How to Get Unstuck: Michael Yang on Saying Yes, Resilience and Coming Alive

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“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” – Howard Thurman

When my daughter was two-and-a-half, I installed a seat on the back of my bike. I strapped her in and we pedaled around our neighborhood. She yelled, “this is fantastic!”

A pure jolt of energy and vitality shot threw me. For me, it was such a good example of the fullness of life that surges when we embrace the freedom that comes with getting out on two wheels. As a bonus, it reminded me of how easy it is to get stuck in the humdrum of life. And the cure is just an adventure (big or small) away.

So in this episode of The Life of Try podcast, I talk 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 we 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. We 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 straight
  • Han, perseverance, and turning setbacks into strength
  • The immigrant mindset: gratitude, effort, and going for opportunity
  • Friendship as a confidence builder—on the road and in life
  • Curiosity, rejection, and holding onto a vision (plus the Steve Jobs story)
  • Hongik: living for the wider benefit and making a positive dent in the world

Here’s a small taste of Michael’s brave and bold reminder that saying “yes” to adventure often brings out our best selves:

Whether you’re craving a literal road trip or a fresh start at home, this conversation will nudge you toward your next brave yes.

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

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:

48-How to Get Unstuck: Michael Yang on Saying Yes, Resilience, and Coming Alive transcript

Michael Yang’s website

Coming Alive on the Ride at Barnes & Noble and Amazon

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 next
  • Is navigating change, burnout, or reinvention
  • Wants to live more intentionally without pretending growth is easy
  • Believes progress starts by trying—again and again

The 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.

(featured photo from Michael Yang — more incredible photos in his book and on his website!)

40 thoughts on “How to Get Unstuck: Michael Yang on Saying Yes, Resilience and Coming Alive”

      2. I think one of the elements is facing that there will be many more unknowns. Somehow we come alive when we know we might have to improvise and we can do it. That’s my theory, at least!

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  2. Mr. Yang seems like a man not easily defeated. Might there be an application of this idea that is larger than personal achievement in today’s USA? Thanks, Wynne.

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  4. That Howard Thurman quote is my all-time favorite. So good! This this line: “courage grows through companionship and curiosity”. How powerful! Looking forward to listening.

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  5. What a perfect guest for your podcast, Wynne! I love Michael’s thoughts about remembering to buddy up and try with a trusted friend — to build confidence. The best sort of training wheels! Then we can push off and go, go, go…remembering those who road with us. I know I’ve had the experience so many times – some with you, dear one – and the boost I’ve received? Feeling more assured? Willing to try, try, try! Delightful conversation in every way. 💝💝💝

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  6. This was a great interview Wynne. Michael’s story is very engaging and his values inspire. I like the concepts of han and hongik. Unfortunately, I let the burdens of life’s challenges wear me out instead of learning from them. And I didn’t have a big enough vision, goal, or purpose to drive me either. Kudos to you and Michael for exemplifying perseverance.

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    1. Thank you for the thoughtful comment, Brad. I love Michael’s ability to take up these motorcycle adventures in his 60’s. I guess we’re never too old to take on a new adventure! And from what I know, you’ve done some pretty wonderful road trips! Thanks for tuning in – I appreciate you!

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    1. Love this comment because it honors that we have to keep doing it again and again. Dang, it’s hard! Thank you for your feedback about the topic. Deep and interesting — I hope so!! Thank you, my friend!

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  8. I’ve listened to the snippet and can’t wait to dive in and listen to the entire podcast. Trying something new can be so rewarding as I learned by swimming, diving off the blocks and entering a few competitions. Also, moving to a new state, meeting new people, and picking up photography.

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  9. what a great philosophy and approach – it can be big or little, but keep trying, step out of your comfort zone, it’s where you grow. I love how he said, as long as it doesn’t kill you –

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  10. I am in full agreement with Michael’s philosophy. Nothing beats that feeling of trying something new, perhaps that we had to first work up the courage to do, than that sense of accomplishment. It makes us feel good about ourselves, whcih is the best payoff. I first recall that feeling when I was pretty young and jumped off the high dive at the swimming pool for the first time.

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  11. Lovely conversation with Michael, Wynne. Just to add to the metaphors, it’s a very foggy morning here which has now turned to rain. And it just enhances the metaphor of pushing through uncertainty, walking through the gravel roads in Alaska, and finding the lessons in failing and trying.

    Failure is indeed the mother of success and just love the inspiring message in Michael’s story: the grit of immigrants, of chasing opportunity in a new land, and even the chance encounter with Jobs.

    Thanks for this inspiring start to my day!

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    1. Oh, I look forward to hearing your comments because you add so much, Ab! The fog is a perfect metaphor – pushing through uncertainty indeed. I hope that you have a wonderful day, my friend!

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  12. I love Michael Yang’s sense of adventure and how it has informed his life! It’s amazing. What a great story about Steve Jobs in the department store, Wynne, as well as the insight taken from it. Yang discovered that if you’re curious and interested in business (or other fields) and want to research it, that places you with some legendary figures who started out basically like everybody else. I also enjoyed learning about the Korean concept of Han; difficult circumstances leading you to lessons in perservance. I’m going to remember that. Michael has found tremendous success by living the life of trying. He was super interesting to listen to. Thanks, Wynne. 😊

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    1. I love how you put it, Melanie – “Michael has found tremendous success by living the life of trying. ” That is so well said. So awesome to hear what landed for you because you have such a gift for deep listening. Thank you so much for circling back to let me know your thoughts. It’s so helpful!

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  14. Michael Yang is a fantastic guest for the “Life of Try” podcast!! I just got my bike out for the season and went on a long motorcycle ride yesterday. The weather was so perfect and I never wanted to stop riding. Last week held many difficult circumstances (Han?), so it was a joy to leave it all behind for a little while and see the world in a different way. The Hongik philosophy sounds like a wonderful way to live life – similar to the golden rule, but with a “sense of purpose to one’s life to be able to make positive contributions and make a positive impact in the world.” Thanks for this encouraging episode Wynne!! 💞💞

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  15. I like very much the concept of Hongik: living for the wider benefit and making a positive dent in the world. It’s absolutely needed today, as we are surrounded by a lot of egocentric, narcissistic and individualistic people.

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  17. Your intro stories are always so inviting and enjoying! Stepping out of our comfort zones is difficult! Trying new things or a new approach is not easy. It absolutely where we learn! 💞

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  18. You’re an example of living in the unknown and I loved this clip with Michael Yang. I so agree with both of you❣️
    Living, loving, trying and trusting are such great messages in living a fulfilled life.
    Bravo❣️❣️
    💗

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