💥 Meet Traci Kristine O'Brien 💥

My wife Traci Kristine OBrien is one of the bravest, most resilient people I know — and on Monday, you’ll hear why.

Her career took her across the globe, serving as a civilian with the U.S. Government and Department of the Army. She was deployed not once, not twice, but THREE times to Iraq and Afghanistan. Not in a combat role — but in the thick of it. Mortars hit their bases. Danger was constant. And yet, she showed up, did the work, and made a difference.

She’s seen things most of us can’t imagine. And she’s finally sharing her story — the grit, the chaos, the humanity — in her own words.

🎙️hear Traci’s journey. It’s raw, powerful, and unforgettable. Funny too. We had a blast doing this one.

#TraciKristineOBrien #RealStories #Resilience #PodcastDrop #BehindTheUniform #WomenWhoLead

🎙️ Taking Chances – Why Not You? is back with a powerhouse episode featuring the one and only John DeDoncker

He’s 61 years old. He’s a 9-time Leadville Trail 100 finisher. He’s crushed the Lead Challenge. And he’s still out there doing what most people only dream of—finishing one of the hardest 100-mile trail races on the planet 💪

📉 Finisher rate? Around 50% each year.

👴 Over 60? Less than 25%.

🔥 John? Still getting it done.

We dive deep into: 🏃‍♂️ Training strategies

🥗 Nutrition that fuels the grind

🧢 Gear that works

🧠 Coaching insights

🎯 Tips for crossing that elusive finish line

If you’ve ever wondered how someone keeps showing up, year after year, and defying the odds—this episode is your blueprint.

🎧 Tune in, get inspired, and maybe start asking yourself…

Why not me?

#TakingChancesPodcast #LeadvilleTrail100 #EnduranceLegend #WhyNotYou #TrailRunning #PodcastDrop #JohnDeDoncker #LeadChallenge #MasterAthlete #TrailTips #RunningOver60 #GritAndGrace

🎙️ Taking Chances – Why Not You?

🎤 Andy Yohe – He’s a living testament to resilience, reinvention, and the power of sport to heal and elevate. Born with hockey in his blood, he started on the roller rinks of Bettendorf, Iowa as a member of the Young Guns.

But in 1994, everything changed—an accident left him without both legs. Most would’ve called it the end. But for Yohe, it was just the beginning of a new kind of fight.

Fast forward to 2003: he’s back on the ice, this time with the RIC Blackhawks, and his scoring touch is undeniable.

By 2006, he’s representing Team USA in Torino, Italy, helping secure a bronze 🥉 at the Paralympic Winter Games.

Four years later in Vancouver? Gold 🏆🥇.

And in 2014, after a three-season break, he returns—not just as a player, but as captain of the U.S. Paralympic Sled Hockey Team, leading them to another gold in Sochi. 🏆🥇🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

Three Paralympic medals. Two World Championship podiums. And a legacy that stretches far beyond the rink.

Andy Yohe (thank you!)

🎙️ Podcast Intro: Taking Chances – Why Not You?

Today’s episode is personal. It’s about grit, sacrifice, and the kind of quiet strength that doesn’t ask for applause—but damn well deserves it.

Our guest is my dad, John Joseph O'Brien Jr., born and raised in Peabody, Massachusetts. A proud Peabody High graduate, he joined the United States Marine Corps in 1962, served in Vietnam, and came home in 1966 to start a new chapter—one marked by hard work, humility, and unwavering dedication.

He clocked third shift at GE Aircraft Engines in Lynn, Massachusetts, held down two jobs, and raised three boys—me, John Joseph O'Brien III, along with my brothers Michael and Mathew. Back then, he was making $100 a week. But what he gave us was priceless: a blueprint for resilience, responsibility, and love.

He’s 81 years old now—and still works every single day. That’s not just longevity. That’s legacy.

We lost my mom, his wife, on September 16th, 2001—just days after 9/11. She battled small cell lung cancer with grace and courage. Her absence is felt deeply, but her spirit lives on in the man who never stopped showing up.

This episode is for anyone who’s ever wondered if they have what it takes. My dad didn’t ask “Why me?”—he lived “Why not me?” And today, we honor that.

Let’s dive in.

🎙️ Podcast Intro: “Taking Chances – Why Not You?” featuring Stacia Carroll

🎙️ Taking Chances – Why Not You?

From marathons to muscle, we’ve explored what the body can do. But this episode? It’s about what the heart dares to do.

Stacia Carroll's story isn’t just about fitness—it’s about sacrifice.

She’s a Certified Cancer Exercise Specialist (University of Northern Colorado - Rocky Mountain Cancer Rehabilitation Institute) & Medical Exercise Specialist (American Council on Exercise).

Live2Give💚 a living organ donor who didn’t stop after two failed attempts.

Stacia Carroll gave part of her liver to a stranger, proving that grit, faith, and a whole lot of heart can change lives.

This episode dives into what drives someone to say yes when most would say “someday.”

💥 Discomfort is temporary. Impact is forever. Let’s go.

Become a donor: https://www.iowadonornetwork.org/

YMCA of the Iowa Mississippi Valley https://www.ymcaimv.org/livestrong-at-the-ymca/

Next Monday September 8th: https://www.youtube.com/@takingchanceswhynotyou/videos

🎙️ Podcast Intro: Kevin Bullard Today’s guest is the kind of man who doesn’t just chase greatness—he pedals, swings, and drives straight through it.

Born during a snowstorm in Rome, Georgia and raised in the small town of Cedartown, Kevin Bullard’s story starts on two wheels at age three and never slows down. By ten he was a BMX National Champion. By college, a power-hitting catcher breaking records at Armstrong State. And by his twenties, he was suiting up for the Arizona Diamondbacks.

But Kevin’s story isn’t just about athletic dominance—it’s about heart, hustle, and the kind of family-first grit that turns champions into legends. After stepping away from pro baseball to raise his son, Kevin picked up a golf club and launched a second career in long drive competitions, sending balls over 400 yards and collecting titles like they were tee markers.

Now, he’s a successful entrepreneur in the insurance world, a proud father of two, and a man who knows how to entertain a crowd—whether it’s on the field, the fairway, or the corporate stage.

From BMX tracks to boardrooms, Kevin Bullard is proof that small-town roots can grow into big-time impact. Buckle up—this episode is a wild ride through wins, wisdom, and the power of showing up for the people who matter most.

Let’s dive in.

🎙️ Taking Chances – Why Not You? with Phil Young!!!

Phil is living proof that chasing big dreams—on foot and in business—can lead to extraordinary places. Meet Phil Young, owner of Fleet Feet Davenport, recently named one of the best shoe stores in America.

But Phil’s not just lacing up success in retail—he’s also one of the fastest humans to ever run 100 miles, holding one of the top times in the world. Yes, you heard that right.

In this episode, we dive into what it takes to build a nationally recognized business, the mindset behind ultra-endurance running, and why taking chances isn’t just for the bold—it’s for anyone ready to ask, “Why not me?”

From shoes to strategy, grit to gratitude—this one’s got it all. Let’s go.

#podcast #motivation #ultrarrunner #Tunnelhill #FleetFeet #PhilYoung

#InspiringVoices #RealTalkRealPeople #DiverseStoriesMatter #CommunityBuilders

Welcome back to Taking Chances – Why Not You?, the show where bold moves, transformative stories, and fearless leadership take center stage.

Today’s guest is someone who doesn’t just shape narratives—she builds legacies. We’re joined by Beth Jannery, Founder and President of Titan Strategic Communications, a trusted thought partner to CEOs and a master of executive positioning. With over two decades of experience, Beth has led high-stakes initiatives like a $1 billion global rebrand and helped define the voice of industry giants, including Raytheon Technologies.

But her impact doesn’t stop at the corporate level. Beth brings a powerful blend of strategic insight and academic leadership, sharing her expertise as a member of the Fast Company Executive Board and the Forbes Business Council. Whether she’s advising top executives or teaching the art of storytelling, Beth is a force in the world of communications.

In this episode, we dive into the mindset behind bold strategy, the power of authentic leadership, and why storytelling isn’t just a skill—it’s a strategic advantage. So lean in, take notes, and get ready to be inspired.

Because if Beth Jannery can take chances and shape industries…why not you?

🔗 Connect with Beth on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethjannery/