In this episode, Randy Highsmith, Jordan Lopez, and Kris Anderson explore the quote by Harry Stark Sullivan: 'It's easier to act yourself into a new way of feeling than to feel yourself into a new way of acting.' The conversation delves into the relationship between action and feelings, emphasizing the importance of self-talk, personal experiences, and the dangers of letting emotions dictate actions. They discuss how social media influences perceptions and the significance of taking action for personal growth, particularly through the lens of jiu jitsu. The episode concludes with reflections on the importance of being proactive in shaping one's feelings and actions.

🎙️ Sweeter After Difficulty is a podcast about the beauty that can only emerge through struggle. Hosted by Randy Highsmith, this series features intimate conversations with people who have endured pain, faced fear, and discovered peace—not despite their challenges, but through them. Each episode dives deep into personal stories of resilience, revealing how difficulty becomes a refining fire that clarifies purpose, deepens empathy, and brings unexpected sweetness on the other side.

Why listen? Because life is hard, and you're not alone in that. These stories won't give you cheap hope—they'll give you real ones. They’ll meet you in the raw, help you make sense of the struggle, and maybe even help you reframe what “hard” has to mean.

Whether you’re in the thick of it or looking back on a season that shaped you, Sweeter After Difficulty offers reflection, community, and a deep well of human wisdom.

Follow Us!

Stay connected for behind-the-scenes content, updates, and more:

📱 TikTok: @sweeterafter🐦 X (formerly Twitter): @sweeterafter📸 Instagram: @sweeterafterdifficulty@jordanbropez@Kriswashere

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In this episode of the Sweeter After Difficulty podcast, Randy Highsmith, Jordan Lopez, and Kris Anderson engage in a deep philosophical discussion about the nature of time. They explore various metaphors that illustrate time's essence, such as the river, tiger, and fire, and how these concepts relate to our lives and choices. The conversation deep dives into cultural perspectives on time, the impact of technology, and the importance of living intentionally. The hosts emphasize the significance of awareness in our relationship with time and the consequences of our choices, ultimately reflecting on how to honor the time we have.

🎙️ Sweeter After Difficulty is a podcast about the beauty that can only emerge through struggle. Hosted by Randy Highsmith, this series features intimate conversations with people who have endured pain, faced fear, and discovered peace—not despite their challenges, but through them. Each episode dives deep into personal stories of resilience, revealing how difficulty becomes a refining fire that clarifies purpose, deepens empathy, and brings unexpected sweetness on the other side.

Why listen? Because life is hard, and you're not alone in that. These stories won't give you cheap hope—they'll give you real ones. They’ll meet you in the raw, help you make sense of the struggle, and maybe even help you reframe what “hard” has to mean.

Whether you’re in the thick of it or looking back on a season that shaped you, Sweeter After Difficulty offers reflection, community, and a deep well of human wisdom.

Follow Us!

Stay connected for behind-the-scenes content, updates, and more:

📱 TikTok: @sweeterafter🐦 X (formerly Twitter): @sweeterafter📸 Instagram: @sweeterafterdifficulty@jordanbropez@Kriswashere

Don’t miss out on the conversation!

In this episode of the Sweeter After Difficulty podcast, Randy Highsmith, Kris Anderson, and Ian Johnson delve into the complex topic of suffering. They explore the nature of suffering, its various forms, and how it can lead to personal growth and resilience. The conversation emphasizes the importance of intentional suffering, self-awareness, and the power of self-talk in shaping our experiences. The hosts share personal anecdotes and insights on how scars, both physical and emotional, can serve as reminders of our strength and the lessons learned through hardship. They also discuss the impact of complaining and the value of modeling resilience for others, particularly children. Ultimately, the episode encourages listeners to embrace suffering as a necessary part of life that can lead to deeper understanding and connection with oneself and others.

🎙️ Sweeter After Difficulty is a podcast about the beauty that can only emerge through struggle. Hosted by Randy Highsmith, this series features intimate conversations with people who have endured pain, faced fear, and discovered peace—not despite their challenges, but through them. Each episode dives deep into personal stories of resilience, revealing how difficulty becomes a refining fire that clarifies purpose, deepens empathy, and brings unexpected sweetness on the other side.

Why listen? Because life is hard, and you're not alone in that. These stories won't give you cheap hope—they'll give you real ones. They’ll meet you in the raw, help you make sense of the struggle, and maybe even help you reframe what “hard” has to mean.

Whether you’re in the thick of it or looking back on a season that shaped you, Sweeter After Difficulty offers reflection, community, and a deep well of human wisdom.

Follow Us!

Stay connected for behind-the-scenes content, updates, and more:

📱 TikTok: @sweeterafter🐦 X (formerly Twitter): @sweeterafter📸 Instagram: @sweeterafterdifficulty@jordanbropez@Kriswashere

Don’t miss out on the conversation!

In this episode of the Sweeter After Difficulty podcast, Host Randy Highsmith, and regular guests Jordan Lopez, and Kris Anderson explore the multifaceted concept of balance in life. They discuss personal experiences with balance, the role of competition, and how stress can indicate imbalance. The conversation emphasizes the importance of small adjustments, consistency, and the fragility of momentum in maintaining balance. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own experiences and strategies for finding balance in their lives.

🎙️ Sweeter After Difficulty is a podcast about the beauty that can only emerge through struggle. Hosted by Randy Highsmith, this series features intimate conversations with people who have endured pain, faced fear, and discovered peace—not despite their challenges, but through them. Each episode dives deep into personal stories of resilience, revealing how difficulty becomes a refining fire that clarifies purpose, deepens empathy, and brings unexpected sweetness on the other side.

Why listen? Because life is hard, and you're not alone in that. These stories won't give you cheap hope—they'll give you real ones. They’ll meet you in the raw, help you make sense of the struggle, and maybe even help you reframe what “hard” has to mean.

Whether you’re in the thick of it or looking back on a season that shaped you, Sweeter After Difficulty offers reflection, community, and a deep well of human wisdom.

Follow Us!

Stay connected for behind-the-scenes content, updates, and more:

📱 TikTok: @sweeterafter🐦 X (formerly Twitter): @sweeterafter📸 Instagram: @sweeterafterdifficulty@jordanbropez@Kriswashere

Don’t miss out on the conversation!

In this engaging conversation, Randy Highsmith interviews Russ Laggan, exploring his unique journey of self-discovery, authenticity, and personal growth. They discuss the importance of embracing one's uniqueness, the value of stillness, and the role of craftsmanship in life. Russ shares insights on leadership, branding, and the concept of being followable, emphasizing the significance of community support and the ongoing journey of personal evolution. The conversation culminates in the launch of Russ's new book and podcast “Be Followable”, centered around these themes.

🎙️ Sweeter After Difficulty is a podcast about the beauty that can only emerge through struggle. Hosted by Randy Highsmith, this series features intimate conversations with people who have endured pain, faced fear, and discovered peace—not despite their challenges, but through them. Each episode dives deep into personal stories of resilience, revealing how difficulty becomes a refining fire that clarifies purpose, deepens empathy, and brings unexpected sweetness on the other side.

Why listen? Because life is hard, and you're not alone in that. These stories won't give you cheap hope—they'll give you real ones. They’ll meet you in the raw, help you make sense of the struggle, and maybe even help you reframe what “hard” has to mean.

Whether you’re in the thick of it or looking back on a season that shaped you, Sweeter After Difficulty offers reflection, community, and a deep well of human wisdom.

Follow Us!

Stay connected for behind-the-scenes content, updates, and more:

📱 TikTok: @sweeterafter🐦 X (formerly Twitter): @sweeterafter📸 Instagram: @sweeterafterdifficulty

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In this episode of the Sweeter After Difficulty podcast, host Randy Highsmith with regular guests Jordan Lopez and kris Anderson deep dive into the complex relationship between convenience, entitlement, and empathy. They explore how modern conveniences can lead to a sense of entitlement, draining empathy and creating societal divides. Through personal anecdotes, discussions on survival skills, and reflections on technology's impact, the conversation highlights the importance of hardship in fostering personal growth and resilience. The trio emphasize the need to navigate the balance between convenience and hardship, ultimately questioning the nature of rights and entitlements in today's world.

🎙️ Sweeter After Difficulty is a podcast about the beauty that can only emerge through struggle. Hosted by Randy Highsmith, this series features intimate conversations with people who have endured pain, faced fear, and discovered peace—not despite their challenges, but through them. Each episode dives deep into personal stories of resilience, revealing how difficulty becomes a refining fire that clarifies purpose, deepens empathy, and brings unexpected sweetness on the other side.

Why listen? Because life is hard, and you're not alone in that. These stories won't give you cheap hope—they'll give you real ones. They’ll meet you in the raw, help you make sense of the struggle, and maybe even help you reframe what “hard” has to mean.

Whether you’re in the thick of it or looking back on a season that shaped you, Sweeter After Difficulty offers reflection, community, and a deep well of human wisdom.

Follow Us!

Stay connected for behind-the-scenes content, updates, and more:

📱 TikTok: @sweeterafter🐦 X (formerly Twitter): @sweeterafter📸 Instagram: @sweeterafterdifficulty@jordanbropez@Kriswashere

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In this episode, the host Randy Highsmith and regular guests Jordan Lopez and Kris Anderson explore the profound quote by Rainer Maria Rilke, 'The purpose of life is to be defeated by greater and greater things.' They delve into the meanings of defeat and failure, discussing how these concepts relate to personal growth, self-discovery, and the importance of facing challenges. The conversation touches on fear management, the role of hope, and the significance of perspective in overcoming obstacles. Through personal anecdotes and philosophical insights, the hosts emphasize the value of embracing defeat as a pathway to growth and understanding one's limits.

🎙️ Sweeter After Difficulty is a podcast about the beauty that can only emerge through struggle. Hosted by Randy Highsmith, this series features intimate conversations with people who have endured pain, faced fear, and discovered peace—not despite their challenges, but through them. Each episode dives deep into personal stories of resilience, revealing how difficulty becomes a refining fire that clarifies purpose, deepens empathy, and brings unexpected sweetness on the other side.

Why listen? Because life is hard, and you're not alone in that. These stories won't give you cheap hope—they'll give you real ones. They’ll meet you in the raw, help you make sense of the struggle, and maybe even help you reframe what “hard” has to mean.

Whether you’re in the thick of it or looking back on a season that shaped you, Sweeter After Difficulty offers reflection, community, and a deep well of human wisdom.

Follow Us!

Stay connected for behind-the-scenes content, updates, and more:

📱 TikTok: @sweeterafter🐦 X (formerly Twitter): @sweeterafter📸 Instagram: @sweeterafterdifficulty@jordanbropez@Kriswashere

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In this episode of Sweeter After Difficulty, host Randy Highsmith is joined by regular guests Jordan Lopez and Kris Anderson to unpack the often-overlooked difference between endurance and resilience — and why understanding that difference can transform your approach to life’s challenges.

Drawing from personal stories, jiu-jitsu lessons, and experiences in mental health and conflict resolution, the conversation explores how endurance is about pushing through discomfort, while resilience is about adapting, evolving, and coming back stronger. Together, they discuss how an over-reliance on endurance can lead to burnout, why adaptability is essential for personal growth, and how support systems can help you build lasting emotional strength. This is an honest, practical look at self-discovery — from confronting discomfort to learning when to persist and when to pivot. Whether you’re on the mat, in the workplace, or navigating personal struggles, you’ll discover why endurance is a temporary state, but resilience is the long-term strategy for thriving.

🎙️ Sweeter After Difficulty is a podcast about the beauty that can only emerge through struggle. Hosted by Randy Highsmith, this series features intimate conversations with people who have endured pain, faced fear, and discovered peace—not despite their challenges, but through them. Each episode dives deep into personal stories of resilience, revealing how difficulty becomes a refining fire that clarifies purpose, deepens empathy, and brings unexpected sweetness on the other side.

Why listen? Because life is hard, and you're not alone in that. These stories won't give you cheap hope—they'll give you real ones. They’ll meet you in the raw, help you make sense of the struggle, and maybe even help you reframe what “hard” has to mean.

Whether you’re in the thick of it or looking back on a season that shaped you, Sweeter After Difficulty offers reflection, community, and a deep well of human wisdom.

Follow Us!

Stay connected for behind-the-scenes content, updates, and more:

📱 TikTok: @sweeterafter🐦 X (formerly Twitter): @sweeterafter📸 Instagram: @sweeterafterdifficulty@jordanbropez@Kriswashere

Don’t miss out on the conversation!

In this episode, the hosts delve into the multifaceted concept of ego, exploring its definitions, implications, and the societal perceptions surrounding it. They discuss the negative connotations often associated with ego, particularly in the context of social media, and how it can be both a driving force for personal growth and a source of insecurity. The conversation also touches on Freudian psychology, the importance of humility, and personal experiences that highlight the necessity of testing one's ego. Ultimately, the hosts emphasize the need for a balanced understanding of ego, one that recognizes competence and confidence without falling into the traps of comparison and arrogance.

🎙️ Sweeter After Difficulty is a podcast about the beauty that can only emerge through struggle. Hosted by Randy Highsmith, this series features intimate conversations with people who have endured pain, faced fear, and discovered peace—not despite their challenges, but through them. Each episode dives deep into personal stories of resilience, revealing how difficulty becomes a refining fire that clarifies purpose, deepens empathy, and brings unexpected sweetness on the other side.

Why listen? Because life is hard, and you're not alone in that. These stories won't give you cheap hope—they'll give you real ones. They’ll meet you in the raw, help you make sense of the struggle, and maybe even help you reframe what “hard” has to mean.

Whether you’re in the thick of it or looking back on a season that shaped you, Sweeter After Difficulty offers reflection, community, and a deep well of human wisdom.

Follow Us!

Stay connected for behind-the-scenes content, updates, and more:

📱 TikTok: @sweeterafter🐦 X (formerly Twitter): @sweeterafter📸 Instagram: @sweeterafterdifficulty@jordanbropez@Kriswashere

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In this episode of the Sweeter After Difficulty podcast, host Randy Highsmith and guest Alyssa Specht engage in a lively conversation that spans various topics, including Alyssa's recent wilderness camping trip, her experiences with glamping, and the challenges of hiking the Notch Trail. They explore themes of personal growth, self-discovery, and the importance of facing fears, all while maintaining a humorous and light-hearted tone. The discussion culminates in reflections on the impact of experiences and the joy of living life to the fullest.

🎙️ Sweeter After Difficulty is a podcast about the beauty that can only emerge through struggle. Hosted by Randy Highsmith, this series features intimate conversations with people who have endured pain, faced fear, and discovered peace—not despite their challenges, but through them. Each episode dives deep into personal stories of resilience, revealing how difficulty becomes a refining fire that clarifies purpose, deepens empathy, and brings unexpected sweetness on the other side.

Why listen? Because life is hard, and you're not alone in that. These stories won't give you cheap hope—they'll give you real ones. They’ll meet you in the raw, help you make sense of the struggle, and maybe even help you reframe what “hard” has to mean.

Whether you’re in the thick of it or looking back on a season that shaped you, Sweeter After Difficulty offers reflection, community, and a deep well of human wisdom.

Follow Us!

Stay connected for behind-the-scenes content, updates, and more:

📱 TikTok: @sweeterafter🐦 X (formerly Twitter): @sweeterafter📸 Instagram: @sweeterafterdifficulty@jordanbropez@Kriswashere

Don’t miss out on the conversation!