The Greater Journey: Stories of Transformation with Gregory Rutledge

What do you do when both of your sons are diagnosed with autism… and every door you knock on says, “We’re not a fit”?

Connie and Angel Rodriguez were a dual-career, doing-everything-right family—until life rewrote the script.
 Two diagnoses. 300 doctors’ appointments a year. Savings gone. Fear, anger, and no clear path forward.

Instead of giving up, they did something wild. They prayed in an empty building, told God they would never turn away a child for money, and opened Waterfall Academy—a Christ-centered school for kids on the spectrum who were told they “didn’t fit” anywhere else.

In this conversation, we talk about:

• The gut-punch of a second autism diagnosis and what it did to their faith
• “God kisses”: the grocery store stranger, the therapist down the road, and the 14-hour flight that changed everything
• Why they promised God they’d never refuse a child over money (and how they’ve never missed payroll or a mortgage)
• How Waterfall Academy helps kids move from “broken label” to Waterfall Warrior
• Practical hope for parents who feel alone, exhausted, and out of options
  
  

If you’ve ever wondered, “Can anything good come out of this pain?”—this episode is your reminder that some stories are too good to not be God.

What happens when your ego becomes your god… and God literally throws you off your high horse?

In this episode of The Greater Journey, I sit down with Kelly Mason – filmmaker, healer, and founder of Kula Paradise Academy – whose life changed after a galloping racehorse accident, a near-death experience, and a documented medical miracle that doctors couldn’t explain.

We dive into:

• Her near-death experience and what she saw “on the other side
• How her shattered arm miraculously realigned on the operating table
  
  
• Why ego, identity, and “fake rich” culture keep us stuck in the illusion
  
  
• How to understand soul contracts, assignments, and the real reason you’re here
  
  
• The difference between healing, enabling, and embodying your purpose
  
  
• How to build a life in alignment with God, service, and your superconscious nature
  
  

If you’ve ever felt like you’re “doing all the things” but still feel empty, misaligned, or spiritually hungry… this conversation is going to hit deep.

 In this raw and powerful episode of The Greater Journey, host Gregory Rutledge sits down with Coach Will Smith, founder of Lifestyle Coaching Academy and creator of the New Me Initiative — a 90-day, no-excuses, results-driven transformation program.

Will’s story takes us from foster care, addiction, and self-destruction to fatherhood, redemption, and purpose. He reveals how a single wake-up call changed everything and why he believes in accountability over excuses.

🎧 What you’ll learn:

• The truth about “overnight success” (it’s a 10–20-year night)
• How to stop blaming and start becoming
• The mindset shift from victim to victor
• Why peace beats “crazy busy” every time
• How resilience is built through fire, not comfort
• The daily habits that keep him grounded and focused
• Why empowering your network starts with owning your story
  
  

“It’s easy to be comfortable. It’s hard to be great. And just two more letters to be GREATER.”

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In this episode of The Greater Journey, host Gregory Rutledge sits down with Lindsay “Boog” Yancey, founder of No Hook, LNY Bar Services, and LNY Assistant Services.

From dreaming of dancing on stage to managing artists and building her own brand, Lindsay shares how trial and error, resilience, and purpose turned rejection into rhythm.

🎧 What you’ll learn:

• How discouragement can redirect—not destroy—your destiny
• Why trial and error is the fastest teacher in entrepreneurship
• How to build something no one can take from you
• The power of starting before you’re ready and learning as you go
• What “automate repetition, not relationship” looks like in real life
• The truth about imposter syndrome and how to keep going when you feel stuck
• How purpose evolves through pain, persistence, and community

Core quote:

Boog’s story proves you don’t need permission—just the courage to start.

In this heartfelt episode of The Greater Journey Podcast, Gregory Rutledge sits down with Jeff Caliguire—7-time author, former pastor, and founder of WeTrainCoaches.com—to explore the cost of living outside your calling.

Jeff shares his raw story of serving in ministry, battling depression, and finally discovering what he calls “clean energy”—the place where your purpose and peace align.

Together, they unpack:
 🔥 How burnout is often a sign you’re operating outside your true design.
 ⚡ Why trying to “be Myron Golden” will never work—and what to do instead.
 💡 The 4 essential “checks” for a fulfilled life: Paycheck, People, Purpose, Play.
🕊️ How to trade performance-based faith for God-centered confidence.
❤️ Why courage isn’t hype—it’s living from the heart.

If you’ve ever felt trapped by your title, tired from trying, or torn between faith and fulfillment—this one’s for you.

When life knocked her down—hard—CJ C Boyd didn’t rise from the ashes.
She was forged in the fire.

In this powerful episode of The Greater Journey Podcast, Gregory Rutledge sits down with CJ C Boyd—founder of Queen by Design and host of Awaken the Warrior—to unpack what it really means to rebuild after loss.

After losing her children, her marriage, and her café, CJ had every reason to quit. Instead, she discovered the warrior within. 

Together, Gregory and CJ explore:
 🔥 How to unlearn the “rules and roles” that keep women small.
 🔥 Why the fire doesn’t destroy—it refines.
 🔥 How faith and identity intersect in reinvention.
 🔥 The power of charging for transformation (not validation).
 🔥 Why authenticity after 50 might be your greatest advantage.

If you’ve ever felt forgotten, overlooked, or underestimated, this episode will remind you of one truth:
 You were never meant to rise quietly. You were meant to be forged greater.

Unlock greater success! Stephanie Garcia shares her NLP mindset, hacks for reframing limiting beliefs, and the system to turn one live video into 94 content pieces.

Stephanie Garcia of ‪@captivateoncommand‬  is the host of Lights, Camera, Live and is an award-winning digital marketing strategist dedicated to helping brands and business owners like you, skip the guesswork on how to make their presence known online and start creating meaningful relationships with their customers online with tried and true social media marketing strategies for live streaming and live selling.

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On this episode of The Greater Journey Podcast, Gregory Rutledge sits down with Sarah Khan—leadership empowerment strategist, TEDx speaker, author, and founder of NYSH Strategic.

Sarah is known as “Sarah Khan Out Loud” for a reason: she doesn’t hold back on telling the truth about what it really takes to build a business and lead yourself with courage.

Together, they dive into:

• Why so many online entrepreneurs are “playing business” instead of building one.
• The difference between a business and an expensive hobby.
• Sarah’s Entrepreneur Growth Hierarchy (Emerging → Awakened → Connected → Flourishing → Liberated).
• Why self-leadership and business growth must happen in lockstep.
• The hidden grief and pruning that come with leaving corporate life and unlearning employee mindsets.
• Why quick fixes and shortcuts never last—and how to build a foundation that does.

This conversation will challenge, encourage, and equip you to take your next step with clarity and conviction.

On this episode of The Greater Journey, Gregory Rutledge sits down with Elijah Bilel—creator of The Side Hustler Society and author of The Anatomy of Financial Success.

Elijah shares how his journey from Amazon employee to Uber driver to entrepreneur unlocked his mission: helping people reclaim financial freedom by mastering one-person business skills and understanding their financial personality.

In this episode you’ll discover:

• Why the “employee” mindset is a new concept—and how to break free from it.
• How to balance the many hats of a solopreneur (without burning out).
• The surprising story behind The Veggie Outers and how small actions create momentum.
• Why knowing your financial personality changes how you save, invest, and spend.
• The first steps Elijah took that kept him out of the job market and into entrepreneurship.

Whether you’re stuck in overwhelm, curious about side hustles, or ready to reframe your money story—this episode is packed with practical wisdom and resilience-driven breakthroughs.

On this episode of The Greater Journey, Gregory Rutledge sits down with Judaea Morris—entrepreneur, author of Rooted in Resilience, and founder of BIBE Media Group.

Judaea opens up about rebuilding her life after domestic violence, divorce, and starting over as a pregnant single mother. From launching a business with a $99 printer in her father-in-law’s house to hitting Amazon bestseller in 24 hours, her story is proof that setbacks don’t stop destiny.

Together, Gregory and Judaea explore:

• What resilience really looks like when life knocks you down.
• How entrepreneurship is self-development in disguise.
• Why pruning relationships is part of the growth process.
• The difference between chasing a lifestyle and filling a real need.

This conversation will remind you that resilience isn’t just bouncing back—it’s rebuilding stronger, wiser, and greater.