In this powerful episode of the Early Accountability Podcast, host Kimi Walker welcomes Laura Bratton, speaker, coach, author, and resilience advocate. Laura shares her remarkable journey of navigating life after losing her vision as a teenager due to a rare retinal eye disease. With candor and compassion, Laura discusses the emotional and practical challenges that came with her transition to blindness—highlighting the critical roles of family, friends, and community support in her healing and adaptation process.

The conversation dives deep into the themes of resilience, self-advocacy, and navigating change with courage and gratitude. Laura opens up about becoming the first blind student to receive a Master’s of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary, tackling both internal and external obstacles along the way. She breaks down her trademarked approach of “Experiencing Grit and Gratitude” and offers listeners tangible strategies for facing setbacks, validating emotions, and moving forward moment by moment. Whether you’re grappling with change or helping others through life’s storms, this episode is a testament to the strength we find when we accept both the grit and the grace within ourselves. As Laura reminds us, “You are enough—right now, as you are.”

Topics Covered in This Episode

• Laura’s personal journey through vision loss and her path to resilience
• The transformative power of supportive relationships during major life transitions
• Advocating for yourself and adapting to new environments, like graduate school
• The true definition of grit and gratitude in facing adversity
• Practical steps to ground yourself during setbacks or major changes
• Rethinking resilience: validating emotions and taking small steps forward

About Laura Bratton

Laura Bratton was diagnosed with an eye disease at the age of nine and, over the next decade, faced the difficult transition to life without sight. Despite these challenges, she graduated with a BA in psychology from Arizona State University and went on to become the first blind student to earn a Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary. Laura is the author of Harnessing Courage and the founder of Ubi Global, where she provides speaking and coaching to empower people to overcome obstacles with grit and gratitude

Connect with Laura Bratton

• Website: https://www.laurabratton.com/
• Email: laura@laurabratton.com

Connect with Kimi Walker:

• Visit: earlyaccountability.com
• LinkedIn: Kimi Walker
• Facebook: Kimi Walker
• Instagram: Kimi Walker
• YouTube: Kimi Walker

In this moving episode of the Early Accountability Podcast, host Kimi Walker welcomes Jamal Powell, Christian rap artist turned author and motivational speaker. Jamal shares his deeply personal story chronicled in his book A Marriage Broken by Covid, taking listeners through the heartbreak and resilience his family experienced when the pandemic turned his world upside down. As Jamal recounts the separation and reconciliation in his marriage, the terrifying battle his wife faced with Covid-19, and the sudden demands of new fatherhood—all experienced amidst uncertainty and grief—he also traces how faith, persistence, and reframing hardship as opportunity became his most powerful tools.

Listeners will be inspired by Jamal’s “diamond mindset,” his commitment to turning pain into purpose, and how visibility and storytelling can foster healing. Jamal opens up about the practical and spiritual disciplines that helped him endure prolonged adversity and transform brokenness into renewed strength and deeper gratitude. This episode is a testament to the power of perseverance, the importance of social support, and never giving up, no matter how bleak life may seem—a radiant reminder that diamonds truly are forged under pressure.

Topics Covered in This Episode

• Turning loss and hardship into lessons of resilience and hope
• The transformative power of faith during times of crisis
• Embracing the “diamond mindset” to emerge stronger from adversity
• The role of accountability, visibility, and community in personal growth
• Practical spiritual and mindset disciplines for enduring tough times
• The importance of sharing your story to inspire and help others

About Jo’mel Williams Powell

Jo’mel Williams Powell is a Detroit-based author, speaker, and former gospel rap artist whose story is as powerful as it is redemptive. When his pregnant wife contracted COVID-19 in 2021, Jo’mel was suddenly thrust into single fatherhood as she remained in long-term care. Out of this life-altering hardship, he discovered what he calls the “Diamond Mindset”—a belief that life’s pressure can reveal hidden strength, purpose, and spiritual clarity. Today, Jo’mel shares his story to help others transform pain into power. He is the author of A Marriage Broken by COVID Produced Diamonds for You and speaks to audiences about resilience, faith, and healing through adversity.

Connect with Jo’mel Williams Powell

• Linktree (book, socials, and more): https://linktr.ee/AMarraigeBrokenCovid
• Instagram: @jomelwilliams
• Facebook: facebook.com/share/1A4EySpqzg
• TikTok: @diamondsforyou85
• Email: JomelWilliams85@gmail.com

Connect with Kimi Walker:

• Visit: earlyaccountability.com
• LinkedIn: Kimi Walker
• Facebook: Kimi Walker
• Instagram: 

In this inspiring episode of the Early Accountability Podcast, host Kimi Walker welcomes Mitchell Osmond, high-performance coach and founder of Dad Nation, a transformative movement and podcast empowering career-driven men to reclaim their home, health, and happiness. Mitchell opens up about his powerful personal journey—growing up in a dysfunctional family, grappling with self-sabotage, and facing financial, marital, and health crises, only to transform his life and now uplift thousands of men through his mission-based community and coaching practice.

Throughout the conversation, Kimi and Mitchell dive into the challenges that high-performing individuals face when trying to balance professional ambition with personal relationships and self-care. Mitchell shares the practical frameworks he uses, including the Life Report Card, boundary setting, and his “four Cs” of leadership: community, clarity, consistency, and confidence. Whether discussing how to define success on your own terms, strategies for creating lasting habits, or the importance of modeling legacy for your family, Mitchell offers actionable wisdom and a reminder that true impact starts at home—and that intentionality, accountability, and grace are the keys to lasting change.

Topics Covered in This Episode

• Reclaiming home, health, and happiness through intentional accountability
• The “Life Report Card” and redefining balance across life’s seasons
• How to set clear boundaries and prioritize what truly matters
• The four pillars of leadership: community, clarity, consistency, and confidence
• Building legacy by modeling behaviors and breaking generational cycles
• Systems, time-blocking, and the Eisenhower Matrix for focus and impact

About Mitchell Osmond

Mitchell Osmond is a leadership consultant, executive coach, and host of the Dad Nation Podcast, which reaches over 34,000 monthly listeners. With more than 15 years of senior leadership experience, Mitchell is passionate about helping high-performing individuals thrive not just in their careers, but also in their homes and personal lives. Through coaching, speaking engagements, and his digital presence, Mitchell empowers men to lead with purpose, balance success across all areas of life, and build lasting legacies. His mission is clear—help leaders win at work without losing at home.

Connect with Mitchell Osmond

• Instagram: @dadnationco
• Email: mitchell@dadnationco.com

Connect with Kimi Walker:

• Visit: earlyaccountability.com
• LinkedIn: Kimi Walker
• Facebook: Kimi Walker
• Instagram: Kimi Walker
• YouTube: Kimi Walker

In this energizing episode of the Early Accountability Podcast, host Kimi Walker welcomes Dr. Ryan Gottfredson, a leadership development coach, author, researcher, and consultant, who specializes in helping leaders and organizations unlock their greatest potential through the power of mindset. Dr. Gottfredson shares his personal journey from a transformative high school sports psychology class to becoming a professor at California State University, Fullerton, and an internationally recognized consultant and author of three influential books, including Success Mindsets, The Elevated Leader, and his newest release, Becoming Better: The Groundbreaking Science of Personal Transformation.

Together, Kimi and Ryan dig deep into what it truly means to lead—not just in action, but in being. They unravel the crucial distinction between the “doing” and “being” sides of self-development and how traditional focus on skills and tactics often overlooks the inner operating system that shapes leadership, growth, and personal transformation. Dr. Gottfredson introduces practical strategies for vertical development, the role of self-awareness, and actionable techniques for cultivating foundational mindsets. Their conversation is packed with powerful analogies, real-world examples, and motivational reminders that elevating your impact always starts from within. Listeners will leave with a renewed understanding that sustainable progress and accountability are rooted in intentional self-elevation, not just checking off to-dos.

Topics Covered in This Episode

• The difference between “doing” and “being” in leadership and personal growth
• How vertical development upgrades your inner operating system for lasting transformation
• Mindset shifts foundational to consistent, resilient leadership
• Self-awareness as the critical early step toward meaningful change
• Practical tools to regulate reactivity and increase intentionality (e.g., meditation, journaling)
• Distinguishing between self-serving and service-oriented leadership for maximizing team impact

About Ryan Gottfredson

Dr. Ryan Gottfredson is a pioneering leadership development expert, best-selling author, and mindset researcher. As a professor at California State University–Fullerton, Ryan blends academic insight with practical strategies to help leaders elevate their thinking and performance. He is the author of acclaimed books including Success Mindsets, The Elevated Leader, and Becoming Better, all of which focus on the power of vertical development and mindset transformation. Through his consulting work, Ryan partners with organizations to create more self-aware, adaptable, and effective leaders by rewiring the way they think.

Connect with Ryan Gottfredson

• Website: https://ryangottfredson.com
• Email: ryan@ryangottfredson.com

Connect with Kimi Walker:

• Visit: earlyaccountability.com
• LinkedIn: Kimi Walker
• Facebook: Kimi Walker
• Instagram: Kimi...

In this inspiring episode of the Early Accountability Podcast, host Kimi Walker welcomes Wilk Wilkinson, host of the "Derate the Hate" podcast and Director of Media Systems and Operations at Braver Angels. Together, they delve into Wilk’s powerful journey from overcoming childhood bullying to becoming a champion for depolarization, personal accountability, and emotional resilience. Wilk shares how early experiences formed his perspective on taking charge of one’s reactions, detailing his transformation from holding onto hurt to finding peace through self-accountability and gratitude.

Listeners will gain actionable insights and heartfelt strategies for turning adversity into growth. Wilk discusses the foundational values of his work: bettering the world one attitude at a time, learning from mistakes, and embracing gratitude as a way to shift mindset. He illustrates how to apply these concepts, from handling daily frustrations to navigating major life setbacks, and encourages everyone to recognize the freedom found in choosing one’s response. This episode is filled with motivational takeaways, reminding us that while we cannot always control what happens to us, we can absolutely control how we react—and that shift can be truly life-changing.

Topics Covered in This Episode:

• Turning adversity and bullying into personal growth and accountability
• The mission and evolution of Derate the Hate podcast
• Tools for emotional regulation and choosing your response to challenges
• The role of gratitude in reshaping mindset and daily habits
• How to measure personal growth without traditional metrics
• Vulnerability, visibility, and the impact of sharing your story for collective change

About Wilk Wilkinson

Wilk Wilkinson is a devoted husband, father, Christian conservative, and the host of the Derate The Hate podcast. Raised in rural towns across the upper Midwest, Wilk’s early years were shaped by hardship, bullying, and a relentless drive to create a better future. Starting work at just 10 years old, he learned valuable lessons about perseverance, empathy, and self-reliance. Today, Wilk uses his platform to promote civility, gratitude, and personal accountability, offering insights rooted in real-life experience. Through his podcast and leadership role with Braver Angels, Wilk helps others navigate differences with compassion and build bridges across divides.

Connect with Wilk Wilkinson

• Website: https://deratethehate.com
• Email: wilk@wilksworld.com

Connect with Kimi Walker:

• Visit: earlyaccountability.com
• LinkedIn: Kimi Walker
• Facebook: Kimi Walker
• Instagram: Kimi Walker
• YouTube: Kimi Walker

In this powerful episode of the Early Accountability Podcast, host Kimi Walker sits down with Zulma Williams, licensed clinical social worker, motivational speaker, and founder of Dragonfly Therapy Services. Affectionately known to her audience as “The Swearing Therapist,” Zulma shares her remarkable journey from Buenos Aires to the United States, where she began her bachelor’s degree in social work at age 42 and earned her master’s at 50, all while battling breast cancer and rebuilding her life with purpose and grit. With candor and authenticity, she recounts how her own battles with trauma, anxiety, depression, and major life changes led her to embrace therapy as a calling and forge a career grounded in resilience, humor, and real talk.

Throughout the conversation, Zulma and Kimi explore the importance of consistency, self-compassion, and showing up for yourself one day or one moment at a time. Zulma introduces her empowering approach to therapy, which includes cognitive-behavioral strategies, boundary-setting, and helping clients identify and challenge negative thought patterns. Using memorable metaphors and a no-nonsense attitude, she encourages listeners to become their own heroes by acknowledging their inner strength, embracing progress over perfection, and using life's toughest moments as catalysts for transformation. Her mantra, “I had cancer, cancer didn’t have me,” is a rallying cry for anyone facing adversity.

Topics Covered

• Pursuing a new career path later in life and overcoming personal adversity
• Using cognitive behavioral therapy to reframe negative thoughts
• Strategies for managing anxiety and depression with real-life tools
• Embracing imperfection and showing up with your best effort each day
• How to know when therapy is working and when it might be time to take a break
• Becoming your own hero by recognizing past resilience and celebrating small wins

About Zulma Williams:

Zulma Williams was born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and immigrated to the United States at the age of 31. At 42, she began her Bachelor of Social Work program, graduating at 46 in December 2011. Just two months later, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a lumpectomy. She returned to Argentina for three years before moving back to the U.S. in 2015.

At age 50, Zulma enrolled in a Master of Social Work program, completed her internship, and became fully licensed in 2018. She is the founder of Dragonfly Therapy Services and specializes in trauma, anxiety, and depression.

Connect with Zulma Williams

• Website: https://www.dragonflytherapyservices.net
• Instagram: @theswearingtherapist
• YouTube: @theswearingtherapist
• Facebook: DragonflyTSLV
• LinkedIn: Zulma Williams
• Email: dragonflytslv@gmail.com

Connect with Kimi Walker:

On this special milestone episode of the Early Accountability Podcast, host Kimi Walker celebrates her show’s 200th episode with a heartfelt solo reflection. Kimi, a dedicated behavior change and improvement catalyst, opens up about the podcast’s journey—tracing its humble beginnings through stretches of hiatus and the immense growth and transformation that followed. She shares candid stories of her own challenges behind the mic, the evolution of the show’s format, and the lessons learned from stepping outside her comfort zone, such as embracing panel discussions and welcoming repeat guests.

Throughout the episode, Kimi highlights the power of perseverance, self-reflection, and honoring the ebbs and flows of life and personal goals. She encourages listeners to commit to what counts, be unafraid of pivots or pauses, and seek purposeful progress over mindless productivity. With warmth and authenticity, Kimi reminds us that it’s okay to shift focus across different domains of life, get comfortable with the uncomfortable, and to continually challenge our own self-imposed limits. As she looks ahead to an exciting relaunch of the Early Accountability community and the upcoming summit, Kimi’s message is clear: your journey matters, and the best is yet to come.

• The journey to 200 episodes: overcoming sabbaticals, self-doubt, and persistence
• Embracing transformation: pivoting podcast formats, introducing panels, and welcoming repeat guests
• The importance of meaningful, aligned action over checking tasks off a list
• Permission to pause: honoring life’s seasons and shifting priorities across wellness domains
• Building a community for accountability, support, and shared growth
• Upcoming Early Accountability Summit and new resources for listeners

• Website: https://kimiwalker.com
• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kimiwalker
• Instagram: www.instagram/kimifitwell

In this moving episode of the Early Accountability Podcast, host Kimi Walker sits down with award-winning financial educator and author Matt Paradise to explore his powerful story of redemption, resilience, and purpose. Matt takes listeners on a deeply personal journey, from facing homelessness and addiction in his teenage years to overcoming a rare and life-threatening cancer diagnosis in adulthood. Along the way, he shares how mentors, recovery, and a spiritual foundation helped him not only survive but thrive, eventually dedicating over two decades to financial education and launching his own mission-driven business.

Matt and Kimi dive into the concept of whole health wealth, a holistic approach to financial wellness that prioritizes mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being alongside money management. Matt unpacks societal myths around money, explains how trauma and behavioral patterns influence our financial choices, and emphasizes the power of taking the next best step, even in times of uncertainty. With warmth and wisdom, Matt reminds listeners that no matter where they start, healing, growth, and hope are always within reach.

Topics Covered in This Episode:

• Transforming trauma into purpose through resilience and mentorship
• Breaking cycles of financial trauma and building whole health wealth
• The emotional side of money and why personal finance must stay personal
• How addiction, recovery, and spiritual growth shaped Matt’s journey
• Navigating uncertainty and taking the next best step with confidence
• Financial wellness as a foundation for emotional and relational well-being

About Matt Paradise

Matt Paradise is a Financial Wellness Speaker, award-winning author, and a living example of resilience. From homeless teen to millionaire, Matt now helps organizations reduce employee financial stress to boost focus, productivity, and performance. His inspiring story of survival and success, marked by overcoming bile duct cancer and a liver transplant, makes him relatable and memorable. Today, Matt's practical tools help leaders and teams overcome financial stress, resulting in stronger individuals and better business growth.

Connect with Matt

• Website: https://www.mattparadise.com/
• Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-paradise/
• Email: Matt@mattparadise.com

Connect with Kimi Walker:

· Visit: earlyaccountability.com

· LinkedIn: Kimi Walker

· Facebook: Kimi Walker

· Instagram: Kimi Walker

· YouTube: