Keep Going: Climbing, Friendship, Grit, and the Adventure of a Lifetime

Keep Going: Climbing, Friendship, Grit, and the Adventure of a Lifetime

In this inspiring episode of The Limitless Podcast, Rod and Kerry sit down with three remarkable mountaineers and lifelong adventurers: Jim, Eileen, and Faye. Together, they share stories from decades of climbing, exploring, failing, returning, laughing, suffering, and finding meaning in the mountains.  Faye, who has climbed thousands of peaks and completed major Washington mountain lists, reflects on a life shaped by perseverance, curiosity, and the simple drive to keep going. Jim and Eileen add their own powerful perspective on trust, partnership, planning, risk, humor, and the kind of friendship that is forged through shared challenge.  This conversation is about much more than climbing. It is about resilience, aging with purpose, adapting when life changes, building relationships you can trust, and discovering that adventure does not end just because the route looks different. Whether you are a climber, hiker, outdoor enthusiast, or someone looking for motivation to keep moving forward, this episode is a reminder that we are capable of more than we think, and we do not have to climb alone.

Make a Great Day with Tommy BK: Coaching, Character, and the Power of Belief

In this episode, we sit down with Tommy Boyer-Kendrick, one of the most respected and impactful coaches in the Spokane community, for a powerful conversation about leadership, coaching, and what it truly means to serve others. Tommy’s journey didn’t start with spotlight or status. He began cleaning locker rooms and bathrooms, working for free, and learning by observation. Over time, he went on to coach elite professional athletes at the highest levels — and then made the deliberate decision to walk away from that world to choose family, purpose, and deeper impact. This conversation goes far beyond athletics. It’s about identity, character, and human development. We talk about: * Why consistency, discipline, and habits matter more than intensity * What great coaching really is, and where the word “coach” actually comes from * Leading through service, not authority * Building belief in people who don’t yet believe in themselves * Coaching character, not just performance * Process over outcomes, especially in seasons of failure and loss * Helping young people perform under pressure, defeat, and disappointment * Why community, belonging, and relationships matter more than wins * Choosing purpose over ego, fame, and prestige Tommy shares deeply personal stories about his upbringing, his mother’s example of grit and humility, his time at West Point, his years coaching professional athletes, and the moment he chose to come home and build something meaningful from the ground up. This episode is for coaches, parents, leaders, mentors, and anyone who believes that real growth is built through consistency, service, and showing up — even when the scoreboard says otherwise. Listener note: This episode includes discussion of real-life challenges, pressure, failure, and emotional experiences. If you or someone you know is struggling and needs immediate help, please contact 988 in the U.S. or your local emergency services.

Embrace the Suck: Why Discomfort Builds Unstoppable People

Why do the hard moments change us the most? In this episode, Rod and Kerry dive into the reality of “embracing the suck”—the uncomfortable, painful, discouraging moments that test your resolve and shape your character. Drawing from their experiences in the Marine Corps, mountaineering, marathons, business leadership, and personal growth, they break down: * Why discomfort is a necessary part of growth * The military roots of “embrace the suck” * What mountaineering teaches you about mindset and perseverance * How the LEAP framework applies when everything feels hard * Why people underestimate their own capacity * What science says about pushing past perceived limits * Real tools for staying in the fight when you want to quit Whether you’re in a season of progress or a season of pain, this episode will push you, encourage you, and remind you that the reservoir inside you is bigger than you think. Mental Health Disclaimer: This conversation includes references to stress, physical challenge, military experiences, and personal adversity. If you’re struggling, overwhelmed, or in crisis, please reach out for help. For immediate support, call 988 (Veterans press 1), or dial 911 in an emergency. You are not alone — real help is available right now.

From Combat Trauma to Unstoppable: Marine Veteran Chris Brown’s Journey to Healing and Peak Performance

In this powerful episode of LIMITLESS, Rod and Kerry sit down with Marine veteran, trauma survivor, and EMDR consultant Chris Brown, LICSW for one of the most raw and meaningful conversations we’ve ever had on the show.  Chris takes us inside his journey—from the intensity of combat to the blast that changed everything, to waking up years later with the weight of PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and survivor’s guilt. But this isn’t just a story about trauma. It’s a story about rebuilding a life, rediscovering purpose, and turning pain into mission.  We talk about:  • The combat deployment that left a permanent mark on his mind and body  • What it’s really like to come home when part of you is still on the battlefield  • PTSD, flashbacks, and the fight for normalcy  • How EMDR therapy helps the brain heal  • Why performance and trauma recovery are deeply connected  • The nonprofit he founded to help veterans and first responders reclaim their purpose  • The mindset shifts required to lead yourself out of darkness  • And what real resilience actually looks like in the wild  This episode will challenge you, encourage you, and maybe even change the way you understand trauma and recovery. Chris’s story is one of transformation, courage, and the long walk home after war.  If you’ve ever struggled, or you love someone who has, this is an episode you won’t forget.  WARNING  This episode includes discussions of trauma, combat experiences, PTSD, and other emotionally challenging topics. If you feel overwhelmed at any time, please pause and take care of yourself. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or 911 for immediate emergency assistance. This podcast does not provide therapy and is not a substitute for professional mental health support.

Failure as a Paradigm Shift: Why Setbacks Shape the ACT Stage of LEAP

In this episode of the LIMITLESS Podcast, Rod and Kerry dig deep into why failure isn’t the opposite of success, it’s the process that creates it. Anchored in the ACT stage of the LEAP framework, they explore how taking action inevitably brings setbacks, and how reframing those moments as teachers can transform your growth journey. Through mountaineering close-calls, marathon lessons, and stories of both professional and personal failures, Rod and Kerry share candidly about what they’ve learned: humility, resilience, grit, and the power of the comeback. Alongside their own experiences, they weave in research from Carol Dweck (Mindset), Angela Duckworth (Grit), Jim Murphy (Inner Excellence), and Jim Whittaker (A Life on the Edge). The conversation also touches on legendary climbs like Meru, strongman competition setbacks, and why the mountain will always be there tomorrow. The episode closes with a guided mindfulness exercise, helping listeners reflect on their own “mountain” and find meaning in the climb. If you’ve ever turned back short of your goal, felt the sting of missing a target by seconds, or wrestled with the fear of trying at all, this conversation will challenge, comfort, and inspire you to keep climbing. Resources & Mentions * Carol Dweck, Mindset: The New Psychology of Success * Angela Duckworth, Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance * Jim Murphy, Inner Excellence * Jim Whittaker, A Life on the Edge * Michael Easter, The Comfort Crisis * Documentary: Meru (Conrad Anker, Jimmy Chin, Renan Ozturk) Peak Performing Life™ (PPL) programs, content, materials, and this podcast are intended for educational and life-enhancement purposes only. They do not provide, nor are they a substitute for, professional therapy, medical advice, nutritional counseling, or wilderness training. PPL does not offer mental health therapy, medical care, nutrition guidance, or climbing and mountaineering instruction. Participants and listeners are encouraged to seek professional advice and training from qualified providers for their specific needs. Engaging in outdoor activities carries inherent risks; ensure you have the appropriate training, experience, and safety measures in place. This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any mental health or medical condition. Always consult a licensed healthcare or mental health professional for your personal needs. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988, and for medical emergencies, dial 911.