From Rock Bottom to Rockin' It

From Rock Bottom to Rockin' It explores personal stories about those who hit absolute rock bottom. Then got back up, wiped off the dust, kicked failure to the curb, and now they’re rockin’ it like you’d never believe. These interviews are intended to inspire, motivate, and give hope and vision to those in their rock bottom by sharing stories, tools, and the resources that our guests used to create their 'rockin' it' moments. Host Eric Gilbert-Williams is a Canadian Entrepreneur who faced hardships as a youth like bullying, learning disorders, drugs, and crime before discovering success through his entrepreneurial pursuits. During his times through these teen social challenges, he found self-esteem and the passion to change his life through listening to the inspirational stories of others who overcame deep hardships to create great success in their lives.

45: Teens & Parents, Mental Health, Drugs, & Healing as a Family Unit // The Story of Aaron Huey 02/09/2022

44: Street Artist to Vice-President of Global Design Coca-Cola // The Story of James Sommerville 01/18/2022

43: Re-Inventing Yourself Through Entrepreneurship // The Story of Bryan Clayton 12/23/2021

42: The Kid With No Chance Who Built A World Class Podcast // The Story of Justin Schenck 11/09/2021

42: The Kid With No Chance Who Built A World Class Podcast // The Story of Justin Schenck Justin Schenck is the host of the top-rated podcast the Growth Now Movement and founder of Growth Now, LLC which is a full-service podcast production and coaching company. He has been named a Top 8 Podcaster to follow by INC Magazine and chosen as an ‘Icon of Influence’ in the new media space. What started as a way to connect with top people and inspire others has become a way of life. Now getting played in over 100 countries every single week he is able to make a greater impact than he could ever imagine. He not only speaks to organizations on how to overcome adversity and utilize podcasting to grow your business but he helps others launch and grow their own podcasts with www.beginpodcastingnow.com. His vision? To teach the world how to live happily no matter where they are today. “It’s about the journey, not the destination.” Like most people, Justin thought that it was his past that defined him. Because he didn’t come from a great upbringing and didn’t have the resources so many had, he thought that he was destined to fail. Then, at 19 years old Justin discovered personal development through a mentor. He became obsessed with the idea that he can have full control over the outcome of his life simply by choosing to grow. The realization that it doesn’t matter where he comes from, but the choices that he makes today to create a better tomorrow for himself and others is all that matters, was life-changing. When Justin launched the Growth Now Movement podcast in 2016, he had no idea what it would become. Now it gets played in over 100 countries every single week, he speaks all over the country on overcoming adversity, and most importantly, he discovered that we all have the power to create our own happiness, to grow into the person we were meant to be and that we can all create the life we truly desire. *** For Show Notes, Key Points, Contact Info, Resources Mentioned, & More on this episode please visit our website: . *** Feedback? Questions? Comments? I would love to hear from you! Contact me at us via: Email (), LinkedIn (), Twitter (), or Instagram (). EP Tags: /episode/index/show/fromrockbottom/id/21096914

41: Coming Out as Gay, then Creating a World Class Impact for LGBTQ Communities // The Story of Arthur Woods 10/19/2021

40: Sexual Assault Victim To Impact Entrepreneur // The Story of Carlie Rioux 09/14/2021

39: Undercover to Fully Recovered, Former Police Officer Overcomes Addictions // The Story of Brock Bevell 08/10/2021

39: Undercover to Fully Recovered, Former Police Officer Overcomes Addictions // The Story of Brock Bevell Brock Bevell is a well-regarded family man with 7 children, six daughters and one son. He is a retired Police Officer who was run over on duty and ultimately retired from the injuries. The injuries caused him to endure numerous knee surgeries and constant rehabilitation. To deal with the pain, he was prescribed Opioids. After months and months of therapy, the department and doctors made the determination that his injuries would prevent him from doing the job effectively and could place others at risk. It was decided that he would be medically retired from the department. For the next few years, Brock struggled with being retired. The day after turning in his equipment, he felt ostracized and not a part of the brotherhood. This was a huge blow to his ego. One day you're chasing bad guys and the next you're picking up your kid’s toys. It was a difficult transition. It was at this time, that Brock’s addiction took control of his emotions and he began to spin out of control, and he proceeded to self-medicate himself. During the height of his addiction, he went through a very difficult divorce. He lost time with his children and made poor decisions costing him his children’s trust. His detox lasted 7 days. At no time did he have a visitor or help from friends or family. He was alone. He had alienated most friends and was too embarrassed to share the process with his family. He walked the journey alone, but the detox set him up for the comeback. For the first time in years, the need, want or desire to use opioids was gone. He did not want to use it ever again. The process he went on prepared him for the battles he was going to face. Since recovering from his addiction, Brock has helped hundreds of men and women combat addiction. He utilizes an unconventional approach to recovery. This approach continues to lead men and women to lasting sobriety. *** For Show Notes, Key Points, Contact Info, Resources Mentioned, & More on this episode please visit our website: . *** Feedback? Questions? Comments? I would love to hear from you! Contact me at us via: Email (), LinkedIn (), Twitter (), or Instagram (). EP Tags: /episode/index/show/fromrockbottom/id/20091164

38: Bench Warmer to Pro Basketball Career, Author of 29 Books & 8,000 Videos // The Story of Dre Baldwin 07/06/2021

37: From Depression to Passion, Winning a Film Festival, & 1.4 Million Followers // The Story of Zac Stracener 06/08/2021

36: Chronic Heart Conditions to the Worlds First AI Powered Health Care // The Story of Marie Johnson 05/10/2021

35: WW2 Child Survivor, Billion Dollar Tech Mogul, & Inspired Philanthropist // The Story of Dame Stephanie Shirley 04/14/2021

35: WW2 Child Survivor, Billion Dollar Tech Mogul, & Inspired Philanthropist // The Story of Dame Stephanie Shirley Dame Stephanie Shirley CH is a successful IT entrepreneur turned ardent philanthropist. Having arrived in Britain as an unaccompanied child refugee in 1939, she started what became Xansa plc (now part of the Sopra Group) on her dining room table with £6 in 1962. In 25 years as its Chief Executive, she developed it into a leading business technology group, pioneering new work practices and changing the position of professional women (especially in hi-tech) along the way. Her Dameship in the Millennium honours was for services to IT. She was awarded the Order of Companions of Honour in the Queen's Birthday Honours in June 2017. She served on corporate Boards such as Tandem Computers Inc. (1992-7), the John Lewis Partnership plc (1999-2001) and AEA Technology - previously the Atomic Energy Authority (1992-2000). Her philanthropy is based on her strong belief in giving back to society. She focuses on IT and autism (her autistic son Giles died age 35 in 1998). Dame Stephanie was the first woman Master of the IT livery company; the first woman President of the chartered British Computer Society; and the UK’s Ambassador for Philanthropy in 2009/10. Her charitable Shirley Foundation spent out in October 2018. It made over £67m grants and initiated a number of projects that are pioneering by nature, strategic in impact and significant in money terms. This included three autism charities: Autism at Kingwood (support); Prior’s Court (education); and Autistica (research) which together employ over 1000 staff. In 2001 she co-founded the Oxford Internet Institute which focuses on the social, economic, legal and ethical issues – not the technology – of this network of networks. *** For Show Notes, Key Points, Contact Info, Resources Mentioned, & More on this episode please visit our website: . *** Feedback? Questions? Comments? I would love to hear from you! Contact me at us via: Email (), LinkedIn (), Twitter (), or Instagram (). EP Tags: /episode/index/show/fromrockbottom/id/18721358

34: Leading a City out of Rock Bottom, Building Calgary 2.0 03/23/2021

33: $2 Billion in Sales while Persisting through Tragedy & Towards Positive Change // The Story of Jas Takhar 03/09/2021

32: World Dance Champion & Sexual Assault Survivor // The Story of Anya Katsevman 02/10/2021

31: Ugandan Musician to Black Entrepreneurship in the USA // The Story of Muyinza Kasirye 01/20/2021

30: NHL Hall of Famer & Child Sex Abuse Survivor // The Story of Sheldon Kennedy 12/01/2020

29: 12 years Working with Human Trafficking Survivors // The Story of Jessica Minhas 11/03/2020

28: Extreme Alcoholic to Sober Forever // The Story of Susan Laurie 10/05/2020

27: Severe Depression Survivor to TV Star & Professional Comedian // The Story of Jessica Holmes 09/22/2020

27: Severe Depression Survivor to TV Star & Professional Comedian // The Story of Jessica Holmes Jessica Holmes has opened for comedians like Jerry Seinfeld, Leslie Nielsen, and Ellen DeGeneres, as well as hosted events for such visionaries as Deepak Chopra, Tony Robbins, and Oprah Winfrey! Although a comedian at heart, having performed with the Second City and Just for Laughs, Holmes has recently delved into writing: penning the book I Love Your Laugh: Finding the Light in My Screwball Life. Born and raised in Ottawa en Anglais et Francais, Holmes sat back and enjoyed the hilarity that was her family: a handful of older brothers, a mormon father and a feminist mother. Not a sitcom, just her family. The Second City, Just for Laughs and TV shows like Little Big Kid and The Itch got her noticed as a funny, quirky presence in the comedy community. After her comedy special Holmes Alone taped, she was offered her own sketch series: The Holmes Show. A Carol Burnett style series with lots of characters & impressions, Holmes became known for her oddball personifications of Celine Dion, Liza Minelli and Geri Halliwell. Holmes was delighted to join the cast of Royal Canadian Air Farce (having applied to be their secretary five years earlier, and been turned down…they still have her typing test!). There she played politicians and celebrities; including Michael Jackson and Jessica Simpson. During her years on Air Farce, Jessica had two children, Alexa and Jordan, with her actor husband Scott. Holmes wrote her first book, I Love Your Laugh: Finding the Light in my Screwball Life, in 2010. Having fallen in love with public speaking, Holmes decided to deepen the scope of her material by becoming a Life & Career Coach through San Diego’s Life Purpose Institute. She now enjoys a mix of comedy & motivational speaking. *** For Show Notes, Key Points, Contact Info, Resources Mentioned, & More on this episode please visit our website: . *** Feedback? Questions? Comments? I would love to hear from you! Contact me at us via: Email (), LinkedIn (), Twitter (), or Instagram (). EP Tags: /episode/index/show/fromrockbottom/id/15998456

26: Racism, Hollywood Movie Star, and Entrepreneurship // The Story of Tommy Chong 09/15/2020

26: Racism, Hollywood Movie Star, and Entrepreneurship // The Story of Tommy Chong Grammy Award winning comedian Tommy Chong is legendary for his invaluable contribution to American counter-culture as part of the iconic comedy duo Cheech & Chong. During their reign, the twosome recorded six gold comedy albums, including the 1973 Grammy winner “Los Cochinos,” and starred in eight films, most of which Chong co-wrote and directed. The first, Up In Smoke, was the highest grossing comedy of 1978, topping $100 million at the box office. Others were Cheech and Chong’s Next Movie (1980), Nice Dreams (1981), Things Are Tough All Over (1982), Cheech and Chong: Still Smoking (1983), and The Corsican Brothers (1984). Born in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, Tommy began his entertainment career as a musician in a Canadian-based rhythm and blues band. Eventually, he landed a gig with the “Vancouvers”” and co-wrote the band’s 1960’s hit, “Does Your Mama Know About Me.”” From here, Chong eventually turned towards the life as an actor. The first step was forming “City Works,” an improvisational group where he consequently met his future comedic partner, Richard “Cheech” Marin. Throughout the 1970’s Cheech & Chong earned a massive following until eventually, the duo had run its lengthy and prosperous course and they both embarked on solo careers. Earlier this year, the highly anticipated, award winning documentary A/K/A Tommy Chong was released worldwide. The documentary features the journey that Chong took after a fully armed SWAT team raided the comedian’s home in February of 2003. Tommy Chong was sentenced to 9 months in federal prison for conspiracy to manufacture and distribute drug paraphernalia through “Chong Glass,” a family business specializing in handmade glass water pipes, or “bongs.” Making history this year, Tommy Chong reunited with his old comedy partner, Richard “Cheech” Marin to announce their first tour in over 25 years with Shelby Chong opening the show. The “Cheech & Chong: Light Up America & Canada” tour has proven to be one of the most successful comedy tours of the year, selling out multiple shows from coast to coast. *** For Show Notes, Key Points, Contact Info, Resources Mentioned, & More on this episode please visit our website: . *** Feedback? Questions? Comments? I would love to hear from you! Contact me at us via: Email (), LinkedIn (), Twitter (), or Instagram (). EP Tags: /episode/index/show/fromrockbottom/id/15958115

25: Suicide Attempt Survivor to Comedy Star & Meditation Teacher // The Story of Sarah Taylor 09/03/2020

24: Frauded $100,000 to Catching his Thief & Serving Justice // The Story of Johnathan Walton 08/31/2020

23: Pilot & Veteran, to Paraplegic, to a Second Chance with Life // The Story of Jim Ryan 08/24/2020

22: War Veteran & Amputee Cancer Survivor to Javelin Athlete & Author // The Story of Brandi Benson 08/18/2020

21: Crash Amputee to 12 Time World Record Holder // The Story of Amy Palmiero-Winters 08/11/2020

21: Crash Amputee to 12 Time World Record Holder // The Story of Amy Palmiero-Winters Amy Palmiero-Winters is a professional athlete, career-woman, mother and the founder of the . After losing her left leg below the knee due to a motorcycle accident that occurred in 1994, Amy compiled a tremendous portfolio of world records and firsts for a female amputee in marathons, ultramarathons, triathlons, and ultra-triathlons. As she attained more and more achievements, she found herself in the position of being a role model, especially for young people with physical disabilities of their own. She soon found herself working extensively with children, introducing them to sports and athletics as a way of helping them overcome their physical limitations. After several years, Amy founded the One Step Ahead Foundation in order to provide even more opportunities for children with physical disabilities. Amy currently holds eleven world records in various track events. In 2010, she was awarded the James E. Sullivan Award as the top amateur athlete in the United States and the ESPN ESPY Award as the top female athlete with a disability in the world. Also in 2010, Amy received the Women’s Sports Foundation Wilma Rudolph Courage Award, the Challenges Athletes Foundation Trail Blazer Award, the Huffington Post Game Changer Award and the USA Strength Award. In 2011, Amy became the first female amputee to finish the Badwater Ultramarathon, which is described as “the world’s toughest foot race”. It is a 135-mile course starting at 282 feet below sea level in the Badwater Basin, in California’s Death Valley, and ending at an elevation of 8360 feet (2548 m) at Whitney Portal, the trailhead to Mount Whitney. She had a finish time of 41:26:42. In 2011, Amy was the first amputee to run the Reykjavik, Iceland Marathon. During her time in Iceland, Amy was honored with the 2011 Ossur Ultimate Athlete Award. *** For Show Notes, Key Points, Contact Info, Resources Mentioned, & More on this episode please visit our website: . *** Feedback? Questions? Comments? I would love to hear from you! Contact me at us via: Email (), LinkedIn (), Twitter (), or Instagram (). EP Tags: television, hispanic, support, family, tragedy, focus, radio, show, syndication, latin, america, disruption, passion, accomplished, hustle, freedom /episode/index/show/fromrockbottom/id/15571247

20: Near-Death Drug Addiction to Winning the Courage to Come Back Award and Founding Camp Kerry // The Story of Josh Dahling 08/04/2020

20: Near-Death Drug Addiction to Winning the Courage to Come Back Award and Founding Camp Kerry // The Story of Josh Dahling Josh Dahling arrived in Canada from apartheid South Africa when he was still very young. He survived physical and sexual abuse while navigating the daily struggles of poverty and undiagnosed dyslexia. He was introduced to alcohol and cocaine in his childhood, and struggled with addictions from this very early age. While still in his adolescence, he found himself living homeless and addicted on Vancouver’s downtown eastside. At just 20 – after several near-fatal overdoses, the death of his father and the birth of his first child – Josh found sobriety. An intensive drug and alcohol treatment program helped Josh recover his life, and inspired him to become active in the recovery community. Even twenty years later, Josh continues to face health challenges resulting from his early struggles, including fibromyalgia, diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis. Despite these diagnoses, Josh was driven to improve himself for the benefit of both his family and community. He completed high school and a degree in social work while working three part time jobs, and supporting his three children as a single parent. Since 2009, Josh has been instrumental in the establishment and growth of in support of families coping with grief and loss. He is now the Director of Operations, and Director of the Society’s Youth Services, while also continuing his role as a Youth Counselor. In addition to dedicating his professional life to improving the lives of youth and families, Josh has volunteered thousands of hours as an inspirational speaker, clothing drive organizer, and as an advocate for bereavement care – all in selfless support of people – especially youth – struggling with bereavement and addictions. *** For Show Notes, Key Points, Contact Info, Resources Mentioned, & More on this episode please visit our website: . *** Feedback? Questions? Comments? I would love to hear from you! Contact me at us via: Email (), LinkedIn (), Twitter (), or Instagram (). EP Tags: television, hispanic, support, family, tragedy, focus, radio, show, syndication, latin, america, disruption, passion, accomplished, hustle, freedom /episode/index/show/fromrockbottom/id/15480893

19: Family Tragedy to Latin Radio Star & TV Announcer // The Story of Alberto Sardiñas 07/28/2020

18: $20 Million Business Bankruptcy to Passionate Happy Lifestyle // The Story of Bernard Callebaut 07/21/2020

17: Coma Inducing Car Crash with a 5% Chance of Recovery to Happy Loving Family // The Story of Harriet Ronaghan 07/14/2020

17: Coma Inducing Car Crash with a 5% Chance of Recovery to Happy Loving Family // The Story of Harriet Ronaghan A devastating car crash left 18-year-old Harriet Ronaghan with a traumatic brain injury. Given just a 5% chance to live, this vibrant young ballerina survived surgery but remained in a coma for over three months. To recover from her type of injury, she had to build new pathways to control her basic functions. After waking from her coma, she had to relearn how to blink, swallow, talk, walk, and care for herself – skills doctors told her she might never reclaim. Robbed of her independence, mobility, and many friends (overwhelmed by the gravity of her injury), Harriet refused to let this accident take more from her. One grueling step at a time, she began to recover. Uplifted by the love of her family and her own characteristic strength and determination, Harriet was walking without assistance after just 16 months. Three months later, she went on her first date with the man she would later marry on the 9th anniversary of her accident. Last year, they celebrated the birth of their first child, Charlie. Early in her recovery, Harriet helped the father of a young man in a coma simply by sharing her story. Determined to amplify her message of hope, just 10 months after the accident she began typing – with her one working finger – a manuscript for her book, You are my Sunshine: The Journey Through my Recovery with a Traumatic Brain Injury. To inspire those affected by trauma, she continues to share her story through media, presentations, and personal connections. Just as Harriet forged new pathways in her brain, she has redefined the path to her bright future, transforming the people and community around her. *** For Show Notes, Key Points, Contact Info, Resources Mentioned, & More on this episode please visit our website: . *** Feedback? Questions? Comments? I would love to hear from you! Contact me at us via: Email (), LinkedIn (), Twitter (), or Instagram (). EP Tags: mobility, car, wreck, young, surgery, coma, survivor, love, determination, strength, independence, mother, strength /episode/index/show/fromrockbottom/id/15207206

16: Witnessing A Murderous Fire To Helping 38,000 People By Building 49 Interfaith, Caste-Free Homes // The Story Of Sister Lucy Kurien 07/07/2020

From Rock Bottom to Rockin' It

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