What if changing your life doesn't require changing everything at once but making one committed decision and following it with the next right step?

On this episode of Next Rung Radio, Ron Creech sits down with longtime friend Josh Heisman, former SEC baseball player, musician, pastor, podcaster, husband, father, and transformation coach—for a powerful conversation about faith, discipline, identity, health, and what it really takes to become a different version of yourself.

Josh's journey has taken him from playing SEC baseball at Ole Miss alongside his two brothers to music and eventually ministry. But one of his greatest transformations began much later, sitting in a recliner at nearly 270 pounds and questioning what the next five to ten years of his life might look like.

Instead of accepting where he was, Josh made a committed decision to change.

He began building a simple plan around his spiritual life, mindset, exercise, and nutrition—not attempting to transform overnight, but making small changes he could consistently repeat. Eventually those actions stopped feeling like a diet or temporary program and became part of his identity. More than three years later, Josh has lost roughly 70–80 pounds and says the biggest transformation wasn't the number on the scale.

It was becoming someone who no longer wanted to go back.

Josh also shares the framework emerging from his journey, heart, mind, and strength and explains why lasting transformation begins internally before it ever becomes visible externally.

This conversation challenges a question we all need to ask:

Are you waiting for your life to change or are you taking the next step that gives change somewhere to begin?

Because transformation rarely happens through one giant leap.

It's built one decision, one habit, and one rung at a time.

Key Takeaways

• A decision changes direction, but a committed decision changes your life.
• Small actions repeated consistently can eventually become your new identity.
• Lasting transformation starts with the heart, moves through the mind, and shows up in your actions.

To learn more about Josh Heisman, his upcoming transformation program, and The Josh Heisman Podcast, visit https://crosswalktn.com/leadership

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What if the darkest chapter of your life could become the very thing that helps someone else survive theirs?

On this episode of Next Rung Radio, Ron Creech sits down with Alexa Bast, communications and public relations professional, social media creator, survivor, and advocate working to raise awareness about human trafficking across Tennessee.

Alexa shares an incredibly personal story of growing up feeling isolated, being bullied, and eventually becoming vulnerable to grooming that led to trafficking, sexual assault, and exploitation as a young teenager. What began with an online friendship and what seemed like an innocent sleepover changed the trajectory of her life.

But this conversation isn't simply about what Alexa survived.

It's about what she chose to do with it.

Alexa opens up about rebuilding her confidence, finding people who became "guardian angels" in her life, seeking professional help, learning to understand how trauma affected her, and eventually transforming her experience into purpose. Today, she works with the Tennessee Businesses Against Trafficking (TBAT) program through the Tennessee Secretary of State's office, helping businesses and organizations recognize the signs of trafficking and understand how ordinary people can potentially help someone in danger.
Alexa also challenges the idea that healing has to look a certain way. Sometimes thriving means accomplishing something extraordinary. Other times, surviving means simply getting out of bed and making it through another day and both deserve to be celebrated.

This conversation leaves us with an important question:

What if being someone's "guardian angel" doesn't require doing something heroic...but simply noticing, listening, and letting them know they matter?

Because sometimes reaching the next rung isn't about forgetting what happened to you.

It's about refusing to let what happened to you decide what happens next.

Key Takeaways

• Your darkest chapter does not have to become your final chapter.
• Sometimes the greatest gift you can give someone is simply letting them know they matter.
• Survival itself is worth celebrating — healing doesn't have to look the same for everyone.

To learn more about Alexa Bass and her work, visit the Tennessee Businesses Against Trafficking (TBAT) program through the Tennessee Secretary of State's office or connect with @alexa.bast on Instagram.

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On this episode of Next Rung Radio, Ron Creech sits down with artist, entrepreneur, wife, and mother DeAnn Hebert, whose remarkable journey proves that extraordinary careers rarely begin with extraordinary circumstances.

Armed with nothing more than a God-given gift, a dream, and a $200 Costco tent, Deanne stepped into her very first art festival with no gallery, no agent, no connections, and no guarantee anyone would buy a single painting. 

That first $50 sale didn't make her rich...

It gave her something even more valuable.

Validation that her gift mattered.

In this inspiring conversation, DeAnn shares why rejection became redirection, why comparison is one of the greatest enemies of creativity, how mentors helped shape her business, and why she believes every artist and every entrepreneur already possesses the gift they need to build something meaningful.

Whether you're launching a business, writing a book, starting a podcast, or chasing a lifelong dream, this episode is a reminder that success isn't reserved for those with perfect circumstances.

It's earned by those willing to begin.

Because sometimes...

The next rung starts with a Costco tent.

• Your gift deserves to be pursued.
• Every "no" moves you closer to "yes."
• Stop comparing. Start creating.

To learn more about DeAnn and her art visit http://www.deanndesigns.com

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What if the biggest thing standing between you and the life you want isn't talent, opportunity, or even money but the quality of the decisions you're making?

On this episode of Next Rung Radio, Ron Creech sits down with entrepreneur, best-selling author, award-winning music producer, songwriter, and decision-making strategist R.W. “JoJo” Hill for a powerful conversation about clarity, purpose, talent, faith, and the choices that ultimately shape our lives.

After more than three decades in music and business, JoJo noticed something fascinating: some incredibly talented people still struggled not because they lacked ability, but because they couldn't consistently make clear decisions.

That realization eventually became The Clarity Code, his ten-filter system designed to remove emotion, assumptions, past experiences, and unnecessary noise from major decisions. His first filter? Facts.

JoJo also shares the remarkable story of recognizing his calling as a child after reading the credits on Stevie Wonder's Songs in the Key of Life, and why he believes everyone is born with a gift but turning that gift into something valuable requires development, discipline, planning, and execution. 

This conversation challenges a question we don't ask ourselves often enough:

Are you actually moving toward your purpose...or are you simply staying busy?

Because sometimes reaching the next rung isn't about doing more.

It's about getting clear enough to know what deserves your next move.

Key Takeaways

• Clarity comes from filtering the noise.
• Your gift becomes valuable when you develop it.
• A strong plan makes saying no easier.

To learn more about Jo Jo Hill please visit.  https://jojohill.com

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What happens when the person making everyone laugh is carrying a story nobody can see?

On this episode of Next Rung Radio, Ron Creech sits down with comedian, writer, and author Ashley Brooke Corby for a deeply personal conversation about comedy, trauma, faith, forgiveness, and finding purpose on the other side of pain.

Ashley shares how stand-up comedy unexpectedly became part of her healing journey, how confronting painful memories changed the direction of her life, and why her relationship with God ultimately transformed the way she sees herself and her story. 

She also opens up about sobriety, journaling, learning to become comfortable with silence, writing her book Ashes No More, and discovering that humor doesn't have to hide pain it can help transform it. 

And yes... we also get into her serious shoe obsession.

This is a conversation about refusing to let what happened to you become the final definition of who you are.

Because sometimes the next rung isn't forgetting your story.

It's discovering what you can do with it.

Key Takeaways

• Your pain doesn't have to become your identity.
• Forgiveness can release what anger keeps alive.
• Healing can give your story a new purpose.

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What if your greatest pain became the foundation for your life's purpose?

In this inspiring episode of Next Rung Radio, Ron Creech sits down with entrepreneur, interior designer, chocolatier, and survivor advocate Evan Stoner. From building Nashville's beloved Poppy & Peep Chocolate to designing unforgettable spaces, Evan shares how resilience, creativity, and faith have shaped every chapter of her journey.

She opens up about overcoming childhood trauma, why her therapist taught her to "talk about scars instead of open wounds," and how healing allowed her to transform painful experiences into businesses that bring beauty, joy, and hope to others.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, a creative, or someone working through life's hardest moments, this conversation is a reminder that your past doesn't have to define your future.

Key Takeaways

• Healing allows your pain to become someone else's hope.
• Creativity flourishes when purpose leads the way.
• Resilience is built one courageous decision at a time.

To Learn More About Evane visit https://www.evanestoner.com

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How much of your life is being controlled by a story that was never true?

In this deeply moving episode of Next Rung Radio, Ron Creech sits down with self-image expert, author, and speaker Doug Dane to uncover how childhood trauma, abuse, shame, and self-doubt can quietly shape an entire lifetime. Doug shares his remarkable journey from surviving unimaginable abuse to discovering that there was never anything wrong with him—only mistaken beliefs that needed to be replaced with truth.

Together, Ron and Doug explore faith, forgiveness, the teachings of Bob Proctor, discipleship, and the freedom that comes from seeing yourself through God's eyes instead of your past.

If you've ever questioned your worth, struggled with confidence, or believed the lies your past told you, this conversation could become a turning point in your life.

Key Takeaways

• Your past explains you—it does not define you.

• Healing begins when you change the story you believe about yourself.

• Real confidence comes from discovering your identity through God.

To learn more about Doug visit https://www.dougdane.com

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What does it take to chase a dream that started at 15 years old and never let go?

Country artist Noah Hutton returns to Next Rung Radio to share what has changed since his last visit, including getting married, releasing new music, opening for major artists, and navigating the highs and lows of the music business. From sleeping in the uncertainty of "what's next" to stepping onto stages with unwavering faith, Noah opens up about the sacrifices, setbacks, and blessings that continue to shape his journey.

This episode is a powerful reminder that success isn't built overnight. It's built through consistency, resilience, surrounding yourself with the right people, and trusting God's timing when the path ahead doesn't make sense.

If you're chasing a dream of your own, Noah's story will inspire you to keep climbing.

Key Takeaways

• God's timing is always better than our own.
• Success requires sacrifice and consistency.
• The right people can change your life.

To Learn More about Noah Visit https://www.instagram.com/noahhuntonmusic/?hl=en

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What does it take to turn a backyard smoker into one of Nashville’s most recognized barbecue brands?

In this episode of Next Rung Radio, Ron Creech sits down with entrepreneur and HoneyFire BBQ founder Ben Claybakerto discuss the real story behind building a thriving restaurant business from the ground up.

From working at a small-town barbecue restaurant in Arkansas to opening multiple locations across Nashville, Ben shares the lessons, failures, risks, and victories that shaped his entrepreneurial journey. He opens up about surviving COVID, building company culture, leading teams, knowing your numbers, and why hospitality is still the foundation of everything he does.

Whether you're a business owner, aspiring entrepreneur, or someone chasing a dream, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom and hard-earned lessons that can help you climb your next rung.

Key Takeaways

• Hospitality is about serving people, not just selling products

• Great culture must be built intentionally and protected daily

• Entrepreneurs must know their numbers inside and out

• Success comes from calculated risks, not reckless ones

• The right team can transform a business

Episode Highlights

• Ben's first job at a barbecue restaurant in Arkansas

• Turning a passion for hospitality into a thriving brand

• How HoneyFire survived and adapted during COVID

• The biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make

• Building a winning company culture

• Why hiring and firing both matter

• Opening HoneyFire's newest Brentwood location

• Lessons learned from multiple business ventures

• The importance of knowing your financial numbers

• How family recipes became part of the HoneyFire story

To learn more about Ben Claybaker Pleas Visit https://honeyfire.com/

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In this heartfelt episode of Next Rung Radio Podcast, Ron Creech sits down with husband-and-wife country duo Leanne Wise and Derek Allen of October Rose to talk about building a life, family, and music career together through faith, grit, and unwavering commitment.

From meeting at a small New Jersey gig to touring across the country with their daughter, the duo opens up about navigating rejection, chasing dreams, balancing marriage with business, and learning how to define success beyond fame and money. Their story is one of resilience, trust, sacrifice, and staying committed to both the music and each other.

The conversation also dives into songwriting, raising a child on the road, viral music moments, and how their hit song “Heart Can’t Lie” unexpectedly became an anthem for couples around the world. Honest, inspiring, and deeply relatable, this episode is a powerful reminder that the journey matters just as much as the destination. 

Key Takeaways

• Why communication and trust are everything in relationships
• How resilience matters more than overnight success
• The importance of defining success on your own terms

Episode Highlights

• The story of how October Rose first met
• Raising a daughter while touring the country
• Viral moments and emotional fan stories
• The truth about surviving the music industry as a couple
• Behind-the-scenes insight into songwriting and touring life

To learn more about October Rose Visit https://www.octoberrosemusic.com

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