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Grit Meets Growth
Grit Meets Growth Podcast
118 episodes
1 week ago
Chris Cathers and John Gamades bring you Grit Meets Growth... The podcast where we explore the power of getting uncomfortable, making things happen, and creating a magnetic life. Are you ready?

Chris Cathers is the co-founder and CEO of Octellient, an information security expert, advisor and coach, and a cancer survivor.

John Gamades is a co-founder and partner at the marketing agency OrangeBall Creative and the author of the Depth Not Width blog.

Both are proud husbands, dads, and leaders in all they do. Having experienced adversity, challenges, the pressure of being entrepreneurs, Grit Meets Growth is the authentic and raw sharing of their journeys.
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Business
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All content for Grit Meets Growth is the property of Grit Meets Growth Podcast and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
Chris Cathers and John Gamades bring you Grit Meets Growth... The podcast where we explore the power of getting uncomfortable, making things happen, and creating a magnetic life. Are you ready?

Chris Cathers is the co-founder and CEO of Octellient, an information security expert, advisor and coach, and a cancer survivor.

John Gamades is a co-founder and partner at the marketing agency OrangeBall Creative and the author of the Depth Not Width blog.

Both are proud husbands, dads, and leaders in all they do. Having experienced adversity, challenges, the pressure of being entrepreneurs, Grit Meets Growth is the authentic and raw sharing of their journeys.
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Business
Episodes (20/118)
Grit Meets Growth
Get Back in the Game: The Power of the Restart - Episode 118
This episode kicks off the way so many of our best ones do: with a pre-show conversation that turned into the real show. What started as a casual check-in about 75 Hard, restarts, and setbacks quickly turned into a deep dive on purpose, accountability, and the power of having people who pull you off the sidelines when it’s easier to stay there.

From mental toughness and discipline to rediscovering your mission and living on purpose, this one is raw, real, and packed with reminders that growth happens when you decide to get back in the game.

Top 5 Takeaways from This Episode:
  1. Restarting is harder than starting. It’s easy to stop when life gets messy — but the real challenge comes in finding the courage to begin again. The longer you wait, the louder the excuses get.
  2. Accountability changes everything. When you’re surrounded by people who challenge you, support you, and pull you back into the game, it becomes nearly impossible to stay stuck on the sidelines.
  3. Purpose requires action. Your purpose isn’t what you write on paper — it’s what shows up in your daily decisions, habits, and the impact you have on others. Purpose without action is just a wish.
  4. Discipline builds freedom. 75 Hard isn’t just about workouts or water — it’s about creating structure, self-control, and the kind of consistency that leads to real freedom and confidence.
  5. Joy lives in alignment. When you’re living on purpose and in sync with your mission, life feels fuller. The peace, fulfillment, and joy that come from that alignment make the hard work worth it.

One Truth:
You’ll never find your purpose sitting on the sidelines — you discover it when you get back in the game and start moving forward, even when it’s hard.



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1 week ago
29 minutes

Grit Meets Growth
Forged in the Fire: The Messy Side of Resilience - Episode 117
When life hits hard, resilience becomes more than a buzzword—it’s a lifeline. In this episode of the Grit Meets Growth podcast, we dive deep into what it really means to walk through the storm and keep moving forward. From personal stories of injury, setback, and shifting priorities, to the raw honesty of confronting ego, fear, and mental clutter, this conversation unpacks what resilience looks like when life gets messy. You’ll hear about strength forged in fire, faith tested in the chaos, and the power of showing up when quitting feels easier. If you’re walking through your own hard season, or standing beside someone who is, this one will hit home.

Five insights from this episode: 

Resilience isn’t clean—it’s messy. It’s not about bouncing back instantly or pretending to be strong all the time. Real resilience often looks like breaking down, admitting weakness, apologizing when you lose your cool, and still choosing to get back up. The path to growth is full of missteps, humility, and grace.

Action is the antidote to pain. When life knocks you flat, staying in motion—no matter how small the steps—keeps you from getting stuck. Taking action, even imperfect action, is the beginning of healing and rebuilding strength.

Brotherhood and support matter. You can’t carry every load alone. Surrounding yourself with people who will lift you up when you can’t stand on your own is a critical part of resilience. Asking for help doesn’t weaken you—it multiplies your strength.

Your identity isn’t what you do. When everything gets stripped away—titles, business plans, success—the question remains: who are you really? This episode reminds us that true identity is found in faith, family, and the roles that matter most, not in work or achievement.

Strength is forged in the struggle. Resilience doesn’t grow in comfort. It’s built in the fire—when you’re tested, stretched, and forced to let go of ego and pride. Every storm has the potential to shape you into someone stronger, more grounded, and more faithful.

...

One Truth:
Resilience isn’t built in the easy seasons. It’s forged in the fire when everything falls apart and you choose to stand back up anyway.
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3 weeks ago
35 minutes

Grit Meets Growth
Finding True Freedom in Being Real - Episode 116
We talk a lot on this podcast about grit, about living on the edge of your comfort zone, about pushing yourself through the uncomfortable to grow. Today, we’re going deeper. 

We’re talking about what happens when the hustle and performance become masks, when we hide behind being “fine” instead of being seen for who we really are. This episode is about vulnerability, authenticity, and the courage to take that mask off. Growth doesn’t happen when we’re pretending to have it all together. It happens when we finally admit we don’t and ask for help.

Five Key Insights:

Hiding Behind the Mask Keeps You Stuck
We learn early to hide—covering our flaws, failures, and fears with a mask of “I’m fine.” But that mask becomes a trap. It isolates us, keeps us from real connection, and prevents true healing. Freedom begins when we take it off and allow ourselves to be seen. 

Vulnerability Is Strength, Not Weakness
Asking for help, admitting you’re struggling, or saying “I don’t have it all together” takes more courage than faking your way through. The real strength lies in owning your story, showing up authentically, and letting others in.

Brotherhood Breaks Isolation
When men have a safe place to be honest—like the Built for More community—everything changes. Growth happens when we can talk openly, call each other out in love, and walk through struggles together. Brotherhood builds freedom and accountability.

The Hustle Can Become a Hiding Place
Sometimes busyness becomes another mask. We use the hustle to avoid our emotions, silence the pain, or postpone hard conversations. But staying busy isn’t the same as being healthy. Healing starts when we stop hiding behind productivity and start facing what’s really going on.

Growth Lives on the Other Side of Honesty
Whether it’s journaling, reflection, or conversations with trusted people, being honest—with yourself and others—creates clarity. When you stop negotiating your non-negotiables and face the truth, your priorities realign, your mindset shifts, and transformation begins.

One Truth:
You can’t grow while you’re hiding. Real transformation begins the moment you take off the mask and let yourself be seen.
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1 month ago
39 minutes

Grit Meets Growth
Take Off the Mask: Honest Conversations That Lead to Growth - Episode 115
In this episode of Grit Meets Growth, we dive into the power of open dialog—not the surface-level kind that stays safe, but the kind that creates space for honest reflection, real accountability, and genuine connection. We explore how conversation becomes a tool for grit and resilience, challenging us to admit when we’re struggling, to call each other out when excuses creep in, and to carry one another’s burdens when life gets heavy.

From the everyday encounters that remind us there are still good people in the world, to the brotherhood being built inside Built for More, this conversation is about taking the mask off, leaning into feedback, and growing together through meaningful, face-to-face dialog.

5 key insights from this episode:
  1.  Open dialog fuels grit and resilience Real conversation is not just about sharing opinions—it’s about having the courage to admit struggles, the humility to ask for help, and the strength to listen to feedback. That kind of dialog builds resilience and helps us grow through discomfort.
  2. Accountability requires speaking goals out loud Books and self-help resources can provide valuable insights, but without accountability, most lessons fade away. When goals are spoken out loud in a trusted group, others rally around them, creating support and pressure that makes growth stick.
  3. Connection and trust are built face-to-face In a world dominated by algorithms and social media echo chambers, true trust and connection come from human interaction. Sitting in a room together, removing the masks, and engaging in real dialog creates a kind of support technology can’t replace.
  4. Feedback is fuel for growth Feedback isn’t an attack—it’s a seed. When we receive it with humility, nurture it, and put it into action, it becomes the catalyst for transformation. Defensive walls only block the growth that comes from honest reflection and outside perspective.
  5. Brotherhood creates lasting change Inside Built for More, men are experiencing transformation because they’re no longer carrying their roles and struggles alone. Sharing openly with a trusted group shifts how they show up—in their families, their work, and their personal lives. Community accelerates change.
One Truth:
Growth doesn’t happen in silence—it happens when you’re willing to take off the mask, speak honestly, and let others hold you accountable.


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1 month ago
28 minutes

Grit Meets Growth
Comfort is Expensive, Here’s What It’s Costing You - Episode 114
We’re back, and today we’re diving into a subject that sits at the core of Grit Meets Growth—comfort. It’s been nearly a year since we dedicated an entire conversation to it, but if you’ve listened for a while, you know this theme surfaces often. We believe growth begins at the edge of your comfort zone, and while the world tells us to chase comfort, the truth is it comes with a hidden cost. Comfort feels safe, but it can quietly rob us of progress, purpose, and fulfillment. In this episode, we’re unpacking what comfort really means, why it’s so sneaky, and how stepping into discomfort—with discipline—opens the door to becoming who you’re built to be.
 
Here are 5 key insights pulled from this episode on comfort and discipline:
  1. Comfort Comes with a Hidden Cost While the world sells us on the idea that comfort equals happiness, it often robs us of purpose, fulfillment, and growth. Staying “comfortable” in a job, relationship, or routine might feel safe, but it quietly drains time, energy, and potential.
  2. Discipline Beats Motivation Motivation comes and goes, but discipline is what drives progress. True discipline is doing what you said you would do, even when you don’t feel like it. It’s showing up consistently, leaning into structure, and replacing excuses with action.
  3. Growth Requires Discomfort Growth happens on the edge of your comfort zone. Whether it’s in your career, marriage, parenting, or personal habits, stepping into the uncomfortable is the catalyst for becoming your best self. Avoiding discomfort keeps you stuck in “good enough."
  4. Simplification Fuels Momentum Life doesn’t always require more—it often requires less. Stripping away excess, simplifying your routines, and focusing on the basics (like a morning workout, a hard conversation, or cooking your own meal) builds grit and momentum for long-term growth.
  5. Community Creates Accountability Breaking out of comfort is easier when you’re surrounded by people pursuing the same thing. Being in community with others who are willing to get uncomfortable, hold you accountable, and push alongside you makes growth sustainable and powerful.

One Truth:
Comfort feels safe, but it’s actually stealing your potential—real growth only happens when you choose discomfort and discipline.
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2 months ago
41 minutes

Grit Meets Growth
Small Actions, Big Ripples: Recommit To Your Purpose - Episode 113
Every time we hit record on this podcast, there’s always that half hour before—the raw, unfiltered conversation—that feels like the best part. This time, it was about seasons changing, kids heading back to school, routines shifting, businesses rolling into budget season, and all of us feeling that turbulence. In the middle of that swirl, we started talking about purpose, fear, and what it means to actually go for it—not just coasting through life, but making real choices that align with who we are.

From dropping kids off at college to holding doors for strangers, this episode digs into the little and big ways we can recommit, realign, and move with intention as the year winds down.
 
Five Key Insights:
  1. The season shift is a reset button. As routines change with back-to-school and fall approaching, it’s the perfect time to pause, reflect, and recommit to what matters most.
  2. Fear doesn’t have to control you. Like your son transferring colleges, making bold moves requires courage—not the absence of fear, but the refusal to let fear dictate the outcome.
  3. Misalignment drains purpose. Social media and the grind can push us off track, but when we chase things that don’t align with who we are, fulfillment disappears. Realignment brings energy back.
  4. Your purpose is about impact. Purpose isn’t just what you do—it’s what happens in others because of what you do. And in turn, that outward focus fuels your own fulfillment.
  5. Small actions shape culture. Holding doors, smiling at neighbors, saying hello—these simple choices ripple outward. Every interaction is a chance to build a world that feels more connected.

One Truth
You’re never stuck—every season brings the chance to realign with your purpose and choose the life you want to live. 
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2 months ago
30 minutes

Grit Meets Growth
What Are You Tolerating Of Yourself and Others? The Tolerance Trap - Episode 112
In this episode, we’re taking last week’s conversation on why staying the same is easy and why it’s killing your growth, and pushing it further. We’re diving into a powerful, uncomfortable question: What are you tolerating in your life?

From toxic relationships to weak boundaries, from bad habits to the excuses you’ve made a dozen times, these are the silent drains on your energy, purpose, and potential. We’ll talk about the cost of tolerating mediocrity, how your tolerances teach the world how to treat you, and why reclaiming your power starts with saying, “No more.”

This isn’t about blowing up your life—it’s about setting higher standards, building resilience, and doing the work to create the life you actually want. As you listen, start your list: three, four, five things you’re done tolerating. Then get ready to take them on.

5 key insights from the episode:
What you tolerate teaches the world how to treat you
Whether it’s in relationships, work, or your personal habits, allowing mediocrity or negativity sets the standard for how others (and you) will behave toward you.

Excuses and tolerances are linked
Repeated excuses are often a sign of something you’re tolerating that’s holding you back. Identifying those excuses can help you uncover the deeper issues to address.

Tolerances have a cost
Every compromise you make on your standards can drain your peace, health, relationships, and potential, even if it feels “easier” in the moment.

Change takes time
You’ve likely been tolerating certain things for years or decades. Shifting away from them is a process—more like a dimmer switch than an on/off switch—requiring consistent effort and resilience.

Self-respect drives growth
Eliminating negative tolerances isn’t selfish. It’s about honoring your own value, setting boundaries, and showing up as the best version of yourself for your work, relationships, and personal goals

One Truth
What you tolerate—whether from others or from yourself—defines the quality of your life.





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3 months ago
24 minutes

Grit Meets Growth
The Wake-Up Call: Staying the Same Is Easy (And That’s the Problem) - Episode 111
Staying the same is easy. It’s cozy, it’s familiar, and it doesn’t ask much of us. But what if that comfort is quietly holding you back from who you’re really meant to be? In this episode of the Grit Meets Growth podcast, we’re diving into the tug-of-war between comfort and growth. From personal stories about stepping out of the air-conditioned house into the heat, to breaking old habits that no longer serve us, we’re talking about what it takes to stop tolerating the status quo and start chasing the version of yourself you haven’t met yet. If you’ve ever felt stuck, knowing what you should do but not doing it, this one’s for you. Let’s get into it. 

Five insights from this epsiode:
  1. Staying the same is easy, but it costs you everything. Comfort demands nothing from you, but it quietly robs you of your potential, your purpose, and your growth.
  2. Discipline is the bridge between knowing and doing. You already know what you need to do. Discipline is what moves you from intention to action, especially when motivation fades. 
  3. Small changes create massive momentum. Transformation doesn’t start with a giant leap. It starts with showing up, taking the first step, and building consistent habits.
  4. Who you surround yourself with determines how far you go. Growth accelerates in community. Accountability and encouragement from the right people push you further than you can go alone.
  5. Becoming who you’re meant to be means letting go of who you’ve been. Change is uncomfortable. You might outgrow relationships, habits, or routines. That’s the price of becoming the best version of yourself. 

ONE TRUTH:
Staying the same feels safe, but it’s slowly stealing your potential. Growth demands discomfort, discipline, and change. If you want to become who you’re meant to be, you have to stop choosing easy.
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3 months ago
37 minutes

Grit Meets Growth
What Matters Most: Leaning Into Priorities and Letting Go Of Distractions - Episode 110
This episode is all about priorities—how they shift, how they shape us, and how we sometimes get them wrong before we get them right. We unpack what it means to live with intention, why peace and purpose matter more than hustle and grind, and how redefining success can change everything. From fatherhood and marriage to leadership and legacy, we take a raw, honest look at what it means to grow as a man—and why action is the bridge between what we say matters and how we actually live. If you’ve ever felt the drift or needed a reset, this one’s for you.

Here are 5 key takeaways from the episode:
  1. Priorities shift with seasons. What matters in your 20s may not matter in your 40s or 50s. Being willing to reevaluate and realign your priorities is part of growth.
  2. Peace is the new ambition. Hustle and grind have their place, but lasting success includes rest, clarity, and inner peace. You don’t have to earn rest—it's essential.
  3. Brotherhood creates accountability. The right circle will call you out, lift you up, and keep your priorities in check. Growth happens best in community.
  4. Legacy matters more than image. At some point, it’s less about what people see and more about the impact you leave behind—in your family, your business, and your life.
  5. Action reveals your real priorities. If you say something matters but aren’t taking action on it, it might not be a true priority. Your choices expose what’s really important.
One Truth: Your priorities shape your reality—and if your actions don’t align with what you say matters, it’s time for a gut check.
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3 months ago
35 minutes

Grit Meets Growth
Action Over Everything: When The Way Forward Is Through - Episode 109
In this episode, we dive headfirst into one of the most important (but often overlooked) ingredients of growth: taking action. From gut-level realignment to stepping out of your comfort zone, we unpack what it looks like to stop thinking and start moving. 
 
Whether it’s your health, your relationships, your work, or the dreams you’ve kept on the shelf for too long, this conversation challenges you to stop waiting until you “feel ready” and take the first step, because clarity, confidence, and momentum are all built through action. We’re not talking theory here. We’re talking about real, gritty decisions that move you forward. So hit play, lean in, and more than anything—do something with what we’re sharing in today’s episode.
 
Action creates alignment.
When life feels off, whether it’s your work, relationships, or personal goals, it’s often a sign you're out of alignment. The fix? Take intentional action to realign with your values and purpose.
 
Comfort is the enemy of growth.
Staying “comfortably uncomfortable” keeps you stuck. Growth only happens when you’re willing to step into discomfort, embrace the unknown, and move anyway.
 
Fear and overthinking kill momentum.
Fear doesn’t stop you, your response to fear does. Overthinking, waiting for confidence, and playing out worst-case scenarios keep you paralyzed. Confidence comes after the action, not before it.
 
Your energy is an investment. Spend it wisely.
Hustling at work while neglecting your marriage, kids, or personal health is a misalignment. Redirect your action toward what matters most, not just what screams the loudest.
 
Goals change… just don’t stop moving.
It’s okay to rewrite your goals midyear. What’s not okay is giving up on them. Realign, refocus, and take the next step. The second half of the year is yours to own—if you take action.
 
One Truth
Clarity, confidence, and growth don’t come from thinking… they come from doing.
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4 months ago
32 minutes

Grit Meets Growth
Taking Off the Mask: The Conversation Every Man Needs - Episode 108
On today’s episode, we’re hitting record on a Friday—our favorite day to sit down and reflect—and we’ve got a lot to unpack. With June being Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, this conversation goes deep into what it really means to be strong, to wear the mask, and more importantly, what it looks like to take it off. We’re talking about the internal battles men face daily, the lies we tell ourselves, and the need for real conversations, real community, and real healing. If you’ve ever felt the pressure to be "fine" when you’re not, this one’s for you.

It’s time to drop the act and get honest—because that’s where the growth happens. Let’s go.
 
...

5 Insights from This Episode:
Strength Isn't Silence — It's Honesty. Real strength comes from vulnerability and truth, not from pretending everything’s okay. Being willing to say “I’m not doing great” takes more courage than staying silent.

The Mask We Wear Is Heavy.
Men often wear a mask of strength, success, and control—but underneath, many are struggling. Taking off the mask starts with real conversations and safe spaces to be yourself.

You’re Not Meant to Do Life Alone. The lone wolf mindset doesn’t work. Growth, healing, and strength are found in the pack—in community, accountability, and surrounding yourself with people who care enough to check in and stay for the answer.

Journaling Helps Reveal Patterns. Writing down your thoughts consistently creates clarity. It helps you recognize emotional patterns and mental health red flags you might otherwise miss in the daily chaos.

Your Struggles Are a Calling, Not a Punishment. That weight you're carrying isn’t a curse—it’s a sign you’re built for more. Instead of asking for the load to be lifted, ask for the strength to carry it and grow through it.

...

One Truth: You can’t fix what you won’t face.
Healing starts when you stop ignoring the hard stuff and choose to look it in the eye. 
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4 months ago
32 minutes

Grit Meets Growth
We All Need a Pack: Breaking Down The Lone Wolf Lie - Episode 107
In the last episode, we talked about the importance of betting on yourself — showing up with boldness, taking risks, and owning your story. But after we wrapped, something kept tugging at us. There’s a shadow side to betting on yourself: going it alone. 
 
This episode is all about the lone wolf mindset — the belief that strength means isolation, that you have to carry the weight on your own to earn respect. It’s a lie we’ve been sold, especially as men, and it’s costing us deeply. Today we’re talking about what it means to be fiercely independent without being alone… why going further means running with a pack… and how connection, community, and perspective might just be the greatest strengths you’ve been missing.
 
…
 
Five insights from this episode:
 
You Can Bet on Yourself Without Doing It Alone
Independence is powerful—but isolation is a trap. Real growth happens when boldness is paired with intentional connection.
 
The Lone Wolf Might Survive… But He Won’t Thrive
You can win in short sprints alone, but long-term success and fulfillment come from surrounding yourself with a trusted circle.
 
Perspective Comes Through People
Other voices help sharpen your own. Trusted relationships expose blind spots, challenge your thinking, and unlock new ideas.
 
Isolation Increases the Risk of Burnout and Bad Decisions
Carrying the weight alone leads to exhaustion, mental health struggles, and poor choices. A strong circle helps lighten the load.
 
Fierce Independence + Intentional Connection = Resilience
The strongest individuals are grounded in who they are—but they're also humble enough to lean into community, receive feedback, and keep growing.
 
…
 
One Truth
The strongest among us aren’t lone wolves—they’re the ones who know when to stand alone and when to lean on their pack.
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5 months ago
26 minutes

Grit Meets Growth
The Power of Presence: How You Show Up Changes Everything - Episode 106
This episode comes straight from the heart. No filters—just real conversation about what it means to show up. We talk about the power of giving without expecting anything in return… and the humbling experience of learning how to receive. We explore purpose, faith, taking bold steps into the unknown, and the kind of seeds we all plant with the way we treat people. If you’ve ever wrestled with what it looks like to bet on yourself, live with intention, or stay open to life’s curveballs, this one’s for you.

...

Five takeaways from this episode:  


Giving is Easy. Receiving Takes Work.
Most high-achievers are natural givers—but learning to receive with humility and openness is just as important. You can’t pour into others forever without being willing to let others pour into you.

Purpose Leads the Way.
Making bold moves—especially when the future is unclear—gets a whole lot easier when you’re anchored in your core values and purpose. Purpose doesn’t always come with a map, but it gives you the courage to keep moving forward. 

Stay Curious and Ask Better Questions.
Curiosity is a superpower. Whether you're connecting with others, leading a team, or just navigating daily life, asking great questions opens doors to deeper relationships and unexpected opportunities. 

Abundance is a Mindset.
Living from a place of abundance—not fear or scarcity—makes it easier to make tough decisions, try new things, and keep your eyes open for the good around you. What you focus on, you find.

Bring Your Glove.
Be ready for connection. Be ready to give. Be ready to receive. Life is like a game of catch—those who come prepared, stay engaged, and remain open to the tosses and returns are the ones who grow.

...
 
One truth
The way you consistently show up for others will determine who shows up for you when it matters most. That’s the harvest. Keep planting.
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5 months ago
27 minutes

Grit Meets Growth
Growth Without Purpose Is Just Movement - Episode 105
Today we’re throwing down a challenge: growth without purpose is just movement. We’ve both lived seasons where we were grinding like hell—busy, burned out, and headed in the wrong direction. Titles, hustle, long days on the treadmill… all of it looked like success from the outside, but inside, we were drifting further from what actually mattered. In this episode, we talk about what happens when you stop chasing empty goals and start aligning your growth with your purpose. This isn’t about flashy success or highlight reels—it’s about getting honest, getting clear, and building a life that actually fuels you.

If you’re stuck in the grind, this one’s for you. Let’s go.

Five key takeaways from the episode:
  1. Busy doesn’t mean aligned – Just because you’re grinding doesn’t mean you’re growing in the right direction. Movement without purpose is just noise.
  2. Your purpose isn’t a job title – The most meaningful roles in life—dad, mom, friend, spouse—don’t show up on business cards, but they carry the most weight.
  3. Adversity often reveals purpose – For many, it takes hitting a wall—divorce, illness, burnout—to wake up and ask the deeper questions about what really matters.
  4. Growth with purpose fuels fulfillment – When your habits, mindset, and actions align with your purpose, everything starts to click—your energy returns, relationships deepen, and your life feels magnetic.
  5. You don’t need a massive purpose—just a real one – Forget chasing flashy dreams or someone else’s vision. Own your purpose. Make it personal. That’s where real impact begins.
ONE TRUTH:
Success without purpose will always leave you feeling empty. You can chase the titles, grind through the work, and check every box—but if it’s not aligned with your purpose, it won’t fulfill you.
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6 months ago
32 minutes

Grit Meets Growth
The Road Less Traveled Might Be the One You Need - Episode 104
Welcome back to the Grit Meets Growth podcast. This week, we’re diving into part two of a conversation we kicked off last episode: removing distractions and getting clear on the path forward. But this time, we’re taking it further. Because knowing what to do is one thing… taking action is another. From unexpected clarity and hard decisions to owning both your wins and losses, we’re talking about the difference between standing still and stepping forward.

This episode is all about tuning into the signs, embracing the hard things, and doing the work—especially when it doesn’t feel good in the moment. If you’ve ever found yourself stuck between where you are and where you want to go, this conversation is for you. Let’s go.
 
5 Key Takeaways from This Episode of Grit Meets Growth:
Clarity + Action = Momentum
Knowing what to do isn’t enough. The real growth happens when you take bold, intentional action—even when it’s uncomfortable or inconvenient.

The Power of Presence
Focusing too far ahead can cause you to miss the signs right in front of you. Tune in, stay present, and be willing to adjust your route as life gives you new direction.

Own It All—Wins and Losses
Extreme ownership isn’t just about taking responsibility for your failures—it’s also about owning your victories. Acknowledge your role in your success and use it to fuel your future.

Decisions > Choices
Choices keep you in limbo. Decisions create movement. Decide, commit, and act—because decisions demand action and lead to change.

Joy Is a Choice
Don’t wait for happiness to come from a title, achievement, or moment down the road. Bring it into the room. Choose it, carry it, and share it—because it’s contagious.

One Truth from This Episode:
You can’t control everything in life—but you are 100% responsible for how you respond, the mindset you bring, and the actions you take.
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6 months ago
39 minutes

Grit Meets Growth
Choosing Your Mission Over The Distractions: Reclaiming Your Focus - Episode 103
Energy is everything. That simple bumper sticker lit the fuse for this conversation—and it couldn’t be more accurate. Because in a world drowning in noise, distractions are coming at us from every angle. News. Social media. Endless opinions. Even “good” things that quietly pull us off course. The mission gets blurry, the focus fades, and suddenly we’re just surviving the chaos. This episode is all about clearing the clutter, cutting the noise, and getting locked back in on what actually matters. If you’ve been feeling scattered, overwhelmed, or sidetracked, it’s time to reset and get back to mission. Let’s go. 

Five Key Takeaways: 

Energy is Everything.
Where you put your energy determines your focus, your progress, and ultimately your outcome. Protect it. Be intentional with it. Don’t waste it on distractions that don’t serve your mission. 

Mission and Purpose Must Align.
Purpose is your why. Mission is how you live it out. If your daily actions aren’t aligned with your deeper purpose, you’ll feel internal friction, restlessness, and burnout. Alignment creates clarity—and momentum.

Distractions Come Dressed as “Good” Things.
Not every distraction looks like scrolling social media or watching the news. Sometimes it’s a networking event, a volunteer opportunity, or even work itself. If it pulls you off-mission, it’s a distraction—period. 

Mission Is a Team Sport.
You weren’t meant to do this alone. Lone wolf mentality is a lie. Surround yourself with people who challenge you, encourage you, and keep you locked in. When you drift off mission, your circle should pull you back. 

It’s Either Day One or One Day.
You have a choice. Start today. Write your mission down, identify your biggest distraction, and replace it with a habit that fuels your purpose. Stop waiting for “someday”—this is your day one.

One Truth:
If your purpose and your mission aren’t aligned, you will feel it—internally, emotionally, and spiritually. The further they drift apart, the more restlessness, frustration, and burnout you’ll experience. Alignment isn’t optional. It’s essential. 

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7 months ago
39 minutes

Grit Meets Growth
Unshakeable: Thriving in Uncertainty - Episode 102
Let’s be real—life isn’t getting any easier. If anything, it’s getting louder, more chaotic, and more uncertain by the day. You can’t open your news feed without being hit with fear, frustration, and negativity. And the noise? It’s deafening. In this episode of Grit Meets Growth, we’re talking about building mental resilience when the world feels like it’s spinning out of control. Because the truth is, uncertainty isn’t new—it’s always been there. But today, it’s louder, more constant, and in our faces 24/7.
 
We’re diving deep into how to push back against that uncertainty. How to stop sitting in the mud of fear and doubt. How to control what you can control, do the mental reps, and curate your inputs so you can actually grow through what you're going through. We talk about shutting off the noise, taking the first step, and how to rise above the doom loop we all get stuck in from time to time. It’s gritty. It’s raw. And it’s exactly the kind of conversation we need right now. If you’ve been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or like you’re not showing up as the leader, parent, or person you know you can be—this one’s for you. Let’s stop waiting for the storm to pass... and start becoming the kind of people who can stand strong in the middle of it.
 
Hit play. Let’s get after it.
 
5 Key Takeaways
  1. Control the Controllables. You can’t fix the economy, stop political chaos, or control global news—but you can control your attitude, your actions, and how you show up. Focus on what’s in your lane and let the rest go.
  2. Do the Mental Reps. Mental toughness doesn’t show up overnight—it’s built through repetition. Every time you face discomfort or fear and choose to take action anyway, you’re getting stronger. Keep doing the reps.
  3. Watch Your Inputs. What you consume—news, social media, conversations—shapes how you think and feel. Garbage in, garbage out. Choose content and people that feed your growth, not your fear.
  4. Get Off the Doom Loop. When uncertainty takes over, it’s easy to spiral. Stop the cycle by asking three questions: Can I control this? If yes, what’s my next step? If no, what can I control right now?
  5. Lean into Your Tribe. You’re not meant to do this alone. Surround yourself with people who call you up, not out—people who are running into the storm with you. Vulnerability isn’t weakness; it’s the first step toward growth. 
One Truth
Uncertainty isn’t going anywhere—but you get to choose how you respond to it. You can let it paralyze you, or you can use it as fuel to grow stronger, sharper, and more resilient. The choice is always yours.
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7 months ago
32 minutes

Grit Meets Growth
Who’s in Your Corner? Building a Tribe That Fuels You - Episode 101
Who’s in your corner?

The people you surround yourself with shape your mindset, habits, and growth. In this episode, we’re diving deep into the power of tribe—the people who challenge you, push you, and make you better. We’ll share personal stories, lessons learned, and the importance of both adding the right people and subtracting the wrong ones. If you’ve ever questioned who’s in your tribe—or if you even have one—this conversation is for you. Let’s go.

Here are five key takeaways from this episode of Grit Meets Growth:
  1. Your Tribe Shapes Your Growth – The people you surround yourself with impact your mindset, habits, and success. Choose those who challenge, support, and push you to be better.
  2. Addition and Subtraction Matter – Building your tribe isn’t just about adding the right people—it’s also about removing those who hold you back. Sometimes, subtraction is the key to real growth.
  3. Diversity Strengthens Your Circle – Your tribe shouldn’t be an echo chamber. Surround yourself with people who think differently, offer new perspectives, and challenge your assumptions.
  4. Accountability is Everything – Real tribe members hold you to your word, push you past your excuses, and help you see blind spots. Give the right people permission to challenge you.
  5. Be the Kind of Tribe Member You Want – Tribe isn’t just about receiving; it’s about giving. Show up for your people, pour into them, and be the kind of person who helps others grow.

OneTruth
Who you surround yourself with will either push you forward or hold you back—choose wisely.
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8 months ago
33 minutes

Grit Meets Growth
One Hundred Episodes and Counting: The Power of Consistency and Commitment - Episode 100
Episode 100. Here we are. A hundred episodes deep into this journey—one built on resilience, consistency, and a commitment to showing up no matter what. When we kicked off Episode 1, we didn’t know exactly where this would go. We just knew we wanted to have real, unfiltered conversations about growth, purpose, and pushing through the hard stuff. Now, looking back on the last four years, we’ve built something bigger than just a podcast. We’ve built a community, a space where people show up, lean in, and challenge themselves to be better. 
 
In this episode, we’re diving into the lessons learned, the stories that have shaped us, and the impact these conversations have had—not just for us, but for you, our listeners. So, let’s get into it. Episode 100. Here’s to the journey, the growth, and everything that comes next…
 
Five Key Takeaways:

Consistency Wins Every Time
No matter what you're working toward—whether it's launching a podcast, growing a business, or improving yourself—showing up consistently is the key. Progress always outweighs perfection, and taking action beats waiting for the perfect moment. 

You’re Capable of More Than You Think
We don’t give ourselves enough credit for how far we’ve come or how much we’re capable of. Growth happens when you step into the uncomfortable, push past self-doubt, and surround yourself with people who encourage you to take the leap. 

Your Environment Shapes Your Growth
The people you surround yourself with, the content you consume, and the conversations you engage in will either fuel your progress or hold you back. Choose to be around those who challenge and inspire you. 

Doing Hard Things Leads to Breakthroughs
Whether it's starting something new, having difficult conversations, or taking on an unfamiliar challenge, leaning into discomfort is where growth happens. The more you do it, the stronger you get. 

Community and Accountability Matter
Growth isn’t a solo journey. Having people who push you, challenge you, and remind you of your own words when you need them most is invaluable. Investing in relationships and surrounding yourself with the right people will take you further than you ever imagined. 


One Truth:
How you do one thing is how you do everything. The way you show up in one area of your life—whether it’s consistency in this podcast, discipline in the gym, or integrity in your relationships—bleeds into every other area. Growth, success, and impact all start with the small, daily choices you make.
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8 months ago
34 minutes

Grit Meets Growth
Limiting to Limitless: Your Beliefs Change Everything - Episode 99
Sometimes, we build invisible walls around ourselves—barriers that keep us stuck, playing small, and feeling like we’re not capable of more. But here’s the truth: everything in life was created by people no smarter than you, no more talented than you, and if they built it, so can you.

In this episode of Grit Meets Growth, we’re tackling limiting beliefs—the stories we tell ourselves that hold us back. We’re unpacking where they come from, how they keep us stuck, and most importantly, how to rewrite them so we can take control of our lives, our success, and our future. If you’ve ever told yourself, I can’t, I’m not good enough, or I don’t deserve it, this one’s for you. It’s time to challenge those lies, push past the excuses, and start believing in what’s possible. Let’s go.

FIVE TAKEAWAYS:


Limiting Beliefs Are Learned, Not Inherent – No one is born with limiting beliefs. They’re picked up over time from past experiences, failures, and the words of others. Recognizing that these beliefs were given to us means we have the power to challenge and rewrite them.


Your Excuses Are Comfortable Crutches – When we tell ourselves, They’re smarter than me, They had better opportunities, or I just can’t do it, we’re using those as convenient excuses to stay comfortable. Breaking free requires recognizing these as self-imposed barriers.


Your Beliefs Shape Your Actions, and Actions Shape Your Reality – If you believe you’re not good at something, your actions will reinforce that belief. But if you shift your mindset and take small, consistent steps, you can change your reality and create the success you once thought was out of reach.


Start Small, But Start Now – Too often, we want to start at the finish line instead of embracing the journey. You don’t need to be in the gym five days a week to call yourself a gym person. You just need to start. One step at a time, momentum builds.


You Deserve Success—Own It – Many people fear success as much as they fear failure. They question if they deserve to win, to be happy, or to be successful. The truth? You do. But only if you’re willing to put in the work, let go of other people’s opinions, and believe that you’re capable.

ONE TRUTH:
Your beliefs shape your actions, and your actions shape your reality. If you change what you believe about yourself, you change what’s possible.
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9 months ago
40 minutes

Grit Meets Growth
Chris Cathers and John Gamades bring you Grit Meets Growth... The podcast where we explore the power of getting uncomfortable, making things happen, and creating a magnetic life. Are you ready?

Chris Cathers is the co-founder and CEO of Octellient, an information security expert, advisor and coach, and a cancer survivor.

John Gamades is a co-founder and partner at the marketing agency OrangeBall Creative and the author of the Depth Not Width blog.

Both are proud husbands, dads, and leaders in all they do. Having experienced adversity, challenges, the pressure of being entrepreneurs, Grit Meets Growth is the authentic and raw sharing of their journeys.