Still Standing With Valerie Silveira

We’ve laughed in hospital rooms, funerals, courtrooms, and the middle of absolute chaos. Was it inappropriate? Maybe. Did it save us? Absolutely.In this episode, Sean and I share some of our funniest—and most embarrassing—stories. But this isn’t just a highlight reel of awkward moments. It’s a deep dive into why laughter is more than a coping mechanism. It’s a lifeline.When the world feels heavy and nothing makes sense, laughter can cut through the darkness and remind us we’re still alive. So yes, we probably shouldn’t have laughed… but we’re so glad we did.Your story matters, so live it courageously!

We spend so much of life trying to avoid the fire.But what if it’s the very thing shaping you into someone stronger?In this episode of Brave, Bold & Unfiltered, I talk about the pain, pressure, and heat that can feel unbearable—but often become the forge for our strength.You don’t become unshakable without going through some shaking.You don’t develop courage without walking through fear.If you’re in the fire right now, this one’s for you.Your story matters, so live it courageously!

In this episode—just one day after the release of Burn the Map—Sean and I sit down to talk about why we keep trying to follow plans that were never guaranteed, and how courage becomes our compass when life blows those plans to pieces. We dig into stories from the book and from our lives, including moments where the path disappeared completely—and how we kept moving anyway.This is the heart of the message: Life rarely goes as planned… but that doesn’t mean you’re lost. Sometimes, the most powerful version of you is found in the detours, the dead-ends, and the decision to keep going when you have no clue what’s ahead.

Mona may live in a small village, but her story is anything but small. In this episode, she opens up about her chapter in Burn the Map—how she overcame early trauma, stopped chasing an outdated version of her life, and began walking with courage, clarity, and self-awareness.Her light is quiet, but it’s powerful—and this conversation will stay with you long after the episode ends.Your story matters, so live it courageously!

When life throws you into a storm, you either sink—or you fight to find the lesson in the chaos.In this powerful episode, Sean and I talk through the recent health scare that turned our lives upside down. From ER visits and sleepless nights to emotional and physical pain, we faced it together—but not without fear, frustration, and a whole lot of prayer.This isn’t just a story about what happened—it’s about what it taught us. About control, compassion, perspective, and the courage to find gratitude in the middle of uncertainty.This is a conversation for anyone who’s been blindsided by life—and is trying to find their way forward.Your story matters, so live it courageously!

We all want to reach the top—of the mountain, the healing journey, the next breakthrough. But life rarely hands us a smooth trail or a perfect view.In this episode, I share what my two-year-old great-niece, a stubborn friend in white shorts, and a few hard-earned mountain climbs taught me about the real point of it all: the climb.Whether you’re stuck at the trailhead or halfway up a messy slope, this episode is a reminder that the transformation happens step by step, not just when you reach the summit.If you’ve been waiting for it to get easier—this one’s for you.Your story matters, so live it courageously!

Let Go or Be Dragged: Why Releasing Control Is the Only Way ForwardLetting go isn’t easy—it feels unnatural. We cling to people, expectations, and control because it gives us a sense of safety. But what if that white-knuckle grip is the very thing dragging us under?In this episode, I share how my son Sean’s innocent childhood words became a profound metaphor for how tightly we all try to hold on. I also open up about Shawnie’s loss and the illusion of control that shattered when tragedy hit.We talk about:Why letting go is often the most courageous thing we can doThe 4 things you actually have control overHow holding on might be keeping you from healingThe peace that comes when we stop trying to fix what’s not ours to carryWhether you're dealing with grief, someone else's destructive choices, or just trying to navigate life’s chaos—this message is for you.

When your worst fears start knocking on the door, it's easy to feel like you're losing your grip.In this raw and real episode, I talk about the terrifying possibility of losing my only child—and what it’s like when nothing seems to get better, no matter how hard you pray.I’ll walk you through how I handled two of the scariest weeks of my life: what I felt, what I did, and how I turned to bold prayers, miracle-level faith, and my gratitude box like never before.If you’ve ever felt completely scared, shaken, and unsure how you’ll get through—this episode is for you.Your story matters, so live it courageously!

This week’s episode wasn’t planned — because life doesn’t always give us time to plan. Valerie shares from a raw place about fear, exhaustion, and the importance of rest. If you’re in the fight of your life, this is your reminder that it’s okay to pause… that resting is still fighting. The Beast wants you tired and discouraged. Don’t give him the win.Your story matters, so live it courageously!

What does it take to stand by someone as they navigate unimaginable loss, grief, and healing? My daughter-in-law, Nicki, joins me for a raw and powerful conversation about what it’s like to love and commit to someone who is walking through fire.When she met Sean, all she knew was that he had a sister deep in addiction and a lot of anger about it. Less than a year later, Jamie was murdered, and Nicki suddenly found herself inside a world of grief, justice battles, and healing that she never could have imagined.This is an emotional conversation about love, commitment, courage, and standing beside someone even when you don’t fully understand their pain. Nicki shares what it was like to step into our family, how Sean’s healing journey impacted her, and what she’s learned about holding space for someone while also standing strong in her own identity.If you’ve ever loved someone through loss, grief, or hardship, this episode is for you.

Uncertainty Is For CertainWe crave certainty and security. We plan, we prepare, we try to get it all “right”—but the truth is, certainty is a lie. And sometimes it holds us back more than it helps.In this episode, I’m sharing what it looks like to move forward without clarity or guarantees—and why living courageously has never been about having all the answers. If you’ve been waiting for a sign… this might be it.Your story matters, so live it courageously.

Being brave doesn’t mean you’re not afraid—it means you choose courage anyway. In this episode, Sean and I get real about what bravery looks like in everyday life. We talk about the moments that test us, the fears we don’t always admit out loud, and how courage is often a quiet, persistent choice—not a one-time act. Whether you’re facing something big or just trying to get through your day, this one’s for you.Your story matters, so live it courageously!

Your perspective shapes everything—your mindset, your resilience, and even the way you navigate life’s biggest challenges. In this episode, we dive deep into how shifting your perspective can transform setbacks into stepping stones and struggles into lessons.

Life’s storms have a way of shaking our foundations—but they can also rebuild them. In this episode, Sean and I have an open, heartfelt conversation about faith. Sean shares his journey of finding faith again after losing it, while I talk about how my faith has been strengthened through life’s toughest battles. Whether you're questioning, searching, or holding onto faith with both hands, this conversation is for you.Your story matters, so live it courageously!

What if the strength you’re searching for is already within you? What if you are the one meant to rise, lead, and show others the way? In this episode, we’re talking about stepping into your strength—not just for yourself, but for those who need to see a warrior in action. The world needs more role models of courage and hope, and that starts with YOU. Your story matters, so live it courageously!

What happens when you’re thrown into the toughest game of your life with no playbook? In this episode, I sit down with Rhonda Gartner, a mother who found herself as the “quarterback” of her son’s addiction journey—trying to hold everything together while everyone looked to her for answers she didn’t have.Your story matters, so live it courageously!

In this powerful episode, Sean and I discuss how courage isn’t just reserved for heroes but is crucial for navigating the challenges of everyday life. While we often think of courage in terms of grand, heroic actions, it’s the everyday moments that truly require bravery. Join us as we explore how to tap into your inner courage to face the obstacles and uncertainties that come your way and live a life full of strength and resilience.Your story matters, so live it courageously!

What do you do when you know the inevitable is coming? How do you keep living when your heart is already breaking?In this deeply moving episode, Donna, one of my incredible Warriors, shares her story of standing strong in the face of losing her son. After years of addiction, her son developed a serious heart condition. Given a grim prognosis, he checked himself out of the hospital—and back into drugs. She knows what’s coming… but she refuses to stop living.Your story matters, so live it courageously!

Are you stuck in the cycle of overthinking but never taking action? In this solo episode, Valerie Silveira dives into the crucial balance between thinking and doing—and why action is the key to reclaiming your life. She explores how waiting for change to happen keeps you stuck, why your thoughts alone won't break the cycle, and what you can do today to move forward with courage. If you've been feeling overwhelmed by fear, worry, or uncertainty, this episode will help you break free and take the steps needed to truly live above the collateral damage of addiction.Your story matters, so live it courageously!