The Overcoming Odds Podcast

A knight in shining armor charges down the field, arrows exploding upon his chest plate.

Other swordsmen exchange blows, but the knight is not deterred.

After all, his protection keeps him alive and fighting.

He knows if it were not for his armor, he would have perished long ago.

The knight is someone we can identify with, even if we do not possess the same fancy vestments.

A knight fights for what they believe is right while protecting their vital core.

The armor of knight is the wall that keeps danger at bay.

Without armor, the knight may be fearsome and strong, but vulnerable to attacks from all sides.

The knight cannot afford to enter battle without it.

People today may not walk around in armor as knights of medieval times did back then, but they still wear armor nonetheless.

The armor of today is the one that shields us from emotional and personal attacks.

By keeping on this armor, no one can get to you on the inside.

However, the armor also may keep out positive interactions and connections.

There is a fear of letting one’s armor down.

By doing so, you can be hurt in ways that are hard to recover from.

Some may be willing to risk the pain of an exposed psyche in order to be with the ones they love in full trust and respect.

Yet, it may not be that simple for others.

Are you able to let down your armor?

Join Oleg and Patrick as they discuss what it means to be vulnerable and accept the fear of letting your armor down.

What is a victim mentality?

What causes a victim mindset?

How do you break the victim mentality?

Tune in, as David Neal and Oleg, discuss ways to overcome victim mentality, dangerous of living in victimhood, and other related topics.

What are the things you're responsible for today?

Why these things and not others?

How do you choose the things that take the front seat? What are the things that get put on the back burner?

Tune in, as Brian and Oleg, explore the importance of prioritization in life, how to identify the critical steps to accomplish each day and other related topics.

Why do we help others?

Is one born with the intention of helping others or is it a learned behavior?

Some have argued that helping others feels good, it creates a sense of belonging, it gives one a sense of purpose, along with hundreds of other benefits.

At what point does helping others backfire? What is the downside of constantly wanting to help another being?

What is a personality type that is most likely to help others?

Tune in, as Michael and Oleg, dive deep into all of the above, as well as a variety of other topics.

A boy loves learning.

He loves reading.

He loves discovering new information in any way he can.

School provides him with some of his education, but he spends most of his time at the local library absorbing every piece of literature in his sights.

He is happiest when he is learning.

Unfortunately, the other kids at school don’t seem to share his unique appreciation for literature and sciences.

They make fun of him.

They tell him he will amount to nothing same as the rest of them.

The boy is quite lonely because no one wants to spend time with him.

Through his loneliness he finds the solace in the books he loves.

Although a pariah in his small town, he grows up to be a hero in the scientific world.

Not only has he met people who share his passion, he is rewarded for his insights.

There are a number of reasons why one would be ostracized from their communities.

Some are for legitimate grievances, while others can be simply due to a lack of understanding or empathy for differences.

Most people at some point experience a disconnect from others.

It may not be severe, but it can be a jarring experience.

Have you ever felt misunderstood by your peers?

Join Scott Mason and Oleg, as they explore the ultimate question, "Can living your story make you an outcast?"

Do you view the glass half full or half empty?

Do you become frustrated when it rains on a day you were planning on enjoying the outdoors?

Do you find that complaining about life brings you happiness?

Generally speaking, having a negative outlook can put yourself in a position where you find yourself less happy and create a less than enjoyable environment for those around you.

You may find that there is little to be positive about, but some circumstances may be less bleak than you perceive.

To feel negative emotions is normal when life throws obstacles in the path.

There can be catharsis in letting the veneer of positivity down.

However, have you found a balance between positivity and negativity that allows you to live a life that’s satisfying?

Oleg has had his fair share of negativity over the years.

He knows he is not alone in respect to hard times.

He is curious to see how negativity may be used for the good if possible.

The question is: Is there #value in #negativity?

Join Casey Berman, LaChelle Adkins, Caleb Pearson and Oleg, as they discuss the impact of negativity, the role "negativity" has in allowing us to understand "positivity", and other related topics.

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Also, join us at, “Survive to Thrive: Face Your Fears”, 3-day life changing event in Austin, TX, September 23 - 25, where you will take a deep dive into the origins of your fears, and then transform them into strengths.

What is the purpose of the hardships we encounter in our lives?

Is there a deeper meaning to it all?

Or is it only the meaning we choose to assign it?

Do you believe you have a choice in how you view each hardship in your life?

Tune in, as Ron and Oleg, discuss why hardships exist, the meaning hardships carry within our lives, and other related topics.

A girl desperately wants to be a professional soccer player when she grows up.

Even at a young age, she puts in hours and hours of practice in her backyard.

She is the first to start practice and the last to leave.

Nothing will prevent her from achieving her goals.

As she grows, she joins more prestigious teams and plays a game almost every weekend.

She continues to train hard and maintain her other obligations, as she finishes high school.

Unfortunately, she experiences an injury that puts her in the hospital.

She can’t play soccer anymore.

However, that is not an option.

She goes to physical therapy and continues to heal.

She will play again.

Years down the line, she is playing for a national team.

Her dream came true.

She hopes to inspire other little girls who have the same dream.

The fact that she had the internal determination was the first step of achieving her goals.

However, what were the external factors that got her to where she wanted to be?

Her parents would wake up a half hour earlier than her in order to get her ready for early morning practices.

They helped pay for the medical bills when she was injured.

They dealt with whatever obstacle their daughter may not have seen in order to give her the best chance at success.

When reviewing your personal story of growth and success, what were the factors that helped you achieve your goals?

Were you as equally determined as a young girl with a dream?

Are you aware of the external influences that impact your story?

Tune in as Casey Berman, LaChelle Adkins, Caleb Pearson and Oleg Lougheed explore ways to identify external influences that impact your story other related topics.

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Join Casey Berman, Steve Gamlin, Nancy John, Scott Mason and many others at, “Survive to Thrive: Face Your Fears”, 3-day life changing event in Austin, TX, September 23 - 25, where you will take a deep dive into your fears and origins.

https://www.overcomingodds.today/survive-to-thrive-live-face-your-fears

The "C" word.

More than 1.6 million people are diagnosed with cancer every year in US, and nearly 600,000 of them die from it, making it the second leading cause of death.

The question that remains unanswered is, "Can an individual beat cancer? If so, how?"

Thousands of approaches have been shared to date.

In this episode, we will be focusing on, "attitude".

What role does attitude have in defeating cancer?

Can one fight cancer with positivity?

Tune in, as Oleg and Martha explore whether or not one can train him or herself to see the glass half-full despite a life-changing cancer diagnosis.

How do you manifest peace and happiness?

Some people set very clear intentions, find ways to let go of perfectionism, create time for stillness, let go of what doesn't serve them.

How do you do it?

What brings you peace?

What makes you happy?

Join Rebecca and Oleg, as they explore the impact of acts of kindness, ways to identify things that make you happy, and other related topics.