The My Impossible Podcast

Jeff Harmon
  • 5.0 (5)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The My Impossible Podcast hosted by Jeff Harmon is an inspiring series that explores the extraordinary journeys of individuals who dare to pursue their 'impossibles.' Each episode begins with Jeff asking guests, "What's your impossible?" As they share their stories, Jeff delves into the pivotal moment when they decided to take on their impossible. The podcast emphasizes the belief that "My Impossible is OUR possible," highlighting the crucial role of community in achieving the seemingly unattainable. Each episode leaves the audience motivated, demonstrating that with support and determination, the impossible can become possible.

  1. JAN 19

    Resilience Isn’t Protection — It’s Practice | Josephine Hunt

    In this episode of the My Impossible Podcast, Jeff welcomes veteran educator and parenting coach Josephine Hunt for a necessary and uncomfortable conversation about resilience. With over 22 years in education, Josephine challenges a belief many of us hold with good intentions: that removing discomfort keeps kids safe. Instead, she argues that resilience is built the same way strength is built—through guided, supported struggle. This episode explores why fear-driven protection may be fueling anxiety, fragility, and dependence—and what parents, educators, and individuals can do instead. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why resilience is a practice, not a personality trait How easing discomfort can quietly disable long-term growth The role of “anchor adults” in building confidence and self-trust Why process matters more than performance How to coach without rescuing—at any age This conversation is practical, honest, and deeply human—and it will challenge how you think about care, love, and strength. Connect with Josephine Hunt 🌐 Website: https://www.josephinehunt.com 📺 YouTube: Educational & resilience content, media appearances, and coaching resources

    41 min

  2. 12/01/2025

    Presence, Pain, and the Power to Be With — A Conversation with Bill Villafranco

    In this episode, Jeff sits down with speaker, philanthropist, and Executive Director of MyFace, Bill Villafranco — a man whose life has been shaped by loss, rebuilt through presence, and defined by a rare kind of courage: the courage to stop hiding. Bill’s story doesn’t follow a clean arc. At age 28, he lost his infant son during childbirth. For 15 years, he did what many men do with their deepest wounds — he buried them, avoided them, and paid the price in his relationships, his marriage, and his sense of self. When he finally faced the grief he’d spent years outrunning, everything unraveled… and then slowly, honestly, began to rebuild. In this conversation, Bill opens the door to the real interior struggle: What it actually takes for a man to step out from behind pain he’s denied for years How he walked with his daughter through heroin addiction without fixing, rescuing, or running Why presence — not answers, not solutions — is often the most courageous act of leadership How authentic empathy differs from the performative “toxic empathy” dominating culture What meditation taught him about memory, perception, and the stories we invent Why community requires risk, humility, and the willingness to receive help And how philanthropy became the arena where he confronted his fears and grew into who he is now Bill is not selling a formula. He’s modeling a way of being: quiet courage, deep listening, authentic empathy, and the willingness to tell the truth about the mess. His stories — from losing his son, to supporting a daughter through addiction, to serving kids with craniofacial differences and disabilities — give listeners a concrete on-ramp into their own transformation. At the end, Bill offers a simple, sobering invitation: Sit still. Feel what’s real. Stop judging yourself. Ask for help when you’re lost. Not dramatic. Not glamorous. Just the actual doorway into a different life. Learn more / connect with Bill: MyFace (organization supporting individuals with craniofacial differences): myface.org The philanthropic trust Bill serves as trustee (Virginia B. Toman Foundation): https://www.toulminfoundation.org/ If you want to learn more about Bill or invite him to speak, you can also email him directly. Email: BillVillafranco@gmail.com

    36 min

  3. 11/17/2025

    Standards, Grace, and the Power of Belief with Chris Malleo

    In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, Jeff sits down with author and coach Chris Malleo, co-author of The Cheerleader, to explore the hidden challenge that has shaped much of Chris’s life: imposter syndrome. Though he earned a coveted spot as a Division I quarterback at Northwestern, Chris reveals that deep insecurity has followed him from childhood into adulthood, even as he stepped into leadership roles and public platforms. He describes how the tension between confidence on the field and doubt off it shaped his drive, work ethic, and early coping mechanisms. Chris shares how his life took a transformative turn when he met Frankie Kineavy, a young man with nonverbal cerebral palsy who emailed every coach within fifty miles looking for a chance. Chris was the only one who responded. Their meeting pushed Chris to confront his own limiting beliefs as a leader, and over time the two formed a powerful friendship rooted in honesty, accountability, and shared mission. Through coaching together, Chris watched Frankie’s confidence grow as he shattered expectations—earning respect from players, speaking to the entire school, and eventually becoming a writer and creative voice. In turn, Frankie’s courage and attitude helped Chris learn to be comfortable in his own skin and lead with conviction, compassion, and high standards. The conversation dives into how true leadership blends rigorous expectations with grace, why process matters more than outcomes, and how authentic care fuels excellence. Chris also shares the early impact of The Cheerleader, the lesson that “the only disability is a bad attitude,” and how readers are embracing gratitude and perspective through Frankie’s story. Jeff and Chris close by previewing the November 23rd book-launch event at the Spring Lake Theater in New Jersey—a celebration of community, friendship, and the extraordinary journey behind this story. https://www.thunderroadbooks.com/product-page/the-chairleader-life-without-limits-with-christopher-malleo-and-frankie-kineavy

    37 min

  4. 11/10/2025

    “Hard Is What Makes It Great” with Coach Jim Stroker

    In this powerful episode of The My Impossible Podcast, Jeff Harmon welcomes the legendary Coach Jim Stroker—a lifelong teacher, coach, speaker, and father whose story is as inspiring as it is hard-won. With his signature energy and authenticity, Coach Stroker reflects on 74 years of life and the profound lessons born from tragedy, grit, and gratitude. Jim shares the extraordinary story of his children, Jake and Ali, who survived a devastating car accident when they were just four and two years old. Against every prediction, Jake battled back from a traumatic brain injury to finish school without missing a single day and earn a college degree. Ali, paralyzed from the chest down, became the first wheelchair-using actor to perform on a Broadway stage—and later won a Tony Award. Through their stories, Jim illustrates that the “impossible” is often just the story we tell ourselves, and that with faith, optimism, and relentless perseverance, we can rewrite that story. Jeff and Jim explore what it means to “play full out” in life—whether that looks like Jim’s high-energy presence in a gym full of students or the quiet confidence of a major-league manager. Coach reminds listeners that the most powerful way to lead is to model the way: live the grit, the gratitude, and the faith you want to see in others. As the conversation crescendos, Jim offers timeless wisdom about fear, resilience, and purpose. Drawing on his mother’s mantra—E + R = O (Events + Response = Outcome)—he invites listeners to focus on what they can control, keep chipping away one day at a time, and remember that “hard is what makes it great.” Coach Stroker’s new book, Huddle Up, is available now on Amazon. Learn more about his speaking and coaching at coachstroker.com.

    44 min

  5. 10/27/2025

    From Isolation to Inclusion: Finding Healing, Health, and Hope Through Community

    In this inspiring episode of The My Impossible Podcast, host Jeff Harmon sits down with Brian Alston, whose journey from isolation and depression to healing, health, and hope embodies the heart of the My Impossible movement. What began as a goal to lose weight became a much deeper journey toward emotional wholeness, community, and self-love. Brian shares how years of battling depression, anxiety, ADHD, and the loss of both parents led him into a life of seclusion and despair. At nearly 600 pounds and consumed by hopelessness, he faced a pivotal moment that echoed the words from The Shawshank Redemption: “Get busy living or get busy dying.” Choosing life, Brian began redefining health—not just physical fitness but emotional and spiritual well-being. Through therapy, daily commitments to healthy choices, and the transformative power of community—particularly through F3, a men’s fitness, fellowship, and faith group—Brian began reclaiming his life. He describes how connection and vulnerability became the antidote to loneliness and how being part of My Impossible reminded him that “my impossible is our possible.” Jeff and Brian explore powerful themes of discomfort, courage, and love. Brian reflects on how hiding once felt safe but was actually survival—not living. His transformation began when he learned to embrace discomfort as a pathway to growth and discovered that real change happens in community. Today, his “impossible” is to learn to love himself fully and to help others “clear the static” that keeps them from seeing their own greatness. As Brian prepares for his first 5K in 13 years, surrounded by friends and supporters, he offers a message to anyone facing their own impossible: “Don’t be afraid—or better yet, be afraid, but don’t let that fear stop you. Once you get past it, you’ll realize you have something special to share with the world.” Connect with Brian: 📧 Email: brian.c.alston@gmail.com 🌐 Website: bcacoaching.com 📱 Facebook: Brian C. Alston Connect with Jeff Harmon and My Impossible: 🌐 myimpossible.org 📸 @myimpossibleorg 🎧 Listen to more episodes of The My Impossible Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

    40 min

  6. 10/14/2025

    The Impossible in the Mess: What Kilimanjaro Taught Me About Leading Through Uncertainty

    In this first episode since summiting Mount Kilimanjaro, Jeff Harmon shares the real story behind his climb — one that didn’t go as planned but became far more meaningful. On September 11, 2025, Jeff reached Stella Point with his 33-person team, completing a journey years in the making. Yet, what he thought would be a story of triumph became a story of resilience, surrender, and becoming. Jeff reflects on a lifetime shaped by fear — from a cautious kid afraid of roller coasters to an adult learning to face physical decline after being diagnosed with Adrenomyeloneuropathy (AMN). Moving into a wheelchair in 2017 forced him to choose between staying stuck or pushing forward. That choice led to triathlons, Spartan races, and ultimately Kilimanjaro — a mountain that tested every plan and expectation. Through vivid storytelling, Jeff takes listeners up the mountain’s four climate zones: lush rainforest to freezing arctic summit. He recounts broken wheelchair bolts, exhaustion, and the team dividing on summit day — moments that shattered the perfect story he imagined. A porter’s reminder, “There are no shortcuts,” became a turning point. The climb wasn’t about reaching the sign at the top; it was about perseverance, trust, and community. Jeff closes with the lesson that the most important thing in life isn’t what we do but who we become. The mountain showed him that strength is found not in control or perfection, but in choosing courage over comfort, community over isolation, and faith over fear. The story he thought would be good became something greater — the story of doing the impossible when life refuses to make it easy. =========================== To learn more about My Impossible and how to support our mission: https://givebutter.com/my-impossible Follow My Impossible: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/myimpossible_mk/⁠ ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/myimpossible/⁠ Email us at hello@myimpossible.org

    39 min

  7. 06/02/2025

    Be the Catalyst: From Underdog to Ironman to Kilimanjaro with Lauren Friedrich

    In this inspiring episode of My Impossible Podcast, Jeff Harmon welcomes Lauren Friedrich, a powerhouse of grit, joy, and generosity who has become an integral part of the My Impossible Kilimanjaro team. Introduced to the mission through fellow team member Jay Ledder, Lauren’s energy and commitment have not only elevated our team’s morale but also our fundraising efforts and sense of community. Lauren shares her journey from being the “underdog” to becoming a marathoner, Ironman finisher, and advocate for causes close to her heart—including juvenile diabetes and animal welfare. In 2018, she ran the New York City Marathon to honor her father and raise funds for JDRF. In 2023, she pushed her limits again, completing a Half Ironman in Hawaii while raising $8,000 for the ASPCA. But beyond these accomplishments, Lauren opens up about the deeper internal work of resilience, what it means to be picked last, and how those early feelings of being overlooked shaped her tenacity and sense of purpose. Jeff and Lauren dive into the power of community, not just in the celebratory moments but when things get hard—like navigating a Spartan race obstacle together with raw teamwork and trust. Lauren also reflects on how fear, while real, can be transformed into fuel for forward movement—if you choose not to let it keep you stuck. Her stories and insights offer a compelling reminder that the people who make the impossible possible are those who choose to invest—in themselves, in others, and in something bigger than ego. Lauren closes with a powerful invitation: Be your own catalyst. Whether it’s stepping into fear, building community, or lifting others up, the change you’re waiting for often begins with you. Tune in for a heartfelt, motivating conversation filled with truth, laughter, and the unmistakable fire of someone determined to make a difference. 🎧 Listen now and be inspired by Lauren’s journey—and maybe start planning your own mountain climb, literal or not. #MyImpossible #BeTheCatalyst #Kilimanjaro2025

    29 min

  8. 05/20/2025

    The Power of Willing: How Mary Ann Romano Turned Rock Bottom into a Launchpad

    In this powerful episode of The My Impossible Podcast, Jeff Harmon sits down with team-builder, speaker, and coach Mary Ann Romano—a woman whose story is as raw as it is inspiring. Mary Ann didn’t choose her impossible; it chose her. In the span of months, she endured the loss of both parents, the collapse of a long-term business partnership, and the sudden implosion of her professional identity. What followed was a season of grief, fear, and deep personal reckoning—but also one of reinvention. Mary Ann shares how she faced what felt like a relentless tsunami of loss and betrayal and how she eventually found the courage to rise, rebuild, and relaunch. Her story is not a linear comeback tale—it’s jagged, honest, and marked by anxiety, self-doubt, and emotional exhaustion. Yet, what emerges is a fiercely authentic and fearless version of herself that the world now gets to experience. Jeff and Mary Ann dive into themes of trust, control, resilience, and what it really means to do the next right thing when everything feels impossible. She reminds us that being fearless isn’t a prerequisite to facing the impossible—it’s the result of doing it anyway. And her encouragement to see rock bottom not as a dead end, but as a launchpad, is a message anyone in the middle of hardship needs to hear. Whether you're facing your own impossible or walking alongside someone who is, this episode is a moving reminder that the path forward doesn’t require certainty—just willingness. Connect with Mary Ann: Visit www.teambuildingunlimited.com to learn more about her work. Enjoyed this episode? Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share with someone who needs a reminder that their impossible might just be the beginning of a beautiful transformation.

    37 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

The My Impossible Podcast hosted by Jeff Harmon is an inspiring series that explores the extraordinary journeys of individuals who dare to pursue their 'impossibles.' Each episode begins with Jeff asking guests, "What's your impossible?" As they share their stories, Jeff delves into the pivotal moment when they decided to take on their impossible. The podcast emphasizes the belief that "My Impossible is OUR possible," highlighting the crucial role of community in achieving the seemingly unattainable. Each episode leaves the audience motivated, demonstrating that with support and determination, the impossible can become possible.

Information

  • Creator
    Jeff Harmon
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    25