs. fitting in
  • the ways fitness can serve to both hurt & heal your self-identity
  • obstacles that may test your self-identity

I hope you enjoy this conversation. let me know what resonated by messaging me on Instagram or tag Sher and I in your stories!

with love and gratitude,
Elyse

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connect with Sher on instagram @sher.gets.fit

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connect with the podcast on instagram @courageproject.podcast

connect with Elyse on instagram @lifewithelyse_

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in this solo conversation, I share how I worked through a recent minor setback in life and the mindset tactics I used to get moving again afterward. I learned some valuable lessons from the circumstances I was faced with, as well as the way I chose to respond to them, and that is what I share with you today.

what to expect:

  • an oracle card pull
  • what is really going on in your mind  when things just don't seem to be going right
  • rewiring your mindset when you're feeling stuck
  • tactics for moving through negative emotions

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connect with us on instagram @courageproject.podcast
connect with Elyse on instagram @lifewithelyse_

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Welcome to Episode 4 of The Courage Project!!

Elyse has been getting curious about the topic of "success".  As she engages in more conversations, gathers information and formulates her own insights, her beliefs around this commonly used word are changed. Elyse has chosen to think critically about what it really means to be "successful" and redefine this on her own terms to cultivate more of it.

What we talk about in this episode:

  • Four conclusions Elyse has drawn about our current beliefs around success
  • A slight reframe around the word success
  • How we let other peoples’ metrics systems dictate our lives
  • The other side of success—failure
  • The role goal-setting plays in our skewed beliefs around success (and a potentially controversial opinion around goals)
  • How we can redefine success in a way that can be cultivated daily

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Connect with the podcast on Instagram  @courageproject.podcast
Connect with Elyse on Instagram @lifewithelyse_

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Welcome to Episode 3 of The Courage Project!! I am honoured and so grateful to have you here. In this episode, Elyse speaks with business coach and author, Jana Boyko.

Jana is changing the narrative around entrepreneurship by proving that this life path can (and should) be both prosperous and nourishing at a soul level. In this conversation, Jana shares vulnerably about how her life dismantling ultimately brought her into alignment with her life's purpose as an entrepreneur, and how she reclaimed her power from rock bottom.

What we talk about in this episode:

  • Jana’s guided journey from “little Jana” with an old soul and entrepreneurial spirit, to this current version of herself as an entrepreneur
  • Why having a foundation of being in tune with yourself is key to meaningful entrepreneurship
  • The ups & downs of making decisions to bring your life into alignment
  • Opening yourself up to trusting your own intuition through meditation and self reflection
  • Receiving guidance from a higher power
  • Using your “rock bottom” to learn who you truly are when major pieces of your identity are stripped away
  • The fortitude of staying in the depths of our own pain
  • And so much more!!

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Connect with Jana on Instagram: @allofherbusiness

Or check out the Bedside Business Plan: @bedsidebusinessplan

Learn more about Jana: www.allofherbusiness.com

Bedside Business Plan: www.bedsidebusinessplan.com

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DM me on Instagram: @lifewithelyse_

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Welcome to THE FIRST EPISODE of The Courage Project!! I am honoured and so grateful to have you here.

In this solo episode, Elyse introduces you to herself and The Courage Project podcast, and discusses how we can start to connect deeper with ourselves and why we might want to.

What we discuss in this episode: 

  • A unique introduction  to Elyse and The Courage Project
  • The goal of this podcast
  • Practicing acceptance, non-judgement, and compassion to connect deeper with yourself
  • And so much more!!

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DM me on Instagram @lifewithelyse_

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Welcome to Episode 2 of The Courage Project!! I am honoured and so grateful to have you here. 

As a "recovering people pleaser", Elyse has experienced living a life that she thought was expected of her. As she invests more of her energy into doing inner work, she is now in the process of learning what it means to live life on her own terms, one decision at a time.

What we talk about in this episode:

  • Questioning the basis of these expectations we live by
  • What Elyse learned from living a life that was expected of her in university
  • Bringing awareness to whether you may be living a life that is expected of you
  • The rewards of living in your truth
  • And so much more!!

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DM me on Instagram @lifewithelyse_