Pain To Purpose™

Rock Thomas has impacted over 100 million lives with his viral Goalcast video on “How to Change the Way You See Yourself.” He is also a bestselling author and motivational speaker with over 30 years of experience in personal development and coaching. From humble beginnings on a small Canadian farm near Montréal, Rock Thomas overcame his tumultuous childhood to help others see the power of their identity, exit the rat race, and unleash their financial freedom.

This is the second installment of this very inspirational interview with Seven-time Olympic Medalist, Shannon Miller. Shannon is the only female athlete to be inducted into the US Olympic Hall of Fame – Twice! She has won an astounding 59 International, 49 National competition medals, and led the “Magnificent Seven” to the US Women’s first ever Team Gold.After retiring from Olympic competition, Shannon received her undergraduate degrees in marketing and entrepreneurship from the University of Houston and her law degree from Boston College. She then moved from Olympic athlete to advocate for the health and wellness of women and children.Shannon launched her company devoted to helping women make their health a priority in July, 2010, but had to put her own health first when she was diagnosed with a rare form of Ovarian cancer in 2011. Hear Shannon’s remarkable story of Olympic medals, finding her identity outside of gymnastics and transforming others through her battle with cancer.

Seven-time Olympic Medalist, Shannon Miller is the only female athlete to be inducted into the US Olympic Hall of Fame – Twice! She has won an astounding 59 International, 49 National competition medals, and led the “Magnificent Seven” to the US Women’s first ever Team Gold.After retiring from Olympic competition, Shannon received her undergraduate degrees in marketing and entrepreneurship from the University of Houston and her law degree from Boston College. She then moved from Olympic athlete to advocate for the health and wellness of women and children.Shannon launched her company devoted to helping women make their health a priority in July, 2010, but had to put her own health first when she was diagnosed with a rare form of Ovarian cancer in 2011. Hear Shannon’s remarkable story of Olympic medals, finding her identity outside of gymnastics and transforming others through her battle with cancer.

Marko Cheseto is shattering marathon records all over the world. In 2018, Marko competed in a marathon for the first time at the New York City Marathon, becoming the second double amputee in history to finish in under three hours. At the 2019 Boston Marathon, he set a world record for a marathon by a double amputee with a time of 2:42:24. Coming from humble beginnings in Kenya, Marko shares his remarkable journey traveling to the United States on a full running scholarship, only to end up in a deep depression after his cousin’s tragic suicide. Marko found himself taking pills to ease the pain which led him on a run that would change his life forever. Tune in to hear Marko’s inspirational comeback and how he is using his platform to now advocate for mental health and suicide awareness.

This is the second installment in the remarkable two-part conversation with Kevin Parker. As a young adult Kevin dealt with major depression, anxiety, and heavy drug addiction. For almost a decade it ran rampant through his life until he was lying in a coma for a month due to an overdose. After dying three times in the hospital, being read his last rights, and waking up to a dismal reality of multi-organ failure and the potential future of being left completely brain dead and losing all four limbs, he realized he needed to make a drastic change. After 4 months of praying, fighting and never giving up he walked out that hospital with just one missing leg and a new found purpose and appreciation for life. Hear Kevin tell Rebekah his ultimate comeback story, and everything he’s doing to help others go from addiction to true redemption.

As a young adult Kevin dealt with major depression, anxiety, and heavy drug addiction. For almost a decade it ran rampant through his life until he was lying in a coma for a month due to an overdose. After dying three times in the hospital, being read his last rights, and waking up to a dismal reality of multi-organ failure and the potential future of being left completely brain dead and losing all four limbs, he realized he needed to make a drastic change. After 4 months of praying, fighting and never giving up he walked out that hospital with just one missing leg and a new found purpose and appreciation for life. Hear Kevin tell Rebekah his ultimate comeback story, and everything he’s doing to help others go from addiction to true redemption.

Life they say is full of magical experiences. Join us today as Rebekah interviews the former Vice President of Operations for Disney World, Lee Cockerell. Lee shares his experience about Disney operations and management and how it lead the company to become the World's Happiest Place on earth. There are great practical takeaways and real inspiration about how Lee made it to the top starting from the bottom of the barrel without a college degree. Once he achieved his success , he also suffered from loss and depression. Learn how Lee turned these pain points to become his strengths and allow him to live life with full of magic.

This is the second installment of the inspiring two-part interview with Matthew Hatchette. Tune in to hear his remarkable story being a kid with a dream to play in the NFL, and how he managed to make that dream a reality with determination and a whole lot of hard work. Learn from Hatch how you, too, can accomplish anything you truly set your heart and mind to; you just have to make a plan and be prepared to execute on that plan every day and give it your all. Hatch now lives in Los Angeles pursuing an acting and producing career. He has been in films such as The Take, which he was also an executive producer on; the film was produced by his own film production company, Hatchet Films. You can also spot Hatch in appearances on the popular show, How I Met Your Mother, Bravo's The Millionaire Matchmaker, as well as The T.O. Show, in addition to hosting the podcast, "Getcha Popcorn Ready," with Terrell Owens.

Matthew Hatchette, also known as Hatch, has a fiery spark of inspiration and determination like no other. Tune in to hear his remarkable story being a kid with a dream to play in the NFL, and how he managed to make that dream a reality with determination and a whole lot of hard work. Learn from Hatch how you, too, can accomplish anything you truly set your heart and mind to; you just have to make a plan and be prepared to execute on that plan every day and give it your all. Hatch now lives in Los Angeles pursuing an acting and producing career. He has been in films such as The Take, which he was also an executive producer on; the film was produced by his own film production company, Hatchet Films. You can also spot Hatch in appearances on the popular show, How I Met Your Mother, Bravo's The Millionaire Matchmaker, as well as The T.O. Show, in addition to hosting the podcast, Getcha Popcorn Ready, with Terrell Owens.

Megan Bugle is the inaugural honoree of the Pain to Purpose podcast new Hero Highlight feature. Each Hero Highlight episode will honor and feature an everyday hero that embodies the 'pain to purpose' mentality. The best part is that anyone can nominate a hero, and they could be selected for Rebekah's next interview! Are you thinking of a hero in your life that you'd like to nominate? Head on over to paintopurposepodcast.com to nominate an everyday hero who has overcome their pain in order to find their true purpose. In this episode, we hear from Rebekah's longtime best friend and confidant, Megan Bugle. In 2018, Megan was diagnosed with a rare disorder called neurofibromatosis type 2, which causes tumors to grow in the nervous system. A seizure sent her to the hospital and the diagnosis included the discovery of over thirty tumors growing in her brain and spine. Tune in to hear her remarkable story of bravery, resilience, friendship, and the transformative power of a mother's love. Learn more about Megan and her journey by checking out her popular blog https://craniotomyme.blog

Marcy Blum is a world-renowned wedding and event planner that has garnered acclaim for her entertaining genius and creativity at events worldwide. For more than 30 years, she has wowed clients and guests with her creative events crafted with innovation, humor, and style. Marcy was named a top event planner in the world by Vogue and Harpers Bazaar and has been featured in dozens of publications. As you can imagine, the event and wedding planning industry has taken an extremely hard hit this year. Countless weddings, parties, and events have been canceled, and everyone from the planners, to florists, servers, and catering staff, has suffered tremendously, not to mention the brides and grooms themselves. Hear how Marcy has found a way to stay sane during a time that is causing devastation on so many levels worldwide. Learn how you, too, can use her approach to push through and bounce back from all the pandemic has taken away from all of us.

Tank Schottle is as positively uplifting as it gets. Tank is a Special Olympics athlete and coach and uses the platform of social media to unify and inspire people from all walks of life. Tank first garnered media attention in 2019 when the federal government threatened to cut over 17 million dollars in funding for the Special Olympics. At that time, Tank was given the opportunity to share his thoughts on several major TV networks. His love for people and his passion for the Special Olympics is touching and inspiring. Since the pandemic began, Tank has taken to social media to become a beacon of positivity and love, lifting the spirits of his thousands of followers daily. He has shed light on the importance of staying connected during the pandemic, and showers love on everyone he speaks with. No matter what disability you may have, no matter what you may be struggling with... it doesn't define you. Tank reminds and empowers people that no matter what, you always have the power to make a positive difference in someone's life, and every day Tank succeeds in doing just that.

Survivors of terrorist attacks - and two inspirational powerhouses - share their experiences in this touching, remarkably inspiring episode. Tune in to hear Ari Schonbrun's account of that fateful day, on September 11, 2001, that is burned into every American's heart. Ari was in Tower 1 of the World Trade Center when the first plane hit. Of the 662 Cantor employees, Ari's coworkers, only four survived. Hear Ari's truly extraordinary story of that day and how it is marked as a day of rebirth as his life was changed forever. Ari has been sharing his powerful message worldwide as a motivational speaker and author ever since. In this episode, Ari and Rebekah's conversation serves as an enduring reminder of what truly matters most in life.

Jessica Buchanan shares how to find hope and gratefulness in any situation in the second installment of this compelling interview about her kidnapping, survival, and inspiring comeback. While on a routine field mission in Somalia in 2011, Jessica Buchanan was kidnapped at gunpoint and held for ransom by a group of Somali pirates for 93 days. Tune in to hear her gripping story of hope, survival, determination, resiliency, and strength. She was held outdoors in the desert, starved, and terrorized by more than two dozen gangsters; her health suffered immensely until an elite SEAL team finally rescued her. The whole ordeal is detailed from her perspective in her New York Times Best-selling book, Impossible Odds. Jessica joins the show to share her remarkable 'Pain to Purpose' comeback, how she managed to heal, and the poignant lessons she learned from the experience.

While on a routine field mission in Somalia in 2011, Jessica Buchanan was kidnapped at gunpoint and held for ransom by a group of Somali pirates for 93 days. Tune in to hear her gripping story of hope, survival, determination, resiliency, and strength. She was held outdoors in the desert, starved, and terrorized by more than two dozen gangsters; her health suffered immensely until an elite SEAL team finally rescued her. The whole ordeal is detailed from her perspective in her New York Times Best-selling book, Impossible Odds. Jessica joins the show to share her remarkable 'Pain to Purpose' comeback, how she managed to heal, and the poignant lessons she learned from the experience.

Are you struggling with loss, pain, or grief? We all encounter devastating losses and rock-bottom struggles, but Ben Newman puts a fresh perspective on the power of transforming loss and pain into empowering purpose. Ben Newman is a highly regarded performance coach, international speaker, and best selling author. His clients include fortune 500 companies around the world, and professional athletes in the NFL, PGA, NBA, MLB, UFC, and NCAA. He serves as a mental conditioning coach for none other than the 17-time National Champion Alabama Crimson Tide football team. Tune in to hear Ben's compelling pain to purpose story after the devastating loss of his mother as a young boy. His authentic, empowering storytelling has become internationally recognized as he delivers keynote speeches as an inspirational speaker as well as performance coach all over the world.

In the second installment of this compelling two-part interview with investigative journalist, Michele McPhee, she discusses eye-opening facts that could blow the case wide open. Michele is a best-selling author, Emmy-nominated investigative reporter, and award-winning journalist that has spent two decades covering murder, terrorism, mobsters, and corruption. McPhee was among the first reporters at Ground Zero on September 11, 2001, and was also a witness to the carnage and terror brought forth by the Boston Marathon Bombing in 2013. Her book, Maximum Harm, also slated to become a documentary series, uncovers shocking new truths about the CIA and FBI's roles surrounding the Boston Marathon bombing. McPhee unravels all the complicated facts that those in government and the intelligence community overlooked while these brothers were able to follow through and commit such a horrific terrorist attack. Tune in to this compelling, eye-opening interview to hear the facts that you haven't heard on the news and how Rebekah, a survivor of the Marathon bombing, reacts to all of the latest events regarding the recent overturning of the bomber's death sentence.

Best-selling author, Emmy-nominated investigative reporter, and award-winning journalist Michele McPhee has spent two decades covering murder, terrorism, mobsters, and corruption. McPhee was among the first reporters at Ground Zero on September 11, 2001, and was also a witness to the carnage and terror brought forth by the Boston Marathon Bombing in 2013. Her book, Maximum Harm, also slated to become a documentary series, uncovers shocking new truths about the CIA and FBI's roles surrounding the Boston Marathon bombing. McPhee unravels all the complicated facts that those in government and the intelligence community overlooked while these brothers were able to follow through and commit such a horrific terrorist attack. Tune in to this compelling, eye-opening interview to hear the facts that you haven't heard on the news and how Rebekah, a survivor of the Marathon bombing, reacts to all of the latest events regarding the recent overturning of the bomber's death sentence.

Tune in for the second installment of this awe-inspiring interview with Dr. Jen Welter. Jen is the first female to coach in the NFL and has served as a revolutionary trailblazer in the world of professional football. A powerhouse of a woman, Jen was the first female to play running back on a men's professional football team with the Texas Revolution. After overcoming adversity and forging powerful bonds with her teammates, Jen was later hired as the first female coach in men's pro football, coaching the Revolution through their most successful season in franchise history. Dr. Jen is a sports psychologist, motivational speaker, and passionate advocate for numerous organizations promoting and inspiring young women in sports. Jen makes overcoming adversity and breaking barriers look easy, but she has been faced with challenges every step of the way. Tune in to hear her remarkable journey of resilience, strength, and determination to revolutionize gender roles in male-dominated professional sports, and inspire millions along the way.

Dr. Jen Welter is the first female to coach in the NFL and has served as a revolutionary trailblazer in the world of professional football. A powerhouse of a woman, Jen was the first female to play running back on a men's professional football team with the Texas Revolution. After overcoming adversity and forging powerful bonds with her teammates, Jen was later hired as the first female coach in men's pro football, coaching the Revolution through their most successful season in franchise history. Dr. Jen is a sports psychologist, motivational speaker, and passionate advocate for numerous organizations promoting and inspiring young women in sports. Jen makes overcoming adversity and breaking barriers look easy, but she has been faced with challenges every step of the way. Tune in to hear her remarkable journey of resilience, strength, and determination to revolutionize gender roles in male-dominated professional sports, and inspire millions along the way.

As a struggling single mom, 90 days from losing her home, Wendy Stevens hit rock bottom after a bitter divorce, tragic car accident, and legal problems, resulting in significant financial and personal losses. In this episode, Wendy shares her 'Pain to Purpose' transformation of how she turned it all around to become a multiple 7-figure online entrepreneur, author, and speaker. Tune in to hear how Wendy now uses her struggles and comeback story to touch, move, and inspire individuals to discover their true 'heart-self' to live the life they love.

Joseph McClendon III is a Doctor of Neuropsychology, and one of the most sought after Performance Specialists in the industry. Joseph reveals his amazing 'pain to purpose' transformation from the victim of a hate crime left for dead, to his struggles with homelessness... and how he turned it all around, teaming up with Tony Robbins along the way, to become the extraordinary coach, leader, author and speaker that he is today. Joseph has touched, moved, and inspired over 3 million people worldwide with his workshops, coaching sessions, and seminars. Tune in to hear Joseph discuss his approach to beginning to heal the deep racial wounds that plague America. With the proven results that he has seen in the millions of people he has helped, Joseph has found a way for the United States to heal and unify as never before.

The one and only 'Chewbacca Mom,' Candace Payne, reveals her journey of struggles to success. If you haven't seen the online viral sensation that is Candace's unbridled joy and laughter at the simple pleasure of a Chewbacca mask, then be sure to put it on your radar; it is a must-see that will no doubt bring you joy! Tune in to hear Candace's struggles throughout life, including a suicide attempt, and the simple act from a friend that changed everything. She and Rebekah talk about those simple acts of kindness and support that are so needed in today's turbulent, strained times. Candace has since transformed her pain to her ultimate purpose - bringing joy to the world - reminding us all that appreciating the simple joys in life is what makes all the difference.

Page Kennedy has led an amazingly interesting life, and his journey to get to where he is today embodies the 'pain to purpose' transformation. As a young boy Page was living in Detroit with his father, dreaming of one day playing football. When his father passed away when he was 16, Page was left on his own to find his way. With an uncertain path ahead of him, Page went on to fulfill his father's number one wish: that his only son attend college. With the help of a great mentor, Page discovered Shakespeare and learned to embrace and master the fine art of Shakespearian prose, which still influences his rap lyrics today. Starting on a small stage with Shakespeare, Page quickly climbed the ranks, and his acting career blossomed. He is best known for depicting U-Turn in the Showtime series, 'Weeds,' and Radon Randell in the Spike sports comedy series, 'Blue Mountain State.' You can also find Page starring in films, with roles in 'S.W.A.T.' and 'The Meg.' When he is not on the big screen, Page is recording rap albums and is an avid YouTuber and comedic online sensation. Tune in to hear about Page's unlikely journey to stardom and how he transformed his pain into his ultimate purpose.

Josh Sundquist is a comedian, highly sought-after motivational speaker, best-selling author, and successful Paralympian. At the age of nine, Josh was diagnosed with a life-threatening, rare form of bone cancer, spent a year undergoing chemotherapy, and his left leg was amputated. Josh's remarkable 'pain to purpose' transformation begins as he went on to ski for the U.S. Paralympic Ski Team and represent the United States internationally as a member of the U.S. Amputee Soccer Team. Despite all odds, not only has Josh found success as an athlete, but he is also a best-selling author and renowned motivational speaker who has inspired audiences worldwide. Josh also excels as a comedian and receives high praise for his popular one-man show in Los Angeles, and his exceptionally creative Halloween costumes that are a viral sensation. Hear Josh's unique perspective on life, his comedic levity on being an amputee and prepare to be entertained and inspired.

Five-time Olympic medalist in gymnastics, Nastia Liukin, shares her pain to purpose story of transformation, resilience, and empowerment. As a four-time all-around U.S. national champion, with 5 Olympic medals, and nine World Championship medals under her belt, Nastia is one of the most decorated gymnasts of all time. Hear about her arduous journey to the pinnacle of elite gymnastics, her famous career-ending fall, and her graceful exit from gymnastics into a new world, where she had to re-discover who she was without the sport that shaped her entire life. She talks about the struggle of giving up the one thing that was all she knew in life, and how she transformed her pain into her ultimate purpose. She uses her story to encourage young women around the world to never give up on pursuing their dreams. Tune in to hear how Nastia has dedicated her life to discovering her unique passions, inspiring resiliency and strength in others, while reaching for the gold, both on and off the mat.

The founder of Spartan, Joe de Sena, shares his pain to purpose transformation. Spartan is the largest obstacle course race company in the world. Joe also recently acquired Spartan's top competitor, Tough Mudder, but Joe's obstacle course business venture has not always been a success. After struggling with a failing business for 15 years, Joe learned how to transform his fear, simplify his mindset, and focus his priorities in order to overcome the odds. Joe's approach to structured living, with fitness playing a pivotal role in overall wellness, is simplified in a way that can be applied to any circumstance or goal. Don't miss out on an interview that can teach you how to change your mindset, eliminate fear, and focus your priorities, to achieve any goal.

Named by Rolling Stone as one of the Top 50 Comedians of all time, the legendary comedian Margaret Cho joins the Pain to Purpose podcast to talk tragedy and comedy. In this episode, Margaret reveals her dark past, rock bottoms, struggles with addiction, and how she learned to use laughter and comedy to cope, heal, and turn her life around. Rebekah and Margaret dive deep in discussions about tragedy, pain, and the transformational power of perspective. Margaret Cho is famous for her magical ability to take things so terrible, dark, and difficult and make them lighter in a way that brings levity, laughter, and ultimately healing, to a tragic situation or circumstance. Hear Margaret describe first-hand how ‘laughter is the torch that can illuminate the darkness; it is the light that can guide you through.’ Tune in to learn how you, too, can use comedy and laughter to transform your pain, no matter the circumstances.

John O’Leary shares his remarkably inspiring story of tragedy, resilience, perseverance, and courage. When John was 9-years old he was involved in a catastrophic explosion that burned 100% of his body. At such a young age, John made the choice to fight when given less than a 1% chance to live. He fought extraordinary odds, countless surgeries, the loss of all of his fingers, and had to relearn to walk, write, and feed himself. Tune in to hear his gripping story of extraordinary strength and learn how he chose to respond to trauma in a way that shaped him into the person he is today. As a world-renowned motivational speaker, John moves and inspires millions of people and empowers them to embrace each day with renewed vitality. He leads and moves audiences by teaching them how to Live Inspired. This is a must-listen!

Tune into to the second installment of the compelling 2-part interview with the widow of the American Sniper, Taya Kyle. As a Navy SEAL, Taya’s husband, Chris Kyle, is known as the most lethal sniper in U.S. military history. Chris and Taya’s incredible story is told in the award-winning blockbuster movie American Sniper. Hear Taya’s arduous journey of learning to transform her pain into her purpose, in order to find the strength to carry on for her children after enduring the tragic loss of her loving husband. Taya took the worst pain in her life and turned it into the ultimate purpose... going on to become a bestselling author, political commentator, and military veteran family activist, in addition to receiving numerous awards for her advocacy.

Taya Kyle shares her powerful story on how she learned to transform her pain by leaning into her faith to find forgiveness for her husband’s murderer. As a Navy SEAL, Taya’s husband, Chris Kyle, is known as the most lethal sniper in U.S. military history. Chris and Taya’s incredible story is told in the award-winning blockbuster movie American Sniper. Tune in to the first installment of this 2-part interview to hear Taya’s compelling journey to find the strength to carry on for her children after enduring the tragic loss of her loving husband. Taya took the worst pain in her life and turned it into the ultimate purpose...going on to become a bestselling author, political commentator, and military veteran family activist, in addition to receiving numerous awards for her advocacy.

The inaugural episode of Pain to Purpose features Boston Marathon bombing survivor, Rebekah Gregory, as she opens up and shares her moving story of transformation. From being three feet from a bomb that cost her her leg and nearly her life to a sought-after, world-renowned, motivational speaker, Rebekah reveals her powerful story of struggle, perseverance, and strength in the face of devastating trauma and loss. This podcast is about finding purpose in your pain, no matter what you may be going through in life. So, where are you in your story? Are you in the middle of a breakdown? Are you on the brink of a breakthrough? Tune in and let Rebekah guide you on how you, too, can transform your pain in order to find your true purpose in life.