The Unbroken Podcast

In this episode, Chris and Mel sit down with coach and athlete Derek Speck for a deep-dive into what first sparked his love for sports — and how that passion grew into a career in coaching. Derek shares the early moments that shaped him, the mentors who influenced his path, and the turning points that pushed him toward helping others grow.

Together, they explore the mindset behind great coaching: what it takes to guide athletes well, how to balance discipline with empathy, and why the best coaches stay lifelong learners. The conversation is honest, energetic, and packed with wisdom — a must-listen for anyone interested in sports, leadership, or developing a stronger mindset.

This episode is proudly supported by:

The Grill Guys/VRC — Your go-to for top-tier grilling supplies, catered meals, and everything you need to feed a crowd. Visit grillguys417.com or call 417-647-5002. Mention The Unbroken Podcast when you reach out! Look out for their amazing classes they offer at the VRC as well!

Raptor Renovation — Providing high-quality renovations & expert remodeling services throughout Southwest Missouri. From single-room updates to full home transformations, they deliver craftsmanship you can count on. Call 417-597-4208 to get your project started.

In this episode of The Unbroken Podcast, Chris and Melissa dive into one of the most common struggles people face this time of year—how to stay consistent with fitness, nutrition, and mental health while still embracing the joy and chaos of the holidays.

They break down why routines get harder, what "consistency" actually looks like in a busy season, and how grace, flexibility, and small daily anchors can keep you grounded. From redefining expectations to practical tools for stress, movement, rest, and renewal, this conversation is all about helping you enjoy the season without losing your rhythm.

It's an honest, encouraging hour focused on real life—not perfection.

This episode is supported by The Grill Guys/VRC—your one-stop shop in Southwest Missouri for premium grills, supplies, and fully catered meals. Whether you're gearing up for holiday cooking or need incredible food for your next event, visit grillguys417.com or call 417-647-5002. Make sure to mention The Unbroken Podcast!

And by Raptor Renovation, offering high-quality renovations and expert remodeling throughout Southwest Missouri. From kitchens to full-home transformations, their craftsmanship speaks for itself. Call 417-597-4208 to schedule a consultation and tell them we sent you.

In this episode, we sit down with Madi and Destin Harrison for a fun, free-flowing conversation about life, passions, and all the little things that make us who we are. From personal stories to laughs along the way, this episode is all about connection, authenticity, and just enjoying the conversation. Whether you're looking for inspiration, a good story, or just a few laughs, this episode has something for everyone.

💡 Sponsored by:

• The Grill Guys – Your one-stop shop for grilling supplies, catered food, and all things barbecue. Visit grillguys417.com and mention The Unbroken Podcast.

• Raptor Renovation – Expert remodeling and renovation services in Southwest Missouri, delivering quality and craftsmanship you can trust. Call 417-597-4208 to transform your space.

Ever walk into a room and immediately feel tension in the air — even before anyone says a word? That's not just intuition; it's emotional contagion. In this episode, we unpack how anxiety spreads through groups and environments — from gyms to workplaces to families — and how leaders, coaches, and everyday people can keep from catching it.

Chris and Mel dive into the science behind emotional contagion, why anxiety moves faster than calm, and what it means to lead with emotional regulation. You'll learn practical ways to stop absorbing group energy, reset the tone in anxious environments, and become the grounding force others can lean on.

Because the truth is — anxiety spreads fast… but so does calm.

The Grill Guys / VRC – Your one-stop shop for all things grilling — from top-tier equipment to catered BBQ that steals the show. Visit grillguys417.com or call 417-647-5002. Mention The Unbroken Podcast for exclusive savings.

Raptor Renovation – Turning homes into masterpieces across Southwest Missouri. Whether it's a full remodel or a precision renovation, these are the experts who get it right the first time. Call 417-597-4208 and tell them The Unbroken Podcast sent you.

In this episode of The Unbroken Podcast, we welcome Kelly Parker, a CPA and CFA with a wealth of financial expertise. Mel first connected with Kelly when they both presented at the same conference, and we knew she'd be the perfect guest for a powerful conversation. Together, we dive into what true financial freedom looks like, and how women in particular can discover confidence and independence when they take financial power seriously. This episode is packed with practical insights, inspiring stories, and encouragement for anyone looking to strengthen their financial future.

A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors:

• The Grill Guys/VRC – Your one-stop shop for all things grilling, from top-quality supplies to mouthwatering catered food. Visit grillguys417.com or call 417-647-5002. Mention The Unbroken Podcast when you reach out!

• Raptor Renovation – Delivering expert remodeling services with a commitment to high-quality renovations in Southwest Missouri. Call 417-597-4208 to bring your vision to life.

In this episode of The Unbroken Podcast, we sit down with Kate Martinez, co-owner of NXT Level Chiropractic alongside her husband. Kate shares her journey into fitness and what inspired her to become a chiropractor, blending her passion for movement and wellness into a career focused on helping others live healthier lives. We had a fun and insightful conversation about the importance of staying active, maintaining overall health, and how small, intentional habits can lead to big transformations.

Whether you're into fitness, interested in chiropractic care, or simply looking for ways to live a healthier lifestyle, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical takeaways.

A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors:

• The Grill Guys/VRC – Your one-stop shop for all things grilling, from top-quality supplies to mouthwatering catered food. Visit grillguys417.com or call 417-647-5002. Mention The Unbroken Podcast when you reach out!

• Raptor Renovation – Delivering expert remodeling services with a commitment to high-quality renovations in Southwest Missouri. Call 417-597-4208 to bring your vision to life.

Episode Summary In this episode of The Unbroken Podcast, we sit down with Sara McCalley, nurse practitioner and founder of RiverBranch Healthcare. Fresh off her ribbon cutting, Sara opens up about her journey from years inside the traditional healthcare system to taking a bold leap of faith into entrepreneurship. She shares how stepping out on her own allows her to care for patients the way she's always wanted—focusing on true connection, trust, and individualized healthcare. This conversation goes beyond her professional path—we also get to know Sara as a person, hearing her passion for people and the heart behind her vision. It's an inspiring story about courage, purpose, and believing in yourself.

Sponsor Blurbs

• The Grill Guys / VRC – Whether you're looking for the best grilling supplies, catering, or a one-stop shop for all things BBQ, The Grill Guys have you covered. Visit grillguys417.com or call 417-647-5002—and don't forget to mention The Unbroken Podcast!

• Raptor Renovation – From small updates to major remodels, Raptor Renovation delivers quality craftsmanship you can trust. Serving Southwest Missouri with excellence and care. Call 417-597-4208 today to bring your vision to life.

In this episode of The Unbroken Podcast, we dive into the double-edged sword of social media and the constant stream of news right in the palms of our hands. These tools can be powerful for connection and information, but they can just as easily become sources of distraction and discouragement. We talk about how to use these platforms as they were intended—helpfully and productively—while setting boundaries to protect your peace.

We also explore the power of saying "No" and "Yes," and how both can be healthy or harmful depending on the situation. Sometimes opportunity comes from saying yes, and sometimes growth comes from saying no—it's all about discernment and balance.

✨ Special thanks to our sponsors!

• The Grill Guys/VRC – Your one-stop shop for grilling supplies and catered food. Visit grillguys417.com or call 417-647-5002. Don't forget to mention The Unbroken Podcast!

• Raptor Renovation – High-quality renovations and expert remodeling services right here in Southwest Missouri. Call 417-597-4208 for your next project.

We're excited to welcome back Marisa Maher to the show! Fresh off the 10th Battle at The Base CrossFit competition—an event she has helped organize for years—Marisa sat down with us to talk all about this year's milestone competition and the community that makes it possible.

It's been over two years since we last had her on at the Monster Games, and Marisa has been busier than ever. From growing in her career to competing at a high level, she continues to push boundaries. One of the most exciting updates? She's now part of the Grid League team, the Las Vegas Venom! Marisa shared how she got involved, what it's like to compete at that level, and what drives her passion for the sport.

This episode is full of energy, inspiration, and great stories from someone who truly embodies what it means to stay unbroken.

Sponsors

• The Grill Guys/VRC – Your one-stop shop for grilling supplies, catered food, and more. Visit grillguys417.com or call 417-647-5002. Mention The Unbroken Podcast when you reach out!

• Raptor Renovation – Expert remodeling and high-quality renovations in Southwest Missouri. Call 417-597-4208 to start your next project. raptorrenovation.com

On this episode of The Unbroken Podcast, we sit down with Wyatt and Kaya Begay—the husband-and-wife team behind Uplift Coffee Company. We first met them in Oklahoma City at an event where they were sharing not just their coffee, but their passion and story.

They don't run a brick-and-mortar shop—instead, they bring their coffee directly to people through events and online, making every interaction personal and intentional. In our conversation, we got to know who they are, why fitness and coffee are so central in their lives, and how they've built a brand around helping others rise, grind, and repeat with purpose.

• The Grill Guys – For top-tier grilling gear, catering, and tasty vibes. Hit them up at grillguys417.com or call 417-647-5002 and get your grill game on point.

• Raptor Renovation – Looking to revamp your space? These Southwest Missouri pros have your back. Dial 417-597-4208 and let them bring your project to life with flair.