The Brave Files

THE BRAVE FILES | Real Stories of People Living Courageously | Hosted by Life, Business and Success Coach Heather Vickery Everything we want in life is just on the other side of uncomfortable, says award-winning entrepreneur and success coach Heather Vickery. Each week Heather introduces you to a new guest who is moving beyond fear and doubt to achieve amazing things in life, business, education, the arts, politics and more. These inspiring stories flow from the authentic truth all guests bring to the conversation. In their own voices, you’ll hear people from diverse backgrounds relate all the ways they’re breaking down barriers, celebrating victories and giving back in a way that adds meaning and purpose to their lives and their communities. Progress never happens in a straight line … but these powerful stories will remind you of the limitless possibilities open to us when we CHOOSE BRAVELY. More free resources and perspectives at vickeryandco.com.

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Episodes

Thursday Mar 23, 2023

Creative • Healing • NecessaryTrauma is passed down, via DNA, from generation to generation. And we’ve learned that it affects us in so many, previously unknown, ways. It’s something we know, conceptually, happens but we haven’t been able to really say how or why. Today’s guest, Sharon Tubbs, dives deep into this by writing about her family history, specifically her grandfather Israel Page in her new book “They Got Daddy.”This candid and heart-centered conversation is one that helps bring healing and humanity to all of us, across whatever divides us. It’s honest, compassionate, and important.Sharon Tubbs began her professional career as a newspaper reporter and editor. In a career that spanned seventeen years, she worked briefly for the Philadelphia Inquirer and then for the Tampa Bay Times. As a journalist, she covered various beats, including small-town government, local crime, and national religious issues. Today, Sharon is a writer, inspirational speaker, and the owner of Move Forward Communications. She’s also the director of a nonprofit organization that empowers underserved residents in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to live healthier lives.TOP TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODE:Sharon felt called to write the story about her Grandfather’s experience in Alabama in the 1950s.They Got Daddy is about Sharon’s grandfather being kidnapped by the KKK when he dared to sue a white man in Alabama over a tragic accident that left him unable to work.Unless we tackle our history we are not truly able to heal.History allows us to speak truth, process, and heal.Not everyone wants to heal or dig through the trauma to get to the other side.The biggest surprise during this process was self-forgiveness.Being “colorblind” is basically a free pass to stick your head in the sand and pretend terrible things didn’t happen and are not, currently, happening.When people have to rearrange their life based on what might happen, it leads to internalized fear and trauma.Most of the pushback Sharon experiences is in the nonprofit community. When we know better we are obligated to do better.Celebration for Sharon is relaxing and reading. Finding time to do what she wants!CHARITY: Health Visions Midwest Connect with Sharon: www.sharontubbs.com, IG @sharontubbs Get Sharon’s book, They Got Daddy.If you’ve been inspired, touched, entertained, or motivated by this or any of Heather Vickery’s content you can “say thanks” by buying her a virtual coffee!Let's connect ...Follow us on Instagram and connect with our host, Heather Vickery here.ORDER YOUR COPY OF F*CK FEARLESS - MAKING THE BRAVE LEAP TODAY, Click Here!Order your Create Brave Manifestation Card Decks here.Share your feedback by emailing heather@vickeryandco.com or via Instagram DM's.

Thursday Mar 09, 2023

Honest • Approachable • ConnectedIn a rare solo episode our host, Heather Vickery, shares her personal experience with vulnerability and fear - how it feels when they collide and how she faces and moves through it. This is a heart-centered, honest, and short episode from Heather's heart directly to yours. If you’ve been inspired, touched, entertained, or motivated by this or any of Heather Vickery’s content you can “say thanks” by buying her a virtual coffee!Let's connect ...Follow us on Instagram and connect with our host, Heather Vickery here.ORDER YOUR COPY OF F*CK FEARLESS - MAKING THE BRAVE LEAP TODAY, Click Here!Order your Create Brave Manifestation Card Decks here.Share your feedback by emailing heather@vickeryandco.com or via Instagram DM's.

Thursday Feb 23, 2023

COURAGE • TENACITY • BRAVERYTune in as Heather chats with her Human Design Mentor, Kyla Derkach.In 2017, I moved to Kyla Derkach to Spain from Canada entirely alone. She didn’t speak the language and had never even traveled there before. Kyla says she was lost at the time, but this adventure helped her find herself and, eventually, her husband. This also led to her starting her own business, Hatha Astro serving ambitious leaders worldwide, helping them align with their unique signature to create more income and impact through Human Design and Astrology.Kyla's story is about learning who we really are, at a DNA level and then learning to TRUST who we really are. Episode Takeaways:Studied initially business management but was always adventurous, loved to travel, and wasn’t afraid to travel alone.CBT Vietnam Documentary. Watch it here.Wine grapes tell a story about the culture.Kyla moved to Spain because she needed to learn a new language for her job.Learning Spanish was total immersion while teaching English to local children.Although Kyla had an interest in Spiritual work (Human Design and Astrology) it wasn’t front and center until she got to Spain.Eventually, hiding from her internal reality and pain caught up with her and she had to explore it.She “came out” of the spiritual closet in Spain.She had no idea where or how to start but felt a deep “yes” and went for it.Trusting the unknown and the path - it works.Through learning what doesn’t work we begin to understand what does work.Kyla grounds herself with a weighted blanket, a lavender eye pillow, and crystals and being still.It’s about devouring each moment with intention.Word of the year: Simplicity - Intentionality, minimalism, creating spaciousness physically and mentally, shorter to-do lists. Taking in simple nourishment.Celebration: Self-care, connection with others, spicey margarita.Just because the moon isn’t at its fullest expression doesn't mean it’s not there.CHARITY OF THE WEEK: PETALet's connect ...Follow us on Instagram and connect with our host, Heather Vickery here.ORDER YOUR COPY OF F*CK FEARLESS - MAKING THE BRAVE LEAP TODAY, Click Here!Order your Create Brave Manifestation Card Decks here.Share your feedback by emailing heather@vickeryandco.com or via Instagram DM's. 

Thursday Feb 09, 2023

Broken • Process • HealingErin Dihel often found herself angry and frustrated as a kid because she lacked a tremendous amount of control over her life … Enter the idea that making peace with others (and then, consequently with herself) WAS within her control! Erin has a creative approach to making peace, finding creative ways to make things work, and how to enhance the human experience.Erin moved a lot due to her father’s jobFelt big feelings, got really angry and took it out on her momPeople pleasing is a form of manipulation Humor was a way to connect but also a way to disassociateHumor was a way to be seenThe process of healing takes a long timeWhen Erin gets tense she asks herself “What do I need to put down? This is too heavy.”Every odd job and experience taught me something that lead to what I am doing right now. There’s always a lesson.Erin piloted an improv leadership program for United Airlines and that launched her business.The “great pause” was the first time Erin ever rested. It was a mess but also a gift.Even when business is slow - stay top of mind so you can be top of mind when people are ready.When a group of people take off their invisible masks and allow themselves to play, connect and be vulnerable it changes the world.It’s all about enhancing the human experience.Celebration: No Risk, No Champagne CHARITY: Girl Forward and Girls Rock!Listen to The Improve It Podcast!Find her on Instagram or her website.BOOK RECOMMENDATION: “When the body says no” If you’ve been inspired, touched, entertained, or motivated by this or any of Heather Vickery’s content you can “say thanks” by buying her a virtual coffee!Let's connect ...Follow us on Instagram and connect with our host, Heather Vickery here.ORDER YOUR COPY OF F*CK FEARLESS - MAKING THE BRAVE LEAP TODAY, Click Here!Order your Create Brave Manifestation Card Decks here.Share your feedback by emailing heather@vickeryandco.com or via Instagram DM's.

Friday Jan 13, 2023

Welcome to 2023! Heather Vickery shares a New Year's message and introduces you to the idea of "wintering."Imagine what's possible if we, as humans, follow the path of nature rather than society.  Let's experiment. If you’ve been inspired, touched, entertained, or motivated by this or any of Heather Vickery’s content you can “say thanks” by buying her a virtual coffee!Let's connect ...Follow us on Instagram and connect with our host, Heather Vickery here.ORDER YOUR COPY OF F*CK FEARLESS - MAKING THE BRAVE LEAP TODAY, Click Here!Order your Create Brave Manifestation Card Decks here.Share your feedback by emailing heather@vickeryandco.com or via Instagram DM's.

Saturday Dec 17, 2022

 Respect • Autonomy • GraceJustice is not always compassionate but there is still compassion at the root of our human existence. We may not be able to see the growth and change in the moment  - but it’s there.The world has often made today’s Jule Arney feel less-than, wrong, and broken. As a Black, , neurodivergent person Jule has had to combat these external narratives that have, unwittingly, taken seed and rooted subconsciously.The struggles that result from this type of lived experience cannot be understated and yet, Jule now lives an OUTLOUD LIFE that helps others see themself for the magic they are - AS IS and Jule helps these folks CHOOSE TO LIVE! Jule moved around a lot and had lots of different experiences.Episode TakeawaysThankful for consistent parents who prioritized their children’s safetyIt’s a journey to be associated with beauty and believe itChurch was a very important of Black culture but that meant being surrounded by homophobiaIt took Jule three times to come out to their parentsBeing rejected by their family, lead Jule to want to end their life.Jule is a lifelong “overachiever” who believed that if they were perfect in every other way, it would be enough.In 2006 Jule decided to take their boyfriend to prom and met great resistance but they did get to attend prom together. Denying myself consistently drove Jule closer to ending Always be a person who ask questionsRely on your social network and let people inFocus on the “small little things” that make you the wonderful person you areCelebration for Jule is spending quality time with friendsCHARITY: The healing wellness foundation (in Pittsburgh)“The more I have allowed myself to step into the opulence of my truth, the more others around me have begun to see that same light within themselves.”“Be the person that you needed”"There is too much you have left to do, too much impact you will have for yourself, your community, the world."“I chose to know my truth. To know myself enough to demand respect from everyone else.”

Thursday Dec 01, 2022

CHANGE • QUESTIONS• BOUNDARIESWhen TikTok brings us together. This week I'm chatting with Quinn The Eskimo (ok, that's not his *real* name but it's his NEW name and over here we respect folks name preferences!). Quinn joined me to talk about totally transforming his super religious, conservative life by changing one, somewhat, simple thing: Learning to ask questions. So many questions!By embracing questions and being open to actually hearing the answers Quinn completely changed his life. He’s a teacher, leader, creator, and guide … he’s afraid but ready for whatever comes next. Connect with him directly via his website andon TikTok.EPISODE TAKEAWAYSLife is a series of seasons.Season One: His name was John and he was conservative.Stayed in a toxic relationship for a long time. Raised 8 kids.Parenting is such hard work - it becomes your entire identity!Started asking questions, as a conservative Christian, and things stopped adding up.Don’t just believe what you’re told. EXPLORE and learn for yourself!Travel and connecting with new people will open up your heart and mind.Change starts with admitting YOU were wrong (and will likely continue to make mistakes).Boundaries allow you to control who is invited into your life.Lack of control caused serious depression. It was time to surrender and start again, different, healither. Quinn doesn’t want to push people away, he wants to attract them.Surround yourself with positive people who want to help you rise!Learn more, explore more, see more, have more conversations.It’s time to start to think about things in a different way.Question your privilege.It’s not that the things we have are bad, it’s that we evolve and change.The 5am club - it’s time for Quinn to “work” on himself.We have to envision what will happen in order to believe in the possibility and live into the vision.CELEBRATION:  food, nature, musicCharity of the week: Goodwill - Their mission is to help people gain skills and get into the workforce.If you’ve been inspired, touched, entertained, or motivated by this or any of Heather Vickery’s content you can “say thanks” by buying her a virtual coffee!Let's connect ...Follow us on Instagram and connect with our host, Heather Vickery here.ORDER YOUR COPY OF F*CK FEARLESS - MAKING THE BRAVE LEAP TODAY, Click Here!Order your Create Brave Manifestation Card Decks here.Share your feedback by emailing heather@vickeryandco.com or via Instagram DM's.

Thursday Nov 17, 2022

Courageous • Centered • Responsibility We often think of fear as something that keeps us small and stuck - it can, in fact, do all of those things. But there’s also the flip side of fear - the empowering side - the brave side. This side of fear informs. It allows you to dig deep into yourself and find ways to heal, grow and prosper. Today I welcome Sarah Hagstrom Join us to talk about her journey through fear and learning to heal her own body through a mind-body approach. She’s  determined to make the world a healthier and happier place through her growing health coaching businesses with healthy bottom lines, helping folks establish strong foundations from the start.Episode Highlights:Do the things that bring you joy, simply for the sake of joy.Don’t miss your joy opportunities! Sarah grew up with a deep seeded fear of “who is going to take care of me? I have to take care of myself.”This fear caused lots of physical ailments.Documentary: Food matters - Changed Sarah’s life.Humans tend to become unconscious around food choices.Community can be created in a lot of ways. Seek those who can help you have the life you most desire.Any behavior (including eating) we do, constantly, as a coping mechanism is unhealthy. Every human is different. What works for one person may not work for someone else.Just like everything else in life, reassessment is important.Don’t just “trust the experts.” You know yourself, trust yourself, and advocate for yourself.Stress and emotions that are left unattended show up as physical issues. Give words to your truth.Check out Journal Speak!All humans have mixed emotions. It’s ok - welcome them all.Our bodies heal when we give them the tools to heal - that is mind, body, and soul.Be compassionate to your fellow humans - you never know what they are experiencing You don’t need to be working non-stop. It’s not about “doing the most” it’s about how you feel!My natural instinct is to use positive words. There’s real work in allowing all thoughts and feelings without judgment.Connect with Sarah on her website or Instagram. And check out Journal Speak here. LEARN ABOUT THE INCUBATOR!If you’ve been inspired, touched, entertained, or motivated by this or any of Heather Vickery’s content you can “say thanks” by buying her a virtual coffee!Let's connect ...Follow us on Instagram and connect with our host, Heather Vickery here.ORDER YOUR COPY OF F*CK FEARLESS - MAKING THE BRAVE LEAP TODAY, Click Here!Order your Create Brave Manifestation Card Decks here.Share your feedback by emailing heather@vickeryandco.com or via Instagram DM's.

Friday Nov 04, 2022

Obligation • Opportunity • PrideTamer Elnoury is not his real name … It’s one of several aliases he’s used throughout his career to infiltrate terror cells across the globe. His job was to decimate al-Qaeda and ISIS from the inside out. To put his arm around some of the worst people on the planet, convince them he was their brother in arms, and then ruin all their plans of death and destruction without them ever knowing he was coming.Episode takeawaysTamer started off as an undercover narcotics officerHe fully admits he was unprepared, filled with biases and preconceived notions. And THAT was dangerous and unsafeIt’s very hard to step out of ourselves and see people from their own perspective.911 became a personal calling for Tamer. He was uniquely positioned to help protect us.This isn’t work you can mess up. There is no room for error."I had no idea what the radical mindset, the radical world was like."If you’ve been inspired, touched, entertained, or motivated by this or any of Heather Vickery’s content you can “say thanks” by buying her a virtual coffee!Let's connect ...Follow us on Instagram and connect with our host, Heather Vickery here.ORDER YOUR COPY OF F*CK FEARLESS - MAKING THE BRAVE LEAP TODAY, Click Here!Order your Create Brave Manifestation Card Decks here.Share your feedback by emailing heather@vickeryandco.com or via Instagram DM's.

Friday Oct 21, 2022

POSSIBILITY • COURAGEOUS • RESILIENTCan you take that which was harmful and unacceptable and apply lessons toward a happy, healthy life? Tanya_Marie Dubé says she did just that. After surviving a childhood in and out of the foster care system and then living on the street as a teenager, Tanya shared that life was extremely challenging but now sees her experiences as the foundation for who she is and she’s grateful for these experiences and lessons. None of us would be where we are without the experiences of the past. We are all here to be the greatest version of ourselves!Use everything you’re learning to support others.Learning and teaching are a life cycle. Top  Takeaways From The Episode:Our lived experiences shape our future selves.Tanya would have to follow her mom and stepdad or risk being forced into another dangerous situation.At the end of the day, everything works out the way it’s supposed to.If my belief is that I can do it, then my reality is that I can do it.Stay focused on “right now” that’s what you have - right now.Always follow your intuition - it’s got your back.Don’t take the same route twice - try something new, and see what you can discover.I co-created a lot of negative energy, I participated in it.Be careful what you ask for - you may just get it.Wealth is not about money - it’s about abundance. EMBRACE IT!Don’t save celebration for the big things - celebrate often.We never know what others are experiencing. Don’t make assumptions or judgments.CHARITY: Support your local food bank. They save lives.If you’ve been inspired, touched, entertained or motivated by this or any of Heather Vickery’s content you can “say thanks” by buying her a virtual coffee!Follow us on Instagram and connect with our host, Heather Vickery here.ORDER YOUR COPY OF F*CK FEARLESS - MAKING THE BRAVE LEAP TODAY, Click Here!Order your Create Brave Manifestation Card Decks here.Check out The Brave Files Book Collection here! Share your feedback by emailing heather@vickeryandco.com

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