The Brittany Wheeler Show

About Episode

In this powerful and deeply human episode, I talk with Doug Carty, a dedicated professional at Franklin Pierce University whose life changed in an instant. After a sudden and devastating accident, Doug suffered a traumatic brain injury that set him on an uncertain and difficult path.

What followed was not just a medical recovery, but a test of resilience, identity, and determination. From the early days of confusion and physical struggle to the long, demanding process of rehabilitation, Doug faced challenges that would have stopped many in their tracks.

But this is not just a story about hardship—it’s a story about perseverance. Through grit, support, and an unyielding mindset, Doug slowly rebuilt his life. Step by step, he pushed through setbacks, relearned what was lost, and found new strength in the process.

This episode explores the realities of traumatic brain injury, the power of community, and what it truly means to keep moving forward when everything changes. Doug’s journey is a reminder that recovery isn’t linear—but with determination, it is possible.

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RYZE favorite coffee brand @ryzesuperfoods  -check them out! 

Last Breath: The Limits of Adventure by Peter Stark favorite book

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About Episode

In this powerful and deeply human episode, I talk with Doug Carty, a dedicated professional at Franklin Pierce University whose life changed in an instant. After a sudden and devastating accident, Doug suffered a traumatic brain injury that set him on an uncertain and difficult path.

What followed was not just a medical recovery, but a test of resilience, identity, and determination. From the early days of confusion and physical struggle to the long, demanding process of rehabilitation, Doug faced challenges that would have stopped many in their tracks.

But this is not just a story about hardship—it’s a story about perseverance. Through grit, support, and an unyielding mindset, Doug slowly rebuilt his life. Step by step, he pushed through setbacks, relearned what was lost, and found new strength in the process.

This episode explores the realities of traumatic brain injury, the power of community, and what it truly means to keep moving forward when everything changes. Doug’s journey is a reminder that recovery isn’t linear—but with determination, it is possible.

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About Episode

In this episode, Andy McKnight shares his personal journey from growing up in a deeply religious household to discovering what it truly means to have a relationship with God. Although he was raised around faith, Andy explains how his early understanding was rooted more in routine and tradition than in a genuine connection. Everything began to change when he decided to seek God for himself, eventually finding a church where faith became personal and alive. Through a powerful moment during a worship service—marked by a vision from God—Andy experienced a turning point that reshaped his understanding completely. His story is a moving reminder that faith goes beyond religion, and that a real relationship with God is something deeply personal, transformative, and available to anyone who seeks it.

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About Episode

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Jon Pugeda opens up about the roots of his relentless work ethic and the mindset that shaped his life. Growing up in a large immigrant family, Jon learned early on that nothing would be handed to him—if he wanted something, he had to earn it. Surrounded by sacrifice, hustle, and resilience, he developed a self-driven mentality that pushed him to find ways to make money and motivate himself from a young age.

Jon shares how those early lessons carried into adulthood, especially when life threw unexpected challenges his way. After becoming a single father, the stakes became even higher. Providing for his children wasn’t just about survival—it became about setting an example.

At the heart of the episode he explains how life will always be difficult in one way or another, but you get to decide which struggles are worth it. Whether it’s the hard of discipline, growth, and self-improvement—or the hard of staying stuck—Jon emphasizes the importance of choosing the path that leads to a better future.

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Check out Jon Pugeda on IG and follow along with their journey!

@keredagrouprealty

Fount Coffee favorite coffee shop @fountcoffee  -check them out! 

The Way of the Peaceful Warrior by Dan Millman favorite book

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About Episode

In this episode, he shares the unfiltered story of growing up in the projects with a single mother who refused to give up, no matter how hard life got. Surrounded by struggle and survival, he learned early what it meant to fight just to make it through the day. But as the pressure built, he turned to food as a way to cope—until it nearly cost him everything.

At just 18 years old, he suffered a heart attack that forced him to confront the reality of his choices. What followed was a complete transformation. From rebuilding his health to stepping into the boxing ring and eventually becoming a police officer, he rewrote the direction of his life. This episode is about breaking cycles, finding discipline, and becoming the man—and father—he never had growing up.

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Prime Roast Coffee favorite restaurant @primeroast  -check them out! 

Discipline Equals Freedom By Joco Willink

Be Like Water by Zen Ryu

Be Water, My Friend by Shannon Lee favorite books

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About Episode

In this heartfelt episode, Jeanette Cofer opens up about what it was like growing up with older parents—an experience that shaped her childhood.. She reflects on the emotional weight of knowing time might be shorter, and the profound impact of losing both parents as a younger adult. Through grief, uncertainty, and life transitions, Jeanette shares how those early losses forced her to grow, adapt, and redefine her sense of stability.

A powerful thread throughout her story is the unwavering support of her siblings. Jeanette speaks candidly about how they offer strength, comfort, and a reminder that she was never alone, even in her darkest moments.

As the conversation unfolds, Jeanette dives into the fears that often hold us back—fear of loss, fear of the unknown, and fear of not being in control. She shares how she learned to release that fear, embrace faith, and trust the process of life, even when it didn’t make sense. Her journey is one of surrender, resilience, and discovering peace in letting go.

Now as a parent herself, Jeanette is intentional about passing these lessons on to her children—teaching them to trust, to be brave in uncertainty, and to believe that life unfolds as it should.

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Check out Jeanette Cofer on IG and follow along with their journey!

@jeanette_lifecoach

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho favorite book

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About the Episode

In this episode, I sit down with entrepreneur Macy Cole to share her personal journey of faith, resilience, and preparing for motherhood. Currently pregnant and navigating a transformative season of life, Macy reflects on the lessons she learned growing up in a home filled with love and how that foundation shaped the way she loves others today.

Macy opens up about the realities of pregnancy and the emotional and spiritual challenges that can come with it. She speaks honestly about moments of struggle, uncertainty, and vulnerability, and how those difficult seasons became opportunities for deeper faith.

During some of her darkest times, Macy experienced moments where she felt God reveal Himself to her in ways that brought comfort, strength, and direction. Those experiences helped her overcome uncertainty and reminded her that she was never walking through those challenges alone.

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Check out Macy Cole on IG and follow along with their journey!

@macyjcole

Casa Blanca and Drift favorite restaurant @casablancacoffeeroasters @driftcoffee.kitchen  -check them out! 

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EmpowHERment was hosted in 2024. A three part women's panel speaking on important topics. We had the conversations professionally recorded. Now two years later we are proud to share these three incredible panels with you! Enjoy!

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In this episode of The Brittany Wheeler Show, we dive into Channeling Your Creativity—exploring how creativity shows up in our lives, fuels our purpose, and allows us to make meaningful impact in our communities.

Joining the conversation is Emily Mitchell, a passionate advocate for just, equitable, and sustainable communities. Through nonprofit fundraising, community activism, and small business consulting, Emily blends creativity with strategy to drive mission-forward growth. Her empathy and compassion create deep connections, helping both businesses and communities thrive together.

We’re also joined by Terry Espy, a seasoned leader whose career spans decades across multiple industries. As a mother, entrepreneur, and community builder, Terry has played a key role in shaping Wilmington through innovative projects and strategic partnerships. Now stepping into a new creative season, she’s embracing her artistic side as a member of a local band, proving that creativity can evolve at every stage of life.

Rounding out the conversation is Kristen Nice, a Business Officer at UNCW, yoga teacher, doula, and artist. Kristen is deeply committed to helping others find peace, connection, and creative flow through movement and mindfulness. Her work has cultivated a community rooted in love, acceptance, and self-discovery.

Together, these women share how creativity is not just an outlet—but a powerful force that shapes who we are, how we grow, and the impact we leave behind.

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Check out Terry Espy, Kristen Nice and Emily Mitchell on IG and follow along with their journey!

Thank you @stationno2 for hosting this amazing event -check them out! 

Thank you @bootscrap for recording this powerful conversation! You are incredibly talented and such a value to the Wilmington, NC community.

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EmpowHERment was hosted in 2024. A three part women's panel speaking on important topics. We had the conversations professionally recorded. Now two years later we are proud to share these three incredible panels with you! Enjoy!

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In this EmpowHERment conversation on The Brittany Wheeler Show, we explore the power of Sisterhood—what it looks like for women to truly show up for one another, encourage growth, and build communities rooted in support, faith, and empowerment alongside one another in every season of life.

Joining the conversation is Caitlin Belcher, a creative leader with a background in Theatre Performance who now leads Belcher Productions alongside her husband of 13 years while raising their four children. An advocate for the arts and former program and development manager for North Carolina Arts in Action, Caitlin is passionate about leaving people better than she found them and pouring into women in her community.

Also featured is Amy Ronda, owner of the Wilmington fitness studio A Body Empowered. With nearly 30 years in the fitness industry, Amy stepped out in faith in 2017 to pursue her dream of creating a faith-driven studio that empowers women through health, community, and purpose.

Rounding out the conversation is Jessica Wolfe, Director of Client Success and Facilitator at the Forte Institute. After moving to Wilmington to attend UNCW, Jessica intentionally built a strong community of women and now hosts Female Empowerment at Maven (FEM) nights while volunteering at A Safe Place to teach life skills to women in recovery.

Together, these women share how sisterhood has shaped their lives. Leaving wisdom about the beauty of women uplifting women and the life-changing impact of true sisterhood. 

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Check out Jessica, Amy and Caitlin on IG and follow along with their journey!

Thank you @stationno2 and @bootscrap or making this possible!

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EmpowHERment was hosted in 2024. A three part women's panel speaking on important topics. We had the conversations professionally recorded. Now two years later we are proud to share these three incredible panels with you! Enjoy!

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In this episode of The Brittany Wheeler Show, we dive into an honest conversation about Modern Day Motherhood—exploring the challenges, pressures, and realities faced by both working mothers and stay-at-home moms. Our panelists share real stories of how they navigate motherhood, careers, identity, and the daily balance that comes with raising children today.

Joining the conversation is Sarah Carter, a former Navy pilot who served for eleven years before becoming a Lifestyle & Leadership Coach, entrepreneur, and proud mother to her daughter Emma. Sarah is passionate about helping others become the best version of themselves and is someone who pushes those around her to never settle for less than their best.

Also featured is Christina Haley, President of Wilmington Downtown, Inc. and mother to a five-year-old son. As a single mother and community leader, Christina shares how she balances raising her son while helping shape a vibrant and thriving Wilmington community.

Together, these women offer real encouragement and perspective, reminding mothers everywhere that no matter what their journey looks like, they are not alone. 

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Check out Sarah Carter and Christina Haley on IG and follow along with their journey!

Thank you @vigilanthoperoasting for hosting this incredible conversation. Thank you to our amazing videography team @bootscrap. Last but not least the incredible visionaries behind this event, Lauren Filbert and Angela Fernot. 

Follow all of our incredible EmpowHERment family and support what they are doing individually!

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