Ashes to Apex Podcast

Welcome to Ashes to Apex, the podcast where resilience takes center stage. Hosted by Joshua Belland, this show delves into the raw, unfiltered journeys of entrepreneurs who’ve stared down life’s darkest valleys—addiction, burnout, divorce, devastating setbacks—and climbed their way back to the summit. Each episode pulls back the curtain on the mental health struggles too often hidden behind success stories. Through candid conversations, guests share how they rose from the ashes, rebuilt their lives, and found a higher purpose beyond the bottom line. More than a business podcast, Ashes to Apex is a powerful reminder that personal growth often comes through pain—and that triumph is sweetest after the toughest climbs. Whether you’re an entrepreneur fighting your own battles, or simply seeking authentic stories of grit and rebirth, you’ll find inspiration, solidarity, and hope here. Join us as we explore what it truly means to turn setbacks into a new apex.

Eps 6: Chris White - Recovery, Purpose, and the Entrepreneur’s Mindset 09/08/2025

Eps 6: Chris White - Recovery, Purpose, and the Entrepreneur’s Mindset When does sobriety end and recovery begin? Clinical mental health counselor and addiction specialist Christopher White joins JB to unpack the daily “marathon” of recovery, the traps entrepreneurs fall into, and why purpose—not perfection—keeps us moving forward. From Fifth Ward roots to building a practice that serves athletes, founders, and families, Chris blends science, faith, and hard-won wisdom you can use today. Episode Highlights Recovery vs. Sobriety: Why abstinence isn’t the finish line and how real recovery becomes a daily practice. Faith & Purpose: Seeing yourself as a vessel—and what to do if you’re not sure you believe in a higher power. Athletes & Injury: Painkillers, self-deception, and the culture that teaches us to “play hurt.” Brain Science, Simply: The amygdala, dopamine, and why survival mode hijacks your best intentions. Comorbidities & Misdiagnosis: Hidden challenges (autism, bipolar, BPD) and the risk of self-medicating. Tech & Social Media Addiction: “Digital dope,” blue light, and the question everyone should ask: Do you use your phone, or does it use you? Founder Traps: Control as an illusion, burnout cycles, and building leaders so you can step away. The WRAP Toolkit: Practical ways to interrupt triggers—walks, workouts, check-ins, and gratitude reps. Gratitude That Works: Lowering the bar for happiness and training your mind to notice what’s enough. From Setbacks to Setup: Reframing adversity as training for the next assignment. Mentioned by Chris Upcoming books: Addicted to More and Digital Dope Detox Private practice & support inquiries: (346) 280-1395 If this episode hits home, share it with a friend who’s building, healing, or both—and don’t forget to follow Ashes to Apex for more stories of resilience and growth. /episode/index/show/a500de71-2414-4a0b-ac99-a37af3669ab0/id/38134465

Eps 5: Amanda Orr - From Journalist to PR Powerhouse 08/29/2025

Eps 4: From Corporate Stability to Purpose-Driven Strength with JD Shipley 08/21/2025

Eps 3: From Battlefield to Boardroom: Faith, Leadership & Purpose with Jay Fudickar 08/13/2025

Eps 3: From Battlefield to Boardroom: Faith, Leadership & Purpose with Jay Fudickar In this powerful episode of Ashes to Apex, host Joshua Belland sits down with Army veteran, entrepreneur, and family man of faith, Jay Fudickar. From his early days growing up in Katy, Texas, to joining the Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M, enlisting in the Army, and serving in Iraq, Jay shares a candid and inspiring journey of resilience, leadership, and purpose. He opens up about facing life’s low points, the mental strength gained from military service, and the importance of faith, brotherhood, and human connection. Now the owner of Jay Riley Recruitment, Jay reflects on how lessons from the battlefield translate into business success, leadership, and building a meaningful life. This conversation dives deep into mental health, the dangers of isolation for men, the importance of strong relationships, and the discipline needed to balance work, family, and spiritual growth. Whether you’re a veteran, an entrepreneur, or simply someone striving to live with purpose, this episode offers wisdom, humility, and hope. Show Notes & Highlights From Katy to the Corps – Growing up in Texas, joining Texas A&M’s Corps of Cadets, and learning the value of discipline and camaraderie. Hitting Rock Bottom – Life on friends’ couches and the decision to enlist in the Army. Military Reality Check – Expecting lab work as a Chemical Operations Specialist but ending up on the front lines with an artillery unit. Deployment to Iraq – Life at “Mortar-rita-ville” and adapting to daily mortar fire, IED threats, and a new reality. Faith in the Field – How deployment deepened Jay’s relationship with God. Leadership Lessons – The difference between positional authority and influential, servant leadership. Transition to Recruitment – From Army recruiter to running his own agency, carrying over values of transparency and proper vetting. Mental Health & Brotherhood – Why men need trusted circles, the danger of isolation, and supporting those battling depression and PTSD. Entrepreneurship Challenges – Starting a business in 2020 during the pandemic and building resilience in uncertain times. Identity Beyond Occupation – Why your job should never define your worth. Balancing Work & Family – Avoiding complacency in relationships and staying present as a husband, father, and leader. Purpose & Calling – How recruiting aligns with Jay’s mission to help others achieve a better future. Special Offer – Jay shares a 10% discount for listeners on their first recruitment service. J. Riley Recruitment Website: https://jrileyrecruitment.com/ /episode/index/show/a500de71-2414-4a0b-ac99-a37af3669ab0/id/37801590

Eps 2: John Reed on Faith, Recovery, and Building a Business That Serves 08/02/2025

Eps 1 - Purpose Over Profit w/ Joe Orsak 07/24/2025

Eps 1 - Purpose Over Profit w/ Joe Orsak In this powerful episode of Ashes to Apex, host Joshua Belland sits down with longtime friend, serial entrepreneur, and worship leader Joe Orsak for a raw and heartfelt conversation about purpose, perseverance, and staying grounded in faith. From launching businesses as a child to weathering catastrophic losses, Joe shares the highs and lows of his entrepreneurial journey, revealing the hard-won lessons that shaped his identity and mission. Joe opens up about taking over his late mother’s security company, losing nearly everything during the pandemic, and building a multi-million dollar credit business—all while pursuing a deeper calling to teach, protect, and lead. With wisdom forged through adversity and a passion rooted in faith, Joe offers valuable insight for entrepreneurs navigating seasons of uncertainty. Whether you’re grinding through your next pivot or questioning your path, this episode is a reminder that your "why" is your anchor—and your greatest asset. Episode Highlights: 🎤 Joe’s early start in entrepreneurship: First business at 10, first employee at 13 📚 Balancing business with calling: Why teaching and leadership ultimately shaped his path 💼 The story behind taking over his mom’s security company, 24/7 Security & Investigations 💔 Losing his largest client and rebuilding during the 2020 pandemic 💡 “If you can’t step away, you didn’t build a business—you built a job.” 🔥 The danger of perfectionism in entrepreneurship vs. speed-to-market 🙏 How Joe’s faith and sense of purpose sustained him through crisis 💸 Losing an $800k opportunity—and finding peace anyway 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 How entrepreneurship impacted his family and marriage 🥋 Martial arts, self-discipline, and Joe’s lifelong fight against bullies 💬 Advice for entrepreneurs in crisis: Start with your why and seek God first 🧠 Mindset shift: “We only control one thing—our response.” ✝️ Using business as a vehicle for creating kingdom-minded environments 📈 Lessons in leadership, letting go, and preparing for growth 🔁 When to stay the course, when to pivot, and how to discern the difference Listen now to hear how Joe turned pain into purpose, crisis into clarity, and built a business legacy rooted in faith. /episode/index/show/a500de71-2414-4a0b-ac99-a37af3669ab0/id/37540270

Episode 0 - Introduction 07/08/2025

Ashes to Apex Podcast

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