The Life of Try

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“Sometimes magic is just someone spending more time on something than anyone else might reasonably expect.” – Teller

In 44 episodes of producing the How to Share podcast, I realized that while I’m passionate about how to share, what I’m really interested is trying. Trying is a little upstream from sharing. We try experiments in our life, we learn, and then we share.

Trying feels right to me because matches my background as an engineer and consultant. Also, I see it in my kids as they develop new skills. And I’m fascinated by how we conduct experiments as foundational part of building confidence.

So I’ve spent some time reswizzling the podcast as The Life of Try – a podcast focusing on where innovation, reinvention, personal growth, and discovery begin with one simple choice: to try. Even when it’s uncomfortable. Even when you’d rather not. Even when life makes the decision for you.

The Life of Try will feature conversations with authors, scientists, athletes, researchers, coaches, and more to help inspire your personal try-cycle. And I’m debuting a brand-new segment—one that “reverse engineers” what world-class trying really looks like.

In this episode our case study is professional climber Alex Honnold, whose headline-making feats—from free soloing El Capitan in Yosemite to scaling the Taipei 101 Tower this January—offer a masterclass in what it takes to attempt the extraordinary.

I break down the real ingredients behind big outcomes: preparation, learning from others, and staying steady through setbacks—and how those same principles apply to the goals we’re chasing every day. Whether you’re gearing up to speak in public, throw a pitch, or learn a new song, you can borrow these lessons and put them to work in your own try-cycle.

This is The Life of Try.

Here’s a teaser clip that shows a bit of what I think is so compelling about Alex Honnold:

Here are some ways you can listen and watch this inspiring episode:

Please listen, watch, provide feedback and subscribe.

48-How to Get Unstuck: Michael Yang on Saying Yes, Resilience, and Coming Alive – The Life of Try: Personal growth, one try at a time.

What happens when you say “yes” to an adventure? Host Wynne Leon talks with tech entrepreneur and author Michael Yang about his memoir Coming Alive on the Ride and the way motorcycle travel became both a literal journey and a powerful metaphor for personal growth. Michael shares how stepping outside your familiar environment can help you hear “life’s invitation” to dream, venture, and rediscover what makes you feel fully awake.Together they explore resilience through the Korean concept of han—the accumulated weight of difficult circumstances—and how setbacks can become fuel for perseverance. Michael reflects on immigrating from Korea at 14, building a life through gratitude and hard work, and learning (again and again) that rejection doesn’t have to be the end of the story.From riding thousands of miles with a lifelong friend to a memorable run-in with Steve Jobs at Macy’s in 1982, Michael’s stories remind us that courage grows through companionship and curiosity. They also discuss the Korean guiding philosophy of Hongik—living in a way that benefits all humankind—and how our bravest tries can ripple outward in ways we may not expect.In this episode, we cover:Why “accepting the invitation” is simple—but the road rarely runs straightHow to tell the difference between healthy risk and avoidable dangerHan, perseverance, and turning setbacks into strengthThe immigrant mindset: gratitude, effort, and going for opportunityFriendship as a confidence builder—on the road and in lifeCuriosity, rejection, and holding onto a vision (plus the Steve Jobs story)Hongik: living for the wider benefit and making a positive dent in the worldWhether you’re craving a literal road trip or a fresh start at home, this conversation will nudge you toward your next brave yes.The Life of Try is a personal growth and self‑help podcast about getting unstuck, navigating uncertainty, and choosing to try—even when it’s uncomfortable, inconvenient, or not your idea.Hosted by Wynne Leon, the show explores how real growth, reinvention, and discovery often begin not with confidence or clarity—but with a single attempt. Through thoughtful interviews, reflective conversations, and real‑world case studies, each episode examines what it looks like to keep going when doubt shows up, plans fall apart, or life forces a change you didn’t ask for.This podcast is for anyone who:Feels stuck or uncertain about what’s nextIs navigating change, burnout, or reinventionWants to live more intentionally without pretending growth is easyBelieves progress starts by trying—again and againThe Life of Try isn’t about hustle or perfection. It’s about learning as you go, surfacing what matters, and sharing what you discover along the way.If you’re ready to surf the uncertainty, outlast the doubts, and step into your own try‑cycle, you’re in the right place.Links for this episode:48-How to Get Unstuck: Michael Yang on Saying Yes, Resilience, and Coming Alive transcriptMichael Yang's websiteComing Alive on the Ride at Barnes & Noble, Amazon
  1. 48-How to Get Unstuck: Michael Yang on Saying Yes, Resilience, and Coming Alive
  2. 47-From Stuck to Momentum: Thomas Edison’s Method for Progress (Try, Learn, Improve, Repeat)
  3. 46: The Quiet Transformation That Changes Everything
  4. 45: The Life of Try: Alex Honnold Case Study
  5. How to Share a Reimagined Sci-Fi Trilogy with Dr. Wayne Runde

Links for this episode:

The Life of Try: Alex Honnold Case Study transcript

⁠Free Solo: A National Geographic documentary⁠

⁠Alex Honnold Free Solo Climbs Tapei 101 Skyscraper⁠

(featured photo is of El Capitan and sourced from Pexels)

72 thoughts on “The Life of Try”

  5. Love the “Life of Try” as a new moniker and concept, Wynne! And the reminder that we need people around us to give feedback, help us understand our goals, accomplishments. So much is missed when we have our individual blinders up…dear ones so often bring clarity I miss. 💝😊💝

    Liked by 2 people

  7. I’m really looking forward to this as I have learned most everything in my life via the trial and error method as I’ve mentioned before in reference to many things. I’m so proud of you for trying this!!!!

    Liked by 1 person

  8. I love this, Wynne! It’s in trying that we gain our confidence and strength. It’s also where we build our faith. I’m currently in the “trying” phase of something. It’s something so simple, yet the amount of willpower it’s taking me to do it, is insane. I’m only four days in. My goal is 30 days. I needed this as motivation to keep going! Thank you!!💗🌺🌷

    Liked by 1 person

  10. Ooh, I love this!! Everything begins with the decision to try… yes, yes, yes! Looking forward to seeing how this next chapter unfolds.

    Liked by 1 person

  12. I think the Earth just shook Wynne. I’m serious. It feels like an important seismic shift. Ten years from now you’ll look back and go wow, that really hit home. It does for me anyway. Life is about trying. We focus so much on failure. That’s the wrong message. It really should be about trying and what we learned. I can’t wait for future podcasts and the Wynne best seller on how trying makes a difference. Love it. Thanks for the simple but important message!!!!!

    Liked by 1 person

      1. I may be an encourager, but you’ve definitely hit gold with your focus on trying and sharing. We focus way too much on failure in our culture. Failure fails to take in the whole picture. Trying is much more productive and a bigger part of ghe journey!

        Liked by 1 person

  13. Oooo, I love the title The Life of Try, Wynne. Congrats on the “reswizzle” and different focus. I look forward to insights on trying. It’s a critical step again and again for all of us as we navigate life (even young children learning to climb stairs.) Trying is constant. You will have no shortage of content!! 😊 I like your friend’s quote that he is an open book, but he needs readers to help him find the best pages. Boy, trying is easier when you’re not doing it alone. Wise words!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Oh, Melanie — trying is constant. I love it. I think you are right that there is no shortage of content. Thank you so much for your delightful support and feedback. I treasure it!! ❤

      Liked by 1 person

  17. I love the opening quote Wynne! It’s so much what propels us forward and trying is truly a recipe for moving forward. Alex’s story is inspiring and we all can try. Try and try again and eventually things come into fruition. Love Life of Try!!!❣️

    Liked by 1 person

      1. You probably felt I wasn’t done on my bandwagon. I almost said and will now, I often say to people, “try to pick this up” and they pick it up and I say, “see you did it”. You either do it or you don’t and it’s the same with everything. Only I say there is no trying, you just do it and if you can’t you try until you can. xxx🤗🙌🏽💕

        Liked by 1 person

  18. Life of Try is a great name for a podcast! Breaking down those key ingredients are going to be so valuable for all of us in our try-cycle. I’m looking forward to all the episodes. Thank you for this. 💞

    Liked by 1 person

  20. I was listening to the podcast and noticed the change, so I figured you were working on something new. That change in direction is interesting, and it should be a good one. Well done, my friend.

    Liked by 1 person

  21. the first thing I thought of when I saw the theme of this post was Teddy Roosevelt (and his essay about being in the Arena ) It’s the willingness to get into the arena and fail/ to look stupid, and not be one of those timid souls that knows neither victory or defeat. The first time I went roller skating, I was in my early 20’s took a group of 8th graders…I knew going into it, I was going to look like a complete dufuss ( I did) and the kids loved it. I was WAY out of my normal comfort zone. I think pride (fear of looking foolish) is a huge reason people don’t try, in all sorts of situations.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Oh, you hit on so many important points here, Doug. It’s the willingness to get into the arena — yes, yes, yes. And our pride and fear get in the way. So well said. Thank you, my friend!

      Liked by 1 person

  23. for sure, Wynne: I’m forever experimenting with my poems, pushing my boundaries, taking chances,, going out on limbs metaphorical and actual — you gotta feel you’re alive —-

    Liked by 1 person

  24. I like the title “The Life of Try “

    and I enjoyed the snippet you shared here – and I must apologize for not going over to listen to the full podcasts – but I am super busy this season and podcasts do not work for me – but blogging still has a place and so I am glad that I can still read some of your posts! cheers to trying!

    Liked by 1 person

  26. I love it. The life of Try. You got me thinking…what am I willing to work on repeatedly until I master it? I think this includes relationships, creating, and for me learning to let go of the ropes and allow things to flow. Hugs, C

    Liked by 1 person

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