the effing audacity
Vulnerable stories of courage, self‑discovery, travel, and personal growth, inspiring those to step out of the comfort zone and into the authentic lives they were meant to live.
Hosted by Renee Maxine Haas, who had the effing audacity to quit her job and solo travel around the world for two years.
Episodes

Tuesday Mar 10, 2026
Tuesday Mar 10, 2026
The one where Melissa from Canada discovers travel is relationship bootcamp… even with people you just met.
In this engaging conversation, Melissa Rodway shares her journey from writing emails during her travels in Southeast Asia to publishing her book, 'The People You Meet: Luxury, Leeches, Love, and Lao-Lao.' She discusses the importance of honesty and vulnerability in travel writing, the contrasting experiences of luxury and backpacking, and the personal growth that comes from traveling with a partner. Melissa also reflects on the deep connections formed with fellow travelers and the lessons learned from these experiences, ultimately revealing how her book has resonated with others and the insights gained from her journey.

Tuesday Feb 24, 2026
Tuesday Feb 24, 2026
The one where Renee gets vulnerable about sitting with discomfort of the unknown.
Host Renee Maxine Haas shares her personal journey of vulnerability, exploring themes of courage, uncertainty, and the quest for clarity in life. She reflects on her past aspirations, the impact of travel on her self-discovery, and the challenges of navigating societal expectations. Through her experiences, she emphasizes the importance of embracing discomfort and finding peace amidst chaos, while also addressing generational challenges and the evolving definition of success.

Tuesday Feb 10, 2026
Tuesday Feb 10, 2026
The one where Renee recounts her dissolution of identity.
Host Renee Maxine Haas shares her personal journey of solo travel and the profound impact it had on her identity. She reflects on how her sense of self became fluid and less defined as she traveled, leading to a deeper understanding of authenticity and the courage it takes to embrace a dynamic existence. Through her experiences, she encourages listeners to let go of rigid self-definitions and celebrate the complexity of being human.

Tuesday Jan 27, 2026
Tuesday Jan 27, 2026
The one where Renee shares how travel is a masterclass in personal development.
Host Renee Maxine Haas explores the transformative power of solo travel. She discusses how traveling alone fosters authenticity, allows for reevaluation of personal values, cultivates gratitude, promotes self-reliance, and builds courage. Through personal anecdotes and insights, Haas emphasizes the importance of stepping out of comfort zones and embracing the growth opportunities that come with solo adventures.

Tuesday Nov 11, 2025
Tuesday Nov 11, 2025
The one where Constance Scharff, PhD travels the world researching resilience within indigenous communities.
In this conversation, Dr. Constance Scharf discusses her research on bravery and resiliency, emphasizing the importance of community and indigenous wisdom in fostering resilience. She shares insights from her travels and studies, highlighting the need for a broader understanding of resilience that goes beyond individual experiences to encompass community and cultural perspectives. The discussion also touches on the impact of climate change on indigenous communities and the reciprocal relationships that can be formed through service and trust.

Tuesday Oct 28, 2025
Tuesday Oct 28, 2025
The one where Renee redefines change.
In this episode she discusses the importance of embracing change and the courage it takes to redefine our relationship with it. She shares her personal travel experiences and how they shaped her understanding of human connection and personal growth. The conversation emphasizes that change should not be viewed as something to fear, but rather as an opportunity for greatness and self-evolution. Through everyday choices, we can cultivate a life of authenticity and inspire others to do the same.

Tuesday Oct 14, 2025
Tuesday Oct 14, 2025
The one where Renee chats about the benefits of adventurous eating.
She shares her passion for food and the cultural significance it holds across the globe. She discusses the importance of being adventurous with food, the etiquette of trying new dishes, and the benefits that come from expanding one's culinary horizons. Renee provides practical tips for those hesitant to try new foods and emphasizes the joy and connection that food can bring to our lives.

Tuesday Sep 30, 2025
Tuesday Sep 30, 2025
The one where Meghan McCaffery coaches us through career change bravery.
Host Renee Maxine Haas speaks with career transition coach Megan McCaffrey about the common limiting beliefs that hinder individuals from making career changes. They discuss the sunk cost fallacy, the fear of failure, and the impact of external opinions on personal decisions. The conversation emphasizes the importance of self-discovery, reframing failure as feedback, and finding clarity in one's career path.

Tuesday Sep 16, 2025
Tuesday Sep 16, 2025
The one where doing it alone doesn't holding you back.
Renee explores the theme of courage in embracing solitude through solo travel, personal experiences, and the journey of being single. She emphasizes the importance of taking small steps towards independence, the joy of self-discovery, and the fulfillment that comes from living life on one's own terms. Through personal anecdotes and practical advice, she encourages listeners to embrace their individuality and the audacity to pursue their passions alone.

Tuesday Sep 02, 2025
Tuesday Sep 02, 2025
The one where Luciane from Brazil shares her story as a digital nomad.
Host Renee Maxine Haas interviews Luciane a digital nomad from Brazil, who shares her journey of solo travel and the inspiration behind her lifestyle choice. Luciane discusses the challenges and rewards of being a digital nomad, the importance of mental preparation, and the balance between work and travel. She reflects on her experiences of stepping out of her comfort zone, the self-discovery that comes with travel, and her vision for the future. The conversation emphasizes the significance of flexibility, self-love, and having faith in one's journey.

Tuesday Aug 19, 2025
Tuesday Aug 19, 2025
The one where Renee discusses the courage required to return home after so much adventure.
Renee discusses the cultural insights gained from her travels, the challenges of reintegrating into American life, and the importance of reconnecting with friends and family. Renee emphasizes the need to incorporate adventure into a more stable lifestyle and the lessons learned about intuition and embracing uncertainty.

Tuesday Aug 05, 2025
Tuesday Aug 05, 2025
The one where Kath from Costa Rica has the courage to go to Germany on a student exchange, not knowing any German or English.
In this inspiring conversation, Kath shares how she courageously embraced the challenge, learned both languages, and experienced significant personal growth. The discussion highlights the importance of stepping out of one's comfort zone, overcoming fears, and the transformative power of travel and cultural exchange.

Tuesday Jul 22, 2025
Tuesday Jul 22, 2025
The one where Cat from the UK has been traveling for 10 years.
Cat shares her decade-long journey of travel, exploring the inspirations that led her to embrace a nomadic lifestyle. She discusses overcoming personal obstacles, the joys and challenges of solo travel, and how she has managed to finance her adventures. Cat reflects on the importance of intuition, the meaning of home, and the profound lessons learned through her experiences, emphasizing gratitude and personal growth.

Tuesday Jul 08, 2025
Tuesday Jul 08, 2025
The one where Renee convinces you not to be a hoarder.
Renee shares her transformative experience of living out of a backpack for nearly two years, emphasizing the importance of simplicity and the detrimental effects of consumerism on mental health. She discusses how her travels have reshaped her values, highlighting the significance of community, leisure, and genuine happiness over material possessions. The conversation encourages listeners to reflect on their own lives, consider the burden of accumulated belongings, and embrace a simpler, more fulfilling existence.

Tuesday Jun 24, 2025
Tuesday Jun 24, 2025
The one where Renee shared her top 5 most memorable water adventures.
In this episode of The Effing Audacity, Renee Maxine Haas shares her top favorite water experiences from her two years of solo international travel. She discusses the benefits of solo travel, including self-discovery and the freedom to explore personal interests. Through her experiences in Malta, Bali, Canada, Croatia, and New Zealand, she emphasizes the importance of stepping out of comfort zones and embracing new adventures, particularly those related to water, despite her own anxieties.

Tuesday Jun 24, 2025
Tuesday Jun 24, 2025
The one where Renee cried on a mountain.
In this episode, Renee shares her transformative journey of self-discovery through travel, emphasizing the importance of stepping out of one's comfort zone. She recounts her emotional experience in the Dolomite Mountains, the significance of a detox period before her adventure, and the courage it takes to embrace fear and pursue one's passions. The conversation encourages listeners to reflect on their own lives and consider what opportunities they might be holding back from due to fear or societal expectations.

Tuesday Jun 24, 2025
Tuesday Jun 24, 2025
The one where Renee quits her job in tech to solo travel around the world for two years. Welcome to the effing audacity!
At 13, she decided she wanted to be a web developer, and made it happen. Years later, she realized she had accomplished everything she set out to in her career, yet felt stuck. Rising housing costs made my dream of homeownership feel out of reach, and the life she worked so hard to build no longer felt like it fit.
Then a wild idea hit: quit her job and travel the world for two years.
In this debut episode she shares her inspiring journey where through her travels, she discovers new values, cultures, and the importance of living authentically. Her story encourages others to step out of their comfort zones and pursue their true desires.







