Soaring Through Adversity

What happens when determination becomes stronger than limitations? Kaylan Griffin shares her journey toward independence, relying on her faith, perseverance, her loving husband, education, employment, and learning to find her voice as she navigates life's challenges. Her story is a beautiful reminder that disability does not define potential. You'll also hear how meaningful employment through Abun...

In this powerful episode of Soaring Through Adversity , we sit down with Nikki Myers, Director of Compass Education at South Piedmont Community College, to talk about the life-changing work happening through Compass Education and her passion for helping students with intellectual and developmental disabilities discover their abilities, build confidence, and prepare for meaningful futures. Nikki al...

What happens when the strongest man in the room can no longer move? In this powerful episode, I sit down with John Howie — a former world-ranked powerlifter, entrepreneur, musician, and longtime gym. Known for his incredible physical strength and discipline, John built a life centered around fitness, performance, and purpose. Then, at just 35 years old, a life-altering accident left him quadripleg...

In this episode of  Soaring Through Adversity , I sit down with Carolyn Dowdy, founder of a non-profit, Caregiver Mental Wellness, who understands caregiving not as a concept but as a calling lived out for more than 16 years.   We talk about  "The Weight They Carry – The Caregiver Conversation." Caregiver burnout is real. The emotional strain is real. The silent overwhelm is real. Carolyn shares h...

What happens when a life spent translating Scripture across cultures meets a heart shaped by unwavering faith and simple devotion? In this powerful episode, we sit down with Arthur Lightbody—a retired missionary, storyteller, actor and lifelong servant whose journey spans continents, decades of Bible translation, and a deep love for people. Arthur sees God's hand woven through every season of his...

Kick off 2026 with a story that will touch your heart and set the tone for a year filled with purpose, hope, and fresh perspective.  I am honored to open the year with "Brothers Beyond Limitations" — a powerful conversation with Vann and Scott Dowless. Scott, a Special Olympics star, jewelry maker, singer, and true joy-spreader… And Vann, a devoted brother, veteran, leader, and advocate whose love...

Today's episode is a beautiful celebration of faith, family, and full inclusion. I'm thrilled to welcome Michael & Deena McDowell of Joyful Table Church — two leaders who show what it truly means to build a community where every ability and every story matters. Pull up a chair… there's room for all of us at the table. 

Autism isn't just a diagnosis — it's a daily journey. In this episode, Kayla opens up about what it means to live on the spectrum: the hardships, the victories, and the fight for dignity and understanding.   Kayla doesn't hold back as she shares the reality of long waiting lists, scarce resources, and the emotional toll of autism — not just for herself, but for countless others she's walked alongs...

Supporting adults on the autism spectrum goes far beyond theory — it's about showing up in the moments that shape daily life. In this episode, we sit down with Holly Burdick, a certified autism coach, to pull back the curtain on what meaningful support truly looks like. Together, we unpack common myths and misunderstandings, explore the quiet traumas that too often go unseen, and discover the powe...

What happens when a mother refuses to let adversity define her family? In this moving episode of Soaring Through Adversity, Marla O'Neill shares her journey as a mother, advocate, and "Momager" who has walked through autism, addiction, and heartbreaking loss — and turned those experiences into a mission of hope. Listeners will hear how Marla's fierce love helped her son find his voice, earn a degr...

He's got wrestling hot takes, football opinions that'll make you laugh (or argue), and a heart so big it fills the room. Jared is 40 years young, a Special Olympics legend, and a firecracker of joy, resilience, and unforgettable This episode is packed with laughs, legacy, and life lessons from someone who's been breaking barriers and making people smile for over three decades. Trust us—you don't w...

What do gold medals, scary movies, and early mornings on an egg farm have in common? Meet the incredible woman behind it all in our latest episode of Soaring Through Adversity. This week, we sit down with Mary, a tech-savvy, fiercely determined dreamer who's not only mastered bowling and bocce ball—but is also chasing her dreams of college, independence, and a driver's license. She doesn't see her...

In this episode of Soaring Through Adversity, host Renee Breazeale welcomes Amanda Kotter and Nicole Thompson, two passionate leaders and coaches within the Special Olympics community. Together, Amanda and Nicole share inspiring stories about the power of inclusive sports to foster confidence, connection, and community for individuals with disabilities. They discuss the origins and global impact o...

Some stories stay with you forever, and Pastor Scott Garwood's is one of them. Born two months premature and diagnosed with cerebral palsy, Scott could have let life's challenges define him. Instead, he found a deeper purpose through faith, hope, and an unshakable spirit.   Hear how a shy young man became a voice of love and encouragement for so many. His journey will touch your heart, lift your s...

A New Year's Eve call changes everything. Join Renee Breazeale as she speaks with Karla and Scott Dougan about a life-altering accident. Hear their raw, emotional story of unexpected challenges, and the long road to recovery. 'One Choice, One Moment' explores resilience and the strength in the face of unimaginable adversity, and shows that anyone can become disabled at the blink of an eye. 

In this episode of Soaring Through Adversity , host Renee Breazeale welcomes Eva and Kevin Potts, co-founders of the Mary Carmel's Light Foundation, to discuss a condition that often goes unrecognized—Charles Bonnet Syndrome. Eva and Kevin share their personal journey, inspired by their late mother, Mary Carmel, who lived with the condition and was misdiagnosed with dementia. Their experience navi...

In this heartfelt and empowering episode of Soaring Through Adversity , "Life Reimagined" , host Renee Breazeale is joined by her friend Christa Tyson for an unforgettable conversation. Christa, diagnosed with Parkinson's disease at just 44, opens up about the challenges and lessons of navigating life with a disability. Together, Renee and Christa share personal stories, including Renee's journey...

This episode of Soaring Through Adversity, titled "Unstoppable Voice," features Susan and Lexi Haas, a mother-daughter duo dedicated to disability advocacy and education. Together, they co-authored The Year of the Buttered Cat, which shares Lexi's extraordinary journey. Susan and Lexi share their story of resilience, advocacy, and triumph, inspiring listeners to embrace the potential within every...

Today's guest is Madison, a 36-year-old professional with roots in West Palm Beach, Florida, who grew up in Union County, North Carolina. Madison's story is one of determination, from balancing single parenthood, a full-time job, and her studies to earn a communication degree from East Carolina University, to her successful corporate career as a business analyst at Siemens, where she's worked sinc...

In this short episode of the  Soaring Through Adversity podcast, host Renee Breazeale delivers a message about empowering people with disabilities. As the previous CEO of Victory Bolt & Specialty and co-founder of The Victory Advantage, Renee highlights their mission to make independent living more accessible. Through financial assistance for housing, education, and employment, The Victory Advanta...

This episode, titled "Faith, Flight, and Resilience," features Chuck Hoyle. Born in 1952 in Kings Mountain, North Carolina, Chuck grew up in a devout Christian home. His love for sports and aviation led him to the U.S. Air Force Academy, where he strayed from his faith but later found his way back. After a tragic plane crash left him paralyzed, Chuck's resilience only grew. He became a foster pare...

In today's episode, titled "Forklift and Fly," the spotlight is on two remarkable guests: David Casper and Nate Clewell. David, a Union County native and CEO of Union Diversified Industries, has been a leader in the IDD, MH, and SU fields. He's a trailblazer in nonprofit innovation, an ordained minister, and a dedicated community member. Joining him is Nate Clewell, a 33-year-old forklift operator...

Michael Wayne O'Neill is a 2023 graduate of Wingate University with a bachelor's degree in sports communications, and he is working toward his dream of becoming a play-by-play announcer. Currently, Michael Wayne is a general assignment reporter at the Enquirer Journal in Monroe, North Carolina, where he has written over 1,000 articles. Despite experiencing delays in speech and communication as a c...

Grace Trumpower, diagnosed with cerebral palsy at 18 months old, overcame multiple barriers to become a disability rights advocate. Despite battling an autoimmune condition in her teens, she pursued a GED and received accolades for advancing inclusive education. Grace's advocacy has led to victories promoting equal educational opportunities for people with disabilities, inspiring others with her r...

As the owner of Dawn Rock Drilling and Blasting, Daniel McGuirt was living every young boy's dream of being paid to blow things up. However, Daniel's life was forever changed in 2021 when he was paralyzed from a Jeep accident on his family farm.  This wasn't the first time in Daniel's life that he had faced adversity however. 30 years prior, he broke his neck, and he also survived a cancer diagnos...