Beyond Grit with Robert Young

Raven's Nest Gourmet was launched over 30 years ago in Muscle Shoals, Alabama in the basement of the Dennis family home. What started as a small operation has survived the test of time by delivering quality products to family gatherings for decades. Throughout the years, Raven's Nest products have served “mom-and-pop shops” nationwide and can now be found in over 1800 stores. On this episode, Rob sits down with Monica Smith, who bought the business over 14 years ago from her mother, Raven, and father, Sammy. Monica details her initial reluctance to taking on the responsibility of being a working mom running a company, but ultimately gave in when things started to fall into place. All business operations were moved to the Carolinas and are now located in Fort Mill, SC. These products are phenomenal – they truly sell themselves. We love to support small businesses, especially those that are located here in the Charlotte area of North Carolina. Leave a comment below of your favorite Raven's Nest product, but if you have not tried them, you should (link below to order). Enjoy the show! . . More info: www.ravensoriginal.com . Follow on Instagram: @ravensoriginal | @monicasmith374 . . #food #gourmet #clt #nc #hard #work #pays #off #business #leader #videos #inspiration #struggle #survival #leadership #inspiration #grit

Brennon Lang is an outdoor enthusiast who loves a challenge. He is into Ultra-marathons, backpacking, rock climbing, endurance (mental, emotional, physical), and pushes the boundary between badass and dumbass, as he says. In this episode, Robert and Brennon discuss their love for the outdoors and what goes into training for an ultra-marathon, as well as the way to cope when things do not go as planned. There are always barriers to pursuing a dream, especially something as crazy as an ultra-marathon. One can either allow those challenges to discourage them, or they can use them as fuel. Listen and find out how Brennon deals with negativity, failure, and more on this episode of Beyond Grit with Robert Young. . . . @runthechange . . #podcast #podcasts #follow #subscribe #clt #nc #inspiration #run #marathon #ultramarathon #your #story #love #compassion #hope #home #family #life #lifestory #courage #change #give #art #athlete #hustle #progress #greatness #beyond #grit

Beyond Grit is officially one year old! In honor of this milestone event, we are throwing back to Robert's very first guest, Chuck Norris. Chuck's episode is one of our fan favorites so if you haven't heard it yet, you are in for a treat. If you have heard it, enjoy it again or leave a review. Chuck grew up in the Detroit area of Michigan. He joined the Army out of high school, which led him to North Carolina. After the military, Chuck knew that sitting behind a desk was not his path. Since that time, he has owned multiple car audio stores, a Furniture store, and had a successful building/contractor career.  He is now the CEO of Fayetteville Marksmen Hockey Team and is living a life beyond grit. He's a true entrepreneur. Thank you for your continued support. We have big plans for the coming year, so stick around and make sure to keep sharing your favorite episodes.   Thanks for listening.   Like, Rate, Review, Share

Julie Carter is an attorney, advocate, and consultant who works mostly with education rights and disability law. She has always worked hard and had a desire to learn. Combine that with the fact that she comes from a family of attorneys, and it is no surprise that she followed a similar path. In this episode, Julie and Rob discuss her family life, personal choices, and the path that led her to law school at Tulane University in Louisiana, to eventually getting married and becoming a mother. Her path was not easy. While at Tulane, Julie experienced tragedy when she lost a close friend to death by #suicide. Julie was forced to face her grief and take a step back from school for a moment. Slowing down was a foreign concept to her, so it was certainly a challenge. It also came with a cost. That season of life shaped her and taught her how to strategize in new ways to “work differently, not harder” as she says. She endured intense grief and experienced setbacks, but the moment she picked herself up and decided it was time to move forward, nothing slowed her down. That was only the beginning. While driving down the road with her mother one weekday morning, she received a “compliment” that would drastically reshape her life. She has an amazing story, and her mother has an interesting way of giving complements. Listen and find out. We hope you enjoy this episode. Make sure to like, rate, review, and tell someone about it. Follow Julie Carter and reach out if you have any legal needs. . Instagram: @juliecarterlaw . . #attorney #femaleattorney #femalebusinessowner #educationrights #disabilityrights #children #advocate #struggle #survival #leadership #author #your #story #love #compassion #hope #home #family #life #lifestory #courage #change #give #art #athlete #hustle #beyond #grit #attorney

Mike Dascal is a North Carolina native who has always had a heart for serving others. He enjoys gathering with friends and family within the community, and he enjoys a doing CrossFit. A few years ago, he combined those passions with an event he hosted at his home. The idea was simple – they would workout then hang out, eat food, and drink beer. They had a massive turnout. The following year, he decided to charge a fee and donated the funds to charity. That was the start of a yearly event, now called Beers and Burpees, which is held to raise money for charity. Two years ago, they launched their own nonprofit, Changing Lives Together (CLT) Foundation, which exists to enrich and change the lives of special needs kids and kids with life-altering medical circumstances. Many programs are offered within the CLT Foundation - a scholarship program, Christmas in July, and Camp CLT. To find out more about these amazing events, or to serve at a future event, visit www.CLTFoundation.org.  • And don't forget to sign up for Beers and Burpees while you're there. • • Follow: @cltfoundation • • • • #charity #podcast #follow #subscribe #clt #nc #inspiration #struggle #survival #leadership #author #your #story #love #compassion #hope #home #family #life #lifestory #courage #change #give #art #athlete #hustle #progress #greatness #beyond #grit

Beyond Grit with Robert Young: Ep. 49 – Ken Newbill, FNP, HTMA-P, Coach | Newbill of Health Ken Newbill was an average American man, living on a common North American diet. He explains how he was clinically obese and never cared much about his health. Then, in his late thirties, he started having health problems. What started as kidney stones eventually turned into a heart attack. As Ken explains, most people are unaware of the fact that the two are related. That life-altering experience placed him in a position to either give up or fight for a new way of life. He decided to fight. Ken studied many alternative medicines and techniques and was able to fine tune his body. He now spends his life helping others do the same. He is an expert at discovering methods of natural healing and ways to enhance the human body for optimal performance. Ken is truly knowledgeable about health and wellness and there is an abundance of valuable information in this episode. You may want to go ahead and grab a pen and paper to take notes. Ken has a background in technology, so he is very technical in his approach towards health and wellness. It is pretty simple, if you put junk in, you get junk out. Unfortunately, most of us are unaware of the toxins entering our bodies throughout the day. Ken sheds light on many areas where we can improve. You can change your life right now with info from this episode; but if you are interested in fine-tuning your body and getting a clean, new bill of health, connect with Ken using the links below. Enjoy the episode and let us know what you think – Like, Rate, Review, Share!   Follow Ken on Instagram: @newbillofhealth Connect with Ken: https://mailchi.mp/6f9d5d9194e1/transformyourhealthnaturally https://www.alignable.com/monroe-nc/newbill-of-health   #podcast #health #wellness #clt #nc #hard #work #pays #off #business #leader #videos #inspiration #struggle #survival #leadership #author #your #story #love #compassion #hope #inspiration #home #grit

Noah Gully is a young entrepreneur that has worked hard his whole life. At 24 years old, he became the owner of his first barber shop, located in Charlotte , NC. Gully has done many different things over the years to make money, but he has remained focused on the goal. He has always worked hard to fund his dream of becoming a barber and owning his own businesses. It was not easy. There are lots of requirements and high costs to complete barber school. There were many times he wanted to quit, but he never did. Gully was raised by a strong woman but was never really close with his father. He credits his mom for always guiding him and connecting him with male role models that served as mentors for him during his young life. He now pays it forward by the work he does within his community. He has love for those around him and now works as a youth advocate to help make an impact on young men, the way his mentors impacted him. In this episode, Gully and Rob discuss many things about life. Young people today are faced with many challenges, and there are especially challenges for parents. Through it all, Gully's daughter has been his main driving force for making himself into the successful businessman that he is today. This young man is brilliant and has a bright future. Many of us could learn from his view of the world. And of course, If you need a fresh cut, go see him.   Business IG| @gullythebarber Personal IG | @gullyworldpeace   Gully & Co. Barbering and Aesthetics (980) 348-7272 14136 Rivergate Pkwy, 123 Charlotte, NC 28273   gullythebarber@yahoo.com   Book Now: https://square.site/book/S00PFMFP9WZ3Y/gully-co-llc-charlotte-nc

Tiffany McGinty was born in a small town near Birmingham, Alabama. Her parents were young entrepreneurs who had a booming Cotton Candy business, and they were a happy little family. When Tiffany was 9 years old, her mother gave birth to a new baby brother, and almost immediately was diagnosed with colon cancer. The doctors gave her three months to live; she made it one year. It was traumatizing and family life was never the same. While many kids who experience trauma venture down a dark path, Tiffany stayed focused. She threw all of her energy into sports, and she was determined to make something of her life. She went to college directly after high school and started working at a job she loved. Four years ago, she uprooted her life and decided to move to Nashville, TN to try and salvage her 15-year relationship. It did not work, and they divorced. So she was faced with a choice to stay alone or go back home. She was already established in her job and community, so she made the choice to stay and see what she could make of herself in Nashville. It has turned out to be a great decision. She recently began investing in real estate and she is utilizing the properties for Airbnb. She and her boyfriend, Rob, are hustling and building an empire together. So, if you are headed to Nashville, check out the link below and tell her you heard her story right here! Enjoy the show! . . Instagram: @tiffanyrachelle . . Stay at Tiffany's Cozy East Nashville Bungalow | Near Downtown | Great Place to Stay https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/36301640?guests=1&adults=1&s=67&unique_share_id=6a0a95bf-fd0c-42f0-8b12-1c49eca35c7f     . . . #airbnb #podcasts #nashville #nash #clt #inspiration #struggle #survival #invest #realestate #your #story #love #compassion #hope #home #family #life #lifestory #courage #change #give #art #athlete #hustle #progress #greatness #beyond #grit

Johnny grew up just outside of Detroit, Michigan. She was an athletic kid with a love for softball and basketball. She was on a travel sponsored team at an early age and played all the way up through college. She landed a scholarship to, but faced some trouble once she got there. Ultimately, she was forced to make some tough decisions. In this episode, Johnny talks about how she was headed down a path that could have been destructive. But she had enough sense, and stubbornness, to leave Michigan for a fresh start in North Carolina. She had plans, but needless to say, things did not go as planned. When she was just getting ready to make her move, tragedy struck her family. But Johnny stayed the course. She was willing to do whatever it took to make something of her life. Johnny's story is one of triumph over adversity, and we love those stories around here. It certainly has not been easy, but Johnny possesses a little more grit than your average person. She is a tough chick and will kick your ass in the gym. Whatever challenge has been placed in front of her, she has conquered it. We hope you enjoy this episode of Johnny's life beyond grit. . . @fit2be.a.legacy . . #podcast #podcasts #follow #subscribe #clt #nc #inspiration #struggle #survival #leadership #author #your #story #love #compassion #hope #home #family #life #lifestory #courage #change #give #art #athlete #hustle #progress #greatness #beyond #grit

Robert Young is a husband, father, part-time CrossFit™ coach, and Realtor® residing in Charlotte, North Carolina. He grew up in Michigan until he and his family moved to North Carolina 10 years ago. Rob has two children, who are now in college, so he and his wife are officially “empty-nesters.” In Michigan, he was a firefighter, but when he and his family moved to NC for his wife's career, the best decision for their family was for Rob to be a stay-at-home dad. A few years later, he got into real estate and business has been great. He and his wife enjoy hiking, camping, and anything outdoors.  • • Robert launched this podcast early 2021 because he appreciates people. He believes everyone has an interesting life story to tell and he likes to feature people who have worked hard to overcome challenges of life. Everyone has difficulties, successes and failures, but the resilient ones are those who make the deepest impact on our world.  • • We hope you enjoy this episode. If you do, like, rate, review and share with a friend.  • • @robert_young_realtor • @jimmykantor @4jossfund • • #podcast #podcasts #follow #subscribe #clt #nc #inspiration #struggle #survival #leadership #author #your #story #love #compassion #hope #home #family #life #lifestory #courage #change #give #art #athlete #hustle #progress #greatness #beyond #grit

Jimmy is a great guy with a gripping story. After the painful loss of his precious baby girl to SIDS 13 years ago, his whole life changed. Through this tragedy, he experienced a mental and physical transformation that eventually led him to start @4JossFund to raise money to provide @owletcare devices for families with newborn babies. We discussed many important things in this episode, one of the most important being the willingness to seek help when you need it. Often, we do not even know we need help, but something may just seem off. Surround yourself with people who care about you and never be afraid to speak up if you are going through a tough season. Jimmy is a personal friend and we are very glad to have him on the show. . . . Instagram | @4Jossfund . Venmo | @FourJossFund . . . #podcast #podcasts #follow #subscribe #clt #nc #inspiration #struggle #survival #leadership #author #your #story #love #compassion #hope #home #family #life #lifestory #courage #change #give #art #athlete #hustle #progress #greatness #beyond #grit

Matthew Imes is a remarkably interesting person. He is an entrepreneur, a published author, a movie producer, and so much more. His production company, DIG Entertainment, recently co-produced A Savannah Haunting, which has won multiple awards across film festival circuits. Matt is currently President and Co-founder of Prodigy Care Services based in Austin, TX. Prodigy "empowers payers to provide efficient and cost-effective health care, so that employees can live healthy and productive lives." In this episode, Matthew discusses his many business ventures throughout the years - some successful, some not so much. But like a true entrepreneur, he never gave up and found his voice in his professional space, as well as his creative space. . . Make sure to share this with a friend. Like, rate, and review. Thanks for listening! . . Instagram | @matthewimes www.matthewimes.com www.prodigyrx.com/ . A Savannah Haunting Trailer | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usukDedrwAI . A Savannah Haunting IMDb | https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12574708/ . . Buy Matthew's New Book | J.J.E. Jessie Jane Edwards: Judge, Juror and Executioner www.amazon.com/J-j-Jessie-Jane-Edwards-Executioner/dp/1665544090/ref=sr_1_4?qid=1641568148&refinements=p_27%3AMatthew+Imes&s=books&sr=1-4&text=Matthew+Imes . Buy Matthew's Book | What If  www.amazon.com/What-If-Matthew-Imes/dp/1546203214 . . #podcast #horror #horrorauthor #film #horrorfilm #horrormovies #struggle #survival #leadership #author #your #story #home #family #life #lifestory #courage #failure #success #give #art #hustle #progress #greatness #rx #medical #entrepreneur #producer #beyond #grit

Luan Nguyen was born in Vietnam and moved to Omaha, Nebraska, USA as a teenager. He views growing up poor as a blessing and growing up privileged as a curse. As he explains, he could lose everything and know how to survive. Luan explains how moving to the US at 14 years old was the roughest time of his life. He describes how being unable to communicate in English was like having a disability. He was determined to learn the language and make a life for himself. So, after a year or two of challenging work, he was speaking English fluently. He started working in the restaurant business at 16 and never slowed down. At 18, he started working at a casino and worked his way up the ladder over an 11-year span. In 2020, the pandemic shut down the casino and Luan was furloughed. He was in yet another situation of “do or die,” as he puts it, and he was forced to adapt. After completing a small building project at home, he decided to start his own construction business, having never picked up a saw prior to that project. In just one year, he has grown his company from 50k in 2020 to 1 million in revenue in 2021. Luan's wife is equally as determined. She is an ICU nurse and loves her job. She gave birth to one of their children on a Friday and by Monday she was back in school. Luan and his wife live beyond grit, no doubt. Luan leaves us with an important message on gratitude. He describes how limited resources in communist countries like Vietnam stifle growth and make it virtually impossible to ever climb out of poverty. Either you are born in a family of wealth and high social status, or you are not. You essentially remain in the social class within which you were born – no social movement. Luan values the freedom in America because you can start a business whenever you want. If you fail at something, you can start something else. His outlook is inspiring and many of us need to really listen to what he is saying. Perspective shapes how we view the world and how we live life. . . We want to know if you are enjoying the show. If so, like, rate, leave a review and share this with a friend. . . Luan's Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luan-nguyen-a96057160 Instagram: @Luandiyspace  

Luis Rivera is an awesome guy with an amazing story. He and his family moved to the United States when he was 12 years old, and Spanish was his first language. It was not an ideal situation for Luis, as he was forced to move in with his father in New York. It was a drastic change from the life he loved in Puerto Rico, and he faced many trials and tribulations along the way. He soon realized he was bigger and stronger than other kids his age, so he decided to start playing sports. Luis put himself through college and dominated in his area of track and field. In 2017, he moved to Ohio to train for the Olympic trials. Luis has now built a successful life and career for himself, and he now coaches younger athletes and helps pave the way for future generations. Luis is solid and he embodies what it means to life a life Beyond Grit. . . Follow Luis on Instagram: @luis4real . . #podcast #podcasts #follow #subscribe #inspiration #struggle #survival #spanish #immigrant #leader #your #story #love #hope #home #family #life #lifestory #courage #change ##olympics #athlete #hustle #greatness #beyond #grit

Mary Lentz Everett is a recovery rock star, and she is only getting started. Mary is CEO and Founder of Backstage Recovery and is working on multiple projects across the nation, and beyond. Backstage Recovery LLC provides a unique and principle-based approach to recovery for entertainment artists, professional athletes and coaches, management teams, production and road crews, and entertainment venues to create a safe environment for anyone in need of recovery support. Mary knows the horrors associated with Substance Use Disorder, as she experienced her own battle with addiction, which almost took her life. Mary explains how a spiritual awakening she experienced while on life support has profoundly changed her life. She has an inspiring story, and this is a very impactful and interesting conversation. We appreciate Mary's contribution to the recovery community, and we feel she is making a significant impact in our culture. Do not forget to like, rate, and review the episode and make sure to share with a friend.   New episodes every Wednesday at 7:00 am.   #podcast #podcasts #follow #subscribe #clt #nc #inspiration #struggle #survival #leadership #author #your #story #love #compassion #hope #home #family #life #lifestory #courage #change #give #art #athlete #hustle #progress #greatness #beyond #grit

In the Summer of 2011, Kristina Graham's life was changed in a profound way. She was an active young mother and sustained a minor hernia, which eventually sent her into what she THOUGHT would be a routine surgery. It turned out, she had a complication with the defective mesh used to repair the muscle. For over 10 years, she battled. She was no longer able to exercise, was in constant pain; she endured thirteen surgeries, and each time she worked with a new medical team, no one could seem to get to the root of her problems. This painful battle led her down a path of exploring alternative medicines, and she was eventually able to find some relief. Kristina claims her experiences with infrared saunas changed her life and she has now incorporated these saunas into her salons. They have a growing business, and she is here to tell her story. We hope you enjoy the episode. • • Please share this episode with your friends and do not forget to rate and review on your favorite listening app. • @rizesalonandinfrared • #podcast #podcasts #follow #subscribe #clt #nc #inspiration #struggle #survival #leadership #author #your #story #love #compassion #hope #home #family #life #lifestory #courage #change #give #art #athlete #hustle #progress #greatness #beyond #grit

Joanne has an amazing story of survival. After experiencing the death of her father at 12 years old, which caused her mother to spiral into her own illness, most kids would have lost their way. Her grades dipped briefly, but her older sisters stepped in as mentors and she never let her grades slip again. Once she graduated high school at the top of her class, she continued on to college and kept up the demanding work to keep good grades. After graduation, she moved to NYC to work at an investment banking firm on Wall Street. Joanne is a straight-up boss, and she took the time to share her story. Listen to learn more about her story and find out what she is doing now. . . @jverkuilen @circle_and_bloom   . Episodes every Wednesday at 7:00 am. . . . #podcast #podcasts #follow #subscribe #clt #nc #inspiration #struggle #survival #leadership #author #your #story #love #compassion #hope #home #family #life #lifestory #courage #change #give #art #athlete #hustle #progress #greatness #beyond #grit

This is a great conversation about fear, gratitude, encouragement and the transitions of life. Ed Williams grew up in poverty, raised by a single father and barely graduated high school. Now, he works with students to help them prepare for the transitions of life. As I am sure you imagine, there were lots of twists and turns along the way. Ed started his life on the beaches of Florida and life took him out west, where he lived in Colorado for a few years with his wife. Ed has worked as a teacher for middle schoolers, and eventually decided to head to beautiful WaxHAW, NC to be closer with family. Over the past few years, Ed began to serve within the local youth group at his church. He was eventually approached about working for the ministry and he became the Student Pastor. He continues to grow in that calling, and has a special gift for working with young people. In this episode, we also get to hear about Ed and his family's decision to make an 8-week trip across the country, allowing his daughters to choose the places they would like to see along the way. This traveling family converted a van into a mini-camper and hit the road from NC, to FL, then all the way out to the West Coast, with lots of interesting stops along the way. If you love the outdoors and feel-good messages of victory over adversity, you will love this conversation! Ed is doing some amazing things with our youth, and we are glad he stopped by to share his story with our listeners. We hope you enjoy this episode and make sure to share it with a friend or fellow traveler.   Tune in every Wednesday at 7:00 am, wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts. • Instagram: @skinnyedwilliams @sfsclt @charlottelatinlaunch LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ed-williams-933970124

Sean Markey has spent his life following a path that many in this country consider the ideal American way. Graduate high school, go to college, find a decent job, and enjoy life. He did exactly that. He found his way into a field that allowed him the luxury of being outdoors, since that is where he loves to be. In February of 2020, he took a dream job as a Field Engineer in a city that he loved, Austin, TX. He was getting settled in his new digs in February 2020, right as the pandemic was about to change the world. When the pandemic hit and people were placed in isolation, it alarmed Seany how little was being discussed about mental health. People's mental health would surely be impacted by the conditions we faced due to lockdowns, losing jobs, and being in situations that may be unhealthy for exceedingly long periods of time. This impacted him on a personal level, because he has lost several close friends to suicide, so he decided to do something about it. Additionally, he was searching for answers within himself. He knew he needed to break away from society for a bit, so he decided to hike the Appalachian Trail (AT). Many people attempt the journey of over 2,000 miles, but not all are able to finish. Doing something like hiking the AT requires an insane amount of GRIT to be able to push through when you are constantly faced with challenges, discomforts, and just wanting to pack it up and get back to comfy life. Seany had little backpacking experience before he decided to go on this journey, but he knew his soul needed it. He used this opportunity to raise money for Suicide Prevention. He started a blog and an Instagram account and got on his way. He completed the journey in just over 5 months, and he stopped in on his way back to Austin for a quick chat. We hope you enjoy this as much as we did. We look forward to seeing the adventures in Seany's future. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please seek help. Your life matters and you have a purpose. The world is full of deceptions that make us feel as though we are not “good enough” or do not belong, or that we will never find our way. But that is not true. There are lots of resources for mental health and we want you to know that you are valuable.   Blog Website - www.smontheat.com Instagram -  @sm.onthe.at Donate - https://charity.gofundme.com/o/en/campaign/sm-on-the-at1/sean-markey American Foundation for Suicide Prevention - https://afsp.org/

Clifton Muckenfuss has an interesting story of bouncing back from adversity. Like many of us today, Clifton never felt like he was the type of guy to stay in one place for very long. Directly after high school, he headed to Clemson and was out of the house for the first time in his life. Things got a little rough for the young college student and he found himself in a bit of trouble. Suffice it to say, it was not looking good. Throughout this episode, Clifton takes us on the adventure that has been his life. He has lived in multiple states, pursued multiple career paths, and has always been open to the opportunities in front of him. Clifton went from parking cars to the mortgage business and was essentially forced to transition again during the 2007 mortgage crisis. He responded to that crisis by launching a cleaning company, which he grew to roughly $500k. He later started a construction company with a couple of friends, and with minimal construction experience, they grew that business with over 60% repeat referral business by offering a quality customer experience.   For much of his life, Clifton claims he was chasing many of the wrong things. All of that changed the moment he met the love of his life, who is now his wife. They started to develop a life together, began a family, and focused on building their faith, which is when life truly began to flourish. His unique experiences, combined with his love for coaching and helping others, have led him to his latest endeavor - coaching and consulting. He launched Building Raving Fans to teach others how to run their businesses and how to avoid mistakes he has made throughout in his career. He is also joining WinRate Consulting as part of their coaching team. The road is never clearly paved, there are always bumps along the way. But having self-awareness, the ability to adapt, and being willing to do whatever work is in front of you will make all the difference. Clifton Muckenfuss lives a life Beyond Grit, and we hope you enjoy this episode. #like #rate, #review, and #share with a friend.   @boatsandbourbon www.buildingravingfans.com   Podcast Instagram: Podcast: @beyond_grit_podcast Host: @robert_young_realtor #beyondgritwithRobertYoung  

Identity is a tricky thing. Many of us do things our whole lives and we become known for those things – we often take them on as our identities. They are not who we are, they are what we do. But how do we know the difference? Or what happens when that “thing” we do is taken away from us or we are no longer interested in doing it? Who lives underneath it all? Do we like the person within, do we even know the person? Do we allow ourselves the grace to discover what is underneath and accept the person that rises to the surface? This week, Robert explores this topic and more with his guest, Leah Goldstein. Leah is a former CrossFit Games Competitor and CrossFit Gym Owner from Houston, Texas, who possesses multiple bachelor's degrees and now works as a traveling nurse. She and her boyfriend love to travel (van-life style) and explore the outdoors, which is one of the many reasons she loves living in North Carolina. From an early age, she was a naturally gifted athlete and was fortunate enough to be in an area that promoted women's sports. She focused primarily on Volleyball and Power Lifting, which is where she developed the foundations that would help her succeed in the Cross Fit arena. As an adult, Leah transitioned into the leadership role of gym-owner and coach. She and her team competed successfully for several years and loved running the gym. It had its challenges, but was rewarding in many ways. When the sport began to change and expectations of athletes began to shift, she and the other business partners sensed it was time to sell. Leah and her husband at the time went from being grounded in their gym-life identities to being placed in positions of rediscovering who they were individually, who they were as a couple, and what direction they would go from there. They ultimately decided to part ways and after careful consideration, Leah decided to take a job across the country in North Carolina. Life is full of twists and turns, and Leah has adapted to those exceptionally well. The path was often uncertain, but she was always open to the process and willing to adjust as needed. To Leah, it is pretty simple – if you dislike the way your life is going, change it. That is exactly what she did. She is a competitor who has the spirit of a champion, so she is always welcoming new and difficult challenges. Her next big adventure will be the Boston Marathon in 2022!!!  She will be running to support The Cuddy Family Foundation for Veterans (@tcfffv). The Cuddy Family Foundation for Veterans is a nonprofit that works closely with veterans who experience homelessness in Louisiana and beyond. Founder, George Cuddy was previously a guest on this show so make sure you go back and listen to Episode 25 to get a better understanding of their mission. We know many of you would like to donate to Leah's fundraiser, so links are below. Every donation makes a significant impact. If you want to support our military and have been looking for ways to give back, this may be a great option for you. Leah has set a goal of raising $5,000 for the foundation, so if you are able to donate, make sure to type Beyond Grit in the Go Fund Me comments so she knows where you heard her story. Be sure to keep following her progress and cheer her on in Boston 2022. Donate: https://gofund.me/67e1bf92 Foundation Website: www.tcfffv.org Instagram: @leahgthatsme and @tcfffv Beyond Grit w/ Robert Young: Ep. 25 - George Cuddy, The Cuddy Family Foundation for Veterans https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/george-cuddy-the-cuddy-family-foundation-for-veterans/id1557231357?i=1000533978314

With all that is happening in the world, we often feel out of balance or overly anxious. Many of us try to find balance, but cannot seem to get in proper alignment. Jennifer Payeur experienced those same things, as she spent almost 30 years working in the corporate world. She was juggling mom-life, career, travel, and of course... STRESS. She was experiencing such high levels of stress that it literally almost killed her. After receiving multiple serious health diagnoses, she knew she needed to make changes in her life. That led her on the pursuit of what is now her passion, and the wisdom that she possesses will change your life if implemented.   We learned so much from our conversation with Jennifer, and we believe it will be extremely beneficial for you as well. She exudes life-giving energy, and this conversation was educational, intriguing, and serves as a serious wake-up call to all of us who are constantly "plugged in."  Please share with anyone you may know who needs some healing.  Energy shifts when perspective shifts.  Follow your inner guide.    @pscnatureprovides www.nature-provides.com   #podcast #follow #subscribe #clt #nc #inspiration #struggle #leadership #cancer #survivor #author #your #story #love #compassion #hope #home #grit #family #life #courage #change #give #art #progress #greatness #nature #balance #alignment #meditation

Jonathan Copsey is no nine-to-fiver… he is a passion chaser. He has pursued his passions from early on, and never limited himself to just one thing. He has always had an open-minded outlook and a willingness to trying and learning new things. No matter what, if he was going to do something, he was putting his whole heart into it. In high school, he decided he wanted to ride Broncos in the rodeo, so he joined the high school rodeo team. The talent he developed in the arena landed him a full scholarship to college, where he could continue to do what he loved. One day at practice, they were short a few bullfighters, sometimes seen dressed as the rodeo clowns, so he stepped in and volunteered. He fell in love with it and decided to continue, especially when he learned that there are a few more benefits to being a bullfighter than a Bronc-rider. He did that for a  few years and then when at 21, he joined the military. From an early age, he wanted to be a Marine. He was extremely enthusiastic about serving his country and as he puts it, “earning his right as an American.”  While he was stationed in California, he was in a bad car accident that disrupted his military career, and he was relocated to the Wounded Warrior Battalion. There, he met a marine veteran who introduces wounded Marines to cycling as a way to cope with life and struggles. He eventually convinced Jonathan to come and ride. After just six months, he decided to participate in a charity race across the country. As it turned out, he was really good. He was so good that he was immediately recruited to cycle professionally. He accepted and that led him on a journey of traveling the world and competing. He followed that passion for many years until he had a few injuries and decided to hang it up. Now, he is a utility tree climber and absolutely loves it. It requires physical strength and mental toughness to be able to climb trees for 8 hours every day. Copsey has a view on life that we could all learn from. We hope you enjoy this episode.   @Conquistador_of_the_useless   Like • Rate • Review • Share •

From a very young age, Tammy Fletcher learned that life requires grit.  She and her family grew up in a small cabin in the mountains with very few modern luxuries.  Those early years taught her how to be resourceful and how to deal with adversity.  Her hard work and determination, combined with her strong faith, have opened many doors for her.  She managed to work her way into a promising career in digital marketing and advertising.  She did well and continued to grow within the business. Unfortunately, when COVID hit in 2020, many businesses were negatively impacted.  The company was forced to downsize and after 20 years, she was let go from her post.  It was a devastating blow.  In addition to losing her job, she and her family were attempting to deal with, and pay for, a medical crisis that almost took her daughter's life.  She knew she had to do something, fast.  One of Tammy's many gifts is her creativity.  She began making Christmas wreaths and decorations for friends and family and eventually was convinced to participate in a local trade show.  The show went well, so she found another shortly after.  It was at that second show when she was approached by the vendor coordinator to inform her that they were starting a permanent market and asked would she be interested in signing a contract as a permanent vendor.  It was an open door and a golden opportunity.  Tammy signed the contract that weekend and cashed in her savings to start her new business, The Southern Kind.  It has been very successful, and she has enjoyed the process along the way.  Business has done so well that she is now preparing to open a second store.  This episode is inspiring, and Tammy is one tough chick.  She has endured much in her life, but she manages to exhibit love and kindness and has the spirit of Joy as her strength.  People love to stop by the store just to chat with her and we are sure you will love this chat as well.  Stop by Yorkville Marketplace in York, South Carolina and see Tammy and shop the local vendors.  Enjoy the show! Like - Rate - Review @thesouthernkind @yorkvillemarketplace

Derek Dutton has a remarkably interesting story. From an early age, he knew he wanted to join the military. It was never a question of “if” … the only question was which branch he would choose. He chose the Army, and he dove in headfirst - literally. During a parachute jump, which was later described as a “parachute malfunction,” Derek had a pretty intense situation occur that led him to believe he is “fall-proof.”  Pretty crazy!  Dutton was built for the military and worked his way all the way up to become an Army Ranger. If you do not know what Army Rangers are then shame on you, but for those that may not know, they are the elite bad-assess of the Army. Dutton has served in various places throughout the world, completing two terms in Iraq. Deployment in the middle east takes its toll both mentally and physically. Unfortunately, the physical toll pushed Derek into early retirement and just like that, his military career was over. In this episode, Derek opens about some of his personal struggles with PTSD and some of the difficulties that he faced upon returning home. Many of our brave men and women in uniform return home from combat and are left to fend for themselves, not sure who to turn to, and feeling very isolated and alone. We at Beyond Grit feel it is our responsibility, as a nation, to rally together and support our troops. These heroes put their lives on the line for our freedoms and regardless of our personal beliefs about the war itself, these brave souls deserve to be supported by their fellow citizens.  It has not been an easy road for Derek, but he has learned a lot about himself through this process. One of the most important lessons he has learned is knowing when to ask for help. In addition to his military career, he is an extreme sports enthusiast, marathon runner, and swimmer, a phenomenal writer, and blogger, and he helps others who are living with PTSD. We need more men like Derek Dutton. He has survived what many have not, and he is still fighting today. Please remember that their fight does not end on the battlefield, the battle only begins there. Thank you, Derek, for being on the show and sharing a bit about your life. You exemplify what it means to live a life Beyond Grit, and we honor and salute you.     @rangersmash375    

Mike Claudio is basically a “Big Stud.”  He's solid, locked in, and holds under pressure.  (And he hosts the Big Stud Podcast- so go check it out).  In the late 2010s, Mike was 27 years old making $150k a year, and totally miserable.  He knew he had to make a change or something bad was going to happen.  So, he took a chance - and a massive pay cut - and went to work in a new field. Where he lacked experience, he made up for his work ethic and sales experience.  When risks are taken, there is always a chance for failure.  But, as Mike explains, “So many people think they fail and start over.  No, you start from a new starting point.  You don't lose the experience you've already gained. So, try and fail forward.”  Armed with that mentality, he and his wife, Tiffany, made some crucial life decisions that would shape the future of their lives.  There were some bumps in the road following those decisions, and Mike describes a very dark time in his life in 2019.  Then as we all know, Covid hit 2020, which was tough on the consulting and coaching industry.  Those darkest moments were what made Mike who he is today, and served as the inspiration for his new book, “#TooStrong; How to Win Fast and Win Often in a World Full of Obstacles.”  Through it all, with the support of his wife and family, Mike stayed consistent, loyal, and focused on what he could control.  It paid off.  He now runs 3 successful businesses and is on track to his biggest year yet in 2022.  Mike explains what it takes to raise a family, maintain a healthy lifestyle, manage multiple businesses, and run a non-profit.  His mentality is, “Win Fast and Win Often.” If you haven't already guessed it, it requires living a life beyond grit. . This episode is a MUST!  Full of golden nuggets that can be applied to your life today.  If you are in a season of uncertainty, a season of massive success, or anywhere in between, this episode is sure to impact your life and shift your mentality. . “Big Stud Podcast” is available wherever you listen.  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/big-stud-podcast/id1478301956 . @winrateconsulting @ec_grading @a_champions_shoes

Dirk Steenekamp is a media mogul with an interesting story, as well as some very interesting hobbies.  This South African entrepreneur has learned what it takes to make it in the media industry, and in many ways, has done it better than the rest.  He claims to have gotten into the business “by accident” but where it has taken him has been no accident.  His level of success only comes from hard work, determination, and pure grit.  Like many, he has faced challenges and betrayal but hasn't slowed down.  When many in the media industry were focused primarily on print, he noticed the trends of the approaching digital age and capitalized on the opportunity to make the switch.  Being a small business proved to be more beneficial for him during those times, and he has not slowed down since.  Speed also happens to be one of his favorite ways to spend his personal time.  His hard work has enabled him to explore some of the hobbies he loves – nice cars, nice watches, and martial arts.  He and his friends have a car club featuring some of the premiere sports cars on the planet.  Your mouth would water just looking at the photos.  Steenekamp is a family man who made the life-changing decision to fit their whole lives into only a few cases and move to the states to provide a better life for his family.  His story is inspiring and intriguing and we hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did. . . Follow Dirk on Instagram: @dirksteenekamp

George Cuddy is a Marine Veteran who is not afraid of challenges. One of those challenges includes a weekly “Murph” workout – yikes! If you don't know about Murph, it is an extremely challenging CrossFit hero “WOD” to honor fallen Navy Lieutenant Michael P. Murphy, who was killed in Afghanistan in 2005. Lieutenant Murphy was awarded the military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor.  Cuddy has participated in the Boston Marathon for several years and was about 100 yards away from the bombing in 2013.  He and his team are still very involved with the Boston Marathon, and they select one representative to run for their organization each year.  He has accomplished many honorable things and has now taken on a new challenge, equally as honorable, geared towards helping our veterans. As we all have seen, there is a serious homeless problem in our country.  Among the massive number of individuals who live in our streets, thousands are military veterans.  To get a first-hand understanding as to what goes into living on the streets, George spent two weeks living out of his car and tent to try and connect with people and figure out some of the biggest obstacles they face.  These experiences led him and his family to launch The Cuddy Family Foundation for Veterans and they are just getting started.  He has researched these issues thoroughly and we learned a ton from this conversation. Our veterans should never be left behind, and this organization is determined to make sure that does not happen - especially when they return to American soil.  We are beyond grateful for your service, Mr. Cuddy, and to all those who have served this amazing country.  We know full well how fortunate we are to reside in the land of the free, and that we would have none of this if it weren't for people like you. We stand with you, and we hope this episode will be a small step towards educating the public about issues that veterans face, and we hope we can continue to help propel your message forward and be a small part of the solution with you. God bless you all and God Bless America!!!   For more information about The Cuddy Family Foundation for Veterans and to donate, please visit https://www.tcfffv.org  Or follow them on Instagram @tcfffv

Tara Dower has covered a lot of ground in her life – literally.  This young athlete is a hiking adventurer, who spends more time rucking across mountain trails than most of us would walk during our lives.  In this episode, Tara and Rob share stories of their experiences on some of the most well-known hiking spots in North Carolina and across the country.  Tara currently has the fastest known recorded time on the Mountains-to-Sea Trail in North Carolina.  If you've never heard of it, “The Mountains-to-Sea Trail is a simple footpath stretching almost 1,200 miles across North Carolina from Clingmans Dome in the Great Smoky Mountains to Jockey's Ridge on the Outer Banks” (https://mountainstoseatrail.org/the-trail/).  For a little added emphasis, this trail goes ALLLLLLL the way from the western part of the NC mountains… to the ocean… hence, “mountains to sea.”  Ok, so now you understand that it takes some serious grit to accomplish something like that - and she crushed it! Tara averaged 40.1 miles per day for 30 days and, as I'm sure you guessed, it was not easy.  Tara shares some of her own personal struggles and how she deals with challenges during her hikes.  From anxiety on the flats to breaking bread and drinking beers in lawn chairs with strangers, this young explorer has had some memorable experiences.  Just as in life, there are peaks and valleys, and we learn what we are made of when we are challenged.  A highlight from this conversation is when Tara describes the difficulty she has when returning to “society” after being on the trail for so long.  The simplistic nature of taking only what you need and utilizing what is in your environment tends to highlight the surplus of “unnecessary things” that so many of us are accustomed to in our daily lives.  Tara explains that simplification is beautiful and being in nature helps a person embrace the important things in life- friendships, experiences, love, food, and water.  We can learn a lot from this young adventurer so listen up and start planning that BIG dream that scares you right NOW!  No time to waste.  Happy exploring!!! To view footage of Tara's hiking experiences, make sure to visit her YouTube channel, Tara Treks.  Link below. YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtIrzDmpYVg Instagram - @tara.dower Trail Map https://mountainstoseatrail.org/the-trail/segments/

Stefan Huebner is an artist.  He started out as a musician and now crafts cocktails and award-winning experiences in his swanky Charlotte lounge, Dot Dot Dot Charlotte.  In this episode of BG, Stefan details how his music career in his 20s, playing with names like Buckcherry in the 90's, gave him front row seats to many diverse types of bars and lounges across the country.  While he was creating music back then, he was also making mental notes of what he liked and disliked about certain bars and lounges.  Several years of bartending, winning multiple awards along the way, helped Stefan learn to craft not only the perfect drink, but the perfect lounge experience.  Thus, Dot Dot Dot Charlotte was born.  This entire plan was designed on a cocktail napkin and turned into the masterpiece cocktail lounge that is Dot today.  These men had the vision and they made it a reality.  Now, Dot Dot Dot Charlotte is a premiere cocktail lounge in Charlotte, and it is more than just a place to drink – this is an experience.  The art of conversation is kept alive, the décor is extraordinary, and the drinks are divine.  Grab a cocktail or coffee and enjoy the show.

John Salter is a Bellator middleweight fighter based in Wilmington, NC.  John started wrestling at 12 years old in Alabama, wrestled through high school, and then into college.  It was in college where he was first introduced to MMA fighting.  In this episode, he and Robert discuss what goes into training and how to prepare for fights mentally, physically, and spiritually.  John explains how each time you fight, it's big.  It is going to impact your life one way or the other, and that takes a mental toll.  So, you must get after it every single day and stay hungry.  John is not only a fighter but also a coach at his own gym, SaltyDog Jiu-Jitsu, in Wilmington.  He has a team of coaches training fighters on all levels.   This Friday, August 13, 2021, he will be fighting for the middleweight belt against Gegard Mousasi.  The fight will be one of his biggest to date and will be the main event at Bellator 264.  Currently, John is 18-4.  He is 7-1 (TKO) and 10-3 (SUB).  This guy knows how to take out an opponent and he plans to do just that this Friday night!  Make sure you prepare for the fight by tuning in to Beyond Grit with Robert Young.  Then, catch the main event on Showtime this Friday night!  Bring home that belt, John!  NC is rooting for you!     @johnsalter_mma @saltydog_jiujitsu

Roel and Pierre both grew up in the Netherlands, not far from one another, but never actually met until years later while they were both on business trips in America.  They remained in contact over the years and eventually decided to go into business together. Together, they built Symcon Group, which is a global supplier of consumables, raw materials, and high-quality parts, servicing industries using vacuum deposition, thin-film, surfacing, injection molding, and coating technologies.  (Simply put, they make the stuff that goes in CDs and DVDs).  The CD industry was booming in the late 80s early 90s, and so was their business. Their team built Symcon group to become the largest reseller of secondhand equipment in the industry and they now have offices in the USA, Netherlands, Brazil, Colombia, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.  Roel and Pierre discuss the wave of success that came along with the rise of CDs and DVDs, and how they have adapted to the rapidly changing market of digital entertainment. They have worked with leaders in the entertainment industry, names like Disney and Sony, and they aren't slowing down any time soon. We hope you enjoy this episode.

In this episode, Barb tells her heroic story of surviving cancer and how her faith, family, and support of great friends helped her battle through the darkest of days.  She is truly inspirational in every aspect of her life.  In addition to her personal life, she is a powerhouse business mogul.  She has built a phenomenally successful Instagram fashion blog in only a few short years and now co-hosts the Mommyhood 2 Menopause Podcast - available on all listening platforms.  Barb's joyful spirit and bubbly personality are magnetic, and she shares many valuable lessons in this week's episode.  This was one of the most impactful conversations to be featured on the show thus far, and I hope it leaves you feeling inspired.       @southernblondechic @mommyhood2menopausepodcast

In this episode, Robert and John discuss the path that led John to launch Direct CBD Online.  At age 26, John and his wife were happily married with a baby on the way.  With his new family to feed and his whole life ahead of him, he knew wanted more.  Wiesehan and his business partners bought and built an electronic cigarette brand that ended up in 70,000 retail locations across the country.  You never just “land” in 70k stores, you work to get there.  Launching a brand is not easy, it requires a lot of grit and determination.  The hustle never stops – in 2012, he was on 284 airplanes in just that one year. After growing and selling that business, he wanted to start something new and different.  CBD was on the rise, so he chose to take some risks and ride the wave.  While many companies suffered major losses during the pandemic, fortunately, for Direct CBD Online, e-commerce skyrocketed. His philosophy is “Simplify, Automate, Fail Fast.”  Failure is unavoidable, so when it happens, just learn from it, and move on.  So, the question is, have YOU been considering launching your own business or side hustle? The time may be now.  We hope you are inspired by this conversation of living life Beyond Grit. Links are in the description and show notes if you are interested in ordering from Direct CBD Online. Direct CBD Online https://www.directcbdonline.com/

Nate Poole is a husband, father of 3 girls, and all-around amazing guy.  He also happens to be athletically gifted.  His hard work combined with exceptional talent landed him at Marshall University, which then led to a career in the NFL.  Nate details what it was like growing up as the 3rd of 5 siblings living in a one-bedroom house and how his family structure contributed to his character development.  Regardless of what he was asked to do as a child, he did it without complaining.  His dad often pointed out how special that quality is in a young man and that if he continued to work hard and stay focused, he could go anywhere in life.  His father was right.  He has maintained that mentality and has certainly put in work.  While at Marshall, Poole was a star.  He played in four bowl games and  was awarded first-team All-Mid-American Conference honors three times. He then spent four years with the Arizona Cardinals and later joined the New Orleans Saints for two more years.  Unfortunately, his career as a player was abruptly cut short after only 6 seasons when he experienced a career-ending leg injury while being tackled in a game.  It was a devastating blow and Poole claims that without his wife, Neville, he would have likely lost his way.  Through the trials of life, Nate has learned a lot.  He utilizes his equation, E + R = O, and tries to instill that into his children and student-athletes.  (Event + Response = Outcome).  Poole is now the Wide Receiver's coach at the prestigious North Carolina A & T, which happens to be one of the top HBCU Schools in the nation.  With the 2020 pandemic shutting down the season last year, 2021 will be Poole's first season on the field as coach of this team - and he is pumped!  We hope you enjoy this conversation.   Buy Tickets to Support the NCAT Aggies: https://ncataggies.com/sports/2021/6/19/a-t-football-ticketing.aspx 2021 Football Schedule: https://ncataggies.com/sports/football/schedule

*** TRIGGER WARNING *** For anyone who may be negatively affected by hearing the graphic details associated with IV heroin use, please be advised - *** You may want to skip at minute marker 29:00 - 30:00. ***   For 10 years, Brad Jensen was caught up in a gnarly drug addiction that left him hopeless, homeless, and desperate.  He experienced a defining rock-bottom moment while in the car with his mother, on the way to his grandfather's funeral, that would impact him so greatly that he would find his way onto his path of sobriety.  Now, 8.5 years into recovery, Brad owns a successful and growing health and nutrition company.  He also recently launched a course called, The Next Level, which parallels many of the ways Brad was able to get sober. He has been featured on multiple podcasts and has his own podcast platform, The Key Nutrition Podcast. Brad is a phenomenal storyteller! His story is deep and dark, but the light at the end will give hope to anyone out there struggling with not just drug addiction but weight loss, relationships, and any other challenges they may be facing in life!  This story is beyond gritty, and we hope you are inspired by the life and testimony of Brad Jensen.  Thanks for listening.   Website www.keynutrition.com Instagram tags: @keynutrition @thesoberbodybuilder Or Follow these Links: https://www.instagram.com/keynutrition/ https://www.instagram.com/thesoberbodybuilder/

2019 TEDx Cary Women Speaker #1 Team in the state of NC and SC for eXp Realty. $103 Million in Sales 2019 Triangle Business Journal Top Team Real Estate Award 2017, 2019 Top 5 Team out of 9,000 Realtors in the Triangle Area of Raleigh/Durham NC Featured on HGTV Top 1 % of Realtors in the Country Platinum Club 2011 Platinum Club 2012 Chairman's Club 2013 Lifetime Achievement Award 2016 Circle of Legends Award 2017 #1 Keller Williams Cary Real Estate Team 2018, 2019 Luxury Real Estate Advisor Expert Short Sale Advisor New Construction Home Specialist Forbes Podcast Speaker   Tina Caul has been in real estate for almost 20 years and has sold thousands of homes throughout her career.  She has built Caul Group Residential into the most successful real estate team in Cary, NC and she has consistently ranked in the top 1% of Realtors® nationwide. In this episode, she and Robert discuss how success starts with a mindset and how growth is shifted when you find your “why” in life.  She believes everyone has a purpose and that giving back to your community is a great way to find your purpose.  Caul found her “whys” early in life and those things continue to motivate her to relentlessly pursue her goals.  A solid work ethic is essential to a successful life, but what happens when you enter a season where hard work and determination just aren't enough?  Do you have the ability and willingness to ask for help?  Tina did - and that decision transformed the way she viewed life and business.  Caul and her husband are a powerhouse team, and she is a role model for any woman who aspires to be great in business or in any area of life.  From small beginnings to financial freedom, listen and take notes during this episode of Beyond Grit with Robert Young.  We hope her story will inspire you to go out and “find your Cauling!" Website https://www.caulgroup.com/ https://www.tinacaullife.com/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinacaul/ Instagram @caulgroup YouTube Speaking Engagements https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5J3qxMDaD5E

In this new #Bonus episode of Beyond Grit with Robert Young, we get to peek behind the curtain of the life of our very own, Robert Young.  In his first solo episode, Robert discusses many aspects of parenting and how being a father has impacted his life in such a powerful way.  We just heard Rob's interview with his own dad, Dale, on Sunday for the Father's Day Special (If you missed it, go check it out now). So today, we get to hear Robert's story of his experiences with being a stay-at-home dad for 8 years and watching his kids mature and grow.  He and his wife are entering into the “empty nesters” season of life, as their kids are off to college.  Robert explains what it is like to transition into new seasons and stages of your kids' lives, what you may expect, and how he has personally dealt with many of those situations.  Whether you are a young father just learning your way, or if you are an older dad who now has grandchildren, or if you are not a dad at all… this episode is for YOU.  Do us a favor and share this episode with a friend – especially if you know a young father who may need to hear some good stories.  You never know who may need to hear these encouraging words from this dad of two.  Enjoy!

In this special Father's Day Episode of Beyond Grit with Robert Young, Rob has a conversation with his own father, Mr. Dale Young.  Dale Young has been in the window cleaning business for 50 years and knows everything there is to know about the ups and downs of the business world.  Window cleaning is a generational trade for this family of Young men, and the quality of their work is obvious by the amount of time they have remained in business.  You do not usually remain successful in anything for 50 years unless you are doing many things the right way.  It takes more than just a little dose of daily grit to wake in the early morning hours, wash windows in the cold Michigan winters, sticking your arms down into freezing cold water buckets, climbing those cold ladders, and delivering quality work every single day, year after year.  Grit also seems to be generational for these family men, as we even get to hear a small piece of Rob's own story of his breakaway from the family business and how tough that decision truly was for him at 19 years old.  Rob and his dad discuss the challenges that have come along with being a working father and trying to run the family business, especially when it takes you all the way from Michigan to Florida.  We get to hear how different it was for fathers back in those days compared to now and we have the honor of receiving many nuggets of sound wisdom from this hard-working family man.  Robert speaks on the value of watching his father over the years and learning how to be a man through observing his father's actions. It was the tough lessons his father taught him that made lasting impressions because those made him a better man today. One of his dad's best pieces of advice to him was, “Just do the work.” We hope you have a laugh with these two as they reminisce about the old days and talk about things still to come.  We hope you enjoy the show. Happy Father's Day!

Jeremy Brown is a three-time Ironman finisher, marathon runner, kayak shark fisher, mountain climber – climbing the highest peak in the lower 48, the Mount Whitney Summit in California (14,505 feet); Most importantly he is a father, husband, coach, and friend who, in his own words, “lives life loud.”  In this episode, Rob and Jeremy discuss self-development, self-reflection, the power of vulnerability, and how focusing on yourself, instead of worrying about others, will set you free.  Jeremy discusses how he craves experiences over material things and how rewarding it is to work hard and crush your goals.  This episode delves into the importance of cutting out negativity and negative people because who you surround yourselves with will determine the course of your life and future. For Jeremy Brown, it is extremely important to ignore all the many reasons telling you to quit, and instead, focus on those things that keep you going - quitting is never an option for this Mental Mastery coach.  Links to Jeremy's Mental Mastery YouTube Channel and Podcast can be found in the show notes.  You can find the book recommendations mentioned in the episode in the show notes as well.  Enjoy the show!   Mental Mastery Website - https://getmymindright.com/ JB Inspires - https://jbinspires.com/ Mental Mastery YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwmbocXA8K_2jXjqXxgvxLQ Instagram - @mentalasterymm Twitch - JBInspires   Books: Greenlights by: Matthew McConaughey https://www.amazon.com/Greenlights-Matthew-McConaughey/dp/0593139135 Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead by: Brené Brown https://www.amazon.com/Daring-Greatly-Courage-Vulnerable-Transforms/dp/1592408419 How Bad Do You Want It? Mastering the Psychology of Mind over Muscle by: Matt Fitzgerald https://www.amazon.com/How-Bad-You-Want-Psychology/dp/1937715418/ref=sr_1_1?crid=W2979VZIL70N&dchild=1&keywords=how+bad+do+you+want+it+matt+fitzgerald&qid=1623292322&s=books&sprefix=how+bad+do+you+wan%2Cstripbooks%2C202&sr=1-1 The Missing – by: Olin Lester https://www.amazon.com/Missing-Mecklenburg-Story-Olin-Lester/dp/B08D51CK28 Just Show Up: And Other Enduring Values from Baseball's Iron Man- Cal Ripken Jr. https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjunOTpmYzxAhWVds0KHcAKB90QFnoECAgQAA&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FJust-Show-Up-Enduring-Baseballs%2Fdp%2F0062906747&usg=AOvVaw02KwmJmbKnN74iru9uAfiD

2020 Charlottean of the Year. 2021 BOB award for best chef - Co-chef of the Year shared with Paul Verica – The Stanley. Appeared on The Food Network's Beat Bobby Flay and did just that – beat Bobby Flay! Launched Your Farms, Your Table in response to the global shutdown. Personal Chef to Carolina Panther's star, Christian McCaffrey Co-Leader of the Charlotte chapter of Ben's Friends - addiction recovery support for those in the food and beverage industry. Cooking is an art form for this week's guest and we get a taste of what goes into making each creation a delicious masterpiece.  Unfortunately, Chef Sam Diminich was one of the many restaurant workers to be furloughed because of the COVID-19 shutdown.  Restaurant closures across the region negatively impacted the local farming industry as well.  But for the brilliant minds of gritty entrepreneurs, new problems present new opportunities for solutions.  Chef Sam Diminich cannot only “take the heat,” but also seems to be refined by the fire.  Your Farms, Your Table has not only provided a means of service to local farmers but also serves the entire community by delivering locally grown and prepared gourmet meals to Charlotte residents.  Because of his grit and determination to provide for his family, 2020 turned out to be a wildly successful year for Chef Diminich - and that was only the beginning.     Each ingredient tells a story of how it journeyed from “farm” to “table” and Chef Sam embraces every single detail.  This week, we are embracing every detail of his story. His passion for food and love for bringing people together has led him down this incredible path of hope in the face of adversity.  Grab a dish and gather ‘round the table as we savor this week's episode.  Delizioso! Find Chef Sam Diminich at: Website:                www.yourfarmsyourtable.com Instagram:            @yourfarmsyourtable                                     @chefsamdiminich Facebook:             Facebook.com/sam.diminich External Links: Beat Bobby Flay https://www.charlotteobserver.com/charlottefive/c5-food-drink/article239389583.html 2020 Charlottean of the Year: Chef Sam Diminich https://www.charlottemagazine.com/2020-charlotteans-of-the-year-sam-diminich/ For $30, Christian McCaffrey's Chef will Deliver a 3-course Meal to your Door https://charlotte.axios.com/253375/for-30-christian-mccaffreys-chef-will-deliver-a-3-course-meal-to-your-door/

It has been said that life is a marathon, not a sprint, and the one who wins is the one who endures to the end. But for this week's guest, marathons truly are life. In this episode, Rob sits down with leading triathlete and top ironman competitor, Tanya Houghton, to discuss the mental strength and determination required to become a world champion in one of the most challenging sports of our time. As a newcomer on the scene in 2008, Houghton made a lasting first impression, placing in the top ten in her very first race. That top-10 finish lit a fire within her and she became laser-focused on competing and becoming the best in her age group. Coaching herself and spending 20+ hours training each week, completely adjusting her diet, and doing whatever it takes to finely-tune her mind and body, she has climbed to the top positions in multiple races throughout the world and continues to dominate in her field.  Houghton recently qualified for her 5th full World Championship and has done so every year at the 70.3 distance.  The race is not given to the swift, but the one who endures and this fierce competitor has endured multiple stress fractures, a global pandemic, 4 children, and everything that comes along with being a mom, but nothing seems to slow her pace. Now, Houghton is a certified triathlete coach and fitness instructor, leading others down the path to victory. Through it all, she somehow manages to stay focused on her goals and embodies what it means to live a life beyond grit. Listen and be inspired as we take a few laps around the track and discover what it takes to become an “iron-woman” marathon warrior.

Melissa was born and raised in Charlotte, NC. She received her Bachelor's degree in Furnishings and Interiors from the University of Georgia. She was introduced to the new home construction world early on in her career. She has since had the opportunity to work with many of the area's top builders. Being a woman in a male-dominated field had its challenges, but she never let that stop her from becoming an expert in her field. It was her confidence and a willingness to learn about the construction industry that has earned her respect. You can find her at: www.crowndesigngroupofnc.com Instagram: @crowndesigngroupofnc

Kent is not only an artist from Charlotte, NC; he's a pretty good guy. He has built a successful business around being true to himself, giving things away, and just being kind. His stories are heartfelt, and his purpose is genuine. It was a great conversation with lots of laughs throughout the interview. He has collaborated with Nobull Project, Lululemon, cb2, Lulu and Georgia, Magnolia Market, to name a few. You can find him on: IG @kentyoungstrom www.kentyoungstrom.com Facebook @kentyoungstrom

@moestronger Michele currently holds: 17 NC State Records in all powerlifting lifts Ranks 10 in the country-overall She holds the American Record in the deadlift for her age She competed in her first National powerlifting meet in November Michele was a runner, then CrossFitter, and now a powerlifter. While watching her daughters compete, she met a woman slightly older than her, competing and wearing a CrossFit shirt. From that moment, everything changed for her. That's the moment she started her journey into powerlifting. Not only is Michele a competitive powerlifter, but she is also the CEO of Moestronger Nutrition and Fitness. She's now able to share her love of fitness and nutrition. You can find her at: www.moestronger.com Instagram: @Moestronger Facebook: Moestronger Linkedin: Moestronger!

Scoot fell in love with music listening to his mom play gospel music around the house. He grew up in Kings Mountain, NC, surrounded by music and musicians. Scoot started touring while still in high school. He still plays over 300 gigs a year and has been for over 30 years. He tells a great story of growing up and his journey through life as a musician. Scoots had some great memories and some not-so-great memories along the way. You can still hear him playing all around town. You can find him at: www.scootmusic.com Instagram: @scootpittman Facebook: scoot Poovey Pittman

Cory Worf has had an accomplished career and life, coaching, running multiple businesses, a charity bike ride across the country, and running a successful CrossFit gym here in Weddington, NC. You can find him on: Instagram: @crossfitweddington www.crossfitweddington.com Facebook: @crossfitweddintonnc

@Olin_lester_writer proudly served in the US Army for four years. After the military, he decided to become a police officer. After driving around the southeast searching for a department to join, he landed in Charlotte, NC, where he has served for nearly twenty years. He has worn many hats within the department, from sniper to K9 and many in between. Olin is also a published author of horror/thriller stories. The Missing and The Message. He is currently working on the sequel to The Missing.   Links to order Olin Lester's books on Amazon: The Message: Genre Blending Short Horror Stories The Missing: a Mecklenburg Story

@pamelagagnon is a gymnastics master. She has tirelessly honed her skills over the years. Those skills afforded her lifelong opportunities, which include:  Competing at Rutgers University-1992-96 Masters University of Pennsylvania - 1999 CrossFit Games Athlete - 2014,15,17 Started Performance Plus 2016 - @performanceplusprogram CrossFit gymnastic Staff 2013-present She is also a mom to two great kids 17&19 She shows how hard work, both mentally and physically, has helped her succeed. Help us grow by taking a screenshot, tagging me, and sharing to your story!

Chuck grew up in the Detroit area of Michigan. He joined the Army out of high school, which led him to North Carolina. After the military, Chuck knew that sitting behind a desk was not his path. Since that time, he has owned multiple car audio stores, a Furniture store, a successful building/contractor career, and now the Fayetteville Marksmen Hockey Team owner. He's a true entrepreneur.

This episode gives you a little background about me and my reasons for starting this podcast. I want to know the good, bad, and ugly of someone's road to success. People with grit and determination inspire and intrigue me. I love their stories, and these people deserve recognition.