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 pers…

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 …

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.…

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 jour…

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 Epis…

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 le…

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 exp…

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 forwar…

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 f…

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…

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. …

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'…

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…

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 amput…

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. H…

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 incredi…

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 l…

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 ho…

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 exhaustio…

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 …

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 cys…

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 …

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 time…

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…

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 lit…

In this week's episode we learn the Zac Wolfe. Eleven years ago at the age of 19 Zac fractured his cervical spine in a vehicle accident causing spinal cord damage leaving him paralyzed from the neck down. He has relentlessly worked to improve his condition and after several years, can walk with the aide of leg braces and a walker. Most importantly,…

In this week’s episode, we learn the story of Stephanie Goolsby Savage. Stephanie is a survivor of abuse. She is a businesswoman who has the drive and perseverance to succeed. Her 30 plus year salon business was shut down by Covid. Stephanie pivoted from her salon business to becoming an award winning Mary Kay consultant. She keeps moving forward a…

In this week’s episode, we learn the story of Jo Holcombe and her mother Shirley, who suffered from elder abuse by a caregiver. Following Shirley’s death, Jo turned her anger and rage into a positive. She worked tirelessly to have a law enacted in Alabama that requires individuals convicted of felony elder abuse to register (somewhat like a sex off…

In this week’s episode, we learn the story of Command Sergeant Major Brad Jones. Brad tells his story about dealing with obstacles and detours he’s faced in his military career and personal life. He talks about studying a full year to be a radar specialist in the Army, only to have that assignment disappear before it started. He talks about dealing…

In this week’s episode, we learn the story of Krissy McCulloch. Krissy survived a tough divorce and has taken what she learned and went through to turn it into her passion of representing clients in divorce and family law proceedings. Divorce is a tough thing for everyone who goes through it. This topic and Krissy’s story and advice fit in perfectl…

In this week’s episode, we learn the story of Jason Darley. Jason had an obstacle filled childhood, witnessing abuse by his father of his mother, and going from a fairly affluent upbringing to not knowing where his next meal was coming from. He’s dealt with the death of his younger brother from cancer. He put himself through college and law school,…

In this week’s episode, we learn the story of Steve Serio. Steve is a four time Paralympic medalist for the USA Men’s National Wheelchair Basketball Team. He tells his story of how his life improved and completely changed by accepting and embracing his disability instead of conforming to society’s expectations of striving to become able-bodied. He …

In this week’s episode, we learn the story of Sydney Bennett. Sydney is 23 years old and suffers from a condition known as Functional Neurological Disorder with symptoms of debilitating/chronic pain, numbness, paralysis and seizures. She discusses how she lives with and navigates her condition and how she deals with skepticism about her condition, …

In this week’s episode we learn the story of Ricky Trione. On two separate occasions Ricky lost his sight in one eye and then the other leaving himself totally blind. He has become an artist, painting with acrylics, and uses his sense of touch to feel his canvases after the paint dries to create his paintings. His story is one of inspiration and ne…

In this week’s episode, we learn the story of Matt Newsom. At age 43, 13 years ago, Matt was diagnosed with Hairy Cell Leukemia. He jumped on treatment right away and his leukemia has been in remission ever since. Matt has become a major fundraiser for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and was the Charlotte, North Carolina Leukemia and Lymphoma Soc…

In this episode, we learn the story of Haley Beason. At age 15, Haley became addicted to pain medication and by her late 20s was a full blown addict. She chose rehab over prison and has completely turned her life around and now is the co-founder and director of The Landing, a drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility for women. Her story is amazing …

In this week’s episode, we learn the story of Rosshiki Leatherwood and his wife Claudia. Rosshiki lost his wife of 13 years when the vehicle she was driving was struck by another vehicle driven by a teenager. His two children were in the vehicle and badly injured. Rosshiki tells his story of forgiveness, how he has dealt with the loss of Claudia, a…

In this week’s episode we learn the story of Austin Luke. Austin got Covid that caused him to go to a coma for 2 months and rely upon a ventilator and other machines to keep him alive. He required a double lung transplant to survive. He tells his story of overcoming Covid and what it’s like lying in a hospital bed being kept alive by machines as he…

In this week's episode, we learn the story of Chris "Champ" Napier. Champ was 3 years old when he saw his father murdered. He grew up in poverty, surrounded by drugs and crime, and at age 18 was sentenced to life in prison for murder. He had an epiphany while in prison and changed his life around. After serving 14 years, he was paroled. He now work…

In this week's episode, we learn the story of Rob Holbert who started a print newspaper in Mobile, Alabama at the time when newspapers were going digital. Rob talks about his personal and professional challenges and his recipe for success not only in print media but in life. Subscribe To Lagniappe >>> Key Takeaways - There is no substitute for hard…

In this week's episode, we learn the story of Tanner Deas. Tanner was involved in a horrific work accident resulting in a crushed pelvis and multiple spine fractures. He tells his story of his rehabilitation and how the accident has changed and shaped his life. {DISCLAIMER: In order to make Tanner's accident easily understood to the audience, Tanne…

On this week's episode, we learn the story of Shannon McKinney. Shannon has dealt with her share of life's tough times. She has not suffered from one traumatic event from which she has overcome. Over time she has dealt with tough times, unfortunate events, and some just bad luck - or as she puts it - life. Her story is a great one of overcoming and…

In this week’s episode, we learn the story of Emily King. In 2019 at age 27, Emily was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer that has progressed to stage 4. She’s been through 35 rounds of chemotherapy and is battling a treatable but incurable condition. Instead of giving up and feeling sorry for herself, she started a non-profit called “Fighting wit…

In this week’s episode, we learn the story of Greg Kettner. Greg was attending his company’s national sales conference in Las Vegas when a once in a lifetime opportunity presented itself. He said “yes,” and his decision and performance changed the direction of his life and catapulted him into a new and successful career as a motivational speaker, p…

In this week's episode, we learn the story of Richard Bautista. After taking a bullet for his mom during a robbery leaving him temporarily paralyzed, following his treatment and recovery, Richard realized his calling in life was to become a health care provider to help others. Enjoy Richard's Rocket Motivation Story! Key Takeaways - Your life is wo…

In this week’s episode, we learn the story of Dr. Albert Russell. Dr. Russell is a native of Mobile, Alabama who grew up with six siblings and was raised by a single mother after his father passed away when Dr. Russell was 3 years old. He talks about navigating through his adolescence and earning his Ph.D. in organic chemistry and becoming the head…

In this week's episode, we learn the story of Chuck Thuss. Chuck is a former professional hockey goalie who during his collegiate playing days began experiencing anxiety, panic attacks and eventually depression. Chuck tells his story with dealing with his mental health issues and how he helps others deal with their mental health issues. Check Out C…

In this week’s episode, we learn the story of Aimee Barresi. Aimee tells her story of transforming her life of self-absorption to her passion for caring for others. This former Mrs. Mississippi Pageant winner has focused her career on the ill and the dying and comforts them in their final moments. Quite a transformation. Key Takeaways - It’s not al…

In this week’s episode, we learn the story of Jana Rocker. When she was ten years old, Jana lost her left arm and shoulder to cancer. She is now 50 and dealing with more adversity. Her kidneys have failed, requiring her to undergo dialysis nightly to keep herself alive as she waits on the kidney transplant list. She tells her story of dealing with …

In this episode, we learn the story of Inge Vanhoorne. Inge, who is from Belgium, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2009 at age 26. She tells her story of how living with MS has affected her and how she has managed to live a full life and keep moving forward. Inge tells a refreshing story of accepting your circumstances but always trying to …