Jess Berry Podcast

How do you keep moving forward when life seems to throw everything at you? How do you find healing after trauma, overcome serious health challenges, and learn to trust again after experiencing unhealthy relationships? This week, we sit down with Shaun Johnson, an athlete, travel advocate, and entrepreneur whose life is a powerful testament to resilience. Over the past 42 years, Shaun has faced ser...

How do you heal from childhood trauma, break free from survival mode, and rebuild your confidence after life's hardest moments? In this powerful episode, I sit down with trauma-informed coach, author, speaker, and founder of Moyo Wellness Therapy, Vivian Moyo, to explore what it really takes to heal emotionally and create a life rooted in self-worth rather than survival. Vivian shares her pers...

Can Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu be a tool for healing? In this resilience podcast interview, BJJ black belt and Netflix fight coordinator Ashley Laiko shares how jiu-jitsu became part of her own healing journey, and how it helps abuse survivors build confidence, strength, and resilience. If you're a woman who wants to try martial arts but feels intimidated by a male-dominated gym, this one's for y...

Have you ever felt alone after leaving the military? In this resilience podcast interview, USMC veteran Jmach, founder and host of the Jmach Podcast, opens up about his own struggles after military service and how he's building a place where veterans can be heard, understood, and supported. Transitioning out of the military brings challenges most people never see. As a fellow veteran, I know that...

What does it really take to move from simply surviving to truly thriving—and to build a life rooted in a strong sense of identity and wholeness? In this episode, we sit down with Sara Kelsey to talk about navigating the hard seasons of life, including the challenges of chronic illness, sobriety, parenting, and the physical and spiritual work of becoming stronger. Sara shares how these experiences...

What if the discomfort you feel as a leader isn’t a problem—but an opportunity? Have you ever found yourself questioning your leadership, feeling uncomfortable with the responsibility, or wondering how you’re supposed to take the next step? What if you could take that discomfort and turn it into something powerful? This week, we sit down with Sasha R. Simmons , a leadership keynote speaker, writer...

Who are you when the mission that defined you is over? Have you ever faced a crisis of identity after a major life change — a divorce, a career ending, a role you built your whole life around suddenly gone? Maybe you've struggled to figure out who you are, where you fit, or what comes next. In this episode of the Jess Berry Podcast, I sit down with Richard Mulder — former Army Captain, West Po...

Can adversity become the foundation for extraordinary leadership? In this powerful episode, leadership coach and self-mastery expert Princeton Clark shares how overcoming childhood trauma and personal adversity led him on a lifelong pursuit of inner mastery. As the founder of Evolved Mastery, Princeton has spent more than 20 years helping entrepreneurs and high performers master their mindset, emo...

Rock bottom can break you — or it can forge the discipline that changes your life. In this episode of The Jess Berry Podcast , I sit down with police officer and entrepreneur Daniel Jurkowitcsch to talk about adversity, accountability, and what it really takes to rebuild after a dark chapter. After the failure of his first business led him into a period of alcoholism and unhealthy habits, Daniel m...

Chris Avery is a husband, father, endurance runner, and faith-driven leader. In 2027, he and his family will travel the perimeter of the U.S. while he runs 50k a day for a year ( Chris Runs America ). His message is simple: daily obedience, not hustle, shapes the man you’re called to become. Chris challenges the idea that consistency comes from motivation or hustle. Using his 1,400+ day run streak...

In this episode Jess Berry interviews Ulysses Lopez, a decorated U.S. Army combat veteran (2X Purple Heart) and co-founder of the AYA Mission, which focuses on expanding psychedelic therapy for veterans. Ulysses shares his journey from military service to advocating for mental health support through psychedelic therapy. He discusses the importance of community, personal transformation, and the hea...

From standing on the Paralympic podium to losing his health, relationships, and sense of self, Mikael Avatar Stjernvall has lived both extreme success and total collapse. In this episode, Mikael shares how hitting rock bottom forced him to ask one honest question— “How the hell did I end up here?” —and how rebuilding his life through simple 1% daily changes led to what he calls resurrection , not...

What if your biggest struggles weren’t setbacks—but invitations? In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Dr. Ron Stotts , transformational executive coach, bestselling author, Marine Corps veteran, and U.S. rowing champion, to explore how inner work fuels outer success . With over five decades of transformational experience, Ron shares how emotional intelligence, mindfulness, breathwork, an...

From a high-speed police chase and multiple prison sentences to four years of sobriety and a complete life reset, MJ shares what it truly takes to start over. After moving to Arizona to rebuild from the ground up, he learned the hard truth about accountability and paying it forward. This episode proves that no matter how fast you’re running from your life, alignment is possible when you choose to...

Tyler Depung is an avid outdoorsman whose life has been shaped by discipline, adversity, and an unshakeable faith in God. From hunting and farming to lifting, training, and exploring the backcountry, he’s built his character through challenge and self-mastery. In this conversation, Tyler opens up about the hardships that reshaped his identity, how his relationship with God shapes his life, and wha...

Hailey Mckneely is a Medevac pilot, flying Blackhawks and supporting Rangers and high-risk operations. She joins Jess in this episode to explore how she turned personal setbacks—like a DUI, breaking her leg in training and failing academics—into stepping stones. They dive into her fitness transformation, aviation journey, and the mindset it takes to succeed in high-pressure roles. Learn how Hailey...

In this episode, Jessica sits down with Jason Becker , a multi-exit entrepreneur and founder of Vintage Wisdom Media , to unpack what it really means to lead with faith, resilience, and purpose. After losing both of his in-laws within two years and navigating multiple business transitions, Jason shares how adversity reshaped his perspective on success, family, and legacy. This conversation bridges...

Today’s guest, John Chao , is known for spotting perspectives most people miss. Raised between Asian and Western cultures, with experience in corporate, entrepreneurship, and over a decade in fashion, John has mastered both outer and inner transformation. Now, he helps people release emotional blocks at the subconscious level and even mediates between clashing business partners. In this conversati...

Rev. Kay Valouche-Hoffman shares her powerful journey from bar fights to bold faith. With over 50 years in ministry, she opens up about healing, accountability, and the deep inner work required of Christian leaders. We talk identity, strongholds, and staying rooted in God in a chaotic world. A must-listen for anyone called to lead with truth and purpose. Key Themes: Accountability in religion and...

In this raw and powerful episode, Ariel Garcia opens up about his battle with drug addiction, the challenges of leaving the military, and the grit it took to build a business while surrounded by gang violence. From rock bottom to founding Phoenix’s beloved Apa Tacos Estrella, Ariel’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. Now, through his new venture Forward , he’s helping others rise above their...

In this episode, we sit down with Wulf Trigo—financial strategist, immigrant entrepreneur, and founder of Sovereign Assets . Wulf helps high-earning professionals grow and protect their wealth using tax-advantaged tools like cash value life insurance, Infinite Banking, and private equity alternatives. We dive into his powerful story of resilience, what led him to create a values-based wealth strat...

Rick Moschel has coached elite athletes and high-performing professionals through a holistic approach to growth—training the mind, body, and soul. In this episode, he shares the mindset secrets of top performers, the power of daily rituals, and how adversity can become your greatest teacher. Takeaway: By embracing daily rituals, confronting adversity, and committing to continuous self-improvement,...

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Mason Sawyer, host of The 10Ninety Podcast , to discuss resilience, healing, and finding purpose after profound loss. Mason shares his journey of navigating life after a devastating tragedy in July 2021 and how the 10/90 Principle—focusing on how we respond to life’s challenges—has shaped his healing process. Listen to gain insight on grief, the healing po...

In this episode, I sit down with David Walker , former U.S. Comptroller General and author of America in 2040: Still a Superpower? A Pathway to Success . We dive deep into his insights on the current state of America, the critical challenges we face, and what must be done to secure a stronger future. David shares his perspective on leadership, economic responsibility, and the role of government in...

In this episode, I chat with Hege Sakseid, a mother, wife, newbie author, and holistic health entrepreneur who turned her childhood trauma into strength and leadership. After years of recovery, she now mentors others on how to take control of their lives. Hege shares her personal journey and offers simple tools for healing. We dive into what it means to lead your own life after trauma and the firs...