Rocket Motivation

In this week's episode, we learn the story of Michelle Rapkin. Michelle is a three time cancer survivor who was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma for the first time in 2000. She tells her story of battling cancer and navigating her life through this time. Throughout it all, she balanced her career in the publishing industry, self-care, and personal life. She's written a book entitled " Cancer...

In this week's episode, we learn the story of Jacki Semerau Tait. Jacki was a real estate agent when the great recession hit. She lost all of her sources of income, couldn't pay her mortgage, and she and her two daughters had to move back into her parents house. It got worse from there. She tells her story about how she had only 4 one dollar bills to her name, her entire net worth, but used that a...

In this week's episode, we learn the story of Coach Tim Weaver. Coach Weaver has been a football coach at the college level for over 30 years, consisting of seven different college jobs. He's presently the defensive coordinator at Brown University. He gives great life advice based upon his years of working in a profession with constant uncertainty.   Key Takeaways  Before reacting to a sudden bad...

In this week's episode, we learn the story of Theresa Contaxis. Theresa had a tough childhood where she was bullied and, as an adult, had feelings of anger, jealousy, and insecurity. After the birth of her third child, she became extremely depressed and was determined to overcome it and begin living her best life. She tells the story about her journey of spiritual enlightenment and gives advice on...

In this week's episode, we learn the story of Olivier Charles . When Olivier was 10 years old, his family fled Haiti on a boat that was barely seaworthy. They eventually made it to the United States. He tells his story of navigating life and eventually rising to the position of President of Bishop State Community College in Mobile, Alabama. Key Episode Takeaways - Tough times don't always last, bu...

In this week's episode, we learn the story of Gerald Jones. At age 25, Gerald had testicular cancer that was misdiagnosed for a year. By the time the correct diagnoses was made, the cancer had spread and Gerald had a mass on his aorta. He had surgery, chemo and now, over 35 years later, he tells his story of faith and gives great advice and life lessons.  Key Takeaways - Through God's strength, we...

In this week's episode, we learn the story of Brad Schaeffer . Just after his 16th birthday, Brad's father, a Korean War Veteran, committed suicide. Brad talks about the loss of his father, how it affected him and how it prepared him for life and his career. Brad was a trader on the iconic commodities exchange trading floors and talks about that experience and life lessons. He's an author who has...

In this week's episode, we learn the story of Aaron Payne. Aaron suffered a broken neck and spinal cord injury in a diving accident when he was 19 years old. The injury left him with significant paralysis, and he is wheelchair-bound. He's 37 years old, has a great job, and has lived a productive life. He tells his story of continuing to move forward in life.  Key Takeaways - Life can be a rollerco...

In this episode, we learn the story of Christina Cook. Christina is a former gambling addict. She now is over 1000 days without making any bets. She tells her story of becoming an addict, hitting rock bottom and her recovery. When we think of gambling addicts, we typically think of men. Christina's story enlightens us on gambling addiction from a female perspective. She gives her advice on overcom...

In this episode, we learn the story of Jordan Patterson. Jordan played seven years as a professional baseball player, mainly grinding it out in the minors with a brief stint in the major leagues with the Colorado Rockies. In 2020, he realized it was time for a new career and is now finishing his 3rd year of law school. He tells his story of the ups and downs of battling to make it to the major lea...

In this week's episode, we learn the story of The Honorable John England, Jr. Judge England, a retired circuit court judge and former Alabama Supreme Court Justice. He was a student at Tuskegee University during the height of the Civil Rights Movement. He was in the first class of African Americans admitted to the University of Alabama Law School. He has lived a spectacular life. He provides great...

In this week's episode, we learn the story of Brett Horn . Brett lost his 2-year-old son Charlie when he was crushed by a dresser that tipped over and fell on him. Brett turned his grief into something positive. He has successfully advocated for legislation requiring furniture to meet tip-over standards. He was also instrumental in creating Charlie's House , a full-scale demonstration safety house...

In this week's episode, we learn the story of John Berry . John is a Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter. He's earned multiple Gold and Platinum records over his 40 plus year career. His song "Your Love Amazes Me" hit number one on the Billboard country chart. The day it hit number one, John was undergoing emergency brain surgery. He's had a very successful career but has dealt with and overcom...

In this week's episode, we learn the story of Retired Army Sergeant  Rick Yarosh . In September 2006, while on patrol in Iraq, Rick's vehicle hit an IED. The resulting explosion caused Rick to be covered by fuel that was on fire. He suffered second and third-degree burns to 60 % of his body. He lost his nose, ears, fingers and had his right leg amputated below the knee. He had to face his new life...

In this week's episode, we learn the story of  Franklin Harrison . Twelve years ago, Franklin was attending a meeting as the attorney for the Bay County, Florida School Board when a gunman came into the meeting and began threatening board members and then started shooting. Franklin tells what it was like to literally stare down the barrel of a gun. He is fortunate to have survived this traumatic e...

In this week's episode, we learn the story of Scott Ashley . In April 2012, when Scott was 36 years old, he was in a horrific automobile accident resulting in multiple broken bones, spinal cord damage and had his left leg amputated above the knee. He was told by his doctors he would never walk again. They were wrong. He not only walks but is incredibly active. Most importantly, his injury opened h...

In this week's episode, we learn the story of Trent Crawford. At age 27, Trent was involved in a hunting accident where he fell from a tree and broke his back leaving him partially paralyzed from the waist down with little hope of walking again. He didn't let his paralysis stop him from living his best life. He walks, is a husband and father, and lives life on his terms. He has a great story of ov...

In this week's episode, we learn the story of Josh Zucker. Josh was in the 2nd tower of the World Trade Center on 9/11 when the 2nd plane hit. He was only 20 floors below. His story is fascinating strictly in a factual context. He goes further and relates how that day changed his life and what it means to be a survivor.   Key Takeaways  Surviving a horrible event makes you stronger. Use what you l...

In this week's episode, we learn the story of Kevin Olmstead. Kevin was fishing in south Mobile Bay when he was knocked out of his boat by a crashing wave. His boat was still in gear and took off. With no life jacket, Kevin survived for over 9 hours, swimming and treading water, until he could cling to a piling and was rescued. He battled exhaustion and hypothermia and survived by never giving in....

In this episode, we learn the story of Maddi Niebanck . At age 22, after Maddi had just graduated from Georgetown University, she suffered a major stroke leaving her paralyzed on her left side. She did not let her stroke derail her life, but instead realized how fragile life is and has focused her life on what she wants to do. She provides outreach on social media helping other stroke victims. She...

In this week's episode, we learn the story of Emily Schreiber Pendley. At age nine, Emily was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. Cystic fibrosis can dramatically shorten life expectancy. Emily has not allowed cystic fibrosis to slow her down. She is now 29 years old, a lawyer and recently got married. She tells her story of living a full life with cystic fibrosis. Key takeaways - Uncertainty can be h...

In this week's episode, we learn the story of Stephanie Nodd. At age 23, Stephanie was convicted for her role in a drug conspiracy. She was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison. At age 44, she was released after serving 21 years. She tells her story of what it was like to spend a large portion of her life behind bars. She speaks to young adults about how making one bad decision can change your...

In this week's episode, we learn the story of Mike Bailey and his son Brandon. Brandon lost his life to fentanyl poisoning. Mike tells his story of losing his only child and how it has affected him. The worst part of this story is that Brandon's death, like so many fentanyl deaths, was accidental and preventable. Mike's story could not be more timely. Key Takeaways - You never get over losing a ch...

In this week's episode, we learn the story of Helen Bender, who within the last year at age 26 was unexpectedly diagnosed with stage 4 melanoma. She tells her story of fighting this cancer and continuing to live her fullest life. It's immunotherapy in the morning and back to work showing houses in the afternoon. She has not let this cancer slow her down. Her story is what Rocket Motivation Podcast...

In this week's 60th episode, we bring on special guest and show producer Johnny Gwin , who helps me recap Rocket Motivation Podcast's prior seasons and shows. We talk about the journey we've been on and where we're going. We talk about some of our past guests and their stories and how they make Rocket Motivation what it is. Of course, we throw a little motivation and inspiration your way. This epi...