Rain Brings Growth Podcast

Matthew
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Personal Journals

You don’t grow without going through some rain. The Rain Brings Growth Podcast is a raw, real, and unfiltered show about personal growth forged through adversity. Hosted by Matthew Sidwell, this podcast dives into the stories that shape who we become—faith, fitness, fatherhood, mindset, discipline, and the hard lessons learned through life’s storms. Each episode features honest conversations with everyday people and high performers alike—law enforcement officers, entrepreneurs, parents, athletes, and individuals who have faced loss, addiction, failure, trauma, and setbacks… and chose to grow anyway. This isn’t motivation for motivation’s sake. It’s about: Owning your pastBuilding discipline over comfortBecoming a better husband, father, and leaderBreaking generational cyclesGrowing stronger mentally, physically, and spirituallyWhether you’re in a season of struggle or a season of rebuilding, this podcast is a reminder that rain isn’t the end of the story—it’s the beginning of growth. 🎧 New episodes weekly 📺 Full video episodes on YouTube 🌧️ Growth starts where comfort ends

  1. 1d ago

    Episode 65 | Kevin Bravo & Cody Fernley | I Blamed God for My Dad’s Death Until He Saved Me

    In Episode 65 of the Rain Brings Growth Podcast, Matt sits down with Kevin Bravo and Cody Fernley for the first three-person episode in the history of the show and a raw conversation about faith, fitness, pain, purpose, fatherhood, and what it really means to fully surrender your life to God. Kevin shares his testimony publicly in a way he never had before. At just 12 years old, Kevin lost his father after years of alcohol abuse. That loss sent him into a dark place filled with anger, confusion, guilt, depression, self-harm, drinking, smoking, and eventually thoughts of not wanting to be alive. He blamed God for taking his dad. He blamed himself for not saving him. He believed that if God was real, then God must hate him. But in one of the lowest moments of his life, Kevin finally cried out and asked God for help. What happened next completely changed the direction of his life. Fitness became an outlet. The gym gave him momentum. Faith gave him purpose. And eventually, Kevin realized that the God he spent years pushing away had been with him the entire time. Kevin opens up about the soccer coach who unknowingly planted seeds of faith in him simply through acts of service, giving him cleats, driving him to practice, and playing Christian radio in the car. Years later, those small moments became part of the path that led Kevin back to God. That journey eventually led him to drop out of college, return home, buy gym equipment from Facebook Marketplace, start a gym in his mom’s garage, and build what would become Beyond Barbell, a faith-centered gym and clothing brand focused on helping people grow spiritually, mentally, and physically. Cody also opens up about his own walk with Christ, getting baptized, joining Bible study, going through regeneration, becoming more intentional with his platform, and making the decision that he no longer wants to be known as a content creator who happens to be Christian. He wants to be known as a Christian first. This episode goes deep into what it means to stop chasing approval from the world, how your environment shapes who you become, why faith and fitness can transform a man’s life, the difference between conviction and condemnation, how to plant seeds without forcing religion on people, and why some of the smallest acts of kindness can completely change the trajectory of someone’s life. The three also talk about fatherhood, losing a dad, growing up without a consistent father figure, finding identity through the Heavenly Father, trusting God through pain, and the powerful realization that not everything happens for a reason, but God can make a reason out of everything that happened. This conversation is honest, vulnerable, funny, challenging, and deeply faith-centered. It is about three men at different points in their walks with Christ trying to become better husbands, fathers, leaders, and disciples while learning how to stand firm in a world that constantly pulls them in the opposite direction. Topics discussed: Kevin Bravo’s childhood and losing his father at 12 Blaming God after his dad’s death Depression, self-harm, anger, and suicidal thoughts How one Christian soccer coach planted a seed without preaching Finding God through music, prayer, and surrender How fitness helped Kevin rebuild his life Opening a gym after dropping out of college Building Beyond Barbell Gym and Beyond Barbell Clothing Faith and fitness as tools for changing a man’s life Cody Fernley’s baptism and growing faith journey Becoming a Christian first and content creator second The difference between conviction and condemnation Why Christians should stop chasing worldly approval How environment, music, friendships, and social media shape your mindset The importance of Christian brotherhood and community Fatherhood and growing up without a steady father figure God as a father to the fatherless Why not everything happens for a reason How God can turn pain into purpose How to plant seeds of faith without forcing religion on people The importance of standing firm in your faith Spreading the Gospel through everyday actions Why the gym can become a place for physical, mental, and spiritual growth Full surrender and trusting the Holy Spirit How to help family and friends find faith without pushing them away Follow Kevin Bravo: Beyond Barbell Clothing Beyond Barbell Gym Kevin Bravo on Instagram: @KevinBrvo Follow Cody Fernley: Instagram: @Cody_Fernley BevLab Media Rain Brings Growth Podcast Real stories. Real adversity. Real growth. Subscribe for more conversations about faith, fitness, fatherhood, adversity, redemption, mindset, and becoming the person God is calling you to be.

    2h 11m

  2. Jul 6

    Episode 64 | Nicole Duke | From Heroin Addiction to Healing Through Faith, Fitness, and Recovery

    In Episode 64 of the Rain Brings Growth Podcast, Matt sits down with Nicole Duke for one of the rawest and most powerful recovery stories shared on the show. Nicole opens up about growing up in Idaho as a pastor’s kid while being surrounded by addiction, crime, prison, and street life through family influences. From a young age, she was exposed to a lifestyle that looked powerful from the outside, but eventually led her into fighting, partying, stealing, selling drugs, and chasing chaos. What started with weed, pills, and alcohol turned into years of opioid addiction, oxy use, meth, heroin, toxic relationships, criminal behavior, and moments that should have cost Nicole everything. She shares honestly about using drugs during pregnancy, driving while high with children in the car, losing custody of her daughter, being arrested by the Greater Idaho Drug Task Force, facing trafficking and child endangerment charges, and sitting in jail wondering if she would spend years in prison. But this episode is not just about addiction. It is about grace. Nicole shares how God protected her through moments she should not have survived, how her parents never stopped praying for her, and how one final chance from her probation officer became the turning point that helped her choose recovery. She also talks about the pain of losing someone she loved to fentanyl, fighting to become a mother again, rebuilding trust, getting sober from heroin, meth, and alcohol, and learning how to live without depending on substances. Today, Nicole is almost five years clean from meth and heroin, over two years sober from alcohol, married, raising her family, building her faith, and using fitness as one of her biggest tools for healing. She talks about how the gym became her outlet, how fitness helped her through postpartum struggles, and why she now wants to help others through personal training, wellness, nutrition, and sharing her story online. This conversation dives into addiction, recovery, motherhood, faith, fitness, trauma, toxic relationships, incarceration, second chances, and what it really takes to change the people, places, and things that keep you stuck. Nicole’s story is honest, emotional, intense, and full of hope. It is a reminder that no matter how far gone someone feels, God can still bring them back, rebuild their life, and use their story to help someone else. Watch Episode 64 now and subscribe to the Rain Brings Growth Podcast for more real stories of adversity, faith, mindset, recovery, fitness, and growth. Topics discussed: Nicole Duke’s recovery story Growing up as a pastor’s kid Family addiction and prison influence Teen partying, fighting, and rebellion Oxy addiction and the opioid epidemic Meth and heroin addiction Using drugs during pregnancy Toxic and abusive relationships Losing custody and child endangerment charges Greater Idaho Drug Task Force arrest Jail, court, and facing prison time Getting clean from meth and heroin Losing someone to fentanyl Probation, relapse, and second chances Getting sober from alcohol Faith, prayer, and God’s grace Fitness as therapy and recovery Motherhood, marriage, and rebuilding a family Postpartum struggles and healing Personal training, wellness, and nutrition Follow Nicole Duke: Instagram: Nicky Dukes Facebook: Nicole Duke TikTok: Nikki Duke and Fam Rain Brings Growth Podcast Real stories. Real adversity. Real growth.

    2h 35m

  3. Jun 29

    Episode 63 | Jon Klipstein | From Combat Veteran to Building a Mission Driven Supplement Brand

    In Episode 63 of the Rain Brings Growth Podcast, Matt sits down with Jon Klipstein, Army combat veteran, entrepreneur, and founder of The Die Trying Company. Jon’s story starts in Billings, Montana, where he grew up around sports but eventually fell into partying, drugs, alcohol, and the wrong crowd. After moving around, building success in sales, losing everything during the 2008 housing crash, and realizing his life had no real direction, Jon made a decision that changed everything. He joined the Army. What started with barely being able to pass a PT test turned into Jon becoming one of the fastest soldiers in basic training. Through discipline, running, fitness, and military structure, Jon found purpose, identity, and a mission bigger than himself. In this episode, Jon opens up about his time in the Army, deploying to Afghanistan, the brotherhood of combat, PTSD, anxiety, veteran suicide, and the difficult transition back into civilian life. He also shares how fitness became one of his strongest forms of therapy after the military and how that passion eventually led him into the supplement industry. Jon breaks down the story behind building his supplement company, why safe and effective ingredients matter, the death of a fellow soldier after taking a dangerous pre-workout, the lessons he learned from starting a business with only $10,000, and why mission matters more than money. This conversation goes deep into military leadership, entrepreneurship, veteran mental health, fitness, supplements, TikTok Live, building a brand, mentorship, taking ownership, and what it really takes to keep going when business gets hard. Jon also shares the evolution from UXO Supplements to The Die Trying Company, why the name change mattered, how the brand became more than supplements, and why he wants every product they launch to be one of the best on the market. This episode is for veterans, entrepreneurs, fitness lovers, supplement users, and anyone who has ever had to rebuild their life from the ground up. Watch Episode 63 now and subscribe to the Rain Brings Growth Podcast for more real stories of adversity, faith, mindset, business, fitness, and growth. Topics discussed: Jon Klipstein’s childhood in Montana Drugs, alcohol, partying, and finding direction Joining the Army later in life Failing the first PT test and rebuilding through discipline Basic training and becoming one of the fastest soldiers Deploying to Afghanistan Combat, brotherhood, and military purpose PTSD, anxiety, and veteran suicide Fitness as therapy after the military Starting a supplement company Dangerous pre-workouts and banned ingredients Mission 22 and veteran support Building a brand with purpose TikTok Live selling and social media growth Mentorship, leadership, and entrepreneurship The switch from UXO Supplements to The Die Trying Company Creating safe, effective, high-quality supplements Follow Jon and The Die Trying Company: Instagram: Jon Klipstein TikTok: Chopped Unk The Die Trying Company: Instagram and TikTok @dietrying_co Rain Brings Growth Podcast Real stories. Real adversity. Real growth.

    1h 37m

  4. Jun 22

    Episode 62 | Amanda Halona | From Addiction, Prison, and Losing Her Children to 5 Years Sober

    Amanda’s story is one of the most raw and powerful testimonies shared on Rain Brings Growth. After becoming a mom at only 14 years old, losing her 4-month-old son to SIDS, falling into meth and heroin addiction, going to prison, losing custody of her children, and watching some of them be adopted, Amanda reached a point where addiction had taken almost everything from her. But her story did not end there. In this episode, Amanda opens up for the first time about childhood, becoming a young mother, grief, addiction, CPS, prison, relapse, motherhood, forgiveness, and the long road to rebuilding her life. She shares what finally helped her get sober, how faith played a role in her transformation, and what it looks like today to rebuild relationships with her children after years of pain. This conversation is heavy, emotional, and full of truth. But it is also a story of redemption, accountability, grace, and proof that no matter how far gone someone feels, change is possible. Amanda is now 5 years sober and uses her story to help others who are battling addiction, fighting to rebuild their lives, or trying to become the parent they were called to be. This is what Rain Brings Growth is all about. The storm was real. The pain was real. But so is the growth. In this episode we talk about: Amanda’s childhood in Twin Falls, Idaho Becoming pregnant at 13 and married at 14 Losing her son to SIDS How grief led her into addiction Meth, heroin, prison, and CPS Having children removed and adopted The turning point that helped her choose sobriety Rebuilding relationships with her kids Faith, forgiveness, and second chances Her mission to help other parents struggling with addiction Subscribe to Rain Brings Growth Podcast for real stories of adversity, faith, discipline, recovery, transformation, and growth. Follow Rain Brings Growth: YouTube: Rain Brings Growth Podcast Instagram: @sidwell.fitness TikTok: @sidwellmatthew #RainBringsGrowth #AddictionRecovery #SoberLife #RecoveryStory #PrisonStory #RedemptionStory #FaithBasedPodcast #MotherhoodStory #SIDSawareness #FromAddictionToRecovery #IdahoPodcast #SobrietyJourney #MentalHealthAwareness #OvercomingAddiction #SecondChances

    1h 50m

  5. Jun 17

    Episode 61 | Rudy Vasquez | From Addiction to Purpose: Stacking Wins and Reclaiming Life

    In this episode of Rain Brings Growth, Matt sits down with Rudy Vasquez, barber, entrepreneur, father, and living proof that real transformation happens one decision at a time. Rudy shares his powerful story of battling alcohol addiction, struggling with obesity, being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, and spending years convincing himself he was a “functioning alcoholic.” What started as a simple conversation in a barbershop turned into a life-changing fitness journey that forced him to confront hard truths, take accountability, and ultimately choose a different path. Through fitness, sobriety, and personal growth, Rudy discovered that healing isn't about focusing on everything that went wrong. It's about stacking wins. From waking up early, showing up for his family, building a successful barbering career, and finally facing the trauma he spent years trying to numb, Rudy opens up about the lessons that changed his life. Matt and Rudy discuss addiction, mental health, fitness, accountability, entrepreneurship, childhood trauma, emotional growth, and the mindset shift that helped Rudy break free from destructive habits after more than two decades of drinking. This episode is about choosing growth over excuses, finding purpose through discipline, and learning how to celebrate the small victories that eventually change your entire life. Topics discussed: Rudy Vasquez's transformation story Alcohol addiction and sobriety Type 2 diabetes and health struggles Fitness, accountability, and weight loss Mental health and emotional healing Childhood trauma and personal growth Building confidence through discipline Barbering and entrepreneurship Family, fatherhood, and responsibility The power of stacking wins Follow Rudy Vasquez: Instagram: @vasquez_kutz3 Location: Idaho Subscribe to Rain Brings Growth for more real conversations about faith, family, fitness, adversity, entrepreneurship, and the stories behind the success people call “must be nice.” #RainBringsGrowth #RudyVasquez #SobrietyJourney #FitnessTransformation #AddictionRecovery #MentalHealth #PersonalGrowth #Entrepreneurship #BarberLife #StackTheWins

    2h 2m

  6. Jun 9

    Episode 60 | Sean Thompson | From Badge to Barbell: Building Nine Realms Athletics

    In this episode of Rain Brings Growth, Matt sits down with Sean Thompson, owner of Nine Realms Athletics in Caldwell, Idaho, for a powerful conversation about resilience, law enforcement, fitness, marriage, PTSD, entrepreneurship, and building something bigger than yourself. Sean shares his journey from growing up in Northern California, working through a tough childhood, chasing his dream of becoming a pro wrestler, serving in law enforcement, and eventually finding purpose again through strength training. After years of physical injuries, mental battles, and the weight of the job, Sean discovered that the gym became more than a place to lift weights. It became therapy. It became an outlet. It became a safe place. That same idea eventually turned into Nine Realms Athletics, a gym built for athletes but functional for everyone. What started as a garage gym during COVID grew into a vision to create a space for lifters, first responders, veterans, and everyday people looking for purpose, strength, and community. Sean and Matt also talk about the realities of being a first responder, the importance of fitness in law enforcement, why cops and military should be treated like occupational athletes, the mental toll of the job, PTSD, testosterone, marriage, business ownership, and what it takes to keep pushing when quitting feels easier. This episode is about chasing dreams, reinventing yourself, and building a life where pain gets turned into purpose. Topics discussed: Sean Thompson’s story Nine Realms Athletics Caldwell Idaho Law enforcement and PTSD Fitness as therapy First responders as occupational athletes Pro wrestling and strength training Building a gym from the ground up Marriage, business, and support Mental health, purpose, and discipline Turning adversity into growth Follow Sean Thompson and Nine Realms Athletics: Instagram: @ninerealmsathletics Location: Caldwell, Idaho Subscribe to Rain Brings Growth for more real conversations about faith, family, fitness, adversity, and the stories behind the success people call “must be nice.”

    2h 18m

  7. Jun 4

    Episode 59 | Luis Granados | Breaking Chains: From Lost Kid to Leading the Mission

    In Episode 59 of the Rain Brings Growth Podcast, Matt sits down with Luis Granados for one of the most powerful stories yet. Luis grew up in Idaho after his parents came from Mexico searching for opportunity. What started as a childhood surrounded by hard work, survival, and feeling like an outsider eventually pulled him into gang culture, street violence, fights, guns, and a life that nearly cost him everything. In this episode, Luis opens up about being exposed to gangs at a young age, building a reputation through violence, getting shot at, losing friends, and eventually facing a life-changing criminal conspiracy charge after selling a gun that was later used in a bank robbery. At only 19 years old, Luis found himself sitting in jail with a $500,000 bond, facing the possibility of years in prison. But this story is not just about the streets. It is about redemption, mentorship, second chances, and the power of one person showing up when everyone else has counted you out. Luis shares how Breaking Chains Academy changed his life, how Steve Toronto became a father figure and mentor, and how Luis went from being a student in the program to becoming the Executive Director — now helping the same type of youth he once was. This conversation dives into gang life in Nampa and Canyon County, juvenile justice, mentorship, fatherhood, breaking generational cycles, youth violence, community support, and what it really means to show up for kids who need someone in their corner. Luis’ story is raw, emotional, intense, and full of hope. From almost losing his freedom to helping young people find theirs, this episode is a reminder that your past does not have to be your final chapter. Watch Episode 59 now and subscribe to the Rain Brings Growth Podcast for more real stories of adversity, faith, mindset, redemption, and growth. Topics discussed: Luis Granados’ childhood in Idaho Growing up Latino in rural Idaho Gang culture in Nampa and Canyon County Street violence and survival mindset Selling the gun tied to a bank robbery Facing criminal conspiracy charges Jail, loneliness, and self-reflection Breaking Chains Academy Steve Toronto’s mentorship Becoming Executive Director Helping at-risk youth Fatherhood and being present Community support and second chances Youth mentorship, GED programs, and hope after mistakes Follow / Support: Breaking Chains Academy: breakingchainsacademy.org Rain Brings Growth Podcast: Available on YouTube and all major podcast platforms.

    1h 56m

  8. May 25

    Episode 58 | Jim Ash | Addiction, Rock Bottom, And Redemption

    What happens when addiction starts at home? In Episode 58 of the Rain Brings Growth Podcast, Jim shares the unbelievable true story of how his own father introduced him to meth at just 16 years old during a hunting trip in the Idaho backcountry. What started with alcohol and partying eventually spiraled into meth addiction, drug dealing, homelessness, cartel connections, and losing everything after relapse. But this episode isn’t just about addiction. It’s about redemption, recovery, faith, fatherhood, and rebuilding a life after complete destruction. Jim opens up about: • Being introduced to meth by his father • Growing up around alcoholism and addiction • Losing his marriage, business, vehicles, and home • Living in hotels and storage units while addicted • Drug dealing and dangerous connections in the drug world • Hitting rock bottom and attempting suicide • The moment faith and God changed his life • The Boise Rescue Mission recovery program • Celebrate Recovery and helping others battle addiction • Staying sober nearly 9 years • Fatherhood, healing, and breaking generational cycles This is one of the rawest and most powerful conversations we’ve had on the Rain Brings Growth Podcast. If you or someone you know struggles with addiction, alcoholism, relapse, depression, or hopelessness, this episode could help somebody. 🎙️ Episode 58 with Jim Ash is available now. 👇 FOLLOW JIM ASH Facebook: Jim Ash Instagram: @jim.ash.333 TikTok: @jim.ash7 🎧 Listen On: YouTube Spotify Apple Podcasts 📲 Follow Matt: Instagram: @sidwell.fitness YouTube: Rain Brings Growth Podcast #AddictionRecovery #Sobriety #Faith #RecoveryJourney #MethAddiction #ChristianPodcast #MentalHealth #SelfImprovement #RainBringsGrowth #JimAsh #Boise #Idaho #CelebrateRecovery #RecoveryPodcast #DrugAddiction

    1h 40m
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About

You don’t grow without going through some rain. The Rain Brings Growth Podcast is a raw, real, and unfiltered show about personal growth forged through adversity. Hosted by Matthew Sidwell, this podcast dives into the stories that shape who we become—faith, fitness, fatherhood, mindset, discipline, and the hard lessons learned through life’s storms. Each episode features honest conversations with everyday people and high performers alike—law enforcement officers, entrepreneurs, parents, athletes, and individuals who have faced loss, addiction, failure, trauma, and setbacks… and chose to grow anyway. This isn’t motivation for motivation’s sake. It’s about: Owning your pastBuilding discipline over comfortBecoming a better husband, father, and leaderBreaking generational cyclesGrowing stronger mentally, physically, and spirituallyWhether you’re in a season of struggle or a season of rebuilding, this podcast is a reminder that rain isn’t the end of the story—it’s the beginning of growth. 🎧 New episodes weekly 📺 Full video episodes on YouTube 🌧️ Growth starts where comfort ends

Information

  • Creator
    Matthew
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    29
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Rain Brings Growth Podcast
  • Show Website
    Rain Brings Growth Podcast

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