2Tough2Fail

Hear the inspiring story of Lawrence Carter, whose ambition, optimism and relentless drive helped him overcome the burden of two felony convictions and end his days as a homeless person in Detroit.

In 1963, Melanie Jackman signed up for an entry-level job as a typist at the FBI. She soon moved to the Pentagon, Congress and the White House, earning two college degrees along the way. Her remarkable career spanned 40 years and the administrations of nine presidents. Melanie offers a unique insider's look at events ranging from the Kennedy assassination to the Pentagon Papers leak and the 9...

Meet Fahim Safi, an Afghan who was born in a refugee camp in Pakistan. He began his life living in a tent with no electricity and limited supplies of food and water. Fahim and his family were finally able to return to Afghanistan when he was 13. Hear how his odyssey led him to the U.S. and a lifelong commitment to helping refugees worldwide.

Hear Michelle E. Dickinson’s inspirational story about overcoming the childhood challenges of a bipolar mother. Today, she’s a mental health advocate and resilience coach for people of all ages. Michelle’s mission: teaching how to manage life’s stresses day by day.

When lightning struck him in 2005, Texas cowboy Scott Knudsen suffered external burns, internal injuries and the lost much of his memory, including his ability to read and write. But none of those challenges held him back. Today he’s a successful entrepreneur, inspired by his own determination, boundless positivity and eagerness to tell his story to others. 

When his 23-year-old son died of an opiate overdose, Jeff Johnson saw himself at a turning point. He used the tragedy to build a positive philosophy he calls Living Undeterred. Jeff describes his credo—and his work to help young adults make constructive choices—in this powerful and emotional episode.

Robin Bartlett knew in 1968 he was destined to serve in Vietnam. As a 22-year-old platoon leader, he soon saw combat. After being wounded and briefly presumed dead, he made a life-altering decision to chronicle personal accounts about the conflict—including his own story.

Today, let’s meet Peter Black, former Chief Historian of the Office of Special Investigations (OSI) with the US Justice Department.  Peter was a part of a team tracking down Nazi war criminals.  It’s a look back at a difficult time in history, but more important, a discussion about what’s happening today as hate speech and violence have become the norm in the U.S.

Meet Anaheid Delakian, who survived an earthquake in 1988 that killed roughly 50,000  people in her hometown of Spitak, Armenia. Hear her amazing story of survival and triumph.   

Seven years ago, Liliana Masnytka and her family fled Ukraine as Russia annexed the southeastern Crimea region of their homeland. They left everything behind. Now Liliana works as a volunteer to help resettle refugees driven out by the current war in Ukraine. Her heart-rendering stories tell the tremendous challenges these expatriates face.

The dramatic story of how 3,700 young beagles destined for animal testing were rescued from a "puppy mill" in Virginia by the Humane Society of the United States and hundreds of animal rescue organizations and animal lovers across  America.

Tavi talks to Casey Streeter, a Florida homeowner and businessman who survived Hurricane lan. He has a message for all of us about resilience, bravery and defying all odds.