The Unbroken Podcast

This week, Chris and Mel crack open a deck of question cards from The Diary of a CEO and put each other on the spot. Some questions go deep, some get hilarious, and a few might just catch us off guard. It's real, unfiltered conversation you won't want to miss.

Big thanks to our sponsors:

• The Grill Guys – your one-stop shop for grilling supplies, catered food, and more. Check them out at grillguys417.com or call 417-647-5002.

• Raptor Renovation – high-quality renovations and expert remodeling services right here in Southwest Missouri. Call 417-597-4208 to bring your project to life.

In this episode of The Unbroken Podcast, Chris sits down with his good friend and coworker, Jason Dean. Jason is a dedicated powerlifter whose journey is nothing short of inspiring. After suffering a back injury, doctors and friends alike told him he'd never be able to lift heavy—or compete—again. But Jason refused to let that setback define him. Through determination, disciplined rehab, and a relentless mindset, he fought his way back to the sport he loves.

After two years away from competition, Jason made his hard-earned return—winning the competition and proving the doubters wrong. We dive into what drives Jason, how he first got into powerlifting, and the mindset it takes to push through pain, setbacks, and excuses to achieve greatness.

This is a story of grit, motivation, and the unbreakable spirit that defines not just athletes, but anyone facing obstacles in life.

Sponsors:

• The Grill Guys/VRC – Your one-stop shop for grills, supplies, and catered food. Whether you're looking to upgrade your backyard setup or get amazing catered meals, 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 – Bringing quality and craftsmanship to every renovation project. From remodels to full renovations, trust Raptor Renovation to get the job done right. Call 417-597-4208 for expert service in Southwest Missouri. raptorrenovation.com

In this episode, we sit down with Whitney Guison to hear her inspiring journey from joining the Nixa Chamber of Commerce to eventually becoming its president. Whitney shares how fitness became a central part of her life, why it matters so deeply to her, and how her commitment to health grew even stronger after her husband's cancer diagnosis. It's a conversation about leadership, resilience, and the life-changing power of taking care of yourself.

Sponsors:

• The Grill Guys – Your one-stop shop for everything grilling, from top-quality supplies to mouthwatering catered meals. Visit grillguys417.com or call 417-647-5002, and be sure to mention The Unbroken Podcast.

• Raptor Renovation – Bringing high-quality craftsmanship and expertise to renovations and remodeling across Southwest Missouri. Call 417-597-4208 for your next project.

In this episode of The Unbroken Podcast, Chris and Mel dive into the world of viral mindset mantras — the ones that sound super motivating on Instagram… but fall apart in real life. From "Just manifest it" to "No bad days" and "Fall in love with the grind," we break down 10 popular phrases that often do more harm than good.

With humor, honesty, and practical wisdom, we explore how these messages can lead to shame, burnout, or disconnection — and what to do instead. We don't just call out the fluff — we offer grounded, faith-rooted alternatives that actually build resilience, contentment, and real growth.

If you've ever felt guilty for not vibing high enough, grinding hard enough, or manifesting fast enough — this one's for you.

The Grill Guys – Your one-stop shop for all things BBQ. Whether you're looking for top-tier grilling supplies or delicious catered meals, these guys bring the heat (and the flavor). Check them out at grillguys417.com or call 417-647-5002. Mention The Unbroken Podcast for a little extra love.

Raptor Renovation – Need expert remodeling or high-quality renovation work in Southwest Missouri? Raptor Renovation combines craftsmanship with integrity. Call 417-597-4208 and tell them The Unbroken Podcast sent you.

In this episode, we sit down with Cody Greenhaw—co-founder of Republic Barbell Club—to talk about how a group of friends who loved lifting heavy outgrew their local fitness center and decided to create something of their own. While the story behind starting the gym is inspiring, most of our conversation dives into Cody's true passion: teaching. We talk about how he got into education, what drives him in the classroom, and his commitment to being the kind of example young people need. It's a fun, heartfelt, and hilarious conversation full of wisdom, encouragement, and plenty of laughs.

🛠️ Sponsored by:

🔥 The Grill Guys – Check out their brand-new site: veganrecovery.net for top-tier grilling gear, catering, and unique recovery fuel for athletes and food lovers alike! 417-647-5002

🛠️ Raptor Renovation – Expert renovation and remodeling done right. Transform your home with the team that brings craftsmanship and integrity to every project. raptorrenovation.com 417-597-4208

In this episode of The Unbroken Podcast, we sit down with Rick Wadholm—associate professor at the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary, former pastor of 22 years, and author of several insightful theological works, which you can explore at www.rick.wadholm.com. Rick shares his journey into ministry, the unexpected turns along the way, and the deep faith that continues to guide him. But we also get to nerd out—Rick's love for Lord of the Rings and Star Wars shines through, and we had a great time blending thoughtful conversation with a whole lot of fun.

Thank you to our sponsors: 🛠 Raptor Renovation – Southwest Missouri's trusted name for high-quality renovations and expert remodeling services. Call 417-597-4208 for your next home project.

🔥 The Grill Guys – Your one-stop shop for grilling supplies, custom-built smokers, and unforgettable catered eats. Check them out at grillguys417.com or call 417-647-5002. Be sure to mention The Unbroken Podcast when you reach out!

In this episode of The Unbroken Podcast, we sit down with Daniel Pledger—a man whose life has been defined by strength, grit, and relentless drive. From his early days playing football in high school and college, to his time in the Army where he also competed in MMA, Daniel has always chased physical excellence.

But it wasn't until 2019 that he discovered his true passion: Strongman. What started as a curiosity quickly turned into a calling. Daniel committed to the sport and rose through the ranks to become one of the best Strongman competitors in the world. His journey has taken him across the globe—including to Lithuania—where he competed alongside elite international athletes.

Daniel's story is one of discipline, passion, and perseverance. Whether you're an athlete, a veteran, or just someone working toward your own version of strength, his journey is a powerful reminder that it's never too late to pursue your greatness.

💥 Our Sponsors:

The Grill Guys / VRC (grillguys417.com | 417-647-5002) From backyard BBQs to full-blown catering, The Grill Guys have you covered. They're your one-stop shop for smokers, grills, rubs, and expert-level advice. Mention The Unbroken Podcast when you call or stop by for special offers!

Raptor Renovation (raptorrenovation.com | 417-597-4208) Need quality craftsmanship with zero shortcuts? Raptor Renovation is your go-to for expert remodeling services in Southwest Missouri. Whether it's a kitchen upgrade or a total home transformation, they bring precision and passion to every project.

In this episode, we sit down with Cassey Howard—a powerhouse of faith, a devoted homeschool mom, and a passionate voice in the wellness community. Cassey opens up about her personal journey battling multiple autoimmune disorders and how that experience led her to discover a lifestyle that truly supports her physical and spiritual health. Her story is one of resilience, boldness for Christ, and taking ownership of wellness from the inside out. If you're looking for encouragement, faith-filled wisdom, and real talk on health and healing, this episode is for you. We were honored to have Cassey share her journey and how she's now living healthy, energized, and full of purpose.

🔥 Sponsored by The Grill Guys

Whether you're a backyard BBQ master or just want someone else to do the work, The Grill Guys have you covered. They're your one-stop shop for grills, smokers, seasonings, accessories—and yes, they cater too. From big events to private gatherings, they bring the flavor. 👉 Visit: www.grillguys417.com 📞 Call: 417-647-5002 Mention The Unbroken Podcast when you reach out!

🛠️ Sponsored by Raptor Renovation

Raptor Renovation delivers high-quality, professional remodeling services across Southwest Missouri. From kitchens to full-home transformations, they take pride in craftsmanship and customer satisfaction. When you want it done right, call Raptor Renovation or go to raptorrenovation.com. 📞 Call: 417-597-4208

In this episode of The Unbroken Podcast, we sit down with JB Brock, the creative force behind JB Spice Blends. What started as JB volunteering to cook at his company's cookout—on a shoestring budget—quickly turned into something more. To stretch the budget, he whipped up his own spice blend, and the flavor had his coworkers asking, "Where'd you get this?" With the support of his wife and a passion for flavor, JB launched what is now a growing brand. Several years, seven unique spice blends, and three signature hot sauces later, JB Spice Blends continues to expand. We dive into JB's journey as a veteran-owned and operated business built on hustle, heart, and serious flavor.

Check out JB's products at: JB Spice Blends – jbspiceblends.com

Sponsor Blurbs:

The Grill Guys/VRC – Whether you're a weekend warrior or a pitmaster in the making, The Grill Guys have everything you need for your next BBQ—from smokers and grills to seasonings and catered eats. Visit grillguys417.com or call 417-647-5002. Tell them The Unbroken Podcast sent you!

Raptor Renovation – Transform your space with expert craftsmanship and high-quality renovations from Raptor Renovation. Serving Southwest Missouri with integrity and precision. Call 417-597-4208 to start your next project. Quality. Trust. Raptor Renovation. raptorrenovations.com

In this episode of The Unbroken Podcast, we fire things up with Charlie Wallace, one of the owners of our longtime sponsors The Grill Guys and the man usually found behind the smoker at VRC events. Charlie shares what it was like to help with Fergolicious BBQ at SmokSlam in Memphis, TN—a high-stakes, flavor-packed competition that's as intense as it is mouthwatering. We dive into Charlie's love for cooking, the community that forms around good food, and how he's turned passion into purpose. From smoky brisket to smoked-out stories, this episode was an absolute blast to record—and it might just leave you hungry for more.

Sponsor Blurb:

This episode is brought to you by The Grill Guys—your one-stop shop for all things BBQ, grilling, and catered flavor bombs. Whether you're hosting a backyard bash or looking for next-level tailgate eats, they've got you covered. Visit grillguys417.com or call 417-647-5002. Tell them The Unbroken Podcast sent you.

Also thanks to Raptor Renovation for supporting the show. For expert remodeling, high-quality craftsmanship, and service you can trust in Southwest Missouri, visit raptorrenovation.com or call 417-597-4208.