Spark Something New

Episode 56: Courage Over Comfort: Facing the Hard Things That Make You Whole with Tamara Hill

Dr. Katie Sandoe Episode 56

In a world pulsing with chaos, division, and the everyday hard stuff of being human, this conversation with author and entrepreneur Tamara Hill is a gentle and gutsy invitation to face what hurts—and grow because of it. 

On this episode, Dr. Katie and Tamara explore how to talk about the hard things, how sharing our stories creates connection, and why courage (not perfection) is the bridge to resilience.

Tamara opens up about losing people she loves, navigating divorce and health challenges, and choosing to keep walking—sometimes stumbling—through the doors that life opens. We talk about the power of asking for what you need, the difference between pain and suffering, and practical ways to move toward peace and clarity when life feels heavy. If you’ve been carrying something quietly, this episode will help you name it, befriend it, and take a next brave step.

What You’ll Learn

  • Why poetry (and other non-linear forms of self-expression) can make it safer to tell the truth about your life
  • The difference between pain (inevitable) and suffering (optional)
  • How sharing your story reduces isolation—for you and everyone listening
  • Boundary-setting as healing (and what it looks like in real life)
  • Practical practices to re-center: body, spirit, community, nature
  • How to “walk through the door” even when you might trip on the threshold

About Tamara Hill

Tamara is an author, speaker, entrepreneur, and self-described global citizen who splits her time between Italy and the U.S. She’s also a devoted mom (and dog mom). Her new book, The Threads of Becoming: A Memoir in Poems, invites readers to process life’s hardest moments through poems that meet you where you are—honest, vulnerable, and fiercely hopeful.

Links & Resources

Connect with Katie on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. You can also get free resources to help you on your purpose journey at www.katiesandoe.com.