Choose The Better Story Podcast

James Condit [Purpose Beyond Spina Bifida]

At just 20 years old, James Condit has faced more adversity than most people experience in a lifetime--yet his outlook on life is refreshing and unbelievably positive. Living with spina bifida and navigating life in a wheelchair, he's chosen purpose over pity, resilience over excuses, and continues to inspire everyone around him with his mindset and determination. After surviving the 2018 Camp Fire in Paradise, California, James has learned firsthand how fragile--and valuable--life really is. Today he channels his love for movies into a growing YouTube channel where he reviews and critiques films with insight and authenticity. This coversation is a powerful reminder that purpose is not determined by circumstances--it's built through mindset, perseverance, and choosing to keep showing up. If you need a reminder of what strength, positivity, and determination look like, this episode delivers.

Gabriel Interview [Drugs, Prison & Redemption]

Gabriel’s story is one of choices, hard consequences, and a complete life turnaround. In this episode, he opens up about his introduction to opiates during his senior year of high school, how small choices led him down a dangerous path, and the details about how he landed in prison. But this conversation isn’t just about addiction or incarceration — it’s about accountability, perspective, and rebuilding your life with gratitude when everything falls apart. Gabriel shares the moment he realized he was addicted, the lessons he learned the hard way, and what he would tell young people and parents who may be watching someone they love head down a similar road. This is a raw, honest conversation about the power of choice, how quickly life can change — and how redemption is still possible even after your lowest moments.

Chris Hekman [Building The Hektik Sunglasses Brand From The Ground Up]

The Hekman's are one of the rare families whose home survived the Camp Fire of 2018. As the town of Paradise is being rebuilt around them, Chris Hekman and his family decide to do a little building of thier own. In this episode Chris talks about life after the wildfire, and chasing down a dream in the wake of destruction. He shares how both fear and thrill play a role in starting HEKTIK, and what it means to lead and will his family toward a common vision that they can all be proud of. Designed in Paradise, CA Hektik Optics are everyting you've ever wanted in sunglasses. Chris unfolds all the juicy details of the brand that is built to go where you go. Go to www.hektikoptics.com to see all the HEKTIK styles and options. Choose The Better Story listeners can use promo code CTBS20 for a 20% discount on a pair of Hektik sunglasses. Go get you a pari...or two...or three!

John Michael Hinton [Speaker | Magician | Redhead]

John Michael Hinton was born to be on stage. While most people are terrified at the thought of getting up in front of an audience, that's where John feels the most at home as a performer. In order for John to do what he was always meant to do (perform magic & illusions in front of large audiences), he had to take big risks and courageous action along the way.  In this episode we uncover the 'better story' that was waiting for John once he was willing to go all in and bet on himself and his future. John Michael Hinton has been featured on Penn & Teller: Fool Us, Good Morning America, is autor of the book Imaginate, and he has performed as a magician in front of thousands upon thousands of people, inspiring awe & wonder, and making friends along the way. Website:  www.johnmichaelhinton.com [http://www.johnmichaelhinton.com] Socials:  @johnmichaelhinton

Kelli Gordon [Her Town Burned Down, Now She's Leading Its Comeback]

In 2018, the Camp Fire erased an entire town. Homes gone. Schools destroyed. A community scattered overnight. Kelli Gordon's story starts long before the fire. Being adopted shaped how she sees identity, resilience, and belonging. Then came the ultimate test: leading students, families, and a community through loss, uncertainty, and the long road to rebuilding. This is a conversation about leadership when there’s no playbook, and what it looks like to lead in the midst of disaster. No doubt, Kelli Gordon is a local superhero committed to the community she loves. Tired of not living up to your fullest potential?  Book a FREE vision call with Coach Ryan Wright  https://meetings.hubspot.com/ryanwright1/vision-call [https://meetings.hubspot.com/ryanwright1/vision-call]  Real coach. Real Results. Real Impact.