Crush and Climb

What happens when your entire world collapses and you're forced to pivot?

On this episode of Crush & Climb, host Jason McClain sits down with Lauren Powers — 10-time world heavyweight bodybuilding champion, former firefighter, SAG actor, author, and faith-driven mentor.

Lauren opens up about being pushed out of the fire service through gender discrimination, how that painful chapter became the launchpad for a bodybuilding career that took her to the Arnold Classic and beyond, and the pivotal moment she chose faith over fear.

Together, Jason and Lauren dig into self-talk, gratitude routines, and the "5 daily wins" that can pull anyone out of feeling stuck. Plus, Lauren shares stories from working with stars like J.Lo, Lady Gaga, and Justin Bieber, and explains why she considers vulnerability her ultimate superpower.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re running in place, this conversation is your reminder: your story isn’t over, and your setbacks might just be setting you up for something bigger.

Pivoting After Pain: Turning gender discrimination in the fire service into a world-class bodybuilding career.

Faith Over Fear: Navigating life transitions when your foundation is shaken.

The "5 Daily Wins": Actionable habits to clear mental clutter and build daily momentum.

Hollywood Moments: Working on set with Jennifer Lopez, Lady Gaga, and Justin Bieber.

Vulnerability as Power: Why authenticity is the ultimate tool for strength and resilience.

Get Lauren's Book Free: beneaththemuscle.com

Why Your Health is the Ultimate KPI with Branding Powerhouse Monica Kline

In this episode of Crush & Climb, Jason McClain sits down with his dear friend and branding powerhouse, Monica Kline. Monica is a woman of extreme grit, having climbed the corporate ladder to Executive VP before building her own multi-million dollar branding empire.

But her journey wasn’t just about profit; it was about survival. Monica shares the raw truth about being a single mother, navigating life-threatening personal trauma, and the “God moments” that forced her to realize that without health, there is no wealth.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

Watch now to learn how to optimize your life for the long game.

Monica Kline, branding expert, women in business, health optimization, entrepreneurship, longevity, grit, financial independence, trauma recovery, mindset, body optimization, Jason McClain, Crush and Climb, business strategy, scaling a business, health KPIs, epigenetics, single mother success.

Mentioned in this Episode:

In this candid episode of the Crush & Climb Podcast, host Jason McClain delivers a raw and personal look at the challenges of aging, the noise of modern life, and the critical need to live deliberately. Drawing on his own recent struggles—including a rotator cuff injury and the chaos of juggling family and multiple businesses—Jason shares the surprising, life-changing lesson he learned in physical therapy: “Stop before the pain begins.”

This isn’t just about physical health; it’s a profound metaphor for life, career, and relationships. Jason challenges the common “push through the pain” mindset, arguing that constantly fighting against boundaries leads to exhaustion, anxiety, and a feeling of just existing rather than living.

He introduces a powerful framework to help listeners evaluate their current state, asking them to “Examine the Noise Level of Your Life” through a simple self-assessment. Based on your “decibel level,” you’ll discover whether you are actively making strong choices or caught in a cycle of jitters and chaos.

Key Takeaways:

Mentioned in this Episode:

Have you ever felt like you don’t belong? Like you’re an imposter just waiting to be found out? What if that feeling could be your greatest superpower?

In this incredible throwback episode from the “Life Can Change” archives, Crush & Climb host Jason McClain sits down with marketing executive and entrepreneur Joshua Roache. Josh shares his raw and powerful journey from a tough upbringing and living out of his Honda Civic as a homeless teenager to becoming a Chief Marketing Officer.

This isn’t just a rags-to-riches story; it’s a deep dive into the psychology of success. Josh reveals how he harnessed the feeling of being an “imposter” and used it as a tool to become the person he wanted to be. He explains why he stopped focusing on “working harder” and instead dedicated himself to one thing: getting better results.

If you’ve ever doubted your own abilities or felt like the odds are stacked against you, this conversation will give you the mindset and the strategy to not only overcome but to dominate.

What You’ll Learn:

• The Imposter’s Advantage: How to reframe “faking it ’til you make it” into a powerful tool for growth.

• Results Over Everything: Why focusing on delivering superior results is the ultimate equalizer, regardless of your background or education.

• The Power of Discipline: The daily routines and non-negotiables required to build a life of success from scratch.

• Defining True Freedom: How to find balance and create a life based on your own terms, not the expectations of others.

• How to define and pursue true freedom in a world that constantly tries to put you in a box.

Prepare to be inspired. This is a story you won’t forget.

Follow the Podcast, Crush and Climb.
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/crush-and-climb/id1834770883
Spotify Podcasts: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/crush-and-climb/
Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/da508dd9-3349-478b-8e90-72ea5c2252a8/crush-and-climb
iHeart Radio: https://iheart.com/podcast/292074359/

Websites:
https://www.CrushandClimb.com
https://www.JasonMcClain.com
https://www.breakthroughpublishing.net

Follow on Social Media:
Crush and Climb: @CrushAndClimb
https://www.instagram.com/crushandclimb
https://www.facebook.com/crushandclimb

Jason McClain: @JasonCMcClain
https://www.instagram.com/jasoncmcclain
https://www.facebook.com/jasoncmcclain

Get Jason’s Books on Amazon:,
“Pivot to Profit: Turning Failures into Fuel”: https://amzn.to/42DNWuA
This book is for the entrepreneur, the leader, and the salesperson who recognizes that the path to profit is not a straight line. It’s for you if you’re tired of reacting to crises and ready to systematically turn every obstacle into an opportunity. It’s for those who want to stop treating failure as a verdict and start using it as data.

McClain provides his battle-tested, four-stage blueprint, the R.I.S.E. System, forged in the fire of his own professional disasters. This is the exact framework he used to bounce forward from ruin to build a thriving luxury wine brand and multiple successful companies.

“Island of One: Born Different.  Built to Thrive” : https://amzn.to/42Go94Z
“Island of One” is a powerful call to action, reminding you that your unique design is not a mistake, but a magnificent blueprint for success. Discover how to live deliberately, connect authentically from a place of wholeness, and make a meaningful impact, transforming your “island” into a beacon of hope for yourself and others. Your thriving life isn’t a distant dream—it’s an imminent reality, waiting for your conscious, courageous “Yes!”

This isn’t just his story; it’s a universal blueprint for anyone seeking to transform perceived limitations into their greatest strengths. In “Island of One,” McClain introduces the groundbreaking COMPASS System, a seven-key framework designed to unlock your inherent potential

Hashtags: #Podcast #NewEpisode #Success #Mindset #ImposterSyndrome #Motivation #Inspiration #Entrepreneur #Leadership #NeverGiveUp #FromNothingToSomething #JoshRoache #CrushAndClimb

In a world filled with distraction and disruption, the ability to focus is your ultimate competitive advantage. But how do you maintain clarity when everything around you feels chaotic and uncertain?

On this episode of Crush & Climb, host Jason McClain provides a clear, actionable 10-step framework for navigating adversity with precision and purpose. Drawing on hard-won lessons from business and life, he moves beyond platitudes to offer a concrete plan for leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to turn struggle into strength.

From the strategic importance of diversifying your efforts to the psychological power of a disciplined morning routine, this episode is your personal blueprint for building resilience. Jason also shares the critical mission of “compressing decades into days”—a mindset that will help you take massive action and get results when you need them most.

Key Takeaways from this Episode:

If you’re ready to stop reacting and start acting with intention, this episode is your guide.

Follow the Podcast, Crush and Climb.
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/crush-and-climb/id1834770883
Spotify Podcasts: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/crush-and-climb/
Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/da508dd9-3349-478b-8e90-72ea5c2252a8/crush-and-climb
iHeart Radio: https://iheart.com/podcast/292074359/

Websites:
https://www.CrushandClimb.com
https://www.JasonMcClain.com
https://www.breakthroughpublishing.net

Follow on Social Media:
Crush and Climb: @CrushAndClimb
https://www.instagram.com/crushandclimb
https://www.facebook.com/crushandclimb

Jason McClain: @JasonCMcClain
https://www.instagram.com/jasoncmcclain
https://www.facebook.com/jasoncmcclain

Get Jason’s Books on Amazon:,
“Pivot to Profit: Turning Failures into Fuel”: https://amzn.to/42DNWuA
This book is for the entrepreneur, the leader, and the salesperson who recognizes that the path to profit is not a straight line. It’s for you if you’re tired of reacting to crises and ready to systematically turn every obstacle into an opportunity. It’s for those who want to stop treating failure as a verdict and start using it as data.

McClain provides his battle-tested, four-stage blueprint, the R.I.S.E. System, forged in the fire of his own professional disasters. This is the exact framework he used to bounce forward from ruin to build a thriving luxury wine brand and multiple successful companies.

“Island of One: Born Different.  Built to Thrive” : https://amzn.to/42Go94Z
“Island of One” is a powerful call to action, reminding you that your unique design is not a mistake, but a magnificent blueprint for success. Discover how to live deliberately, connect authentically from a place of wholeness, and make a meaningful impact, transforming your “island” into a beacon of hope for yourself and others. Your thriving life isn’t a distant dream—it’s an imminent reality, waiting for your conscious, courageous “Yes!”

This isn’t just his story; it’s a universal blueprint for anyone seeking to transform perceived limitations into their greatest strengths. In “Island of One,” McClain introduces the groundbreaking COMPASS System, a seven-key framework designed to unlock your inherent potential

A Tactical Guide to Overcoming Hard Times and Conquering Your Fears

Hard times and fear are inevitable, but staying stuck in them is a choice. In this deeply tactical episode of the Crush & Climb podcast, host Jason McClain pulls back the curtain on the exact mindset and strategies required to navigate life’s toughest challenges and conquer the fears that paralyze us.

Forget dwelling on the “why”—Jason argues that understanding the cause of a problem isn’t necessary to solve it. Instead, he delivers a powerful, solution-focused framework for taking action. From applying the 80/20 rule to your problems to understanding why “ripping off the band-aid” is crucial, this episode is packed with practical wisdom you can apply today.

Jason also dives into the psychology of fear, breaking down the 5 basic human fears that drive our decisions and revealing how to reframe fear from a roadblock into fuel for your success.

What You’ll Discover:

• A counterintuitive approach to problem-solving that focuses 80% on what’s right.

• The 80/20 rule for emotional and mental energy during a crisis.

• How to leverage your community and “share the burden” to find solutions faster.

• The 5 core fears that subconsciously control you and how to recognize them.

• The importance of developing a “short-term memory” for failures, inspired by professional athletes.

• A powerful final challenge: to give up your “right to fail” and stop letting assumptions dictate your future.

This is the essential guide for anyone ready to stop being a victim of circumstance and start becoming the architect of their comeback.

Follow the Podcast, Crush and Climb.
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/crush-and-climb/id1834770883
Spotify Podcasts: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/crush-and-climb/
Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/da508dd9-3349-478b-8e90-72ea5c2252a8/crush-and-climb
iHeart Radio: https://iheart.com/podcast/292074359/

Websites:
https://www.CrushandClimb.com
https://www.JasonMcClain.com
https://www.breakthroughpublishing.net

Follow on Social Media:
Crush and Climb: @CrushAndClimb
https://www.instagram.com/crushandclimb
https://www.facebook.com/crushandclimb

Jason McClain: @JasonCMcClain
https://www.instagram.com/jasoncmcclain
https://www.facebook.com/jasoncmcclain

Get Jason’s Books on Amazon:,
“Pivot to Profit: Turning Failures into Fuel”: https://amzn.to/42DNWuA
This book is for the entrepreneur, the leader, and the salesperson who recognizes that the path to profit is not a straight line. It’s for you if you’re tired of reacting to crises and ready to systematically turn every obstacle into an opportunity. It’s for those who want to stop treating failure as a verdict and start using it as data.

McClain provides his battle-tested, four-stage blueprint, the R.I.S.E. System, forged in the fire of his own professional disasters. This is the exact framework he used to bounce forward from ruin to build a thriving luxury wine brand and multiple successful companies.

“Island of One: Born Different.  Built to Thrive” : https://amzn.to/42Go94Z
“Island of One” is a powerful call to action, reminding you that your unique design is not a mistake, but a magnificent blueprint for success. Discover how to live deliberately, connect authentically from a place of wholeness, and make a meaningful impact, transforming your “island” into a beacon of hope for yourself and others. Your thriving life isn’t a distant dream—it’s an imminent reality, waiting for your conscious, courageous “Yes!”

This isn’t just his story; it’s a universal blueprint for anyone seeking to transform perceived limitations into their greatest strengths. In “Island of One,” McClain introduces the groundbreaking COMPASS System, a seven-key framework designed to unlock your inherent potential.

A Tactical Guide to Overcoming Hard Times and Conquering Your Fears

When you're in the middle of a struggle, it can feel all-consuming. But what if you had a clear, repeatable playbook for navigating any challenge life throws at you?

In this episode of Crush & Climb, Jason McClain delivers exactly that. Drawing from years of coaching and personal experience, he provides a 10-step framework for tactical problem-solving designed to shift you from a state of overwhelm to one of empowered action. You’ll learn why focusing on the "good" of a problem is more effective than dwelling on the "bad," and why you must "rip off the band-aid" to move forward.

The episode then pivots to the root of inaction: fear. Jason dissects the 5 basic human fears (from fear of extinction to ego-death) and explains how these primal drivers affect our business and life decisions. He provides powerful reframes to transform fear from a paralyzing force into actionable information that fuels your journey to success.

What You'll Discover:

A strategic mindset for tackling problems without getting lost in their origins.

The 80/20 rule for emotional and mental energy during a crisis.

How to leverage your community and "share the burden" to find solutions faster.

The 5 core fears that subconsciously control you and how to recognize them.

The importance of developing a "short-term memory" for failures, inspired by professional athletes.

A powerful final challenge: to give up your "right to fail" and stop letting assumptions dictate your future.

This is the essential guide for anyone ready to stop being a victim of circumstance and start becoming the architect of their comeback.

Follow the Podcast, Crush and Climb.

Websites:

Follow on Social Media:

Jason McClain: @JasonCMcClain

Get Jason's Books on Amazon:,

McClain provides his battle-tested, four-stage blueprint, the R.I.S.E. System, forged in the fire of his own professional disasters. This is the exact framework he used to bounce forward from ruin to build a thriving luxury wine brand and multiple successful companies.

"Island of One: Born Different.  Built to Thrive" : https://amzn.to/42Go94Z

This isn't just his story; it's a universal blueprint for anyone seeking to transform perceived limitations into their greatest strengths. In "Island of One," McClain introduces the groundbreaking COMPASS System, a seven-key framework designed to unlock your inherent potential

We all have an Achilles' heel—a weakness or vulnerability that holds us back from achieving our greatest potential. But what if you don't even know what yours is?

In this eye-opening episode of Crush & Climb, host Jason McClain guides you on a journey to uncover your personal and professional blind spots. He reveals how the things we don't know about ourselves are often the very things that prevent us from moving from "good to great."

Using a profound yet simple four-quadrant framework, Jason explains how to dramatically increase your self-awareness. By learning how to effectively solicit feedback, embrace vulnerability through self-disclosure, and create a safe environment for growth, you can shrink your blind spots and expand your "open area" of success. This episode is more than just a lesson; it's an assignment for a better life.

Key Takeaways from this Episode:

The Johari Window Explained: A practical breakdown of the Open, Hidden, Blind, and Unknown areas of your personality and skills.

Why Feedback is a Gift: Learn why a resistance to criticism is a direct barrier to growth and how to start actively listening.

From Hidden to Open: Understand the power of strategic self-disclosure in building trust and stronger teams.

Take the Test: Jason provides a clear call to action and resources to help you map your own awareness and identify exactly where change is needed.

The True Path to Freedom: Discover why finding your blind spot is the first and most critical step toward authentic success in business and life.

Ready to see what you've been missing? Tune in and start your transformation.

Follow the Podcast, Crush and Climb.

Websites:

Follow on Social Media:

Jason McClain: @JasonCMcClain

Get Jason's Books on Amazon:,

McClain provides his battle-tested, four-stage blueprint, the R.I.S.E. System, forged in the fire of his own professional disasters. This is the exact framework he used to bounce forward from ruin to build a thriving luxury wine brand and multiple successful companies.

"Island of One: Born Different.  Built to Thrive" : https://amzn.to/42Go94Z

This isn't just his story; it's a universal blueprint for anyone seeking to transform perceived limitations into their greatest strengths. In "Island of One," McClain introduces the groundbreaking COMPASS System, a seven-key framework designed to unlock your inherent potential

We all have an Achilles’ heel—a weakness or vulnerability that holds us back from achieving our greatest potential. But what if you don’t even know what yours is?

In this eye-opening episode of Crush & Climb, host Jason McClain guides you on a journey to uncover your personal and professional blind spots. He reveals how the things we don’t know about ourselves are often the very things that prevent us from moving from “good to great.”

Using a profound yet simple four-quadrant framework, Jason explains how to dramatically increase your self-awareness. By learning how to effectively solicit feedback, embrace vulnerability through self-disclosure, and create a safe environment for growth, you can shrink your blind spots and expand your “open area” of success. This episode is more than just a lesson; it’s an assignment for a better life.

Key Takeaways from this Episode:

The Johari Window Explained: A practical breakdown of the Open, Hidden, Blind, and Unknown areas of your personality and skills.

Why Feedback is a Gift: Learn why a resistance to criticism is a direct barrier to growth and how to start actively listening.

From Hidden to Open: Understand the power of strategic self-disclosure in building trust and stronger teams.

Take the Test: Jason provides a clear call to action and resources to help you map your own awareness and identify exactly where change is needed.

The True Path to Freedom: Discover why finding your blind spot is the first and most critical step toward authentic success in business and life.

Ready to see what you’ve been missing? Tune in and start your transformation.

Follow the Podcast, Crush and Climb.
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/crush-and-climb/id1834770883
Spotify Podcasts: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/crush-and-climb/
Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/da508dd9-3349-478b-8e90-72ea5c2252a8/crush-and-climb
iHeart Radio: https://iheart.com/podcast/292074359/

Websites:
https://www.CrushandClimb.com
https://www.JasonMcClain.com
https://www.breakthroughpublishing.net

Follow on Social Media:
Crush and Climb: @CrushAndClimb
https://www.instagram.com/crushandclimb
https://www.facebook.com/crushandclimb

Jason McClain: @JasonCMcClain
https://www.instagram.com/jasoncmcclain
https://www.facebook.com/jasoncmcclain

Get Jason’s Books on Amazon:,
“Pivot to Profit: Turning Failures into Fuel”: https://amzn.to/42DNWuA
This book is for the entrepreneur, the leader, and the salesperson who recognizes that the path to profit is not a straight line. It’s for you if you’re tired of reacting to crises and ready to systematically turn every obstacle into an opportunity. It’s for those who want to stop treating failure as a verdict and start using it as data.

McClain provides his battle-tested, four-stage blueprint, the R.I.S.E. System, forged in the fire of his own professional disasters. This is the exact framework he used to bounce forward from ruin to build a thriving luxury wine brand and multiple successful companies.

“Island of One: Born Different.  Built to Thrive” : https://amzn.to/42Go94Z
“Island of One” is a powerful call to action, reminding you that your unique design is not a mistake, but a magnificent blueprint for success. Discover how to live deliberately, connect authentically from a place of wholeness, and make a meaningful impact, transforming your “island” into a beacon of hope for yourself and others. Your thriving life isn’t a distant dream—it’s an imminent reality, waiting for your conscious, courageous “Yes!”

This isn’t just his story; it’s a universal blueprint for anyone seeking to transform perceived limitations into their greatest strengths. In “Island of One,” McClain introduces the groundbreaking COMPASS System, a seven-key framework designed to unlock your inherent potential

In a very special episode, Jason McClain travels back in time to one of his most powerful interviews from his show “Life Can Change,” featuring his dear friend and former NFL player, Bill Mitchell. Bill’s story is the ultimate testament to the human spirit’s ability to crush obstacles and climb toward a dream.

Listen as Bill shares the raw and honest truth about juggling college football, a biology degree, and raising a baby daughter as a freshman. He dives deep into the mindset that allowed him to overcome relentless rejection and find the one “yes” that changed his life. This conversation is less about football and more about the universal principles of practice, perseverance, and the profound power of knowing your “why.”

In This Inspiring Conversation, You’ll Discover:

The incredible true story of how Bill Mitchell defied the odds to become a rare NFL walk-on.

How the immense responsibility of becoming a young father became his greatest motivation, fueling his “I can’t fail” mindset.

Bill’s powerful philosophy on practice: “The way you practice is how you will perform in public.”

Actionable advice on what to do when your real-world responsibilities seem to conflict with your biggest dreams.

Why your dream only dies when you stop feeding it, and how to keep it alive against all odds.

If you’ve ever felt like giving up, this episode will relight your fire and remind you that your life can change.