On this episode of Relatable Wisdom, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Bernice McDonald, a “Tiny Brave Steps” coach who helps midlife women live with courage, moving from feeling not enough to brave enough—one small, conscious step at a time. Bernice shared her favorite quote by Ambrose Redmond: “Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something is more important than the fear.” Her story is a powerful reminder that fear is a normal—sometimes protective—part of life, but true growth comes from choosing what matters most and acting anyway. We explored how fear tries to keep us safe, but also holds us back from meaningful opportunities, whether it’s starting a podcast, having tough conversations, or pursuing love. Bernice’s wisdom and practical advice are relatable for anyone feeling stuck or hesitant. She also revealed resources like her “Tiny Brave Steps Generator” and her Little Books of Courage series, inspiring us all to take those first steps and actively choose bravery over comfort, every day.
Connect With Bernice McDonald
Website: https://tinybravesteps.com
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Chapters
00:00 Introduction And Welcome
00:31 Meet Bernice McDonald
01:44 Ambrose Redmond’s Courage Quote
02:24 Growing Up With Fear
03:35 Soldiers And Side-By-Side Courage
04:19 Inner Warrior And Action
05:25 Everyday Fears And Examples
06:58 Fear’s Protective Mechanism
08:17 Tiny Brave Steps In Action
08:52 Wisdom’s Podcast Journey
10:21 Action Grows Courage
11:04 Mastery And Next Steps
11:40 Judgment And Choosing What Matters
12:51 Personalizing And Facing Fear
13:42 Brave Steps In Relationships
14:17 Whitewater Rafting As A Metaphor
15:06 Workplace Courage And Boundaries
15:46 Fear As A Backseat Driver
17:10 Everyday Courage Decisions
17:45 The Luxury Of Fear
18:39 Judging What’s Most Important
19:49 Workplace Tasks Vs. Personal Goals
20:39 Personal Growth And Risk
21:02 Fear As A Compass
22:32 Settling For Mediocrity
23:12 Podcasting And Opportunities
23:54 Bernice’s Book: Brave Enough
25:06 The Little Books Of Courage
25:58 Connect And Resources
27:16 Closing And Takeaways