Podcast Episode 354 - The Courageous Life Part 13 - How to Train Your Brain for Brave

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Podcast Episode 354 - The Courageous Life Part 13 - How to Train Your Brain for Brave

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Courage Is Faith in Motion: How to Take Action When You're Afraid

📰 5-Minute Blog VersionFear is a party crasher that overstays its welcome. If you're ready to show it the door, here's your game plan.


When I was 11, I wanted horseback riding lessons so bad I was willing to face my greatest fear: the phone.

That call (to a stable with a French-speaking receptionist!) led to a summer camp, selling disco flashlights, and ultimately, a dream fulfilled.

Turns out, that was courage—not confidence. And it’s something you can activate too.


Here’s How:

Lesson 1: Courage Takes Movement – Action Disrupts Fear

Neuroscientist Andrew Huberman says fear starts in the brain but settles in the body. Action disrupts that pattern.

Even small steps like sending a text can flip on your “courageous circuit” and reward you with a dopamine boost.

Fast action beats overthinking every time.

James 2:17 (NASB) – "Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself."

Courage is faith in motion.


Lesson 2: Courage is Practice

Courage grows through repetition. Just like working a muscle, consistent brave behavior makes it easier next time.

I used to freeze on phone calls.

Now, I send follow-up texts during launches like it’s a Tuesday chore.

Galatians 6:9 reminds us: Don’t give up—you will reap if you don’t grow weary.


Lesson 3: Courage is Partnering with God

The most important part? You’re not doing this alone.

Joshua 1:6 says, Be strong and courageous… for the Lord your God is with you.

When I faced a terrifying pregnancy moment when I thought I would have my third miscarriage, I leaned on God’s promises—and that faith-fueled courage carried me through.

And it and for you too.


Courageous Action Time

  1. Name your fear – What’s holding you back?

  2. Break it down – What’s your next tiny step?

  3. Pray, breathe, move – Do it scared. Do it now.

You’ve got this. And Father’s got you.


Show Notes

Summary

In this episode of Live Fearlessly Free, Heather Bunch dives deep into how courage is not the absence of fear but faith in motion. Through personal stories (hello, horses and cookbooks!) and neuroscience insights from Andrew Huberman, Heather equips you with three powerful, action-packed ways to flip on your courageous circuit, get that dopamine boost, and move forward—even when your knees are knocking. If you’re tired of fear crashing your party and you’re ready to step into bold, faith-fueled action, this one’s for you.

Takeaways

  • Fear often stops us at the threshold of our dreams.

  • Delighting in intimacy with God is foundational for courage.

  • Understanding our true identity helps us combat fear.

  • Directing our imagination can empower us to take action.

  • Courage is not the absence of fear, but action despite it.

  • Fear starts in the brain and manifests physically in the body.

  • There are four responses to fear: fight, flight, freeze, and fawn.

  • Taking action activates the 'courageous circuit' in our brain.

  • Courage is like a muscle that gets stronger with practice.

  • Partnering with God is essential in our journey of courage.

Sound Bites

"Courage takes movement."

"Action disrupts fear."

"Courage is faith in motion.”

"Courage isn’t the absence of fear—it’s doing the thing afraid."

"Action flips on the courageous circuit and rewires your brain for brave."

"You don’t need to wait for fear to leave the room. It walks in anyway."

Courageous Action

Time to take one bold, messy, totally imperfect step:

  • ⚡ Step 1: Name one thing fear’s been holding you back from.

  • 🛠️ Step 2: Break it down to the tiniest doable action (text, call, one sentence—whatever gets the momentum going).

  • 🤝 Step 3: Pray. Breathe. Move. Do it scared. Do it today.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Courageous Living

00:11 Opener - Overcoming Fear with Courage

01:15 The Three Secrets to a Courageous Life Recap

03:10 Breaking Down Fear and Courage

04:05 A Horse of a Tail on Courage

11:27 Activating the Courageous Circuit

18:37 Lesson 1 Courage Takes Movement – Action Disrupts Fear

24:17 Lesson 2 Courage Is Practiced – Consistency Builds Confidence

26:52 Lesson 3 Courage Is Partnering with God – You’re Not Doing This Alone

34:37 Recap How to Activate Your Courage Circuit

35:47 Courageous Action

Resources

Hello, Courageous! The Gal’s Guide to Delight, Discover, and Direct Your Divine Life by Heather Bunch: https://hellocourageous.com 

Or get it on Amazon at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CP3BZ7ZP