Press Through Podcast

She grew up in a highly protected California community, but when profound grief threatened to derail her college years, she had to discover a completely new way to process her reality.

Crystal Bray, PhD, joined host Lawrence D. Larry to share her journey from a private school in Southern California to navigating the intense academic world of UC Berkeley and Stanford. While she was surrounded by a strong family and dedicated teachers early on, the devastating loss of her mother during her freshman year of college shifted her entire trajectory. Dealing with deep sadness, she had to abandon her original plans of entering the medical field and find a different path forward.

Through the support of a targeted academic program and an unexpected invitation from peers, she pivoted toward mathematical engineering. She also realized the incredible value of the practical lessons her parents taught her about systems, consistency, and design focused on human needs. By leaning on her faith and intentionally changing her environment, she found a way to shift her thoughts and step out of the darkness.

Today, she uses those same principles to help others solve complex problems sustainably. If you are feeling stuck in a difficult season, let this conversation remind you that changing your surroundings can change your outlook. Keep doing the work, hold onto your faith, and check out her book "Double Click Method" to help you continue to press through.

He faced a childhood kidnapping and sudden organ failure in college, yet Marvin Powell, III refused to let his darkest moments dictate his future.

Growing up in a fractured home, Marvin experienced immense challenges early on. Before he even reached the third grade, he navigated his mother's struggles with depression and the terrifying trauma of being taken by a stranger. A critical move to New York to live with his father provided the structure, tough love, and leadership he desperately needed to get back on track and dream bigger.

That firm foundation helped him earn a spot at USC, where he pushed through intense adversity once again. A severe reaction to a physical supplement led to complete kidney failure, putting him on dialysis and leaving him fighting for his life right before his senior year. Relying on an unbreakable internal belief, Marvin fully recovered, stepped onto the football field again, and eventually signed with the New Orleans Saints. When an injury cut his professional football career short, he had to pivot once more, navigating law school, business ventures, and the complex transition to life after sports.

Today, Marvin finds peace in his family and his ability to create his own positive energy. He encourages listeners to get comfortable with silence, shut out negative noise, and build the internal strength needed to press forward. If you are in the middle of a deep valley right now, keep believing, stay present, and continue to do the internal work required to heal. Follow and Subscribe to Press Through Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcast, and YouTube.

He grew up surrounded by poverty, violence, gangs, and the pain of an absent father, yet Alex Jimenez refused to become another statistic.

Born in Mexico and raised in the challenging neighborhoods of Sun Valley, California, Alex faced poverty and family dysfunction early on. Without a father figure to guide him, he internalized his frustration and almost followed older relatives down a dangerous path. A tragic gang shooting involving his young cousin served as a divine awakening, pushing Alex to seek a totally different life.

Finding refuge in high school football, Alex discovered discipline, positive role models, and a new community. His journey continued into the military, where he expanded his worldview and met his future wife, whose unwavering optimism helped him shift his perspective. Through hard work, the support of faithful friends, and a powerful choice to forgive his absent father, Alex transitioned into a successful career as an electrical engineer at JPL.

In this episode of Press Through Podcast, Lawrence D. Larry sits down with his longtime friend to discuss the importance of letting go of past trauma. Alex shares how choosing positivity and surrounding yourself with the right people can completely change your trajectory. Hardship is only a season, so keep trusting the process, stay close to God, and continue to press through.

We talk with Marvin Powell III, sports podcaster, entrepreneur, and former New Orleans Saints Fullback.

In this clip he talks about how environment can change your mindset from being on a path of negativity to finding your purpose.