Best Uncommon Valor Podcasts (2025)

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233. A Life of Presence, Not Performance 24:50

Play Pause

22d ago24:50

24:50

When we're wounded in life, we often start to "perform" for love and approval. But when what we do on the outside is rooted in pain, we will always end up with results that are not what we really want. In this episode, I share how pain and woundedness impair the way we relate to others, particularly as it relates to God's design for femininity and …

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232. When You Forgive (But Still Feel Angry) 27:24

30d ago27:24

27:24

Anger is one of the more complicated emotions we have to deal with. Not only does it not feel great, but sometimes it seems to remain- even after you've done the work to forgive someone. In this episode, I share about an experience that caused me to realize that something deeper is often hidden inside of our anger. I also share how thinking differe…

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National Lampoon's European Vacation | S2E14 1:44:18

28d ago1:44:18

1:44:18

Pack your bags and grab your phrasebook—we’re heading back to 1985 for the 40th anniversary of National Lampoon’s European Vacation. We’ll relive the Griswold's’ chaotic trek across the continent while also diving into pop culture that defined the mid-’80s. Returning to the who is Zo from Back Look Cinema, the podcast! You can check out all his awe…

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231. Yes, God Wants to Help You with THAT. 19:59

1M ago19:59

19:59

When it comes to the things we struggle with in life, sometimes we think they are too small for God to care about. Other times, we think they are so big that maybe we are just supposed to learn to take care of things on our own. Neither of those things are true. In today's episode, I share about a very small example of what it looks like to fully d…

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230. Do It Scared (But Do It Small) 19:41

1M ago19:41

19:41

Have you ever uncovered a lie you've believed about yourself, only to struggle to believe the truth is true? Sometimes you can know something intellectually is true, and yet not believe it because it doesn't match your experience. And sometimes the only way to change that is to change your experience. In this episode, I'm sharing about confronting …

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BONUS: Teen Wolf via "Back Look Cinema" | S2B1 2:05:53

1M ago2:05:53

2:05:53

Today as a bonus episode, listen to my guest appearance on Back Look Cinema, the podcast with Zo: Teen Wolf - the 40th anniversary! You can check out all his awesome stuff at https://www.backlookcinema.com/. Please get in touch to tell me what you think - [email protected] Follow or Listen: https://retromade.captivate.fm Subscribe on YouTu…

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229. God Is NOT Mad at You 26:40

2M ago26:40

26:40

Do you feel like God is mad at you? Like He's just "up there," watching and waiting for you to mess up? If so, you're not alone. Many Christians do. But that's not the truth of who God is, and that is not how He feels about you. In this episode, I share about the distorted perceptions we often have of God and how to figure out where they come from.…

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228. Healing Isn't Always Deep Work (Sometimes It's De-Light Work) 20:28

2M ago20:28

20:28

While emotional and spiritual healing does involve deep work, it doesn't always have to be that way. Healing also involves the light work of learning to experience goodness again- to see it, savor it, and expect it in your everyday life. In this episode, I share the story behind my middle name and the secret treasure buried within it that I wouldn'…

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Weird Science | S2E13 1:34:00

2M ago1:34:00

1:34:00

40th ANNIVERSARY: Today we’re booting up 1985’s Weird Science—a teen fantasy where two nerds use a computer, a doll, and a lightning storm to create the woman of their dreams. It’s chaotic, cringey, and peak John Hughes in all the best and weirdest ways. Today's guests are Chad Robinson and Russell Guest from the Retro Movie Roundtable podcast. Che…

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227. Why You Struggle to Believe What God Says About You 31:23

2M ago31:23

31:23

You may know what the Bible says about you as a child of God, and yet- you may struggle to actually believe it's for you. In this episode I'm talking about the times when head knowledge doesn't sink down into your heart, and how to identify and stand against demonic torment you may be experiencing in the process. In This Episode: Learn more about h…

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Nate and Hayes, aka Savage Islands (with Tommy Lee Jones) | S2E12 1:19:05

2M ago1:19:05

1:19:05

Today we’re sailing back to 1983 for Nate and Hayes, the pirate adventure you probably missed—starring a swashbuckling Tommy Lee Jones, colonial chaos, and more explosions than you'd expect from a forgotten film. And don't forget the 1983 trivia in the time capsule segment. Ryan Rebalkin - whom I join every other Sunday on One More Round, the Rocky…

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226. Bad Habit? Or Red Flag? 23:39

2M ago23:39

23:39

Is what you're seeing a bad habit? Or a red flag? When you're healing from a heartbreak, it can be hard to tell the difference. In this episode, I share about the pitfalls of discerning red flags in friendships and romantic relationships, and how to deal with situations that are not so obvious. In This Episode: Learn more about healing painful mome…

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225. You DON'T Need to Process Everything. 22:24

3M ago22:24

22:24

There are times when doing deep emotional processing can create more problems than it solves. In this episode, Michelle shares about the difference between productive and unproductive processing, and what to do when "feeling your feelings" turns into a full-scale spiral. In This Episode: Learn more about healing painful moments with the free PDF "G…

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Curly Sue | S2E11 1:41:56

3M ago1:41:56

1:41:56

Welcome back to Retromade! Today we’re heading back to 1991 to revisit Curly Sue—John Hughes’ final film as a director. It’s got street scams, sentimentality, and one very scrappy kid with big hair and even bigger heart. I’m excited to introduce a new guest to the show: Andrew from The Nostalgia Fun House podcast. Andrew is a father of three with a…

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224. Progress Over Perfection: Ben Zobrist on "Doing the Work" and What it Means for the Ones We Love 49:21

3M ago49:21

49:21

We may use or hear the phrase "doing the work" but what that means can be somewhat unique for each of us. Champion Forward co-founder and retired professional baseball player Ben Zobrist opens up about his experiences with "doing the work" in his own life. We also talk about the role of pain in becoming emotionally aware, the benefits of processing…

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223. Bridging the Gap Between Harm & Healing (Triggers & Intrusive Thoughts Pt. 3) 38:07

3M ago38:07

38:07

Sometimes you may become so overwhelmed by a distressing experience that figuring out where to begin your healing process seems too daunting. In this episode, I'm discussing the role of resources & support in initiating the process of repair, and how to incorporate spiritual "scaffolding" into an approach that invites not just repair in the present…

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National Lampoon's Vacation | S2E10 1:27:16

3M ago1:27:16

1:27:16

This is your Summer Kickoff episode covering a very apt Hughes-written screwball road trip comedy that spawned 5 sequels - National Lampoon’s Vacation from 1983! Returning to the show are Jim & Kevin from the Pool Scene Podcast - You can find Kevin & Jim on: Facebook. Instagram. TikTok. They also cover movies infused with music, pop culture and nos…

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222. Relational Regulation (Triggers & Intrusive Thoughts Pt. 2) 27:41

4M ago27:41

27:41

Triggered traumas and intrusive thoughts can leave you feeling profoundly fearful and alone. Regulation techniques can help calm the nervous system, but an underlying sense of loneliness and vulnerability may remain. In this episode, I share about the role of relationships in regulating emotions, and how an early lack of support can cause distress …

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Career Opportunities | S2E9 1:05:34

4M ago1:05:34

1:05:34

Welcome back to Retromade! Today, we’re flashing back to 1991 to discuss a lesser known Hughes flick—Career Opportunities. Returning to the show is Sean Malloy formerly of “I Must Break This Podcast” covering one of my favorite action stars, Dolph Lundgren Check him out on The Last of the Action Heroes Podcast Network. We also get a special bonus g…

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221. Triggers, Intrusive Thoughts, & Spiritual Warfare 31:09

4M ago31:09

31:09

We often think of the spiritual part of ourselves as being separate from our body/mind/emotions; but the truth is we are experiencing spiritual realities in our natural being – And that includes spiritual warfare. In this episode, I share about the role of spiritual warfare in mental and emotional distress, and what it looks like to incorporate spi…

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220. Torn Apart? You're Being Retethered. 34:34

4M ago34:34

34:34

When you feel hopeless, it may seem like there's no way you'll ever find hope (and there's definitely no way you'll figure out how to "make it happen." But what if that's exactly where hope is found? In this episode, I'm sharing about a time when I felt like I was coming apart at the seams, and how God helped me to understand this is exactly the pl…

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Sixteen Candles | S2E8 1:30:54

4M ago1:30:54

1:30:54

Welcome back to Retromade! Today, we’re flashing back to 1984 to revisit Sixteen Candles—the film that launched a thousand crushes and immortalized teenage awkwardness in this John Hughes classic and the unforgettable pop culture landscape of ‘84. Returning to the show are two of my favorite time-traveling podcasters—Jamie and Milo from The 80s and…

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219. God is Bigger than Your Mistakes 26:05

4M ago26:05

26:05

We've all made choices that we regret, and sometimes those choices have hurt the people we love in ways that seem to be beyond repair. In this episode, I'm sharing about a situation just like this, and the unexpected way God revealed He truly is bigger (and better) than our mistakes. In This Episode: Check out my Bible study, Made for More: Life Be…

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218. Where Safe Vulnerbility Starts 26:43

5M ago26:43

26:43

Okay, so last week I talked about learning to be vulnerable with safe people- but for me, that's not really where learning to be vulnerable started. It didn't start with friends or family- it started with my Father. This week I'm sharing about what it looks like to be vulnerable in a relationship with God, and the healing that comes when we are rea…

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217. Receiving Help (When You REALLY Don't Want To) 26:51

5M ago26:51

26:51

Do you hate asking for help? Asking for help can be a humiliating experience, and receiving it can feel even worse. In this episode, I share an experience where I had to face the shame of opening myself up to receive help, and what it taught me about the beautiful way God pours out His love on us through safe people. In this episode: Safe Haven: A …

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Beethoven | S2E7 1:21:58

5M ago1:21:58

1:21:58

Today we’re digging into the 1992 family comedy, Beethoven. Bet you never realized it was written by John Hughes, did ya? We’ll talk about the oddly dark plot(?) and its surprising box office success to unpack why this messy movie somehow became a staple of early ’90s kid culture. My guest today will sound very familiar if you listen to the Rocky s…

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216. God, I Need People. 26:10

5M ago26:10

26:10

"God, I need people." I prayed this desperate prayer in a season of loneliness and isolation, when NOTHING I did to find community was working out. I asked- and God answered (and NOT in the way I expected). In this episode, I'm sharing how God used a 1600-mile move to change more than just my zip code, and what He did to teach me more about hearing…

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Dennis the Menace | S2E6 1:24:00

5M ago1:24:00

1:24:00

Today, we go back to 1993 to revisit Dennis the Menace, the classic comic strip troublemaker who comes to life with nonstop chaos. I’m thrilled to introduce you to new guest, Amy Lewis of the Pop Culture Retrospective podcast, which she started 5 years ago as a way of dealing with the grief that came from tragically losing her sister. She lives in …

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215. Needs, Wants, & Trusting God with It All 26:13

5M ago26:13

26:13

How involved do you think God is when it comes to what you need? Or what you want? In this episode, I share what God showed me about our needs and wants, and how much more we gain when we trust Him to provide. Follow me on Instagram @themichelledonnelly or Facebook @themichelledonnelly Check out my books and services at uncommonvalor.co In This Epi…

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214. You need a break. Here's how to get one. 28:30

5M ago28:30

28:30

Okay, you may know you need a break, but you might not be sure how to get one. With all you have going on, it may not seem possible (or responsible), and even if you got a break, you may not feel like you'd be in the headspace to actually enjoy it. In this episode I want to share with you a little bit about what I learned about rest during my podca…

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Ferris Bueller's Day Off | S2E5 1:31:08

6M ago1:31:08

1:31:08

Today, we go back to 1986 to celebrate Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, the ultimate teen fantasy of skipping school in style. So buckle up, because as Ferris says, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it." Joining me today are Kevin and Eric from the Six Degrees of Schwarzenegger podcast, where they t…

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Mr. Mom | S2E4 1:07:07

6M ago1:07:07

1:07:07

Today, we go back to 1983 to explore how a John Hughes-penned classic captured the era’s shifting family dynamics and remains a fan favorite today with Mr. Mom! I’m joined by returning guest, Craig Cohen, of The G.O.A.T. - a Brian De Palma Fan Podcast. Originally from the east coast, Craig now lives in Las Vegas, Nevada with his wife and 2 Yorkies,…

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The Great Outdoors | S2E3 1:15:05

7M ago1:15:05

1:15:05

Today, we go back to 1988 for another brilliant dose of John Candy and John Hughes for a hilarious and heartwarming getaway with The Great Outdoors! We'll also spin the time capsule wheel for memories of 1988! I'm joined by returning guest, Jared Tockstein, from The Hyper Space: Podcasting in the 25th Century. Jared is a broadcasting professional o…

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Uncle Buck | S2E2 1:37:22

7M ago1:37:22

1:37:22

Join us as we travel back to August 1989 to investigate Uncle Buck, the John Hughes comedy that gave us John Candy at his finest, a young Macaulay Culkin, and one unforgettable giant pancake. We'll dive into the film’s impact as well as the time capsule memories of 1989! I'm joined by returning guests, Scott & Steve from The Cheeky Basterds Podcast…

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The Breakfast Club | S2E1 1:50:42

7M ago1:50:42

1:50:42

In the season 2 debut episode, we travel back to February 1985 for the 40th ANNIVERSARY of The Breakfast Club! We're in for quite the treat with a whole season of John Hughes: Shermer High & Beyond! And let me know what you think of the new "spin" on the time capsule 😉 Ryan Rebalkin - whom I join every other Sunday on One More Round, the Rocky Seri…

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Season 2: John Hughes - Shermer High and Beyond 2:36

8M ago2:36

2:36

This season on Retromade, we're heading to Shermer High and Beyond with the films of John Hughes! From teen angst and heartfelt comedy to road trip disasters and epic family vacations, Hughes' movies shaped a generation—and still resonate today. We’ll revisit iconic hits, uncover hidden gems, and shake up the time capsule with new segments. Be kind…

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Season 1 Finale: The Utlimate Everymen (Kurt Russell & Patrick Swayze) 32:03

8M ago32:03

32:03

Welcome to the Season 1 Finale of Retromade! Today, we wrap up our celebration of Kurt Russell and Patrick Swayze, the "Ultimate Everymen" of cinema. Get ready for one last look at their iconic careers. Please get in touch to tell me what you think - [email protected] Follow or Listen: https://retromade.captivate.fm Subscribe: https://www.…

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Tequila Sunrise | S1E41 1:27:35

9M ago1:27:35

1:27:35

LAST MOVIE of the SEASON: In this episode, we travel back to December 1988 for the crime/drama/romance movie, Tequila Sunrise, with our everyman, Kurt Russell. And as always, we touch on all the other “happenings” of the time in the time capsule. Ryan Rebalkin - whom I join every other Sunday on One More Round, the Rocky Series Podcast - is back to…

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Father Hood | S1E40 1:15:33

9M ago1:15:33

1:15:33

Today, we are going to travel back to August 1993 for the adventure comedy-drama, Father Hood (two words). And as always, we’ll do a pop culture rewind to get in the 90s frame of mind. I’m excited to have returning guest, Lizzy, back from the Retro Movie Roundtable podcast here with me today. Lizzy is a mother of 3 and movie lover - particularly th…

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Used Cars | S1E39 1:31:59

10M ago1:31:59

1:31:59

*Apologies for the audio quality in this episode; we experienced some difficulties and then had to use backup files - PLEASE bear with us. Today, we are going to travel back to July 1980 for the satirical black comedy, Used Cars. And as always, we’ll touch on all the other “happenings” of the time. I’m delighted to have Evan Moody & Andrew Groothui…

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213. Pacing Yourself Through the Holidays 23:17

10M ago23:17

23:17

The holidays can be kind of a mixed bag. This time of year can be full of high hopes and dashed dreams. Emotions run high – and not just our own. With the intensity of the season, it can be hard to figure out what you need while supporting the needs of the people in your life. In this episode, I share how I learned to understand my own needs at the…

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212. No More Worst Case Scenarios 35:27

10M ago35:27

35:27

Do you tend to brace for the worst? Sometimes we think we're being diligent, that we're being prepared. But what if we're not actually preparing but panicking? In this episode, I share about my own tendency to worry about the future, and how you can enjoy today without bracing for fear of the future. Follow Michelle on Instagram @themichelledonnell…

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211. Can You Say No? 28:14

11M ago28:14

28:14

Can you say 'no'? Sometimes we say 'yes' to everything because we want to be seen as dependable and reliable. We like being the one people can count on – and we like how that makes us feel. It makes us feel like we matter. But what what if you already matter? What if your significance isn't tied to how much you do for other people at all? In this e…

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210. The Hamster Wheel of Insecurity 24:49

11M ago24:49

24:49

The strange thing about insecurity is the more we try to control it, the more it ends up controlling us. Insecurities are built on lies, and while there might be one big one you are aware of, often there are dozens of little ones that go with it. Which makes untangling them like untangling a knotted necklace. Ugh. In this episode, I share about the…

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Grandview, U.S.A. + Three's Company | S1E38 54:25

11M ago54:25

54:25

We are heading back to August of 1984 for the dramedy Grandview, U.S.A., featuring a youthful Jamie Lee Curtis alongside the always delightful Patrick Swayze. This film captures the essence of small-town life in America, blending romance, comedy, and a bit of drama as it explores the intertwined lives of its quirky residents. Plus, I talk about the…

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209. When the Storm is Inside Your Mind 35:22

11M ago35:22

35:22

We often think of the storms of life as the circumstances outside of us. But what do you do when the storm is inside? Our thought lives can be really stormy. Obsessions, worries, and intrusive thoughts can cause us to feel like we are at the mercy of our minds. Is there a way to make it all stop? In this episode, I share my own struggles with troub…

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208. When You're Not Getting Any Answers 23:53

11M ago23:53

23:53

"Why?" It's a question we all ask. Why did this have to happen? Why is this my story? Why can't my life be like everyone else's? We can get frustrated and discouraged when the answers don't come. And yet, not getting answers isn't necessarily a bad thing. We can get fixated with getting all the answers. We read books, go to seminars, or Google, "Wh…

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207. Loving People Who are Hard to Love 30:58

12M ago30:58

30:58

Do you feel like you're carrying it all in your relationships? You're doing what you can - walking on eggshells, trying to make things easier for them - but it only seems to get harder for you. You feel trapped- like there's nothing you can do to change things. It's true- you can't change them. But you can change you. In this episode, I share what …

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The Mean Season | S1E37 1:38:43

11M ago1:38:43

1:38:43

Today, we are going to travel back to February 1985 to discuss the crime thriller, The Mean Season, and all the other “happenings” of the time. I’m delighted to have Scott Kraushaar from The Church of Tarantino Podcast, Dropping a Bruce & The Cheeky Basterds Podcast (both also on Last of the Action Heroes Podcast Network) and the new show Kill/Marr…

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206. "Keeping the Peace" Doesn't Work | Boundaries Explained 32:24

12M ago32:24

32:24

If setting boundaries (or sticking to them) is hard for you, it's probably because of THIS one thing: You're trying to "keep the peace." When we don't have good boundaries, it's usually because we want to avoid conflict, or avoid losing a relationship. But If you have to work so hard to "keep the peace," do you even have real peace in the first pla…