Rocket Motivation

In this episode, we learn the story of Jennifer Widemire Smith . She's a mother of two children, a wife, an author, and someone who has been pushed to her limit and did not break. Jennifer talks about her "year from hell" and when she got to her breaking point and then discovered her strength. This is an episode of resilience and a never-quit attitude. Buy Jennifer's Book: A Time to Serve: Never L...

In this week's episode, we learn the story of Thom Shea . Thom is a retired Navy SEAL who served with the U. S. Navy for 23 years with distinguished valor. He served in 3 wars and led a team of SEALs into Afghanistan in 2009, earning a Silver Star, Bronze Star and other awards and distinctions. He's the author of 2 books, has trained thousands in leadership, and is the host of The Unbreakable Podc...

In this episode, we learn the story of Hope Reger. Hope lost her teenage son Justin when he was shot in the chest by a roommate. The grand jury did not indict the roommate based upon a defense of self-defense. This decision left Hope devastated with no justice for her son. Hope eventually accepted what happened and founded Grief2Hope , a virtual peer support group for people who have suffered the...

In this week's episode, we learn the story of Sherrica Davis-Hunt . Sherrica started from humble beginnings in Mobile, Alabama, and was a product of the Orange Grove Projects. She grew up with strong female influences from her Mom and Grandmother. She is highly educated, has traveled the world, worked on Wall Street, and has come full circle living in Mobile and working for Bishop State Community...

In this episode of Rocket Motivation, we learn the story of Lois Letchford and her son Nicholas. Nicholas has dyslexia, which made his ability to read very difficult. When he was seven years old, his teacher told Lois that Nicholas was the worst child she had seen in twenty years. Lois decided she would take over and teach Nicholas to read. She had great success – so much that she has developed a...

On this week's episode, we learn the story of Crystal Yarbrough . Crystal was sexually abused from childhood through her teenage years. She tells her story of dealing with her past and how she has overcome it. She is a mother, a college graduate, has completed seminary and is the program director of Eye Heart World , an organization that helps young women who have been victims of sex trafficking....

In this episode, we learn the story of Kerrie Benson . Kerrie tells her story of raising a severely autistic son and talks about the ups and downs, triumphs and tough times. She gives her advice not only to parents raising autistic children but to all of us who are dealing with adversity. She paired her dance background with her experience in raising her son to begin Dance Without Limits , a non-p...

In this week's episode, we learn the story of Eric Foster, Esq . Eric is a successful lawyer and owner of his own firm in Cleveland, Ohio. Eric tells his story of struggling with self-doubt and fear of failure and how it has affected his life on postponing and sometimes overthinking decisions. He talks about overcoming self-doubt and now is an encourager of others who doubt themselves. It's about...

In this week's episode, we learn the story of Dr. Tracy Koogler . Tracy had been practicing medicine at the University of Chicago for 18 years when she was diagnosed with lung cancer. She overcame the lung cancer and then was diagnosed with a Glioblastoma, a very aggressive form of brain cancer. Following surgery and treatment of the Glioblastoma, another brain tumor appeared. Tracy tells her stor...

In this week's episode, we learn the story of Brady Hedge. At age 16, Brady suffered two separate hemorrhagic strokes requiring multiple surgeries and intense therapy to regain function. He is now 19 years old and has made a remarkable recovery. His life is on track, and his future looks bright. He tells his story of what it takes to make it through life's devastating twists and turns. As a bonus,...

In this week's episode, we learn the story of Christian Hadjipateras, who was born with severe craniofacial abnormalities that required over 30 surgeries to help improve his condition. He was also born with severe hearing loss, resulting in difficulties with his speech. He tells his story of growing up and dealing with his condition and how he has found happiness and contentment in his life. This...

In this episode we learn the story of Jayne Godfrey. At age 38, Jayne was diagnosed with early onset Parkinson's Disease. On top of that, in her mid-40s she was stricken with Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS), where your body's immune system attacks your nerves. GBS left Jayne temporarily paralyzed from the neck down and she had to relearn how to walk. Jayne talks about dealing with the adversity of h...

In this week's episode, we learn the story of Jennifer Berry. At age 14, Jennifer's daughter Caroline was diagnosed with a very aggressive childhood cancer. After a courageous fight, Caroline succumbed to the cancer. Jennifer tells her story of being there every step of Caroline's fight and how she dealt with the emotions of being strong for her Caroline, and how she has dealt with her loss. Most...

  On this week's episode, we learn the story of Gat Caperton, CEO of Gat Creek Furniture . At age 29, Gat borrowed 90% of the purchase price and bought a small wood manufacturer in Berkley Springs, West Virginia. After initial success, the market turned, and the bottom fell out. Things looked bleak. Gat tells the story of his perseverance and tenacity in saving the business, not just for himself,...

In this episode, we learn the story of Kristye Chastang . In 2016, Kristye was diagnosed with breast cancer. After months of chemotherapy, radiation and surgery, she was cancer-free. Just recently, the cancer has returned and has metastasized in her spine and lungs. Kristye tells her story of fighting her cancer with everything she has, including the support of her family, her job as a physical th...

In this week's episode, we learn the story of Denny Chipollini. Denny was in a horrific automobile accident in 1989 in which both of his legs were severed. Following reattachment and recovery, Denny's left leg below the knee was amputated. Denny persevered and went from wheelchair to crutches to walking with his prosthetic to running marathons. His story is one of determination and overcoming life...

In this episode, we learn the story of Jesi Stracham . Jesi, like me, is a spinal cord injury survivor. She was paralyzed from the waist down as a result of a motorcycle crash in 2015. She is an advocate for those in wheelchairs. She has a large social media presence where she provides support, instruction, and inspiration to others who live their lives in wheelchairs. She is a workout warrior, nu...

In this episode, we learn the story of Colby Jubenville . Colby started life with a condition that severely restricted his vision, requiring him to learn in different ways and shaped how he has dealt with adversity. He talks about how important coaching has been in his development and how important coaching of others is. He obtained his Ph. D. and is a speaker, author, educator, and coach. His sto...

In this week's episode, we learn the story of Greg Provance . Greg battled and overcame alcohol and drug addiction. His addiction took a toll on his life and career. He lost the lead role in the smash-hit Broadway musical Rent because of his addiction. He sought help, overcame his addiction, and has been sober for 19 years. He is a successful restaurant owner and consultant and lives in San Diego...

In this episode, we learn the story of Kenny Dennard . Kenny was a four starter for the Duke University basketball team and played three years in the NBA. What appears on the surface to be a carefree life was actually full of challenges and obstacles. Testicular cancer was just one of the adversities Ken has overcome. He always sets new goals for himself to keep moving his life forward. His story...

In this episode, we learn the story of Jajuan Harley . Jajuan tells his story of trying to make it in the NFL. After declaring early for the NFL draft, he was undrafted and found himself working at Walmart when the Buffalo Bills called. He was cut by the Bills, but now at age 29, he's still pursuing his dreams of playing in the NFL. His story is one of perseverance, resilience, and a never quit at...

In this first episode of our season 2, we meet and learn the story of Ann Marie Kallberg. Ann Marie, also known as @babewithbipolar on Instagram, is not only living with her bipolar disorder, she is also openly sharing her "messy" and full life experiences to help others lessen the stigma of living with mental illness. Her story is refreshing in its honesty and transparency.   Key Takeaways - Livi...

In this episode, we learn the story of Scott Christmas . Scott has dealt with multiple adversities, including losing sight in one eye, losing his best friend in an airplane crash that resulted in devastating physical injuries for Scott, and after finding the love of his life, losing his wife to brain cancer. Scott has always been an athlete, and he has used his athletic mentality and resiliency to...

In this episode, we learn the story of Coach JT Burton . Coach Burton had been coaching college basketball at the NAIA level for six years when he got the call to become an assistant coach and director of player development for the men's basketball team at the University of Tennessee. This position could have helped Coach Burton realize his dreams of eventually becoming a Division 1 NCAA basketbal...

In this episode, we learn the story of David "Mudcat" Saunders . Mudcat was a sportswriter and became a successful real estate investor in Virginia. His career and life came crashing down because of his alcoholism. His alcoholism was so bad that he was on the brink of suicide. He quit drinking, turned his life around, and became a powerhouse political consultant and author. His story of facing and...