On this episode of the Rising Above Podcast, David Hess sits down with Jennifer T. McClure—author of Wisdom from the Wilderness, empowerment coach, and speaker. Jen’s powerful story takes us through her journey of pain, redemption, and the healing grace that brought her into the light. With raw transparency and faith-filled determination, she shares how she overcame trauma, silence, and self-doubt to find truth, love, and purpose.

Now an entrepreneur, business coach, and mentor, Jen is on a mission to inspire others who feel lost or powerless to rise above and reclaim the life they were meant to live.

Tune in for an authentic conversation filled with wisdom, encouragement, and the reminder that no matter how dark the struggle, hope and transformation are always possible.

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Join host David Hess on this episode of Rising Above Podcast as he sits down with Courtney Wargo, owner of a health and wellness studio in Bath, MI, where the motto is simple: Self-care is a necessity, not a luxury.

Courtney shares her path into holistic healing, the inspiration behind her wide range of services—from massage, Reiki, and Ashiatsu barefoot massage to reflexology, cupping, gua sha, and couples sessions—and her mission to help clients feel their best inside and out.

The conversation takes a fun turn when Courtney reveals the surprising, life-changing injury she suffered during what was supposed to be a lighthearted VR gaming session. Her story blends humor, resilience, and a powerful reminder that self-care matters more than we think.

Whether you’re curious about alternative therapies or just love hearing inspiring stories with a twist, this episode will leave you motivated to invest in your health—mind, body, and spirit.

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In this eye-opening follow-up episode of the Rising Above Podcast, Dr. Becky Natrajan returns to dive deeper into the truth about gut health, Big Pharma, and the FDA. We explore what mainstream medicine often overlooks, the natural ways to heal your gut, and why so many health solutions are suppressed. Dr. Becky shares her candid thoughts on how pharmaceutical interests shape public health and what you can do to take control of your well-being. If you're tired of the same old health advice and want real, actionable insights—this is the episode you’ve been waiting for.

🎙️ Topics We Cover:

How gut health impacts everything from mood to immunity

Why Big Pharma isn’t interested in healing you

The role of the FDA in modern medicine

Natural approaches to healing the gut Dr. Becky’s personal story and professional insights

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Join us on Rising Above Podcast as we sit down with Kent Nelson, martial arts master and passionate owner of KSK Martial Arts Studio. From teaching in his garage to building a legacy, Kent shares the gritty early days, costly business mistakes, and the resilience that shaped his journey. As a parent of KSK students, I’ve seen firsthand how Kent’s classes instill discipline, strength, and perseverance in kids and adults alike. Don’t miss his inspiring stories and exciting news about KSK’s 25th Anniversary with hosting a Silat Camp, happening June 28–29, 2025!

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In this powerful episode of the Rising Above Podcast, host David Hess sits down with Noah Ballard, owner and CEO of Ballard Ferrier Service, to dive into the world of professional horse care and hoof maintenance. Noah shares what it really takes to succeed in the farrier industry, the challenges he's faced, and how he's built a thriving business.

This episode also explores the growing presence and impact of women in the ferrier trade, a field traditionally dominated by men. Noah highlights why diversity matters, how the trade is evolving, and what the future looks like for aspiring farriers—regardless of gender.

Whether you're passionate about horses, interested in trade careers, or love hearing inspiring entrepreneurial journeys, this episode has something for you!

🔨 Topics Covered:

How to get started as a farrier

Building a successful ferrier business

The role of women in the farrier industry

Overcoming challenges in a physical trade

Noah’s personal journey and insights

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Join Host David Hess and Co-Host Coach Tony as they sit down with Dr. Becky Natrajan, a retired gastroenterologist turned GI Health and Life Coach. In each episode, Dr. Becky shares her expertise on the life-changing benefits of safe, high-end nutritional products and cutting-edge nutritional approaches. Discover how to support your microbiome, optimize brain chemistry, strengthen your immune system, balance your endocrine system, and reduce inflammation—all while maintaining a healthy gut. Whether you’re looking to enhance your wellness or tackle inflammatory states, Dr. Becky offers practical, science-backed insights to guide you toward better choices and a healthier life.

Tune in for expert advice, inspiring conversations, and actionable tips to transform your health from the inside out! Subscribe now on YouTube or Podbean for weekly episodes on gut health, nutrition, and holistic living.

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In this video, David and Coach Tony break down five essential talking points for setting the right mindset in your fitness journey and beyond. Learn how to align your goals and stay motivated with these key principles: Your Why: Discover the power of knowing your purpose and using it to fuel your motivation. Pros and Cons: Understand the importance of weighing both the benefits and challenges of your goals. Having the Right Professional Trainer: See why choosing the right coach is crucial for success. Patience: Learn the value of patience and why it’s key to long-term progress. Prepare for Failure: Find out why setbacks are part of the journey and how to turn them into stepping stones. This video is packed with insights to help you

stay focused, resilient, and on track to rise above challenges.

Watch now and start applying these strategies to your own journey!

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Step into the compelling narrative of Ed Gangi's extraordinary life journey on the Rising Above Podcast. As a child of the Baby Scoop Era, Ed's adoption story is a blend of secrecy, resilience, and unexpected revelations. Delve into his experiences as he unravels the enigma surrounding his birth, uncovering a tale intertwined with fame, secrecy, and unexpected connections. In this heartfelt episode, Ed shares his remarkable journey of self-discovery, from a blissful childhood unaware of his origins to the pivotal moment of curiosity that ignited his quest for truth. Explore the complexities of identity, family, and belonging as Ed recounts the twists and turns of his search for his biological roots. Join us as we explore the emotional highs and lows of Ed's journey, from the joy of reuniting with long-lost family members to the bittersweet realization of missed opportunities. Gain insights into the challenges of navigating the intricate web of adoption secrecy and the resilience required to persevere in the face of obstacles. Through Ed's poignant storytelling and reflections, listeners will be inspired to reflect on their own journeys of self-discovery and the power of resilience in overcoming life's greatest challenges. Tune in to the Rising Above Podcast for a captivating conversation that celebrates the triumph of the human spirit and the enduring quest for truth and connection.

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Join us on this electrifying episode of the Rising Above Podcast as we explore the dynamic world of Capital City Comic Con with local entrepreneur Tim Hunt at the helm. Discover why Capital City Comic Con has earned its reputation as Michigan's ultimate summer comic convention, boasting an extensive array of exhibitor booths, special guests, artists, vendors, and more. Tim reveals the meticulous curation process behind the event's exhibitor hall, ensuring attendees find the most coveted comics and collectibles.

In a thrilling recap of past events, we learn how Capital City Comic Con has continuously evolved, doubling kids activities, expanding panel offerings, and introducing new contests and attractions like tabletop gaming halls. Tim shares the excitement of hosting an impressive lineup of special guests, including industry icons, anime and cartoon voice actors, on-screen celebrities, and talented artists, transforming Artist Alley into a hub of creativity and inspiration.

But it's not just about entertainment—Capital City Comic Con is deeply rooted in community engagement. Tim sheds light on the event's commitment to supporting local clubs, charities, and businesses, with a portion of proceeds dedicated to charitable causes such as children's hospitals and literacy initiatives. Through partnerships with organizations like The Reading People at the Capital Area Literacy Coalition and the establishment of the Capital City Comic Con Art Scholarship, Tim and his team are making a meaningful impact on the Greater Lansing community.

Looking ahead to 2023 and beyond, Tim shares his vision for the convention's growth and impact, including plans for the new venue at the Lansing Center in Downtown Lansing. Join us as we celebrate the spirit of creativity, camaraderie, and community that defines Capital City Comic Con, setting the stage for an unforgettable experience for fans and enthusiasts alike.

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Join us on the Rising Above Podcast as we delve into the innovative world of accessibility with Evan Winters, Co-Founder & Vice President of Able Eyes. Discover how Able Eyes is revolutionizing the landscape for individuals with disabilities by providing cutting-edge experiences and teaching tools. Explore their mission to make cities, businesses, and public venues more accessible through virtual walk-through tours, ensuring inclusivity for all. Evan, also an avid fitness fanatic and cold plunge fiend, shares how these disciplines have contributed to his personal and business success. Don't miss out on insights into Evan's holistic approach to empowerment and accessibility for all.

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