In this powerful episode, we’re joined by keynote speaker, athletic trainer, and wellness coach Derek Clark—the creator of the Stress Recovery Game Plan. Derek’s story will leave you speechless and inspired as he shares how a high blood pressure reading led to life-saving heart surgery, a prostate cancer diagnosis, and ultimately, a total mindset transformation.

Derek walks us through how stress isn’t just mental—it’s physical, emotional, and deeply intertwined with how we live. You'll learn how to redefine stress using his game-changing acronym, discover the 7 key recovery tactics to regain balance, and understand why "flipping the coin" can be your most powerful mindset shift.

If you’re alive, this episode is for YOU. Whether you’re feeling burned out, stuck in negativity, or just need to build better habits, this conversation will equip you with tools to create lasting change—without giving up the things you love.

Get ready to flip your mindset, embrace stress, and unlock your best self.

In this episode of The Overcomers Podcast, Cyndy and I sit down with gym marketing expert Mark Fisher to dive into the idea that successful marketing is really about generosity. Mark shares insights from his book, explaining how marketing is all about giving, building trust, and nurturing relationships over time. He reminds us that we won't be the right fit for everyone—and that’s perfectly okay.

Tune in as we explore practical strategies for attracting your ideal clients, generating leads, and maintaining authentic connections while driving your business forward. This episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiration you won’t want to miss!

In this episode, we're thrilled to have Billy Hope Bakker as our special guest, bringing a wealth of knowledge and inspiration. Billy, a dynamic figure on the Perform Better tour and a seasoned co-presenter, joins us to delve into the critical topic of "Fitness Profits." He shares invaluable insights with fitness professionals and entrepreneurs on improving the financial aspects of their businesses.

Billy's journey is both inspiring and eye-opening. He recounts a pivotal moment in his life when, despite being newly married and pursuing his passion for fitness, he faced a financial crisis that turned his world upside down. A sudden visit from a repo man and the realization of being $130,000 in debt sparked a transformative journey for Billy and his wife. They tackled their financial challenges head-on, ultimately paying off a staggering half a million dollars in debt and achieving financial freedom.

Join us as Billy Hope Bakker offers invaluable advice on navigating the complexities of financial fitness, ensuring your business thrives not just in the present, but in the long run. Whether you're a seasoned gym owner or just starting, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you get your mind right about money and business success.

Vince Gabriele's book, "The Ultimate Guide to Small Group Training," serves as a comprehensive blueprint for fitness enthusiasts and gym owners seeking to optimize their business strategies and maximize income through small group training. Drawing from his wealth of experience and firsthand accounts, Vince illuminates the profound impact of extending a helping hand to others.

One poignant narrative highlights Vince's transformative influence on a friend's weight loss journey, leading to a lasting friendship that evolved into a mutually beneficial business mentorship spanning over two decades. Additionally, Vince recounts how he supported a college friend in achieving significant weight loss, underscoring his commitment to empowering individuals through both professional expertise and personal support.

Central to Vince's philosophy is the belief that assisting others not only fosters personal growth but also cultivates enduring relationships. His anecdotes underscore the profound interconnectedness between physical health, business acumen, and overall well-being. By embodying a culture of altruism and mentorship, Vince illustrates how transformative change extends beyond mere physical fitness, empowering individuals to excel as entrepreneurs and advocates for holistic wellness.

Furthermore, Vince's emphasis on the ripple effect of generosity underscores the broader societal impact of his approach. By nurturing a community of support and encouragement, Vince inspires individuals to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives, thereby creating a ripple effect that resonates far beyond the confines of the gym. Ultimately, "The Ultimate Guide to Small Group Training" serves not only as a practical resource for fitness professionals but also as a testament to the transformative power of compassion, mentorship, and community building in the pursuit of personal and professional success.

To dive deeper into Vince Gabriele's insights and experiences, be sure to listen to the full episode.

Kathleen Ferguson, a USC graduate and a stalwart leader in the health, fitness, and wellness industry, epitomizes resilience, innovation, and empathy. With over 14 years of experience, Kathleen has achieved remarkable success in business development and established herself as a beacon of inspiration for individuals battling chronic diseases and obesity. Her journey is marked by personal tragedy, professional triumphs, and an unwavering commitment to empowering others to lead healthier, fulfilling lives.

At the core of Kathleen’s mission is Coach360, a groundbreaking media, education, and membership platform designed to support health, fitness, and wellness coaches. This initiative stems from Kathleen’s own experiences, including the tragic loss of her husband to a chronic illness when she was just 26 years old. This profound loss served as a catalyst for Kathleen to reassess her life’s purpose, leading her to leave a conventional corporate job to pursue her passion for health and fitness. Through Coach360, Kathleen not only honors her husband’s memory but also channels her grief into a transformative force for good, providing coaches with the tools and resources they need to make a meaningful impact on their clients’ lives.

Through Coach360, Kathleen envisions a future where millions of individuals receive the support and guidance they need to embark on their wellness journey. By fostering partnerships with like-minded organizations and prioritizing a holistic approach to health and wellness, Kathleen is paving the way for a brighter, healthier future for generations to come.

The life story of Laurie Curtin is proof of the transformational potential of faith, fortitude, and dedication to all-encompassing recovery. Laurie's life has been characterized by obstacles that have molded her into a Christian entrepreneur committed to promoting well-being in mind, body, and spirit. These challenges range from her early experiences of adopting two children at the age of 20 to her near-death brush with swine flu. In her formative years, Laurie's decision to adopt two children set her on a path of holistic learning and caregiving. Her experiences in supporting women and families through alternative healthcare practices, such as doula work and lactation consulting, laid the foundation for her future endeavors. Moving to Pennsylvania and starting her own biological family further enriched her understanding of the importance of holistic approaches to health and wellness.

The result of Laurie's vision is elev3n.com, a database for the global holistic community. The purpose of this platform is to educate people about alternative healing modalities and to link them with a variety of practitioners. Laurie emphasizes the significance of feeling vibrant and healthy in taking care of the world around oneself and her mission to encourage individuals to take ownership of their health and lifestyle choices through elev3n.com. Laurie's words of support are quite meaningful to people who are trying to lead healthier lives. She promotes Brain Integration Therapy and stresses the value of getting support from the community when starting individual wellness journeys.

Laurie Curtin's journey embodies the principles of holistic healing, resilience, and faith-driven entrepreneurship. Through her experiences and dedication, she inspires others to embrace holistic approaches to health and well-being, fostering a world where individuals can thrive in mind, body, and spirit.

"It was a way for me to express my joy in fitness."

Moving from wrestling to bodybuilding, Mike's passion for weightlifting flourished into a profound commitment to shaping his physique. At the age of 19, he entered the bodybuilding arena, viewing it as an opportunity to showcase his love for fitness. Juggling gym sessions with studies in exercise science throughout his college years, he established the foundation for his forthcoming pursuits.

Continuously innovating, Mike remains committed to inspiring and engaging his community. His story epitomizes the power of dedication and perseverance, serving as a beacon of inspiration for those striving for healthier lives. As he aptly states, "Healthcare should be really caring for health," a sentiment that resonates throughout his journey.

Tune in to the latest episode of "Transformative Journeys, From Basement Weights to Fitness Entrepreneurship."

Get ready for an inspiring ride with "Journey: Thriving Through Challenges." Join me and my co-host, Cindy, as we share our story of building Journey Fitness from the ground up and navigating the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.

We'll take you back to where it all began in 2013, when we faced personal hardships but decided to turn things around by starting Journey Fitness. Despite starting small and dealing with space constraints, we were determined to make it work. And guess what? We did! We grew our community to 400 members in no time.

But it wasn't all smooth sailing. We'll talk about how the pandemic threw a wrench into our plans and forced us to rethink our strategies. It was a tough time, but it also taught us the importance of community and staying connected, which became the backbone of our business.

During our chats, we'll dive into the latest trends in the fitness industry, like the shift towards holistic wellness and personalized programming. Plus, we'll share some valuable lessons we've learned along the way, including the importance of being adaptable in a constantly changing world.

We'll also draw inspiration from the failures of big players like Kodak and Blockbuster, showing how their reluctance to change led to their downfall. It's a reminder that staying innovative and open to new ideas is crucial for long-term success.

And of course, we'll give you a sneak peek into what's coming next for Journey Fitness. Trust me, you won't want to miss it!

So grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and join us on "Journey: Thriving Through Challenges" as we explore the power of resilience and the joy of overcoming obstacles. Let's embark on this journey together towards a healthier, happier future.

Jeff Harmon stands out as a ray of hope and resilience in a society too frequently characterized by constraints and hardships. Having worked in executive leadership and brilliance coaching before, Jeff's life took an unexpected turn in 2017 when he learned he had a degenerative neurological illness that would require a wheelchair. But instead of giving up and succumbing to hopelessness, Jeff embarked on an incredible journey of self-realization, tenacity, and faith that led him to his audacious goal of climbing a mountain by 2025.

The story of Jeff demonstrates bravery in the face of difficulty. He refused to let his condition define him, even though it had come on suddenly. Rather, he made the decision to greet life with fresh vitality and purpose. His resolve to overcome physical constraints and lead an exciting, meaningful life is symbolized by his choice to climb mountains. Jeff's unwavering faith and conviction in the strength of community are at the core of his quest. He promotes a leadership style based on having a positive impact on the community, finding joy in service, and finding strength in one's own problems, all of which are inspired by biblical teachings. He equips leaders with the tools they need to achieve their goals and live courageous, purposeful lives through his coaching.

As Jeff builds a team of like-minded individuals to embark on this monumental journey, he emphasizes the importance of support and camaraderie. Together, they will navigate the challenges of mountain climbing, each drawing strength from the collective determination to reach new heights.

Jeff's determination to scale the 19,341-foot Mount Kilimanjaro is a testament to his unwavering spirit. Jeff's steadfast faith in God and his inner strength keep him going in the face of enormous adversities. In addition to being a physical challenge, he sees the mountain as a metaphor for facing fear and accepting the impossibly difficult. Jeff's goal to be a voice for people with physical disabilities is at the center of his quest. Rather than allowing his wheelchair to define him, he views himself as an advocate for accessibility and inclusivity. Through his narrative and invention of cutting-edge assistive technology, Jeff hopes to encourage people to follow their passions and challenge social norms.

On this week's episode let's talk about the amazing journey of Steve Farrell – from humble beginnings to becoming a tech industry trailblazer and a passionate advocate for spiritual growth.

Growing up in a big family and facing financial struggles, Steve never let obstacles hold him back. He was always driven by a thirst for adventure and exploration. His pursuit of the "American Dream" took him from his mom's place to a comfortable life near Washington, DC, and eventually to the bustling tech scene of San Francisco.

Steve rode the wave of the internet boom in the '90s, building businesses that played a crucial role in helping big companies with their digital communications. But amidst his career highs, something profound happened – a moment of awakening that changed everything. When asked about it, Steve described a powerful experience while reading the Bible.

This moment sparked a journey of self-discovery and spiritual enlightenment. Inspired by books like Conversations with God by Neale Donald Walsch, Steve made some big changes – even moving to Colorado and teaming up with Neale to launch a nonprofit.

Exploring deep truths about life and the interconnectedness of all things, Steve shared how modern scientists are now validating ideas from Conversations with God. He even mentioned how Einstein, in his later years, delved into the same concepts, showing how everything around us is connected.