Action Over Obstacles - Stories of Peak Performance, Growth & Resilience

Joe Farrell's journey in life is defined by bold decisions, relentless self-motivation, un-wavering faith and a deep commitment to serving others. He is a Former Technology Services Entrepreneur, with business in the US, Europe and Asia. This business created jobs globally and were Technology service partners to Global Fortune 1000 business. After a successful sale of the Technology Business in 2018, Joe and his wife Stephanie began the journey of purchasing and redeveloping buildings in downtown Youngsville, North Carolina. That led to beginning their work in Franklinton, North Carolina as well, starting with Owls Roost brewery in 2021. To date they have purchased and redeveloped over 40 buildings.Joe’s business activities range from:Managing Partner of “Franklinton Development, LLC” and “Mason Street Partners LLC” Former Managing Partner of “Pacific Development, LLC” Current Chairman of “People Care International, Inc 501c3” Past Chairman of “Impact of Hope International”, a US-Raleigh North Carolina based non- profit Past Chairman of “Duke Medicine Dream Campaign” in Durham, North Carolina Inc. Magazines Entrepreneur of the year Finalist in 1994 Veteran of the US Airforce This podcast is proudly sponsored by my coaching business, Action Over Obstacles Lifestyle Performance Coaching, where I coach clients to help them break through personal barriers and create lasting lifestyle improvements through 1:1 coaching, group coaching, and transformational challenges. I am a Certified Alcohol-Free Performance Coach and hold a Diploma in Coaching & Positive Psychology. I utilize a Solutions Based Forward Focused Coaching approach grounded in the Six Pillars of Optimal Lifestyle Performance which are:Optimized SleepAlcohol AwarenessConsistent MovementQuality NutritionMeaningful ConnectionQuiet Reflection TimeVisit my website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.actionoverobstacles.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to learn more.Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/actionoverobstacles/⁠⁠⁠Email: ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]

Colleen Obrien is a Positive Psychology Coach and the owner of “The Remedy State” – A Life Design coaching program that guides people to design lives with more meaning, purpose and authenticity. Her path has been anything but conventional. After studying IT in college and building a 17-year career in corporate tech, she wove in studies including Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine, became a certified Yoga teacher, and trained as a Western herbalist. Be sure to follow Colleen and her coaching business "The Remedy State" in the links below:Website: www.theremedystate.comEmail: [email protected]: https://www.instagram.com/theremedystateThis podcast is proudly sponsored by my coaching business, Action Over Obstacles Lifestyle Performance Coaching, where I coach clients to help them break through personal barriers and create lasting lifestyle improvements through 1:1 coaching, group coaching, and transformational challenges. I am a Certified Alcohol-Free Performance Coach and hold a Diploma in Coaching & Positive Psychology. I utilize a Solutions Based Forward Focused Coaching approach grounded in the Six Pillars of Optimal Lifestyle Performance which are:Optimized SleepAlcohol AwarenessConsistent MovementQuality NutritionMeaningful ConnectionQuiet Reflection TimeVisit my website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.actionoverobstacles.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to learn more.Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/actionoverobstacles/⁠⁠Email: ⁠⁠[email protected]

Barry Scruggs is a US Army Veteran of 7 years on active duty, that included (2) Combat Deployments to Afghanistan for a total of 19 Months. Barry’s hobbies and interests include Ultra Marathons, Running and Weightlifting. In combination with daily life, he strives to engage others in the running community and those who are trying to reclaim their fitness, using his story as the foundation that change is possible and that you can do hard things.  In addition to Barry’s running platform on Instagram, he is going on his 2nd year as a Team RWB Ambassador also known as a "Firestarter". His mission as a “Firestarter” is to lead by example, spreading the fire, providing motivation and overcoming the stigma that Veterans are broken. By accomplishing this task, he is helping veterans reclaim their fitness and helping them join a community of other Veterans who want to enrich each other's lives and build a strong foundation. As Barry says, “Our time in service ended, but the mission continues”. Follow Barry on his Instagram and find more details on Team RWB and Barry's fundraiser in the links below:https://www.instagram.com/runbear_runnc/Barry Scruggs's fundraising page for Team Red White & BlueJoin Up | Get Moving, Join Today! — Team Red, White & BlueThis podcast is proudly sponsored by my coaching business, Action Over Obstacles Lifestyle Performance Coaching, where I coach clients to help them break through personal barriers and create lasting lifestyle improvements through 1:1 coaching, group coaching, and transformational challenges. I am a Certified Alcohol-Free Performance Coach and hold a Diploma in Coaching & Positive Psychology. I utilize a Solutions Based Forward Focused Coaching approach grounded in the Six Pillars of Optimal Lifestyle Performance which are:Optimized SleepAlcohol AwarenessConsistent MovementQuality NutritionMeaningful ConnectionQuiet Reflection TimeVisit my website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.actionoverobstacles.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to learn more.Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/actionoverobstacles/⁠⁠⁠⁠Email: ⁠ ⁠⁠⁠[email protected] ⁠

Michael Pichan is an Ultra Endurance Athlete and Journey Racer. After a much too-long hiatus from any physical activity, Michael discovered Rucking in November of 2021 which eventually led him to endurance events and a progression into running ultra marathons and journey races.   Some highlights along Michael's journey from his self-described “Fat Mike to Fit Mike” include: Completing the 75-mile “Go Ruck Star” Course in D.C. A 2-time finisher of the “Why Me Sherry’s House 100-mile-ruck-march”in Worcester, Massachusetts for families who have a child battling cancer  An attempt to be the 1st person to Ruck all 100 miles of “Blackbeard's Revenge”  Finished top 5 in his age bracket in “The Spartan Beast” Took on the “Lazarus Lake 400-mile Heart of the South” unsupported journey race Earned a place in “The Fellowship of the Ring", by completing The Ring, which is a 71-mile race with 13,500 ft of elevation gain on the Massanutten Trail in the George Washington National Forest. Finished a 100-mile “Rim to River” race inbeautiful West Virginia this past October This podcast is proudly sponsored by my coaching business, Action Over Obstacles Lifestyle Performance Coaching, where I coach clients to help them break through personal barriers and create lasting lifestyle improvements through 1:1 coaching, group coaching, and transformational challenges. I am a Certified Alcohol-Free Performance Coach and hold a Diploma in Coaching & Positive Psychology. I utilize a Solutions Based Forward Focused Coaching approach grounded in the Six Pillars of Optimal Lifestyle Performance which are:Optimized SleepAlcohol AwarenessConsistent MovementQuality NutritionMeaningful ConnectionQuiet Reflection TimeVisit my website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.actionoverobstacles.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to learn more.Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/actionoverobstacles/⁠⁠⁠Email: ⁠ ⁠⁠[email protected]

Chris Smith is the Owner and Operator of the RISE Flag Football organization in Apex, North Carolina, a University of Florida graduate, and a longtime Gator fan. As a Pop Warner coach, devoted husband, and proud father of two boys, he stays deeply involved in both his family’s life and the local sports community. Chris shares tremendous insight all around taking us back to his time growing up in Florida and learning from his father what a true coach is, his passion for coaching and youth sports, how Chris and his wife took the idea of starting the RISE Apex league from vision to reality, how his values influence how the league operates, overcoming challenges, the tremendous growth of the league and the gratitude and appreciation Chris has for the local community. Be sure to follow the RISE Flag Football Apex, NC league and all RISE organizations Nationally at the links below:https://apexnc.riseflagfootball.com/riseapexnc/https://www.instagram.com/uarise_flagfootball_apex/⁠https://riseflagfootball.com/https://www.instagram.com/riseflagftbl/This podcast is proudly sponsored by my coaching business, Action Over Obstacles Lifestyle Performance Coaching, where I coach clients to help them break through personal barriers and create lasting lifestyle improvements through 1:1 coaching, group coaching, and transformational challenges. I am a Certified Alcohol-Free Performance Coach and hold a Diploma in Coaching & Positive Psychology. I utilize a Solutions Based Forward Focused Coaching approach grounded in the Six Pillars of Optimal Lifestyle Performance which are:Optimized SleepAlcohol AwarenessConsistent MovementQuality NutritionMeaningful ConnectionQuiet Reflection TimeVisit my website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.actionoverobstacles.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to learn more.Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/actionoverobstacles/⁠⁠⁠Email: ⁠ [email protected]

Yana Polikarpov is the founder of Dark Horse Coaching, a USATF Level 1 coach and holds a Diploma in Coaching and Positive Psychology. Yana's passion lies in human potential, and she is on a mission to help people move beyond just "life span" to focus on "health span", whether that is through running or building sustainable, positive change.Be sure to follow Yana and book a coaching intro through her socials and contact below:Dark Horse Coaching practice/book an intro call: https://darkhorsecoach.carrd.co/ Social/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darkhorse.coach?igsh=MTI4Z2hqcWlxbWN5bw%3D%3D&utm_source=qrYana's Favorite Organizations, where people can donate or get involved are below:Chastain Horse Parkhttps://www.chastainhorsepark.org/giveGirls on the Runhttps://www.girlsontherun.org/support-us/Atlanta Track Clubhttps://www.atlantatrackclub.org/donateThe Running School Camp - New Yorkhttps://www.therunningschool.com/This podcast is proudly sponsored by my coaching business, Action Over Obstacles Lifestyle Performance Coaching, where I coach clients to help them break through personal barriers and create lasting lifestyle improvements through 1:1 coaching, group coaching, and transformational challenges. I am a Certified Alcohol-Free Performance Coach and hold a Diploma in Coaching & Positive Psychology. I utilize a Solutions Based Forward Focused Coaching approach grounded in the Six Pillars of Optimal Lifestyle Performance which are:Optimized SleepAlcohol AwarenessConsistent MovementQuality NutritionMeaningful ConnectionQuiet Reflection TimeVisit my website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.actionoverobstacles.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to learn more.Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/actionoverobstacles/⁠⁠Email: ⁠ ⁠[email protected]

Todd Clark is a Fire Captain, Paramedic, and leadership advocate with nearly two decades in public safety. After experiencing firsthand, the impact of alcohol culture within the first responder profession, Todd chose to live alcohol-free and now focuses on helping firefighters, law enforcement officers, and EMS professionals perform at a higher level through wellness, leadership, and cultural change. He is the founder of the Zero Proof Hero movement and Next Level Responder, a platform focused on leadership development, resilience, and performance for modern first responders.Be sure to follow Todd at the links below:Website:www.NextLevelResponder.comLinkedIn:www.linkedin.com/in/todd-clark-nlrInstagram:www.instagram.com/thezeroproofheroYouTube:youtube.com/@thezeroproofheroThis podcast is proudly sponsored by my coaching business, Action Over Obstacles Lifestyle Performance Coaching, where I coach clients to help them break through personal barriers and create lasting lifestyle improvements through 1:1 coaching, group coaching, and transformational challenges. I am a Certified Alcohol-Free Performance Coach and hold a Diploma in Coaching & Positive Psychology. I utilize a Solutions Based Forward Focused Coaching approach grounded in the Six Pillars of Optimal Lifestyle Performance which are:Optimized SleepAlcohol AwarenessConsistent MovementQuality NutritionMeaningful ConnectionQuiet Reflection TimeVisit my website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.actionoverobstacles.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to learn more.Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/actionoverobstacles/⁠Email: ⁠ [email protected]

Danny Sallis is originally from Littleton, Colorado. Danny spent nearly 12 years in the U.S. Army serving in a Psychological Operations unit, where his work focused on counter-trafficking efforts throughout Central and South America. That role included multiple deployments to Panama, collaborating with the Panamanian military, U.S.government partners and NGOs to identify and disrupt illicit activity—all in support of the broader mission of securing the U.S. southern border. In 2022, Danny transitioned out of the Army to prioritize his family and pursue new professional goals. That journey ultimately led him into commercial real estate investing as an owner and operator. Since then, he has partnered in the acquisition of seven apartment communities across multiple states and led the asset management execution of all business plans. Danny’s company is currently developing three new apartment complexes in two states and he also consults with other investors across the country. To date, he has overseen asset management initiatives on approximately 5,000 apartment units nationwide.Reach out to Danny at his LinkedIn account and phone number below:https://www.linkedin.com/in/dannysallis/Phone: (720)-939-8462This podcast is proudly sponsored by my coaching business, Action Over Obstacles Lifestyle Performance Coaching, where I coach clients to help them break through personal barriers and create lasting lifestyle improvements through 1:1 coaching, group coaching, and transformational challenges. I am a Certified Alcohol-Free Performance Coach and hold a Diploma in Coaching & Positive Psychology. I utilize a Solutions Based Forward Focused Coaching approach grounded in the Six Pillars of Optimal Lifestyle Performance which are:Optimized SleepAlcohol AwarenessConsistent MovementQuality NutritionMeaningful ConnectionQuiet Reflection TimeVisit my website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.actionoverobstacles.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to learn more.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actionoverobstacles/Email: [email protected]

Rob Smalling has more than 30 years expertise in Human Resources, Employee and Leadership Development and Business Operations. Over the years, Rob has honed his skills working in diverse industries, including Aerospace, Pharmaceuticals, Healthcare IT, and Private Equity.Rob now owns and operates his consulting business, "Four-Five Consulting". For the past seven years, he has dedicated his efforts to collaborating with executive leadership teams, focusing on operational excellence, mergers and acquisitions, and executive coaching. Rob’s ideal engagements aim to strengthen people programs, optimize service delivery and support organization-wide growth by enabling better decision-making.Be sure to reach out to Rob at his email and LinkedIn below:Rob SmallingFour-Five Consulting [email protected]://www.linkedin.com/in/robsmalling/This podcast is proudly sponsored by my coaching business, Action Over Obstacles Lifestyle Performance Coaching, where I coach clients to help them break through personal barriers and create lasting lifestyle improvements through 1:1 coaching, group coaching, and transformational challenges.I utilize a Solutions Based Forward Focused Coaching approach grounded in the Six Pillars of Optimal Lifestyle Performance which are:Optimized SleepAlcohol AwarenessConsistent MovementQuality NutritionMeaningful ConnectionQuiet Reflection TimeVisit my website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.actionoverobstacles.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠ to learn more.Email: [email protected]: @actionoverobstaclesX: @AOOCoaching

Peter Kerr is the Owner of "The Massage Joint" in Downtown Apex, NC. Peter shares how after leaving the Army, he found massage therapy and through healing others, set him on his path to greatness, finding inner peace and fulfillment. Peter provides great thoughts and insights into life philosophies, overcoming obstacles, cultivating the mind, body and spirit, the healing power of music and the importance of gratitude, family and the Apex community. Follow "The Massage Joint" and Peter at the website and Instagram links below:https://www.themassagejointapex.com/https://www.instagram.com/themassagejointapex/https://www.instagram.com/peterkerr_lmbt13771/This podcast is proudly sponsored by my coaching business, Action Over Obstacles Lifestyle Performance Coaching, where I coach clients to help them break through personal barriers and create lasting lifestyle improvements through 1:1 coaching, group coaching, and transformational challenges.I utilize a Solutions Based Forward Focused Coaching approach grounded in the Six Pillars of Optimal Lifestyle Performance which are:Optimized SleepAlcohol AwarenessConsistent MovementQuality NutritionMeaningful ConnectionQuiet Reflection TimeVisit my website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.actionoverobstacles.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to learn more.Email: [email protected]: @actionoverobstaclesX: @AOOCoaching

In May 2026, Mark Long will attempt to become the first blind man to complete the legendary SAS Fan Dance.A brutal 24km off-road mountain challenge across the Brecon Beacons — pushing endurance, resilience, and mindset to the absolute limit.Every step is for one very special reason.Mark is raising money for Penny, a future guide dog puppy, helping provide life-changing independence and support for people living with sight loss.Follow the journey and training updates [email protected] you would like to support Penny and donate, every pound makes a difference.Together, we go beyond [email protected] podcast is proudly sponsored by my coaching business, Action Over Obstacles Lifestyle Performance Coaching, where I coach clients to help them break through personal barriers and create lasting lifestyle improvements through 1:1 coaching, group coaching, and transformational challenges.I utilize a Solutions Based Forward Focused Coaching approach grounded in the Six Pillars of Optimal Lifestyle Performance which are:Optimized SleepAlcohol AwarenessConsistent MovementQuality NutritionMeaningful ConnectionQuiet Reflection TimeVisit my website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.actionoverobstacles.com/⁠⁠⁠ to learn more.Email: [email protected]: @actionoverobstaclesX: @AOOCoaching

Mike O'Connor is proud to be the Chief Relationship Officer for New Hope Treatment Centers, a family owned and operated behavioral healthcare company working with adolescents with complex trauma and other psychiatric and behavioral issues. Mike shares tremendous insight all around in this episode. He reminds us of the importance of practicing gratitude and remembering that even when your day is tough, there is someone out there who has fallen on harder times. Learn how a strong network of family, friends and colleagues help Mike overcome challenges. Mike's outlook and wisdom serve as a reminder of the power of support! Be sure to check out the Podcast "Stuff That Matters - A New Hope Podcast" available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and You Tube, hosted by Mike and his colleagues. Mike's contact and New Hope's website, LinkedIn, Facebook, You Tube Videos, Instagram and X accounts along with the You Tube Link to the "Stuff That Matters - A New Hope Podcast" can be found belowhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-o-connor-86049714/https://www.newhopetreatment.com/https://www.youtube.com/playlist?app=desktop&list=PLEGSntRmXvMS-wn6Pmd3lVMMgEFn0npwdNew Hope Treatment Centers - YouTubeNew Hope Treatment Centers, Inc. | Rock Hill SC | FacebookInstagramhttps://x.com/newhoperockhillThis podcast is proudly sponsored by my coaching business, Action Over Obstacles Lifestyle Performance Coaching, where I coach clients to help them break through personal barriers and create lasting lifestyle improvements through 1:1 coaching, group coaching, and transformational challenges.I utilize a Solutions Based Forward Focused Coaching approach grounded in the Six Pillars of Optimal Lifestyle Performance which are:Optimized SleepAlcohol AwarenessConsistent MovementQuality NutritionMeaningful ConnectionQuiet Reflection TimeVisit my website ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.actionoverobstacles.com/⁠⁠ to learn more.Email: [email protected]: @actionoverobstaclesX: @AOOCoaching

Steve Kozlowski is a top performing real estate agent based in Columbia, SC where he owns and operates his business "Koz Closes". In 2017, Steve found himself unfulfilled in a Civil Engineering career and took the bold leap to leave the engineering field that provided financial security and move into the real estate market with no experience. Steve takes us on that journey from hard lessons learned and the power of action and discipline that set him on his trajectory to peak performance. Steve teaches us that the first step to personal growth and improvement can be simply saying "Yes".Be sure to reach out to Steve for your next real estate venture at:Cell: (803)-999-7065⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.zillow.com/profile/Kozcloses?fromapp=true⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqIoyoZeIPg&feature=youtu.be⁠⁠⁠⁠http://kozcloses.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/kozcloses/⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/kozcloses/⁠⁠⁠Email: [email protected]: @kozclosesX: @kozclosesThis podcast is proudly sponsored by my coaching business, Action Over Obstacles Lifestyle Performance Coaching, where I coach clients to help them break through personal barriers and create lasting lifestyle improvements through 1:1 coaching, group coaching, and transformational challenges.I utilize a Solutions Based Forward Focused Coaching approach grounded in the Six Pillars of Optimal Lifestyle Performance which are:Optimized SleepAlcohol AwarenessConsistent MovementQuality NutritionMeaningful ConnectionQuiet Reflection TimeVisit my website ⁠⁠⁠https://www.actionoverobstacles.com/⁠ to learn more.Email: [email protected]: @actionoverobstaclesX: @AOOCoaching

Today on Action Over Obstacles, I want to give you the backstory on why this podcast exists and share: "My Call To Action” For me, I find podcasts to be a source of immense value for learning about concepts, philosophies, stories of greatness and overcoming challenges and they have played a tremendously beneficial role in my learning, reflection and pursuits over the years. I created this podcast to not only highlight peak performers accomplishments, but also to give everyone a glimpse into how our guests overcome their own personal obstacles and limiting beliefs, understand how they reset when they get off track and consistently move forward on their paths to improvement.My goal is that Action Over Obstacles becomes a source of ignition and fuel to drive you forward in your own pursuit of greatness.Be on the lookout for new episodes released weekly and don't forget to subscribe.This podcast is proudly sponsored by my coaching business, Action Over Obstacles Lifestyle Performance Coaching, where I coach clients to help them break through personal barriers and create lasting lifestyle improvements through 1:1 coaching, group coaching, and transformational challenges. I am a Certified Alcohol-Free Performance Coach and hold a Diploma in Coaching & Positive Psychology from the Coach Business School.I utilize a Solutions Based Forward Focused Coaching approach grounded in the Six Pillars of Optimal Lifestyle Performance which are:Optimized SleepAlcohol AwarenessConsistent MovementQuality NutritionMeaningful ConnectionQuiet Reflection TimeVisit my website ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.actionoverobstacles.com/⁠⁠ to learn more.Email: [email protected]: @actionoverobstaclesX: @AOOCoaching