When everything feels uncertain, strong leaders don’t tighten their grip—they strengthen their foundation.

In Show 284, Mike and Mark unpack Brené Brown’s concept of Strong Ground and why clarity, values, and accountability matter more than ever. You’ll learn how courageous leaders navigate uncertainty, how the Playbacktechnique creates instant alignment, and why most teams struggle with communication in the first place.

If leadership feels harder right now, this episode offers a grounded path forward.

• Strong Ground as the foundation for resilient leadership

• Courage as a skill set, not a personality trait

• Navigating uncertainty with clarity and values

• Alignment before action

• Communication built on discipline and accountability

Strong Ground vs. Inefficient MusclesBrené Brown’s metaphor highlights how leaders overuse urgency, control, or reassurance when they lack a stable core. Strong Ground provides the balance and strength needed to lead calmly under pressure.

The Four Skill Sets of CourageRevisiting Dare to Lead, courage is framed as a practice leaders can learn—enabling honest conversations, clear boundaries, and consistent accountability.

Diving Into UncertaintyAvoiding discomfort weakens leadership. This segment explores how grounded leaders move toward uncertainty with confidence and curiosity.

The Playback TechniquePlayback ensures absolute clarity before moving forward. By restating agreements, teams eliminate confusion and prevent misalignment.

Why We Suck at CommunicationCommunication failures stem from a lack of clarity, discipline, and accountability—not from a lack of effort or intelligence.

• Strong Ground Check: Re-anchor decisions to values during change

• Playback Before Action: Confirm shared understanding explicitly

• Courage Practice: Treat bravery as a trainable skill

• Clarity First: Slow conversations to speed execution

• Accountability Loops: Define ownership and outcomes clearly

Get the book on Amazon https://geni.us/OMvekT

• Recognize when you’re overcompensating instead of grounding yourself

• Apply Brené Brown’s courage framework to real leadership challenges

• Use Playback to eliminate confusion and build trust

• Improve communication through clarity and discipline

• Lead with steadiness, even when the environment is unstable

Expanded Concepts & InsightsKey ThemesConcepts & BreakthroughsHabits, Tools & Mental ModelsListener TakeawaysBecome a Member of the Moonshots Podcast:https://www.patreon.com/Moonshots

This is a repost from the Moonshots archive featuring Elizabeth Gilbert and her book Big Magic.

We’re sharing it as a companion to the work of Brené Brown — and ahead of our upcoming episode on Strong Ground.

Big Magic is a reminder that creativity doesn’t require fearlessness — only curiosity, courage, and the willingness to show up.

In this episode of the Moonshots Podcast, hosts Mike and Mark dive into the enchanting world of Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert. This book has inspired countless creatives to live beyond fear and embr ace the magic of creativity. Whether you’re an artist, writer, or someone looking to infuse more creativity into your life, this episode offers a treasure trove of insights and practical advice.

Listen and Learn More:

• Listen to the Episode: ⁠Episode 143 – Elizabeth Gilbert: Big Magic⁠

• Watch on YouTube: ⁠Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert | Book Summary⁠

• Read a Summary: ⁠Creative Living Beyond Fear – Elizabeth Gilbert | Book Summary⁠• Become a Member: ⁠Support the Moonshots Podcast on Patreon⁠

Episode Highlights:

• What is Big Magic?

• Discover the essence of Big Magic and how Elizabeth Gilbert views creative inspiration as a mysterious force that calls us to engage with it.

• Lessons on Confidence:

• Learn why fear shouldn’t stop you from creating and how permitting yourself to fail can lead to unexpected breakthroughs.

• Explore getting comfortable with your fears rather than overcoming them entirely.

• Lessons on Creating:

• Understand the difference between originality and authenticity and why Gilbert champions the latter as the key to meaningful creative work.

• Find out why finishing your creative projects, even imperfect, is more important than striving for unattainable perfection.

• Final Takeaways:

• Mike and Mark wrap up the episode by discussing embracing your inner creative trickster and why taking yourself too seriously might be the most significant barrier to your creative success.

Why You Should Listen:

This episode will resonate deeply if you’ve ever struggled with fear, self-doubt, or the pressure to be perfect. Gilbert’s approach to creativity is liberating and empowering, reminding us that the journey is just as important as the destination.

Listen and Learn More:

• Listen to the Episode: ⁠Episode 143 – Elizabeth Gilbert: Big Magic⁠

• Watch on YouTube: ⁠Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert | Book Summary⁠

• Read a Summary: ⁠Creative Living Beyond Fear – Elizabeth Gilbert | Book Summary⁠• Become a Member: ⁠Support the Moonshots Podcast on Patreon⁠

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Brené Brown: Atlas of the Heart | Emotional Intelligence, Naming Emotions & Values-Based Living (Moonshots Podcast #283)

What if the key to personal growth, better relationships, and stronger leadership isn’t doing more—but understanding what you feel?

In Moonshots Podcast Episode 283, Mike and Mark explore Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown, a groundbreaking framework for building emotional intelligence through language, courage, and clarity. Brené challenges us to notice the emotional patterns we repeat—and asks whether avoiding certain feelings is quietly limiting our growth.

This episode begins with a powerful intervention: if we want different results in life, we must be willing to feel what we’ve been unwilling to feel before. Drawing on psychology, neuroscience, and lived experience, Brené explains why “naming is taming”—how accurately labeling emotions reduces emotional reactivity and restores choice.

Mike and Mark unpack key emotional states such as envy, comparison, and schadenfreude, reframing them through a team mindset inspired by Abby Wambach. Instead of seeing others’ success as a threat, we learn how emotional awareness helps us move from scarcity to connection.

The episode closes with a practical exploration of emotional regulation vs. emotional suppression, showing how emotions can become reliable data—guiding us toward values-based decisions, intentional living, and healthier relationships.

📘 Get the book: Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown
👉 https://geni.us/zk32Ho4

If you’re interested in:

• Emotional intelligence and self-awareness

• Brené Brown’s Atlas of the Heart

• Naming and understanding emotions

• Managing envy, comparison, and triggers

• Living and leading with values

This episode offers a clear, grounded roadmap for navigating the emotional landscape of modern life—with more courage and less confusion.

🎧 Listen now and learn how emotions, when understood, become one of your greatest strengths.

Become a Member of the Moonshots Podcast:
https://www.patreon.com/Moonshots

Casandra ⁠Brené Brown⁠ is an American professor, lecturer, author, and podcast host. Brown is known in particular for her research on shame, vulnerability, and leadership, and for her widely viewed ⁠TEDx talk in 2010⁠.

Since then she has written six number-one New York Times bestselling books, hosts two podcasts, and has filmed a lecture for Netflix as well as a series about her latest book, Atlas of the Heart on HBO Max.

• ⁠The Gifts of Imperfection⁠
• ⁠Daring Greatly⁠
• ⁠Rising Strong⁠
• ⁠Braving the Wilderness⁠
• ⁠Dare to Lead⁠
• ⁠Atlas of the Heart⁠

Brown holds the Huffington Foundation's Brené Brown Endowed Chair at the University of Houston's Graduate College of Social Work and is a visiting professor in management at McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin.

Thanks to our monthly supporters

Join hosts Mike and Mark in this enlightening episode of the Moonshots Podcast as they delve into the profound concepts of leadership presented in James C. Hunter's book, "The Servant." This episode not only explores the intricate details of servant leadership but also features invaluable insights from leadership guru Simon Sinek.

Buy The Book on Amazon https://geni.us/TBXR8

Become a Moonshot Member ⁠https://www.patreon.com/Moonshots⁠

Watch this episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/ryI9q-cW2dk

Summary: ⁠https://www.apolloadvisor.com/summary-the-servant-by-james-c-hunter/⁠

Segment Breakdown:

1. INTRO: The episode starts with an inspiring introduction by James C. Hunter, providing a brief yet impactful snapshot of what constitutes excellent leadership. This sets the tone for the deep dive into servant leadership.
2. Deep Dive into Leadership: Next, James Hunter provides an in-depth look at the characteristics of great leaders, emphasizing the concept of 'Servant Leadership.'
3. Expert Insights: Adding to the richness of the discussion, leadership master Simon Sinek shares his expert advice on becoming an effective Servant Leader. His segment focuses on the core qualities that make a leader truly great.
4. OUTRO: Concluding the episode, James Hunter highlights a crucial skill for personal and professional development - the need to consistently work on our behavior, likening it to a muscle that needs regular exercise.

Throughout the episode, Mike and Mark engage in thought-provoking discussions, drawing on their experiences and perspectives to enrich the conversation. Whether you're a budding leader or a seasoned executive, this episode of the Moonshots Podcast offers valuable insights into the art of servant leadership and its transformative impact.

Buy The Book on Amazon https://geni.us/TBXR8

Become a Moonshot Member ⁠https://www.patreon.com/Moonshots⁠

Watch this episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/ryI9q-cW2dk

Summary: ⁠https://www.apolloadvisor.com/summary-the-servant-by-james-c-hunter/⁠

Thanks to our monthly supporters

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Dan Millman’s book: The Way of the Peaceful Warrior,⁠ Blends fact and fiction as he recounts his day's training as a college gymnast in his bid to become a World Champion, along with all the hardships he faced.

The fiction format of the novel magnifies the impact of the lessons contained within, allowing us to envision our transformation whilst tapping into our deep, primal urge for immersive storytelling. Drawing parallels with Siddhartha, which effortlessly combines timeless wisdom with a compelling narrative, this book is a joy to read, taking the reader on a profound spiritual journey.

“A warrior does not give up what he loves, he finds the love in what he does”Dan Millman, Way of the Peaceful Warrior

SHOW OUTLINE

INTRO

We all have inner battles, prepare yourself for them

• Spiritual weight training (1m18)

FOUNDATIONAL IDEA

Summary of Book by GainKnowledge

• Meditation and purpose (2m36)

HOW TO

Learn to enjoy the journey of your life, and don’t let your ego drive your emotions

• What makes you happy (2m23)

Finding time to rest and find peace

• How to Overcome the Fear of Wasting Time

Focus on the now, rather than letting yourself become overwhelmed by too many thoughts

• One thing at a time (2m07)

CLIP CREDITS

⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDL85fzdc1g&ab_channel=TEDxTalks⁠

⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DA4twJiaWVw⁠

TRANSCRIPT⁠https://www.moonshots.io/episode-127danmillman-transcript-1⁠

Thanks to our monthly supporters

• Mike
• Edwin Deitch
• Jamie Dorward
• Emily Rose Banks
• Malcolm Magee
• Natalie
• Ryan N.
• Marco-Ken Möller
• 孤鸿 月影
• Fabian
• Jasper Verkaart
• Andy Pilara
• ola
• Austin Hammatt
• Zachary Phillips
• Mike Leigh Cooper
• Gayla Schiff
• Laura KE
• Roar Nikolay Ytre-Eide
• Stef
• Roger von Holdt
• venkata reddy
• Ingram Casey
• Ola
• rahul grover
• Ravi Govender
• Craig Lindsay
• Steve Woollard
• Deborah Spahr
• Samoela
• Jo Hatchard
• Kalman Cseh
• Berg De Bleecker
• Paul Acquaah
• MrBonjour
• Konnor Ah kuoi
• Marjan Modara
• Dietmar Baur
• Bob Nolley

⁠★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★