Soulture

Janine Shepherd was training for the Olympics when a devastating accident changed everything. She broke her neck and back, sustained many other injuries, was told she’d never walk again, and faced the challenge of chronic pain. In this episode, Janine shares how she rebuilt her life—learning to walk again, becoming a pilot, and transforming her pain into a source of strength. Her story is a powerf...

Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor shares how surviving a devastating stroke and losing all left-brain functions led her to discover the power of living through the right hemisphere. Over eight years, she rebuilt her ability to speak, read, and think, gaining unique insights into brain recovery and healing. We dive into her concept of Whole Brain Living and the Four Characters that shape our minds, offering pr...

From smoking two packs of cigarettes a day to ultra-marathon greatness, Ray Zahab's journey is a testament to human resilience. In this episode, Ray shares his transformation from an unhealthy lifestyle to becoming an extraordinary endurance athlete who has run across the Sahara and faced extreme challenges—including battling cancer. Hear how patience, perseverance, and a willingness to push...

Last week I turned 26 years old. So, for this solo episode, I thought I’d share 26 key lessons from 26 years of life. I reflect on playing your own game, building systems over goals, and turning pain into growth. From personal breakthroughs to actionable takeaways, I share the mindset shifts and habits that have shaped my journey. Whether it’s following your intuition, embracing curiosity, or rede...

In this solo episode I explore the crucial distinction between outworking and overworking – two concepts that sound similar but are fundamentally different. Drawing from personal experience, I discuss how outworking is about making small, sustainable improvements and competing with yourself, while overworking focuses on doing more at any cost. Learn why rest isn't just rest, but an essential...

Would you turn in a loved one, even if it meant they might face death for taking the lives of others? How would you cope if the world tarnished your family’s name? Could you find peace amid unimaginable chaos? In this episode, I speak with David Kaczynski, brother of the Unabomber, who faced these questions head on. David shares his journey to reclaim his selfhood, heal through poetry, and advocat...

In this solo episode, I share my transformative experience at Danny Miranda's men's retreat in Austin, Texas. From discovering why I unconsciously started a podcast, to exploring meditation and breathwork, to uncovering core insights about my truest self – this retreat impacted me in ways I could have never imagined. I reveal how a simple New Year's resolution of dedicating workouts...

Grace Wethor's life changed when she was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor at 13 years old. Now, almost a decade later, she reflects on how this profound experience shaped her outlook on life, mortality, and personal growth. Driven by her passion for storytelling, entertainment, and advocacy, Grace has built initiatives and communities that extend far beyond herself. Her journey powerf...

Nick Sweeney, a former competitive skier turned breath work coach, shares his remarkable journey of self-healing and transformation. From overcoming career-threatening injuries to developing a powerful mind-body practice, Nick offers profound insights on personal growth and peak performance. We explore the transformative power of breath work, meditation, and shifting from fear to faith when it cam...

Bill Shufelt, co-founder and CEO of Athletic Brewing, shares his journey from quitting a successful hedge fund career to betting on himself and transforming the non-alcoholic beer industry. We discuss how Bill's personal decision to stop drinking evolved into a mission-driven business that's changing social norms and consumer habits. Discover the challenges of launching in an untapped ma...

Erik Weihenmayer shares his journey of overcoming blindness through adventure. He discusses finding community in sports, and breakthrough experiences in climbing and kayaking. Erik offers insights on climbing Mount Everest, kayaking the entire Grand Canyon, and the necessary teamwork and mental preparation for completing each mission. He reflects on external recognition, the balance between achiev...

Oliver de la Paz discusses the intersection of poetry, physical pain, and the healing process. As a former EMT turned poet and professor, he brings a unique perspective to this interesting topic. Oliver shares how writing and reading poetry can be a transformative practice that helps individuals navigate their experiences with physical pain and ultimately find healing. For me personally, I took Ol...

From Wall Street to prison walls, Chip Skowron's life took a dramatic turn when insider trading brought his hedge fund career crashing down. Chip reveals the actions that led to his crimes and the harsh reality of facing the consequences. He shares how prison became an unexpected crucible for transformation, forcing him to confront his past and forge a new identity. Now dedicated to prison re...

George Mumford's journey from the depths of addiction to becoming a pivotal mindfulness coach for sports legends is nothing short of extraordinary. Mumford reveals how mindfulness became his lifeline, propelling him from substance abuse to discovering his authentic self and becoming a sought-after mental performance coach. Uncover the transformative techniques that not only saved Mumford&apos...

Elyn Saks shares her personal journey with schizophrenia. From the highs of academic success to the lows of psychiatric hospitalizations, Elyn candidly discusses the challenges of navigating mental illness in the pursuit of working towards her personal and professional goals. Her story offers a poignant exploration of identity, acceptance, and the resilience required to live a fulfilling life in t...

In this solo episode, I dive into the powerful mantra, "The Weights Don't Care" and how these 4 words have transformed my mindset both in and outside of the gym. I share the origin story of the phrase, its impact during challenging times like with COVID and my serious back injury, and how it led to a viral social media post. I also touch on the importance of sharing your voice and e...

Former MLB pitcher Jim Morris overcame incredible odds to achieve his big league dreams. Jim shares his inspirational story from facing a difficult childhood, to giving up on baseball, to making an unlikely comeback at age 35 and pitching in the majors. However, Jim's journey didn't end there. He endured a series of debilitating injuries and health issues, including Parkinson's dise...

Ian Manuel was sentenced to life in prison at just 13 years old. He shares his incredible journey of surviving 18 years in solitary confinement, finding redemption through poetry, and forming an unlikely bond with the woman he shot. We discuss the challenges of reintegrating into society, the miracles that shaped his life, and how he's using his experiences to inspire others. Ian's story...

Austin Hatch survived two plane crashes that claimed the lives of all his immediate family members. Austin shares his journey from tragedy to triumph, discussing how he overcame unimaginable loss to play basketball at the University of Michigan and then become an inspiring speaker. We explore his relationship with pain, his philosophy on personal growth, and how he's turned his experiences in...

Steph Jagger left behind a successful career to travel across the world and ski 4 million vertical feet in a year. What started out as a trip to accomplish a goal ended up being a journey for self-discovery. Steph shares insights on personal growth, the balance between building and breaking down our identity, and the importance of embracing both masculine and feminine energies. She also discusses...

Becca Pizzi is a record-breaking endurance runner who conquered the World Marathon Challenge - 7 marathons on 7 continents in 7 days. She shares her remarkable story of overcoming a torn groin to make history and the belief that short term pain costs much less that long term regret. Becca also discusses her training with TB12, balancing motherhood and work with intense athletic pursuits, and the m...

Chris Rinaldi and I explore the interconnected aspects of personal growth in this conversation. We discuss our relationship with alcohol, mindful career choices, and the importance of aligning your environment with core values. The conversation weaves through themes of self-awareness, boundary-setting, and finding balance within obsession. Additionally, we touch on how creative pursuits can compli...

Amy Downs recounts her harrowing experience surviving the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995. Buried under 10 feet of rubble for six hours, Amy discusses how this life-altering event sparked a profound personal transformation, leading her from obesity to becoming an Ironman triathlete. Amy offers powerful insights on overcoming survivor's guilt, finding hope in dark times, and the importance of li...

Nate Boyer is a former Green Beret, NFL player turned filmmaker. He shares his journey from aspiring filmmaker at 19 years old to the military service, to football, and then ultimately back to storytelling. He discusses the challenges of creating his movie "MVP," which explores the struggles veterans and athletes face after their careers end. Nate offers insights on pursuing dreams and t...

James Francis, mental health advocate and author of the book, There's Coffee In The Fridge, opens up about his journey through depression, suicide attempts, and ultimately healing. James shares his experiences in psychiatric care, the importance of honesty in recovery, and how he broke generational cycles of pain. We explore the distinction between isolation and solitude, the therapeutic valu...