Some stories challenge your definition of success. This one begins with humble origins and big dreams, then winds through boardrooms, hospital wards, and a quiet moment where a young man heard the words that changed everything: you’ve never enjoyed the harvest. Adrian sits down with longtime friend and corporate consultant leader Jonathan Paul to trace how early lessons in sowing and stewardship became a blueprint for building a national firm—and how love and caregiving for his family led to a profound new perspective on life.

Jonathan shares major turning points in his life, shaped by faith, personal loss and keen perseverance. By the age of twenty‑six, he successfully launched a consulting firm serving Fortune 500s. The clients came quickly but so did the stress. On the other side of his career, Jonathan spent twelve years of round‑the‑clock caregiving for his wife while working nonstop on his business. This duality culminated in a cancer diagnosis with a 50 percent prognosis. From that crisis, Jonathan rebuilt around human purpose: taking on fewer clients, forming deeper partnerships, and an approach that blends organizational strategy with clinical psychology to align motivation, identity, and results.

The insights cut to the bone for leaders and teams: acceptance precedes performance; purpose clarifies priorities; healthy companies invest in people’s growth and protect their dignity. Jonathan explains how to spot a poorly run organization, how to stop performing for approval, and how to design work that’s fruitful and humane. Jonathan calls the outcome the garden life—productive, beautiful, and bounded by rhythms that let you reap what you’ve faithfully sown. If you’ve ever wondered why success feels empty, this conversation offers a map back to meaning.

Subscribe to The Klimb for more stories that turn adversity into wisdom and share this with someone who needs hope. Leave a review with one change you’ll make this week to enjoy your harvest.

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What if the thing that sets you apart isn’t your stat line but your courage to choose a role and master it? That’s the heartbeat of our conversation with basketball Hall of Famer Michael Cooper—5x NBA champion, 1987 Defensive Player of the Year, and title-winning coach in the WNBA, G League, and Big 3—who turned blunt advice into a blueprint for winning on and off the court.

We trace Coop’s path from a childhood injury that threatened his ability to walk to a career built on defense, discipline, and purpose. Shortly after joining the Lakers in 1979, legendary team executive Jerry West told him there weren’t enough basketballs to go around, so Cooper adaptated his mindset and found another niche: to lock people up, think the game, and raise the team’s energy. He takes us back to the 1987 season, where his expanded offensive game caught up to his stellar defense and when his Walter J. Kennedy Citizenship Award honored a school attendance program that lifted local communities. The theme behind Coop's success is consistent: do the work, serve the team, and give back more than you take.

Coop also breaks down his 5 D’s—determination, dedication, desire, discipline, and decision making—and shows how they can apply across various fields in life. He shares how his coaching principles mirrored fellow Hall of Famer Pat Riley’s standards, and how he developed his players with honest feedback built on trust. We also revisit Coop's legendary pre-draft workout with a high school phenom named Kobe Bryant, and the passion and professionalism that hinted at the Mamba Mentality years before the rest of the world saw it.

This is a masterclass in coachability and role clarity, filled with stories that double as playbooks: how to build niches, how to align talent with responsibility, and how to let values steer your ambition. If you’re climbing in sports, business, or life, you’ll leave with an inspired mindset you can act on today—and an affirmation worth repeating: “I think, therefore I can.”

If this conversation hits home, follow the show across our online platforms, share it with a friend who needs a push, and leave a review to help more climbers find us.

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From standing tall as a successful businessman to being completely paralyzed overnight, Barry Shore's life took a dramatic turn that would seem unfathomable for most people. Instead, it awakened an extraordinary mission that's inspired countless lives worldwide.

Before becoming the "Ambassador of Joy," Shore's resilience was being forged through early life lessons. At just ten years old, his father taught him a profound truth hidden in plain sight: in the word "business," the "u" comes before the "i" – when you prioritize others, you'll naturally be taken care of. This foundation of service would later sustain him through unimaginable challenges.

Shore's life was first upended by a devastating car accident at age 24 that shattered his femur and left doctors uncertain if he'd walk again. But with grit and charisma, Barry recovered and continued on to a successful career in business. Years later, however, another serious challenge threatened to upend his life on September 17, 2004, when a rare disease suddenly transformed him from completely healthy to totally paralyzed from the neck down in a single day. After 144 days hospitalized, two years in a home hospital bed, and four years in a wheelchair, Shore refused to surrender to despair.

Through what he calls "PTL" – Prayer, Therapy, and Love – Shore gradually reclaimed portions of his mobility. Today, though still requiring some assistance,  he swims two miles daily, six days a week, accumulating over 10,000 miles. His philosophy of "SMILE" (Seeing Miracles In Life Every day) radiates through every conversation.

Shore's transformative approach centers on three fundamentals: recognizing that life has purpose, going "MAD" (Making A Difference), and uncovering the power of everyday words. He views joy as the "Journey Of You," emphasizing that becoming your best self naturally improves the world around you. His current mission? Giving $1 billion to charity without costing givers a penny through his "Everywhere Card" initiative.

Whether you're facing your own challenges or simply seeking wisdom from someone who's climbed from the depths of adversity, Shore's message offers a blueprint for resilience: "When you choose success... how you choose to respond in any given situation will determine your path in life and your trajectory."

What defines your true legacy? For former NC State standout Dereck Whittenburg, it's how many people you've helped along the way—not the trophies, accolades, or championships you've won. As a young boy driving with his father past the White House, Whittenburg wondered what it would be like to meet the president someday. That childhood dream became reality not once but twice, as his journey took him from the Maryland playgrounds to NCAA basketball glory.

The heart of Whittenburg's story isn't just about championship rings or coaching successes—it's about his remarkable pattern of turning setbacks into comebacks. He shares how breaking his foot during his senior year at DeMatha High School taught him resilience, only to face the same injury years later during NC State's championship season. Through mental toughness and unwavering positivity, he recovered faster than expected both times, contributing to what became known as the "Cardiac Pack" under legendary coach Jim Valvano.

Whittenburg's wisdom extends far beyond the basketball court. After his playing days, he rebuilt his career coaching at Wagner College and Fordham University before reinventing himself again as an Emmy-winning documentary producer. Most meaningfully, he helped co-establish the Jimmy V Foundation, which has raised nearly $400 million for cancer research, honoring his beloved coach's legacy.

"People have to believe they are worthy of success," Whittenburg advises. "Stay the course, believe in yourself, let people help you, and your dreams can come true." Through the Dereck Whittenburg Foundation, he's now helping first-generation college students achieve their educational goals, embodying his philosophy: "If you want to lift yourself up, lift someone up today." Listen to discover how to transform your own setbacks into powerful comebacks that benefit others along the way.

Ever questioned if you're truly meant for greatness? In this soul-stirring episode, Adrian Branch welcomes two-time Olympic gold medalist Ruthie Bolton for a profound conversation about resilience, faith, and finding purpose through life's toughest challenges.

Ruthie takes us back to her humble beginnings as the 16th child in a family of 20 in McLain, Mississippi, where her minister father instilled unshakable principles that would shape her extraordinary journey. With remarkable vulnerability, she shares the pivotal moment at age 14 when conquering her fear of jumping a fence became the unexpected foundation for her championship mindset.

The conversation delves into Ruthie's heartbreaking college recruitment story—being told she wasn't talented enough while watching her sister receive star treatment. Instead of surrender, Ruthie embraced a grueling 10-hour bus ride to Auburn University, where coaches bluntly informed her she would never make the travel team. Through tears and determination, she transformed rejection into fuel, ultimately becoming a starter her freshman year.

Perhaps most powerful is Ruthie's raw account of forgiveness after being unexpectedly cut from the Sacramento Monarchs, the team where she had become a franchise icon. "When you don't forgive, you become a prisoner of your own emotions," she reflects. "It clips your wings and you can't not just fly, but soar."

Now an author, coach, and humanitarian, Ruthie shares how her current book "Sent with Purpose" emerged from her realization that every struggle was preparation for a greater mission. She offers listeners a masterclass in mental resilience: "When resistance tries to hit me, the stronger they come, the stronger I get."

Ready to break through your own barriers? Join us for this transformative episode that will leave you saying, "If she can overcome, I can overcome too." 

Connect with Ruthie on social media @RuthieBolton to learn more about her inspirational journey.

When Dr. Joel Freeman left home at 17 with just $24 in his pocket, nobody could have predicted his extraordinary journey from self-described "long-haired, hippie, dope-smoking fool" to becoming a respected NBA chaplain, author of 24 books, historian, and mentor to countless individuals including Klimb host Adrian Branch.

This powerful conversation reveals the pivotal moments that transformed Freeman's life, beginning with his spiritual conversion in 1972 and the crucial lesson he learned about finishing what you start while painting a farmer's tractor. With disarming honesty, he shares a moment of profound temptation during his time as a school principal that could have derailed everything he'd built—and the clarity that helped him overcome it.

Freeman's insights on blind spots prove particularly illuminating. "When you're in a jar, you can't read the label," he explains, emphasizing why we need trusted people to help us see what we can't recognize in ourselves. This wisdom has shaped his approach to mentorship and his understanding that most personal conflicts stem from personality differences rather than demographic factors.

Now the creator of Black History 365—a comprehensive curriculum used in over 15,000 schools—and the innovative Rosetta Universe project, Freeman continues pushing boundaries at every stage of life. His remarkable ability to communicate complex concepts simply allows him to "talk to the street and talk to the elite," making profound wisdom accessible to all.

The conversation culminates with Dr. Freeman's research-backed observation stressing the importance interpersonal skills can factor in a person's success—a perspective that explains his extraordinary impact across multiple fields and diverse audiences.

Be sure to follow Adrian Branch Speaks on social media and download The Klimb wherever podcasts are available. Remember, everything worthwhile is uphill—so be encouraged and keep klimbing.

Seth Franco's remarkable journey from basketball prodigy to physical rehabilitation warrior captivates in this deeply moving episode of The Klimb. Touring around the world as a member of the iconic Harlem Globetrotters, Seth's meteoric rise in professional basketball came to an abrupt halt when doctors discovered he had been born with hip dysplasia. By age 23, this undiagnosed condition had caused the joint deterioration of an 80-year-old, requiring both hips to be replaced.

Facing the devastating loss of his professional career, Seth made a pivotal decision that would define his recovery and future: "I focused on what I could do, not what I couldn't." This mindset shift became the foundation of his rehabilitation journey—a progression he now teaches others through his ministry called Stand, Walk, Run. The philosophy is beautifully simple yet profound: stand for who you want to be, take small daily steps toward your goals, and ultimately run after something meaningful that extends beyond yourself.

Seth draws powerful parallels between basketball and life's challenges, noting that "life is like a basketball—when it's filled with the right thing, the harder you push it down, the higher it soars back up." His candid reflections on fatherhood reveal how he's applying the lessons from his athletic journey to family life, learning that true toughness isn't about projecting strength but about caring for those you love.

Perhaps most compelling is Seth's hard-earned wisdom about the disconnect between feelings and reality: "Sometimes you don't feel good, but you're actually doing great." His story reminds us that our greatest accomplishments often come during our most difficult moments—when we push through discomfort to do what matters most.

Subscribe and join us on The Klimb as we continue to explore stories of resilience, faith, and the human spirit. Follow Adrian Branch at AdrianBranchSpeaks.com or on social media @AdrianBranchSpeaks.

Three-time Olympic gold medalist Leah Amico reveals the surprising turning point that transformed her softball career and life trajectory. What looked like a demotion—being moved from pitcher to outfield during her sophomore year at the University of Arizona—became the very opportunity that unlocked her Olympic dreams.

With remarkable candor, Leah shares how she approached this pivotal moment with a growth mindset: "I just remember saying I'm going to be the best outfielder I can be." This determination to excel at something completely new eventually opened doors that would have remained closed had she stayed in her original position. Her story powerfully illustrates how our greatest setbacks often become our pathway to unexpected success.

The conversation takes a dramatic turn when Leah discusses the 2000 Olympics in Sydney. After entering as overwhelming favorites with a 110-game winning streak, Team USA unexpectedly lost three consecutive games. Leah offers a rare glimpse into how world-class athletes respond to crisis, revealing how blame, silence, and ultimately unity shaped their journey back to the gold medal podium. Her insights about finding identity beyond athletic performance provide wisdom for anyone facing professional disappointment.

Perhaps most inspiring is Leah's pioneering decision to have a child between Olympic Games—something virtually unheard of at the time. She transparently discusses the enormous physical challenges of returning to elite competition after childbirth, and how she won her third gold medal with a three-year-old cheering from the stands.

Throughout the conversation, Leah shares frameworks that have guided her success, including her GOLD philosophy (Goal-Setting, Overcoming Obstacles, Leadership, Dedication) and MAP approach (Mindset, Action, People). Her most powerful insight? "Your ability to succeed at higher levels will come down to how well you deal with failure." Don't miss this masterclass in resilience from someone who's truly reached the pinnacle of athletic achievement while maintaining perspective on what matters most.

What does it take to rise from sleeping on a chair in the Bridgeport, CT projects to becoming a three-time All-American, professional athlete, author, entrepreneur, and pastor? Chuck Hatchett's transformative journey reveals the power of resilience in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

Born to a teenage mother and raised in crowded project housing where drug dealers told him "no one makes it out of here," Chuck developed an extraordinary work ethic that earned him recognition as a four-star linebacker with approximately 60 college scholarship offers. His path took a heartbreaking turn when academic challenges forced him to return home from the University of Oregon, followed by going undrafted by the NFL despite consistent interest from NFL teams.

Rather than allowing rejection to define him, Chuck embraced these setbacks as opportunities for growth. "There's no such thing as failure to an individual that never gives up," he shares, a philosophy that guided him to success in the Canadian Football League and beyond. A profound spiritual experience at age 20 became the foundation for his life's work, including founding WON Nutrition and developing the M3 Mindset mastery program now implemented in schools and organizations.

Perhaps most remarkable is Chuck's extraordinary discipline. Rising at 3:30 AM daily, beginning with Bible study and weight training, he structures every minute intentionally. "Discipline is everything. If you have discipline, you can literally win at every aspect of your life," he explains. This approach has enabled him to author four books, mentor dozens of young people, and raise his children with his wife Virginia—all while continuing to pursue athletic excellence as an Olympic hopeful in shot put.

Chuck's story isn't just about overcoming obstacles; it's about transforming them into stepping stones toward an extraordinary life of purpose. As he looks toward the future, he remains focused not on specific outcomes but on becoming the person prepared for whatever opportunities arise: "The individual that I'm becoming will be prepared."

What happens when life's unexpected disasters become the very training ground that prepares you for championship glory? Nate Burkhalter's remarkable journey reveals exactly that transformative possibility.

One moment, Nate was a college student with athletic dreams; the next, he was plunging into a concealed pit of boiling water, suffering second and third-degree burns from his thighs to his toes. This catastrophic accident could have defined his story as one of limitation and loss. Instead, it became the first testing ground for a resilience that would later propel him to extraordinary heights.

After rebuilding his life and finding success as an engineer, Nate faced a profound realization: material achievement without purpose had left him spiritually atrophied. The sudden death of a newly-retired colleague delivered a wake-up call that changed everything. "I'm procrastinating living for a purpose," Nate realized. This epiphany launched him toward risks most would avoid.

Pursuing American Ninja Warrior tested not just his physical abilities but his relationship with failure itself. After years of rejection, injuries, and setbacks, Nate's persistence led to his legendary "Run of the Year" while battling severe food poisoning. This determination caught the attention of producers from Exatlon, a grueling six-month competition in Latin America, where despite rupturing discs in his neck and breaking his ankle, Nate persevered to emerge as champion.

Throughout this conversation, Nate shares profound wisdom gained through adversity: "The riskiest thing you can do in life is play it safe" and "Failure is weighed in ounces, but regret is weighed in tons." His story reminds us that our greatest obstacles might actually be preparing us for our greatest victories—if we have the courage to keep climbing.

Follow Nate's continuing adventures @NoLimitsNate on Instagram and watch for his upcoming book, which promises to deliver more of the wisdom and inspiration that have made him not just a physical champion, but a champion of the human spirit. Whatever challenge you're facing today, let Nate's journey remind you: don't give up. Your setback might be setting you up for something extraordinary.