The Overcomer’s Podcast

Travis & Cyndy Barnes
The Overcomer’s Podcast

The Overcomers podcast interviews people about overcoming adversity. We believe that adversity can become your advantage. We ask people to tell us how their past has built muscles instead of scars. The topics that we cover include abuse, addiction, incarceration, depression, anxiety, health problems, loss of income, loss of employment. Each person will share how they navigated these situations in life to become the Overcomer that they are today.

  1. JUN 19

    Season 14: Episode 5 - The Ultimate Guide to Small Group Training: Insights from Vince Gabriele

    Vince Gabriele's book, "The Ultimate Guide to Small Group Training," serves as a comprehensive blueprint for fitness enthusiasts and gym owners seeking to optimize their business strategies and maximize income through small group training. Drawing from his wealth of experience and firsthand accounts, Vince illuminates the profound impact of extending a helping hand to others. One poignant narrative highlights Vince's transformative influence on a friend's weight loss journey, leading to a lasting friendship that evolved into a mutually beneficial business mentorship spanning over two decades. Additionally, Vince recounts how he supported a college friend in achieving significant weight loss, underscoring his commitment to empowering individuals through both professional expertise and personal support. Central to Vince's philosophy is the belief that assisting others not only fosters personal growth but also cultivates enduring relationships. His anecdotes underscore the profound interconnectedness between physical health, business acumen, and overall well-being. By embodying a culture of altruism and mentorship, Vince illustrates how transformative change extends beyond mere physical fitness, empowering individuals to excel as entrepreneurs and advocates for holistic wellness. Furthermore, Vince's emphasis on the ripple effect of generosity underscores the broader societal impact of his approach. By nurturing a community of support and encouragement, Vince inspires individuals to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives, thereby creating a ripple effect that resonates far beyond the confines of the gym. Ultimately, "The Ultimate Guide to Small Group Training" serves not only as a practical resource for fitness professionals but also as a testament to the transformative power of compassion, mentorship, and community building in the pursuit of personal and professional success. To dive deeper into Vince Gabriele's insights and experiences, be sure to listen to the full episode.

    39 min
  2. APR 29

    Season 14 Episode 4: Empowering Excellence: Kathleen Ferguson's Journey as a Trailblazing Female Leader in Health and Wellness

    Kathleen Ferguson, a USC graduate and a stalwart leader in the health, fitness, and wellness industry, epitomizes resilience, innovation, and empathy. With over 14 years of experience, Kathleen has achieved remarkable success in business development and established herself as a beacon of inspiration for individuals battling chronic diseases and obesity. Her journey is marked by personal tragedy, professional triumphs, and an unwavering commitment to empowering others to lead healthier, fulfilling lives. At the core of Kathleen’s mission is Coach360, a groundbreaking media, education, and membership platform designed to support health, fitness, and wellness coaches. This initiative stems from Kathleen’s own experiences, including the tragic loss of her husband to a chronic illness when she was just 26 years old. This profound loss served as a catalyst for Kathleen to reassess her life’s purpose, leading her to leave a conventional corporate job to pursue her passion for health and fitness. Through Coach360, Kathleen not only honors her husband’s memory but also channels her grief into a transformative force for good, providing coaches with the tools and resources they need to make a meaningful impact on their clients’ lives. Through Coach360, Kathleen envisions a future where millions of individuals receive the support and guidance they need to embark on their wellness journey. By fostering partnerships with like-minded organizations and prioritizing a holistic approach to health and wellness, Kathleen is paving the way for a brighter, healthier future for generations to come.

    43 min
  3. APR 22

    Season 14 Episode 3: Embracing Holistic Healing: The Inspirational Journey of Laurie Curtin

    The life story of Laurie Curtin is proof of the transformational potential of faith, fortitude, and dedication to all-encompassing recovery. Laurie's life has been characterized by obstacles that have molded her into a Christian entrepreneur committed to promoting well-being in mind, body, and spirit. These challenges range from her early experiences of adopting two children at the age of 20 to her near-death brush with swine flu. In her formative years, Laurie's decision to adopt two children set her on a path of holistic learning and caregiving. Her experiences in supporting women and families through alternative healthcare practices, such as doula work and lactation consulting, laid the foundation for her future endeavors. Moving to Pennsylvania and starting her own biological family further enriched her understanding of the importance of holistic approaches to health and wellness. The result of Laurie's vision is elev3n.com, a database for the global holistic community. The purpose of this platform is to educate people about alternative healing modalities and to link them with a variety of practitioners. Laurie emphasizes the significance of feeling vibrant and healthy in taking care of the world around oneself and her mission to encourage individuals to take ownership of their health and lifestyle choices through elev3n.com. Laurie's words of support are quite meaningful to people who are trying to lead healthier lives. She promotes Brain Integration Therapy and stresses the value of getting support from the community when starting individual wellness journeys. Laurie Curtin's journey embodies the principles of holistic healing, resilience, and faith-driven entrepreneurship. Through her experiences and dedication, she inspires others to embrace holistic approaches to health and well-being, fostering a world where individuals can thrive in mind, body, and spirit.

    41 min
  4. MAR 28

    Season 14: Episode 1 - Journey: Thriving Through Challenges

    Get ready for an inspiring ride with "Journey: Thriving Through Challenges." Join me and my co-host, Cindy, as we share our story of building Journey Fitness from the ground up and navigating the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. We'll take you back to where it all began in 2013, when we faced personal hardships but decided to turn things around by starting Journey Fitness. Despite starting small and dealing with space constraints, we were determined to make it work. And guess what? We did! We grew our community to 400 members in no time. But it wasn't all smooth sailing. We'll talk about how the pandemic threw a wrench into our plans and forced us to rethink our strategies. It was a tough time, but it also taught us the importance of community and staying connected, which became the backbone of our business. During our chats, we'll dive into the latest trends in the fitness industry, like the shift towards holistic wellness and personalized programming. Plus, we'll share some valuable lessons we've learned along the way, including the importance of being adaptable in a constantly changing world. We'll also draw inspiration from the failures of big players like Kodak and Blockbuster, showing how their reluctance to change led to their downfall. It's a reminder that staying innovative and open to new ideas is crucial for long-term success. And of course, we'll give you a sneak peek into what's coming next for Journey Fitness. Trust me, you won't want to miss it! So grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and join us on "Journey: Thriving Through Challenges" as we explore the power of resilience and the joy of overcoming obstacles. Let's embark on this journey together towards a healthier, happier future.

    23 min
  5. MAR 22

    Season 13 Episode 13: Embracing Challenges and Defying Limits: The Inspiring Journey of Jeff Harmon

    Jeff Harmon stands out as a ray of hope and resilience in a society too frequently characterized by constraints and hardships. Having worked in executive leadership and brilliance coaching before, Jeff's life took an unexpected turn in 2017 when he learned he had a degenerative neurological illness that would require a wheelchair. But instead of giving up and succumbing to hopelessness, Jeff embarked on an incredible journey of self-realization, tenacity, and faith that led him to his audacious goal of climbing a mountain by 2025. The story of Jeff demonstrates bravery in the face of difficulty. He refused to let his condition define him, even though it had come on suddenly. Rather, he made the decision to greet life with fresh vitality and purpose. His resolve to overcome physical constraints and lead an exciting, meaningful life is symbolized by his choice to climb mountains. Jeff's unwavering faith and conviction in the strength of community are at the core of his quest. He promotes a leadership style based on having a positive impact on the community, finding joy in service, and finding strength in one's own problems, all of which are inspired by biblical teachings. He equips leaders with the tools they need to achieve their goals and live courageous, purposeful lives through his coaching. As Jeff builds a team of like-minded individuals to embark on this monumental journey, he emphasizes the importance of support and camaraderie. Together, they will navigate the challenges of mountain climbing, each drawing strength from the collective determination to reach new heights. Jeff's determination to scale the 19,341-foot Mount Kilimanjaro is a testament to his unwavering spirit. Jeff's steadfast faith in God and his inner strength keep him going in the face of enormous adversities. In addition to being a physical challenge, he sees the mountain as a metaphor for facing fear and accepting the impossibly difficult. Jeff's goal to be a voice for people with physical disabilities is at the center of his quest. Rather than allowing his wheelchair to define him, he views himself as an advocate for accessibility and inclusivity. Through his narrative and invention of cutting-edge assistive technology, Jeff hopes to encourage people to follow their passions and challenge social norms.

    36 min

About

The Overcomers podcast interviews people about overcoming adversity. We believe that adversity can become your advantage. We ask people to tell us how their past has built muscles instead of scars. The topics that we cover include abuse, addiction, incarceration, depression, anxiety, health problems, loss of income, loss of employment. Each person will share how they navigated these situations in life to become the Overcomer that they are today.

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