The Ryan Leak Podcast
Episode: A Better You: A Courageous You
Date: January 13, 2026
Host: Ryan Leak

Episode Overview

In this concise and motivating episode, Ryan Leak explores what it means to become “a better you” through the theme of courage. He challenges ideas about legitimacy, readiness, and waiting for qualifications before starting new endeavors. Ryan stresses that you don’t need to feel legitimate to begin—you just need to be courageous. Through relatable anecdotes and practical insights, he reframes courage as the true catalyst for growth and confidence, inviting listeners to embrace uncomfortable moments and reject letting fear or hesitation dictate their lives.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. You Don’t Need to Be “Legit” to Start

• Ryan opens by challenging the belief that only the qualified or confident can get started on new goals or ambitions.
• Contrary to popular belief:

  “You don’t have to be that legit to get started. You just have to be courageous. You just have to be brave.” (02:02)

• He explains: Many people hold onto a “quiet lie” that they need certification, validation, or approval before they’re worthy to begin something meaningful.

2. The Gym Analogy: Courage Before Credentials

• Ryan uses the example of someone intimidated about starting to work out at the gym:

  “The weights, they don’t know if you’re a first timer or a pro... the treadmill doesn’t know who you are... They only respond to usage.” (04:29)

• Takeaway: The tools and opportunities in our lives don’t require legitimacy—just action.

3. Identifying and Overcoming the “Who Am I?” Question

• Ryan discusses the inner voice that asks:

  “Who am I to apply for that role? Who am I to be different in a room that rewards sameness? Who am I to start over?” (06:19)

• Warning:

  “If we’re not careful, this ‘who am I’ question will keep you exactly in the same place your entire life.” (06:55)

• His response:

  “You’re someone who’s tired of letting fear make decisions for you. You’re someone who’s realizing that comfort has a cost just as much as risk.” (07:13)

4. Courage vs. Hesitation and the Cost of Comfort

• Hesitation leads to regret:

  “Courage isn’t going to guarantee you success. But let me tell you, this hesitation almost guarantees you every single time, regret.” (07:57)

• Comfort comes at a cost, just like risk.
• Many people don’t fail from lack of capability, but from not feeling “ready.”

5. The True Face of Courage

• Courage often looks small, quiet, or awkward:

  “Sometimes courage looks like showing up quietly. Sometimes courage looks awkward. Sometimes courage looks like asking a question you think you should already know the answer to...” (08:27)

• Staying when you’re the least experienced, trying even if you might be wrong, raising your hand despite self-doubt—all acts of quiet courage.

6. Courage Compounds to Confidence

• Courage builds momentum, which builds belief, eventually leading to confidence:

  “People don’t become confident and then courageous. They become courageous and then confident.” (09:46)

• The first time is always the hardest (the first rep, episode, draft, or conversation), but acting courageously creates a compounding effect.

7. Reframing the Question

• Instead of asking, “Who am I to do this?” try:

  “Who am I becoming if I don’t?” (10:26)

• A ‘better you’ is not about being more polished, impressive, or universally approved. It’s about being more courageous.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On legitimacy and starting:

  “Legitimacy is not required. Courage. Bravery. Well, yeah, you’re going to need that.” (03:55)

• On hesitation and regret:

  “Most people don’t fail because they aren’t capable. They fail because they’re waiting to feel ready.” (08:19)

• On momentum:

  “Bravery, courage, it builds momentum, and momentum builds belief. And belief eventually starts to look a lot like confidence.” (09:11)

• Call to action:

  “So today, don’t ask yourself, ‘Who am I to do this?’ Ask yourself, ‘Who am I becoming if I don’t?’ Because a better you isn’t a more polished you… A better you is a courageous you.” (10:26)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:01] - Introduction; series theme “A Better You”
• [02:02] - You don’t need to be legit to get started
• [04:29] - The gym analogy: legitimacy vs. courage
• [06:19] - The “Who am I?” question
• [07:57] - Hesitation and regret
• [08:27] - The true face of courage: its quiet, awkward, and unpolished sides
• [09:11] - How courage compounds into momentum, belief, and confidence
• [10:26] - Reframing the question and final encouragement

Episode Tone

Uplifting, direct, and encouraging. Ryan speaks with warmth and practical wisdom, aiming to dispel limiting beliefs and empower listeners to step forward courageously, regardless of their current sense of legitimacy or readiness.

Summary:
Ryan Leak’s episode is an energizing push for listeners to stop waiting for outside validation and to choose courage, even in small, awkward, or uncertain steps. He reminds us that courage is available right now, and the act of being brave—however humble—sets us on the path to real confidence and a better version of ourselves.