Beyond The Cover

On this episode of Beyond the cover, I sit down with Jason Harris, owner of Anarchy Fitness and a former U.S. Marine. This conversation was eye-opening, to say the least. Going into it, I had this stereotypical image of Marines...tough, unbreakable, emotionless. But Jason completely shattered that misconception for me. What I love about this conversation is how he brought such vulnerability to the table, something you don’t often see when people talk about military service, especially from a Marine.

We dive deep into how the Marines shaped him, not just physically, but emotionally and mentally. Jason talks about the resilience it took, not just in combat, but in life after the service, how he turned his experiences into a thriving fitness business, helping others build the same mental and physical strength that carried him through some of his toughest times. We also touch on personal growth, leadership, and the challenges of reintegrating into civilian life.

This episode is more than just about fitness or military stories, it’s about finding purpose, leading with heart, and the power of overcoming adversity. If you're looking for a real, raw conversation, this is the one to listen to.

Key Moments:
1:30 About Jason Harris
5:30 How Being A Marine Impacts Emotions
16:00 How a Conversation Changed Jason’s Life
24:30 Transitioning from the Marines to Civilian Life
35:00 The Moment Jason Realized He Needed Change
43:00 The Creation of Anarchy Fitness

-
Where to find Clayton Echard:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/claytonechard/?hl=en

Today's episode of the Beyond the Cover podcast features a special guest, Emily Freeman, a highly sought-after relationship coach who has guided thousands of men in finding their dream partners. Emily's expertise is renowned, and she brings years of experience helping individuals navigate the complexities of relationships. In this episode, she shares valuable insights and practical advice for anyone looking to build meaningful connections, whether they're searching for love or wanting to strengthen their existing relationships.

But this episode isn't just about expert advice—Emily takes the conversation to a whole new level. She dives deep into the emotional and psychological aspects of finding love, touching on topics like vulnerability, self-awareness, and the importance of understanding your own needs before seeking a partner. Her candid and compassionate approach reveals some surprising truths that many of us might not have considered before. It’s not just about finding the right person; it's about becoming the right person as well.

What makes this episode even more powerful is the personal impact it had on me. As we spoke, Emily's insights resonated so deeply that she broke me down a bit, challenging me to reflect on my own experiences and mindset. It was a humbling moment that reminded me of the emotional journey relationships require. This episode is a blend of guidance, reflection, and a few unexpected breakthroughs, making it one of the most memorable and transformative conversations I’ve had on the podcast.

-
Where to find Clayton Echard:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/claytonechard/?hl=en

In this episode of Beyond the Cover, we dive into a profound conversation with a guest who has faced unimaginable struggles from a young age, including the trauma of growing up in a volatile household, mental health issues, and battling personal demons. Our guest shares their story of a childhood marked by violent outbursts, emotional turmoil, and a feeling of abandonment that led them down a path of self-destruction. At the age of 17, overwhelmed by the weight of their parents' divorce and an unmanageable mental health burden, they nearly took their own life. This moment, they recount, was the result of years of confusion, misguided treatment, and a longing for a sense of control over their spiraling emotions.

In our discussion, they reflect on how the constant misdiagnosis and over-prescription of medication left them feeling disconnected and misunderstood, further fueling the anger and confusion of their youth. They candidly describe the immense frustration of being a young child unable to comprehend what was happening to them mentally and emotionally, compounded by a medical system that failed to address the root of their struggles. Through years of trial, prescription mismanagement, and finding themselves repeatedly in and out of institutions, our guest shares how they finally discovered that the answer wasn’t more medication, but rather a deeper understanding of their mental health.

Now in a much better place, they reflect on their journey from chaos to stability, offering hope to others facing similar struggles. Their story is one of resilience, self-reflection, and the long road to healing. They emphasize the importance of surrounding oneself with a strong support system and embracing a personal transformation, demonstrating that change is always possible, no matter how dark the past may seem. Tune in as we explore the challenges and triumphs of mental health and recovery, and gain insight into how this remarkable individual turned their life around.

-
Where to find Clayton Echard:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/claytonechard/?hl=en

Today's guest on the Beyond the Cover podcast is Ryan Tomita, an athlete with a powerful and relatable story. Ryan's journey as an athlete reflects a common experience many in sports face—the intertwining of one's identity with the game. He opens up about the highs and lows of his sports career, describing the dedication, passion, and energy that went into achieving success. However, as is true for many athletes, Ryan’s identity became inseparable from his achievements in the field, and he struggled to find a sense of self outside of sports.

In today’s episode, Ryan delves into the personal challenges that surfaced once his athletic career came to an end. He shares the emotional and mental hurdles he faced as he transitioned into life after sports, a time when the structure, routine, and validation he had come to rely on faded. Many athletes can relate to the difficulty of redefining themselves in the absence of the sport that once defined them, and Ryan candidly speaks about the struggles of feeling lost and unprepared for this new chapter.

Despite these challenges, Ryan’s story is one of resilience and growth. On this episode of Beyond the Cover, he discusses the steps he took to overcome his struggles, discovering new passions, and building an identity that goes beyond the athlete persona. His story serves as an inspiration to fellow athletes and listeners alike, offering insights into the journey of self-discovery and the process of reclaiming one's life after sports.

-
Where to find Clayton Echard:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/claytonechard/?hl=en

Today’s guest on the Beyond the Cover podcast is Brandon Jones. In this powerful and revealing episode, Brandon opens up about his previous relationship, sharing personal details that he's never spoken about before. His vulnerability throughout the conversation allows listeners to gain a deeper understanding of the emotional challenges he faced, making this one of the most honest and raw interviews to date. Brandon expresses how difficult it was for him to recount these moments, but emphasizes the importance of sharing his truth.

Alongside host Clayton, Brandon also reflects on their shared experiences during The Bachelorette. The two men discuss how the show influenced their personal growth and shaped their perspectives on love and relationships. Through these stories, they offer listeners a behind-the-scenes look into what life was like on and after the show, revealing both the excitement and the emotional toll that came with it.

In a particularly emotional part of the episode, Brandon opens up about a dark period in his life when he felt overwhelmed by fear. He describes being in a deep emotional state where he was afraid for his life every single day. This harrowing experience left him feeling isolated and hopeless, but through resilience and support, he managed to find his way out of that darkness. His candid storytelling serves as an inspiration to others who may be facing similar struggles, showing that there is always a path forward.

-
Where to find Clayton Echard:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/claytonechard/?hl=en

Todays guest on Beyond The Cover Podcast is Michael Banovac. He shares his remarkable journey of building a $350 million empire, overcoming countless obstacles along the way. With hard work and determination, he achieved financial success that many dream of. However, he soon realized that wealth, while rewarding, didn't bring the fulfillment he had expected. There were moments when, despite having everything on paper, he felt a deep sense of emptiness that money couldn't fill.

In his talk, he reflects on these pivotal moments, opening up about the realization that success isn’t defined by financial milestones alone. He learned that the pursuit of material wealth without meaning left him disconnected from his true purpose. He emphasizes how important it is to find a balance between achieving financial goals and discovering what truly brings happiness and satisfaction.

This insight led him to write a book where he shares his unconventional approach—reverse engineering the path to fulfillment. Rather than chasing external success, he encourages readers to start by defining what truly matters to them and then work backward to create a life that aligns with those values. His story serves as a powerful reminder that while financial success is important, it's the pursuit of purpose and meaning that leads to lasting fulfillment.

-
Where to find Clayton Echard:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/claytonechard/?hl=en

Today’s guest on the Beyond The Cover Podcast is Benny Madrid, a remarkable individual whose journey is both inspiring and transformative. Benny's story begins with a challenging upbringing marked by adversity from a very young age. Confronted with obstacles that would have deterred many, Benny faced each challenge head-on with a mindset that refused to quit. His ability to persevere through difficult times laid the foundation for his future successes.

Benny’s relentless drive and "never quit" attitude were key factors in his rise to prominence. Despite the numerous setbacks and hardships he encountered, his commitment to pushing through adversity never wavered. This unwavering determination not only helped him overcome personal struggles but also paved the way for his achievements in the competitive world. His journey from facing early-life challenges to reaching the pinnacle of his field is a testament to the power of resilience and hard work.

As a world champion, Benny Madrid embodies the spirit of perseverance and the importance of mindset in achieving one's goals. In our conversation, we will explore how his unique experiences shaped his approach to life and success. Tune in to hear Benny share insights from his incredible journey and the valuable lessons he’s learned along the way, offering inspiration and motivation to all who hear his story.

-
Where to find Clayton Echard:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/claytonechard/?hl=en

Today's guest on Beyond the Covers is none other than Rampage Jackson. Known for his fierce presence in the ring, Rampage takes us beyond the arena, offering a glimpse into the mindset of a professional fighter. He shares his experiences and strategies for maintaining discipline, revealing how he channels his energy to avoid physical confrontations in the outside world. 

Rampage also opens up about the personal challenges he's faced outside the ring, delving into how relationships with the women in his life have contributed to mental health struggles and resurfaced past traumas. In this candid conversation, he reflects on the impact these experiences have had on his journey, both as a fighter and as an individual, shedding light on the emotional battles that often go unseen.

-
Where to find Clayton Echard:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/claytonechard/?hl=en

On this episode of Beyond the Covers, Clayton and Harrison explore the essence of Harrison's character, delving into how his genuine concern for others' well-being guides him as he embarks on new ventures in life. From innovative projects to personal growth, Harrison's journey is marked by a deep commitment to uplifting those around him, demonstrating how true success is often intertwined with the care and support we offer to others.

Harrison also opens up about his transformative experience with Ketamine Therapy, sharing how it played a pivotal role in reshaping his perspective and enhancing his well-being. In this candid conversation, he discusses the profound impact the therapy had on his mental and emotional health, offering insight into the journey of healing and self-discovery that followed.

Harrison also delves into his entrepreneurial journey, discussing his ventures with the United Fight League and F3 Energy. He shares the vision and inspiration behind these projects, highlighting how they reflect his passion for sports, fitness, and innovative energy solutions. Harrison's insights provide a fascinating look at how he's combining his interests to create impactful and dynamic businesses.

-
Where to find Clayton Echard:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/claytonechard/?hl=en

Our words hold immense power—not only can they change lives, but they can also save them. I had the privilege of recording my first podcast with my good friend, Tyler Hall. This podcasting journey is a mission to bring hope to those who watch and listen, showing them that they, too, can rise from 'rock bottom,' just as the brave individuals who share their stories with me have done.

There's extraordinary strength in vulnerability, and sharing our life stories has a profound impact. Through these conversations, I've realized that we all share more in common than we might initially see. These shared experiences often remain hidden 'beyond the cover,' only to be discovered when we truly connect.

I'm excited for you to join me on this journey, learning from the struggles and triumphs of others. Together, we are at our strongest, and together, we can overcome any challenge.

-
Where to find Clayton Echard:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/claytonechard/?hl=en