Dare Greatly Podcast

Latest Episodes:

#75 - Zen and the Art of Motherhood | No. 8 Be Still: A Summer of Meditation Jul 30, 2025

Show notes

Welcome, friend. This episode might be the theme of why I do everything I do, helping you find balance in loving without grasping too tightly. If you've ever felt the ache of letting go as your child grows up, or the tension between holding on and trusting God—this one's for you. Today, I'm sharing a tender meditation on motherhood, rooted in the ancient wisdom of Zen and framed by my own experience raising teenagers—and now watching my 22-year-old prepare to move into his first home he just bought. We'll explore:

What Zen actually is, and where it intersects with Christian and Latter-day Saint teachings
How to "mother with the end in mind" without missing the beauty of now
What Fiddler on the Roof, motorcycle maintenance, and motherhood have in common
Why stillness, simplicity, and presence are more powerful than control
And how meditation has helped me heal anxiety and navigate a difficult childhood with grace

Whether you're a mom, a mentor, or someone in a season of surrender, may this episode offer insights to help you remember that you are not alone in motherhood. The world may be changing, but the presence of God remains steady—and so can you. 🧘‍♀️ Be Still: A Summer of Meditation continues with this short but mighty episode. ––– 💌 Subscribe to the podcast newsletter at daniellevaughncoaching.com 🎙️ Leave a review if today's episode resonates with you—it helps others find inspiration, too.

Where you can connect more with Danielle:

#74 - Partnering with God: Meditation as a Practice of Divine Partnership | No. 7 Be Still: A Summer of Meditation Jul 23, 2025

Show notes

Welcome back to Be Still – A Summer of Meditation. In this episode, we explore what it means to partner with God—not just in our stillness, but in our everyday doing.

Too often we think of spirituality and meditation as passive surrender, but today, we're shifting that idea. Drawing from the powerful words of President Ezra Taft Benson, we consider ten specific promises God makes to those who turn their lives over to Him—promises like deeper joy, expanded vision, quickened minds, and poured-out peace.

You'll hear short stories from the scriptures—about Nephi, Esther, Mary, Moses, and others—who partnered with God in practical, courageous ways. We'll look at how these divine patterns mirror ancient truths from Zen Buddhism, where stillness gives rise to insight, resilience, and compassion.

🧘‍♀️ This episode also includes a guided meditation to help you:

Practice spiritual partnership with God
Tune into the divine support available to you
Anchor your spirit in the present moment

This is for the Doers who have a hard time letting go. For those who pride themselves on hard work, but want to learn to trust heaven more fully. And for anyone who's ever wondered if they can do less striving and more abiding—without losing momentum.

🌿 Key Takeaways:

10 Promises from God to those who partner with Him
How meditation opens the soul to receive
Scriptural examples of spiritual partnership in action
The connection between Zen mindfulness and gospel living
A peaceful meditation to center your spirit in divine partnership

🕊 Scriptures referenced:

1 Nephi 17:7–13
Exodus 3–4
Mark 4:39–40
Genesis 41:16, 38–39
Luke 1:28–38
Esther 4:13–16

This episode is a reminder: God will be the God you need, when you need Him. And your stillness is not a pause in progress—it's part of the process.

Where you can connect more with Danielle:

#73 - Your Imagination is Your Superpower - No. 6 Be Still: A summer of Meditation Jul 16, 2025

Show notes

What if your imagination was one of the most powerful spiritual tools you've been given? What if you could learn to use it—not to escape reality—but to see what's most true, most good, and most possible in your life, through the eyes of God?

In this episode, we explore why your imagination isn't childish or frivolous—it's sacred. It's how you co-create with God. And when you combine it with stillness and mindfulness, it becomes a superpower for clarity, healing, and divine direction.

Whether you're facing a crossroads, navigating uncertainty, or just yearning to hear the voice of the Good Shepherd in a world that's loud and overwhelming—this episode is for you.

💡 You'll Learn:

How mindfulness clears space to actually hear God's voice
Why spiritual imagination is key to transforming fear into faith
What neuroscience reveals about imagination and executive functioning (and how that helps you build a better life)
The difference between fear-based thinking and God-inspired vision
How to discern if your inner voice is fear… or divine guidance

🌿 Plus, a Guided Meditation: Walking with the Good Shepherd

Let Psalm 23 come alive as you close your eyes and imagine sitting beside Jesus by still waters. This practice will help you tap into your spiritual imagination—and sense the peace, presence, and clarity that's always available to you.

✨ Key Scriptures in This Episode:

John 10:27 – "My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me."
Proverbs 29:18 – "Where there is no vision, the people perish."
Romans 12:2 – "Be transformed by the renewing of your mind…"
2 Timothy 1:7 – "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind."
Psalm 23 – "He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul…"

💬 Favorite Quote from the Episode:

"When you bring your imagination into stillness with God, it becomes a canvas for healing, vision, and divine partnership."

💛 This episode is for you if:

You're longing for clarity about your next step or season
You want to discern God's voice from the noise
You're curious about meditation but grounded in Christian faith
You believe there's more inside of you waiting to come alive
You need a gentle, hopeful reminder: people can change—and that includes you

You'll hear a powerful story about civil rights leader John Lewis and the transformative power of spiritual imagination—one that just might stay with you all week.

Where you can connect more with Danielle:

#72 – Loving-Kindness and Seeing with the Eyes of Compassion: No. 5 Be Still – A Summer of Meditation Jul 08, 2025

Show notes

What if there's a way to meet frustration, loneliness, or even a difficult person—with something softer and something stronger at the same time? In today's episode, we explore the transformative practice of Loving-Kindness, also known as Metta—a simple but radical form of meditation that teaches us how to see others, and ourselves, through the eyes of compassion.

You'll hear a story about a yoga class in Seattle, a rattlesnake on a trail run, and what happens when you decide to look people in the eye—even when they look away.

Drawing on the timeless wisdom of Sharon Salzberg, the words of Jesus Christ, and the teachings of the Buddha, Danielle guides you through a practice that's more than a moment of peace—it's a blueprint for becoming who you were always meant to be.

This is the practice for when your heart feels guarded. For when you don't know what to pray or how to cultivate charity. For when you want to lead with light, but the world feels heavy.

You'll learn:

What Metta really means (and how to use it)
The spiritual practice hidden in Matthew 5:44 to love your enemies
Why the hardest person to love is often… you
How to offer compassion without feeling fake
A 7-minute guided Loving-Kindness meditation you can return to again and again

Plus, Danielle shares how practicing Metta helped her form a soul-friendship in a new city, and how even a rattlesnake can become a teacher.

Whether you're brand-new to meditation or ready to deepen your spiritual practice, this episode will meet you right where you are—and walk with you toward more peace.

Because compassion is not weakness— It's strength wrapped in softness. It's charity in action. And as Moroni says, "Charity never faileth."

Where you can connect more with Danielle:

#71 - Be Still: A summer of Meditation | Episode 4 - Coming Home to the Breath Jun 30, 2025

Show notes

Have you ever felt like you're running on fumes… Pouring love into everyone else while secretly feeling like you're the one falling apart inside?

If your mind races. If your to-do list is never done. If your heart is full of love but your nervous system is fried, …then this episode is for you.

In today's conversation, we're going straight to the source of power most people ignore: Coming home to your breath.

And not just any breathing — I'm talking about the kind of intentional, Spirit-connected breath that recenters you in moments when you want to lose it. Like when your teenager slams the cupboard. Or your body aches from trying so hard to hold it all together. Or the world feels too loud for your sensitive heart.

You'll learn:

The neuroscience behind why just a few breaths can reset your brain
What the Buddha, Jesus, and Tara Brach all teach about sitting with pain
Why radical acceptance makes you more emotionally resilient — not weaker
A simple 4-7-8 breath practice you can return to when you feel stuck, scattered, or soul-weary

And yes — I share a very real story from my own kitchen about a moment I almost missed that turned into a sweet connection with my young adult son.

This episode will help you: 💫 Reclaim your calm. 💫 Feel your feelings — without drowning in them. 💫 Return to the truth that your breath is never just air — it is Spirit. It is power. And it's always with you.

So, join me.. Close the tabs in your brain. Open your heart.

This is your invitation to come home to the present moment — and breathe.

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#70 - Be Still: A Summer of Meditation | Episode 3 "The Buddha and The Four Noble Truths: Why We Suffer—And the Surprising Way Out" Jun 16, 2025

Show notes

Life hurts sometimes. We get overwhelmed, stuck in our own heads, and desperate for peace. And if you've ever wondered why it's so hard to find it, this episode is going to help you understand more clearly.

Today, I'm sharing the core of what the Buddha taught—The Four Noble Truths—not to preach a different gospel, but to point to the deeper truth: that God meets seekers wherever they are. That truth is truth, wherever it's found. And that Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, invites us to learn, grow, and awaken to the patterns that keep us from Him.

In this episode, we'll explore: 🔹 Why human suffering runs deeper than just difficult circumstances 🔹 How craving and clinging rob us of joy 🔹 The surprising overlap between Buddhist teachings and Christ's invitation to "come unto Me" 🔹 A simple meditation inspired by Alma the Younger's story—to help you catch hold of a healing thought.

This one is honest. It's for the seeker in you—and the disciple who wants to learn how to suffer less and live more fully in the Spirit and hear Him.

Where you can connect more with Danielle:

#69 - Be Still: A Summer of Meditation No.2 - The Story of the Buddha – A Search for Peace Jun 09, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Be Still: A Summer of Meditation, we go on a journey—not just back in time, but deep within the human heart.

I'll take you through the powerful story of Siddhartha Gautama, the man who became the Buddha, and explore what his quest for meaning, peace, and awakening can teach us today—especially if you, like me, are trying to follow Jesus in a world that feels loud and chaotic.

You'll hear how Siddhartha's path mirrors five profound truths in the life and teachings of Christ—truths that invite each of us to help others who are suffering, lean in to compassion, and live more consciously.

This isn't just a history lesson. It's an inspiring story of how one man made a difference and what we can learn from him about meditation, surrender, and what it means to truly see.

So wherever you're listening from—whether it's the car, the kitchen, or your own quiet corner—take a moment, be still, and join me in this captivating story of the Buddha. Because the path to peace often begins with a question: Is there more than this?

Let's find out together.

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#68 - Be Still and Know That I Am God- Summer of Meditation Series #1 Jun 02, 2025

Show notes

Have you been craving more peace, clarity, and calm in your life—but you're not sure where to begin? Have you wanted to try meditation but not sure where to start?

This episode kicks off a brand-new summer series I've been dreaming about for months—Be Still: A Summer of Meditation. Whether you're a complete beginner or someone who's dabbled in mindfulness and wants to go deeper, this series is for you.

Each week, I'll guide you through practices to help you slow down, reconnect with your soul, and anchor yourself in the present moment. I'll be drawing from ancient traditions—including the story of the Buddha and the teachings of Jesus—and showing you how these spiritual tools can align beautifully with a modern, faith-filled life.

You don't have to escape to a monastery or sit for hours to benefit. You just need a few quiet minutes, an open heart, and a willingness to show up.

If you've been feeling overwhelmed, burned out, spiritually flat—or if you simply want to feel more you again—this series was made for you.

Hit play and join me for a powerful, grounding start to your summer. Let's dare greatly by going inward together.

For more resources, meditations, and to follow the full 10-episode series, visit daniellevaughncoaching.com for more.

If you love this first episode, share it with a friend who could use a little stillness too. ✨

#67 Lessons from a High School Counseling Office to Help Your Teen Triumph Through the Anxious Generation Apr 23, 2025

Show notes

If you've been feeling blindsided as a parent by the challenges our teens of today face, or confused on how to help and support them, today's episode is exactly what you need.

These are the most direct, concrete answers on how to help your teens navigate the anxious generation you'll ever hear.

Today, I share wisdom I learned from a high school counseling office as I spent the last three months learning from a rockstar team of high school counselors who are helping teens build their high school years with the strengths of resilience, confident decision-making, and empowerment.

This episode feels personal, in that I share my own daughter's difficult high school years and what I've learned since that first fateful therapy appointment finding out she was in crisis with an eating disorder. That was ten years ago. Fast forward to now, and my passion for helping you help your kids.

If you've ever wondered what to do about:

Smart devices in the schools (chromebooks and iPads) and how to be the boss of them versus letting them be the boss of you
What healthy norms to adopt with raising kids in the digital age
How to have meaningful conversations with your teens that build trust and connection

Then this episode is for you.

We unpack the research and the best norms you can adopt with your family based on social psychologist Jonathan Haidt, from his book The Anxious Generation to help you parent with confidence, quiet the confusion, and move forward with more clarity, peace and grounded parenting.

This episode promises to help you know exactly how to best support your teen, how to navigate the digital age of parenting, and help your child with healthy decision making skills.

For more on Jonathan Haidt, click here for his books and excellent work he is doing to help make the world a better place.

If you liked this episode, you'll love reading this blog post on Danielle's website: Parenting Fundamentals: Teaching About Digital Media

If you want to download Danielle's free training on Emotion Coaching as developed byJohn and Julie Gottman, PhD, click here.

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#66 What It Looks Like to Heal Anxiety: Performing Jazz Pianist Kate Skinner Shares Tips That Changed Her Life Jan 31, 2025

Show notes

Have you ever wondered what it REALLY looks like when someone says they turned their anxiety around and it's no longer as big of a deal as it used to be? Do you wish you could just sit down with them and ask them to explain in more detail how that worked for them? If so, you're going to love my conversation with today's guest on the show, Kate Skinner...

Today's episode is a must-listen because you'll gain powerful insights on what to do (and not do) to take back your life from anxiety, to ignite your creative pursuits, and learn how a battle with cancer didn't stop my guest from showing up for life with courage and vulnerability, which helped her heal.

In this wisdom-packed episode, a top-loved university professor of jazz piano studies joins me to share candid truths about overcoming challenges, being a mom with a demanding career, healing anxiety, and battling cancer all while honoring her creativity and authenticity.

Kate Skinner shares with us how anxiety can be minimized and take a backseat, and she is here to share how she learned to write music and record in the studio without worrying what other people think, to let the creativity flow from within, and to honor her creativity and let it out with joy - not easy to do when you have tendencies toward people-pleasing. This conversation is going to make you think differently about anxiety, from panic attacks to playing small - it's all covered today.

I ask some hard questions and today you get to learn from a brave, vulnerable, woman who when it comes to life dealing you some hard things, you're getting sincere answers, no fluff, just the real truth.

And you'll also want to listen all the way to the end for one of the most beautiful, inspiring endings to any episode of the Dare Greatly Podcast.

For more of Kate's music, including links to Kate's Etsy shop and website, see the following for the links:

Kate Skinner Website:
Kate's Etsy shop - Blue Bird Peak:
Find Kate's music and stream on Spotify:
Kate on Apple Music:

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