What if losing the use of half your body became the wake-up call you never knew you needed?
In this powerful episode of Reforge Your Life, Joe Rivera sits down with Pete Kane—a high-performance coach, stroke survivor, and relentless optimist—for a raw, inspirational deep-dive into what it truly means to rebuild from scratch. Three years ago, Pete’s world changed in an instant: a massive stroke that should have ended his life instead became his turning point. Now, he shares the unfiltered reality of recovery: battling addiction, losing his marriage, staring down shame—and how all these challenges forced him to completely reset his mindset, his body, and his purpose.
Key highlights from this can't-miss conversation:
- The chilling moment Pete realized he was having a stroke and why delayed 911 calls can alter your entire fate.
- What it feels like to wake up paralyzed—and how Pete’s motto shifted to “go big or go home” as he rebuilt his life from scratch.
- How a lifetime struggling with dyslexia, ADHD, and shame set the stage for Pete’s greatest comeback.
- Why he quit Adderall, alcohol, and social media for good—and how doing so led to the clearest, most high-performing mindset of his life.
- The power of finding purpose after tragedy and how Pete’s “mortality motivation” keeps him pushing past fear daily.
- Faith, second chances, and resetting values: how Pete rewired his core beliefs and redefined success after losing almost everything.
- Unfiltered talk about shame, self-doubt, and how to stop caring what anyone else thinks—plus breaking down the routines, systems, and support that keep him growing.
- The magic of community, mentorship, and prioritizing human connection over distractions in a digital world.
If you’ve ever felt stuck, broken, or wondered if it’s possible to come back from rock bottom, this episode will reignite your hope and give you tactical tools for your own transformation.
[Episode Highlights & Timestamps]
00:00 – Shocking first-hand account: Pete’s stroke, misdiagnosis, and rescue
07:03 – Pete’s life before disaster: workaholic tendencies, digital business stress, and health
10:36 – Rehab revelations: losing golf, running, and learning to respect brain injury
13:26 – Overcoming addiction: Adderall, the crash, and the grueling process of brain healing
17:08 – Mental clarity and breaking old stories: how Pete reframed shame and self-worth
23:07 – From failing student to focused high performer—what truly worked for ADHD and dyslexia
28:25 – The hard truth about stopping people-pleasing, perfectionism, and imposter syndrome
31:44 – Pete’s core values post-stroke: daily growth, transparency, honesty, and courage
36:16 – Why investing in yourself and finding the right mentors is an absolute game-changer
41:08 – Going from fear to faith: making God and gratitude the center of the comeback
42:32 – Pete’s mission now: giving back, coaching, and helping others reforge their lives
45:10 – On purpose: being present, making every moment matter, and living “as if it’s your last”
47:19 – The real meaning of ‘reforged’: second chances, reset, and growing from adversity
50:10 – Surprising hobbies, human connection, and minimizing distractions for deeper living
52:50 – Final gratitude, parting wisdom, and the vital power of sharing your story
Share this episode with someone who needs hope, practical advice, or a strong reminder that it’s never too late for a comeback. Stay productive, stay profitable, and stay blessed!