Balance & Breakthroughs
A weekly Down to Earth podcast show about therapeutic coaching, helping individuals, families, and couples holistically achieve their dreams and goals in all areas of their lives.
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Grit, Growth and Gutters: A Story of Resilience with Kelli McCullough
01/05/2026
Grit, Growth and Gutters: A Story of Resilience with Kelli McCullough
In this compelling episode of the Balance and Breakthroughs podcast, Kelli McCullough shares her powerful life and business journey rooted in grit, resilience, and reinvention. Growing up in a small Ohio town, Kelli once dreamed of a career in medicine before life led her down a very different path—one marked by determination, entrepreneurship, and hard-earned lessons. Kelli reflects on spending a decade in retail while raising three children as a single mother, doing whatever it took to support their dreams—including washing airplanes to help her child Kelsey pursue pilot training. Her career later expanded into insurance and banking before she found her stride in the gutter industry, where her sales expertise helped grow a company to seven offices and positioned it for a planned $10 million sale. When that deal fell apart and the business ultimately collapsed into debt, Kelli faced one of the most challenging periods of her life. In this episode, she candidly discusses business failure, leadership lessons, mentorship, trusting your instincts, and the risks of mixing personal relationships with professional ventures. Listeners will also hear how Kelli found the courage to start her own gutter business amid personal and professional uncertainty—all while striving to maintain balance with family. This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, sales professionals, leaders, and anyone navigating career transitions or rebuilding after setbacks. Kelli’s story is one of perseverance, wisdom, and growth—and it’s only the beginning, with more to come in a future episode. 👉 👈 ⭐ CONNECT WITH WIL SINGLETON ON SOCIAL MEDIA ⭐ ➡️ ➡️ ➡️ ➡️ ➡️
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From Revenge Body to Real Healing: Beyond the Before & After with Melissa DeGraft
12/15/2025
From Revenge Body to Real Healing: Beyond the Before & After with Melissa DeGraft
In this powerful and honest episode, Melissa DeGraft shares her nearly three-year fitness transformation—one that began with personal pain and the pursuit of a “revenge body” after a difficult marriage, but evolved into something far deeper. Melissa opens up about the psychological challenges of body image, the dangers of using exercise as self-punishment, and why true transformation requires inner healing, self-love, and patience—not just physical change. The conversation explores navigating societal judgment, shifting social circles, and learning to honor and trust your body while rejecting toxic habits and unrealistic expectations. Melissa also offers practical advice for starting a fitness journey, the value of working with a personal trainer, and the mindset shifts necessary for lasting wellness. As a member of the host’s gym and a creator on Instagram and YouTube, Melissa brings an inspiring, grounded perspective on what it really means to transform from the inside out. Key Points from the Episode Melissa DeGraft’s fitness journey began as a response to personal hardship and the desire for a “revenge body,” but evolved into deep internal healing True transformation goes beyond physical appearance and requires self-love, emotional work, and mindset shifts The psychological impact of body image and the danger of using exercise as punishment instead of self-care Learning to balance physical training with mental and emotional wellness Overcoming societal judgment and navigating changes in friendships and social circles The importance of patience, adaptability, and consistency in both fitness and life Honoring and trusting your body rather than fighting against it Letting go of toxic habits, all-or-nothing thinking, and unrealistic expectations Embracing self-acceptance and learning to love your body, including perceived flaws Practical advice for starting a fitness journey and the benefits of working with a personal trainer Building sustainable habits that support long-term wellness, not quick fixes 👉 👈 ⭐ CONNECT WITH WIL SINGLETON ON SOCIAL MEDIA ⭐ ➡️ ➡️ ➡️ ➡️ ➡️
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A Love Story by God: A Story of Faith, Loss and Healing with Tara Tann
12/08/2025
A Love Story by God: A Story of Faith, Loss and Healing with Tara Tann
In this deeply personal and emotional episode of Balance and Breakthroughs, Wil sits down with special guest Tara Tan to explore her profound journey through love, loss, faith, and healing. Tara shares the powerful story of how she met her late husband, Craig—an unexpected love that entered her life after heartbreak and at a time when she had completely stopped looking. Tara describes Craig’s gentle persistence, his integrity, and the faith-centered connection that drew them together. Their relationship blossomed through shared spirituality, sincerity, and mutual respect. She recounts how Craig consistently made her feel safe, valued, and cherished—treating her as his wife long before their wedding day. The episode takes a heartbreaking turn as Tara opens up about the tragic loss of Craig’s son only two months after their marriage, and how the overwhelming grief eventually claimed Craig’s own life less than a year later. She shares the painful reality of “broken heart syndrome,” and reflects on navigating widowhood, honoring her husband’s memory, and rediscovering herself through faith. Tara also speaks candidly about reentering the dating world, the challenges of modern relationships, and her unwavering belief that love must be rooted in God, honesty, and emotional safety. She discusses the importance of healing, knowing one’s worth, and maintaining the high standards set by the genuine love she once shared with Craig. The episode closes with a heartfelt prayer over Tara, her journey forward, and everyone seeking healthy, God-centered love. 👉 👈 ⭐ CONNECT WITH WIL SINGLETON ON SOCIAL MEDIA ⭐ ➡️ ➡️ ➡️ ➡️ ➡️
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Closing the Gaps: The Road from Desperation to Transformation with Shawn Langwell
12/01/2025
Closing the Gaps: The Road from Desperation to Transformation with Shawn Langwell
In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Wil sits down with Shawn Langwell — an inspirational author, speaker, and executive mindset coach whose story of redemption and resilience is nothing short of transformative. With more than three decades in advertising and marketing sales, and leadership roles including past president of the California Writers Club and Toastmasters of Petaluma, Shawn brings a rare mix of professional depth, lived wisdom, and spiritual insight to the conversation. Shawn opens up about his journey from addiction to long-term recovery, revealing the profound impact of grace, love, forgiveness, and willingness in rebuilding a life once defined by chaos. A near-fatal accident at age 21 and a heartfelt plea from his mother became the turning points that led him to rehab on October 10, 1986—and ultimately, to sobriety. His reflections on forgiving his father, releasing anger, and learning to love himself illuminate the emotional and spiritual work behind genuine transformation. We explore Shawn’s books, Beyond Recovery and 10 Seconds of Boldness, which offer practical strategies for facing fear, building confidence, and taking courageous micro-actions that lead to meaningful change. These ideas form the foundation of his coaching philosophy, including his signature framework: the Gap Mindset. Shawn explains how “gaps”—those spaces between who we are and who we want to be—often stem from belief and confidence barriers. His coaching helps individuals honestly identify these gaps, confront the fears behind them, and bridge them with internal motivation, rigorous honesty, and intentional action. As he puts it, everyone has gaps, but with willingness, courage, and a clear plan, change is absolutely possible. A highlight of the conversation is Shawn’s distinction between the “gift of desperation”—the force that pushes us toward growth—and the “curse of despair,” which keeps us stuck in victimhood. His method for moving forward includes five essential steps: identifying the problem or opportunity, deciding what you want, identifying your “why,” writing a clear plan, and working that plan with persistence and heart. Shawn also speaks candidly about imposter syndrome, spirituality, and the role of external support—reminding us that while help is valuable, the real transformation begins within. Looking ahead, he shares his upcoming projects, including the 10-year relaunch of Beyond Recovery, new workshops, and his developing Soulful Sales Method, which integrates recovery principles with mindset and sales coaching. This episode is an uplifting, actionable roadmap for anyone seeking healing, confidence, and personal or professional breakthroughs. Shawn’s mission is simple yet profound: to inspire others by sharing his story—and to equip them with tools to rewrite their own. Tune in for an honest, heartfelt, and empowering conversation that proves no gap is too wide when you’re willing to take the first step. 👉 👈 ⭐ CONNECT WITH WIL SINGLETON ON SOCIAL MEDIA ⭐ ➡️ ➡️ ➡️ ➡️ ➡️
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Breaking the Silence: From Rock Bottom to Real Connection with Josh O'Bier
11/24/2025
Breaking the Silence: From Rock Bottom to Real Connection with Josh O'Bier
In this powerful and deeply honest episode, Will welcomes Josh O’Bier to the show for a conversation that unpacks the real, often unspoken experiences of men in relationships—and the societal misconceptions that follow them. Josh opens up about his upbringing on a farm in Delaware, growing up with strong family values and a father whose career in law enforcement shaped much of his worldview. At just 17, Josh’s life took a dramatic turn after a severe back injury left him in unmanaged pain for months. With no medical guidance and caught in the height of the pill epidemic, he slipped into opioid addiction, relying on pills from friends just to function. Despite multiple attempts at recovery—including a stay at Teen Challenge—Josh continued to struggle until age 19, when a pain management specialist finally diagnosed the true cause of his suffering. Through targeted treatment and a refusal to undergo surgery, Josh found a path to stability with regulated prescriptions and long-term pain management. But the end of addiction was only the beginning of another set of challenges. Josh married his wife in 2017, and the couple soon found themselves battling communication breakdowns, lingering guilt from Josh’s past, and a relationship dynamic where he felt stripped of confidence and placed his wife on a pedestal. Frequent conflicts and threats of divorce left the marriage teetering on the edge. With Will’s help in therapy, Josh began rebuilding his confidence, reshaping communication patterns, and reclaiming balance in the relationship. The transformation was dramatic—a significant drop in conflicts and a shift toward genuine partnership. Throughout the episode, Josh challenges harmful stereotypes that paint men as narcissists by default and speaks to the importance of prioritizing relationships, personal growth, and emotional honesty. His journey from pain and addiction to stability and healthier connection offers valuable insight for men, couples, and anyone seeking hope through adversity. This is an inspiring story of resilience, accountability, and the power of doing the work. Tune in for a conversation that’s raw, real, and ultimately redemptive.
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Deep Waters: Faith Beyond the Comfort Zone with Marie Purnell
11/17/2025
Deep Waters: Faith Beyond the Comfort Zone with Marie Purnell
In this honest and heartfelt conversation, Will and Marie reunite to revisit the mission behind Deep Waters—addressing the unspoken questions and church wounds many believers carry. They dig into the controversy surrounding Will’s decision to become a bartender despite a family history of alcoholism, sparking deeper questions about ministry, judgment, and where faith is allowed to show up. The two challenge restrictive church traditions, highlight biblical examples of flawed individuals called by God, and advocate for a faith that steps beyond comfort zones into real, messy places. This episode sets the tone for a season focused on relatable Christianity that meets people exactly where they are. In This Episode: The original heart behind the Deep Waters podcast Will’s controversial decision to work as a bartender Navigating faith with a history of family addiction Ministry in places the church usually avoids Why man-made traditions hold believers back The difference between supporting and condoning David, Solomon, Peter — flawed but favored Why stepping outside the “church bubble” matters How faith grows when we walk into unfamiliar territory A call to make Christianity accessible, compassionate, and real 👉 👈 ⭐ CONNECT WITH WIL SINGLETON ON SOCIAL MEDIA ⭐ ➡️ ➡️ ➡️ ➡️ ➡️
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Healing Through Hustle: How Nickole Renae Visan Transformed Her Struggles into a Thriving Career
10/30/2025
Healing Through Hustle: How Nickole Renae Visan Transformed Her Struggles into a Thriving Career
In this powerful episode, Nickole Visan — a single mother, entrepreneur, and licensed massage therapist — opens up about her journey from working in substance abuse and mental health counseling to building a successful massage therapy business from the ground up. After a traumatic childbirth and a diagnosis of postpartum psychosis, Nickole faced unimaginable challenges — losing her job, navigating motherhood with limited support, and rebuilding her identity from scratch. But through determination, faith, and grit, she transformed her pain into purpose. Nickole shares the truth behind: Starting over after loss and rejection Balancing business, health, and single motherhood Turning failures (like a Groupon gone wrong) into lessons Managing her own marketing and brand The vital role of self-care in entrepreneurship This candid conversation is a testament to what it means to rise, rebuild, and keep going — no matter the odds.
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Welcome to Balance and Breakthroughs with William Singleton
10/20/2025
Welcome to Balance and Breakthroughs with William Singleton
In this very first episode, host William Singleton sets the tone for Balance and Breakthroughs — a space for honest conversations, mindset shifts, and the pursuit of a more aligned life. William shares the heart behind launching the show, what “balance” and “breakthrough” really means to him, and why this podcast isn’t about perfection — it’s about real growth. Get ready for personal stories, powerful insights, and a fresh perspective on what it takes to thrive in both life and leadership. This is just the beginning.
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