Grit & Glory: Brad Ledwith, Kristen Sweeney & Heather Freschette on Building Something That Lasts

What does it take to turn a dream into something real — something that outlasts doubt, defies the odds, and leaves a mark on the world? In this extended episode, hosts Mitchell S. Karnes, Sherrie Price Clark, and Neil Haley sit down with three remarkable guests whose stories converge on a single truth: the most meaningful things are built slowly, on faith, grit, and the refusal to quit.Brad Ledwith reveals the decade-long journey behind The Mighty Oaks, a critically acclaimed documentary following a perpetually losing lacrosse team at Live Oak High School that refused to walk away — and ultimately transformed defeat into legacy. Now streaming on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV, the film is proof that if you quit when you're losing, you'll never know what winning feels like.Kristen Sweeney gives an intimate look at what it means to step into the role of Abbey Rhodes in the upcoming film adaptation of the beloved mystery series. From consulting real female detectives in Nashville to training for American Ninja Warrior obstacles she once couldn't imagine conquering, Kristen brings the same fierce preparation to her craft as she does to her faith — and reminds us that new dreams are possible at any age.Heather Freschette, co-owner of Smiley's on the Roxx in Greenville, SC, shares how two bartenders saving tips in a box under the bed launched one of downtown's most beloved live music venues — 365 days a year, no investors, no loans, and no asking permission. Sixteen years later, the line still wraps around the block.Three guests. Three industries. One undeniable thread: the legacy you build is worth every year it takes to get there.