In this episode of Shooting It Straight!, Randy Black and Elizabeth Clayton dive into the theme “Courage Is for the Hard Times,” exploring what courage really looks like when life pushes back. They challenge the common idea that courage means the absence of fear, instead framing it as the decision to move forward despite fear. Through personal stories, reflections, and lessons drawn from Coach Jim Clayton’s life, the conversation highlights how courage often shows up quietly—in difficult conversations, hard choices, and moments of uncertainty that test our character.

Elizabeth shares deeply personal experiences, including moments of grief, self-doubt, and growth following her father’s passing, illustrating how courage can be found in authenticity, vulnerability, and continuing forward when quitting feels easier. Randy adds perspective through his own life transitions, reinforcing the idea that hardship doesn’t reveal weakness—it reveals strength. Together, they unpack how preparation, reflection, and daily habits help build courage over time, even when confidence is nowhere to be found.

The episode concludes with a powerful reminder that courage isn’t reserved for dramatic, life-altering events. It’s practiced daily through small, intentional choices that shape who we become. Anchored by this week’s Wisdom of the Week—“Tough times don’t last. Tough people do.”—listeners are challenged to take one brave step this week, no matter how small, and to remember that courage is always a choice.

Shooting It Straight has always been about honest, down-to-earth conversations that challenge, encourage, and inspire. With Elizabeth joining me in this new season of the show, we’re excited to keep growing and reaching more people—and we’d love your help in making that happen.

We’ve set up a few ways you can support the show each month, starting at just a couple of dollars. Whether you’re a Listener, a Friend of the Show, a Partner, a Champion, or one of our Legacy supporters, every level comes with its own set of perks—from bonus episodes and shoutouts to exclusive hangouts with Elizabeth and me.

And right now, for a limited time, new supporters will get 50% off for an entire year—no matter which level you choose. It’s our way of saying thanks for helping us relaunch and continue what Jim and I started.

You can learn more and sign up today at shootingitstraightpodcast.com/support.

As the year comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to pause, look back, and get honest about where you’ve been and where you’re headed. In this episode of Shooting It Straight!, Randy Black and Elizabeth Clayton walk listeners through a simple but powerful year-end reflection exercise inspired by Mel Robbins. Instead of rushing into resolutions, this conversation focuses on clarity—what worked, what didn’t, and what really matters moving forward.

Using seven intentional reflection questions, Randy and Elizabeth share personal insights and straight talk about highlights, challenges, lessons learned, and the habits worth stopping, starting, and continuing. This episode isn’t about perfection or pressure—it’s about honest self-assessment and making room for meaningful growth in the year ahead.

To help you put these ideas into practice, we’ve created a free downloadable Year-End Reflection Worksheet you can use to journal your way through the questions at your own pace. Whether you’re planning your next goals or simply trying to gain perspective, this episode and worksheet are designed to help you step into the new year with clarity, purpose, and confidence.

Shooting It Straight has always been about honest, down-to-earth conversations that challenge, encourage, and inspire. With Elizabeth joining me in this new season of the show, we’re excited to keep growing and reaching more people—and we’d love your help in making that happen.

We’ve set up a few ways you can support the show each month, starting at just a couple of dollars. Whether you’re a Listener, a Friend of the Show, a Partner, a Champion, or one of our Legacy supporters, every level comes with its own set of perks—from bonus episodes and shoutouts to exclusive hangouts with Elizabeth and me.

And right now, for a limited time, new supporters will get 50% off for an entire year—no matter which level you choose. It’s our way of saying thanks for helping us relaunch and continue what Jim and I started.

You can learn more and sign up today at shootingitstraightpodcast.com/support.