Courageous Conversations

In this episode of Courageous Conversations, we sit down with Gigi Speer, a former Division 1 softball player at Fordham University in the Bronx who has made a name for herself in sports broadcasting. Currently, Gigi is a play-by-play and sideline reporter covering college and professional sports on ESPN, FS1, and MSG Networks. She has hosted sold-out Maryland basketball, Rutgers football, and Fordham Hoops events, bringing energy and expertise to every game she covers. With a passion for women's sports, she also hosts the Locked On: Women's Basketball Podcast and manages social media for The Next Hoops. Now, Gigi is setting her sights on pushing women's sports forward in a new way—by pursuing her law degree.

Join us as we dive into Gigi's journey, from competing at the highest levels of college athletics to breaking barriers in sports media and advocating for women in the industry. She shares the lessons she's learned along the way, the challenges of working in a male-dominated field, and how she's using her platform to inspire the next generation of female athletes and broadcasters.

Key Topics Discussed:

• How Gigi transitioned from being a college athlete to a sports broadcaster

• The challenges and triumphs of covering women's sports

• Why she's now pursuing a law degree to advocate for women in athletics

• Advice for young women looking to break into sports media

Connect with Gigi here!

Instagram: @gigi.speer

Stay Connected with The Courageous Brand here!

TikTok | Instagram | LinkedIn | Our Website

In this inspiring episode of Courageous Conversations, host Amy sits down with Annie Reger, a senior at the University of Kentucky and a member of the women's gymnastics team. Annie shares her journey of self-discovery, resilience, and the power of embracing who you truly are. From starting gymnastics at six years old to overcoming injuries and setbacks, Annie discusses how she found her true identity beyond the sport and ultimately secured a spot on the UK gymnastics team. She also dives into her experiences interning at Nike, studying abroad, and mentoring young athletes.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Annie's journey from starting gymnastics at six years old to competing at the collegiate level

• The importance of having multiple facets to your identity and how leadership roles and part-time jobs helped her grow

• The power of focus, eliminating distractions, and fully committing to your true goals

• Advice for young girls struggling with identity, pressure, or fear of pursuing their passions

• Why "failing fast" is essential for growth and how to view failure as valuable feedback How embracing failure builds confidence, reduces fear, and allows for greater risk-taking

Annie's story is a powerful reminder that embracing who you truly are, taking bold steps toward your dreams, and learning from setbacks will lead you to success—on and off the mat.

Connect with Annie here!

Instagram: @annieriegert

Stay Connected with The Courageous Brand here!

TikTok | Instagram | LinkedIn | Our Website

In this episode of Courageous Conversations, we're joined by Journey Amundson, a track and field athlete, Academic All-American, and Master of Public Health student at Saint Louis University. After earning her chemistry degree from D3 Macalester College, Journey followed her athletic dreams to compete D1 at SLU, where she now holds school records and a conference title. She's also the Chief Expansion Officer at Top Tier Lessons, an NIL start-up helping student-athletes launch private coaching businesses—and has grown the company from 3 to 20 cities across the country.

Journey opens up about the courage it took to transition from D3 to D1, what it means to truly believe in yourself, and how she's helping other student-athletes turn their passions into purpose. She shares the lessons she's learned about confidence, mindset, and taking bold steps—especially when the path forward doesn't always make sense to others.

Key Topics Discussed:

• What it really means to be a school record holder, conference champion, and Academic All-American

• How she transitioned from Division III to Division I athletics—and found her passion along the way

• The power of saying "yes" to unexpected opportunities

• How networking (yes, even just making a new friend!) turned into running a nationwide company

• What NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) means and how it empowers college athletes to earn income

• Tips for young women in sports to build confidence, take initiative, and lead

Journey's story is a powerful reminder that when you lead with purpose, trust your gut, and stay rooted in your values, there's no limit to what you can achieve—on the track, in the classroom, or beyond.

Connect with Journey here!

Instagram: @journey.amundson

Stay Connected with The Courageous Brand here!

TikTok | Instagram | LinkedIn | Our Website

In this episode of Courageous Conversations, we're joined by Anna Gruesen, a student at Boston University studying nutrition and health on the pre-physical therapy track. Anna is a 7-time marathon finisher, Boston Marathon runner, and 2-time Boston Marathon qualifier. With a deep love for all things health and wellness, she's passionate about inspiring others—especially young women—to stay committed to their goals and believe in themselves through every season of life.

Anna opens up about the importance of embracing change, building healthy routines, and staying consistent even when things feel overwhelming. She shares her personal experiences as a student-athlete, navigating shifting schedules, evolving goals, and the day-to-day challenges of staying balanced and motivated.

Key Topics Discussed:

• How to adjust when your routine changes—whether it's a new semester, season, or schedule

• Why it's okay if it takes time to feel settled into a new rhythm

• How building consistency helps you gain momentum toward your goals

• Why pushing through uncomfortable transitions leads to real growth

• Tips for staying focused without getting overwhelmed

• How trusting the process helps you avoid burnout and stay confident

Anna's story reminds us that success doesn't come from being perfect—it comes from showing up, giving yourself grace, and staying the course. If you've ever struggled with change or felt pressure to have it all figured out, this episode is packed with honest encouragement and powerful takeaways.

Connect with Anna here!

Instagram: @annagruesen

Stay Connected with The Courageous Brand here!

TikTok | Instagram | LinkedIn | Our Website

In this episode of Courageous Conversations, we're joined by Annika Swanson, a recent graduate from Indiana University's Kelley School of Business, where she earned a triple BSB in Marketing, Professional Sales, and Management. Annika has applied her education to building her brand, Fitnessbyanni, where she helps people become the happiest, healthiest, and most balanced versions of themselves. Through her content, she shares her life experiences as she goes through them, aiming to comfort and inspire others. She strives to be honest and transparent, showing that while life isn't perfect, a positive mindset, healthy habits, and supportive people can make it amazing.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Why happiness should come from within, not from a relationship

• How to recognize red flags and avoid unhealthy dependency in relationships

• The importance of setting boundaries with your partner and friends

• How to maintain your individuality while being in a relationship

• Why a supportive partner should build you up, not dim your light

• The significance of dating someone who truly understands and embraces you

Together, we dive into the importance of confidence, self-worth, and maintaining healthy relationships. Annika shares her journey in learning that true happiness and confidence come from within—not from external validation. Whether you're navigating friendships, dating, or personal growth, this episode is full of valuable insights.

Connect with Annika here!

Instagram: @lovealwaysannika

Stay Connected with The Courageous Brand here!

TikTok | Instagram | LinkedIn | Our Website

In this episode of Courageous Conversations, Amy sits down with Jodi Grievey to discuss the power of developing a growth mindset versus being stuck in a fixed mindset. Jodi shares her personal journey from being a competitive athlete and coach to climbing Mount Kilimanjaro—where she had a life-changing realization about success, perseverance, and self-worth. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone who wants to develop a strong mindset for leadership, resilience, and personal growth.

Key Topics Discussed:

• How Jodi's experience climbing Mount Kilimanjaro transformed her mindset

• The difference between a growth mindset and a fixed mindset

• Why success isn't about coming in first but about showing up every day

• How surrounding yourself with high achievers can inspire your own success

• Overcoming imposter syndrome and learning to embrace your own journey

• The impact of comparison and how to use competition in a healthy way

Don't miss this powerful and thought-provoking conversation with Jodi Grievey, where she shares the lessons she's learned from sports, coaching, and even climbing one of the world's highest mountains. Her journey will inspire you to embrace challenges, break free from limiting beliefs, and develop a growth mindset that will serve you in leadership, academics, and life.

Connect with Jodi here!

Instagram: @coachjodi_

Stay Connected with The Courageous Brand here!

TikTok | Instagram | LinkedIn | Our Website

In this inspiring episode of Courageous Conversations, Amy sits down with Hannah Folau, a former student-athlete at Georgetown University and current master's student in Global Health. Hannah shares her journey of self-discovery, mental health advocacy, and the power of vulnerability in navigating life's challenges. From transitioning away from pre-med to pursuing global health, to overcoming an ACL injury that reshaped her identity, Hannah opens up about the lessons she's learned along the way.

Key Topics Discussed:

• What global health is and how it connects to advocacy, policy, and public health initiatives

• Hannah's shift from wanting to be a doctor to finding her true passion in global health

• The intersection of health, education, and human rights, and why access to healthcare should be a universal right

• How Hannah's experience as a lacrosse player shaped her perspective on mental health and identity

• The role of talking and sharing in breaking down mental health stigma

• How Hannah turned a personal struggle with anxiety into a mission to help others

• The importance of setting intentions and using vulnerability as a superpower

Hannah's journey from student-athlete to global health advocate shows that setbacks can lead to even greater purpose. Her story is a powerful reminder that identity isn't tied to just one path—and that vulnerability, resilience, and a willingness to pivot can open doors we never expected. Tune in to hear how she's turning challenges into change!

Connect with Hannah here!

Instagram: @hanfofo

Stay Connected with The Courageous Brand here!

TikTok | Instagram | LinkedIn | Our Website

In this powerful episode of Courageous Conversations, host Amy sits down with Georgia Butler, a 19-year-old college student from Los Angeles, California, who has faced unimaginable challenges. Diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia, Multi-Phenotype Acute Leukemia, at just 16 years old, Georgia takes us through her journey of perseverance, self-advocacy, and overcoming adversity. Now cancer-free, she is committed to raising awareness and supporting others facing similar challenges. By sharing her story, she hopes to offer guidance and encouragement to those navigating treatment and survival.

Key Topics Discussed:

• How Georgia discovered her illness and the symptoms she experienced before her diagnosis

• The struggles of being a high school student undergoing cancer treatment

• The emotional and mental challenges of dealing with a life-threatening illness as a teenager

• The importance of self-advocacy and trusting your instincts when it comes to your health

• Georgia's transition from high school to college and how she navigated setbacks

For everyone listening, this episode is a reminder of the importance of trusting yourself, speaking up when something feels wrong, and embracing resilience in the face of life's toughest battles.

Connect with Georgia here!

Instagram: @georgia.butlerr

Stay Connected with The Courageous Brand here!

TikTok | Instagram | LinkedIn | Our Website

In this inspiring episode of Courageous Conversations, Amy sits down with Julianne Morse, a former collegiate athlete and current graduate assistant coach, to discuss the power of resilience and perseverance. From struggling as a high school runner to finding her place in college athletics and ultimately excelling through hard work and determination, she shares her journey of overcoming adversity, pushing through chronic injuries, and developing the mindset needed to succeed in both sports and life.

Key Topics Discussed:

• How Julianne went from an average high school athlete to competing at the collegiate level at Wheaton College.

• The pivotal moment that changed her athletic journey and helped her develop resilience.

• The impact of chronic injuries and how she overcame them through consistency and determination.

• Practical advice for young female athletes on finding their passion and staying committed to their goals.

• Why shadowing professionals in your desired field can help clarify career choices (even if it means realizing a path isn't for you!).

Whether it's sports, academics, or any career path, staying true to what you love is the key to fulfillment—and we hope this episode inspires you to embrace that journey.

Connect with Julianne here!

Instagram: @jem3910

Stay Connected with The Courageous Brand here!

TikTok | Instagram | LinkedIn | Our Website

In this powerful continuation of Kennedy's journey, we pick up where her story left off—the moments leading up to being airlifted for critical care. Kennedy shares the harrowing details of her recovery, including enduring 21 surgeries over seven weeks, navigating immense pain, and learning how to communicate in a world where her voice was temporarily taken from her.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Airlift and Surgeries: Kennedy recounts her airlift to a specialized hospital and the overwhelming number of surgeries she underwent in a short period.

• Communication Through Adversity: Unable to speak due to intubation, Kennedy developed creative ways to communicate with her family, including squeezing hands and writing in palms.

• Navigating Pain and Vulnerability: Kennedy shares the emotional and physical toll of her recovery, including moments of frustration and reliance on her family for support.

• Facing the Unthinkable: Kennedy reflects on the moment she learned about her leg amputation and her immediate concern for her friends' well-being, showcasing her selflessness even in the face of life-altering news.

• Resilience and Soccer Dreams: Despite the devastating news, Kennedy's determination to return to the soccer field shines through as she grapples with the reality of her new life.

This episode is a beacon of hope and strength for young women navigating challenges in their own lives. Kennedy's story is a testament to the power of perseverance, the importance of family support, and the courage to face life's toughest battles head-on.

Connect with Kennedy here!

Instagram: @_kickitkenny_9

Stay Connected with The Courageous Brand here!

TikTok | Instagram | LinkedIn | Our Website