Shamiram Zendo is a professional student, researcher, Assyrian, sugar-free baker, and has been transformed by the power of narrative.

In this interview, Shamiram talks about her research and how it has changed her life, the importance of telling and listening to stories, why we need to let our assumptions be challenged, and how Assyrian dancing tells a story.

What was your takeaway from The Courage to CONNECT HEAD AND HEART? We’d love to hear what you learn and discover along the way!

Instagram: madi.eckert

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Don Pape is a husband, father, publishing agent, follower of Jesus, and someone who enjoys the mysteries of the journey of life.

In this interview, Don talks about how he entered into the world of publishing, why he left his stable job for something new, how he has chosen to see people as people and not for their status, and leans into why we should enjoy the mystery of God and life.

What was your takeaway from The Courage to LEAVE STABILITY? We’d love to hear what you learn and discover along the way!

Instagram: madi.eckert

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Bobbi Jo Bongertman is a mother, student, neighbour, dreamer, optimist, noticer of others, and expert volunteer. Bobbi Jo has a heart to serve others, and it consistently challenges me in my day to day life.

In this interview, Bobbi Jo talks about resiliency, living with gratitude, ways she actively serves her community, the simplicity of coming alongside others, her big dreams, and challenges us all to notice others better.

What was your takeaway from The Courage to SERVE? I’d love to hear what you learn and discover along the way!

Instagram: madi.eckert

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Matt Eckert is a father, grandfather, uncle, pastor, author, biker, coach, visionary, and consultant for Deliberate U. He has lived and breathed mentorship for the past few decades from both the standpoint of mentoring others, and being mentored himself.

In this interview, Matt talks about the importance of doing a variety of things to stay creative, the courage to be vulnerable, the importance of engaging with Scripture, why he chooses to always mentor someone in their 20’s, and throws a spin on how courage could be defined.

What was your takeaway from The Courage to MENTOR? We’d love to hear what you learn and discover along the way!

Instagram: madi.eckert

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Haneen Bishara is a daughter, student, harp player, thrifter, Egyptian, deep thinker, and a dear friend.

In this interview, Haneen talks about not fitting a mold, the difference between communal and individualistic living, listening to the older generation, the impact of labels, and dealing with people who make you feel unsure about yourself.

What was your takeaway from The Courage to CULTURAL DUALITY? We’d love to hear what you learn and discover along the way!

Instagram: madi.eckert

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Jay Gurnett is a husband, father, grandfather, church planter catalyst, house renovator, and Associate Director with Vision Ministries Canada. Jay is not afraid to experiment and spends his life in constant change. And considering his role with church planting in Canada, it made for a perfect combination to talk about the courage to TRY.

In this interview, Jay talks about why he loves renovating houses, the gift of Spiritual gifts, working with church planters, listening to God, prayer, and why God cares more about our hearts than doing things perfectly.

What was your takeaway from The Courage to TRY? We’d love to hear what you learn and discover along the way!

Instagram: madi.eckert

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Vladimir and Nadya Shupta are a husband and wife duo who have lived through some unique experiences all around the world. They were the perfect couple to talk about what it means to live an adventurous life, and how courage plays into that.

Vladimir and Nadya talk about the many countries they’ve lived in, the wild story of their middle child’s birth, how they’ve learned to embrace rather than resist, the importance of our attitudes, and how their faith impacts their everyday life.

What was your takeaway from The Courage to ADVENTURE? We’d love to hear what you learn and discover along the way!

Instagram: madi.eckert

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Preston Pouteaux is a husband, father, church planter, author, bee keeper, and a promoter of community. Preston imagines deeply but it is rooted out of intentional listening and seeking of opportunities, which makes him such a great person to talk to about the courage to imagine!

In this interview, Preston talks about building strong communities, creating a city sculpture, attentive listening, bee keeping, gardening, storytelling, and living ordinary lives in an extraordinary way. It’s sure to inspire us all.

What was your takeaway from The Courage to IMAGINE? I’d love to hear what you learn and discover along the way!

Instagram: madi.eckert

And follow her here to stay up to date on all the writing projects she works on:

Instagram: oliviamsmit

Sanna Karosas is a wife, mother, educator, advocate, and a Swedish living in Lithuania. Sanna and her husband have 5 kids, and the two youngest both have Down Syndrome. Knowing some of the barriers they would face, Sanna has really stepped into the courage to advocate as she strives to educate others about Down Syndrome.

In this interview, Sanna talks about the different generational perspectives, the power of a supportive community, the impact of showing that people with disabilities live relatable lives, why the Lithuanian culture perceives disabilities the way they do, and her experience of being a foreigner in a new land.

What was your takeaway from The Courage to ADVOCATE? I’d love to hear what you learn and discover along the way!

Instagram: madi.eckert

Adrian Del Monte is a husband, father, high school English teacher, podcaster, director of SLAM (a leadership program for students), and Executive Director of Hopes Rise. All that being said, Adrian lives and breathes leadership, and understands the courage it requires to lead well.

In this interview, Adrian talks about the potential he sees in Gen Z, the importance of holding the tensions, servant leadership in the mundane, how he leads himself amidst leading others, and so much more. He also shares many great book recommendations, so if you’re looking to add some good reads to your bookshelf, Adrian has you covered!

What was your takeaway from The Courage to LEAD? I’d love to hear what you learn and discover along the way!

Instagram: madi.eckert