Host:LeRoy Davis Larry, Jr.Guest: Pascale LefebureDescription:Representatives from France come to Costa Rica to learn about sustainability!Preview:Costa Rica is the global leader in sustainability!

The Forward Standard — Episode Summary Hosted by Tanner Courtney

In the very first episode of The Forward Standard, Tanner Courtney sits down with cancer survivor Alyssa Gomez inside a Veterans Affairs hospital, setting the tone for a show rooted in resilience, service, and moving forward no matter the odds. This conversation is raw, human, and deeply American—centered on grit, faith, and the unbreakable spirit forged through adversity.

1. A Battle at 14 That Redefined Everything Alyssa shares her leukemia diagnosis at just 14 years old—right as she was stepping into independence, dreams, and identity. What followed was a two-and-a-half-year fight that stripped everything down to survival and rebuilt her from the inside out.

2. From Independence to Total Dependence—and Back Again Both Alyssa and Tanner reflect on the humbling experience of losing independence—whether through cancer or a life-altering accident. Their journeys reveal a powerful truth: strength is often forged in the moments we feel weakest.

3. Faith Tested, Then Strengthened Alyssa opens up about anger toward God during her illness, only to later rediscover a deeper, more resilient faith. Tanner mirrors this through his own “why me” moment after becoming paralyzed—showing that faith isn’t about perfection, it’s about persistence.

4. The Power of Perspective and Choice One of the most impactful themes: choosing your mindset. Whether confined to a hospital bed or rebuilding life after trauma, both guests emphasize that perspective is a daily decision—and often the difference between despair and purpose.

5. Turning Pain into Purpose From volunteering with Teen Cancer America to Tanner’s mission-driven work with veterans and communities, both guests embody what it means to transform personal trials into service for others.

“I just told myself to take it one day at a time… even slower—one moment at a time.” — Alyssa Gomez

This isn’t just a conversation—it’s a call to remember what resilience looks like. In a time where many feel stuck, divided, or uncertain, The Forward Standard reminds us that forward is always an option. Whether you're a veteran, a survivor, a parent, or simply someone navigating life’s challenges—this episode speaks directly to the American spirit of perseverance.

Follow The Forward Standard on WSNtv Watch and connect:

• Youtube.com/@WeServeNetwork

• Vimeo.com/wsntv

• Facebook.com/WeServeTv

• Weservenetwork.org

• Spotify: Tiny.cc/WSNtv

• Available on Roku 

Key HighlightsPowerful QuoteWhy This Episode MattersCall to Action

Host: LeRoy Davis Larry, Jr.

Guest: Pascale Lefebure

Description: Representatives from France come to Costa Rica to learn about sustainability!

Preview: Costa Rica is the global leader in sustainability!

Host: LeRoy Davis Larry, Jr.

Guest: Pascale Lefebure

Description: Representatives from France come to Costa Rica to learn about sustainability!

Preview: Costa Rica is the global leader in sustainability!

In the very first episode of The Forward Standard, Tanner Courtney sits down with cancer survivor Alyssa Gomez inside a Veterans Affairs hospital, setting the tone for a show rooted in resilience, service, and moving forward no matter the odds. This conversation is raw, human, and deeply American—centered on grit, faith, and the unbreakable spirit forged through adversity.

1. A Battle at 14 That Redefined Everything
Alyssa shares her leukemia diagnosis at just 14 years old—right as she was stepping into independence, dreams, and identity. What followed was a two-and-a-half-year fight that stripped everything down to survival and rebuilt her from the inside out.

2. From Independence to Total Dependence—and Back Again
Both Alyssa and Tanner reflect on the humbling experience of losing independence—whether through cancer or a life-altering accident. Their journeys reveal a powerful truth: strength is often forged in the moments we feel weakest.

3. Faith Tested, Then Strengthened
Alyssa opens up about anger toward God during her illness, only to later rediscover a deeper, more resilient faith. Tanner mirrors this through his own “why me” moment after becoming paralyzed—showing that faith isn’t about perfection, it’s about persistence.

4. The Power of Perspective and Choice
One of the most impactful themes: choosing your mindset. Whether confined to a hospital bed or rebuilding life after trauma, both guests emphasize that perspective is a daily decision—and often the difference between despair and purpose.

5. Turning Pain into Purpose
From volunteering with Teen Cancer America to Tanner’s mission-driven work with veterans and communities, both guests embody what it means to transform personal trials into service for others.

“I just told myself to take it one day at a time… even slower—one moment at a time.” — Alyssa Gomez

This isn’t just a conversation—it’s a call to remember what resilience looks like. In a time where many feel stuck, divided, or uncertain, The Forward Standard reminds us that forward is always an option. Whether you're a veteran, a survivor, a parent, or simply someone navigating life’s challenges—this episode speaks directly to the American spirit of perseverance.

Follow The Forward Standard on WSNtv
Watch and connect:

• Youtube.com/@WeServeNetwork
• Vimeo.com/wsntv
• Facebook.com/WeServeTv
• Weservenetwork.org
• Spotify: Tiny.cc/WSNtv
• Available on Roku

Host: LeRoy Davis Larry, Jr.

Guest: Pascale Lefebure

Description: Representatives from France come to Costa Rica to learn about sustainability!

Preview: Costa Rica is the global leader in sustainability!

In this powerful Care Heroes segment of Be Your Own Advocate with Isabel Dassinger and Isaiah Fliessbach, the hosts welcome Alyssa Gomez, whose life changed dramatically at just 14 years old when she was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Alyssa shares her deeply personal journey through diagnosis, hospitalization, and two and a half years of chemotherapy, revealing what it was like not only to fight cancer but to experience the world as the care receiver. Through her story, listeners gain insight into the emotional complexity of illness, the sacrifices caregivers make, and the unexpected strength that emerges through faith, humor, and family support. Alyssa’s resilience and advocacy offer hope to anyone facing illness or supporting a loved one through it.

Highlights

1. The Moment Life Changed Forever

Alyssa recounts how months of unexplained symptoms—exhaustion, bruising, fainting, and illness—led to a life-altering leukemia diagnosis at age 14. What began as a typical freshman year in high school quickly turned into hospital stays, blood transfusions, and an intense treatment journey.

2. The Hidden Emotional Side of Being a Care Receiver

While caregivers sacrifice tremendously, Alyssa explains that patients often struggle with guilt for the impact their illness has on family members. Her mother paused her career to care for her while her father worked tirelessly to support the household.

3. What Truly Helps Someone Who Is Suffering

Alyssa shares that the most meaningful support came from simple acts that made life feel normal again—laughter, music, cooking, art, and small moments of connection that helped her step away from the constant focus on illness.

4. Turning Survival Into Advocacy

After surviving leukemia and years of treatment, Alyssa now believes her experience gave her a purpose: to advocate for others facing illness and to bring awareness to the emotional and spiritual lessons that can emerge from hardship.

Quote

“You have no other option but to get through this. Learn everything you can, speak up for yourself, and take it one moment at a time.” — Alyssa Gomez

Call to Action

Follow Be Your Own Advocate on WSNtv and stay connected for more powerful stories of resilience and advocacy.

YouTube.com/@WeServeNetwork

Vimeo.com/wsntv

Facebook.com/WeServeTv

Weservenetwork.org

Spotify: Tiny.cc/WSNtv

Also available on Roku.

Host: LeRoy Davis Larry, Jr.

Guest: Pascale Lefebure

Description: Representatives from France come to Costa Rica to learn about sustainability!

Preview: Costa Rica is the global leader in sustainability!

In this powerful conversation on Be Your Own Advocate, hosts Isabel Dassinger and Isaiah Fliessbach dive into the fascinating relationship between the nervous system, the body, and the habits that shape our lives. They explore why our brains often cling to what is familiar rather than what is healthy, and how stepping into controlled discomfort—physically and emotionally—can unlock healing and growth. Isaiah explains how working with the body first, through breath, movement, and awareness, can reveal stored tension and emotional patterns that traditional mental approaches often miss. Together, they reveal a simple yet transformative idea: when we learn to stay present and compassionate with ourselves in difficult moments, we build resilience, confidence, and the ability to truly advocate for our own well-being.

Highlights

• Habits Are Built for Protection, Not Growth

Isaiah explains that our nervous system prefers what is familiar—even if it limits us—because familiarity feels safe.

• Growth Happens at the Edge of Discomfort

By working with physical weakness or instability in the body and staying present there, people can unlock emotional and mental breakthroughs.

• The Body Stores Emotional Memory

When the right tissue or tension point is engaged, emotions often surface immediately, revealing how deeply the body holds past experiences.

• Healing Begins with Self-Relationship

True healing doesn’t come from the posture, exercise, or technique—it comes from the relationship we bring to ourselves while doing the work.

Quote

“The nervous system doesn’t want what’s healthy for us—it wants what’s familiar.” — Isaiah Fliessbach

Call to Action

Follow Be Your Own Advocate on WSNtv.

Socials

Youtube.com/@WeServeNetwork

Vimeo.com/wsntv

Facebook.com/WeServeTv

Weservenetwork.org

Spotify: Tiny.cc/WSNtv

Also available on Roku.

Through breakdowns, prayers, brotherhood, and a shared mission, John and Jett show that love of country is found in serving people, lifting up veterans, and shining a light on those quietly doing good in their communities. From restoring a bus that will carry stories of courage across the nation to witnessing a veteran receive a life-changing companion, the journey reminds us that even when the road gets hard, faith, perseverance, and unity can keep us moving forward. This is a hopeful portrait of Americans choosing purpose over cynicism and service over noise.

• True patriotism is not just pride in a nation, but commitment to the people who make it strong.

• Hope grows when ordinary people use their gifts to meet real needs in their communities.

• Setbacks do not stop a meaningful mission; they often become part of the testimony.

“We’re trying to highlight those amazing organizations… the more people we have doing good in this world, the more good is going to get done.”