The Other Side of Success

Pastor and author Ian Simkins joins The Other Side of Success for a conversation on burnout, platform building, workaholism, marriage, fatherhood, and authentic faith. From social media pressure to being truly present at home, this episode challenges the idea of success and explores what it really means to live like Jesus in everyday life.

Mark Gentry opens up about how passivity nearly cost him his marriage—and the moment everything changed. This episode is a raw look at ownership, faith, and what it really means to lead as a man.

Summary

In this episode of the Other Side of Success podcast, host Tyler Rutledge engages in a deep conversation with Lindsay Maestas, a writer, speaker, and author of 'Don't Burn Your Own House Down.' They explore Lindsay's journey through marriage, faith, and the challenges of writing her book. Lindsay shares her childhood experiences, the impact of her parents' divorce, and how her faith transformed her life. The discussion delves into the importance of communication in marriage, the role of counseling, and the challenges of defining success in a world filled with expectations. Lindsay emphasizes the need for vulnerability, community support, and living intentionally to appreciate life fully

• Lindsay's journey reflects the complexities of marriage and personal growth.
• The importance of communication in overcoming marital challenges.
• Childhood experiences shape adult relationships and expectations.
• Faith played a crucial role in Lindsay's transformation and healing.
• Counseling is vital for maintaining a healthy marriage.
• Success is not just about achievements but also about relationships.
• Lindsay emphasizes the need for vulnerability in sharing personal stories.
• The writing process can be a reflection of personal struggles and growth.
• Community support is essential in navigating marriage and family life.
• Defining success involves being present and intentional in daily life.

• Navigating the Journey of Marriage and Writing
• The Impact of Childhood on Adult Relationships

• "I wanted to choose a good life."
• "I was ready to quit on this book."
• "I want to live without regrets."

Keywords

Lindsay Maestas, marriage, writing, faith, counseling, success, family dynamics, personal growth, communication, divorce

In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, Hannah Nabors returns to share what’s happened since her life-altering accident — and how joy continues to rise from the valley.

After closing the chapter on the courtroom case, Hannah steps into a new season marked by community support, bold advocacy, and a dream that once felt impossible: the Boston Marathon.

In this episode, we dive into:

• The emotional impact of the “Love Your Nabors” 5K, where 745 people showed up in overwhelming support
• How her community funded a $30,000 running blade
• The fight behind Hannah’s Bill, legislation aimed at expanding prosthetic coverage for amputees in Georgia
• Why mobility is about dignity — not luxury
• Training for the Boston Marathon with one leg and unshakable faith
• What it really means to “choose joy” in the middle of hardship

Hannah’s story isn’t about denial of pain — it’s about defiance in the face of it.

She reminds us that success isn’t about lowering the standard. It’s about having the right tools to meet it.

If you’re walking through loss, uncertainty, or a season that feels impossible, this episode is for you.

Joy can’t be stolen.

Faith in adversity
Resilience after trauma
Boston Marathon inspiration
Disability advocacy
Legislation for amputees
Christian leadership
Community impact stories

If this episode encouraged you, share it with someone who needs hope today.

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In this episode of The Other Side of Success, Tyler sits down with Hannah Nabors — a lifelong runner, coach, special education teacher, and mother of two — whose life changed in an instant on an ordinary morning drive to school.

After being struck by a driver under the influence, Hannah survived a devastating accident that resulted in a below-the-knee amputation. What followed was not just physical recovery, but a deep reckoning with identity, fear, faith, and purpose.

In this conversation, Hannah shares:

• ​The split-second moments during the accident that still stay with her
• ​The mindset that kept her son calm in the middle of chaos
• ​Wrestling with the loss of a leg — and the fear she carried since childhood
• ​How faith, community, and resilience reshaped her understanding of joy
• ​Why joy isn’t something the world gives — and therefore can’t take away
• ​Her mission to run again, coach again, and trailblaze a new path forward

This episode is a powerful reminder that success isn’t found in comfort or control — but in choosing hope, meaning, and joy when life doesn’t go as planned.

From fronting High Flight Society to touring with Disciple and taking the national stage on NBC’s The Voice (Team Blake), Georgia native Jason Wilkes — known professionally as WILKES — has lived several lives in music.

But behind the lights and stages was a husband and father wrestling with calling, identity, and what success really means. In this powerful close to the season, WILKES opens up about walking away from touring to prioritize family, the faith moments that redirected his path, and how a viral TikTok trend helped him rediscover the soulful sound the industry once told him to tone down.

We talk about growing up in Cedartown alongside Sam Hunt, the “blue whale” moment that changed everything, why Blake Shelton didn’t quite “get” him, and how Alicia Keys did. It’s raw, honest, and a perfect full-circle finish to this year on The Other Side of Success.

Listen for:

• The real story behind leaving Disciple and life on the road

• What The Voice taught him about authenticity and pride

• How faith guided every major decision in his career

• Why he believes Christians belong in the world, not just of it

• His new single “Controlled Burn” and the freedom of going independent

Follow WILKES:
Instagram — @iamwilkes
Spotify — WILKES
Apple Music — WILKES
TikTok — @iamwilkes

In this episode, Tyler Rutledge interviews Shay Eskew, a remarkable individual who has overcome significant adversity, including being a burn survivor and competing in Ironman events. Shay shares his journey from childhood trauma to becoming a motivational speaker and author, emphasizing the importance of resilience, faith, and perspective in overcoming life's challenges. He discusses the role of sports in his recovery, the impact of his experiences on his family, and his philosophy on success and personal growth.

Takeaways

• Shay believes that obstacles are opportunities in disguise.
• His journey of recovery was fueled by perseverance and grit.
• Faith plays a crucial role in Shay's life and perspective.
• He emphasizes the importance of resilience in overcoming challenges.
• Shay's experiences have prepared him for greater challenges ahead.
• He encourages others to embrace their struggles as part of their journey.
• Shay's love for sports became a coping mechanism during his recovery.
• He believes in the power of saying yes to new opportunities.
• Shay's definition of success revolves around preparing his children for life.
• He advocates for the importance of self-awareness and emotional sensitivity.

In this episode of the Other Side of Success podcast, host Tyler Rutledge speaks with Jen Jones, founder and CEO of Jen Jones Direct LLC. Jen shares her journey of faith, motherhood, and advocacy, particularly in relation to her daughter with Down syndrome. The conversation explores themes of purpose, community, and the importance of health and wellness. Jen discusses her new book, 'Divinely Different,' and the significant life framework she has developed, which emphasizes the pillars of community, purpose, joy, home, and identity. The episode highlights the challenges and triumphs of navigating life's unexpected turns and the importance of surrendering to God's plan.takeaways

• ​Jen's journey began with a birth diagnosis of Down syndrome for her daughter, which reshaped her family's story.
• ​Faith and community played a crucial role in Jen's upbringing and her approach to life.
• ​The importance of daily obedience in finding purpose.
• ​Creating a home based on values rather than rules fosters connection and honesty.
• ​Health and wellness are integral to living a significant life and fulfilling one's purpose.
• ​The significant life framework includes five pillars: community, purpose, joy, home, and identity.
• ​Surrendering to God's plan can lead to unexpected blessings and opportunities.
• ​Writing and advocacy emerged as powerful tools for Jen in her mission to empower others.
• ​The significant conference provides a space for women to connect and grow in their faith and purpose.
• ​Success is defined by genuine relationships and the presence of Jesus in one's life.

Connect with Jen:

https://jenjonesdirect.com/

In This Episode:
Tyler sits down with Emmy Award-winning ESPN broadcaster and author Lauren Sisler, whose life was forever changed at just 18 years old when she lost both parents within hours of each other to prescription drug overdoses.

What followed was years of grief, shame, and silence — but also an incredible journey of redemption, faith, and purpose. Today, Lauren uses her platform to tell the truth behind addiction, resilience, and healing, helping others find freedom through their own stories.

Together, Tyler and Lauren unpack:• How Lauren’s path from gymnast to ESPN reporter unfolded• The unthinkable day she lost both parents — and the long road through grief• How faith and community helped her rediscover joy and identity• The power of vulnerability and emotional honesty in a performance-driven world• Writing Shatterproof and learning to fall in love with her story• Her message to anyone battling shame or loss: “Sometimes showing up is enough.”

Lauren also opens up about losing her brother in 2023, learning to lead with authenticity in an image-driven world, and what it means to find purpose in pain.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:How Lauren went from collegiate gymnast to ESPN sideline reporter

The day that changed everything — losing both parents to opioids

The long process of grief, faith, and learning to tell her story

How she discovered the name Shatterproof and what it truly means

Why vulnerability is not weakness — it’s connection
Finding strength through community and small daily victories
What authenticity looks like when the cameras are always on
Lauren’s advice for anyone facing their own broken pieces

Connect with Lauren:
📘 Shatterproof — available everywhere books are sold
🎧 Audiobook narrated by Lauren Sisler
🌐 LaurenSisler.com
📸 Instagram: @laurensisler

Connect with Tyler & The Other Side of Success:
🎧 Listen & Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube
📲 Follow on Instagram: @theothersideofsuccesspod
💪 Sponsors: Farmhaus Fitness | GameDay Men’s Health Tuscaloosa

Episode Summary
This is as personal as it gets. It's raw and 100% unedited. I sit down with my grandparents—married 70 years—to capture the stories, grit, and faith that shaped our family. Born into the shadow of the Great Depression, they watched World War II reshape America, raised 4 kids, loved 11 grandchildren, and now cheer for 23 great-grandchildren. Nanny shares how playing the church organ at 15 turned into 65 years of service. Paw Paw recalls selling glass-bottle Cokes to construction crews and moving to Savannah during the war years. We talk about their love story (yes, the “girls hiding in the backseat” meet-cute), the heartbreak of losing their first child, the chaos and joy of a big family, and the spiritual foundation that held it all together. Their secret to 70 years? Love, respect, and walking with God—together.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode
Early childhood snapshots: dirt-floor Sunday school, radio nights, BB guns, model airplanes
Faith roots: salvation moments, Sunday school, and service that shaped a lifetime
The meet-cute: choir rehearsal, a backseat surprise, and an ROTC dance at Georgia
Marriage at 22 & 19: finishing college, tiny budgets, big dreams
Heartbreak & hope: losing their first child and choosing to try again
Raising four: bath mishaps, kitchen fires, road trips, and cousins everywhere
Family business & grit: $35/week beginnings and building a life anyway
Traditions that stick: traveling together and keeping the kids close
What love looks like after 70 years: respect, reconciliation, and shared purpose
Their definition of success: family, faith, and being together at the lake.

Link to everything TOSOS: linktr.ee/theothersideofsuccess