Soaring Through Adversity

Soaring Through Adversity

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Soaring Through Adversity episodes

  • Episode 27 - In Sickness and In Love: The Devotion of a Caregiver
    For 41 years, Mark Burrill shared a life of faith, family, and devotion with his late wife, Carolyn. As multiple sclerosis progressed and eventually left Carolyn with quadriplegia, Mark became her husband, caregiver, companion, and advocate. In this heartfelt episode of Soaring Through Adversity, Mark shares the challenges and rewards of caring for a spouse with a disability. He speaks openly about caregiver exhaustion, advocacy, marriage, faith, resilience, and the strength it takes to keep caring for someone you love. This conversation offers encouragement and hope to spousal caregivers, family caregivers, MS caregivers, and anyone caring for a loved one with a disability. If you have ever felt overwhelmed, unseen, or alone in your caregiving journey, this episode is for you.
    31 min
  • Episode 26 - Once I Could Run

    Mr. Charles Mobley embodied everything The Victory Advantage stands for. Our mission is to help individuals with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities live beyond limitations. Charles proved that life can change in the blink of an eye. One moment he was a healthy young boy running freely, and the next he was facing a future no one would have chosen. Yet he refused to let his circumstances define his purpose.

    His life is living proof that while we cannot always choose our challenges, we can choose our response. His book, Once I Could Run, demonstrates the life he lived with grit, faith, perseverance, and hope, Charles built a life that influenced countless people. He reminds us that disability does not diminish God's purpose for our lives and that those who believe they can make a difference often do.

    48 min
  • Episode 25 - Kaylan's Journey: Living Beyond Limitations

    What happens when determination becomes stronger than limitations?

    Kaylan Griffin shares her journey toward independence, relying on her faith, perseverance, her loving husband, education, employment, and learning to find her voice as she navigates life's challenges. Her story is a beautiful reminder that disability does not define potential.

    You'll also hear how meaningful employment through Abundant Life Bakery is helping build confidence, independence, and purpose for individuals with disabilities—one opportunity at a time.

    From overcoming self-doubt to pursuing her future dreams, Kaylan's story will inspire anyone who has ever faced obstacles and wondered whether they could overcome them.

    22 min
  • Episode 24 - Preparing for More: Education That Leads to Independence

    In this powerful episode of Soaring Through Adversity, we sit down with Nikki Myers, Director of Compass Education at South Piedmont Community College, to talk about the life-changing work happening through Compass Education and her passion for helping students with intellectual and developmental disabilities discover their abilities, build confidence, and prepare for meaningful futures. Nikki also shares how her years in education and involvement with Special Olympics have shaped her heart for advocacy, inclusion, and opportunity.

    38 min
  • Episode 23 - Redefining Strength
    What happens when the strongest man in the room can no longer move?

    In this powerful episode, I sit down with John Howie — a former world-ranked powerlifter, entrepreneur, musician, and longtime gym. Known for his incredible physical strength and discipline, John built a life centered around fitness, performance, and purpose.

    Then, at just 35 years old, a life-altering accident left him quadriplegic.

    In this deeply personal conversation, John shares his journey of resilience, faith, and perseverance as he learned to navigate life with a disability and redefine what strength truly means.

    34 min
  • Episode 22 - The Weight They Carry – The Caregiver Conversation
    In this episode of Soaring Through Adversity, I sit down with Carolyn Dowdy, founder of a non-profit, Caregiver Mental Wellness, who understands caregiving not as a concept but as a calling lived out for more than 16 years. We talk about "The Weight They Carry – The Caregiver Conversation." Caregiver burnout is real. The emotional strain is real. The silent overwhelm is real. Carolyn shares her heart for families supporting loved ones with disabilities, and practical wisdom every caregiver—and every person who loves one—needs to hear. If you are a caregiver… love a caregiver… or lead in the disability community… this conversation is for you. Because sometimes the strongest people are the ones carrying the most—and it's time we support them, too.
    39 min
  • Episode 21 - Two Storytellers, One Faith A father–son story that God is still writing

    What happens when a life spent translating Scripture across cultures meets a heart shaped by unwavering faith and simple devotion?

    In this powerful episode, we sit down with Arthur Lightbody—a retired missionary, storyteller, actor and lifelong servant whose journey spans continents, decades of Bible translation, and a deep love for people.

    Arthur sees God's hand woven through every season of his life. But the conversation doesn't stop there. Arthur is joined by his son Titus, whose faith is as profound as it is pure. Titus lives with intellectual and developmental disabilities, yet his life is marked by joy, music, meaningful conversations, storytelling to others and an unshakable commitment to prayer and church.

    Together, father and son share a rare, honest glimpse into faith, family, and what it truly means to follow Jesus—no matter where life leads. This episode will move you, challenge you, and remind you that purpose looks different for everyone…and every purpose matters.

    28 min
  • Episode 20 - Brothers Beyond Limitations

    Kick off 2026 with a story that will touch your heart and set the tone for a year filled with purpose, hope, and fresh perspective.

    I am honored to open the year with "Brothers Beyond Limitations" — a powerful conversation with Vann and Scott Dowless.

    Scott, a Special Olympics star, jewelry maker, singer, and true joy-spreader…

    And Vann, a devoted brother, veteran, leader, and advocate whose love and commitment shine through every word.

    Together, they share a story of faith, family, perseverance, and what it really means to live beyond limitations.

    34 min
  • Episode 19 - A Seat at the Table – Where Everyone Belongs

    Today's episode is a beautiful celebration of faith, family, and full inclusion.

    I'm thrilled to welcome Michael & Deena McDowell of Joyful Table Church — two leaders who show what it truly means to build a community where every ability and every story matters.

    Pull up a chair… there's room for all of us at the table.

    43 min
  • Episode 18 - Living the Spectrum
    Autism isn't just a diagnosis — it's a daily journey. In this episode, Kayla opens up about what it means to live on the spectrum: the hardships, the victories, and the fight for dignity and understanding. Kayla doesn't hold back as she shares the reality of long waiting lists, scarce resources, and the emotional toll of autism — not just for herself, but for countless others she's walked alongside. Her voice is raw, honest, and full of resilience.
    44 min

About Soaring Through Adversity

From the publisher's feed

The Soaring Through Adversity podcast delves into the lives, experiences, and perspectives of individuals with cognitive and physical disabilities, as well as their caregivers. Through candid…