Another incredible story of perseverance from Kari Merriken. Listen while she tells us about her journey as a mother. This journey includes losing a baby, raising two children with special needs, and her own struggle with mental health.

Kari Merriken is one of the most resilient people I have ever met. Part I of her story covers the entire range of emotions. Our Military Spouses are truly amazing.

Dr. Anthony Randall has served for 25 years as a transformational leader and trusted professional.  He specializes in moral and ethical leadership and character development, confidential executive coaching (ICF ACC), and keynote speaking. A trusted leadership advisor to senior leaders and teams, he has taught, trained, and coached over 12,000 professionals in their respective marketplace. He has served as a member of elite US Special Operations Units, Major League Baseball, NCAA Division I Athletics, Academia, Corporate America, Law Enforcement, non-profits and religious institutions.

Brittany is an enthusiastic keynote speaker and coach. She has trained over 250 businesses globally. Her passion is to motivate individuals to live a life true to who they are. As a speaker, she has shared the stage with names like Dominique Wilkins, David Goggins, Jesse Itzler, and Dave Sanderson (survivor of "Miracle on the Hudson"). A few past corporate training clients include notable companies like Susan G. Komen, Georgia Chamber, and Southern Company.

Brittany recently earned a Certification in Entrepreneurship from HBX Harvard business school and was named a 40 under 40 class at Georgia Southern University. Go to the website to learn more BrighterWithBritt.com.

If you would like to know more about Leading With Vulnerability and to support the show, head to our website, leadingwithvulnerability.net

Medic. That word will always hold a special place in my heart. I have had a medic at my hip for most of the last ten years in uniform. I did not go anywhere without my medic. I can hear myself now. Doc! Where’s Doc?! Get Doc up here! Have you seen Doc? On the podcast today, I once again have a medic on my hip, which brings a smile to my face.

Zach Conaway is one of the most genuine people you will ever meet. Be careful if you ask for his opinion Zach will tell you what you need to hear, not what you want to hear. His candidness is one of the qualities that make him a great medic.

Zach has been a medic for all of his military career and is a good one. Medics are special people. They train their whole career honing medical skills they hope never to use. Nothing grabs the attention of people like hearing the call “get the medic up here, now.” Zach and his medic brethren are the best at what they do, and I would trust them with the life of my wife and kids.

I am proud to call Zach “Doc” Conaway a friend

Saunders worked in local churches for 22 years and an international charity for the last 8. R.D. is now the Director of Advancement for Dr. John C. Maxwell's EQUIP Leadership Foundation. R.D. and I talk about life, leadership, and everything in between in this episode.

Jeff is an experienced leader with over 10 years of experience in the financial services, defense, and consulting industries. He has a history of success in small team leadership. Jeff is passionate about leadership, teamwork, and helping people achieve their goals-financial and otherwise. On top of all that, Jeff is an amazing person and mentor to transitioning service members. Jeff always finds the time to give back to the military community. I hope you enjoy our conversation.

Our Gold Star families are national treasures, and Pat Marek is a treasure to my family. Pat is the mother of Matt Commons. Matt was my Ranger buddy, and he gave his life in service to our country on March 4, 2002.

Pat and I admittedly stayed distant from each other over the years to not emotionally hurt one another. That has changed with this podcast as we shared laughs and tears while we remembered her son and my friend.

I hope you all listen to Pat's story, and if you are struggling with a loss, I encourage you to talk with someone. It really does help.

I am convinced that Don Barden is the most interesting man in the world. Don is a classically trained economist who earned his M.B.A. in Global Technology Management and International Business with an undergraduate B.B.A. in Economics and Finance. He is A.B.D. with doctoral studies in International Finance and Behavioral Economics. He resides in Atlanta, Georgia, and is fluent in international business affairs.

Don is also one of the most generous people I know with both his time and resources. He is a servant leader who sets the example for others to follow, and I am lucky to call him a friend and mentor.

There is a special offer embedded in the episode; please listen and share, and I expect to see some of you in my D.M.’s.