The Courageous Podcast with Ryan Berman

For years, Landon Donovan—the face of U.S. soccer and one of the most decorated players in the sport’s history—was defined by what he did on the field. In this conversation with Ryan, he shares the story behind his new book, Landon: A Memoir, and what it took to finally tell the truth about his life off the pitch. He reflects on the pressure of carrying expectations, the complicated relationship with his father, and the quiet struggles that existed alongside a historic career. They talk about why opening up about mental health was the hardest part of writing the book, and how his definition of success has shifted from achievement to impact. Donovan also looks ahead to what matters now, from fatherhood to his mission to reshape youth sports in America.

Few people get close enough to a global problem to truly understand how solvable it is—Sean Poole is one of them. In this conversation with Ryan, he shares how an early setback redirected his path, ultimately leading him from conflict zones in Central Africa to a leadership role at charity: water. They unpack what it takes to stay committed to long-term impact, why the global water crisis is far more within reach than most people realize, and how proximity to real change reshapes your perspective on what’s possible. It’s a conversation about belief, responsibility, and the discipline required to pursue meaningful work without losing sight of the life you’re building alongside it.

For most of his career, Shaun Belongie helped brands find their voice. Now he’s responsible for the story of one of craft beer’s most iconic companies. In this conversation with Ryan, the CEO of New Belgium Brewing reflects on the unlikely path from marketing to the top seat, and what shifts when the decisions get heavier. They talk about leading through the Asheville flood crisis, making bets in a beer industry that has gotten harder and less predictable, and why innovation only works if you can stomach failure along the way. Shaun also shares what Voodoo Ranger taught the business, why some ideas need to stumble before the next one can fly, and how story becomes a leadership tool once you are the person everyone is looking to for direction.

Left brain. Right brain. East coast. West coast. Client side. Brand side. Dan Schunk has built a career on motion. Over nearly two decades, he has kept evolving and that includes spending time at some of the most recognizable names in media and tech. In this conversation with Ryan, Dan reflects on his roles at Pinterest, Walmart, TIME, and now Zoom, where he serves as Head of Creative. They talk about how teams still need people who can courageously defend their big idea. Why AI is best understood as a tool; not a replacement for judgment. Dan also shares the lens he uses when making big life decisions, how curiosity and learning remains at the forefront and why fulfillment matters more to him than any title or next move.

In this edition of the Courage Brands Spotlight, Ryan is joined by Courageous' Action lead, Lisa Jacobs, for a two-brand audit that spans from prenatal vitamins to the Olympic podium. Lisa kicks things off with Ritual, the supplement company founded by Kat Schneider that built its reputation on radical transparency—traceable ingredients, science-backed formulas, public goal tracking, and even work with legislators to push for clearer industry standards in an under-regulated space. It’s a brand that treats trust as the product, not the marketing. Ryan then pivots to the Olympics, arguing that the five rings are stronger than ever. Despite a fragmented media landscape, the Games didn’t shrink—they decentralized and grew, driving record streaming minutes, social impressions, and renewed global engagement. From Ritual’s commitment to measurable integrity to the Olympics’ evolution into a modern platform brand, both prove the same point: courage brands don’t just talk about values, they operationalize them—and win.

Most leaders think their teams are performing. Eddie Geller measures whether they actually are. Originally from Australia, where “tall poppy syndrome” can cut high achievers down, Eddie is now the Founder and CEO of SKOR, the system that calculates what team dysfunction is costing companies in real dollars. In this conversation with Ryan, he shares how building and exiting companies led him to a simple realization: culture isn’t soft, it’s measurable. They explore why leaders often misread how they show up, how recognition and healthy conflict change performance, and why half of employees are afraid to speak up at work. Eddie breaks down the seven muscles of high-performing teams, explains why courage is the multiplier, and reveals what happens when organizations finally see the true cost of misalignment.

Colette Carlson doesn’t just talk about communication—she reads what’s not being said. A Human Behavior Expert and Hall of Fame keynote speaker, she joins Ryan for a conversation that feels more like two sharp minds thinking out loud than a traditional interview. They explore why leadership feels harder right now and why connection is still the skill that separates great leaders from the rest. Colette shares what decades on stages and inside organizations have taught her, reflects on growing up street-smart in Chicago, and explains why courage isn’t the same as confidence. Together, they break down what it actually takes to communicate clearly, lead effectively, and earn trust in today’s workplace.

Chris Dyer is a culture builder, bestselling author, and globally ranked leadership speaker who’s helped redefine what workplace success can look like. After leading companies that earned “Best Place to Work” recognition 15 times, Chris now spends his time on stages around the world, challenging leaders to raise the bar from good to unforgettable. In this episode, he and Ryan talk about what most companies get wrong about culture, why mediocrity is the default, and how leaders can show up when the moments matter most. Chris shares lessons from building—and selling—his own business, and what it takes to find community again when your team is suddenly gone.