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Strength Through The Struggle's podcast

The Strength Through the Struggle Podcast shares stories of real people and the real challenges they have had to go through. The stories are honest. Neither the guest each week, or the host, Mark Goblowsky shy’s away from the truth... sometimes life is hard, really hard but we have what it takes to overcome all obstacles. We are all going through something. We each have what it takes to overcome. We are not alone. Success leaves clues and each guest shares how they overcame their own struggle and the strength they gained as a result. From a blind man who climbed Mount Everest to a Super Bowl champ who, just a few years later had to sell his Super Bowl ring to pay his rent. From people going through divorce and financial collapse who rebuilt their life to people who have lost a child to death and how they built a charity to help others. Each person found the strength and wisdom to not just overcome but to be stronger as a result of having to go through their struggle. We aren’t always prepared for the challenges that show up in our lives but as a community, we can overcome and be stronger for it.
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Now displaying: 2017
Nov 20, 2017

Nick Morgan is a coach, writer, and speaker. He was a public speechwriter for a governor and eventually started his own business. A series of events led him to the public speaking world. Nick had an experience with his father at age 17 that inspired him to ask what it was about communication that you could receive a lifetime of secrets at a glance. At 17, Nick was also in a tobogganing accident and was in a coma after flatlining for 15 minutes. This experience changed him. He could no longer assess the mood of familiar people. It took a year of studying body language to understand how to read people again.

In this episode, Mark and Nick discuss the conscious mind vs subconscious mind. They talk about what Nick has learned from being technically dead for 15 minutes. They also discuss our job in this life: not to judge other people, but to love other people.

Nov 13, 2017

David Henzel was always the “problem child.” Growing up he went to 14 different schools, smoked cigarettes and weed, and saw his fair share of struggle, including losing his father when David was only 12. He found entrepreneurship, moved to the US, founded (and then sold) MaxCDN, and has since moved back to Europe. The story only begins there. 

In this episode, David and Mark discuss that trying is the most inefficient way to NOT do something. Like Yoda, do or do not, there is no try. David reminds listeners what his father always said: if you have to yell, your argument is too weak. They discuss guilt and shame, serenity and gratitude, and doing things out of love vs out of fear. 

Remember: If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.

Nov 6, 2017

Dan Millman is a former world champion athlete, university coach, martial arts instructor, and college professor. He has written 17 books along the way.

In this episode, Dan and Mark discuss becoming the best version of ourselves. Dan reminds listeners that effort IS success, and happiness or success is progress toward a meaningful goal. They also discuss how all we can do is learn to surf the waves of life, how stress happens when the mind resists what is, and the importance of motion on your path.

Oct 30, 2017

John Lex Robinson describes himself as a man of God and a son of God, though he is also an IT professional and family man. He has had a recent resurgence in faith which restored his energy. Lex explains how he did all things “right” (as he thought), but life still crashed down. He got divorced and ran out of energy and motivation. Lex reminds listeners that from rock bottom, there are two ways out - with God, or pressure on those around you.

During this episode, Lex and Mark discuss being a man, relationships with God and yourself, faith, and God.

Oct 2, 2017

Sherrie Dunlevy is an author, speaker, and business owner. Earlier in her life she was a TV newscaster and radio talkshow host. Sherrie lost her son when he was just 29 days old. This was a pivot point in her life that ultimately led to her leaving broadcasting and starting anew.

In this episode, Mark and Sherrie discuss trying to inject positivity into the world. They talk about the vulnerability of writing a book, helping people through difficult times, listening to the voice within, and the power of a card. Listeners are reminded of this simple truth: You can never go wrong doing the right thing.

Sep 25, 2017

Michael Marcial is an online course coach and consultant who has risen greatly in the last few years. Michael grew up very self sufficient and found success as a high end consultant. He identified himself by his lifestyle. Then everything changed. He went through a divorce, lost his family, his identity, his purpose. Michael found himself living out of his car. His life turned around when he got real with himself. In this episode, Mark and Michael talk about personal growth, choice, and being real and authentic with ourselves. 

Sep 18, 2017

US Navy SEAL Retired Thomas Shea became a SEAL upon failure at West Point, a moment which altered the course of his life. Highlights of his Navy career include graduating SEAL training, surviving his first combat tour, and becoming a SEAL instructor. 

In this episode, Mark and Thom discuss the shift from military life to civilian life. In Shea's words, he was floundering until he realized civilian life was combat.

Mark and Thom also discuss the importance of spirituality, health, and positive relationships in the life of a Seal and the life of a businessman

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThomSheaUnbreakable/

Sep 12, 2017

Erik Weihenmeyer is a rock climber. 

In 2008 he climbed Carstensz Pyramid on the island of Papua New Guinea, completing the Seven Summits, the highest point on every continent. This accomplishment closed the circuit on a 13-year journey that had begun with his 1995 ascent of Denali. He is joined by a select company of only 150 mountaineers to have accomplished the feat.

He is also blind. 

In this episode, Mark chats with Erik about No Barriers - a movement started in part by Erik. They discuss how energy is behind every moment of adversity. Erik reminds listeners to surround yourself with a great team, to keep your heart open, and to be a climber, not a camper. 

Jun 29, 2017

Megan Peterson is the founder of 2nd Chance Counseling Service - a unique platform connecting addicts with therapists, resources, and help in a quick and easy way. The goal of their service is to get help to people when they need it and when it's convenient for them.

In this unique episode, Mark and Megan discuss the science behind addiction and the strength of addicts. They discuss the importance of not giving up on an addict, and how to approach addiction in those you love.

Jun 22, 2017

Dan Martell is a father, husband, entrepreneur, teacher, and community builder. He grew up in a challenging environment, with an alcoholic mother, salesman father, and an early ADHD diagnosis. Dan was put into foster care at age 12 and his life spiraled out of control from there. He got into trouble with the law, got into drugs, and wound up stealing a car in a high-speed chase. His moment of change came from a prison guard who gave him words of encouragement for the first time in his life. That moment turned his life around. 

In this episode, Mark and Dan talk about having a 5 year plan, and the three things needed to improve your life:

  • Fix your morning
  • Feed your mind
  • Do a friendvintory
Jun 15, 2017

Tony Grebmeier is a successful entrepreneur who grew up with some serious struggle. He was molested by his dad, he felt serious shame surrounding his parent's divorce, and he even describes an incident where he accidentally blinded his friend.The struggles of his childhood carried on into adulthood. Tony got caught up in addiction. (During this episode, Tony describes his "addictive personality" in incredibly concise terms.) He contemplated suicide. And yet he overcame.

In this episode, Mark and Tony talk about the difference between a human being and a human doing. They discuss how the past only has the power you give it. They discuss asking questions, explaining that asking is not a sign of weakness - it’s a sign of greatness. Tony boldly states: "If you can change your behavior, you can change your life."

Jun 8, 2017

Jaret Grossman is a serial entrepreneur and coach. His life is a result of personal transformation. He was bullied and picked on as a kid. He realized he had control over his life and made the effort to change and transform himself into the person he wanted to be. In this episode, Mark and Jaret discuss helping people, helping yourself, and taking control over your life. 

 

 

May 25, 2017

Mike and Karen Valentine had a great life. They called them their “salad” years. Their life dramatically changed when their second son was born with the cord around his neck and an Apgar score of 0. After a miraculous resuscitation in the hospital, they went home with a baby who doctors said was normal. When their son wasn't quite 2, he had a seizure. Doctors couldn't figure out what was going on. A diagnosis was finally given months later, after a grand mal seizure. Suddenly their life was filled with fear and a hyper awareness to mundane things like eating and pooping.

In this episode, Mike, Karen, and Mark talk about teaching an older sibling to deal with the same thing adults can’t even deal with. They chat about using Facebook as a highlight reel (Just because I have a happy face doesn’t mean it’s gone), and they dig deep into the effect epilepsy has had on their relationship.

May 18, 2017

Ernie Svenson grew up in New Orleans, Louisiana. His parents divorced when he was young, and he quickly found himself a pawn in his parents' custody battle. His dad was a psychoanalyst who manipulated Ernie to achieve selfish desires. Ernie knew he was being manipulated, but had little wiggle room to react due to his age. 

In this episode, Mark and Ernie talk about the challenges of being a litigation attorney, the importance of having a good relationship with your therapist, and how the thing that makes us as humans really happy is helping other people. 

May 11, 2017

Mary Hyatt is a life coach and entrepreneur who struggled with many trials in her 20s. She was married at age 20 and, a few short years later, found herself completely disconnected from life. Battling depression and anxiety, Mary found solace in food. She was overweight and unhappy and realized something needed to change. She took herself to "self-discovery school" - a personal journey of transformation and healing. She read book after book, attended workshops, went through therapy and coaching, all to discover who she really was on the inside. In this episode, Mark and Mary talk about the danger of trepidation and the power of facing the fear of trying something new. 

 

May 4, 2017

Cara Brookins has led an interesting life. She was married to her high school sweetheart right out of high school, but the marriage didn’t last long. She and her first husband divorced after 3 kids. Cara remarried at age 24. Her husband descended into full blown schizophrenia and became a danger to her and her children. They divorced, but he still came around and terrorized her and children. Her third husband was very strong, which seemed like the right answer at the time. However, he became abusive and Cara found herself the victim of domestic violence. They also divorced.

 

After all the trauma, she decided she and her kids needed something huge to swing their life in a different direction. So they decided the only logical thing to do was build a house. It was the first time they had physical control over anything in their lives. They learned everything they needed to know from YouTube, inspectors, and employees at the local Lowes and Home Depot.

 

In this episode, Mark and Cara unpack the intense few years that led up to such a revolutionary life change. Cara reminds listeners that you can choose how to use the awful things that happen to you. She reminds us to take the hard path if it will lead you somewhere great.

Apr 20, 2017

Saud Juman is a CEO, husband, and father. He grew up in a strong family, but associated with the wrong crowd. While in college, he found success as a DJ. This led to work as a promoter, and eventually owning his own venue. He inadvertently became involved with (and subsequently protected by) members of organized crime. He had a moment of change when his father reentered his life. He sat in a mosque overnight, night after night, and eventually came to realize who he was and who he wanted to become. In this episode, Mark and Suad also discuss religious differences and the impact one person can have on their world. 

Apr 13, 2017

Justin Bailey grew up in a loving home, went to college, met his wife, got married, and joined the army. Everything seemed like it should be great on the surface, but he quickly learned he wasn’t living up to the person he could have been. The person he was nearly broke down his marriage, encountered legal problems, and ultimately was a result of serious character issues. In this episode, Mark and Justin discuss vulnerability, integrity, and the importance of realizing (and owning) consequences of your actions.

Apr 6, 2017

Chris Biasutti has searched for acceptance his entire life. Everything he’s done in his life has been searching for love and acceptance from other people. He thought he would find it by making money. Eventually, after making the money he thought he always wanted, he learned money didn’t bring him acceptance. His pivot point came when he realized he had nothing meaningful to share with the world. Chris has since learned the key to his happiness and inner peace is vulnerability - and being honest about sharing his pain. What motivates him now, and what drives him, is lessening others’ suffering. He’s learned, above all, love isn’t something you get, it’s something you give.

 

Mar 30, 2017

Master McNeill has seen his fair share of struggle in his 75+ years on the planet. He's had polio, was orphaned as a young child, and has battled cancer more than once. However, every struggle in his life has led him to where he is today. Master McNeill is a highly decorated martial artist. 

In this episode, Mark and Dave discuss happiness, the power of a positive attitude, and the belief that there are no coincidences. Above all is this reminder: Persevere against a negative world with positive thoughts, positive actions, and a positive attitude. 

Mar 24, 2017

Tucker Collins is an neurochemistry undergraduate student on the verge of graduation. He's looking towards what life holds for him - starting with graduate school. He's making a name for himself - creating his own identity, part of which is his Aspergers.  Tucker doesn't let his diagnosis define him - he embraces who he is and uses his strengths to his advantage. He seeks out relationships, and encourages others to do the same. 

Mar 16, 2017

Reece Anderson is a husband, father, and anxiety and personal coach. Reece had a fairly normal childhood. However, at age 20, he cooked some dinner, sat down, and had what he later learned was a massive panic attack. He saw doctor the next day who immediately put him on antidepressants. Instead of helping, things went from bad to worse. Within 2 years, Reece started developing ticks. His doctor put him on Xanax, which didn’t help the situation.

Everything came to a head several years later. He stopped Xanax cold turkey, moved to Australia, and found a doctor who helped him. Reece found the change had to come from within himself. His road to recovery has not been easy, but he has found an outlet in helping others as an anxiety and personal coach.

Mar 9, 2017

Chris Smith is a husband, father, and entrepreneur. Chris grew up around story tellers and has been a story teller his whole life. He naturally transitioned into sales, but didn’t really know who he was despite his ability to tell a great story. He hit a major dark point in his life when he realized he wasn't being true to himself. This darkness led to separating from his wife. They tried several counselors until they met one who actually listened with no agenda. At this moment, Chris realized really great coaches and mentors create an opening to see the possibilities in life - they don’t just give you answers. In this episode Mark and Chris discuss how it’s not just about the story you tell, it’s about the story you write and live. They talk about finding clarity and purpose in discovering your own story. 

 

Mar 2, 2017

Sean Stephenson was born with a rare bone gene imperfection. The doctors said he wouldn’t live 24 hours. That was nearly 38 years ago. Since then, Sean has found his purpose in life: to rid the world of insecurity.

In this episode, Mark and Sean discuss how fairness in life is an illusion, the idea that every level has a devil, and the cure to insecurity (hint: it's self-care.) Sean is quick to remind listeners that no one got a better life than you did, just as no one got a worse life than you did. It’s not what cards you’re dealt, it’s how you play them.

Feb 23, 2017

Melissa Krivachek is an expert in transformation. She can say so confidently because she transformed herself. In 2009, after being fired from WalMart (not for lack of enthusiasm), she was homeless, weighed 306 lbs, was $50000 in debt, and spent 6 days in jail for a speeding ticket. According to Melissa, jail was worse than being homeless. 

She realized something had to change, and her journey of transformation began. She recently passed a million dollars in sales and is living a life in complete contrast with her past self. In this episode, Melissa and Mark talk about transformation, healthy mindset, and the lies we tell ourselves.

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