The Jess Berry Podcast: Stories of Resilience, Leadership & Overcoming Adversity

In this episode Jess Berry interviews Ulysses Lopez, a decorated U.S. Army combat veteran (2X Purple Heart) and co-founder of the AYA Mission, which focuses on expanding psychedelic therapy for veterans. Ulysses shares his journey from military service to advocating for mental health support through psychedelic therapy. He discusses the importance of community, personal transformation, and the healing power of nature. The conversation delves into Ulysses' experiences with jiu-jitsu, backpacking, and the significance of mindset in overcoming challenges. Ulysses emphasizes the need for vulnerability and connection in the healing process, offering insights into how individuals can navigate their own journeys toward wellness.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ulysses Lopez and the AYA Mission

02:26 The Role of Psychedelic Therapy for Veterans

05:15 Real-Life Impact of the IAM Mission

08:03 Personal Transformation and Healing Journeys

10:44 The Importance of Mindset and Discipline

13:02 The Journey of Jiu-Jitsu and Personal Identity

16:02 Backpacking Adventures and Connection with Nature

18:32 The Power of Vulnerability and Community

21:17 Reflections on Childhood and Personal Growth

24:05 Closing Thoughts and Future Aspirations

https://theayamission.org/, https://mindopszenith.org/,

Facebook: The Aya Mission, Ulises Lopez Castaneda

Instagram: @theayamission, @sacredvibesbjj

LinkedIn: The Aya Mission, Ulises Lopez Castaneda

From standing on the Paralympic podium to losing his health, relationships, and sense of self, Mikael Avatar Stjernvall has lived both extreme success and total collapse.

In this episode, Mikael shares how hitting rock bottom forced him to ask one honest question—“How the hell did I end up here?”—and how rebuilding his life through simple 1% daily changes led to what he calls resurrection, not motivation.

This is a conversation about falling apart, finding peace, and reclaiming your power—one small choice at a time.

Connect with Mikael:

• 🌐 Main Website: https://mikaelavatar.com

• 🚀 Avatar Resurrection App (Waitlist):https://mikaelavatar.com/avatar-resurrection-app-join-the-waitlist/

• 🤍 Connect on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikaelavatar/

What if your biggest struggles weren’t setbacks—but invitations?

In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Dr. Ron Stotts, transformational executive coach, bestselling author, Marine Corps veteran, and U.S. rowing champion, to explore how inner work fuels outer success.

With over five decades of transformational experience, Ron shares how emotional intelligence, mindfulness, breathwork, and conscious leadership help high-achieving leaders move beyond surface-level success into true fulfillment, authenticity, and legacy.

This episode is for leaders, entrepreneurs, and growth-minded humans who are ready to stop performing—and start becoming.

🔗 Show Notes Links

🌐 Website: https://ronstotts.com

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ron.stotts.50/

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-ron-stotts-14143236/

📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.ronstotts

From a high-speed police chase and multiple prison sentences to four years of sobriety and a complete life reset, MJ shares what it truly takes to start over. After moving to Arizona to rebuild from the ground up, he learned the hard truth about accountability and paying it forward. This episode proves that no matter how fast you’re running from your life, alignment is possible when you choose to change. 

Key Takeaways

-Sobriety is a decision that changes everything

-Your lowest moments can become your turning point

-Paying it forward is how real redemption begins

Connect with MJ on IG

Tyler Depung is an avid outdoorsman whose life has been shaped by discipline, adversity, and an unshakeable faith in God. From hunting and farming to lifting, training, and exploring the backcountry, he’s built his character through challenge and self-mastery. In this conversation, Tyler opens up about the hardships that reshaped his identity, how his relationship with God shapes his life, and what it means to be a strong man in today's society. This episode is for anyone seeking resilience, clarity, and a deeper sense of purpose.

Tyler’s suggested reading: https://www.johnlennox.org/shop

Hailey Mckneely is a Medevac pilot, flying Blackhawks and supporting Rangers and high-risk operations. She joins Jess in this episode to explore how she turned personal setbacks—like a DUI, breaking her leg in training and failing academics—into stepping stones. They dive into her fitness transformation, aviation journey, and the mindset it takes to succeed in high-pressure roles.

Learn how Hailey pushed through physical and academic failures without giving upGet a rare glimpse into what it takes to become and thrive as an Army pilotDiscover mindset shifts for balancing ambition with rest, growth, and joy

Connect with Hailey on IG: @hay_layyy

In this episode, Jessica sits down with Jason Becker, a multi-exit entrepreneur and founder of Vintage Wisdom Media, to unpack what it really means to lead with faith, resilience, and purpose. After losing both of his in-laws within two years and navigating multiple business transitions, Jason shares how adversity reshaped his perspective on success, family, and legacy. This conversation bridges the worlds of entrepreneurship and spirituality.

🔑 Key Takeaways

1. Faith as the foundation for your life

2. Your relationship with God in grief and anger

3. Where to focus time and energy in business today

4. How to build a lasting legacy

🎧 Listen now to hear how to navigate faith in a changing world, lead from authentic conviction, and build a legacy that truly lasts.

🔗 Vintage Wisdom Media YouTube Channel

Today’s guest, John Chao, is known for spotting perspectives most people miss. Raised between Asian and Western cultures, with experience in corporate, entrepreneurship, and over a decade in fashion, John has mastered both outer and inner transformation.

Now, he helps people release emotional blocks at the subconscious level and even mediates between clashing business partners. In this conversation, you’ll learn how to see beyond surface problems, shift stuck patterns, and approach challenges with clarity.

Key Takeaways

• Turn your background into a unique advantage

• How subconscious work creates lasting change

• How to better your relationships–all types

Rev. Kay Valouche-Hoffman shares her powerful journey from bar fights to bold faith. With over 50 years in ministry, she opens up about healing, accountability, and the deep inner work required of Christian leaders. We talk identity, strongholds, and staying rooted in God in a chaotic world. A must-listen for anyone called to lead with truth and purpose.

Key Themes:

• Accountability in religion and leadership

• Healing through spiritual truth

• God-centered discernment

• Personal redemption and powerful transformation
  

You’ll leave this episode with a deeper understanding of your spiritual authority—and a fire to pursue your calling with boldness, humility, and faith.

In this raw and powerful episode, Ariel Garcia opens up about his battle with drug addiction, the challenges of leaving the military, and the grit it took to build a business while surrounded by gang violence. From rock bottom to founding Phoenix’s beloved Apa Tacos Estrella, Ariel’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. Now, through his new venture Forward, he’s helping others rise above their circumstances with access to education, housing, and hope.
Tune in to hear how one man turned pain into purpose—and how you can too.

Connect with Ariel:
📱 IG: @apatacos_estrella
📘 FB: aptacos
🌐 www.apatacosestrella.com
📞 (747) 237-9976