Beyond The Cover

On this episode of Beyond The Cover Podcast, I sit down with Anthony Trucks, a former NFL player, American Ninja Warrior, and motivational powerhouse. Anthony's journey is nothing short of extraordinary. He takes us back to his roots in the foster care system, where he faced staggering odds and statistics that told him he wouldn't succeed.

But Anthony is no stranger to defying the odds. We dive into the defining moments that shaped his resilience, including his early struggles with identity, the spark that ignited his determination, and how he transformed from "foster kid" to "Dominator." Anthony doesn't just share his story, he delivers hard-hitting truths about grit, identity, and the "dark work" necessary to thrive in the light.

This conversation is raw, deeply personal, and packed with wisdom. Anthony opens up about his parenting struggles, the lessons football taught him about life, and why embracing the discomfort of growth is the key to achieving greatness.

Whether you're searching for motivation, direction, or a shift in perspective, this episode is a must listen. Anthony’s journey will remind you that no matter where you start, your story is yours to write.

Key Moments:
2:30 Who is Anthony Trucks?
12:00 How Foster Care Conditioned Anthony
20:00 Lessons Anthony Learned from Football
37:20 The Shift From Helplessness to Agency
46:00 Overcoming Ego as the Biggest Obstacle
50:00 Shifting Focus From Outcomes to Effort
1:00:00 Living by Your North Star
1:04:00 The Importance of “Dark Work”

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Where to find Clayton Echard:

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

In this episode, I’m thrilled to sit down with Karla Marie, a resilient spirit who’s spent over a decade navigating the highs and lows of the social media world. Karla isn’t just any influencer, she’s a seasoned voice who’s experienced the joys of connection and the challenges of public scrutiny. 

With deep honesty, Karla opens up about the toll that social media took on her mental health and self-worth, as well as the journey of finding balance and self-love amidst the noise. From battling self-criticism to dealing with unexpected comments about her appearance, Karla’s story is one of perseverance and growth. 

She shares how she learned to step back, focus on her well-being, and embrace her authentic self, a powerful message for anyone struggling to keep up in the online world. 

We delve into her journey of healing, her relationship with vulnerability, and the way she’s crafted her platform to inspire others to live more fully and with kindness. Join us for this heart-to-heart conversation about boundaries, resilience, and the beauty of learning to prioritize your own well-being.

Key Moments:
1:30 Who is Karla Marie?
5:30 Positives and Negatives of Social Media
20:00 How Stress Was Ruining Karla's Life
32:00 How Self Love Influences Relationships
40:00 The Importance of Communication In Relationships
48:00 Karla's Approach to Building Relationships
57:00 Vulnerability in Relationships

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Where to find Clayton Echard:

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

On this episode of Beyond The Cover, I sit down with the incredible Eddie Maalouf, a true powerhouse in the world of e-commerce and the founder and CEO of Bad Marketing, a company that has generated over $1 billion in revenue.

Eddie's journey is nothing short of inspiring and raw. From his early days navigating the corruption-ridden business landscape of the Middle East to building an empire of his own, Eddie’s story is one of relentless determination and strategic foresight.

We dive into Eddie’s experience with failure, his reflections on mental health, and his insights on the “fake it till you make it” approach, one that played a huge role in building his brand from the ground up. Eddie opens up about the importance of maintaining control in his life and business, and how moments of vulnerability shaped his success.

We also discuss the harsh reality of social media, dealing with criticism, and the power of building a resilient mindset. Eddie’s story is a testament to the grit it takes to build something remarkable, even when the odds seem stacked against you.

Key Moments:
2:30 Who is Eddie Maalouf?
5:00 Eddie's 'fake it till you make it' Approach
11:50 Importance of Resilience in Entrepreneurship
17:00 The Turning Point in Eddie's Career
28:00 How Eddie Manages Mental Health
35:00 The Influence of Social Media on Personal Branding
41:20 Impacts of Online Criticism on Personal and Family Life
47:00 Eddie’s "Why" and the Drive Behind His Ambitions

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Where to find Clayton Echard:

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

On this episode of the Beyond The Cover podcast, I sit down with Hannah Hammond, a powerhouse in real estate and private lending, a self-made millionaire by 25, and the host of her upcoming podcast, Relentless.

But today’s conversation isn’t about money, deals, or accolades; it’s about something deeper. Hannah opens up about her journey through intense feelings of unworthiness, her struggle with self-acceptance, and the heavy toll that societal expectations and personal trauma have taken on her self-image.

Hannah shares moments that are raw and vulnerable about feeling disconnected and broken, about the painful road to self-compassion, and her discovery of the power in presence. We talk about the complexities of relationships, the impact of childhood experiences, and what it really means to heal from within.

This isn’t just a story of success, it’s a journey of facing down demons, discovering resilience, and choosing to grow. This episode is for anyone who's ever felt trapped by their past or their own mind. It’s honest, real, and a reminder that, in our darkest moments, we can find the strength to keep going.

Key Moments:
1:30 Hannah Hammond introduction
7:00 The Origin of Hannah's Drive and Ambition
10:30 Facing Judgments and Assumptions in Business as a Woman
19:00 Hannah's Self Image Struggles
26:00 Hannah's Self Healing Journey
32:00 The Trap of Achievement
39:00  Lack of Self Worth
46:00 Reflections On Self Compassion
56:00 Hannah Learning to Trust Herself
1:01:00 Hannah’s Take on Love and Relationships

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Where to find Clayton Echard:

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

In this episode of Beyond The Cover, I was on the other side of the interview this time. AD from AZ Rocket Studios asked me the questions and he didn’t hold back. We took the most popular questions from my social media and went all in—no sugar coating, just real talk.

From exploring the power of curiosity to tackling trust issues, we unpacked everything that’s been on my mind lately. I shared why I think curiosity should be a must for everyone and how it could be the secret to building real connections with people, no matter our differences.

But it wasn’t all deep and serious, we kept it light, too. We laughed about my love-hate relationship with fishing and why I refuse to shave my mustache (seriously, it's staying). AD and I also got into what scares me the most, and I opened up about why avoiding mediocrity drives me to keep pushing forward.

This episode was a mix of fun and honesty, a chance for you to get to know me on a more personal level. Whether you're here for the laughs or looking for something deeper, there's something for everyone in this one.

Key Moments:
3:28 Am I seeing anyone right now?
3:53 My favorite outdoor hobbies
7:52 What scares me the most
9:31 Where I see myself in 5 years
11:27 Do I regret doing the bachelor?
12:43 Do you have to go downhill before going up?
18:34 How I use faith for mental health
28:05 Red and green flags for dating
37:55 My love for dancing
41:52 Will I shave the mustache?
45:55 Am I ready for a serious relationship?
47:50 If I could change one thing in the world

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Where to find Clayton Echard:

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

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Where to find Clayton Echard:

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