Beyond Grit with Robert Young

Sean Markey has spent his life following a path that many in this country consider the ideal American way. Graduate high school, go to college, find a decent job, and enjoy life. He did exactly that. He found his way into a field that allowed him the luxury of being outdoors, since that is where he loves to be. In February of 2020, he took a dream job as a Field Engineer in a city that he loved, Austin, TX. He was getting settled in his new digs in February 2020, right as the pandemic was about to change the world. When the pandemic hit and people were placed in isolation, it alarmed Seany how little was being discussed about mental health. People’s mental health would surely be impacted by the conditions we faced due to lockdowns, losing jobs, and being in situations that may be unhealthy for exceedingly long periods of time. This impacted him on a personal level, because he has lost several close friends to suicide, so he decided to do something about it.

Additionally, he was searching for answers within himself. He knew he needed to break away from society for a bit, so he decided to hike the Appalachian Trail (AT). Many people attempt the journey of over 2,000 miles, but not all are able to finish. Doing something like hiking the AT requires an insane amount of GRIT to be able to push through when you are constantly faced with challenges, discomforts, and just wanting to pack it up and get back to comfy life. Seany had little backpacking experience before he decided to go on this journey, but he knew his soul needed it. He used this opportunity to raise money for Suicide Prevention. He started a blog and an Instagram account and got on his way. He completed the journey in just over 5 months, and he stopped in on his way back to Austin for a quick chat. We hope you enjoy this as much as we did. We look forward to seeing the adventures in Seany’s future. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please seek help. Your life matters and you have a purpose. The world is full of deceptions that make us feel as though we are not “good enough” or do not belong, or that we will never find our way. But that is not true. There are lots of resources for mental health and we want you to know that you are valuable.

Blog Website - www.smontheat.com

Instagram -  @sm.onthe.at

Donate - https://charity.gofundme.com/o/en/campaign/sm-on-the-at1/sean-markey

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention - https://afsp.org/

Clifton Muckenfuss has an interesting story of bouncing back from adversity. Like many of us today, Clifton never felt like he was the type of guy to stay in one place for very long. Directly after high school, he headed to Clemson and was out of the house for the first time in his life. Things got a little rough for the young college student and he found himself in a bit of trouble. Suffice it to say, it was not looking good. Throughout this episode, Clifton takes us on the adventure that has been his life. He has lived in multiple states, pursued multiple career paths, and has always been open to the opportunities in front of him. Clifton went from parking cars to the mortgage business and was essentially forced to transition again during the 2007 mortgage crisis. He responded to that crisis by launching a cleaning company, which he grew to roughly $500k. He later started a construction company with a couple of friends, and with minimal construction experience, they grew that business with over 60% repeat referral business by offering a quality customer experience.

For much of his life, Clifton claims he was chasing many of the wrong things. All of that changed the moment he met the love of his life, who is now his wife. They started to develop a life together, began a family, and focused on building their faith, which is when life truly began to flourish. His unique experiences, combined with his love for coaching and helping others, have led him to his latest endeavor - coaching and consulting. He launched Building Raving Fans to teach others how to run their businesses and how to avoid mistakes he has made throughout in his career. He is also joining WinRate Consulting as part of their coaching team. The road is never clearly paved, there are always bumps along the way. But having self-awareness, the ability to adapt, and being willing to do whatever work is in front of you will make all the difference. Clifton Muckenfuss lives a life Beyond Grit, and we hope you enjoy this episode. #like #rate, #review, and #share with a friend.

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Podcast: @beyond_grit_podcast

Host: @robert_young_realtor

#beyondgritwithRobertYoung

Identity is a tricky thing. Many of us do things our whole lives and we become known for those things – we often take them on as our identities. They are not who we are, they are what we do. But how do we know the difference? Or what happens when that “thing” we do is taken away from us or we are no longer interested in doing it? Who lives underneath it all? Do we like the person within, do we even know the person? Do we allow ourselves the grace to discover what is underneath and accept the person that rises to the surface? This week, Robert explores this topic and more with his guest, Leah Goldstein.

Leah is a former CrossFit Games Competitor and CrossFit Gym Owner from Houston, Texas, who possesses multiple bachelor’s degrees and now works as a traveling nurse. She and her boyfriend love to travel (van-life style) and explore the outdoors, which is one of the many reasons she loves living in North Carolina. From an early age, she was a naturally gifted athlete and was fortunate enough to be in an area that promoted women’s sports. She focused primarily on Volleyball and Power Lifting, which is where she developed the foundations that would help her succeed in the Cross Fit arena.

As an adult, Leah transitioned into the leadership role of gym-owner and coach. She and her team competed successfully for several years and loved running the gym. It had its challenges, but was rewarding in many ways. When the sport began to change and expectations of athletes began to shift, she and the other business partners sensed it was time to sell. Leah and her husband at the time went from being grounded in their gym-life identities to being placed in positions of rediscovering who they were individually, who they were as a couple, and what direction they would go from there. They ultimately decided to part ways and after careful consideration, Leah decided to take a job across the country in North Carolina.

Life is full of twists and turns, and Leah has adapted to those exceptionally well. The path was often uncertain, but she was always open to the process and willing to adjust as needed. To Leah, it is pretty simple – if you dislike the way your life is going, change it. That is exactly what she did. She is a competitor who has the spirit of a champion, so she is always welcoming new and difficult challenges. Her next big adventure will be the Boston Marathon in 2022!!!  She will be running to support The Cuddy Family Foundation for Veterans (@tcfffv). The Cuddy Family Foundation for Veterans is a nonprofit that works closely with veterans who experience homelessness in Louisiana and beyond. Founder, George Cuddy was previously a guest on this show so make sure you go back and listen to Episode 25 to get a better understanding of their mission. We know many of you would like to donate to Leah’s fundraiser, so links are below. Every donation makes a significant impact. If you want to support our military and have been looking for ways to give back, this may be a great option for you. Leah has set a goal of raising $5,000 for the foundation, so if you are able to donate, make sure to type Beyond Grit in the Go Fund Me comments so she knows where you heard her story. Be sure to keep following her progress and cheer her on in Boston 2022.

Donate: https://gofund.me/67e1bf92

Foundation Website: www.tcfffv.org

Instagram: @leahgthatsme and @tcfffv

Beyond Grit w/ Robert Young: Ep. 25 - George Cuddy, The Cuddy Family Foundation for Veterans

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/george-cuddy-the-cuddy-family-foundation-for-veterans/id1557231357?i=1000533978314

With all that is happening in the world, we often feel out of balance or overly anxious. Many of us try to find balance, but cannot seem to get in proper alignment. Jennifer Payeur experienced those same things, as she spent almost 30 years working in the corporate world. She was juggling mom-life, career, travel, and of course... STRESS. She was experiencing such high levels of stress that it literally almost killed her. After receiving multiple serious health diagnoses, she knew she needed to make changes in her life. That led her on the pursuit of what is now her passion, and the wisdom that she possesses will change your life if implemented.

We learned so much from our conversation with Jennifer, and we believe it will be extremely beneficial for you as well. She exudes life-giving energy, and this conversation was educational, intriguing, and serves as a serious wake-up call to all of us who are constantly "plugged in."  Please share with anyone you may know who needs some healing.  Energy shifts when perspective shifts.  Follow your inner guide. 

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#podcast #follow #subscribe #clt #nc #inspiration #struggle #leadership #cancer #survivor #author #your #story #love #compassion #hope #home #grit #family #life #courage #change #give #art #progress #greatness #nature #balance #alignment #meditation

Jonathan Copsey is no nine-to-fiver… he is a passion chaser. He has pursued his passions from early on, and never limited himself to just one thing. He has always had an open-minded outlook and a willingness to trying and learning new things. No matter what, if he was going to do something, he was putting his whole heart into it. In high school, he decided he wanted to ride Broncos in the rodeo, so he joined the high school rodeo team. The talent he developed in the arena landed him a full scholarship to college, where he could continue to do what he loved. One day at practice, they were short a few bullfighters, sometimes seen dressed as the rodeo clowns, so he stepped in and volunteered. He fell in love with it and decided to continue, especially when he learned that there are a few more benefits to being a bullfighter than a Bronc-rider. He did that for a  few years and then when at 21, he joined the military. From an early age, he wanted to be a Marine. He was extremely enthusiastic about serving his country and as he puts it, “earning his right as an American.”  While he was stationed in California, he was in a bad car accident that disrupted his military career, and he was relocated to the Wounded Warrior Battalion. There, he met a marine veteran who introduces wounded Marines to cycling as a way to cope with life and struggles.

He eventually convinced Jonathan to come and ride. After just six months, he decided to participate in a charity race across the country. As it turned out, he was really good. He was so good that he was immediately recruited to cycle professionally. He accepted and that led him on a journey of traveling the world and competing. He followed that passion for many years until he had a few injuries and decided to hang it up. Now, he is a utility tree climber and absolutely loves it. It requires physical strength and mental toughness to be able to climb trees for 8 hours every day. Copsey has a view on life that we could all learn from. We hope you enjoy this episode.

@Conquistador_of_the_useless

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From a very young age, Tammy Fletcher learned that life requires grit.  She and her family grew up in a small cabin in the mountains with very few modern luxuries.  Those early years taught her how to be resourceful and how to deal with adversity.  Her hard work and determination, combined with her strong faith, have opened many doors for her.  She managed to work her way into a promising career in digital marketing and advertising.  She did well and continued to grow within the business. Unfortunately, when COVID hit in 2020, many businesses were negatively impacted.  The company was forced to downsize and after 20 years, she was let go from her post.  It was a devastating blow.  In addition to losing her job, she and her family were attempting to deal with, and pay for, a medical crisis that almost took her daughter’s life.  She knew she had to do something, fast.  One of Tammy’s many gifts is her creativity.  She began making Christmas wreaths and decorations for friends and family and eventually was convinced to participate in a local trade show.  The show went well, so she found another shortly after.  It was at that second show when she was approached by the vendor coordinator to inform her that they were starting a permanent market and asked would she be interested in signing a contract as a permanent vendor.  It was an open door and a golden opportunity.  Tammy signed the contract that weekend and cashed in her savings to start her new business, The Southern Kind.  It has been very successful, and she has enjoyed the process along the way.  Business has done so well that she is now preparing to open a second store.  This episode is inspiring, and Tammy is one tough chick.  She has endured much in her life, but she manages to exhibit love and kindness and has the spirit of Joy as her strength.  People love to stop by the store just to chat with her and we are sure you will love this chat as well.  Stop by Yorkville Marketplace in York, South Carolina and see Tammy and shop the local vendors.  Enjoy the show! Like - Rate - Review

@thesouthernkind

@yorkvillemarketplace

Derek Dutton has a remarkably interesting story. From an early age, he knew he wanted to join the military. It was never a question of “if” … the only question was which branch he would choose. He chose the Army, and he dove in headfirst - literally. During a parachute jump, which was later described as a “parachute malfunction,” Derek had a pretty intense situation occur that led him to believe he is “fall-proof.”  Pretty crazy!  Dutton was built for the military and worked his way all the way up to become an Army Ranger. If you do not know what Army Rangers are then shame on you, but for those that may not know, they are the elite bad-assess of the Army. Dutton has served in various places throughout the world, completing two terms in Iraq. Deployment in the middle east takes its toll both mentally and physically. Unfortunately, the physical toll pushed Derek into early retirement and just like that, his military career was over. In this episode, Derek opens about some of his personal struggles with PTSD and some of the difficulties that he faced upon returning home. Many of our brave men and women in uniform return home from combat and are left to fend for themselves, not sure who to turn to, and feeling very isolated and alone. We at Beyond Grit feel it is our responsibility, as a nation, to rally together and support our troops. These heroes put their lives on the line for our freedoms and regardless of our personal beliefs about the war itself, these brave souls deserve to be supported by their fellow citizens.  It has not been an easy road for Derek, but he has learned a lot about himself through this process. One of the most important lessons he has learned is knowing when to ask for help. In addition to his military career, he is an extreme sports enthusiast, marathon runner, and swimmer, a phenomenal writer, and blogger, and he helps others who are living with PTSD. We need more men like Derek Dutton. He has survived what many have not, and he is still fighting today. Please remember that their fight does not end on the battlefield, the battle only begins there. Thank you, Derek, for being on the show and sharing a bit about your life. You exemplify what it means to live a life Beyond Grit, and we honor and salute you.

@rangersmash375

Mike Claudio is basically a “Big Stud.”  He’s solid, locked in, and holds under pressure.  (And he hosts the Big Stud Podcast- so go check it out).  In the late 2010s, Mike was 27 years old making $150k a year, and totally miserable.  He knew he had to make a change or something bad was going to happen.  So, he took a chance - and a massive pay cut - and went to work in a new field. Where he lacked experience, he made up for his work ethic and sales experience.  When risks are taken, there is always a chance for failure.  But, as Mike explains, “So many people think they fail and start over.  No, you start from a new starting point.  You don’t lose the experience you’ve already gained. So, try and fail forward.”  Armed with that mentality, he and his wife, Tiffany, made some crucial life decisions that would shape the future of their lives.  There were some bumps in the road following those decisions, and Mike describes a very dark time in his life in 2019.  Then as we all know, Covid hit 2020, which was tough on the consulting and coaching industry.  Those darkest moments were what made Mike who he is today, and served as the inspiration for his new book, “#TooStrong; How to Win Fast and Win Often in a World Full of Obstacles.”  Through it all, with the support of his wife and family, Mike stayed consistent, loyal, and focused on what he could control.  It paid off.  He now runs 3 successful businesses and is on track to his biggest year yet in 2022.  Mike explains what it takes to raise a family, maintain a healthy lifestyle, manage multiple businesses, and run a non-profit.  His mentality is, “Win Fast and Win Often.” If you haven’t already guessed it, it requires living a life beyond grit.

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This episode is a MUST!  Full of golden nuggets that can be applied to your life today.  If you are in a season of uncertainty, a season of massive success, or anywhere in between, this episode is sure to impact your life and shift your mentality.

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“Big Stud Podcast” is available wherever you listen. 

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/big-stud-podcast/id1478301956

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Dirk Steenekamp is a media mogul with an interesting story, as well as some very interesting hobbies.  This South African entrepreneur has learned what it takes to make it in the media industry, and in many ways, has done it better than the rest.  He claims to have gotten into the business “by accident” but where it has taken him has been no accident.  His level of success only comes from hard work, determination, and pure grit.  Like many, he has faced challenges and betrayal but hasn’t slowed down.  When many in the media industry were focused primarily on print, he noticed the trends of the approaching digital age and capitalized on the opportunity to make the switch.  Being a small business proved to be more beneficial for him during those times, and he has not slowed down since.  Speed also happens to be one of his favorite ways to spend his personal time.  His hard work has enabled him to explore some of the hobbies he loves – nice cars, nice watches, and martial arts.  He and his friends have a car club featuring some of the premiere sports cars on the planet.  Your mouth would water just looking at the photos.  Steenekamp is a family man who made the life-changing decision to fit their whole lives into only a few cases and move to the states to provide a better life for his family.  His story is inspiring and intriguing and we hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did.

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Follow Dirk on Instagram:

@dirksteenekamp

George Cuddy is a Marine Veteran who is not afraid of challenges. One of those challenges includes a weekly “Murph” workout – yikes! If you don’t know about Murph, it is an extremely challenging CrossFit hero “WOD” to honor fallen Navy Lieutenant Michael P. Murphy, who was killed in Afghanistan in 2005. Lieutenant Murphy was awarded the military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor.  Cuddy has participated in the Boston Marathon for several years and was about 100 yards away from the bombing in 2013.  He and his team are still very involved with the Boston Marathon, and they select one representative to run for their organization each year.  He has accomplished many honorable things and has now taken on a new challenge, equally as honorable, geared towards helping our veterans.

As we all have seen, there is a serious homeless problem in our country.  Among the massive number of individuals who live in our streets, thousands are military veterans.  To get a first-hand understanding as to what goes into living on the streets, George spent two weeks living out of his car and tent to try and connect with people and figure out some of the biggest obstacles they face.  These experiences led him and his family to launch The Cuddy Family Foundation for Veterans and they are just getting started.  He has researched these issues thoroughly and we learned a ton from this conversation.

Our veterans should never be left behind, and this organization is determined to make sure that does not happen - especially when they return to American soil.  We are beyond grateful for your service, Mr. Cuddy, and to all those who have served this amazing country.  We know full well how fortunate we are to reside in the land of the free, and that we would have none of this if it weren’t for people like you.

We stand with you, and we hope this episode will be a small step towards educating the public about issues that veterans face, and we hope we can continue to help propel your message forward and be a small part of the solution with you.

God bless you all and God Bless America!!!

For more information about The Cuddy Family Foundation for Veterans and to donate, please visit https://www.tcfffv.org

 Or follow them on Instagram @tcfffv