Courage2Thrive

Most Recent Podcast

October 2 2026

December 2026: Welcome to Ep10 of Father Bob’s Courage to Thrive show!

Father Bob talks with yogi, retreat host, and public speaker Taryn Smith about: The courage to go on a solo Atlantic rowing adventure

About our guest: Taryn was born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska. Growing up, her favorite moments were spent at the ice rink, where she competitively figure-skated, and at Johnson Lake, where she spent lots of time on the water. Taryn will always love the Cornhusker State, but she fell for Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains during a college winter-break yurt trip. She quickly applied to work at nearby Redfish Lake Lodge, a gorgeous summer resort nestled in the Sawtooths. What was supposed to be a summer turned into a five-year career: Taryn lived at Redfish Lake for half of the year and spent the winters traveling the world, gradually “upping the stakes” of her adventures.

Taryn’s first solo trip began with a season in the French Alps. That spring, she took a break from skiing to become a certified yoga teacher under the instruction of Mariza Smith in Chamonix, France. Later that year, she read an article in Vogue about four women rowing across the Pacific Ocean. Captivated by a sport that combines physical endurance and boats (a passion inherited from her grandfathers who both sailed), Taryn signed up to race in the World’s Toughest Row, having never rowed before. Now, Taryn speaks around the country about her row, resilience, and how we can embrace impermanence to accomplish big dreams.

Her website, Taryn Smith Movement, is a landing place for her personal and professional passions of creating community and pursuing big adventures around the world. She is always curious and relishes any chance to be a beginner. Learn more: tarynsmithmovement.com

Click here to watch Taryn in action.


About our host: An esteemed Episcopal priest and author, Father Bob has dedicated his life to spiritual transformation and caring for others.

With a profound connection to his faith and an unwavering commitment to helping those in need, he has touched countless lives through his ministry, writings, and teachings. Bob’s book, “Letters of an Unexpected Mystic,” was a 2023 Selah Book Award finalist in the Bible study category.

Learn more: robertdflanagan.com • Courage2Thrive.com • Courage2Thrive.tv

Current Number of Episodes: 15

Meet Rev. Dr. Bob Flanagan • Courage2Thrive.com • Courage2Thrive.tv

“When wrestling with depression and anxiety, getting out of bed is a courageous move,” shares Rev. Dr. Bob Flanagan in the first of his two books in the Courage to Thrive series. “When panic attacks and suicidal thoughts strike, finding victories in the small things of life and reframing feelings can help a person flourish even in the midst of mental health struggles.”

He knows all about that. “I have spent two decades combating mental illness head-on,” he says.

In his first-person spiritual journal, Courage to Thrive: Finding Joy and Hope in the Midst of Mental Health Struggles, published in June 2020, Father Bob takes the reader with him as he traverses the dark and scary landscape of his mind and then the paths of faith that lead him to the Source of light and hope. Through a vulnerable look at the realities of a priest battling mental illness and still thriving, readers–whether dealing with similar mental health challenges or the stressors of everyday life–are left with a quiet confidence that assures them they, too, can thrive and enjoy the gifts God has given them. Each of the forty reflections concludes with a heartfelt prayer that revels in God’s healing mercies.

In his second book, Courage to Thrive: Discovering Your True Self, published in January 2025, Father Bob asks, “Do you long to know yourself, the world, and God better and thrive in all of life’s many transitions? We are here on earth not just to live but to thrive. We can know who we are and how to live in this “crazy, beautiful world as a follower of Jesus and a child of God.”

He knows that we do that by relating well to ourselves and others, the world and its various creatures and places—and God. “We thrive when we relate to who and what is around us in a healthy manner. We can discover ourselves—who we are—in beautiful, elegant, hope-filled, positive ways,” says Father Bob, who newest book gives us a unique, six-week Bible study has thirty-six lessons to help you know your true self and learn a new way of being as a child of God as you examine the family connections and relationships with others and the world. Self-discovery tools such as directed Bible readings with commentaries, daily prayers, and links to poems, art, and music will facilitate personal growth and provide fresh insights.

Today, we welcome to his the Courage to Thrive podcast! We invite you to join Father Bob on a journey to joy, peace, and hope.

About our host: The Rev. Robert D. Flanagan has served as a priest in the Episcopal Diocese of New York since 2003. He also holds a doctor of ministry in Christian Spirituality and is Chaplain at General Theological Seminary in New York City. He has served for over ten years as a state and federal advocate for and regional board member of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Bob’s latest book, The Letters of an Unexpected Mystic, is a 2023 Selah Book Award finalist. Bob and his wife, Lanie, live in Litchfield County, Connecticut.

Learn more: robertdflanagan.com

All Episodes
Friday, October 2nd, 2026

Ep12: Courage2Thrive — On today’s show, Rev. Dr. Robert Flanagan interviews author, mystic Christian, visionary, and faith-based entrepreneur — the Rev. Dr. Chantal McKinney

October 2026: Welcome to this month’s episode of Father Bob’s Courage2Thrive show! Father Bob talks with Rev. Dr. Chantal McKinney about her work and her new book, Following Jesus Beyond Church Walls: A Catalyst for Your Spiritual Growth About our guest: Rev. Dr. Chantal McKinney is an author, a mystic Christian and visionary, a faith-based entrepreneur, a nationwide speaker, coach, and consultant for a wide diversity of churches, faith communities, and non-profits. She is the founder of Root Thrive Soar,Click here to listen to the podcast!

Courage to Thrive
Courage to Thrive
Ep12: Courage2Thrive — On today's show, Rev. Dr. Robert Flanagan interviews author, mystic Christian, visionary, and faith-based entrepreneur — the Rev. Dr. Chantal McKinney
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Saturday, September 26th, 2026

Ep13: Courage2Thrive — On today’s show, Rev. Dr. Robert Flanagan interviews three members of the team at First Responder Therapy Dogs, including its founder Heidi Carman, named a CNN Hero for 2025

November 2026: Welcome to this month’s episode of Father Bob’s Courage2Thrive show! Father Bob talks with Tracy Ryan, chief operating officer of First Responder Therapy Dogs about: The power of joining forces with man’s best friend! Bob asks the directors: Tell me about First Responder Therapy Dogs. How did the company start, and what makes it so special? To all three guests, how did you get involved, and what keeps you with the company? What is your mission? How doClick here to listen to the podcast!

Tuesday, September 1st, 2026

Ep11: Courage2Thrive — On today’s episode, Salt of the Earth, Rev. Dr. Robert Flanagan interviews Kirby Peters of Maple Bank Farm in Roxbury, CT. Don’t miss this episode about the future of farming

September 2026: Welcome to Ep11 of Father Bob’s Courage2Thrive show! Salt of the Earth — Father Bob talks with Kirby Peters, who runs Maple Bank Farm in Roxbury, CT, about the art of running a 300 year-old farm, and the future of family farming About our guest: Since 1730, Maple Bank Farm has provided quality fresh products while providing a destination that exemplifies what a farm stand can mean to a small town. Cared for by Kirby Peters, who runsClick here to listen to the podcast!

Courage to Thrive
Courage to Thrive
Ep11: Courage2Thrive — On today's episode, Salt of the Earth, Rev. Dr. Robert Flanagan interviews Kirby Peters of Maple Bank Farm in Roxbury, CT. Don't miss this episode about the future of farming
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Monday, August 10th, 2026

Ep10: Courage to Thrive — On today’s show, Rev. Dr. Robert Flanagan interviews longtime friend Andrew Cregan about parenting, working, and enjoying life with courage

August 2026: Welcome to Ep10 of Rev. Dr. Robert Flanagan’s Courage2Thrive show! Father Bob talks with our guest, Andrew Cregan, about: The power of being a lifelong friend About Andrew: A financial advisor with 30 years of experience, Andrew and his wife, Kathy, have raised 5 kids. “Our home in Williamsburg is big enough to have them visit at any time,” shares Andrew, who is an avid golfer, who loves to kayak and travel. In today’s discussion: The two oldClick here to listen to the podcast!

Courage to Thrive
Courage to Thrive
Ep10: Courage to Thrive — On today's show, Rev. Dr. Robert Flanagan interviews longtime friend Andrew Cregan about parenting, working, and enjoying life with courage
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Wednesday, July 1st, 2026

Ep9: Courage2Thrive — On today’s show, Rev. Dr. Robert Flanagan interviews Daniel Grace about his debut novel, “In the Wake of Golgotha”

July 2026: Welcome to Ep9 of Father Bob’s Courage to Thrive show! Today’s topic: Bringing the Old Testament to Life Today: Father Bob talks with Daniel about his debut novel, “In the Wake of Golgotha,” a bold, ambitious work of literary fiction that grapples with perhaps the oldest and most painful story in Western civilization: the betrayal on Calvary Hill. About our guest: Daniel Grace is a London-born, California-bred, former owner of an international advertising agency who produces critically acclaimedClick here to listen to the podcast!

Courage to Thrive
Courage to Thrive
Ep9: Courage2Thrive — On today's show, Rev. Dr. Robert Flanagan interviews Daniel Grace about his debut novel, "In the Wake of Golgotha"
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Wednesday, June 3rd, 2026

Ep8: Courage2Thrive — On today’s show, Rev. Dr. Robert Flanagan interviews storyteller and humanitarian Kip Azzoni Doyle

June 2026: Welcome to Ep8 of Father Bob’s Courage to Thrive show! Today’s topic: Opening up to life’s greatest kindnesses and unlimited possibilities Bob asks Kip:  We’ve known each other since our high school years. Let’s start with a background question. You’re a mom with two adult children. When so many people our age are thinking of retirement and slowing down. What made you decide to do even more? How did you get so deeply and personally involved with helpingClick here to listen to the podcast!

Courage to Thrive
Courage to Thrive
Ep8: Courage2Thrive — On today's show, Rev. Dr. Robert Flanagan interviews storyteller and humanitarian Kip Azzoni Doyle
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Friday, May 1st, 2026

Ep7: Courage2Thrive — May is Mental Health Awareness Month. On today’s episode, Rev. Dr. Robert Flanagan interviews Dr. Christine Yu Moutier, chief medical officer of the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention

May 2026: Welcome to Ep7 of Father Bob’s Courage to Thrive show! Today’s topic: Taking a deep dive into Suicide Prevention Father Bob asks Christine about her background, path to running this foundation, and her advice for families and those struggling with thoughts of suicide About our guest: Dr. Christine Yu Moutier (pronounced You Moo-tee-ay) knows the impact of suicide firsthand. While in medical training and in her early career at the University of California, San Diego, she experienced aClick here to listen to the podcast!

Courage to Thrive
Courage to Thrive
Ep7: Courage2Thrive — May is Mental Health Awareness Month. On today's episode, Rev. Dr. Robert Flanagan interviews Dr. Christine Yu Moutier, chief medical officer of the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention
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Thursday, April 2nd, 2026

Ep6: Courage2Thrive — On this month’s episode, Rev. Dr. Robert Flanagan interviews Lauren Breeden, Director of Formation and Families

This month’s topic: Tackling Sexual Trafficking About our guest: Lauren Breeden serves as Director of Formation and Families and is part of The Falls Church Episcopal’s senior leadership team. She is known for innovative formation, curriculum writing, and developing holistic programs that equip people of all ages to engage deeply in the exploration of faith. Before entering church leadership, Lauren spent twelve years combating domestic minor sex trafficking as an investigator, including undercover work, and as an educator and advocateClick here to listen to the podcast!

Courage to Thrive
Courage to Thrive
Ep6: Courage2Thrive — On this month's episode, Rev. Dr. Robert Flanagan interviews Lauren Breeden, Director of Formation and Families
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