Who You Became

At 15, Jacob Barneck was headed to a football camp when a car accident shattered his back and left him paralyzed. Doctors told him he would never walk again. His response? "It's going to be fine. I'll walk again."  In this episode of Who You Became, Jacob shares the remarkable journey of choosing to walk — literally and figuratively — through every challenge life placed in front of him. From spending nights in his hospital bed willing his toes to move, to giving up his cane, to proposing to his wife Amy on their very first date, Jacob's story is one of unshakeable positivity, an unwavering belief in himself, and relentless forward motion.  

Now 49 years old, a husband of nearly 28 years, father of five, and a professional who has helped organizations like Goldman Sachs, Citibank, and USAA save close to half a billion dollars, Jacob is just getting started. His mission: to positively influence the lives of 10,000 people. His method: go make someone's day better.

Connect with Jacob

Common Sense Profile

LinkedIn

Instagram

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In this episode of Trials and Triumphs, we’re joined by Annika Finley, a Salt Lake City-based real estate agent whose journey to finding a career she loves was anything but straightforward. From moments of confusion and doubt to finally discovering her passion in helping others buy and sell homes, Annika opens up about the multi-year process of figuring out what she was meant to do.

Now a thriving realtor, wife, and new mom, Annika shares her story of trusting the process, learning through trial and error, and ultimately embracing the slow and sometimes uncomfortable journey of career discovery. Whether you're currently navigating a professional pivot or trying to find more meaning in your work, Annika's story is a refreshing reminder that the path doesn’t have to be perfect to lead to purpose.

Connect with Annika:

Instagram: @Annikasellsdreamhomes

Cell: 801-598-7786

Email: [email protected]

EXIT Realty Success

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Music by Kyrylo Momot from Pixabay

In this heartfelt episode of Trials and Triumphs, we sit down with Ekam Wehi to explore a journey marked by courage, faith, and unexpected new beginnings. Born in India and raised in Canada, Ekam was raised in a Sikh household—but everything changed when she discovered the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Despite family opposition, she chose to follow her spiritual convictions and was baptized as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

But not long after, she faced the heartbreak of divorce and the painful task of rebuilding her life. Through it all, her faith remained a constant source of strength.

Now living in Australia with her new husband and their baby daughter, Ekam is thriving as a business owner and Assistant Director at a Montessori childcare center. In this episode, she shares about growing up Sikh, choosing Jesus despite cultural challenges, navigating divorce, and starting over with hope and resilience.

Ekam’s story is a powerful reminder that sometimes, the deepest triumphs are born from our hardest trials.

Music by Kyrylo Momot from Pixabay

In this episode of Trials and Triumphs, we sit down with Namon Bills, an artist-turned-UX designer whose journey has been anything but conventional. Growing up as the oldest of eight children in Spanish Fork, Utah, Namon developed a deep love for creativity and storytelling. After earning a BFA from BYU and an MFA from Utah State University, he started his career in the newspaper industry, eventually leading a weekly publication that won several awards. But when life called for a change, Namon took a leap into the world of UX design—learning HTML, CSS, and user experience on the job.

Throughout his journey, Namon has navigated career pivots, embraced lifelong learning, and balanced the demands of creativity, work, and family life. In this conversation, he shares insights on resilience, adapting to unmet expectations, and the power of following your heart—even when the path takes unexpected turns.

Join us as we dive into Namon’s story of artistic beginnings, professional reinvention, and the lessons he's learned along the way.

You can learn more about Namon here:

Music by Kyrylo Momot from Pixabay

In this episode of Trials and Triumphs, we’re joined by Paul Victor—world traveler, entrepreneur, and former BYU student body president—who has spent the last 15 months backpacking across 40 countries. From volunteering on the front lines in Ukraine to helping schools in Palestine, navigating high-risk areas, and providing aid in leprosy colonies in India, Paul’s journey has been nothing short of extraordinary.

But behind the adventure is a story of resilience, self-discovery, and stepping outside of comfort zones. Paul opens up about overcoming self-doubt, navigating career pivots, and how embracing discomfort has shaped his perspective on life and success. Now, as the co-founder of a travel company focused on making global experiences more accessible, he’s helping others unlock the power of international opportunities for both financial and personal growth.

Join us as we dive into Paul’s incredible experiences, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and how pushing boundaries can lead to a life of purpose and adventure.

Connect with Paul Victor:

📸 Instagram: @latterdayhindu

📺 YouTube: Paul Victor Travels

📘 Facebook: Paul Victor

Music by Kyrylo Momot from Pixabay

In this episode of Trials and Triumphs, we’re joined by Miguel Martinez, a visionary leader in personal development with over 20 years of experience. As the founder of MTClife, a TED Talk speaker, and the host of the From Vision to Success podcast, Miguel is dedicated to helping individuals and communities achieve mental wellness and personal growth.

Miguel shares his journey of blending gratitude, resilience, and actionable insights to inspire change. From collaborating with the Canadian Mental Health Association and Shawanaga First Nation to developing tools like a 21-week Gratitude Journal for students, Miguel’s work is transforming lives.

Join us as Miguel dives deep into his passion for mental health, his work with schools and communities, and the trials and triumphs that have shaped his journey.

You can find Miguel at:

Music by Kyrylo Momot from Pixabay

In this special year-end episode of Trials and Triumphs, we’re joined by Perry Spice, a man whose life embodies resilience, dedication, and a steadfast commitment to faith. Born and raised in the Greater Toronto Area, Perry's journey spans decades of professional success and devoted service in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. From his mission in Paris, France, to his role as President of Canada’s oldest Customs House Broker, Perry has worn many hats—each with humility and purpose.

Join us as Perry shares insights from his remarkable life, including lessons learned from nearly 60 years of marriage, church service, and navigating challenges with no boundaries at work. With his wife, Joelle, nearby, this heartfelt conversation offers a wealth of wisdom and inspiration for anyone seeking to live a life of meaning and service.

This episode marks the final chapter of 2024 for Trials and Triumphs. We’ll be back with more inspiring stories on the second Wednesday of 2025. Don’t miss this special conversation with a true mentor and friend.

Music by Kyrylo Momot from Pixabay

Today, we sit down with Hannah Larson, a passionate advocate for helping young adults connect more authentically with God and their divine nature.

She shares her inspiring journey of building a community through storytelling and how she’s embracing her role as the "God Girl" in the creator economy.

Whether you're seeking spiritual insights, encouragement to face your own challenges, or simply an uplifting story, this episode offers a powerful reminder of God’s love and the courage it takes to align with His plan.

Music by Kyrylo Momot from Pixabay

In this episode of Trials and Triumphs, we meet Harper, whose story is one of resilience, self-discovery, and purposeful living. Harper’s journey began on a small family farm, where humble means and an upbringing with emotionally distant parents posed significant challenges. Despite these trials, Harper carved his path into the world of finance and politics in Washington, DC, driven by a commitment to seek truth and create spaces where others can thrive.

Join us as Harper shares how he turned adversity into an opportunity for growth and built a life grounded in understanding and aligning with deeper truths. Whether you’re facing your own personal or professional challenges, Harper’s insights will inspire you to overcome and flourish.

Tune in and be reminded that our past does not define us; it empowers us to write our own story.

Check out our instagram: @Trials.And.Triumphs.Pod

Music by Kyrylo Momot from Pixabay

In this episode of Trials and Triumphs, we sit down with Jen Spencer, a woman whose life story is a remarkable testament to the human spirit’s capacity for change. At 18, Jen found herself living on the streets, trapped in a 20-year battle with drug addiction, shame, and hopelessness. But through pivotal, life-changing experiences, she found God, recovery, and a new purpose.

Today, Jen is the founder of the Turtle Shelter Project, a non-profit organization that produces life-saving vests for people living on the streets.

Join us as Jen talks about the value in every person and every experience, and how anyone—no matter how lost they feel—can find hope and healing. This episode is a powerful reminder that with faith and resilience, change is always possible.

• Turtle Shelter Project

Music by Kyrylo Momot from Pixabay