The Relentless Pursuit Podcast

Joe Adams

Welcome to The Relentless Pursuit Podcast—where resilience, authenticity, and purpose collide. We share raw stories of triumph, deep conversations, and personal reflections on life’s toughest challenges. From overcoming failure to redefining success, this veteran-owned platform is rooted in grit, integrity, and growth. Expect inspiring interviews and thought-provoking episodes on resilience, mental health, spirituality, and transformation. If you’re ready to embrace your full potential—this space is for you.

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20 episodes
Updated July 30
Explicit

Episodes20

Newest first

July 30 · 2 hr 17 min
He Lost His Leg, His Business & the Man He Thought He Was | Dr.David Hausmann
What happens when everything you’ve built disappears overnight? Dr. David Hausmann spent years building a successful business, providing for his family, and chasing what he believed success was supposed to look like. Then one ordinary day changed everything. After a devastating accident, David lost his leg, watched his identity unravel, and was forced to confront a question that so many people silently wrestle with: Who am I when everything I built is gone? In this conversation, we explore suffering, identity, purpose, ego, resilience, faith, awareness, and what it truly means to become integrated. This isn’t just a story about surviving trauma. It’s about rebuilding yourself from the inside out. If you’ve ever felt lost, questioned your purpose, or wondered how to move forward after life knocks you down, this conversation is for you. In This Episode • The accident that changed everything • Losing far more than a leg • Identity beyond success • The emotional moment with his daughter on the stairs • Why suffering can become your greatest teacher • Awareness as the currency of transformation • Integrating the parts of yourself you’ve tried to hide • Rebuilding a meaningful life If this episode impacted you, please consider subscribing, sharing it with someone who needs it, and leaving a comment with your biggest takeaway. Follow The Relentless Pursuit Podcast for weekly conversations that challenge, inspire, and equip people to pursue purpose through adversity.00:00 Stairs and resilience01:24 Podcast welcome and guest intro02:18 Spider bite detour03:09 Life today and the leg loss05:25 Flesh eating bacteria ordeal07:06 Perspective after near death08:08 Presence and gratitude mindset15:15 Protecting authenticity20:20 Faith, free will, and dogma22:49 Childhood roots and success drive30:35 Masks, ego, and boundaries38:54 Rebelling and building the clinic42:45 Ego Behind Service43:57 Chiropractic Origin Story46:23 Validation and Identity Trap47:54 Tethered by Success50:14 Losing It All52:44 Authenticity and Presence59:48 Day the Infection Hit01:04:02 Waking Up to Reality01:06:56 Choosing Amputation01:10:49 Regret and Time Illusion01:13:13 Meaning After Trauma01:19:33 DMT and Shadow Integration01:26:24 Integrated Man Framework01:29:46 You Don’t Have More Time01:31:29 Heaven and Tolkien01:32:11 Hope Versus Tomorrow01:34:49 Did You See It01:40:10 Suffering And Balance01:45:18 Awareness As Currency01:48:15 Limits And Leverage01:51:44 AmpuHealth Mission01:58:11 Stairs And Presence02:03:54 Lessons For The Kids02:06:56 Identity Collapse02:12:44 Relentless Pursuit02:14:28 Where To Find Him02:16:27 Final Reflection #RelentlessPursuit #DavidHausmann #PersonalGrowth #Mindset #Resilience#Purpose #Identity #MentalHealth #SelfDevelopment #Transformation #Podcast#Inspiration #Leadership #OvercomingAdversity #GrowthMindset
July 24 · 2 hr 56 min
Tycho Bergquist | The Journey Back To Myself
On the Relentless Pursuit Podcast, host Joe Adams interviews Tycho Bergquist of InnerCore Gains about his journey from decades of unhappiness, perfectionism, guilt, and family trauma to “coming back” to himself through boundaries, meditation, plant medicine, and purpose-driven work. Tycho explains how ignoring purpose leads to burnout and nihilism, and how much of anxiety and depression can stem from living other people’s lives. He shares his background traveling due to his father’s business, growing up near Boston in an atheist household, finding escape and connection through drumming, studying religion and theater in LA, and shifting from touring music into fitness and coaching. Tycho details his 500-day meditation commitment, a 10-day darkness retreat, and building a Bellevue, Nashville gym integrating specialty fitness with subconscious block removal, plus business speaking for financial institutions to address team burnout. He closes with rapid-fire insights, his “relentless pursuit,” and where to find him online.If this episode impacted you, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing it with someone who needs to hear it. 00:00 Fragmented For Decades 00:56 Podcast Welcome Intro 01:37 Stoic Energy And Breath 04:29 Purpose Work And Offerings 06:36 Virtual Versus In Person 08:19 Healing PTSD And Peace 13:29 Roots And Name Story 15:33 Family Trauma And Boundaries 20:38 Music And Drumming Escape 31:41 College Religion And Theater 39:55 Music To Fitness Pivot 42:50 Finding Love And Breaking Point 45:46 Greatness and Potential 46:38 Quiet Greatness Examples 47:10 Mentors and New Schools 48:12 Breaking Dogma Molds 48:34 Seeds Trauma and Freedom 50:30 Perfectionism and Acceptance 51:18 Hustle Culture and Hacks 51:52 Sponsor Wellness Ecosystem 53:08 Depression Knowing vs Doing 55:08 Humility and Family Dynamics 56:33 Why Coaching and Health 57:34 Trauma Health and Nurture 59:11 Learning Authentic Coaching 01:01:52 Hypocrisy Comfort and Church 01:04:05 Seriousness Spontaneity Balance 01:05:43 Morality Values and Authenticity 01:06:47 Context Matters Presentation 01:08:25 Achievement to Purpose Shift 01:11:20 Mind Muscle Inner Core Gains 01:14:33 Subconscious Drives Behavior 01:18:31 Reptilian Brain Explained 01:19:40 Purpose Embodied Through Goals 01:21:24 Purpose Alignment and Dogma 01:24:28 Why People Miss Purpose 01:26:25 Purpose Evolves and Beliefs 01:29:32 Ignoring Purpose Burnout 01:30:42 Anxiety Critics and Haters 01:31:31 Friends Pull You Down 01:32:13 Relentless Self Belief 01:33:24 Authenticity And The Journey 01:34:52 Boundaries After Collapse 01:36:57 Plant Medicine And Retreats 01:39:18 Soul Retrieval And Shame 01:43:33 Injuries As Spiritual Signals 01:45:30 Marriage Growth And Conditions 01:48:49 500 Days Meditation Commitment 01:53:25 Meditation Results And Self Trust 01:57:51 Purpose Driven Fitness Approach 01:59:37 Darkness Retreat Explained 02:08:31 Fear And Visions In Darkness 02:12:21 Seasons Nature And God 02:13:30 Timing Plant Medicine 02:15:00 Meeting His Fiancée 02:19:14 Why Nashville Happened 02:24:05 Inside Intercore Gains 02:27:57 Purpose Driven Fitness 02:33:30 Men And Vulnerability 02:50:02 Rapid Fire Reflections 02:55:40 Healing In Many Lanes #RelentlessPursuit #TychoBergquist #Healing #Purpose #MentalHealth #PersonalGrowth #SelfDiscovery #Authenticity #Meditation #DarknessRetreat #InnerCoreGains #FindingYourself #Mindset #Transformation #Podcast
July 16 · 1 hr 59 min
What Success Doesn't Show | Carly Ornelas on Addiction, Loss, Faith & Healing
Success has a way of hiding the hardest chapters. Behind every accomplishment is a story most people never see. A story of pain, impossible choices, loss, healing, and the quiet moments that shape who we become. In Episode 201 of The Relentless Pursuit Podcast, Carly Ornelas shares the journey behind the life she’s built today. From overcoming overwhelming adversity to discovering purpose through faith, family, and service, this conversation is a powerful reminder that our greatest struggles do not have to define our future. Joe Adams and Carly explore resilience, recovery, grief,motherhood, personal growth, and what it truly means to rebuild a life one decision at a time. This isn’t just a conversation about success. It’s about the road that leads there. If you’ve ever questioned whether your past can become yourgreatest strength, this episode is for you. If this conversation impacted you, please subscribe, leave areview, and share it with someone who needs to hear Carly’s story. This episode is proudly sponsored by: - True Friends Moving Company - B2 Wellness - Nashville Fit Magazine - Bodywell Connect with Carly Ornelas: Instagram:@speakeasy.rn Speakeasy Aesthetics: Instagram: @speakeasyaestheticshttps://speakeasyaesthetics.com The Relentless Pursuit Podcast exists to bring light into a world of filters through honest, long form conversations that help people feel less alone. Every episode is recorded in person and explores the stories, struggles, and lessons that shape extraordinary lives. 00:00 Hidden Struggles Teaser 00:48 Podcast Welcome Intro 02:35 Speakeasy Aesthetics Today 04:36 Moving To Tennessee Leap 05:58 Grind Legacy Identity 13:45 Childhood Big Bear Roots 21:15 Leaving Home Early 22:23 Assault And Escape 24:53 Pilot Dream Plane Crash 26:16 Mortgage Collapse Nursing 29:19 Family Mom Relationship 30:36 Sponsor Break Nashville Fit 31:51 Meth Addiction Turning Point 34:34 Quitting Alcohol Clarity 38:57 Nursing Lessons Empathy 42:05 Compassion And Empathy 42:26 Nursing Built Patience 43:18 Four Agreements Mindset 43:59 Trust In Medicine Fades 44:51 Leaving Bedside For Aesthetics 45:51 Pricing Worth And Value 47:12 Imposter Syndrome And Fear 49:30 Moving Company Ad Break 50:22 Health Anxiety And Past 51:58 Identity Beyond Nursing 53:01 Marriage Growth And Roles 55:37 How Joey And Carly Met 58:02 Veteran Life And Fatherhood 01:02:39 Building Speakeasy Aesthetics 01:06:26 Rebrand Origin Story 01:08:22 Tennessee Business Culture 01:13:13 Loss From Substance Abuse 01:16:24 Remembering Bryce And Reform 01:19:03 Healing the Root Cause 01:20:29 Plant Medicine 01:25:22 Discernment and Other Therapies 01:27:00 Darkness Retreats Explained 01:28:29 Grieving Her Mother 01:34:35 Gratitude Over Fear 01:39:56 Faith After Loss 01:45:40 Seeing God in Others 01:50:34 Advice to Younger Self 01:53:30 Mindset and Small Habits 01:56:24 Where to Find Carly 01:58:01 Final Reflections and Outreach #RelentlessPursuitPodcast #Healing #Purpose
July 9 · 1 hr 36 min
Lydia Adams | 200 Episodes, Marriage, Parenthood & Building A Life Together
Episode 200 of The Relentless Pursuit Podcast brings thejourney full circle. Lydia Adams has been part of this podcast from the verybeginning. She first came on to share her story, returned for Episode 100 to reflect on the journey, and now joins Joe again for a raw conversation about nearly four years of building a life, marriage, family, and purpose together. Joe and Lydia reflect on the seasons that tested them, the sacrifices nobody sees, the pressures of entrepreneurship, financial uncertainty, becoming parents, Lydia’s health and hormone struggles, faith,spiritual differences, and what it takes to continue choosing growth together. They open up about raising their daughter Ozzy, learningfrom her as much as they teach her, putting their marriage at the foundation of their family, and building a life that looks very different from what they onceimagined. This is not a conversation about having a perfect marriage or an easy journey. It is about commitment, faith, sacrifice, resilience,growth, and continuing to move forward together through every season. After 200 episodes, the relentless pursuit continues. 00:00 Faith Through Delays 01:51 Podcast 200 Kickoff 05:11 Life Today as Parents 07:56 Looking Back at Early Us 11:29 What We Left Behind 13:10 Protecting Each Other 17:30 Is It Worth It 20:22 The Hidden Cost 23:47 Parenthood Shifts Marriage 24:55 Sacrifices People Miss 27:32 Brand Ecosystem Ad Break 28:47 Feeling Loved at Home 30:47 Support and Trust Lessons 34:58 Spiritual Differences Work 38:05 Parenting Styles and Faith 41:35 Hormones and Intimacy Strain 48:02 Growing as Husband and Dad 49:55 Disagreements That Strengthen 50:18 Admiration And Drive 53:45 Faith And Unconditional Love 55:00 Favorite Physical Feature 55:48 Ozzy Funniest Moments 59:44 Lessons From Parenthood 01:03:37 Hardest Parenting Challenges 01:07:05 Marriage Example For Ozzy 01:13:38 Pride And Self Belief 01:16:55 Dreams And Future Vision 01:24:39 Rapid Fire Couple Quiz 01:28:50 Relentless Pursuit Of Growth 01:33:45 Closing And Healing Message #RelentlessPursuitPodcast #Marriage #Fatherhood #Family #Relationships #Parenthood #Faith #PersonalGrowth #Entrepreneurship #Podcast
July 2 · 1 hr 47 min
Chase McDougal | From Skatepark Wars to Dark Horse Clan
What if becoming the man you’re meant to be isn’t about adding more to your life…What if it’s about having the courage to let parts of yourself die? In this episode of the Relentless Pursuit Podcast, Joe Adams sits down with martial artist, instructor, and Dark Horse Clan founder Chase McDougal for one of the deepest conversations the show has had to date. From growing up in violent skatepark rivalries that shaped his path into martial arts, to walking away from a fight-first identity, Chase shares how discipline, marriage, spirituality, and brotherhood transformed the way he sees strength. Together, Joe and Chase explore what it really means to live by an oath, why modern men are starving for authentic community, how martial arts became a vehicle for personal transformation, and why legacy is measured by what continues after you’re gone—not by what you accomplish while you’re here. Whether you agree with every spiritual belief discussed or not, this conversation is ultimately about responsibility, devotion, identity, sacrifice, and becoming someone worthy of the life you’re trying to build. In this episode: • The childhood fight that changed Chase’s life forever • How martial arts became a path toward discipline instead of violence • Why “The problem is you.” • The hidden cost of keeping an oath • Marriage, loyalty, and killing old versions of yourself • Building brotherhood instead of chasing status • Why modern men desperately need real community• The lessons horses taught Chase about leadership • Paganism, ancestry, runes, and finding a spiritual path • The philosophy behind Dark Horse Clan • What legacy really means • Chase’s relentless pursuit ⸻ Proudly Sponsored By - True Friends Moving Company - Nashville Fit • BodyWell • B2 Wellness Suites ⸻ Connect with Chase McDougal 📸 Instagram:@darkhorseclan ⸻ Connect with Relentless Pursuit 🎙 Subscribe for weekly conversations with people who have overcome adversity, built extraordinary lives, and continue chasing something bigger than themselves. Website: RelentlessPursuitLifestyle.com Email: RelentlessPursuitLifestyle@gmail.com ⸻ If this episode challenged you, inspired you, or gave you a new perspective, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing it with someone who needs to hear it.Your support helps these conversations reach more people. 00:00 Marriage Oath Struggle 01:02 Podcast Welcome Reunion 02:23 Midsummer And Clan Life 04:38 Dark Horse Clan Origins 06:56 Gift Of Runic Mala 08:21 EDC Weapon Explained 11:44 Martial Arts Roots 14:22 Childhood And Rebellion 17:49 Skatepark Fight Turning Point 23:12 From Christianity To Paganism 26:04 Sponsor Break Moving Company 26:56 Lessons From First Fight 27:56 Violence And Deescalation 30:32 Ritual Calling And Family 35:44 Spiritual Journey With Wife 36:19 College Scholarship Fallout 38:10 Early Fight Training Sanshou 40:02 Mind Body Spirit Balance 41:57 Martial Arts Credentials 43:04 Leaving MMA For Teaching 49:22 Identity Beyond Fighting 50:46 Lessons From The Arena 54:29 Wife Loyalty And Influence 55:53 Ranch Life And Slave Job 01:00:13 Horse Rescue Communication 01:02:48 Dark Horse Initiation Overhaul 01:04:54 Belt System And Standards 01:08:49 Purposeful Hazing Philosophy 01:09:41 Hazing With Purpose 01:10:30 Dagaz Rune Clarity 01:15:31 Runes And The Unknown 01:16:19 Sponsor Wellness Ecosystem 01:17:34 Reclaiming Death Rites 01:22:28 Ritual Leadership Skills 01:23:40 Why Men Seek Tribe 01:28:19 Tribe As Marriage 01:31:57 Divine Feminine Wisdom 01:36:25 Oaths And Forever 01:42:46 Rapid Fire Legacy 01:46:32 Final Healing Message #RelentlessPursuitPodcast #JoeAdams #ChaseMcDougal #Brotherhood #Legacy #MartialArts #DarkHorseClan #Masculinity #PersonalGrowth #SelfMastery #Leadership #Marriage #Purpose #Discipline #Podcast
June 25 · 1 hr 28 min
God Had a Different Plan | Kaitie Biggs on Faith, Failure & Building Fuel Fortress
Joe Adams welcomes first-time podcast guest Kaitie Biggs, anentrepreneur and co-owner of Fuel Fortress, as she shares her journey from a close-knit Tennessee upbringing and a biology degree aimed at marine ecotoxicology to building businesses with her husband, Joshua Biggs. Kaitie reflects on the profound loss of her grandfather David Hart in 2016, her struggle with self-grace, and how faith shapes her daily life through earlyworkouts paired with devotionals. She recounts meeting Josh through a bodybuilding show, pivoting from grad school plans to co-owning a meal-prep/supplement business, opening and publicly closing a labor-intensive cookie shop after competition moved in, and the fear and anxiety tied to financial strain while building a gym and home. Katie emphasizes surrenderingcontrol to God, gratitude, emotional regulation, marriage and motherhood roles, delegating to grow, and pursuing happiness and dreams without regret. In this episode, we discuss: • Trusting God’s plan when life takes an unexpected turn • Building Fuel Fortress from the ground up • Grief, loss, and carrying loved ones with you • Learning from failure and starting over • Entrepreneurship, leadership, and taking risks • Fear, anxiety, and choosing faith over fear • Marriage, communication, and building a strong family • Raising children through intentional leadership and emotional regulation • Gratitude, purpose, and finding joy in the journey • Why your greatest setbacks can become your greatest blessings Sponsors This episode is proudly sponsored by: Nashville Fit is a results-driven media network helpingbusinesses grow through strategic marketing, storytelling, and community. BodyWell brings fitness professionals, massage therapists,and wellness experiences directly to corporations, races, conferences, andevents. B2 Wellness Suites is home to a collective of health andwellness professionals, offering a collaborative environment where experts worktogether to help you perform and feel your best. 00:00 Grief and Gratitude 00:52 Podcast Welcome 02:07 Self Grace Struggles 03:46 Fuel Fortress Dream 04:52 Faithful Morning Ritual 07:23 Roots and Family 11:21 Fitness and Competing 15:56 Losing Papaw 21:17 Sponsor Break 23:04 Meeting Josh 26:09 From Biology to Business 37:10 Marriage and Teamwork 41:52 Home as Peace 43:04 Gratitude and Intimacy 45:35 Culture and Worth 47:04 Accountability Talks 49:35 Parenting Regulation 53:07 Stepmom to Motherhood 59:31 Fear and Surrender 01:06:20 Cookie Store Failure 01:11:16 Haters and Resilience 01:16:56 Delegation to Grow 01:20:16 Rapid Fire Reflections 01:27:26 Healing and Reach Out #RelentlessPursuitPodcast #JoeAdams #KaitieBiggs#FuelFortress #GodHadADifferentPlan #Faith #GodsPlan #Christian #Entrepreneurship #BusinessPodcast #Leadership #PersonalGrowth #Purpose #Resilience #Grief #Marriage #Parenting #Mindset #Motivation #Success #MentalHealth #Fear #Hope #Tennessee #Nashville #Podcast
June 18 · 1 hr 16 min
From a Broken Knee to the NFL | Miles Burris on Faith, Identity & Purpose
Former Raiders linebacker and actor Miles Burris joins Joe Adams on the Relentless Pursuit Podcast to share his journey from a childhood chickenpox-related knee infection and doctors discouraging football to being drafted by the Raiders in 2012. He discusses his short NFL career cut by chronic knee issues, the identity and depression that followed, and how his wife and faith helped him transition into acting, screenwriting, and ultimately content creation. Burris describes booking early acting roles, facing long droughts and Hollywood pressures, and making a difficult career decision to honor his marriage boundaries, which later led to new opportunities including a film role where his wife could stand in. He explains his daily life, creative process, and message for people in dark seasons: keep moving, new passions can emerge, and maximize what God put in you. Follow Miles Burris: Instagram: @MilesJamesBurris YouTube and TikTok: @MilesBurrisTV Facebook: Miles Burris 00:00 Chickenpox Knee Injury 01:12 Podcast Intro Guest 03:16 Fanny Pack Banter 05:40 Life Today Routine 07:35 NFL To Acting Content 12:16 Consistency Authenticity 16:02 Back To Childhood 20:50 Faith Friends Wife 27:20 Family Work Balance 28:57 Sponsor Break Nashville Fit 30:13 Kids Timing Stability 31:19 High School Linebacker 32:56 College Combine Instincts 34:39 San Diego State Setup 35:08 NFL Arrival Reality 36:58 Belief Against Doubt 38:55 Acting Spark Begins 39:49 Raider Pride Full Circle 41:24 Knee Injury Ends Career 43:47 Identity After Football 50:12 First Acting Breakthrough 54:13 Hollywood Drought Pressure 55:57 Marriage Boundaries Tested 01:05:00 Faith Under Fire 01:09:40 Creating Over Achieving 01:12:56 Rapid Fire And Farewell 01:15:38 Healing In Many Lanes #RelentlessPursuitPodcast #MilesBurris #NFL #OaklandRaiders #Hollywood #FaithJourney #ManhoodAndPurpose #ChristianPodcast #IdentityAndPurpose #OvercomingAdversity
June 12 · 1 hr 44 min
Charles Rucker | I Lost My Identity to Find Myself
Charles Rucker built his identity on football, bodybuilding, sponsorships, and a public brand. Then it all collapsed. A career-ending accident. Stores shuttered. A marriage that left him shrinking himself until he didn't know who he was anymore. So he drove away from everything and spent months alone rebuilding from the ground up. In this episode, Charles opens up about the moment his nervous system unlocked on a drive to Tampa, how identity loss nearly destroyed him, what it actually means to find peace, and why he's now pouring everything into helping other men do the same through King Circle and his upcoming book Heal Your Reality. This is a conversation about earning your identity back, not chasing it. About what happens when a man finally stops performing and starts living. Topics covered: Rebuilding identity after loss and divorce Performance identity in sports and business Why love alone isn't enough to save a marriageShrinking yourself and losing who you are in a relationship What peace actually feels like and why you'll fight to keep it Men and emotional vulnerability King Circle men's group and coaching Journaling, video diaries, and practical tools for healing Faith, boundaries, and letting the wrong people go Redefining success on your own terms Charles Rucker is an entrepreneur, coach, speaker, and founder of King Core Labs and Ruck Nutrition. Find him at charlesrucker.com and on Instagram @IAmCharlesRucker. Subscribe to The Relentless Pursuit Podcast for weekly conversations with people who refused to quit. 00:00 Finding Peace Again 00:46 Podcast Welcome Intro 02:15 Catching Up Life Updates 02:43 Canada Calm New Perspective 04:20 Expectations Communication Love 08:00 Men Vulnerability Space 12:29 Fatherhood Softens You 13:43 New Ventures Coaching 16:29 Rebuilding Expanding Identity 19:01 Loneliness Boundaries Seasons 24:40 Stop Caring Opinions 26:50 Redefining Success After 2020 29:58 Disappearing To Find Self 31:17 Letting Go Old Identity 32:01 Grief After Letting Go 32:55 Divorce And Identity Shift 34:49 Bodybuilding Control Trap 36:46 Family Time Over Training 38:57 Loss And Living Present 42:39 From Football To The Wreck 46:01 Performance Identity Patterns 48:02 What Do You Love 51:52 Divorce Public Fallout 01:01:01 Tampa Reset And Healing 01:04:15 Embracing Suffering Lessons 01:08:12 Opinions And Social Media 01:09:23 Handling Public Opinions 01:10:09 Friends Faith and Bridges 01:11:00 Faith Beyond Labels 01:13:31 Closing the Chapter 01:16:25 Rebuilding Into Freedom 01:18:24 Feeling Again and Grace 01:23:49 King Circle for Men 01:29:56 Helping Others Find Peace 01:38:40 Rapid Fire and Relentless Pursuit 01:42:00 Where to Find Charles 01:43:02 Final Healing Message #RelentlessPursuit #CharlesRucker #IdentityCrisis #MensHealth #Divorce#Rebuilding #MindsetShift #HealYourReality #KingCircle #Bodybuilding#MensMentalHealth #FindingPeace #PersonalDevelopment #Entrepreneurship#RealTalk
June 4 · 2 hr 34 min
He Manifested Red Bull at 18. Then His Dad Died. Then He Became a Father. | Jaxson Riddle
Jaxson Riddle wrote it down every single day. I am a Red Bull athlete. At 18 years old it came true. He was one of maybe two or three free-ride athletes in the US to ever wear that helmet. The peak moment of his life. Two months later his father was gone. What followed was grief he buried, self-destructive thoughts he nearly did not survive, a woman who showed up at exactly the right moment, two sons pulled into the world with his own hands in his living room, and a 24 year old trying to figure out how to be the father he never fully had. This conversation goes everywhere. Growing up as an only child with young parents barely holding it together. Dropping out of school at 16 to bet everything on a bike. Sleeping on the floor of a minibus in a Whistler parking lot just to get seen. Manifesting his way to one of the most coveted sponsorships in action sports. Then watching his father have a complete breakdown, hearing voices, driving off a cliff in the desert, and being found face down in 29 degree cold. Jaxson talks about what Red Bull actually does for its athletes that nobody sees. The fear of dying and leaving his sons fatherless. Two home births including pulling his second son out purple and terrified. What it means to be present as a father when your work never turns off. And what it looks like to find beauty in the worst thing that ever happened to you. This is one of the most complete human stories we have ever put on this show. Connect with Jaxson: Instagram: @JaxsonRiddle YouTube: Ride with Riddle Connect with Joe: Instagram: @joeadams_rp YouTube: The Relentless Pursuit Podcast Brought to you by:- True Friends Moving Company - Nashville Fit - BodyWell - B2 Wellness Suites 00:00 Red Bull Dream Manifested 00:51 Tragedy After the High 01:32 Podcast Welcome and Guest Intro 03:24 Why This Platform Matters 04:57 Identity Beyond Achievement 07:34 Fatherhood and Self Care 11:47 Life Today Pro Rider Dad Builder 15:38 Childhood Only Child Roots 17:00 Parents Young and Struggles 22:05 Only Child Strengths and Gaps 23:54 Sponsor Break True Friends Moving 25:11 Dad Returns and Bikes Begin 32:28 School Dropout Bet on Riding 38:20 Going Pro Sponsors and Income 42:24 Momentum After Transition 43:10 Battling Negative Self Talk 46:19 Traveling For The Ride 47:13 Whistler Crankworx Breakthrough 49:43 Manifesting Red Bull Dream 51:44 Getting The Red Bull Helmet 53:38 Life Changes Overnight 54:52 Red Bull Family Support 57:32 Staying Authentic And Creative 59:53 Responsibility To Young Fans 01:03:28 Avoiding Party Culture Pitfalls 01:06:30 Sponsor Break Nashville Fit Ad 01:08:25 Dad's Breakdown After Success 01:15:06 Desert Search And Loss 01:21:51 Grief And Compartmentalizing 01:23:17 What I'd Tell My Dad 01:25:38 Grief Aftermath 01:27:06 Finding The Gold 01:28:59 Carrying His Spirit 01:30:10 Facing Mortality 01:34:57 Fear Of Leaving Family 01:36:51 Meeting His Wife 01:39:42 Love In Dark Times 01:42:51 Home Birth Intensity 01:47:47 Postpartum Reality 01:49:07 Fatherhood Priorities 01:50:35 Being Present Daily 01:57:00 Embracing The Chaos 01:58:42 Savoring Small Moments 01:59:40 Press Pause for Play 02:01:41 Traveling as a Dad 02:03:43 Stay at Home Mom Goal 02:06:24 Always On Entrepreneur Life 02:11:20 Balance and Surrender 02:14:54 Faith in Practice 02:16:19 You Are Not Alone 02:19:52 Legacy and Memories 02:20:46 Ozzy Files for Kids 02:23:03 Vulnerability as Strength 02:26:12 Legacy for His Sons 02:31:29 Rapid Fire and Sign Off 02:33:06 Healing in Many Lanes #JaxsonRiddle#RedBullAthlete #MountainBike #RelentlessPursuit #Grief #Fatherhood#MentalHealth #Faith #Manifestation #GenerationalTrauma #RawConversations#JoeAdams #ForeverForward #TrueStory #HumanStories
May 28 · 1 hr 17 min
From 1.6 GPA to CEO of 39 Clinics | Josh Hudson on Hormones, Discipline & Legacy
Josh Hudson grew up in small-town Wisconsin, nearly failed out of college with a 1.6 GPA his first year, and took a $60,000 pay cut to throw $5,000 into a business nobody had heard of yet. Today he is the co-founder and CEO of OptimizeU, a hormone optimization and performance recovery company with 39 locations coast to coast and 150 employees whose families depend on the decisions he makes. This episode covers the full road. Psychiatric nursing and what three years with true schizophrenia patients taught him about staying calm under pressure. Hospice care and what walking families through death taught him about time. Medical device sales, a racquetball court conversation that changed everything, and the grind of building a clinic from scratch while cleaning the office alone for six months. Josh and Joe go deep on the collapse of testosterone in young men, the danger of self-managed hormone use, what women are being told that is flat out wrong, long COVID's hidden hormonal impact, the 80 versus 95 delegation trap that keeps driven men stuck, the weight of 150 employees, and what it really means to build a life worth protecting. This one earns it. What you will hear in this episode: A 1.6 GPA first year of college, renal failure, and doing his degree completely backwards What psychiatric nursing taught him about tone, calm, and staying grounded under pressure Why hospice care changed the way he sees time, work, and what a good life actually looks like The $5,000 bet, a $60,000 pay cut, and six months of cleaning the clinic alone Why testosterone levels in young men are collapsing and what is driving it The truth about peptides, pro hormones, green testosterone, and what Josh sees walking through his clinic doors every day Why women keep being told their labs are normal when they are not Long COVID and its ongoing hormonal impact most providers are not testing for The 80 versus 95 trap and why letting go is the hardest thing for any builder What creeps up when you have 150 people depending on your next decision What gratitude actually looks like when you have seen both psych wards and hospice units up close Josh's relentless pursuit Sponsors: True Friends Moving Company: Your go-to moving crew in Middle Tennessee. Top-notch service, smooth process, personable and professional from start to finish. Link in the description. Nashville Fit, BodyWell, and B2 Wellness Suites: Three brands built as one ecosystem covering media, fitness, wellness staffing, and performance coaching. Links in the description. Find Josh and OptimizeU: Instagram: @Optimizeunashville Website: OptimizeUCenters.com Subscribe to The Relentless Pursuit Podcast for new episodes every week. 00:00 Bootstrapped Beginnings 00:39 Podcast Welcome 01:19 Meeting Josh Hudson 02:19 What Is OptimizeU 02:45 Entrepreneur Mindset 04:03 Work Life Balance 07:12 Scaling The Clinics 08:28 Building The Right Team 10:03 Wisconsin Roots 12:51 School Struggles 13:59 Martial Arts Lessons 16:59 College Reality Check 22:00 Nursing And Marriage 22:51 Psych Ward Insights 24:54 Sponsor Break 25:48 Cutting Out Distractions 28:10 Hospice And Perspective 31:06 From Sales To OptimizeU 36:41 Founding OptimizeU Grind 37:18 Growing With Purpose 39:01 Impact Over Income 40:41 Why Hormones Are Dropping 43:59 Endocrine Disruptors Everywhere 44:44 Optimize Yourself Basics 45:30 Care Without Upselling 47:51 Peptides Need Oversight 50:30 Young Steroid Fallout 52:40 Wellness Ecosystem Ad 56:28 Postpartum Hormone Struggles 58:51 Long COVID And Hormones 01:02:23 Letting Go To Scale 01:08:04 Ultimate Goals And Identity 01:13:41 Gratitude And Perspective 01:15:22 Where To Find OptimizeU 01:16:32 Final Takeaway And Help #OptimizeU #HormoneHealth #TestosteroneDecline #MensHealth #WomensHormones #HormoneOptimization #Entrepreneurship #RelentlessPursuit #JoshHudson #JoeAdams #HealthPodcast #BuildingABusiness #PodcastForMen #RawConversations
May 21 · 1 hr 30 min
Abandoned, Abused, and Out at 16 — How Nick George Broke the Cycle and Built a Life Worth Keeping
Nick George's life started with the odds stacked against him before he ever had a choice. Born to a teenage mother, abandoned by his father, abused as a child, shuffled through 12 schools, and out of the house at 16 with nowhere to go. He survived on food stamps in a stranger's basement, gave his mom an ultimatum she failed, and made one decision at 18 that changed the entire trajectory of his life: the United States Coast Guard. What followed was 22 years of service, advancing to Chief Petty Officer in nine years, two divorces, the devastating moment he became the father he never had, and the slow, hard climb back to himself through leadership, coaching, and doing the inner work most people avoid. Nick is now a professional leadership coach, a husband, and a father of five. He talks openly about battling depression, what it costs to finally choose your values over security, the identity crisis that hits when you leave the military, and why the life he always wanted is the hardest one he has ever had to learn to receive. Subscribe and leave a review if this one hit you. 00:00 Almost Adopted 01:05 Podcast Welcome 03:15 Nick Today Transition 07:01 Values Alignment 09:48 Reluctance And Identity 15:45 Back To Childhood 17:15 Adoption Story Meaning 19:47 Abuse And Survival 22:44 Faith And Responsibility 24:22 Sponsor Break 25:49 Family Trauma And Boundaries 34:25 Mentors And Coast Guard 40:24 Structure And Belonging 44:51 Learning Fatherhood 46:24 Bids For Connection 48:03 First Time Dad Reality 52:45 Divorce And Failure Fear 59:08 Choosing Balance After Divorce 01:02:10 Leadership Coaching Awakening 01:07:42 Remarriage Lessons Learned 01:14:23 Retiring And Starting Over 01:16:45 Veteran Identity And Purpose 01:19:41 Civilians Veterans And Empathy 01:28:28 Family Legacy Closing 01:29:21 Healing In Many Lanes #RelentlessPursuit #NickGeorge #CoastGuard #LeadershipCoaching #GenerationalTrauma #BreakingTheCycle #VeteranStories #MilitareToCivilian #FatherAndSon #MensWork #Resilience #FamilyLegacy #TraumaRecovery #PersonalDevelopment #SelfDevelopment #MindsetShift #Veterans #RealTalk #Authenticity #Podcast
May 8 · 2 hr 11 min
Rick Cheatham | Addiction, Losing His Son & A Broken Neck — Finding God Within
Rick Cheatham has lived through things most men couldn't survive. A sexual addiction that nearly destroyed his marriage. A knock on the door at 4AM telling him his son had been taken from him. And then five months into retirement, he passed out, broke his neck at C4 and C5, and woke up paralyzed from the chest down. And through all of it, he discovered that the most dangerous thing wasn't any of those events. It was the justified resentment he carried silently every single day. In this episode, Rick and Joe go deep on what forgiveness actually costs, why suffering is the path not the punishment, how religion weaponized fear to control people, and what happens when a Christian and a pagan sit down and realize they've been experiencing the exact same God through completely different languages. This is one of the most powerful conversations of this show. Previous episodes with Rick: 103, 104, 108 & 109 🎙️ The Relentless Pursuit Podcast | Episode 192 Stories that need to be told. Forever Forward. 🔎 FIND RICK CHEATHAM 🌐 rickcheatham.com 📱 @rickycafd 🤝 THIS EPISODE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY 💪 BodyWell — Therapeutic massage, personal training, fitness classes, and nutrition coaching in Mt. Juliet and Brentwood, TN. Feel better. Move better. Do life better. 🌐 bodywelltn.com 📱 @bodywelltn1 🏢 B2 Wellness Suites — Private office suites and co-working spaces designed for wellness professionals in Mt. Juliet and Brentwood, TN. A professional home where health and wellness providers grow, connect, and thrive. 🌐 b2suites.com 📱 @b2suites 📰 Nashville Fit Magazine — Nashville's go-to resource for fitness, health, and wellness in Music City. Real stories, real community. 🌐 nashvillefitmagazine.com 📱 @nashvillefit 00:00 Forgiving The Unforgivable 00:31 Podcast Welcome And Guest Intro 02:14 Mentorship And Inner Work 05:52 Building A First Responder Community 11:17 Trauma Suppression And Marriage Strain 15:52 Preachers Kid Double Life 21:44 Praying For Kelly And Meeting God 25:55 Sponsor Break Nashville Fit Ecosystem 27:10 Porn Addiction And Rebuilding Trust 35:24 Son Murdered And Meaning Making 40:14 Adversity Refines You 43:12 Fire Service Lessons 44:12 Broken Neck After Retirement 46:52 Resentment Turns Toxic 52:10 Choosing Forgiveness 56:08 Poison In Daily Life 01:00:09 Michael And Eternity 01:04:29 Faith Beyond Dogma 01:16:08 God Is Love Not Fear 01:23:22 Heaven Hell And Courage 01:27:26 Religion And Control 01:29:21 Fear Based Salvation 01:31:35 Mythology And Christ Parallels 01:33:41 Church Patterns And Gatekeepers 01:36:51 Gehenna Not Eternal Hell 01:41:09 AD 70 Judgment Explained 01:49:33 Fruit Over Labels 01:57:48 Mentorship And Legacy 02:04:14 Zionism And Prophecy Debate 02:10:17 Closing Reflections And Help #RelentlessPursuit #Forgiveness #Faith #Transformation#FirstResponders #MentalHealth #Podcast #Healing #Resilience #God #ForeverForward
April 30 · 2 hr 16 min
Fatherless to Father of Eight | Green Beret Eric Wehmeyer on Faith, Wounds & Redemption
Green Beret. Father of eight. 21 years married. Eric Wehmeyer's first memory is watching his dad drive away at age five — and everything that followed was a search for what a man is supposed to be. He chased that answer into the Army, then into Special Forces, earning his Green Beret and serving on missions that took him from Afghanistan to Iraq to a dinner table beside the Sultan of Oman. But the real war was always internal. In this episode, Eric opens up about growing up fatherless and what that absence actually costs a son, the Army major in a war zone chow hall who told him the Holy Spirit sent him to be his mentor, an addiction that started at age ten and the wife who responded with grace instead of shame, the financial collapse after leaving the military that brought him to his knees, and the faith that rebuilt everything. Today Eric is a husband of 21 years, a father of eight children, a serial entrepreneur, and a man on mission to help others find what he spent years searching for. This one goes deep. Don't skip it. Connect with Eric:Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn Stratosphere Business Solutions: stratospheresolutions.biz Manu Max: manumax.ai Meyer Group LLC 🔔 Subscribe for new episodes every week 👍 Like this video if it moved you 📲 Share it with someone who needs to hear it 00:00 Grace at the Door 00:54 Podcast Welcome 02:09 Eric Today Overview 03:30 Faith and Ministry Mission 04:59 Family Homeschool Life 07:15 Generational Wealth Mindset 09:56 Intentional Fatherhood Legacy 15:24 Childhood Roots and Divorce 19:56 Joining After 9 11 22:15 Father Absence and Identity 30:27 Mentor Found in War 41:37 Grace and Self Pressure 44:55 Grace Over Perfection 45:26 Identity In Christ 46:40 Green Beret Pipeline 48:35 Relentless Selection Mindset 50:16 Vision Faith And Delusion 53:08 Redefining Success And Critics 55:57 AI Fear And Opportunity 58:58 Wealth Duty And Charity 01:05:06 Back To Berets And Family 01:06:54 Deployments And Desert Dinners 01:11:35 Porn Addiction And Grace 01:17:09 Letting Go Of Control 01:25:16 Brotherhood To Mission 01:27:26 Everyday Discipleship 01:28:14 Unconditional Love Boundaries 01:32:10 Leaving Military Identity Shift 01:33:40 Business Breakdown Breakthrough 01:36:55 Faith As Identity Framework 01:42:03 Mentorship Vulnerability Connection 01:47:54 Father Wound Reframed 01:57:42 Marriage Mission Eight Kids 02:06:34 Rapid Fire SERE Story 02:13:12 Relentless Pursuit Closing 02:15:08 Healing Across Lanes Outro #RelentlessPursuit #GreenBeret #FatherWound #ChristianMen #SpecialForces #FaithAndFamily #MensMinistry #Fatherhood #Veterans #ChristianPodcast #MasculinityAndFaith #OvercomingAddiction #GospelFluency #LegacyBuilding #PodcastForMen
April 22 · 1 hr 45 min
Evan Slaughter on Addiction, Recovery, Comedy & Finding Peace | A Combat Veteran's Journey
On The Relentless Pursuit Podcast, Joe Adams sits down with Evan Slaughter (Fit2Serve), a combat veteran, comedian, content creator, and pickleball enthusiast. Evan shares his powerful storytelling, detailing his journey through addiction and finding healing through comedy and pickleball. This episode is a candid look at overcoming immense challenges and rebuilding a life with purpose. Evan deployed to Afghanistan, hit an IED, and earned a Purple Heart — then came home to a battle nobody could see. What followed was nearly a decade of opiate addiction, prescription pill abuse, county jail, and failed rehab attempts. His rock bottom looked like an empty house, no furniture, no income, and a deflated air mattress on the floor. Then one final rehab changed everything. He discovered pickleball, started making comedy videos, and built an audience of millions. Today Evan uses humor as a vehicle for mental health and healing — proving that recovery looks different for everyone. This conversation covers a chaotic path from high school to the Army, what combat really does to a man when he comes home, what it actually took to get sober after nearly a decade of trying, and how he found purpose on the other side of rock bottom. If you're struggling, this episode is for you. If you've made it through, this episode will remind you how far you've come. 00:00 Army Exit And Addiction 00:45 Short Shorts Banter 01:34 Viral Skits And Jeep Culture 04:15 Podcast Intro And Guest Setup 05:38 Creator Life And Workflow 08:09 Pressure Perfectionism And Virality 12:55 Back To 2014 Rock Bottom 14:04 Childhood In Alabama 18:35 Dad Addiction And Family Chaos 27:41 College Detour And Fitness Path 30:47 Opiates Rehab And Army Calling 33:47 Host Shares Xanax Spiral 35:55 Enlisting After Rehab 36:56 18X Contract And Airborne 39:09 Selection Failure LRS Opportunity 41:04 First Afghanistan Deployment 43:55 IED Strike And Aftermath 47:36 Missions Opium Cache Discovery 50:07 Purple Heart Meaning 51:58 Coming Home Combat Stress 55:39 Pain Management To Addiction 59:05 Leaving Army Recovery Spiral 01:01:05 DEA Sting Fake Prescription 01:06:21 Rehab Chaos Meth Hallucinations 01:14:22 Jerry Springer Chaos 01:14:51 Meth Reality Check 01:15:25 Psychedelics For Healing 01:18:04 Ayahuasca Gone Dark 01:21:29 Mushroom Werewolf Night 01:24:16 Darkness Retreat Curiosity 01:25:24 Fentanyl Rock Bottom 01:28:39 Rehab To Pickleball 01:32:44 Content Breakthrough 01:37:41 Redefining Healthy 01:41:58 Rapid Fire Reflections 01:42:55 Relentless Pursuit Closing 01:44:14 Healing In Many Lanes #CombatVeteran #AddictionRecovery #VeteranMentalHealth #Fit2Serve #RelentlessPursuit
April 15 · 1 hr 41 min
Lights Cut Off, Baby on the Way and No Plan. How The Kelley's Built a Family Empire
On this episode of The Relentless Pursuit Podcast, host Joe Adams sits down with Jay Kelley and Gabby Kelley of The Kelley Family for a raw conversation about mindset shift, personal growth, and building a life from nothing. At 18 and 21 years old they were sitting in a dark apartment, lights cut off, Gabby pregnant, scraping pennies just to eat. That moment forced a strong mindset and a decision that changed everything. Jay joined the military to get their family back on their feet. Gabby started posting family content for fun. One viral video hit 15 million views and launched The Kelley Family into a full time career with brand deals from Geico, Disney, and Dr. Pepper. In this episode Jay and Gabby open up about personal growth through struggle, letting go of toxic friendships, protecting your inner circle, building generational wealth, raising three kids with intention, and how a mindset shift can take you from survival mode to building an empire. If you are on a journey of self improvement, building something from nothing, or just need motivation to keep going, this episode is for you. Subscribe to Relentless Pursuit Podcast for weekly long form interviews with entrepreneurs, veterans, content creators, and families building extraordinary lives. 00:00 Rock Bottom to Resolve 00:47 Podcast Welcome and Guests 01:48 Buying and Building a Home 03:13 Life Today and Going Viral 04:41 Finding the Right Manager 08:49 Authentic Content and Family Life 10:56 Realistic Parenting and Balance 12:58 Privacy and Filming in Public 15:32 Circle Gets Smaller 26:03 Brand Deals and Disney Dreams 29:56 Money Mindset and Military Transition 32:45 Upbringing as Military Brats 34:10 Football Dreams Detour 34:46 Mall Jobs And Meeting Gabby 35:56 Drunk DM To First Date 37:18 Comfort And Chemistry 39:01 Host Shares DM Story 41:34 Gabby Childhood Military Moves 44:21 Military Brat Lessons 47:26 Marriage Struggles And Money 51:11 Joining Army For Stability 55:48 Army Job Fuel Specialist 59:34 Viral Content Changes Plans 01:01:38 Military Spouse Boundaries 01:05:00 Toxic Base Culture Fallout 01:07:48 Starting Over Alone 01:08:21 High School Editing Roots 01:10:03 Vine to TikTok Breakthrough 01:13:09 Viral Hits and Consistency 01:15:25 Brand Deals and Real Money 01:17:26 Fame Fears and No Politics 01:19:18 Time Management Reality 01:22:42 Autoimmune Stress and Healing 01:25:43 Marriage Off Camera 01:27:42 Handling Hate and Judgment 01:32:44 Next Chapter New Ventures 01:37:09 Relentless Pursuit Closing 01:40:04 Healing in Many Lanes #RelentlessPursuit #TheKelleyFamily #JayKelley #GabbieKelley #MindsetShift #PersonalGrowth #StrongMindset #LettingGo #MilitaryFamily #ContentCreator #FromNothing #GenerationalWealth #FamilyFirst #Podcast #SelfImprovement #Motivation #Entrepreneur #VeteranPodcast #FamilyVlog #ViralVideo
April 8 · 1 hr 43 min
Misty Reinecke | She Was Forged by Fire. Now She Heals the Men No One Else Can Reach.
On the Relentless Pursuit Podcast, host Joe Adams interviews clinical social worker Misty Reinecke, a therapist specializing in brain injury and PTSD with men in high-resistance populations such as veterans, law enforcement, and corrections. Misty shares her background as an Air Force dependent who moved frequently, describes going off the rails as a teen, becoming pregnant at 15, enduring severe abuse, periods of homelessness, and ultimately rebuilding her life, motherhood, and marriage to her husband Mark. She discusses how men’s trauma and shame ripple into families, emphasizing balance between masculine and feminine energy, authenticity, consideration, presence, and transparency in relationships. Misty explains her “Leroy” metaphor—trauma symptoms as an intruder in the home—and introduces her Forge Protector Project to create space for men’s vulnerability, love, and healing. 00:00 Trauma as the Intruder 01:29 Podcast Welcome and Guest Intro 03:29 Love and Power Today 05:41 Why Men Open Up 10:08 Military Brat Roots 12:58 Home Life and Going Off Rails 17:10 Dad the Universe 24:26 Teen Pregnancy and Abuse 31:59 Control and Hyper Independence 36:27 Motherhood Raising Men 37:44 Moving to Tennessee 38:05 Collecting the Boys 38:31 Remarriage and Healing 39:22 Mark and Marriage 40:09 Healer by Profession 42:13 Trauma and Recidivism 44:48 Suffering and Growth 46:35 Shame and Divorce 47:27 Marriage Choices Daily 48:47 Transparency and Trust 50:32 Outgrowing Your Partner 53:56 Identity After Service 57:24 Dopamine and Doomscrolling 58:19 Presence and Legacy 01:02:02 Three Priorities Framework 01:05:58 Balancing Mission and Family 01:09:41 Outgrowing Your Past 01:10:37 Men In Pain Misread 01:12:58 Leroy The Trauma Intruder 01:16:36 The Unspoken Lists 01:19:07 Men Need Men 01:22:49 Masculine Feminine Balance 01:25:04 Silent Suffering Sessions 01:28:20 Shame And Therapy Wakeup 01:34:15 Forge Protector Project 01:39:41 Rapid Fire And Farewell 01:41:52 Healing In Many Lanes #RelentlessPursuit #MistyReinecke #MensMentalHealth #SilentSuffering #VeteranMentalHealth #PTSD #MasculinityAndMentalHealth #TraumaRecovery #MenAndTherapy #MentalHealthForMen #Therapy #MensHealth #Manhood #Marriage #Healing
April 1 · 2 hr 10 min
The Pages Went Empty | Edward Crowe on Paralysis, Purpose & Healing in the Forest
Edward Crowe was 16 years old when he was completely paralyzed. No warning. A rare disease called Guillain-Barré Syndrome attacked his nervous system, collapsed his lung, and left him on life support in the ICU for months. Doctors told him he'd always be weaker than his peers. He decided to prove them wrong. That experience quietly shaped everything that came after. The graffiti crew. The magic shows. The pivot from aspiring hip hop artist to trusted confidant of one of the most gifted musicians in the game. The 13-hour drive on zero sleep to launch Murder Cigars at a cigar festival in Pennsylvania. And the healing ceremonies he now holds on his land, in the dark, in the woods, where people go in broken and come out reborn. In this episode, Edward opens up about what it felt like to be trapped inside his own body at 16, the mailman who gave him the will to live, the grandfather who passed him the torch of endurance during their parallel recoveries, losing his mother and being present for every moment of her final passage, and why the last words she ever spoke were "that's good." He also breaks down the art of the pivot, his brotherhood with Yelawolf, what it means to leave the world better than you found it, and why he goes nine grams deep into the forest with nothing but fire and silence. Connect with Edward Crowe: Instagram: @edward.crowe Website: edwardcrowe.com YouTube: Edward Crowe 369 Murder Cigars: murdercigar.com Subscribe, leave a review, and share this with someone who needs to hear it. 00:00 ICU Journal Darkness 00:35 Mushrooms Final Words 01:02 Podcast Welcome Guest 02:18 Life Today Hustle 03:34 Delaware Roots Nashville 04:29 Mysticism Magic Graffiti 07:47 Guillain Barre Ordeal 11:05 Hope Recovery Humor 18:48 Relearning To Walk 25:22 Rebuilding With Grandfather 29:35 Mother Intuition Loss 34:57 Time With Parents 36:19 Recovery Back To School 37:59 Relentless Rehab Mindset 39:22 Lessons From Being Trapped 42:43 Graffiti Mentors And Crew 45:10 AI And Creative Value 48:10 Collective Energy And Faith 53:04 Creativity As Therapy 59:17 Mushrooms And Finding Purpose 01:03:05 Ceremony Mindset And Network 01:08:38 Mushrooms Calling You 01:09:40 No Such Thing Bad Trip 01:11:47 Alcohol Switch Flips 01:13:36 Why Healing Ceremonies Win 01:14:18 Retreat Energy Concerns 01:18:22 Seasonal Death Rebirth 01:19:35 Heavy Trip Fatherhood Fear 01:22:00 Darkness Retreat Curiosity 01:24:45 Music City Origins 01:26:36 Reconnecting With Yelawolf 01:29:49 Pivot Into Management 01:33:17 Tour Hustle Skill Stacking 01:37:00 Facing Fear Bare Knuckle 01:40:29 Brotherhood Through Combat 01:41:14 Primal Pack Mentality 01:41:51 Launching Murder Cigars 01:43:12 Festival Grind And Breakthrough 01:47:18 Brand Symbolism And Meaning 01:51:03 Growth Plans And Packaging 01:53:31 Healing Ceremony Work 01:55:28 High Dose Set And Setting 01:59:10 Guiding A Hard Journey 02:03:47 Misconceptions And Respect 02:06:02 Leaving The World Better 02:08:26 Final Question And Resources 02:09:27 Show Mission And Outreach #RelentlessPursuit #EdwardCrowe #GuillainBarre #HealingCeremonies #MurderCigars #YelaWolf #NearDeathExperience #Rebirth #MensWork #Brotherhood #Transformation #NashvillePodcast #HealingJourney #MusicIndustry #OvercomingAdversity #SpiritualHealing #SpiritualAwakening #CigarLife #MindsetShift #RebornNotBroken
March 25 · 1 hr 11 min
Warren Steury | He Was Sent to the Woods at 16… Now He’s Rebuilding Men
In episode 186 of The Relentless Pursuit Podcast, host Joe Adams sits down with Warren Steury, founder of Meriwether Academy, to talk about the crisis of young men, modern masculinity, and what it takes to build strength, discipline, and purpose today. At 16 years old, Warren was sent into the wilderness for nearly three months. No distractions. No escape. No control. Just reality. That experience shaped everything. This episode dives into: • The crisis of young men in today’s world • Why modern masculinity is being lost • How raising boys without challenge creates weakness • The importance of rites of passage for young men • Discipline, responsibility, and personal development • And how environment shapes identity We also break down the mission behind Meriwether Academy, a new model focused on raising boys through: classical education, wilderness training, and martial arts. This isn’t theory. This is lived experience turned into purpose. If you’re interested in personal development, masculinity, discipline, or raising strong young men, this conversation will challenge how you think. 00:00 Kidnapped to the Woods 00:14 Meriweather Three Pillars 00:57 Podcast Welcome and Guest Intro 02:40 Dinner Symposium Origins 06:07 Life Today and Media Work 09:18 Outdoors and Nature Reset 10:28 Childhood and Video Game Trap 13:00 No TV and Modern Distractions 15:30 School Struggles and Stimulants 19:13 Sent Away at Sixteen 24:39 Wilderness Program Lessons 26:49 Wilderness Therapy Dark Side 30:06 Building Meriweather Outdoors School 32:01 Boarding School in the Mountains 34:46 Gratitude and Food Fantasies 36:32 Waffle House Traditions 37:22 School to Nashville Path 39:09 Tennessee Outdoors Talk 43:11 Meriweather Origin Story 46:45 Midsummer Moot Rituals 48:09 Classical Education Awakening 50:22 Lewis and Clark Legacy 53:27 Founders and Heritage Debate 01:00:04 Crisis of Young Men 01:05:54 Rites of Passage Blueprint 01:09:44 Final Questions and Farewell 01:10:41 Closing Message on Healing #RelentlessPursuit#MeriwetherAcademy#Masculinity#MensWork#Fatherhood#PersonalGrowth#Discipline#PurposeDriven#SelfDevelopment#Podcast
March 18 · 1 hr 48 min
Brandon Bess | Underdog Entrepreneur on Success, Faith & Purpose
Entrepreneur Brandon Bess, owner of Beacon Turf, joins host Joe Adams on The Relentless Pursuit Podcast to share his story of building a business, embracing faith, and fighting for the underdog. Episode 185 of The Relentless Pursuit Podcast features entrepreneur Brandon Bess, owner of Beacon Turf, in a powerful conversation about business, faith, purpose, and what it means to become a beacon for others. Hosted by Joe Adams, this episode explores Brandon’s journey from difficult beginnings to building a successful company and becoming someone committed to helping others rise.Brandon grew up in an environment where survival often came before opportunity. Through discipline, resilience, and a relentless desire to build a different life, he carved out his own path as an entrepreneur and business owner. Today he leads Beacon Turf, continues building businesses, and believes deeply in using success to create opportunity for others. Brandon often describes his mission as becoming a “hope dealer” for people who feel overlooked, underestimated, or stuck. In this episode of The Relentless Pursuit Podcast, Joe Adams and Brandon Bess discuss: • the mindset of the underdog entrepreneur • building a successful business from the ground up • faith, discipline, and personal transformation • leadership and responsibility • becoming a provider, husband, and father • helping others rise through opportunity and mentorship • purpose-driven entrepreneurship and impact This conversation is about more than business success. It’s about building a life that lifts others, breaking cycles, and pursuing something bigger than yourself. If you enjoy conversations about entrepreneurship, leadership, faith, discipline, and personal growth, subscribe to The Relentless Pursuit Podcast for more powerful stories and real conversations. 00:00 From Chaos to Calling 01:19 Podcast Welcome and Guest Intro 03:34 Beacon Turf and Hope Dealer Mission 05:28 Family Gratitude and Being Present 08:10 Visionary Mindset and Authenticity 10:59 Murfreesboro Roots and Survival Mode 14:48 Breaking the Cycle and Family Legacy 20:11 Dropping Out to Chase Bodybuilding 22:53 Mentor Paul and Gym Life 25:26 Burnout, Anxiety, and Redefining Success 35:16 Choosing a Different Life Path 37:39 Lambo Ride Lesson 38:18 30 Day Mindset Shift 40:23 Training Sets Example 41:28 Faith Turning Point 44:26 Bathroom Breakdown Prayer 48:48 Marriage Young Family 50:03 Bold Sales Job Hustle 54:48 From Furniture To Couches 56:32 Couch Flipping Blueprint 59:19 Wife Belief Fuel 01:02:31 Fatherhood Changes Everything 01:07:14 Beacon Origin Story 01:11:09 All In With No Savings 01:11:22 First Client Leap of Faith 01:12:54 Prophetic Stamp of Approval 01:14:45 Small Beginnings Big Vision 01:15:57 Early Losses Payroll Pressure 01:17:24 Character Over Comfort 01:18:58 Giving Away to Grow 01:20:11 Colorado Identity Shift 01:23:24 Underdog Drive and Competition 01:33:01 Turf Industry Gatekeeping 01:37:56 Lighthouse Not Tugboat 01:44:08 Closing Gratitude and Mission 01:45:20 Final Question Relentless Pursuit 01:46:39 Where to Find Beacon Turf 01:47:30 Show Outro Healing Lanes #RelentlessPursuit #Entrepreneurship #BusinessPodcast #FaithAndPurpos e#MensGrowth #Leadership #SuccessMindset
March 12 · 1 hr 21 min
Josh Biggs | From Loss, Fatherhood & Adversity to Building Fuel Fortress
What does it take to build something meaningful when life forces you to grow up fast? In this episode of The Relentless Pursuit Podcast, Joe Adams sits down with Josh Biggs, entrepreneur, father, martial artist, and the man behind Fuel Fortress. Josh shares the powerful story of becoming a young father, losing his dad unexpectedly, walking through stage four cancer with his daughter’s mother, andthe responsibility that shaped the man he is today. Through adversity, loss, and early responsibility, Josh forged the mindset and discipline that eventually led to building Fuel Fortress, a rapidly growing gym brand and community built on strength, leadership, and purpose. This conversation dives deep into: • becoming a father at a young age • losing a parent unexpectedly • facing adversity early in life • resilience and emotional maturity • faith and responsibility • masculinity and leadership • building businesses with his wife • creating and expanding Fuel Fortress • why modern men must step into responsibility Josh’s story isn’t just about business success — it’s about becoming the man you were meant to be through adversity, responsibility, and discipline. If you’re on your own relentless pursuit of growth, leadership, and building something meaningful, this episode is for you. Subscribe to The Relentless Pursuit Podcast for more conversations built on real stories, raw emotion, and meaningful human connection. 00:00 Tragedy and Fatherhood 00:23 Social Media and Masculinity 00:50 Podcast Welcome and Guest Intro 01:33 How They Met and Fuel Fortress 02:58 Fifth Location Momentum 04:30 Early Life and Becoming a Dad 06:22 Losing His Father 10:07 Cancer and Resilience 12:26 Single Dad to First Business 15:44 Meeting His Future Wife 20:02 Prime Years and Multiple Ventures 22:50 Marriage as a Business Team 28:21 Emotional Maturity and Accountability 33:43 Martial Arts and Real Confidence 38:33 Ego Checks and Respect Culture 39:56 Opening the Gym 41:03 Franchising Leap 41:56 Why Franchise Wins 42:58 Niche Premium Model 44:28 Gym Community Avatar 47:39 Martial Arts Demographics 50:15 Comparison and Social Media 55:11 Faith by Example 01:02:33 Christlike Business Trust 01:04:50 Presence and Fatherhood 01:10:10 Resilience and Expectations 01:14:43 Comfort vs Failure Drive 01:15:54 Call for Strong Men 01:18:12 Legacy and Relentless Pursuit 01:19:24 Where to Find Josh 01:20:02 Healing Has Many Lanes #RelentlessPursuit #JoshBiggs #FuelFortress #Entrepreneurship #Fatherhood #Leadership #Masculinity #Faith #Discipline #Podcast