Choose The Better Story Podcast

At just 17 years old, Garrett Verrilli lost his mother to leukemia--a loss that left him searching for a way to cope. What followed was a years-long battle with alcohol, an attempt to numb the pain and fill the void. In this powerful conversation, Garrett shares his journey through grief, addiction, recovery, and ultimately purpose. Today he's a husband, father, and thriving entrepreneur who has discovered that even life's deepest losses can become the foundation for a meaningful future. His story is a reminder that hope and transformation are possible no matter where you've been. Book a FREE vision call with Coach Ryan Wright: https://meetings.hubspot.com/ryanwright1/vision-call Real coach. Real Results. Real Impact.

What do you to when your dream doesn't go according to plan? After playing football at USC and falling short of his dream to play in the NFL, Christian John Bradley turned one of life's biggest disappointments into a mission. In this episode, Christian shares lessons from elite athletics, overcoming setbacks, and developing the mindset that fuels peak performance on the field, on the court,in the classroom, on stage, and in life. His mission is to equip highly driven, growth-minded leaders to transform pressure into confidence when the moment demands their best. Get 30% off on your own set of Crown Cards (which are a valuable resource for anyone who faces pressure situations). They are also great gifts if you know someone who fits the description above. Go to www.forthecompetitors.com/crowncards Use Discount Code CBS26 for a 30% discount on your purchase.

At just 20 years old, James Condit has faced more adversity than most people experience in a lifetime--yet his outlook on life is refreshing and unbelievably positive. Living with spina bifida and navigating life in a wheelchair, he's chosen purpose over pity, resilience over excuses, and continues to inspire everyone around him with his mindset and determination. After surviving the 2018 Camp Fire in Paradise, California, James has learned firsthand how fragile--and valuable--life really is. Today he channels his love for movies into a growing YouTube channel where he reviews and critiques films with insight and authenticity. This coversation is a powerful reminder that purpose is not determined by circumstances--it's built through mindset, perseverance, and choosing to keep showing up. If you need a reminder of what strength, positivity, and determination look like, this episode delivers.

Gabriel’s story is one of choices, hard consequences, and a complete life turnaround. In this episode, he opens up about his introduction to opiates during his senior year of high school, how small choices led him down a dangerous path, and the details about how he landed in prison. But this conversation isn’t just about addiction or incarceration — it’s about accountability, perspective, and rebuilding your life with gratitude when everything falls apart. Gabriel shares the moment he realized he was addicted, the lessons he learned the hard way, and what he would tell young people and parents who may be watching someone they love head down a similar road. This is a raw, honest conversation about the power of choice, how quickly life can change — and how redemption is still possible even after your lowest moments.

The Hekman's are one of the rare families whose home survived the Camp Fire of 2018. As the town of Paradise is being rebuilt around them, Chris Hekman and his family decide to do a little building of thier own. In this episode Chris talks about life after the wildfire, and chasing down a dream in the wake of destruction. He shares how both fear and thrill play a role in starting HEKTIK, and what it means to lead and will his family toward a common vision that they can all be proud of. Designed in Paradise, CA Hektik Optics are everyting you've ever wanted in sunglasses. Chris unfolds all the juicy details of the brand that is built to go where you go. Go to www.hektikoptics.com to see all the HEKTIK styles and options. Choose The Better Story listeners can use promo code CTBS20 for a 20% discount on a pair of Hektik sunglasses. Go get you a pari...or two...or three!

John Michael Hinton was born to be on stage. While most people are terrified at the thought of getting up in front of an audience, that's where John feels the most at home as a performer. In order for John to do what he was always meant to do (perform magic & illusions in front of large audiences), he had to take big risks and courageous action along the way.  In this episode we uncover the 'better story' that was waiting for John once he was willing to go all in and bet on himself and his future. John Michael Hinton has been featured on Penn & Teller: Fool Us, Good Morning America, is autor of the book Imaginate, and he has performed as a magician in front of thousands upon thousands of people, inspiring awe & wonder, and making friends along the way. Website:  www.johnmichaelhinton.com Socials:  @johnmichaelhinton

In 2018, the Camp Fire erased an entire town. Homes gone. Schools destroyed. A community scattered overnight. Kelli Gordon's story starts long before the fire. Being adopted shaped how she sees identity, resilience, and belonging. Then came the ultimate test: leading students, families, and a community through loss, uncertainty, and the long road to rebuilding. This is a conversation about leadership when there’s no playbook, and what it looks like to lead in the midst of disaster. No doubt, Kelli Gordon is a local superhero committed to the community she loves. Tired of not living up to your fullest potential?  Book a FREE vision call with Coach Ryan Wright  https://meetings.hubspot.com/ryanwright1/vision-call  Real coach. Real Results. Real Impact.

In this powerful conversation, Jessica Sandoval opens up about the story behind the badge. Her marriage to her husband Cesar, a former police officer, and the difficult reality that followed his retirement. What happens when the service ends, but the internal battle doesn't? In this honest and emotional conversation, Jessica shares the unseen struggles that impacted thier family, the love that remained through it all, and the devastating outcome that followed. Today Jessica is using her voice to bring awareness to a topic often left in the dark--turning deep personal loss into a message that could help others feel seen, understood, and less alone.

To say life has thrown Jeremy some major curveballs would be an understatement. In this episode we unpack the topic of loss, grief, and what it looks means to choose the better story when life doesn't make sense.  Jeremy has turned his grief and processing into a hobby & side hustle using his love for photography.  He's got a unique ability to communicate story through his photography. To see his work, visit https://www.jeremyvesely.com

Nate Johnson is a high school basketball coach, and has spent decades in the food industry.  One of Nate's unique gifts is creating and building a strong culture within the teams he oversees, whether that's on the court, or in a restaurant kitchen. Nate coaches basketball at Paradise High School, the same high school that he attended and graduated from.  A unique challenge he has faced is coaching players who lived through the trauma of a massive wildfire that leveled most of Paradise, CA in 2018.  In this episode we talk about the role love plays in building a thriving culture. Feeling stuck?  Need some clarity?    Book a vision call with executive coach Ryan Wright  https://meetings.hubspot.com/ryanwright1/vision-call. Real Coach. Real Results. Real Impact.

Dysfunction might be the word that best describes Derek's upbringing. At an early age his mom was presented with an opportunity to make an extra income, which was dealing drugs. At age 10 Derek wanted to help his mom survive, so at age 10, he became a drug dealer in North Hollywood. Eventually things got so intense for Derek and his mom, that they fled for thier lives, and made their way out of North Hollywood.  They landed in Northern California, and that was the beginning of a new season of a complete 180 in life. Are you inspired by a good comeback story?  Do you love hearing about people overcoming the odds?  Do transformation stories give you goose bumps?  If so, this episode is for you.   Listen now to hear how Derek made ESPN highlights two different times during his basketball career.   Tired of not living up to your fullest potential?  Book a vision call with Coach Ryan Wright  https://meetings.hubspot.com/ryanwright1/vision-call Real coach. Real Results. Real Impact.  

In 2018, after surviving a massive wildfire that swept through his town, destroying everything in its path, Kyle was faced with the harsh realities of figuring out how to serve his devastated community, while also juggling the needs of his own family. Faced with a new chapter of life, some unexpected surprises came as a result.  His brother, Nate Smith made it big as a country music artist after writing a song about the Camp Fire of 2018.  Meanwhile Kyle started a personal weight loss journey, and began documenting it on social media.  His vulnerability gained traction with others who were on their own weight loss journey.  Then Kyle began creating low calorie meals that don't sacrifice what we all love in our food....flavor!  His creativity to inspire others on their weight loss journey became so attractive, Kyle was able to turn his recipe creation into a life changing income stream called Tasty Shreds.   Listen to this episode for the full story!  Book a vision call with Coach Ryan Wright: https://meetings.hubspot.com/ryanwright1/vision-call Real coach. Real Results. Real Impact. To find & follow Kyle on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tastyshreds  

Adventure awaits!  Guest Sean Bingham is an entrepreneur who has created and sold multiple businesses. He's been featured in and selected on the TV show Shark Tank. Sean has figured out how to turn his passion for worldwide travel into an anventurous income stream. If creating the better story sounds appealing, this is a must listen. https://www.instagram.com/seanbingham https://www.instagram.com/tripioapp https://www.instagram.com/stbsportstake For a FREE ebook "Three Hacks For Rewriting A Better Future," Click the link below... https://ryan-wright.mykajabi.com/3HacksForRewritingABetterFuture Book a vision call with Coach Ryan Wright: https://meetings.hubspot.com/ryanwright1/vision-call Real coach. Real Results. Real Impact.  

Worry is a thief that steals your energy, your sleep, your peace, and your health. In this episode host Ryan Wright uncovers a framework that can help handcuffs worry. We also talk about the reasons people tend to worry, and the price they pay for doing so. Here's the link to a FREE ebook called 3 hacks for rewriting a better future: https://ryan-wright.mykajabi.com/3HacksForRewritingABetterFuture Book a vision call with Coach Ryan Wright: https://meetings.hubspot.com/ryanwright1/vision-call Real coach. Real Results. Real Impact.  

Hard work isn't always glamorous. Guest Chris Ecklund talks about the grind of developing and maintaining a business in a competitive health & fitness industry. In this episode we discuss everything from birthday let-downs, to common mistakes people make in the gym, and ways to shine in a highly competitive industry.   https://www.instagram.com/coachecklund   Book a vision call with Coach Ryan Wright: https://meetings.hubspot.com/ryanwright1/vision-call Real coach. Real Results. Real Impact.    

This episode is all about taking big swings in life. Taking big risks, and going after what it is that you really want in life. In this episode host Ryan Wright talks about one of his biggest swings in life...asking Jessica to marry him, and the epic story of his engagement. For a free ebook about the top 3 Excuses that keep people from living their best life, click the link: https://ryan-wright.mykajabi.com/ThreeExcusesEbook?preview_theme_id=2164296877 Book a vision call with Coach Ryan Wright: https://meetings.hubspot.com/ryanwright1/vision-call Real coach. Real Results. Real Impact.

As a competitive college football player, Chris Norton experienced a life-altering football tackle. This interview dives deep into Chris' 'better story' after that tackle flipped his world upside down.   If you want to be inspired to overcome, and to tackle life's biggest challenges with resilience and perspective, this is worth a listen. The documentary "7 Yards: The Chris Norton Story" can be seen on Amazon and Apple TV.  https://www.instagram.com/chrisanorton16 Would you benefit from some clarity?  Book a vision call with coach Ryan Wright: https://meetings.hubspot.com/ryanwright1/vision-call Real coach. Real Results. Real Impact.

In this episode host Ryan Wright talks about the link between failure and success, and if we learn from failure it can be an elite teacher in life.   Let's jump into the deep end and talk about two valuable lessons that can be learned from failure. Here's the link to a FREE ebook called 3 hacks for rewriting a better future: https://ryan-wright.mykajabi.com/3HacksForRewritingABetterFuture Tired of drifting, and ready to get serious about what you really want in life?  Book a call: https://meetings.hubspot.com/ryanwright1/vision-call Real coach. Real Results. Real Impact.  

Guest John Taylor joins the show for an interview. John's playground is the local landfill, where he gets to operate with really big machines for a living. From learning to re-start life after a wildfire swept through his town, to a police chase at the landfill, this one is worth a listen. John is a local superhero disguised as a heavy equipment operater. John loves making videos of his traveling adventures. Subscribe to his YouTube channel  https://www.youtube.com/@JohnT4x4Adventures https://www.instagram.com/johnt4x4  Exhausted from drifting?  Book a FREE vision call with Coach Ryan Wright: https://meetings.hubspot.com/ryanwright1/vision-call Real coach. Real Results. Real Impact.

 In this episode, host Ryan Wright unpacks the real breakfast of champions, which are 6 habits that will transform your life [before 8am]. Does transformation sound appealing?  Book a FREE vision call with Coach Ryan Wright https://meetings.hubspot.com/ryanwright1/vision-call Real coach. Real Results. Real Impact.

Guest Dale Sakschewski joins the show. If skyscrapers, rattle snakes, wildfires, life curve balls, and beer get your attention, give this a listen. Dale's passion took him brewing in his garage, to being a full blown brewmaster. It's Dale's passion that makes him a local superhero!  https://www.instagram.com/dalesakschewski For a FREE vision call with coach Ryan Wright: https://meetings.hubspot.com/ryanwright1/vision-call      

Snooze-A-holics Anonymous is for anyone who keeps hitting snooze—not just on their alarm, but on their life. In this episode, host Ryan Wright (recovering snooze-a-holic) uncovers the real reason we delay getting up, avoid hard decisions, and stay stuck in comfort. Hitting snooze feels harmless… until it becomes a habit of postponing purpose, discipline, and growth.  This isn’t just about mornings.  It’s about waking up to your full potential. If you’ve ever said “just five more minutes” to your goals, your calling, or the next level of your life, this conversation is your wake-up call. We’ll break down why the snooze button is so tempting, what it’s quietly costing you, and how to finally break the habit of delaying your potential. No shame. No guilt. Just clarity, ownership, and a reason to get up.  Because the life you want won’t wait forever—and neither should you. To book a free vision call with Coach Ryan Wright: https://meetings.hubspot.com/ryanwright1/vision-call Real coach. Real Results. Real Impact.

Choose The Better Story Podcast goes virtual for the first time in an interview with Erik Williams (AKA Kiro Fresh).  Erik's story includes everything from adopting two babies from Africa, break dancing, and trusting high school students to rescue him from a near-death climbing experience.   https://www.instagram.com/erikwithak To access your free Ebook--3 Hacks For Rewriting A Better Future For Your Life, click the link below: https://ryan-wright.mykajabi.com/3HacksForRewritingABetterFuture  To book a FREE vision call with Coach Ryan Wright: https://meetings.hubspot.com/ryanwright1/vision-call Real coach. Real Results. Real Impact.

In this episode, host Ryan Wright discusses the third character of any great story: The Guide. A guide plays a key role in the best movies we watch at the theatre. However, sometimes we forget that a guide is also necessary in life. And if a guide plays such a key role in the life of a hero at the theatre, then in life, a guide must be equally important. For a free ebook about the top 3 Excuses that keep people from living their best life, click the link: https://ryan-wright.mykajabi.com/ThreeExcusesEbook?preview_theme_id=2164296877 To book a FREE vision call with Coach Ryan Wright https://meetings.hubspot.com/ryanwright1/vision-call Real coach. Real Results. Real Impact.

Guest Casey Taylor joins the show. In 2018, a massive wildfire swept through Paradise, CA, leveling almost everything in its path. As the founder and superintendent of Achieve Charter Schools, Casey had to put her cape on In the midst of devastating loss, and find solutions that seemed impossible. In this inspiring episode Casey talks about the power of saying 'Yes.' Her encouragement for anyone going through life's worst circumstances to 'look up.' For a FREE vision call with Coach Ryan Wright: https://meetings.hubspot.com/ryanwright1/vision-call  

In this epidose the terrifying VILLAIN enters the scene. Whether it's an active chaser, or a clever con artist, the villain is wreaking havoc in the mind.  Host Ryan Wright uncovers the 5 most common villains that tend to keep people from their best life, and offers a strategy to fend off those pesky villains.

Ever wonder how the town of Paradise, CA is doing after a massive wildfire roared through the town, leveling nearly everything in its path? Doug Speicher joins the podcast and talks about life after the Camp Fire of 2018, and the resilient community that is rebuilding. In the wake of disaster, Doug has found the silver lining, and an opportunity to love and serve his community well. https://www.instagram.com/ridge.dad.real.estate  For a FREE vision call with Coach Ryan Wright: https://meetings.hubspot.com/ryanwright1/vision-call  

In this episode we dive into the deep end and talk about the power of a clear vision for your life and future. It's time to dust off your cape, and embrace the role as hero of your story!  I'm your host, Ryan Wright.  Let's do this!   To sign up for a FREE Vision call with Coach Ryan Wright: https://meetings.hubspot.com/ryanwright1/vision-call  

First official guest, Travis Osborne, joins the podcast and unveils the details behind the phrase "Choose The Better Story." Travis has a long history of serving his local community in California. If noodle arm, punk rock, and an embarrassing doctor visit get your attention, you'll want to give this a listen.

Welcome to Choose The Better Story Podcast.  I'm Ryan Wright, your host for the show.  In this first episode, you'll get to know a little about Ryan's story. He'll unpack a few stats that make this podcast both necessary and relatable. It's time to dust off your cape, embrace your role as hero, and go after what you really want in life. Let's goooooo!!!

Time to dust off your cape and own the role as hero in your own story.  I'm you're host, Ryan Wright.