I Thought I Was Courageous… I Was Wrong

For most of my life, I thought courage meant doing scary things. Big risks. Big moments. Pushing limits. But I’ve been avoiding something much harder: Vulnerability. In this solo episode of the Keep Pushing Podcast, I unpack how growing up as “the strong one” shaped my identity, my relationships, and the way I showed up in the world. From my brother’s struggles with addiction, to the pressure of always being seen as the one who has it together, to building a version of myself on social media that only showed the wins. And how that came at a cost. In this episode I touch on: - The hidden pressure of being “the strong one” - How avoiding vulnerability blocks real connection - The role social media plays in reinforcing false identities - How Vibe Ride became a space that pushed me into real expression - Why leadership requires going first with vulnerability - Redefining courage as the willingness to be seen This is a reflection on identity, community, and what it actually means to live honestly. If you’ve ever felt like you have to hold it together… this one’s for you. Follow Keep Pushing Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/keeppushingpodcast/⁠⁠⁠ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/64cslL1JuSdr3eIgwU8GRS?si=5806fa64af4b474f Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keep-pushing-with-brandon-desjarlais/id1884161960