Today, on the 23rd anniversary of the day following the 9/11 attacks, we remember one of the most heinous terrorist attacks in our history. In our final episode of the Unbeatable podcast, I'm honored to share Mark Clookie ’s powerful story of resilience and bravery. As a former NCIS special agent, Mark was in the Pentagon when the building was attacked, and he lived through the chaos and uncertainty that followed. Mark will also take us through his time with NCIS, including his deployments in Ba...
Sep 13, 2024•1 hr•Season 3Ep. 157
Imagine losing your dad to cancer, and watching your family's multi-billion dollar real estate business crumble during the Great Recession. It's a devastating combination that would shake anyone's foundation. But for Damon Lembi, this was just the beginning of his journey. From the diamond to the boardroom, Damon Lembi's journey is one of unlikely twists and turns. A former pro baseball player turned CEO of Learn It, he's learned that success is not just about achieving your dreams, but about pe...
Sep 06, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Season 3Ep. 156
With a lack of self-confidence and a fear of being alone, Jenny settled into her first marriage, only to discover that her husband was a serial adulterer. For years, she struggled to come to terms with the pain and betrayal she felt, and it wasn't until she found the courage to leave that she began to rebuild her life. Today, Jenny shares her incredible story of transformation, from feeling trapped in an unhappy marriage to finding happiness and self-worth again. You’ll hear: Going through a pai...
Aug 30, 2024•57 min•Season 3Ep. 155
Samantha was living her best life, thriving as a successful author, single mom, and business owner. She was in her prime, with a bright future ahead of her. But everything changed in 2017 when she was involved in a devastating car accident after a truck collided with her vehicle. The injuries she sustained from the accident left her with chronic pain, and further diagnosis revealed that she had Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) and cranial cervical instability (CCI) . In this episode, Samantha shares...
Aug 23, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 3Ep. 154
In one of the most critical and intense missions of her career, Alani Bankhead was part of a team that neutralized three females wearing suicide vests and plotting an attack. This daring operation required precision, skill, and bravery, and high-stakes espionage. But Alani's work didn't stop there. She has also dedicated herself to fighting human trafficking and exploitation, using her expertise to identify and disrupt trafficking networks around the world. Her work has taken her to the darkest ...
Aug 16, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Season 3Ep. 153
What would you do if you woke up one day unable to move? That’s the reality Matthew Lemke faced on January 5th, 2016, when a life-changing surgery left him a quadriplegic at just 23 years old. Diagnosed with Arnold Chiari malformation, syringomyelia, and an arachnoid cyst in 2015, Matthew made the difficult decision to undergo brain decompression surgery. The procedure, intended to alleviate his condition, instead brought an unimaginable challenge— he had to relearn everything from scratch. But ...
Aug 09, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Season 3Ep. 152
When Diane Sorensen's 17-year-old daughter began self-harming, Diane confronted their generational trauma. Growing up constantly scrutinized, Diane sought approval through performance, a pattern she carried into adulthood. Now a certified transformational life coach, she emphasizes self-love and acceptance. Founder of the Beautiful Behavior Coaching Programs and host of the Beautiful Behavior Podcast, Diane helps others break free from destructive patterns and embrace authenticity. Tune in to he...
Aug 02, 2024•59 min•Season 3Ep. 151
A DUI accident led Adam Hill to Alcoholics Anonymous, where he began his transformation from addiction to Ironman triathlete. Struggling with anxiety and alcoholism, Adam found strength in community and therapy. He shares insights on overcoming fear, the pressures of leading a multi-generational family business, and the importance of clear communication and structure. Discover how Adam turned his life around, embracing fear to achieve personal and professional success. You’ll hear: How his casua...
Jul 26, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Season 3Ep. 150
Colonel Richard “Bucky” Mendelow opens up about the profound impact of losing his best friend and roommate, George, and how this tragedy taught him about resilience and the importance of relationships. Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, Colonel Mendelow recalls his family's move to the United States in 1976 and the pivotal moments that led him to join the military. He shares captivating stories from his time as a pilot, especially the intense challenges of landing on an aircraft carrier. Richar...
Jul 19, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Season 3Ep. 149
Daniel Corbett II I, a former elite Navy SEAL from SEAL Teams 5, 6, and 17, has transitioned into authorship and entrepreneurship. Enlisting in 2002, Corbett served in Iraq and globally with SEAL Team 6, experiencing the intense demands and rigorous standards of the unit. Post-Navy, he faced an 18-month wrongful imprisonment in Serbia, accused of plotting to assassinate the president. His book, ' American Mercenary, ' explores his journey from military service to private contracting, offering a ...
Jul 12, 2024•52 min•Season 3Ep. 148
Jeremy Harrell, an esteemed U.S. Army Combat Veteran of Iraqi Freedom, dedicated nine years of his life to honorable service, rising to the rank of Non-Commissioned Officer. Following his military career, driven by an entrepreneurial spirit and a steadfast commitment to his fellow veterans, Jeremy established Veteran’s Club Inc. in Kentucky upon retirement. This nonprofit has made a profound impact on countless veterans through pioneering programs designed to enhance their lives. Jeremy's leader...
Jul 05, 2024•58 min•Season 3Ep. 147
Heavy Victory LLC CEO and Denver Police Sgt. Justin Dodge faced a life-changing moment when he was critically injured, pinned beneath an 80-000 pound firetruck during the Nuggets Championship Parade. Despite losing his leg in this harrowing incident, Justin refused to be defeated. In this episode of Unbeatable, he shares his remarkable journey—from his family’s legacy of public service to the demanding path of becoming a SWAT officer. Justin opens up about the immense challenges of recovery, the...
Jun 28, 2024•1 hr 17 min•Season 3Ep. 146
Meet Sgt. Michael Sugrue, a retired police sergeant with over 14 years of service. His life took a profound turn after a tragic incident pushed him to the edge. Through sheer courage and determination, Michael embarked on a journey of survival, recovery, and healing. Now, he shares his story to offer strength to others facing similar challenges. In this episode, we dived into the unseen challenges officers encounter in the aftermath of incidents—highlighting the often-overlooked secondary trauma...
Jun 21, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 3Ep. 145
Steven's entrepreneurial spirit was shaped by his immigrant upbringing. "I'm the son of immigrants from the former Soviet Union," he explains. Inspired by his parents' work ethic, he launched his first business to provide services directly to large companies. In this episode, he discusses his experiences with ultra races, mountaineering, and Ironman triathlons, highlighting the challenges and triumphs. Steven also shares insights from building and selling a successful software company, emphasizi...
Jun 14, 2024•59 min•Season 3Ep. 144
Growing up, Quintina Sonnie endured a childhood marked by abandonment, sexual assault, abusive relationships, and domestic sexual exploitation. During these times, she often faced “choiceless choices.” Quintina eventually broke free from her life as a victim and is now thriving. She draws on her traumatic experiences to empower women to heal themselves, helping them discover joy and love. Through her work, Quintina provides tools and support to help women avoid similar traumas and assists those ...
Jun 07, 2024•55 min•Season 3Ep. 143
Meet Paul Pape, an entertainment dynamo. From his early acting days in high school to his current role behind the scenes, Paul's journey is defined by his fearless approach to challenges. Known for his lightning-fast, high-quality work and his belief in learning and innovation, Paul thrives on tight deadlines and problem-solving. With experiences ranging from The Tonight Show to Harry Potter World, he's the go-to guy for mastering the entertainment industry's secrets. Embrace failure like a seas...
May 31, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 3Ep. 142
Join Ann C.K. Nickell as she shares her remarkable transformation. Hear how she overcame a toxic marriage, a near-death experience, and the threat of amputation, fueled by the power of prayer and gratitude. Ann didn't just survive—she thrived. She defied the odds, learned to walk again, and became a published author despite industry challenges. Now, as a coach, speaker, and author, Ann empowers others to find their own strength. Even in the darkest moments, transformation is possible. How faith ...
May 24, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 3Ep. 141
Angela Fuller is a motivational speaker, athlete, and warrior of Christ who has overcome significant challenges, including chronic back pain, a severe car accident, and postpartum depression. Angela’s journey of faith and resilience culminated in her participation in season 15 of American Ninja Warrior, where she inspired many with her infectious positivity and determination. You’ll hear: Uncover Angela's powerful strategies for conquering adversity and discovering inner strength. Learn how Ange...
May 17, 2024•58 min•Season 3Ep. 140
Listen to Chris Dreisbach as he shares his inspiring journey from addiction to redemption. He opens up about the challenges he faced and the lessons he learned along the way. From his idyllic upbringing in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, to the depths of addiction and incarceration, Chris shares his story with raw honesty. Discover how he broke free from heroin’s grip and rebuilt lives through community projects and entrepreneurship. You’ll hear: How addiction can affect anyone Why it is important to r...
May 10, 2024•59 min•Season 3Ep. 139
Last week, I interviewed legendary champion bare-knuckle fighter Bobby Gunn. My guest today is the journalist who wrote the book Bare Knuckle about Bobby's life. Stayton Bonner was at the top of the journalism world, working for GQ and later as a senior editor for Rolling Stone . But he gave it all up when he became fascinated by Bobby’s life and the brutal underground world of bare-knuckle fighting. He spent 12 years researching to tell this story of survival, honor, grit, and the beginning of ...
May 03, 2024•51 min•Season 3Ep. 138
Bobby Gunn is a champion bare-knuckle fighter who has never been defeated in 73 fights. His life is like a Rocky story, and he has fought to survive against gang members, bodyguards, and even a Russian mobster. He talks about the corruption and politics in professional boxing compared to the fairness and honor he found in the underground bare-knuckle fighting world. You’ll hear the driving force behind what kept him going through challenges in his career and what he says are the 2 things that ca...
Apr 26, 2024•59 min•Season 3Ep. 137
Anthony Lee is a marathon runner and founder of Zapp Mortgage. Today we discuss his vast experience running marathons, his military career as an Air Force PJ, and his journey as an entrepreneur. Anthony shares his mindset of perseverance and determination that give him the ability to overcome obstacles and achieve goals. He also emphasizes the importance of always giving back. We talk about our recent experiences running the Boston Marathon and the challenges we faced due to the heat, as well as...
Apr 19, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Season 3Ep. 136
Command Sergeant Major Walt Zajkowski and I are two of the world’s biggest fans of the Best Ranger Competition. And since the 2024 competition is this weekend, we sat down to talk about what makes this endurance race so great and so unique. We are both past winners, but Walt is one of the very few who has won it more than once, and he has competed an incredible 8 times! Aside from the competition, Walt has had a highly distinguished military career, where he has served the US Army since 1994 and...
Apr 12, 2024•1 hr 16 min•Season 3Ep. 135
With more than 55 years in the courtroom, Norman Shabel has heard heartbreaking stories and seen the worst evil people can do to one another. Growing up on the streets of Brooklyn and Brownsville, NY, prepared him for the hard life he would have to live as a criminal prosecutor. From his decades of legal career as a personal injury plaintiff and class action attorney, Norman gives the one question you must ask before hiring an attorney to represent you in court. Now retired from practicing law, ...
Apr 05, 2024•52 min•Season 3Ep. 134
Dennis was a United States Air Force fighter pilot, doing exactly what he had always dreamed of doing…until a heart condition stopped him in his tracks, forcing him to completely change his career path. He has been the CEO of 6 businesses and is an organizational coach and speaker, helping leaders turn their teams around and vastly improve performance. He has also released a book called The Disciple Dilemma to challenge how leaders view discipleship. You’ll hear: About his career in the military...
Mar 29, 2024•55 min•Season 3Ep. 133
Living with disabilities, a serious health condition, abuse, living on the streets, and being a single mom to children with disabilities would break almost anyone. But Allison is tougher than most people, and she has used these experiences to her advantage. She recently published her first book, with more on the way, and she is a certified NLP Life Coach specializing in supporting and giving hope to parents of children with special educational needs and disabilities. You’ll hear: What her childh...
Mar 22, 2024•54 min•Season 3Ep. 132
Growing up in a mining town in the UK in the 80s was not easy. Jack Gregory always felt different from everyone else, which led to trouble in school and drug addiction at an early age. By age 12, he was being abused and trafficked by adults. His teen years and 20s were full of loss, homelessness, and attempts to take his life. In his 30s, two events happened that completely turned his life around. Today he has consulted on 2 Hollywood films, written books, and hosts a podcast called Live and Und...
Mar 15, 2024•1 hr 28 min•Season 3Ep. 131
Lindy is the daughter of the legendary entertainer Pat Boone and grew up singing constantly with her family. But growing up in a famous household couldn’t shield her from tragedy. In 2001, her son Ryan fell 3 stories onto concrete, suffering some of the most severe brain injuries possible. In a moment, Lindy’s life changed, and she has been a caregiver ever since. Her family has used the strength and experience they’ve gained over the years to start a non-profit called Ryan’s Reach that supports...
Mar 08, 2024•55 min•Season 3Ep. 130
Mike started off with every disadvantage: born to a 16-year old single mother, living in section 8 housing in San Diego, failing in school, struggling with ADD and ADHD, getting in trouble… But he always dreamed that he was going to ‘make it’. Now he is an award-winning entrepreneur running several multi-million dollar companies and coaching others to do the same. He’s been featured in Forbes and Neur Magazine , and made Inc 5000 1332 fastest growing CEOs in America. You’ll hear: What life was l...
Mar 01, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 3Ep. 129
Will had dreamed of joining the Royal Marines his entire life; it’s all he wanted to do. However, a major leg injury completely shattered that dream, leaving him with no plan, very little money, and in a deep depression. He decided to empty his bank account and spend 2 years backpacking in India. That transformative decision ignited a passion for travel and digital entrepreneurship that has made him millions. He is the founder of The Broke Backpacker , which teaches people ‘how to travel the wor...
Feb 23, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Season 3Ep. 128
