Grind to Growth to Greatness

Welcome to "Grind to Growth to Greatness," the podcast that celebrates the extraordinary journey of elite ultra-marathoner and mountain trail athlete Tara Dower. Tara is the epitome of resilience, bravery, and unwavering determination. In this episode, we delve into Tara's incredible achievement of setting the Fastest Known Time (FKT) on the Appalachian Trail. We explore the grueling challenges she faced, from the physical demands of the trail to her personal battles with anxiety and self-doubt. Tara's story is one of overcoming obstacles and rising to the top of her sport through sheer grit and perseverance. This episode offers an intimate look at Tara's journey, highlighting the strategies she used to conquer her fears and the mental fortitude required to push through the toughest moments. We discuss the highs and lows of her trail adventures, the lessons learned, and the breathtaking landscapes that inspire her. Join us as we uncover the secrets behind Tara's success, her ongoing battle with anxiety, and her resilient spirit that continues to drive her forward. Whether you're an aspiring ultra-marathoner or simply a fan of remarkable athletic feats, "Grind to Growth to Greatness" promises to inspire, motivate, and ignite your own adventurous spirit. Get ready to be captivated by the tales of an athlete who truly embodies the essence of endurance and the thrill of the trail.

Deputy Chief Economist and Vice President of Research at the National Association of REALTORS® Dr. Lautz takes an economic look back at the real estate market for sellers & Buyers for 2024 & gives realtors a feel for whats in store for 2025.

Capt. Ryan Carron, Navy Helicopter Aviator, military leader, husband, and father to two sons, lets us in on his life of success and accomplishments in the Navy. His experiences as a Naval aviator ultimately prepared he & his wife for their harrowing and heartbreaking story of loss, resilience, and eventually thrusted them into their new medical business, Medtops. Listen in as Ryan recounts losing his first son, Kenny, and the series of missteps and mistakes that left he and his wife reeling and searching for answers amidst their sorrow. This story is duplicated everyday in across the country and throughout our current medical system. Currentl Ryan and his company are working to implement new ways to systematize processes and procedures with their military grade checklists to support medical professionals across every discipline. Ryan is also a recent cancer survivor.

An in depth conversation with the newly minted President & CEO of Coldwell Banker Realty, Kamini Lane. Kamini shares her fascinating story of growing up in a Southern California Indian Household and the lessons from her parents that helped to shape her extraordinary career path to the leader of one of the most revered real estate companies in the world, Coldwell Banker Realty. Kamini takes us through her decision-making processes, her vision for the future, and her thoughtful advice to young female entrepreneurs. You'll quickly hear why she has been lauded as one of the freshest talents in real estate and looks to take Coldwell Banker Realty to new heights. FULL VIDEO EPISODE: https://youtu.be/wqt_cx85lEU?feature=shared

Liz Toombs, CEO of PDR Interiors, talks about how her upbringing, education, and passion helped her to identify a niche business and how she leveled up. Her innate gifts for design have allowed her to restate & remake sorority houses across the country. Keeping up with design trends, student fashion, and even the mental state requirements for students, has been key to her success and continued relevance in dorm rooms and sorority houses every year. Liz talks about her passion for mentoring young students in design and what it takes to help the social media generation adapt to business after college.

Join us as Kyle & Brent Pease take us on their journey of family, brotherly love, and inclusion. When life for the Pease family began in the mid-1980s by having Brent Pease as their first son, life seemed perfect. Then only about a year later things became even better when twins Kyle and Evan were slated to join the Pease crew. Not long after they were born it became evident that something wasn't right with Kyle. When doctors informed the family that Kyle was born with Cerebral Palsy, the Peases dug in and made the conscious decision to make life for Kyle as inclusive and normal as possible. For young Brent, this meant he was "big brother" now and he'd do whatever it took to look after his younger brother and fill Kyle's life with sports, and friends. Brent made sure Kyle was included in everything. As a young adult, Brent became enamored with running, and The IRONMAN race, and of course his brother Kyle became a fan. After Brent's 1st race, Kyle was all in! Could he convince Brent?

Joe & Ann Evermore have a story to tell and it began on the side of a mountain in Colorado, shivering and trying to avoid hypothermia. Yes love happens in funny places. For Joe & Ann, this is where it started and where they’ve chosen to raise their family. Joe discusses their, some would say, unique approach to parenting and their intentional approach to raising their 3 boys especially. Joe shares fascinating stories of big rock face climbing with Sam Adventure, Sylvan Lightyear & Joey Danger, yes you heard me correctly! Awesome names for incredible young men. He shares the story of Sam Adventure of becoming the youngest person to ever climb & summit El Capitan in Yosemite National Park, to the family’s sojourn to celebrate their daughter & sister, Ember, and Christmas in October. Joe talks about big goals, preparation, and their yearly Misogi with each son. Don’t miss this conversation with a father and his intentional, high-flying approach to growing young men.

From an unassuming childhood to her battle with drug & alcohol addiction to her eventual, almost unimaginable accomplishments on the highest summits in the world, Julie Mckelvey shares her heart & heartache as we tightrope across her cornucopia of emotions and walk with her on each harrowing foot forward up the most challenging landscapes on the globe. Her self-described never-quit attitude is breathtaking and will drive you to do something great or simply, never give up on your dreams. Julie is one of less than 70 women to conquer the 7 summits and looks to keep her extreme journey alive. #mountainclimbing #Everest #denali #overcomingobstacles #7summits #AddictionRecovery #addiction #recovery #miricleear

Sorrow came in 3's for Nancy Elbert and her family. Losing her cherished pet Yorkie to a tragic accident was followed up by the sudden passing of her beloved brother, Chris. All the while amid her grief and the grief of her entire family, Nancy's heart was laid bare by divorce. One of these sorrows could have laid waste to most people, however, Nancy chose to use her sorrow as her call to purpose. Listen to this everyday mom as she creates a center for mental wellness that serves teens and parents all over the Indianapolis, Indiana landscape. This story will have you standing in honor of those who do for the greater good.

Lt Col Mark Borocz dives into his non-traditional journey from small-town boy to aeronautical engineer to taking a risk with the Air Force after discovering his fascination with flying. This story of sheer determination and will, will have you believing in yourself from the beginning. Lt Col Mark Borocz shares his journey to the deep South, where he meets the love of his life, Carol, to landing in Italy to 1-year deployment to Korea, which would eventually land him in his dream Jet, the F16! His story is full of twists and turns, unlike anyone we've heard. Make sure you grab a cup of coffee or a glass of wine because you won't want to press pause on this one.

Pennsylvania State Senator Mike Regan & his wife Fran Regan sit for a conversation about their experiences in politics, their thoughts on World War III, his family, and extreme sports. Listen in as we have a candid conversation about Mike's time in the PA House & Senate, his successful bid to legalize marijuana, and his passion for protecting our youth in schools across the commonwealth and our country. Fran discusses her controversial appointment to the Gaming Control Board and how uncontroversial it actually should have been, her passion for teaching women self-defense, and her plans for the future. This conversation was a terrific look into the hearts and minds of two of our most respected public servants.

Julie Walker, wife, mom, and founder of the Peyton Walker Foundation. Come share in this emotional conversation as Julie re-visits her daughter Peyton’s sudden passing while away at college, her initial shock & sorrow, and how her love encouraged her to start a foundation in honor of her daughter Peyton. This story of sadness turned inspiration will make you stand up and cheer and hopefully snap you into action. https://www.peytonwalker.org

This California girl dreamed about sunny days and sports as a young girl until one fateful day that changed her direction and set her on a course for, dare I say Greatness! Our conversation revisits her memories of the Challenger Space Shuttle catastrophe and how 72 seconds reshaped her mindset, narrowed her focus to getting into the Air Force Academy, and eventually led to her harrowing flight over Bagdad, which will go down in annals of Air Force lore, and would earn her the Distinguished Flying Cross. Kim paved the way for women to become fighter pilots, serve our troops overhead during war & conflict, and become a leader of thousands of Airmen across the globe.

What makes a girl's dream of putting the bad guys away, turn to visions of Diamonds & Jewels & Memory Making? Listen in as Kristen Knovinger of K Knovinger Jewelry shares her journey from rural Pennsylvania, to the midwest, to California, back to the Big Apple of NYC, and ultimately to end up right back where it all began. This is a story of discovery, restoration, and business prowess in an industry full of competition. Kristen shares her business secrets to build a culture of caring and creativity. Diamonds are truly Kristen's best friend.

Tricia Como shares her story of perseverance and resilience and how she went from a gifted student to finding her way in college to an up-and-coming real estate broker with Coldwell Banker Realty. Listen as Tricia shares her thoughts on how she became a local force in the industry and a respected manager among her peers.

Franny Kansteiner is the caretaker of a disappearing craft and the shepherd of a flock of 200 Merino Wool Sheep. She is passionate about farm-to-fashion and loves to share her story. Join us for a walk as we explore her farm in the rolling hills of Virginia. Franny will explain her inspiration for the farm, introduce you to her furry little inhabitants and share how she cares for their every need. Her sheep give unique wool that is used to create one-of-a-kind creations inspired by the artists and artisans of yesteryear.

Gary Coxe is the epitome of a Self-Help Expert & Life Strategist Coach. Growing up in Jamaica amidst privilege, Gary finds out how quickly and dramatically things can change. In the blink of an eye, Gary found himself moving from Jamaica to New York, now a recent product of divorce, broke, and looking for answers to his depression and his abusive stepdad. Quickly Gary finds out things could get worse. Gary's father is murdered in Jamaica and his 6 figure business goes belly up. His life is unraveling and he's not sure how to move forward. Listen to Gary tell his life story and how he's turned his lessons into a burgeoning business helping others find the answers to life and success. As a guest on shows like Oprah, Gary explores strategies with millions of people looking for advice and hope. Don't miss this wonderful episode.

Beth Ann Telford is consumed with her schedule at the White House, running marathons, and competing in the Iron Man Competitions, but is stopped in her tracks by a diagnosis of brain cancer. But for how long you ask, about a minute before she kicked it into high gear and decided to take her fight to the only battlefield she knew, the marathon course. In 2017 she signed up to raise awareness of her diagnosis in the most difficult way a person could think. The World Marathon Challenge! Beth Ann put on her custom New Balance runners and willed her way through 7 full marathons, on 7 continents in 7 consecutive days. Listen in as she retells the story of her harrowing journey and how she battles every day to bring awareness to this nasty disease and to bring Hope to so many running in her shoes 2017 World Marathon Challange Finisher 7 Marathons on 7 Continents in 7 Consecutive days! 4x Ironman Endurance Athlete Advocate for Brain Cancer Awareness Brain Cancer Warrior [email protected]

Matt Riggins talks about his transition from high school to the workforce and then his mindset change to running a Global Ministry to India and Haiti., Join us as he shares his heart for others and those who have less and how he balances his family dynamics with giving to others. while traveling the globe. This local boy finds his way back to his roots and back to God to become a driven man of faith making a difference in our commuinty and around the world.

Coffee and Community are the mainstays in the bedroom community of Camp Hill, Pennsylvania. Sue Pera shares her journey as a young woman joining the ranks of a mostly male-dominated sales environment in the mid 1970s to owning her bakery/deli in Hershey, Pennsylvania, only to find herself landing right back in her beloved Camp Hill. She shares her parent’s influence on her and how their consistent encouragement molded her sales skills and benevolent heart for her community. This episode is a feel-good episode that will encourage you and if you haven’t already been to Cornerstone Coffee House, drive you to discover her passion for her customers & friends and of course to try her decadent Oat Bars!

Chris Gorsuch shares his story of being on the cusp of a burgeoning technology in the early 80’s, working with the likes of Apple & Texas Instruments, Chris became a sought-after engineer on a global scale. After spending over 30 years leading a team of engineers that developed tools such as Bluetooth, Smart TVs, and the USB Chris ended his illustrious career, Chris made the life-altering decision to chase his lifelong passion as a fisherman & as a fishing guide. His story runs the gambit from the rolling hills of the Juniata River to XI’An China ReelRiverAdventure.com to book your next adventure

Listen as we explore Joanna Dennstaedt's battle with malignant melanoma skin cancer. Her harrowing story inspires everyday people and their caregivers suffering from cancer, and takes a look into her family, faith, and her amazing non-profit born out of the kindness of strangers hundreds of miles away. We dive into her mindset the day she received "the phone call" and at age 34, married with 4 little ones, Joanna shares how her faith molded her response that eventually became her passion & purpose. This episode will take you on an emotional journey and leave you wanting to share in her purpose. Go to www.hisradianthope.org to be a part of this growing passion project for those fighting cancer or donate on Instagram @Grind2Growth2Greatness

Anne Deeter Gallaher of Deeter Gallaher Group discusses her meteoric rise to local & national prominence through the creation of her public relations company. From her multiple time publishing in the Wall Street Journal to her authoring of two published books, Women in High Gear & The Future Belongs to Students in High Gear, Anne shares her High Gear mindset from the beginning, her thoughts on brand building, changes in her approach to marketing, and what's behind her Powerful Language. Smart Marketing tagline. We discuss how she started with her education, and skill sets and built a recognizable business that helps other big brands lay out their message and then deliver it with a punch!

From the Arctic Circle to the Ryder Cup in Guidonia RM, Italy, Dr Greg Bledsoe talks about his entry into the emergency medical world by way of his father's surgical practice, his mother's wisdom, and trips to Haiti as a teenager that marked him and thrust him into a worldwide mission to share his expertise & passion for expedition medicine. Dr. Bledsoe shares his thoughts on his eclectic journey, his & his wife Sara's parenting approach, and a whole host of fascinating subjects as we dive deep into the grit behind Dr. Greg Bledsoe's journey as a respected and trusted prominent medical professional breaking the mold.

Listen to Tracy Smith, head baseball coach at Michigan, share his journey from a small boy in the rural town of Kentland IN to his playing days with the Chicago Cubs organization, and his 30 years of coaching in the college ranks. Be inspired as Tracy & Terry talk about mindset, reframing, and would-be landmines of NIL and travel baseball across the country. Join us as we explore the Grit behind Grind on the Grind to Growth to Greatness Podcast.