
Courageous Crossroads
Welcome to "The Courageous Podcast," where we delve into the inspiring tales of ordinary people who have shown unwavering bravery in the face of challenges. Join us as we explore the multifaceted dimensions of courage and ask our guests, "What's the most courageous thing you've ever done?"
Host Jeff Johnson guides these conversations with empathy and curiosity, creating a safe space for guests to share their personal experiences. From daring leaps of faith to small yet powerful acts of bravery, you'll hear stories that resonate with the universal human experience.
Through these narratives, we aim to inspire and uplift our listeners, fostering a sense of connection and empowerment. Our guests' stories remind us that bravery is not the absence of fear but the triumph over it.
"The Courageous Podcast" is not just about sharing tales of valor; it's about building a community of individuals who find strength in vulnerability and authenticity.
Join us as we celebrate the indomitable human spirit, one story of courage at a time. Get ready to be inspired, uplifted, and motivated to embrace your own inner courage, whatever that might look like.
Courageous Crossroads
Faith, Family, and Fallout: A Mayor’s Most Courageous Decision
In this powerful episode of Courageous Crossroads, Dean O’Connor—entrepreneur, mayor, and former lifelong member of a fundamentalist church—shares the most courageous decision of his life: walking away from the rigid faith he was born into. With raw honesty, Dean unpacks what it meant to grow up under strict religious rules, how leaving affected his family and identity, and why choosing truth over tradition reshaped his entire worldview. Now the president of a thriving window cleaning business and the longtime mayor of Altoona, Iowa, Dean reveals how courage, for him, is less about grand gestures and more about being honest with yourself—no matter the cost. His journey through religious deconstruction, leadership, and community service offers a rare, unfiltered look at what it means to live with integrity, lead with heart, and keep moving forward when everything familiar falls away.
Thank you for listening! We hope you feel inspired and encouraged by our conversation today. If you did, be sure to share this episode with others.
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See you in the next episode! Be blessed!