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Ever wondered what it takes to dance with the stars... while carrying the scars of a near-death combat incident? This question is not a hypothetical scenario, but the real-life journey of J.R. Martinez, a soldier-turned-star who has transformed tragedy into a platform of inspiration and resilience.

J.R.'s story is a masterclass in resilience, presence, and the power of being fully in the moment. At just 19, a life-altering accident changed everything for him—and it’s his ability to embrace each moment, no matter how difficult, that has led him to transform his life and inspire others.

J.R. takes us through his journey, sharing the raw truth of what it means to face hardship head-on, from surviving severe burns and smoke inhalation to battling the mental health struggles that followed. His story reminds us that no matter what we’re going through, our struggles are real, valid, and unique to us. We talk about the importance of confronting our past traumas, understanding our body’s memories, and finding the strength to heal and move forward.

One of the most powerful takeaways from J.R.'s experience? The practice of finding stillness amidst chaos. Whether it’s through the grounding techniques of yin yoga or simply learning how to sit with discomfort, J.R. highlights how slowing down can be the key to unlocking strength, clarity, and healing—especially in the darkest moments.

From his humble beginnings of dancing in bars to becoming a celebrated figure on a popular dance show, J.R. shows us how embracing new opportunities can open doors to a life far beyond what we ever imagined. His infectious energy and unwavering positivity remind us that even when life throws us curveballs, we can always find joy, growth, and purpose if we stay present and curious.

This episode is packed with inspiration, resilience, and the reminder that our struggles are not the end of the story—they’re just the beginning of something bigger. Tune in to hear J.R.'s powerful message and get ready to feel uplifted and empowered to face your own obstacles with the same grace, courage, and presence.

MEET J.R. MARTINEZ

J.R. is an Army veteran, motivational speaker, actor, Dancing with the Stars winner, and New York Times bestselling author of Full of Heart: My Story of Survival, Strength, and Spirit. His trajectory from a military hospital bed to the glitzy dancefloor of a hit TV show, and now to the forefront of thought leadership and motivational speaking, is a story that will inspire and challenge.

His unbending resolve and unbelievable life story make him one of the most compelling personalities out there. He has conquered the battlefield, the dance floor, the literary world, and now he is on a mission to captivate your audience.

CONNECT WITH J.R.
Book: Full of Heart: My Story of Survival, Strength and Spirit
Website: jrmartinez.com
Podcast:

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Music created and produced by Matt Bollenbach