The Unbreakable Storm Podcast

In this inspiring episode of Unbreakable Storm, we sit down with Lara “LJ” Johnson — award‑winning keynote speaker, bestselling author, executive coach, creator of the Global G.R.I.T. System™, and one of the most requested voices in leadership and resilience today.

LJ’s journey is the living embodiment of what it means to grit through it. She opens up about surviving devastating personal challenges, including the loss of her youngest son and her own near‑fatal health crisis, and how these experiences shaped her revolutionary approach to resilience, performance, and identity.

From neuroscience‑backed frameworks to real‑world leadership impact, Lara breaks down how grit — not luck or talent — is the force that elevates ordinary people into legendary leaders. We dive into her powerful Global G.R.I.T. System™, the heart of her best‑selling book Hunt or Be Hunted, and explore how anyone can identify their grit strengths and use them to perform under pressure, grow through adversity, and redefine success on their own terms.

🔥 In this episode, we explore:

What grit really is (and isn’t)

The four pillars and types of grit that shape performance

Turning heartbreak into fuel for growth

Real tools for leadership, communication, and emotional intelligence

Why vulnerability can be your greatest strength

LJ’s story isn’t just motivational — it’s transformational. If you’ve ever felt like you should be further, stronger, or ahead of where you are, this episode will shift how you think about resilience, identity, and what it truly takes to rise.

🎧 Now streaming on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeart Radio, and YouTube.

For more on LJ: https://officiallaraj.com/

For more on Olivia: https://www.olivianunn.com

To be a guest, email Olivia at [email protected]

To schedule a call with Olivia https://calendly.com/olivianunn

From the MMA cage to the frontlines of military leadership, Colton Smith has faced every storm head-on — but his greatest victories have come not just in the octagon, but in the way he leads, fathers, and builds legacy through discipline, faith, and purpose.

In this powerful season finale of Unbreakable Storm, Colton shares the story behind the headlines: not just as the winner of The Ultimate Fighter, but as a U.S. Army combat veteran, elite Combatives instructor, and entrepreneur who’s been relentlessly committed to breaking generational cycles.

Raised in Iowa and fueled by a desire for a better life, Colton enlisted in the Army right out of high school, climbing the ranks while simultaneously building a pro fighting career. But behind the accolades — from UFC bouts to Ranger tabs — were deeper storms: learning to navigate identity, family, and pressure while holding himself to the highest standard of discipline.

Today, Colton is a father, faith-driven leader, and founder of Enlisted Nine Fight Company — a brand and training space dedicated to building the next generation of resilient warriors. His message is clear: You don’t have to be perfect. But you must be relentless.

🔥 In this episode, Colton unpacks:

Why martial arts gave him a lifeline — and what it still teaches him

The realities of fighting addiction, anger, and adversity in silence

His faith walk, and how Christ became his true anchor

The tension between legacy and presence as a father and leader

Why discipline is freedom, and chaos is the enemy

Whether you're in uniform, on a mat, or simply trying to break free from your own cycles — this episode is a gut-punch of truth, grit, and grace.

🎧 Now streaming on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Amazon Music, and iHeartRadio.

For more on Colton: https://e9fc.com/about-us/

For more on Olivia: https://www.olivianunn.com

To be a guest, email Olivia at [email protected]

To schedule a call with Olivia https://calendly.com/olivianunn

In this unforgettable episode of Unbreakable Storm, we sit down with RJ Casey — a veteran operator whose life’s work spans some of the most elite arenas of service, rescue, and creative impact.

RJ’s journey is remarkable not just for its breadth — from the U.S. Army to U.S. Air Force Special Warfare and other government special operations — but for the depth with which he has redefined what it means to serve. With over 35 years of distinguished experience in combat, personnel recovery, humanitarian assistance, and disaster response across multiple continents, RJ’s story goes far beyond typical military narratives.

Along the way, he helped build and lead SpaceX’s Astronaut Rescue and Recovery Team, serves as a scientific diver and conservation advocate with Force Blue, and channels his passion into veteran support work with multiple nonprofit partners. He’s also a successful entrepreneur and co‑founder of Four Branches Bourbon — a veteran‑led brand dedicated to honoring service, sacrifice, and camaraderie.

In this episode, RJ shares the moments that shaped him — not just as a warfighter, but as a human navigating identity, purpose, and legacy after decades of elite service. From his family’s tradition to the lessons learned in the quiet spaces between missions, RJ offers insight into how resilience is forged through connection, discipline, and clarity of purpose.

🔥 In this conversation, we explore:

What it really feels like to serve in multiple elite military communities

The emotional and psychological journey of transitioning purpose forward

How RJ’s creative pursuits and brand leadership reflect deep values

Why storytelling and shared legacy matter in healing and community building

This isn’t just a military story — it’s a human one. And by the end, you’ll see that resilience isn’t about never breaking… It’s about choosing to keep building.

🎧 Now streaming on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, and YouTube.

For more on RJ: https://www.fourbranches.com/pages/rj-casey-founders-page?srsltid=AfmBOorYR7cpV0bAh3nLAX1fQTB_mys-1tKNgtPOamhBSXWT6x0Ae2aT

For more on Olivia: https://www.olivianunn.com

To be a guest, email Olivia at [email protected]

To schedule a call with Olivia https://calendly.com/olivianunn

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Nate Boyer, a man whose life story is anything but ordinary. From Green Beret to NFL player to actor, director, and social impact warrior—Nate’s journey defies convention and speaks to the spirit of the unbreakable.

Nate opens up about the winding path that led him from military service to professional football, despite never playing a game in college before walking on at the University of Texas. He shares how failure, rejection, and uncertainty shaped his identity more than success ever could.

But beyond the resume is a deeper story—a man reckoning with purpose, searching for meaning after service, and choosing to build bridges through storytelling and action. Through MVP (Merging Vets & Players), Nate helps combat veterans and former pro athletes find a new mission after the uniform comes off.

🔥 Themes Explored:

Identity after transition

Choosing courage in the unknown

The power of community and peer support

Creativity as a healing tool

The myth of overnight success

🎧 Now streaming on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, YouTube, and iHeartRadio

🎯 Call to Action:

For more on Nate: https://www.missionsixzero.com/our-team/nate-boyer/

For more on Olivia: https://www.olivianunn.com

To be a guest, email Olivia at [email protected]

To schedule a call with Olivia https://calendly.com/olivianunn

In this gripping episode of Unbreakable Storm, we welcome Brin’na Rollins-Williams, a powerhouse leader, visionary, and advocate who knows what it means to rise—again and again.

Brin’na opens up about the moments that nearly broke her, and how through grace, grit, and a deep commitment to her purpose, she forged her own lane. From navigating adversity to thriving in leadership spaces where she once felt unseen, Brin’na’s story is a testament to what it looks like to refuse to quit—even when no one else is clapping.

She shares wisdom on building confidence, standing tall in your truth, and breaking through the noise with authenticity. Her journey reminds us that unbreakable doesn’t mean untouched—it means you’ve been through the storm and chose to keep going.

🔥 Themes:

Overcoming doubt and imposter syndrome

Leading with purpose and power

Healing through visibility and voice

Self-worth, identity, and resilience

Inspiration for women and emerging leaders

🎧 Now streaming on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, YouTube, and iHeartRadio.

For more on Brin'na: https://www.legacyfulfilled.com/

For more on Olivia: https://www.olivianunn.com

To be a guest, email Olivia at [email protected]

To schedule a call with Olivia https://calendly.com/olivianunn

In this episode of Unbreakable Storm, we sit down with Tim Martin—a powerful voice in the world of purpose-driven leadership and authentic living. Known for his unwavering commitment to faith, clarity, and service, Tim shares the defining moments that shaped his path through adversity and into alignment with his true calling.

From overcoming personal setbacks to stepping boldly into his role as a mentor and coach, Tim opens up about the struggles that once silenced him—and the courage it took to find his voice. With raw honesty and deep insight, he explores how clarity, discipline, and spiritual grounding became the compass guiding his transformation.

This conversation is an inspiring testament to the power of resilience, identity, and staying rooted in your values—especially when life tries to pull you off course.

🔥 Themes:

Spiritual clarity & faith

Resilience through adversity

Purpose over perfection

Identity & transformation

Leadership from the inside out

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Amazon Music, and iHeartRadio.

More on Tim:https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothy-martin-27b61821/

For more on Olivia: https://www.olivianunn.com

To be a guest, email Olivia at [email protected]

To schedule a call with Olivia https://calendly.com/olivianunn

What does it take to turn your voice into a movement?

In this electrifying episode of Unbreakable: Stories That Rise, we sit down with Dr. Cheryl Wood—globally-acclaimed keynote speaker, bestselling author, TEDx presenter, and the powerhouse founder of Global Speakers University. But behind the stage lights and accolades is a woman who built her empire from scratch and knows firsthand what it’s like to climb from the trenches while the world only watches your triumph.

Together, we unpack her rise to the top, what it takes to rewrite internal scripts that limit our potential, and why people often cheer for your success—but disappear during your struggle. Dr. Wood shares how she overcame setbacks, self-doubt, and societal pressure to emerge as a fierce voice of radical transformation for leaders who are ready to stop shrinking and start shining.

🔥 If you’ve ever felt like you're being crushed by the weight of your potential, this conversation is your permission slip to stand tall, speak up, and take up space.

We talk about:

Building something from nothing

The hard truth about people who only show up at your peak

Radical self-talk and the T.A.L.K.™ Framework

Mastering the art of influence and using your voice for impact

What it means to lead with unapologetic personal power

🎧 Tune in now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeart Radio, or YouTube.

For more about Dr. Woods: https://www.cherylempowers.com/

For more on Olivia: https://www.olivianunn.com

To be a guest, email Olivia at [email protected]

To schedule a call with Olivia https://calendly.com/olivianunn

In this powerful episode of Unbreakable Storm, we sit down with Donnell Johns, a retired U.S. Army Command Sergeant Major who turned the pain of transition and the weight of identity loss into a mission that empowers thousands.

Donnell opens up about the difficult shift from the structured life of military service to the uncertain terrain of civilian entrepreneurship. With candor and depth, he reflects on what it really means to lead—not from rank, but from purpose.

We explore the founding of Veterans Growing America, his commitment to building spaces for veteran-owned businesses to thrive, and how the struggles he faced post-service gave rise to a new definition of leadership: one rooted in empathy, vision, and community building.

This conversation dives into:

The internal storm of losing identity after military retirement

The uphill journey of launching a business from scratch

Donnell’s belief that service doesn't end with the uniform—it just evolves

Why helping others rise is the ultimate form of healing

Donnell's story is a living blueprint for resilience and purpose-driven leadership. If you’ve ever felt lost after a chapter ended, or uncertain about what comes next, this episode will speak to your soul.

👉 Tune in now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, and YouTube.

For more about Donnell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnelljohns/

For more on Olivia: https://www.olivianunn.com

To be a guest, email Olivia at [email protected]

To schedule a call with Olivia https://calendly.com/olivianunn

In this deeply moving episode, Olivia is joined by Annette Whittenberger — a retired Army officer, mental health advocate, speaker, and founder of A Wild Ride Called Life. Annette opens up about her journey through the hidden battles of life after service, her experience navigating divorce, and the lifelong impact of living with depression, anxiety, and PTSD.

From the outside, Annette was the strong leader, mother, and soldier. But behind the uniform and the smile was a woman grappling with loss of identity, overwhelm, and emotional exhaustion. It wasn’t until she gave herself permission to be vulnerable — to speak her truth out loud — that the real healing began.

🌀 In this conversation, we explore:

Letting go of perfectionism and embracing authenticity

Parenting through pain and showing up anyway

The emotional weight of transition, both personal and professional

The power of community, connection, and storytelling

How writing became a form of release and reclamation

Annette’s story reminds us that even the strongest people need support — and that healing doesn’t require having it all figured out. It just requires the courage to begin.

📢 You are not alone. Your story is not over. And the storm you’re walking through might just lead to your greatest breakthrough.

For more on Annette: https://www.awildridecalledlife.com/about

For more on Olivia: https://www.olivianunn.com

To be a guest, email Olivia at [email protected]

To schedule a call with Olivia https://calendly.com/olivianunn

Combat veteran Shawn Livingston knows what it means to fight battles that don’t end when the uniform comes off. After sustaining an injury while serving his country, Shawn found himself struggling with heroin addiction—a descent that nearly cost him everything. His raw and courageous journey from combat, to addiction, and ultimately to recovery is documented in the film 100 Miles to Redemption, an unflinching look at pain, accountability, and the long road home.

Today, Shawn is living proof that redemption is possible. Through sobriety, discipline, and relentless self‑work, he transformed his life and mindset. He is now a decorated ultra runner, pushing his body and mind through grueling endurance races that mirror the internal battles he once fought in silence.

Shawn is also the host of the podcast I Am Redemption, where he creates space for others to share stories of recovery, resilience, and triumph. Deeply rooted in the recovery community, he travels nationwide as a motivational speaker—offering hope to those who feel trapped by their past.

This episode is about falling hard, choosing to rise, and discovering that redemption isn’t a destination—it’s a daily commitment.

🌪️ If you’ve ever felt lost, broken, or beyond saving, this conversation will remind you: it’s never too late to rise.

For more on Shawn: https://iamredemption.com/

For more on Olivia: https://www.olivianunn.com

To be a guest, email Olivia at [email protected]

To schedule a call with Olivia https://calendly.com/olivianunn