See the Able, Looking Beyond the Label

In this episode of See the Able, Looking Beyond the Label, we sit down with Rocky Russo—certified personal trainer, life coach, and founder of Whole Fitness—to talk about what it really means to step off the script and build a life that aligns with your truth.Raised in a physically active, religious family, Rocky faced pressures around masculinity, success, and early marriage. From landing the “right” corporate job to getting engaged young, he lived out the expectations placed on him—until the emotional toll became too loud to ignore.We explore Rocky’s bold pivot toward a more soul-aligned path, including living off-grid, traveling, doing deep inner work, and even appearing on a TLC reality show in search of love. He opens up about the pressure of being single in your 30s, the complexity of “positive” labels, and the assumptions people make in the wellness world.This conversation is about peeling back expectations, owning your story, and making space for a more honest kind of success—physically, mentally, and emotionally. It’s also about legacy, alignment, and remembering that there’s no one way to live a full life.

**Available on YouTube**In this powerful episode of See the Able, Looking Beyond the Label, we sit down with Isaac Lau—a multilingual artist, vegan advocate, and disability rights champion—whose story is as vibrant and layered as the kumihimo braids he weaves. Born with cerebellar ataxia and told he wouldn’t live past 14, Isaac has spent his life proving that labels and limitations don’t define him.Now 43 and thriving, Isaac shares how he found his voice through language, his passion through weaving, and his purpose through advocacy. From growing up receiving special education services to becoming a teaching assistant and receiving his Eagle Scout award—his journey is filled with perseverance, creativity, and quiet power.We talk about his experiences navigating physical challenges, embracing veganism for the planet and the animals, and mastering multiple languages. Isaac also reflects on the importance of slowing down, presuming competence, and why he believes every person is a thread in a beautiful human tapestry.This episode is a celebration of resilience, identity, and the beauty of weaving life—one thread at a time.

In this episode of See the Able, Looking Beyond the Label, we explore a journey of resilience, self-discovery, and advocacy. From early struggles with reading, executive function challenges, and imposter syndrome to becoming a leader in math education, our guest has never let obstacles define her.She opens up about navigating a male-dominated field, embracing independence, and later finding love in an unexpected way. We also dive into her deeply personal journey with infertility—why so many suffer in silence, what she wishes others understood, and how she found strength through it all.This conversation is about breaking barriers, challenging expectations, and making math (and life) more accessible to all.

This episode of See the Able, Looking Beyond the Label is a powerful story of resilience, determination, and breaking generational trauma. From a difficult childhood and leaving home as a teenager to navigating single motherhood and challenging relationships, she refused to let adversity define her. Through hard work, she built a successful career, found her passion in real estate, and defied the odds in a male-dominated industry—proving that success is hers to claim. Join us for an inspiring conversation about perseverance, self-belief, and rewriting the narrative for future generations.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Rockey Knox, a professor at the University of Hawaii’s College of Education, a published researcher, and a passionate advocate for ADHD and neurodiversity. Diagnosed with depression as a preteen and later with ADHD as an adult, she shares her journey of navigating mental health challenges, executive function struggles, and self-discovery. We discuss the impact of her diagnoses on her education, career, and personal growth, as well as the importance of rewriting your self-narrative. Her story is one of resilience, advocacy, and empowerment.Content Warning: This podcast contains material of a highly sensitive nature, including conversations about suicidal ideation that may be triggering for some individuals. If you or someone you know is struggling or having thoughts of suicide, call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.

From teenage motherhood and alternative education to earning multiple degrees and becoming an Assistant Superintendent in the Hawaii Department of Education—this episode is all about resilience, determination, and breaking barriers. Our guest opens up about the challenges of being a young mom, navigating marriage and divorce, and pushing past societal labels to create a future she’s proud of. She shares the lessons she’s learned, the support she wished she had, and how her personal experiences shape the way she leads in education today. Her story is a powerful reminder that no circumstance defines your potential.

From Mischief to Merits: A Navy SEAL’s Journey of Resilience and RedemptionIn this powerful episode of See the Able, Looking Beyond the Label, we sit down with an extraordinary guest—a highly decorated Navy SEAL and accomplished leader with a master’s degree, who has triumphed over a lifetime of obstacles. From being diagnosed with learning disabilities to facing the heartbreak of losing his mother at a young age, he navigated behavioral challenges and defied expectations. Join us as we dive into his journey, exploring how he transformed early struggles into strengths and went from “mischief to merits.”Through candid reflections and inspiring stories, this conversation sheds light on resilience, perseverance, and the potential that lies beyond the labels. This episode will inspire you to look past limitations and discover the true abilities that lie within each individual.