Jen McClure shares her raw, inspiring story of trauma, hope, and transformation. Discover how faith, love, and determination helped her rise above life’s darkest moments—and how her journey can empower you to do the same.

Host David Hess sits down with Courtney Wargo, owner of Birch Tree Wellness Studio in Bath, MI. From a shocking VR accident that changed her life to building a thriving health and wellness practice, Courtney shares her journey, her favorite healing services, and why self-care is a necessity—not a luxur.

Dr. Becky Natrajan returns to dive deeper into gut health, Big Pharma, and the FDA. Learn how the system may be working against your health—and what you can do about it.

On Rising Above Podcast, Kent Nelson, martial arts expert and KSK Martial Arts Studio owner, shares his journey from garage classes to a thriving legacy. Discover the grit, mistakes, and resilience behind KSK, the life-changing impact of his teaching, and exclusive details on KSK’s 25th Anniversary Silat Camp (June 28–29, 2025). Learn more at https://www.kskmartialarts.com/.

In this episode of the Rising Above Podcast, host David Hess sits down with Noah Ballard, owner and CEO of Ballard Farrier Service. Noah shares what it takes to succeed in the farrier industry, how he built his business from the ground up, and the mindset required to thrive in a tough and physically demanding trade. Whether you’re interested in horses, entrepreneurship, or learning what goes on behind the scenes in a skilled trade, this conversation is full of valuable insights and inspiration from a true professional who’s been through it all.

Join Host David Hess and Co-Host Coach Tony as they sit down with Dr. Becky Natrajan, a retired gastroenterologist turned GI Health and Life Coach. In each episode, Dr. Becky shares her expertise on the life-changing benefits of safe, high-end nutritional products and cutting-edge nutritional approaches. Discover how to support your microbiome, optimize brain chemistry, strengthen your immune system, balance your endocrine system, and reduce inflammation—all while maintaining a healthy gut. Whether you’re looking to enhance your wellness or tackle inflammatory states, Dr. Becky offers practical, science-backed insights to guide you toward better choices and a healthier life. Tune in for expert advice, inspiring conversations, and actionable tips to transform your health from the inside out! Subscribe now on YouTube or Podbean for weekly episodes on gut health, nutrition, and holistic living. All Links Subscribe to our Patreon Join our Facebook Community Here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/risingabovecommunity Subscribe YouTube Follow X  

In this episode of the Rising Above Podcast, David and Coach Tony break down five essential mindset shifts that will set you up for success in your fitness journey—and beyond. Whether you’re just starting or looking to stay consistent, these principles will help you align your goals and stay motivated. 🔥 What You’ll Learn: ✅ Your Why – Discover the power of purpose and how it fuels your motivation. ✅ Pros and Cons – Learn how to weigh the benefits and challenges of your goals. ✅ Choosing the Right Trainer – Find out why the right coach can make all the difference. ✅ Patience – Understand why long-term progress comes from persistence. ✅ Preparing for Failure – See how setbacks can be stepping stones to success. If you’re ready to take control of your mindset and push past obstacles, this episode is for you. Tune in now and start crushing your goals! 🎯

Join us on the Rising Above Podcast as Ed Gangi shares his remarkable journey of self-discovery, uncovering the secrets surrounding his adoption during the Baby Scoop Era. Delve into Ed’s emotional quest to unveil his birth mother’s identity, revealing a story intertwined with fame, secrecy, and unexpected connections. Through resilience and determination, Ed’s journey culminates in the heartwarming reunion with his long-lost family, chronicled in his memoir, ”The Gift Best Given.”

Explore the exhilarating world of Capital City Comic Con, Michigan’s premier summer convention, on this episode of the Rising Above Podcast. Host Tim Hunt delves into the convention’s evolution, from its expansive exhibitor hall filled with top-quality vendors to its star-studded lineup of special guests. Join us as we uncover the secrets behind this SEO-optimized success and the impactful community initiatives driving its growth

Join us on the Rising Above Podcast as we explore the groundbreaking work of Evan Winters, Co-Founder & Vice President of Able Eyes. Discover how Able Eyes is transforming accessibility through virtual experiences and teaching tools, making cities and businesses more inclusive. Gain insights into Evan’s journey, from his dedication to fitness to his visionary approach in empowering individuals of all abilities.

Discover the inspiring journey of G’sta, a powerhouse in hip-hop, on Rising Above Podcast. Delve into his resilience, creativity, and plans for a new album, showcasing his enduring impact on the music scene. Join us as we explore the transformative story of a true artistic visionary.

Explore the captivating journey of R Town Snacks, a local chocolate haven where passion and innovation converge. From humble beginnings driven by a shared love for exceptional taste, the owners craft mouthwatering chocolates infused with coffee, creating a symphony of flavors that redefine indulgence.

Join Lisa Roland & Nini Champion on their record-setting 3,000-mile row across the Atlantic, where they brave challenges to raise funds for the Bridges Over Water program, aiding young adults exiting foster care. Their inspiring journey embodies resilience and compassion, showcasing the transformative impact of adventure in service of a greater cause.

Embark on a transformative journey with Eric Johnson as he shares his remarkable story of overcoming depression and shedding over 300 pounds. Through faith and determination, Eric’s journey from darkness to liberation serves as a beacon of hope for those battling with their own weight—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. Join us as we uncover the keys to breaking free and embracing divine purpose in ”The Weight Is Over” podcast episode.

Join host David Hess on the Rising Above Podcast as he interviews Autumn Weston, fourth-generation owner of Kewpee’s, Lansing’s iconic Olive Burger joint. Discover the century-long legacy of Kewpee’s and the challenges faced, alongside Autumn’s heartfelt appreciation for her hardworking employees.

In this engaging episode of the Rising Above Podcast, host David Hess reconnects with Daniel Kantor, the driving force behind Hard Court Dojo. Dive into the ongoing journey of shaping young basketball dreams and discover Daniel’s latest role as Corporate Sponsorship Manager for the Lansing Lugnuts, offering a unique blend of grassroots sports impact and professional sports management insights.

Explore Sammy Vona’s transformative journey from darkness to light in a profound episode of the Rising Above Podcast. Witness how losing his sight became the catalyst for a clearer perspective, as Sammy shares his inspiring story of redemption and resilience.

Dive into the incredible journey of Chris Murphy on the latest episode of the Rising Above Podcast! Recorded live, Chris shares his inspiring 300lb weight loss story on The Weighting Table. Tune in now for a powerful dose of motivation!

In this episode of ’Rising Above,’ Frances Fomai opens up about her journey through the challenges of parenting, loss, and self-discovery. She discusses the raw struggles of adulting, the breakdown of family communication, and the pivotal moments that led to transformative change. Join host David and Frances for a candid conversation that inspires resilience and showcases the power of rising above life’s adversities.

Join us for a special live-recorded episode on the Rising Above Podcast, where Emiline Grace unfolds her mother Laura Dingee's incredible journey from homelessness to triumph. This episode is not just a retelling but a unique opportunity to experience the authenticity and emotion of their story in real-time. We invite you to be a part of this intimate conversation, gaining immediate insights into the shared experiences and resilience that have defined Emiline and Laura's path. The Rising Above Podcast is proud to present this live episode, offering a genuine and unfiltered exploration of overcoming challenges and embracing success. As you listen, we hope you enjoy the spontaneity and raw emotions that come with a live recording. This is not just a narrative; it's a real, unscripted conversation that captures the essence of their journey. Be prepared for moments of inspiration, vulnerability, and triumph, as Emiline and Laura share their hearts with you. Your support means the world to us, and if you resonate with the Rising Above Podcast's mission, consider becoming a Patreon Supporter. Your contribution helps us continue bringing these powerful and uplifting stories to a wider audience. Support On Patreon To stay connected and be a part of our community, visit our website: Rising Above Podcast For a sneak peek into Laura's compelling story, check out the previous episode: Homeless & Drug Addicted Laura Dingee's Story of Success. It serves as a powerful prelude to the live-recorded episode, giving you a glimpse into the transformative journey you're about to witness. Thank you for being a part of this journey with us. We hope you enjoy this live recording as much as we enjoyed bringing it to you. Get ready for a heartfelt and authentic experience on the Rising Above Podcast.