The Unbreakable Storm Podcast

In this inspiring episode of Unbreakable Storm, we sit down with Lara “LJ” Johnson — award‑winning keynote speaker, bestselling author, executive coach, creator of the Global G.R.I.T. System™, and one of the most requested voices in leadership and resilience today. LJ’s journey is the living embodiment of what it means to grit through it. She opens up about surviving devastating personal challenge...

From the MMA cage to the frontlines of military leadership, Colton Smith has faced every storm head-on — but his greatest victories have come not just in the octagon, but in the way he leads, fathers, and builds legacy through discipline, faith, and purpose. In this powerful season finale of Unbreakable Storm, Colton shares the story behind the headlines: not just as the winner of The Ultimate Fig...

In this unforgettable episode of Unbreakable Storm, we sit down with RJ Casey — a veteran operator whose life’s work spans some of the most elite arenas of service, rescue, and creative impact. RJ’s journey is remarkable not just for its breadth — from the U.S. Army to U.S. Air Force Special Warfare and other government special operations — but for the depth with which he has redefined what it mea...

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Nate Boyer, a man whose life story is anything but ordinary. From Green Beret to NFL player to actor, director, and social impact warrior—Nate’s journey defies convention and speaks to the spirit of the unbreakable. Nate opens up about the winding path that led him from military service to professional football, despite never playing a game in college bef...

In this gripping episode of Unbreakable Storm, we welcome Brin’na Rollins-Williams, a powerhouse leader, visionary, and advocate who knows what it means to rise—again and again. Brin’na opens up about the moments that nearly broke her, and how through grace, grit, and a deep commitment to her purpose, she forged her own lane. From navigating adversity to thriving in leadership spaces where she onc...

In this episode of Unbreakable Storm, we sit down with Tim Martin—a powerful voice in the world of purpose-driven leadership and authentic living. Known for his unwavering commitment to faith, clarity, and service, Tim shares the defining moments that shaped his path through adversity and into alignment with his true calling. From overcoming personal setbacks to stepping boldly into his role as a...

What does it take to turn your voice into a movement? In this electrifying episode of Unbreakable: Stories That Rise, we sit down with Dr. Cheryl Wood—globally-acclaimed keynote speaker, bestselling author, TEDx presenter, and the powerhouse founder of Global Speakers University. But behind the stage lights and accolades is a woman who built her empire from scratch and knows firsthand what it’s li...

In this powerful episode of Unbreakable Storm, we sit down with Donnell Johns, a retired U.S. Army Command Sergeant Major who turned the pain of transition and the weight of identity loss into a mission that empowers thousands. Donnell opens up about the difficult shift from the structured life of military service to the uncertain terrain of civilian entrepreneurship. With candor and depth, he ref...

In this deeply moving episode, Olivia is joined by Annette Whittenberger — a retired Army officer, mental health advocate, speaker, and founder of A Wild Ride Called Life. Annette opens up about her journey through the hidden battles of life after service, her experience navigating divorce, and the lifelong impact of living with depression, anxiety, and PTSD. From the outside, Annette was the stro...

Combat veteran Shawn Livingston knows what it means to fight battles that don’t end when the uniform comes off. After sustaining an injury while serving his country, Shawn found himself struggling with heroin addiction—a descent that nearly cost him everything. His raw and courageous journey from combat, to addiction, and ultimately to recovery is documented in the film 100 Miles to Redemption, an...

At 24 years old, Brandi Benson was living her dream — serving in the U.S. Army, chasing goals, and building a future with purpose. But life came to a screeching halt when she was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer. In an instant, her battlefield became the hospital, her mission became survival, and her weapon was unshakable willpower. In this soul-stirring episode o...

From the shadows of war to the summit of personal triumph, Nick Lavery is the embodiment of what it means to rise after being broken. An active‑duty Green Beret, decorated combat veteran, bestselling author, and founder of Precision Components LLC, Nick’s life was forever changed by a life‑altering injury sustained in combat. What could have defined an end instead became the beginning of a fierce...

In a world where success is often showcased without the struggle behind it, Dr. Rob Garcia brings the full story — the ups, the downs, and the relentless pursuit of purpose. A globally recognized visibility strategist and media architect, Rob knows firsthand what it feels like to come from a place of hardship, loss, and challenge — and to transform that experience into a platform for change. In th...