Through the Storm

Former NFL Linebacker Thomas R. Williams Talks about Life after Football

On this episode of the Through the Storm [https://marketscale.com/shows/through-the-storm/] podcast with Dr. Travis Hearne [https://www.linkedin.com/in/travishearne/], Travis sits down with former NFL linebacker, leadership expert, author, and all-around amazing human, Thomas R. Williams [https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasrwilliams/]. Since 2018, Thomas R. Williams has been a proud member of The Jon Gordon Speaking Team [https://jongordon.com/], dedicated to developing positive leaders and fostering stronger, more connected teams. With his signature passion and energy, Thomas helps organizations apply transformative principles from The Energy Bus [https://jongordon.com/book/the-energy-bus/], The Power of Positive Leadership [https://jongordon.com/book/the-power-of-positive-leadership-revised-and-updated/], and The Power of Positive Teams [https://jongordon.com/book/the-power-of-a-positive-team/] to build winning cultures driven by positivity and purpose. Before stepping into the world of leadership development, Thomas built an impressive career in sports. As a standout linebacker at the University of Southern California (USC), he played a pivotal role in leading his Trojan teams to an incredible combined record of 59-6, securing two National Championships along the way. His success on the field led him to the 2008 NFL Draft, where he spent five years competing at the highest level, going head-to-head with the best and learning from world-class coaches. Through these experiences, Thomas gained invaluable lessons in leadership, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. But life had different plans. After a career-ending neck injury [https://today.usc.edu/former-football-star-turns-a-setback-into-success/] forced him to hang up his cleats, Thomas didn’t let adversity define him—he used it to redefine his purpose. Instead of being a game-changer on the field, he set out to become a life-changer in the world. Now, he’s on a mission to help others discover their greatness, face challenges head-on, and unlock their full potential. Thomas is fired up and ready to empower you with the mindset, tools, and energy to achieve extraordinary results.

How The Gentlemen’s Circle Is Redefining Resilient Leadership Through Accountability, Service, and Connection

On this episode of the Through the Storm podcast, Dr. Travis Hearne once again talks to CEO, leadership educator, speaker, fitness professional and retired Marine, Marc Rodriguez, a man whose career embodies resilient leadership. Rodriguez, who first appeared on the show to share his journey from the Marine Corps to a CEO, returns to explore what it takes to lead with strength, purpose, and humility through life’s toughest challenges. Rodriguez shares how his latest movement, The Gentlemen’s Circle, is redefining leadership and modern masculinity. What began as a simple list of friends’ names has grown into a powerful community of men committed to becoming better leaders, fathers, and citizens. Built on accountability, service, and connection, The Gentlemen’s Circle challenges men to rise above ego and lead with resilience and integrity. Drawing on his Marine Corps background and entrepreneurial journey, Rodriguez reminds listeners that true strength isn’t about dominance—it’s about responsibility, discipline, and courage. His philosophy centers on restoring accountability, integrity, and purpose among men and entrepreneurs—not through “alpha” energy, but through service, discipline, and community. By sharing his journey from a rigid military mindset to one rooted in empathy and adaptability, Rodriguez illustrates how resilient leadership can transform not only organizations but also the lives of those who lead them.

Faith, Fatherhood, and Fortitude: Inside Chase Harris’ Mission to Make Accessibility Possible for Every Child

Chase Harris is a father, husband, entrepreneur, and all-around force of light. Alongside his wife, Carly, and their son, Cash, he has inspired millions online through messages of resilience, faith, and family. Their story is one of turning adversity into action — and hardship into hope. “We knew early on that Cash had this special gift of influence,” Chase shares. “He is bold and lives his life on purpose. He lights up any room he rolls into! The phrase, ‘my resilience is greater than life’s resistance,’ speaks to Cash’s tenacious attitude towards life. Cash’s adversity and the challenges he faces never stop him from accomplishing his goals and desires.” Born with spina bifida, Cash’s journey has shaped the Harris family into powerful advocates for accessibility, empathy, and perseverance. What began as sharing their daily life online evolved into a platform for awareness, especially during Spina Bifida Awareness Month, as the family realized how many others were walking similar paths. Their openness and positivity have inspired countless families to find strength through their own challenges. This mission of service led to the creation of the Harris Family Accessibility Assist, a nonprofit providing therapy, mobility aids, and adaptive equipment for children with disabilities—filling the gaps left by limited insurance coverage. Grounded in faith, the Harrises continue to use their growing influence to uplift others, reminding the world that resilience, compassion, and purpose can turn adversity into light.

Through the Storm with USMC Captain, Professional Boxer, and TrailBlazer, Stephanie Simon

Captain Stephanie Simon (USMC) is currently a professional boxer (2-0), a boxing instructor, and a Marine Corps reservist. She is the 2024 Olympic Trials Boxing Champion, 4x Elite National Boxing Champion, 3x National Collegiate Boxing Champion, and United States Marine Corps Boxing Hall of Famer. Stephanie Simon is originally from Atlanta, GA, grew up in Vancouver, WA, and is currently living in Los Angeles, CA. After graduating from Evergreen High School in 2012 as an all-American wrestler, all-state discus thrower, and honor roll student, Stephanie was accepted to the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. There, she learned how to box and eventually became a 3x collegiate national champion. She was also the team captain of the track team and a member of the Glee Club. In 2017, Stephanie was commissioned as a US Marine Corps officer and became an Amphibious Assault Officer, where she led 50 people and commanded 20 Amphibious Assault Vehicles. She was honored to be a part of the first wave of women to serve in combat arms in USMC history.

Through the Storm with Lisa Bischoff, Jewel Thief and Computer Hacker turned World-Changing Leadership Expert

In this episode of the Through the Storm podcast, Dr. Travis Hearne speaks with jewel thief, computer hacker, and world-changing leader, Lisa Bischoff. Lisa's life is a testament to the power of transformation. Her journey has taken her from being an electrical engineer to a hacker, a jewel thief, and now, a transformational coach dedicated to helping others navigate life’s storms. Through her work as the founder of Fit2Xist and co-founder of Life Reimagined, Lisa shares practical strategies and her personal story to inspire individuals to overcome limiting beliefs, embrace growth, and step into their purpose. Her approach, which blends mindset, wellness, and faith, has helped countless people rewrite their own stories and create lives of healing, purpose, and fulfillment.