This episode: From the Battlefield to the Boardroom: Chas Sampson on Confidence, Character, and the Power of Service.

Here’s what you’ll learn about:

Life's linear path vs. external circumstances. (0:04)

• Chas Sampson joins the podcast to discuss life's non-linear path.

Overcoming adversity and building confidence through childhood experiences and taking calculated risks. (1:05)

• Chas Sampson shares his personal journey of overcoming adversity and taking massive action to become a stronger person.
• Chas's parents instilled confidence in him from a young age, encouraging him to be brave and try new things.
• His first business venture at 12 years old was a lawn mowing service, which he expanded with the help of friends and lost control of due to lack of proper planning.

Personal growth, overcoming fear, and finding success through hard work and perseverance. (3:25)

• Chas shared his experiences working in various businesses in a small North Carolina town.
• He discussed how he overcame obstacles and built relationships with clients, including a white nationalist who taught him about finance and communication.
• Chas emphasized the importance of respect and persistence in business, citing his successful lawn mowing business and subsequent work at Winn Dixie Grocery Store and Sonic.

Military service, transitioning to civilian life, and sports agency work. (6:54)

• Chas explains how Military service taught him relationships matter, not tough acts.
• War criminals often lack love, attention, and empathy.
• Deployments showed Chas people want to be heard, respected, and loved.
• Chas had multiple career options after leaving the military, including working in finance, football, and sports agency.
• He invested in a pass-through draft for college athletes transitioning to the NFL, earning up to $100,000 in expenses and training.

Managing investment deals and NFL player representation. (11:54)

• Chas faces challenges managing opportunities in his business, including selling the company or focusing on NFL players.
• He prioritizes culture and team fit in hiring and growing his organization, using a strict evaluation process.
• Chas aims to provide balance and solve the mission for clients, while also growing his mentorship programs and organizations.
• He discusses different aspects of his job, including mortgage backed securities, mergers, and VA claims.
• Chas highlights the importance of adapting communication s...

• (00:00:00) - Adversity Is Not a Barrier
• (00:07:45) - Jim Crow on Caring For Others
• (00:10:10) - Working at 14 on a Work Permit
• (00:12:12) - Servants in the Military Speak Out
• (00:13:56) - The Best Lessons Learned While in the Military
• (00:16:17) - What was the biggest challenge coming out of the Military?
• (00:18:28) - NFL agent Damian Knight on becoming an NFL agent
• (00:20:35) - Private Wealth Management: Giving Back to the Community
• (00:21:41) - Have You Got What it Takes to Lead the Fed?
• (00:27:21) - What Do You Wear For Work?
• (00:27:40) - How AI Helped Veterans With Their VA Claims
• (00:30:13) - The VA Claims Process for Veterans
• (00:32:53) - Coach K on Advice For His Kids
• (00:34:24) - Drew Brees on Advice For Young Businessmen
• (00:36:09) - How to Live the Life You Want to Live

This episode: From Rock Bottom to Rebuilding Love: How Mitchell Osmond Transformed His Marriage, Mind, and Mission.

Here’s what you’ll learn about:

Introduction and Purpose of the Podcast (0:03)

• Host Drew Deraney introduces the podcast and mentions that Mitchell is recovering from being sick.
• Drew thanks Jessica Velarde for introducing Mitchell to the podcast.
• Drew discusses the concept of life being linear until external circumstances derail it.
• He introduces the idea of three types of men: those who ignore adversity, those who see it as a barrier, and those who see it as an opportunity for growth.

Mitchell's Turning Points (2:13)

• Mitchell shares his first turning point, a fight with his wife that made him realize he was on the verge of losing his marriage.
• He describes his struggles with depression, weight issues, and financial debt.
• Mitchell recounts a funeral he attended where he was inspired to live a life worthy of admiration.
• He reflects on his difficult childhood and how it affected his marriage and personal life.

Commitment to Change and Seeking Mentorship (6:21)

• Mitchell decides to take ownership of his life, focusing on his marriage, finances, health, and spirituality.
• He seeks out mentors who have successful marriages and lifestyles to guide him.
• Mitchell creates a framework called the Iron Five, which includes a protector, provider, pusher, partner, and pioneer.
• His mentors help him set goals and hold him accountable for his progress.

Starting the Podcast and Coaching Practice (7:28)

• Mitchell starts a podcast to share his story and help other men.
• The podcast quickly gains popularity, and Mitchell begins coaching men to reclaim their lives.
• Mitchell's coaching practice focuses on helping men in areas like finances, fitness, and emotional health.
• His mentors encourage him to use his platform to make a broader impact.

Rebuilding His Marriage (14:28)

• Mitchell returns home from the funeral and has a difficult conversation with his wife about his past mistakes.
• He commits to changing his behavior and rebuilding his marriage over six months.
• Mitchell's wife initially doesn't believe him but eventually sees the changes in him.

• (00:00:00) - Dad Nation Podcast
• (00:01:24) - Poor Mitchell's Sick
• (00:01:45) - All About It
• (00:04:04) - What Made Me Happy: Drew
• (00:06:41) - The Importance of Inspiring A Better Man
• (00:10:08) - How I Changed My Life in 18 Months
• (00:13:49) - How To Salvage Your Marriage
• (00:15:54) - The Iron 5: How to Talk to Your Wife
• (00:20:51) - "Men need to know how to talk about their feelings in a
• (00:22:23) - The Iron 5
• (00:26:39) - 50 Questions to Spark the Connection in Your Marriage
• (00:30:41) - David Brooks on Being a Dad
• (00:32:31) - Mitch McConnell
• (00:34:51) - Living the Life You Want to Live

This episode: The Day Everything Changed: How Hussein Hallak Turned Grief into Growth and Purpose.

Here’s what you’ll learn about:

Introduction and Initial Setup (0:03)

• Host Drew Deraney thanks the person who introduced him to Guest Hussein Hallak, Hussein’s wife Rama, and mentions the introduction came through PodPitch.
• Drew discusses the concept of life being linear until external adversity derails the path, introducing the three types of men who react differently to adversity.

Hussein's Transformational Moment (1:26)

• Drew introduces Hussein Hallak as the third type of man who sees adversity as an opportunity for growth.
• Hussein shares that the most transformational moment in his life was when his uncle died in his arms.
• He describes his uncle as a significant figure in his life, a second father who was well-respected and influential.
• The uncle's sudden death left Hussein feeling uncertain and alone, realizing he had to take control of his life.

Impact of the Uncle's Death (4:49)

• Drew expresses sympathy and asks about the first time Hussein realized the absence of his uncle.
• Hussein explains that it took him a decade to start reaching out for help, initially feeling responsible for his family's future.
• He attended a coaching workshop in 2009, which helped him understand the importance of asking for help and not seeing it as a weakness.
• Drew and Hussein discuss the societal pressure on men to avoid asking for help, emphasizing that it is not a sign of weakness.

Transition to Writing and Personal Growth (6:20)

• Hussein shares that the financial crisis in 2008 led him to reevaluate his life and career, shifting from a creative director to a writer.
• He spent $5,000 on a coaching workshop, which helped him connect with who he truly was and pursue what mattered most to him.
• Hussein discusses the concept of work-life balance, arguing that it is more about fusion and bringing strengths from both areas.
• Drew and Hussein agree that it is important to be authentic and integrate personal and professional aspects of life.

Entrepreneurship and Mentorship (9:42)

• Hussein defines entrepreneurship as the natural state of being human, pursuing ideas with vigor and joy.
• He describes his current focus on helping entrepreneurs grow and become more than they are through mentorship.
• Hussein explains that he prefers the term "mentor" over "coach" because he helps entrepreneurs understand and master principle...

• (00:00:00) - Pod Pitch
• (00:01:45) - When Adversity Hits, Do You Rise or Fall?
• (00:03:23) - The Moment My Uncle Died in My Arms
• (00:08:54) - The Fusion of Work and Life
• (00:11:55) - The Secret to Becoming Successful
• (00:16:05) - How to Win as an Entrepreneur
• (00:17:43) - In the Elevator: A Mentor's Role
• (00:18:50) - Have You Helped Your Entrepreneur?
• (00:21:43) - How to Enhance the Business of a Client?
• (00:25:40) - George Clooney on Advice For Kids
• (00:26:19) - Top 10 tips for business success
• (00:27:33) - A message for the homeless
• (00:28:28) - Living the Life You Want to Live

This episode: From Rock Bottom to Reclaimed Purpose: How Ron Souers Turned Homelessness into Healing.

Here’s what you’ll learn about:

Introduction and Initial Setup (0:04)

• Host Drew Deraney introduces Guest Ronald Souers.
• Drew thanks Christine Blodsdale for introducing Ron to PodPitch, which is how Ron found this show.
• Drew discusses the concept of life being linear until adversity disrupts it, introducing the three types of men: those who ignore adversity, those who blame others, and those who see it as an opportunity.
• Drew introduces Ron Souers and asks him to share his defining moment that transformed him from man number one or two to man number three.

Ron's Transformative Moment (2:06)

• Ron shares his story of waking up homeless in DC, which led him to realize he needed help.
• He describes the cold reality of his situation and his decision to change his life.
• Ron explains the process of admitting his addiction and seeking help, which involved giving up his relationship with drugs.
• He discusses the initial struggle with taking responsibility for his actions and the role of his sponsor in guiding him.

The Journey to Sobriety (6:01)

• Ron talks about his experience in a treatment center and the structure it provided.
• He describes the challenges of maintaining sobriety and the thoughts of using that still lingered.
• Ron emphasizes the importance of the 12-step program and the process of self-acceptance.
• He shares a specific incident where he had to take responsibility for his actions in a shared living situation.

Discovering ADHD (7:01)

• Ron explains how he discovered he had ADHD after his job performance suffered.
• He describes the initial fear of losing his job and seeking help from a therapist.
• Ron shares his experience of being diagnosed with ADHD and the relief it brought.
• He discusses the challenges of managing ADHD and the importance of therapy in his recovery.

Mindfulness and Professional Transformation (11:31)

• Ron talks about his introduction to mindfulness through his coach.
• He describes the initial skepticism and the transformative experience of practicing mindfulness.
• Ron explains how mindfulness helped him manage anxiety and build his business.
• He discusses...

• (00:00:00) - Ron Sowers on From Caving In To Crushing It
• (00:01:50) - What Changed My Life?
• (00:06:53) - Take Responsibility for Your Own Actions
• (00:09:51) - I Was Sobriety For A Week
• (00:13:02) - Teens With Adhd Get Help
• (00:15:40) - Bradley on his ADHD diagnosis and how it helped his job
• (00:19:10) - In the Elevator With an ADHD Coach
• (00:21:40) - Ron Sowers on His ADHD and Character
• (00:24:17) - Ronald Burkle on His 7 Day Challenge
• (00:25:34) - Ron Sowers Gives Advice To His Kids
• (00:26:39) - Ron Sowers on Personal Growth

This episode: From Tragedy to Triumph: Candice Snyder on Resilience, Gratitude, and Mental Health Advocacy.

Here’s what you’ll learn about:

Introduction and Purpose of the Podcast (0:00)

• Host Drew Deraney introduces Guest Candice Snyder on the podcast, expressing gratitude for the introduction by Rob Wentz.
• Drew discusses the concept of life being linear and how external circumstances can change our paths.
• He categorizes women into three types: those who ignore adversity, those who see it as a barrier, and those who take action to overcome it.
• Drew highlights Candice as an example of Woman number three, who takes proactive steps to overcome adversity.

Candice's Journey from Dental Hygienist to Direct Sales (2:31)

• Candice shares her background, including her father's influence in choosing a career in dental hygiene.
• She describes her initial interest in liberal arts and law but ultimately pursuing dental hygiene due to her father's guidance.
• Candice recounts a life-changing injury that forced her to leave her career as a dental hygienist.
• She discovered direct sales through making her own jewelry and connecting with a representative who inspired her.

Transition to Direct Sales and Personal Growth (4:01)

• Candice explains her involvement in direct sales for almost 10 years and the personal growth she experienced.
• She describes the impact of the company's decision to sell and her subsequent involvement with another company aligned with her science background.
• Candice shares her experience as a gratitude ambassador and the personal significance of being chosen for the program.
• She discusses the emotional impact of the virtual conference where she was recognized as a gratitude ambassador.

Starting the Podcast and Focusing on Mental Health (7:23)

• Candice's life coach suggested starting a podcast, despite her initial reluctance due to technology.
• She describes the podcast's focus on mental health, suicide prevention, and stories of transformation and resilience.
• Candice shares her personal experience of losing her brother to suicide and her efforts to advocate for mental health causes.
• She highlights the importance of the podcast in providing a platform for highlighting lesser-known organizations and causes.

Impact of Brother's Death and Advocacy Efforts (11:11)

• Candice discusses the impact of her brother's death on her family and her own persona...

• (00:00:00) - Candace Snyder
• (00:01:46) - 3 Types of Women Who Face Adversity
• (00:08:09) - How a dental hygienist became a gratitude ambassador
• (00:11:47) - Mental Health on the Podcast
• (00:13:34) - How Did You Get Through The Suicide Crisis?
• (00:15:28) - Passion & Purpose: From the Podcast to Book
• (00:16:37) - Raiders Go To The Box
• (00:16:49) - How to Get In Touch With Candace Snyder
• (00:17:16) - How to Talk to Yourself When You're Younger
• (00:17:46) - Candace on Talking to Business
• (00:18:47) - Living the Life You Deserve

This episode: Redefining Ability: Brilly Semenov on Self-Advocacy, Resilience, and Empowering Families.

Here’s what you’ll learn about:

Introduction and Purpose of the Seminar (0:00)

• Host Drew Deraney introduces the podcast, mentioning it is the first live in-person event for “From Caving in to Crushing It" podcast.
• The interview is held at the Residence Inn by Marriott in Saddle River, New Jersey.
• Drew thanks Priscilla Leto, the founder and owner of the nonprofit Mission: Kid Success, for introducing the guest speaker, Brilly Semenov.
• The interview aims to discuss overcoming adversity and the different types of women who face it.

Types of Women Facing Adversity (1:08)

• Drew explains the three types of women who face adversity: Woman number one who is unaware of adversity, Woman number two who sees it as a barrier, and Woman number three who sees it as an opportunity for self-awareness and growth.
• He emphasizes the importance of taking massive action to become a stronger woman.
• Drew invites Brilly to share a defining moment in her life that transformed her from her past self to her present self.

Brilly's Journey and Self-Advocacy (2:43)

• Brilly shares her experience of growing up with cerebral palsy and the challenges she faced in middle and elementary school.
• She explains how she learned to advocate for herself and prove that people with different abilities can achieve their goals.
• Brilly discusses the importance of self-advocacy and how it helped her overcome obstacles and prove her capabilities to others.
• She emphasizes the need for inclusion and diversity in society.

Challenges and Rewards of Overcoming Adversity (7:49)

• Drew and Brilly discuss the emotional challenges of dealing with unsolicited advice and judgments from others.
• Brilly shares how she handled these challenges by asking for permission to try new things and proving her capabilities.
• They talk about the importance of self-awareness and how it helps in advocating for oneself.
• Brilly highlights the rewards of accomplishing goals and sharing her success with others.

Professional Services and Support for Families (8:27)

• Drew introduces Brilly's professional services and how she helps families and caregivers of individuals with disabilities.
• Brilly explains her process of understanding the needs of families and developing growth maps for their children.

• (00:00:00) - Brilly Semenov
• (00:01:20) - The First Live in Person Interview
• (00:02:18) - There's Only One Kind of Woman
• (00:03:41) - The Moment That Changed My Life
• (00:04:46) - Different Abilities in the Workplace
• (00:07:00) - Senegal on Self-Advocacy
• (00:09:06) - Say Yes to Everything!
• (00:10:32) - What Do You Do For People With Disabilities?
• (00:11:44) - What to Do if Your Child Has a Special Needs?
• (00:14:10) - What should parents ask about accommodations for children with disabilities?
• (00:15:35) - What to Do About Autism Spectrum Disorder?
• (00:21:17) - What if We Had Known? Transition Programs
• (00:25:06) - Brilly Semenov on Special Needs
• (00:26:17) - Give Your Daughter Advice
• (00:27:11) - Priscilla Leto on Mission Kids Success
• (00:27:57) - Living the Life You Want to Live

This episode: From the Front Lines to Mental Health Advocacy: Troy Siewert’s Journey of Service, Crisis Intervention, and Growth.

Here’s what you’ll learn about:

Introduction and Purpose of the Meeting (0:00)

• Guest Troy Siewert expresses gratitude for the invitation and thanks the host for the opportunity to speak.
• Host Drew Deraney introduces Troy Siewert and thanks Suzanne Taylor King for the introduction.
• Drew discusses the linear nature of life and how adversity can disrupt this linearity, introducing the concept of three types of men: those who are blind to adversity, those who blame others, and those who see adversity as an opportunity for growth.
• He identifies Troy as a representative of the third type of man who sees adversity as an opportunity for growth and asks Troy to share his defining moment that transformed him.

Troy's Background and Early Career Challenges (2:56)

• Troy begins by thanking Drew for the compliment and explains that his transformation was not due to a single crisis but a series of events.
• He shares his background as a retired police lieutenant with 30 years of law enforcement experience, starting in 1992.
• Troy describes the lack of training in handling mental health crisis calls during his early years in policing, leading to frustration and ineffective responses.
• He recounts a pivotal moment when he was assigned to run a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) program, which provided the training he needed to handle mental health crises effectively.

Turning Point 1: Introduction to Crisis Intervention Training (6:07)

• Troy explains the initial resistance he felt towards the CIT training but acknowledges its pivotal role in his career and personal growth.
• He describes the week-long, 40-hour training class as one of the best he received, leading to the development of the Crisis Intervention Team.
• Troy shares his experience of handling mental health calls more effectively after the training and the positive impact it had on his officers and the community.
• He emphasizes the importance of proper training for officers to handle mental health crises effectively and reduce potential liability.

Turning Point 2: Impactful Call with a Single Mother (6:54)

• Troy recounts a specific call involving a single mother with a son suffering from schizophrenia and the impact it had on him.
• He describes the challenging nature of the call, the use of cannabis counteracting the son's schizophrenia, and the successful resolution of the crisis.
• Troy shares the emotional moment when the mother hugged him, expressing gratitude for the care and s...

• (00:00:00) - Crisis Intervention Team
• (00:01:53) - Challenging the Truth in Life
• (00:03:36) - What Was The Contingent Moment That Changed Your Life?
• (00:10:14) - Crisis Training for Police Officers
• (00:15:06) - 988 Suicide Prevention Lifeline
• (00:17:40) - What is a mental health professional in the crisis?
• (00:18:33) - How Communication Training Has Impacted My Marriage
• (00:22:18) - Police officer on suicide awareness
• (00:25:57) - Mental Health Crisis Calls 1
• (00:28:03) - Troy Seaward
• (00:29:11) - Old Business Man
• (00:31:24) - Living the Life You Want to Live

This episode: From Grief to Guidance: Jeannie Dougherty on Caregiving, Money, and Turning Adversity into Advocacy.

Here’s what you’ll learn about:

Introduction and Purpose of the Meeting (0:02)

• Drew initiates the recording and introduces Jeannie Dougherty, expressing excitement about the discussion.
• Drew thanks Priscilla Leto for introducing Jeannie and sets the stage for the conversation.
• He discusses the linear view of life taught in childhood and how external circumstances can derail this path.
• Drew introduces the concept of three types of women: one with blind spots, one who sees adversity as a victim, and one who sees adversity as an opportunity for growth.

Jeannie's Journey to Becoming a Caregiver Advocate (1:53)

• Jeannie shares her background, mentioning that both her parents passed away from Alzheimer's with no previous family history.
• She describes the financial exploitation her mother faced from a family member, which was hidden until after her death.
• Jeannie recounts her defining moment at her mother's grave site, where she realized she would not let the situation kill her and decided to make changes.
• She explains the impact of her parents' deaths and the financial exploitation on her family, emphasizing the importance of awareness and prevention.

Impact of Parents' Illnesses and Financial Exploitation (3:55)

• Drew and Jeannie discuss the initial shock of Jeannie's father's Alzheimer's diagnosis and the lack of clear information from doctors.
• Jeannie shares her experience of her mother's Alzheimer's diagnosis and the control issues within her family.
• She describes the challenges of being the official caregiver and the emotional toll of dealing with financial exploitation.
• Jeannie reflects on the importance of addressing financial expectations and the need for open communication about final wishes.

Transition to Caregiver Advocacy and Emotional Money Coaching (6:00)

• Jeannie talks about her job working for a federal government contractor, where she built a retirement readiness and caregiver program.
• She shares her experience of taking dance classes and discovering emotional behavioral learning, which led her to become an emotional money coach.
• Jeannie explains the concept of emotional money coaching and the importance of addressing family rules and emotions related to money.
• She discusses the impact of the pandemic on caregivers and the need for better support and resources for caregivers.

Challenges and I...

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