Resilience isn’t something you’re born with — it’s forged in fire. And while we don’t get to choose the life events that test us, we can choose how we rise from them. The truth is, life will hand you hardships. The real power comes from learning how to use those moments to grow stronger, wiser, and more unstoppable.

In this inspiring episode, Caraline Hickman opens up about her journey from childhood neglect to building a successful life — only to have it shattered in an instant by a devastating hit-and-run. What happened next is nothing short of remarkable.

Join Matt and Caraline as they dive deep into what it really takes to cultivate resilience, grit, and the kind of inner strength that carries you through life’s most brutal storms. You’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of how to face your own challenges with courage — and turn your pain into power.

0:00 Introduction

1:52 Resilience: A learned skill, not innate

6:26 Childhood trauma and its lasting impact

9:08 Chasing success to feel worthy of love

15:30 Life-altering accident on a perfect day

21:19 Finding strength through losing everything

27:56 Discovering inner resilience after trauma

31:18 The importance of sharing our burdens

34:50 Turning hardship into a beautiful adventure

Resources Mentioned:

https://caralinesadventure.com/

Instagram: @Caralinesadventure

https://www.instagram.com/caralinesadventure

Caraline's Adventure podcast

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/caralines-adventure-incredible-true-stories-of/id1737493735

📚 "Always Looking Up" by Michael J. Fox

About the Guest

Caraline Hickman is the host of Caraline's Adventure podcast and a resilience expert who has overcome childhood neglect, abuse, and a life-altering accident. Through her journey, she's discovered the power of perseverance and the importance of sharing one's story to inspire others. Caraline's mission is to help people find the gifts hidden within their greatest challenges and live life as an extraordinary adventure.