Overcoming to Live Well

Ryley Nahrgang finished a 100 mile race across the street from the treatment center where he began rebuilding his life. With his family and girlfriend there, he looked back at that building and took in just how far he had come.

In this conversation, we go back to the beginning. Ryley shares what growing up in Montana was like, how much baseball meant to him, and what happened when an injury left him questioning his identity.

He talks openly about alcohol addiction, his darkest moments, and becoming ready to accept help. From there, we explore early sobriety, rebuilding trust, and how physical therapy led to a first 5K and eventually running ultras through the mountains of Montana.

I’m grateful for his honesty and the opportunity to share this conversation with you.

Everyone is overcoming something.

Share your story:
https://www.overcomingtolivewell.com/share-your-story

Episode 4 of Overcoming to Live Well

Content note: We discuss alcohol addiction and suicide attempts.

I met Steven Vazquez through my wife’s cousin while we were playing video games in 2020. I had no idea then how much his friendship would influence my own journey.

In this episode, Steven takes us back to a time when life was going fine on paper, but he felt like he was just getting by. He shares how a stack of index cards helped him look honestly at where his energy was going and why he decided to stop drinking. Nearly ten years later, that decision is one part of a life he’s built with curiosity, playfulness, and a willingness to try hard things.

We talk about early morning golf tee times, CrossFit, the half marathon he couldn’t finish, and the 50K he signed up for that same night. Steven went on to run 100 miles, but some of his hardest moments happened in training, long before race day.

We also share memories from our mountain adventures, the lesson from his mom that has stayed with both of us, and what “Overcoming to Live Well” means to him now.

Steven cohosts the Trail Mix Running Podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/show/6KxPdDgC2IbF4mqYIKp6kl

Follow the show on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/trailmixrunningpodcast/

If this conversation resonates with you, share it with a friend who could use a little encouragement.

#OvercomingToLiveWell #StevenVazquez #Sobriety #UltraRunning

After 16 deployments and 61 months in combat, retired U.S. Army Green Beret Jerry Jenkins discovered that his hardest battle would begin after the war.

During 25 years in Army Special Forces, Jerry built a life defined by service, sacrifice, discipline, and mission. In this deeply personal conversation, he opens up about becoming a Green Beret, combat, PTSD, divorce, military transition, fatherhood, asking for help, and the long process of rebuilding his life.

Jerry also shares how he overcame the belief that he was not intelligent enough to succeed, completed college and earned an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management—all while serving. He discusses his personal experience with ibogaine, how his son gave him a reason to keep moving forward, and the woodworking business he is building as a lasting legacy for his family.

This is a conversation about what happens when the mission ends, what strength really looks like, and why healing rarely happens overnight.

Jerry, thank you for your service, vulnerability, and willingness to share your story.

Everyone is overcoming something.

Learn more:
https://overcomingtolivewell.com

Content note: This episode discusses combat, PTSD, suicidal thoughts, divorce, and psychedelic-assisted treatment. Jerry’s experience with ibogaine is personal and should not be considered medical advice or an endorsement.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988. Veterans may call 988 and press 1, or text 838255.

One podcast. One decision. One life changed.

In the first episode of Overcoming to Live Well, I share my own story—not because I have everything figured out, but because I know what it feels like to appear okay on the outside while quietly falling apart on the inside.

One conversation opened the door to a different path. What followed wasn’t a quick fix or an overnight transformation. It was a series of small decisions: changing how I ate, rebuilding my health, creating better habits, and learning to move forward through some of the hardest seasons of my life.

This episode is about transformation, loss, resilience, and choosing to keep going when life doesn’t unfold the way you expected.

If you’re struggling, rebuilding, or trying to take your first step toward something better, I hope this story reminds you: your story isn’t over. A new chapter can begin with one brave decision.

What have you overcome? Overcoming to Live Well is a place for honest conversations with people who have faced difficult seasons, found a way forward, and are willing to share what they learned along the way.

If you have a story that could help someone else, I’d love to hear from you. Share your story: [email protected]

This podcast is for informational and inspirational purposes only and is not medical or mental-health advice. If you are struggling or in crisis in the United States, call or text 988 for immediate support.