Brink of Greatness – America Out Loud News

Every young girl and boy have been asked the question; 'What do you want to be when you grow up?' For boys, it was an athlete, astronaut, doctor, scientist, policeman, or a fire fighter. For girls, a teacher, veterinarian, singer, actress, dancer, or artist would have been a typical answer. The answer kids give to that question is changing, and if Stephanie Hein, Julia Haried or Elizabeth Engele have anything to say about it, those typical stereotype answers will become a thing of the past. There has been great progress over the years, but consider that women make up half of the total college-educated workforce in the United States, however they are only 29 percent of the overall science and engineering workforce. “One of the main reasons why girls aren’t interested in the STEM fields is that there is a lack of role models," explains Stephanie Hein. "Young girls don’t see many women in STEM fields and because of that, they don’t see themselves pursuing those fields. If more women pursue careers in STEM, then that can serve as a significant source of inspiration for young girls.” Founded in a social entrepreneurship class at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Co-Founders, Julia Haried and Elizabeth Engele, were inspired by the question "What bothers you?"  They want to inspire girls to be active in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, so that young ladies can begin that process of understanding that they can do anything that they can dream up or print out in this case. MakerGirl was created to inspire young girls to pursue STEM fields through 3D printing sessions. Julia and Elizabeth hired Stephanie Hein as CEO of MakerGirl in the fall of 2018; Stephanie has her own unique story in how she became involved. But it was when Stephanie raised money through a Kickstarter program, and took the program on the road from coast to coast to inspire young girls to get involved⏤that changed everything! The story continues on the Brink of Greatness Podcast… The Next Leap Forward Before her role as CEO, Stephanie Hein served as MakerGirl’s Engagement Director in 2016 and assisted raising over $30,000 through a Kickstarter campaign and organized #MakerGirlGoesMobile, a 10,000 mile cross-country road trip that brought 3D printing sessions to over 1,000 girls in rural and underserved communities across the country. They are preparing now for the next cross-country trip as they take to the road once again to raise awareness and help provide a path forward for the next generation of big-thinkers. For Further Insight: Website: https://makergirl.us/ Donate: https://makergirl.us/take-action

Afghanistan is one of the world's most heavily landmine contaminated countries, and the impact to the civilian population as well as our military soldiers is the leading cause of injuries and death. A report was issued from the United Nations in October 2018 calling on militants in Afghanistan to stop using improvised explosive devices, “The killing and maiming of Afghan civilians by improvised explosive devises, particularly suicide devices, has reached extreme levels in Afghanistan.” Rob Jones We are seeing the decline of IED use in other areas of the world, but not Afghanistan, where it continues to rise. It is the weapon of choice the Taliban and the local Islamic State affiliate use to rein terror on both the local population and military forces. The impact on military, police and even peacekeepers is incredibly disruptive. Americans military forces have trained personnel that understand these  explosive devices, and how to detect the IEDs that are meticulously buried in the Afghanistan landscape. Rob Jones was trained and specialized in finding these explosive devices and would typically work to secure the area prior to troops moving in.  In Rob Jones words, "I deployed to Habbaniyah, Iraq in 2008, and again to Delaram/Sangin, Afghanistan in 2010. During my deployment to Afghanistan while operating as a part of a push into Taliban territory, I was tasked with clearing an area with a high likelihood of containing an IED. It was in this capacity that I was wounded in action by a land mine. The injury resulted in a left knee dis-articulation and a right above knee amputation of my legs." It was now the moment of truth for Rob. Since failure was not an option, he quickly assessed the situation and determined the best cause of action for him was to focus on his family and friends⏤instead of his own problems and challenges. This would be one of the biggest keys to getting Rob over these upcoming hurdles he was sure to face as he set out to reclaim his life. And reclaim his life he did... The story continues on the Brink of Greatness Podcast… The Next Leap Forward "I skipped all the doubting myself, being depressed, and feeling sorry for myself," says Rob, "I just went straight to trying to achieve all that I wanted to achieve which was having a meaningful life." Rob has achieved incredible feats, US Rowing Man of the Year, Rode bicycle 5200 miles across America raising money for wounded veteran charities. Ran 31 Marathons, in 31 Cities, in 31 Days. Raising tens of thousands of dollars for worthy causes, and as Rob says, "The Mission Continues"... For Further Insight: Website: http://www.robjonesjourney.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robjonesjourney/ Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RobJonesJourney

It should have been a happy time, fresh off her retirement, Ria had set off across the country to visit her sister in Johannesburg, South Africa. As they pulled into a friends townhouse, some men had rushed the vehicle in an attempt to carjack⏤in the process they shot and killed Ria's sister.  Ria Pieters "For some unexplained reason they spared my life," explains Ria Pieters. "In one moment, I lost my sister, the next I lost my feeling of safety and then I had anxiety attacks. I was a mess.". Life changed dramatically for Ria Pieters, anxiety attacks, panic, insecurity⏤something had to change if she was to survive. It was the night that one of these attacks prevented her from unlocking the door to her own home, she froze, and had to get assistance to walk into her own home. That very next morning, she confessed to a friend that she was seriously considering leaving the country. Her friend had a different reaction... “I get so fed-up with every one that wants to leave the country instead of helping and making a difference. On our own doorstep is a township with a 60% unemployment. Do something about that and they will not resort to crime” That night Ria read 2 Cor 12:9, “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me” Listen in to this remarkable story and see what Ria Pieters has done with her life! The story continues on the Brink of Greatness Podcast… The Next Leap Forward Today Ria Pieters is the Founder and Principal (as needed) of the Ithemba Family support centre. Ithemba means HOPE. The primary aim is to create a stimulating and loving environment for the children, where they can receive a balanced meal each day as well as medical care if and when needed.  Ria Pieters is an extraordinary woman. She is a leader, a kind soul with the natural gift and desire to help others. Through her determination and outlook to the future⏤she is making a significant contribution to future generations. She is impacting lives in a big way! For Further Insight: Website: https://www.ithembafsc.org/ Get Involved Here: https://www.ithembafsc.org/get-involved.html

Janelle had not a clue that when she contacted her friend at a local homeless shelter for her own daughter⏤who needed service hours for school⏤that it would turn into a life changing experience. It broke her heart when she discovered a family living in the shelter with two young girls just weeks before the holiday. She struggled with the idea that these two girls were living in a shelter with their parents at Christmas time. Janelle Towne understood the beauty of Christmas and as the mother of five children; she knew the impact the holiday season had on children. She decided to do something about it. A simple idea to raise awareness and provide a few gifts to the family. Janelle sent out about 50 emails inviting friends to her home two weeks before Christmas and asked everyone to bring gift cards, wrapping paper and tape for the family. The idea was to assist the children's parents and give them the opportunity to provide the kind of gifts that only a parent would know their son or daughter would want. The response was more than she could have ever expected. She called the fundraiser “Fill in the Gap” and it generated $4900 worth of gift cards. The cards were spread out to all the families utilizing the shelter in order to buy gifts for their families. But it didn't stop there, the gifts kept coming, the garage became a makeshift storage unit. A Facebook group was set up and momentum started to build. Janelle was ready to move on with her life when her friend Tina, the director back at the shelter had another request... Janelle met her for lunch and knew that this was going to become much more than she ever expected! When Janelle's husband Mike asked if he could have his garage back for the car⏤it was a moment that would change everything... The story continues on the Brink of Greatness Podcast… The Next Leap Forward The Home 2 Home Project extends a helping hand to individuals and families in need as they transition into a new home. Many of our clients arrive in a new home with little to no belongings, and although they are employed, almost all live below the poverty line. The Home 2 Home Project collects gently used furniture and household goods from donations received from surrounding communities and repurposes them to create a warm, beautiful and welcoming environment for our clients. The ultimate goal is to create a living space where our clients not only have their basic needs met but feel proud to come home. For Further Insight: Website: https://www.theh2hproject.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/home2homeproject/

A high achiever at school, Jessica’s life completely changed at the end of 2005, when she caught a virus that her body just couldn’t get over. She tried to push forward with a ‘stiff upper lip’ but fell into a rapid decline and by May the following year could not get into school anymore. From a darkened world, bound by four walls, Jessica tells the tale of her battle against the M.E Monster. The severest form of a neuro immune disease called Myalgic Encephalomyelitis went to war with her at just 15 years old. From beneath her dark glasses, Jessica glimpses a world far different from the one she remembers as a teenage school girl. This true story follows her path as she ends up living in hospital for years with tubes keeping her alive. This harrowing story follows the highs and lows of the disease and being hospitalized, captured through her voice activated technology diary called `Bug' that enables her to fulfill her dream of one day becoming an author. It provides a raw, real-time honesty to the story that would be impossible to capture in hindsight. The story continues on the Brink of Greatness Podcast… BUY THE BOOK: A Girl Behind Dark Glasses The Next Leap Forward In a word, PERSEVERANCE. Jessica fought through the battles, one by one. She set her mind on what could be and then she worked toward those goals. In spite of everything she had experienced in her own life, Jessica wanted to help other people who were struggling. In 2010, while still in the hospital, Jessica founded a charity to help seriously unwell children and young adults by treating them to stars, gifts, balloons and ‘happy boxes’.  For Further Insight: Website: http://www.jaytay.co.uk/  Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/DarkGlassesBook Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWorldOfOneRoom/ Founder: http://shareastar.org/

Emily Kustka found joy differently than most nine year olds. She enjoyed going with Grandma Kathy to help feed the homeless. She loved the feeling she got in making people happy! As Emily explains it, "My favorite thing to do was serve lunch to the homeless in Downtown Raleigh with the Bread of Life Ministry." She quickly became frustrated in the way children were viewed and their lack of leadership roles for children volunteers; so in 2010, Emily created and organized her very first annual community food drive by posting notes throughout the neighborhood and asking folks for donations to feed the hungry. After finding out that people would give to a good cause when asked, Emily would continue that streak of successful food drives to the point where it became systematically in how she would approach each drive. She created a 5 step plan for each food drive⏤to insure maximum results. That 5 step plan is something she uses today to teach others the success metrics of a successful food drive. “Over the last eight years we’ve collected over 8,200 pounds of food, proving that you’re never too young to make a difference,” Emily explained about the food drives, providing more than 8,300 meals over the last eight years. There was a moment in all of this back in 2013 when she went with Grandma Kathy to Kentucky, a 'transformational moment', as Emily describes it that would change everything. The story continues on the Brink of Greatness Podcast… The Next Leap Forward The lessons we learn as children will guide us and stay with us for a lifetime. Those early lessons become part of our adult DNA. Emily Kustka is at that point of using all those childhood lessons for the greater good. Now at 18 years old, Emily Kustka ponders her next steps. As she prepares to go off to college, she has begun training others to keep the food drives working to help feed the hungry. But there is more⏤Emily has created a not-for-profit to help teach the next generation these same values. It's called Front Porch Leaders. "Kids are full of passion, optimism and energy, yet, they are often restricted by age limits from making a meaningful difference as volunteers. The goal of Front Porch Leaders is to create projects that provide kids of all ages the opportunity to make a large, measurable impact within their communities." For Further Insight: Website: https://www.frontporchleaders.org/

https://youtu.be/oBLboDZXUyQ “One day, I saw an elderly man cutting grass, and something just hit me. God was talking to me (saying)⏤‘Do something about it.’” It was that one split decision when Rodney Smith Jr. pulled his car to the side of the road to offer Mr. Brown a helping hand to finish cutting his lawn⏤that would change his life forever. Mr. Brown became the inspiration for Rodney to help more people. He set an initial goal to cut forty lawns for free. It was his way of giving back to folks who needed the help but didn't have the money to pay for lawn services. The elderly, the disabled, single moms, and veterans would be the recipient of Rodney's generosity. "When I first started, I just had my car and my lawnmower; that's all I had," explains Rodney Smith Jr., "I was cutting lawns between classes. I was a college student and just graduated recently with a bachelor's in computer science. All this got me wanting to go back for my master's in social work because I believe I found my purpose in life, and that's helping people." The purpose that Rodney points out has now turned into a movement of giving back; caring for those in need; looking out for a fellow neighbor; and teaching the upcoming generation skills, generosity, and an appreciation for thy fellow man. After two months of cutting lawns for free, Rodney had reached 100 lawns and decided it was time to put the movement into overdrive. The story continues on the Brink of Greatness Podcast… The Next Leap Forward Hundreds of kids have joined the program throughout the country, but it doesn't stop there⏤kids from five other countries have accepted the challenge of cutting lawns for free. Raising Men Lawn Care Service became the union of an ordinary yard maintenance service and the commitment to establish an inspiring program to keep our youth (girls & boys) on a positive path while learning and understanding their value in society, as explained on their website. One of Rodney's methods to incentivize the kids to 'work harder' is through the T-Shirt System. When a young man or woman joins the program, they start with a white shirt.  Thereafter, they get a new color shirt for every ten lawns they cut, so ten get them an orange shirt; twenty a green shirt; thirty a blue shirt; forty a red shirt; and finally FIFTY LAWNS earn them a black shirt. It's called the 50 Yard Challenge. I encourage you to take the 50 Minute Challenge. Take 50 minutes out of your day, step back and think about your own legacy. What is the lasting impression you wish to leave on the world? How can you make a difference in 50 lives? Think about it. For Further Insight: Website: http://weareraisingmen.com/ DONATE to the movement: http://weareraisingmen.com/donation/ Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamrodneysmith

Caroline was not the first person to find herself in a good job with all the security, money and niceties that a good corporate job provides. She was also not the first person feeling unfulfilled in that role; a burning sense that something was missing in her life. The difference is⏤Caroline Boudreaux acted on that feeling. She decided that 'money would not be the main ingredient that would make her world go round'. "I always thought if I made more and more money that I’d be happier, but it worked the opposite, the more money that I made, the more confused I became", expressed Caroline, "I had everything that money could buy, but I wasn’t happy". And with that, Caroline and her best friend Kris decided to quit their corporate jobs and take a trip around the world for one year.  It was a trip that would change her life forever. She walked into an orphanage in India that as she describes "felt like a concentration camp." "I was totally unprepared to meet 110 filthy, bald and hungry children. We called them Velcro babies because you’d sit down and have ten kids on you and then stand up and still have 10 kids on you. I saw this little baby girl. I could tell she wanted my attention. This little infant was only 18 months old. I picked her up. Like with all of them, they would push their bodies into you. I rocked her asleep and sang her a lullaby in honor of my mother and she fell asleep in my arms. When I went to put her in her room, I walked her into her room and noticed her bed was a piece of wood on the ground. The minute that I laid that starving baby on the wooden bed, I thought, somebody better help these children." It was at that moment that Caroline Boudreaux recognized her life would never be the same again ,"I knew it had to be me. I knew it was my responsibility". The story continues on the Brink of Greatness Podcast… The Next Leap Forward Miracle Foundation was founded by Caroline Boudreaux on Mother's Day in 2000. It's a non-profit organization that brings life-changing care to orphaned and vulnerable children from around the world. Caroline has a big goal⏤to eradicate orphanages by insuring every child has a loving family to call their own by 2040. As Caroline explains⏤"Today, there are 8 million children living in orphanages around the world and almost 500,000 children in the United States foster care system. None of them want to be there. Ask any child and they will tell you that their biggest dream is to be part of a loving family — it’s where they thrive. With global awareness, collaboration and your help, our goal of a safe, loving family for every child is fully achievable by 2040." Please DONATE here: https://www.miraclefoundation.org/donate/ For Further Insight: Website: https://www.miraclefoundation.org/

Addiction comes in all forms. Psychology Today, defines it as a condition in which a person engages in the use of a substance or in a behavior for which the rewarding effects provide a compelling incentive to repeatedly pursue the behavior despite detrimental consequences. Greg Nance found himself is such a place for seven long years. As he explains, there were weekends where he would engage with thirty to forty drinks. He became the life of the party⏤except it was no party! In Greg's words he explains the start of a life-chapter that changed everything. "My grandfather Charlie Nance (Marine at Iwo Jima and an incredible man who lived with us growing up and inspired me daily) had a debilitating stroke and soon passed away. One moment he’s the rock of the family the next he’s a shell of himself then gone. At 16 I didn’t know how to process the immense pain and confusion and hurt. The only escape was alcohol and I began a 7-year struggle." After a series of accidents and terrible mishaps, Greg realized that at 23 he needed to do something and he needed to do it fast. The something was to quit drinking and as he tells it later in the story⏤this would become his biggest accomplishment in life. Greg Nance transformed his life in remarkable style! He has jogged 49 countries and run some of the toughest footraces on the planet. Highlights include running the UK coast-to-coast, 124 miles thru the Malaysian highlands, and 100 miles across the Philippine jungle. In 2015 he was profiled in Adventure World Magazine for finishing the 250KM Gobi March with a sprained knee nonetheless. But his all-time favorite was running 155 miles with Dad thru Chile's Atacama Desert, the world's driest, and crossing the finish line together! Truly Amazing, but it doesn't end there... Greg has just become part of a special elite club if you will⏤think of it in these terms, more people have gone into outer-space than completed this feat: 7 Marathons in 7 Days on 7 Continents. Beginning with 26.2 miles in Antarctica, he then ran back-to-back marathons in Cape Town, Perth, Dubai, Madrid, Santiago, and Miami! The story continues on the Brink of Greatness Podcast… The Next Leap Forward Considering Greg's success with running and marathons⏤he still places quitting drinking as the top accomplishment in his life⏤that is a clear affirmation of not only the dangers of drinking, but what that meant to his life. This should be a wake-call for all of us. The road to recovery is seldom straight: Relapse, or recurrence of substance use, is common—but definitely not the end of the road. For those who achieve remission of the disorder for five years, scientists report, the likelihood of relapse is no greater than that among the general population, reports Psychology Today. There are plenty of myths and misconceptions about addiction, but in reality, the processes that give rise to addictive behavior resist a simplistic explanation. There is not just one cause: Although genetic or other biological factors contribute to a person’s vulnerability to the condition, many social, psychological, and environmental factors have a powerful influence on substance use. Make a Donation for Education here: https://moneythink.org/give/ For Further Insight: Website: http://www.gregrunsfar.com/ Education for Students: https://moneythink.org/

"Growing up, I was always told that I would end up pregnant, that I would never be anything, that I would end up in jail, that I would be homeless", explains Cordelia Cranshaw. "I really felt like I didn't have much confidence. My mother — after her being incarcerated, in and out of my life, and sentenced to 10 years in prison. My dad being an alcoholic," she said. One of 18 children, Cranshaw lived her childhood years in foster care, and at 14 she tried to take her own life. Throughout those challenging years growing up, Claudia Cranshaw never lost her confidence. She was one of 6% of the children who aged out of the foster care system and still achieved a bachelor’s degree. Today, as a social worker, she helps children facing many of the same challenges that she did growing up - achieve and overcome those obstacles. "My message is for any life challenge - go out their and reach for your dreams, turn them into reality. Hard work, dedication, and consistency will get you there," says Cranshaw.  They say 3 Strikes and you're out! Claudia defied those odds, and after striking out 3 Times for the Crown, something magically happened - she won! The story continues on the Brink of Greatness Podcast… The Next Leap Forward “My first priority is to inspire others to persevere. No matter what life challenges you face, no matter how negative the circumstances are, we can always turn negatives into positives,” she said. “I will travel to the local schools, sharing my experiences and tools for success. I want to instill hope into those who feel hopeless and motivate those who want to turn their dreams into reality. I believe we are all only one resource away from reaching our dreams.” - Claudia Cranshaw Miss D.C. Claudia Cranshaw takes the next big leap of her life on Thursday, May 2nd on Miss USA on the FOX Network - let's cheer her on! Please DONATE here: https://www.ark-dc.org/donate For Further Insight: Website: https://www.ark-dc.org/

This story starts at a doorstep back in 1991 in the country of Romania. Baby Hannah was left hours after birth, umbilical cord still attached to her tiny body. When Hannah was discovered, she was still bleeding, but alive⏤as the homeowners called the authorities with the news. Hannah Elisabeth Dougherty Alone, lost with an uncertain future... Hannah would say, "the despair and loneliness would surface throughout my middle school years when I began to understand my adoption and experience the trials and triumphs of growing up." The orphanages in Romania were overloaded with babies. What are the chances that an American couple would find their way to Romania in search for a daughter to love? The story of Hannah from that doorstep to a new life in America might only happen in fairytales⏤consider this a real life fairytale. The story continues on the Brink of Greatness Podcast… The Next Leap Forward Hannah Elisabeth Dougherty founded GenUp Sports in 2018, with the goal of serving and giving hope to disadvantaged and at-risk youth in the Texas area, through educational scholarships and leadership programs. GenUp’s staff and volunteers know firsthand the benefits access to physical enrichment activities, mentorship, and peer support provide children and young adults. GenUp’s programs enhance lives by providing the resources and accessibility necessary for them to thrive through sports and a healthy lifestyle. They also provide the one on one attention children and teens need to build confidence, develop trust, and instill the leadership skills necessary to thrive as adults and serve their communities. Please DONATE here: https://genupsports.org/donate-1 For Further Insight: Website: https://genupsports.org/

Seconds can make the difference between life and death. Being in the wrong place at the wrong time can change the outcome as well. Having trained personnel with the proper equipment for treatment close by is often the deciding factor. At just 17 years old, Mike Papale was in a life and death situation. At one point his brother John heard that he had died. It was that serious, and if it wasn't for Bob hearing the call next door, chances are Mike would not be here today. There was no AED on site, but fortunately for Mike--Bob, an EMT working nearby was able to get there in time to perform CPR for eight minutes.  Sudden Cardiac Arrest and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy can and will attack at any age. You've seen the stories where a young athlete, seemingly in great health, goes down for an unexpected heart problem! Sudden Cardiac Arrest is an equal opportunity killer. It strikes victims of all ages, colors, ethnic backgrounds, sizes and shapes at any time of the day or night and without regard to their religion. There are rarely any symptoms or warnings, and for most, their first symptom is their last. The electric shock from an AED within five minutes is the best chance a victim has. If this shock isn’t given in ten minutes, they stand little chance of surviving. Mike Papale was in pursuit of his dream of being a basketball player, when he was knocked down in the prime of his life from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. He found himself in a hospital bed with his mom by his side when he woke--without the realization of what had just happened.  "Earlier that morning I had been battling on the basketball court; now I was battling for my life", explains Mike, "For the next three days, I was unaware of everything. The hospital revived me, but there was still the question of whether I would have brain damage." There would be more setbacks along the way as Mike's dream was shattered... or was it? The story continues on the Brink of Greatness Podcast… The Next Leap Forward It is easy to get trapped on a path where you didn't expect to find yourself. Life has a tendency to change things up on us; especially when we least expect it. The morale of this story; when live throws you a curveball... hit it! In the story of Brink Thinker Mike Papale, he hit the curveball and swung for the fence... "Once my recovery period was over, I once again felt as though I needed to do more to help others. I had been blessed with two different situations in my life where I was fortunate to survive. This is where the idea for the In A Heartbeat Foundation came. With the help of family and friends, I decided it was time for us to start our own nonprofit foundation with one goal in mind: to save lives." - Mike Papale For Further Insight: Website: http://www.michaelpapale.com/ The Foundation: http://inaheartbeat.org/

"When I stood on the starting line at the Boston Marathon two runners down from Alberto Salazar (then the world record holder) and Bill Rodgers (four-time winner at the Boston Marathon), I wondered, 'Dick, what in the heck are you doing on the same line with these guys?'" It was at that moment that an inner voice spoke to Dick Beardsley with a reassuring message. "Dick, you deserve to be here, you've done the work." If the name Dick Beardsley seems somewhat familiar to you, then you might be remembering the 1982 Boston Marathon. Beardsley was in a squeaker of a race with Alberto Salazar, fact is, it was the closest finish in history of the marathon, as both runners broke records. The most memorable moment of that race was when a motorcycle cut Beardsley off near the end of the marathon, a marathon which he lost inside of two seconds. You have to be thinking, how did Beardsley ever get over that race! Was he able to accept the results and move on with his life? And how is the man doing today? It was years later in 1989, when Dick was working at his dairy farm, that a tragic accident with a tractor would change his life forever. Although he managed to stop the equipment, the damage was done. "To this day, I still don't remember how I did it," Dick recalls. "I broke all the ribs on my right side, my right arm, mangled my left leg, and beat up my head pretty badly. I was crawling on my belly toward the house when I was found. I was laid up for five months." That would begin a dark and challenging chapter of Dick Beardsley's life. He was involved in three serious automobile accidents. Blind-sided by another driver, and Dick spent 15 days in the hospital with an injured back and neck. Another time, he was hit by a truck, which put him back in the hospital for two weeks. A month later, again in a fierce snowstorm, he was in an accident, and rolled his vehicle numerous times, damaging his already tender back and neck. He underwent three back operations and knee surgery. Each time, Dick was prescribed medication for the pain. At times, he was taking as many as 90 pills a day. "I knew I was addicted," Dick recalls. "But at the same time, I was in denial."  His addiction had spun out of control, big time. "My whole world revolved around pain medication." Dick Beardsley was arrested September 1996. Charged with forging prescriptions, he was sentenced to five years' probation and 460 hours of community service. This moment was a clarion-call that something had to change! A story of life's worse moments, including the suicide of his only son, Andy, and how one man survives it all. Now only does he survive it all, but his outlook and optimism will give you hope and appreciation that life's blessings are bigger than any one moment! The story continues on the Brink of Greatness Podcast… The Next Leap Forward Wow! What an incredible story. I hope you get as much out of it as I did. My sense is that we've picked up a great new friend in Dick Beardsley. I want to use this time to fill you in on some of the cool things Dick is doing in the world today. Motivational/Inspirational Speaker • Suicide Survivor of Loss • Farm Accident Survivor •  Prescription Drug Addiction Survivor • Record Breaking Marathon Runner • Famous 1982 Boston Marathon Runner •  Minnesota Native •  Author  •  Fishing Guide • Innkeeper • Husband •  Father •  Subject of a feature film. Dick Beardsley is one of the world’s most extraordinary, well respected, and compelling motivational / inspirational keynote speakers. Dick's inspirational international best selling autobiography Staying the Course, A Runners Toughest Race and the subject of the best selling book Duel in the Sun:  The Story of Alberto Salazar, Dick Beardsley, and America's Greatest Marathon. Dick is also the subject of a feature film being produced entitled Against the Wind. Dick has been the keynote speaker at Fortune 500 companies, non-profit organizations, conferences, conventions, corporate events,

Seventeen years ago, Greg Buzek was working as a Product Development Manager making anti-theft devices. They were the type of devices designed to deactivate if merchandise left a store without being purchased. Greg made a very good living at this, but found himself completely unfulfilled inside. Something wasn't quite right in his life. It was at a casual lunch one day with the Pastor from his church, when the first seeds would be planted. Pastor Kelly Lyons worked with small groups and missions at the church, and he needed help. He asked Greg to work in missions, and although Greg was engaged in the talk, internally, he was full of fear: "I’m a business guy, I have nothing to offer." Before he got back to his desk that afternoon, he was fired from his job! "Okay Lord, you have my attention." But now what? It kept coming back to helping the people of Liberia. Yet, Greg knew nothing about Liberia. So Greg prayed about this big decision in his life, "Lord, All I know about Liberia is that Chet’s over there, and he’s had malaria three times, been shot at, had an AK47 pointed at his chest from an 8-year-old - If I need to go to Liberia, you’ll need to make it real clear to me". As Greg was driving home, he sees a man pushing his car up the road. Something tells him to stop and help the guy out. When Greg gets out of the car, he notices a bumper sticker that might as well have been a red-neon lit sign that said: “I Support Liberia” What are the chances? This man was from Liberia. As the two men were talking, the stranger explains to Greg that Liberia is in real bad shape and going into a Civil War. Greg explains that he has had it on his heart to go to Liberia, the stranger tells Greg he is nuts! Greg Buzek was still not excited about this crazy idea of going to Liberia, but the evidence was starting to stack up against him. Chuck Smith, the Senior Pastor, explained to Greg "Beware of signs and wonders. Make sure you have scriptures backing up whatever you believe God is calling you to do". Just days later, in his studies, the first scripture presented was Genesis: 12:1; Get thee out of thy country. The next five scriptures all has a similar message. Greg Buzek's life was about to change and would never be the same again... The story continues on the Brink of Greatness Podcast… The Next Leap Forward Broken families, illness, poverty; there are over 143 million orphans around the globe. A few startling facts from UNICEF tell a story...  A Child dies every 5.2 seconds, that is over 16,000 children every single day. In the New York Foster care system, 60% of the children who age out end up in a homeless situation. More children age out of care systems in one week than are adopted in an entire year. The stats could go on forever, but they all end in one conclusion: Far too many children are suffering unnecessarily; disease, famine, lack of resources, crime, trafficking. If we are to put a dent in this worldwide problem, it will take an army of many, but it starts with one! Greg Buzek recognized this need and through his faith and trust, he took the leap forward to make that difference. Retail Orphan Initiative was born to raise awareness and provide real-life solutions by combining the resources of many with the art of streamlining to that critical moment of need. They not only do this in over 24 countries, but they also focus efforts in the United States.  Retail Orphan Initiative has interacted in over 188 Projects, raising millions of dollars, rescued 1,200 girls, helped support 1,412 Adoptions, built 19 schools, worked on brining clean water to communities. It's an impressive list of accomplishments that change on a daily basis depending on the need. The Brink of Greatness salutes our Brink Thinker Greg Buzek and the incredible team that is working for the good of humanity! For Further Insight: Website: https://www.retailroi.org/ DONATE: https://www.retailroi.org/donate/

Jake Clark enlisted in the Army at 17 years old; he served five years and then went onto become a Los Angeles Police Officer and FBI Agent. He reenlisted after Sept 11th, and then spent another four years in the military, deployed with the California National Guard for two tours in Kosovo. First we need to understand the severity of the problem. Jake calls it a 'suicide epidemic'. It is a certifiable crisis, no doubt. The most recent VA study shows that 20 warriors are lost each day. Since 1979, that equates to 263,000 veteran suicides - more than WWI, Korea and Vietnam combined. 800,000 Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans are suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress at this very moment. Like too many of our warriors, Jake struggled with civilian life, he had serious alcoholic problems, lost his job and was struggling with recovery. Life was spiraling out of control. It wasn't just one thing, Jake's problems seemed insurmountable - which put him on a suicidal path to becoming another national statistic.  Jake began practicing transcendental meditation after taking a course partially subsidized by Oprah Winfrey. "Oprah played a big part in saving my life," explains Jake. "I knew that the suicide problem was not going to just go away and I took away permission from myself to be okay with the status quo; the other being calling myself on my own bullshit, meaning to stop seeking material solutions for spiritual problems; to accept what I’d known for some time now: that in order to find what I was really looking for in life... that I had to help enough other people get theirs first." Jake Clark is about as raw and authentic as you can get. There are some profound elements discussed on the program that you will want to think through and consider for your own life. This broadcast you're about to hear can and will change your life friends! The story continues on the Brink of Greatness Podcast… The Next Leap Forward "The synthesis of these critical moments of discovery - known as anagnorisis - changed everything," says Jake. The reversal of fortune and change in my circumstances amounted to an insightful quantum change; a profound “aha” moment that left me stunned; a moment over which I will never get." Jake put on the first Save A Warrior cohort in September 2012. They've just completed the 65th Cohort at Save A Warrior, having hosted more than 700 active duty, returning Veterans & First Responders. Save A Warrior​™ is a meaningful conversation about the nature of human experience. A nationally-recognized program, that offers novel, judgment-free solutions to returning Veterans, Active Duty Service Members, and First Responders with Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS). “Everybody who comes [into the program] is suicidal,” Clark said. “You ask them, ‘What’s going on?’ They say, ‘I’m taking pills, I can’t sleep, my wife is threatening to leave me.’ The Project’s motto is “Play like your life depends on it.” Please DONATE here: https://saveawarrior.org/donate/#donate-1 For Further Insight: Website: www.saveawarrior.org

Homelessness is a worldwide problem, a national disaster, and a drain on local communities. Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime. There are many origins of this famous quote - Chinese, Native American, Italian, Indian, or Biblical, Lao-Tzu, Maimonides, or Mao Zedong. Where ever it originated may be unclear... but what is clear, is the power behind those words. Homelessness continues to be a topic of great interest across the nation. There are many excellent groups, organizations and people trying to combat the growing epidemic. The more you feed the problem however, the more it remains the status-quo. You are about to meet an organization out of Forth Worth, Texas, that has discovered the art of teaching people to fish. Chief Executive Officer, Toby Owen, explains how Project Clean Slate has become the starting place for the journey home for many homeless people. This could very well be a case study for the nation as countless communities struggle with homelessness. The Presbyterian Night Shelter and Project Clean Slate welcomes anyone without a home. And then they help them find one. They do much more than provide free access to safe shelter and a warm meal however, they provide hope and a future through case management, employment help, counseling, housing assistance and other programs. The story continues on the Brink of Greatness Podcast… The Next Leap Forward The Presbyterian Night Shelter was started by a group of Presbyterian ministers as an overnight shelter for the county’s homeless population, providing spiritual guidance for those who seek it through a full-time chaplain and the Hope Chapel for Bible study and worship. And while their emergency shelter services are still available to anyone who needs them, they’re equally focused on helping guests find their own permanent housing. Please DONATE here: https://giving.journeyhome.org/give/180277/#!/donation/checkout For Further Insight: Presbyterian Night Shelter: https://www.journeyhome.org/ Program Clean Slate: https://cleanslatedfw.org/ Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/_JourneyHome Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/PresbyterianNightShelter/

"Finally, I met a guy who wanted to get to know me as a friend. He wasn't hitting on me, he didn't need money, he was completely self-sufficient. He saw something in me. I'd never had anyone mirror back a positive image of me, ever. I’d always looked at other people, regardless of their position in life, and I assumed they looked down on me. That they could see that I was garbage," explains Lisa Kirk. What happens when you have no self-esteem and it seems the cards of life are stacked against you? It can be a long plummet downward. Lisa Kirk grew up in an outwardly perfect family - truth is, it was anything but that. Alcohol, drugs, failed relationships, abuse, both physically and mentally. Lisa found herself in the downward spiral in a life that was completely out-of-control. It all came to a tipping point when her live-in-partner did the unthinkable... "One night, after I fell asleep, he was super high on cocaine, he found my hiding place and stole all my money. He continued to get more violent and he ended up getting into a fight with a neighbor after a drinking binge. We were eventually evicted. This screwed up my credit and my rental history. The first night we went to stay with some people he knew, and when I saw that it was basically a drug house, I lost it. We were at the top of the stairs and he punched me square in the face; I fell backward down the stairs. I couldn't see, I literally thought I was going to die. I left that night, I had what I was wearing and a couple of bags of clothes in my car. I parked behind a building in the industrial area. I had to keep starting my car throughout the night because it was so cold.  So here I am, injured from being pushed down the stairs, but all I thought about was how I left him without money and that I had failed him. I had zero self-worth." The story of how Lisa Kirk turned her life around continues on the Brink of Greatness Podcast… The Next Leap Forward We are inspired on the Brink of Greatness to help get the word out, and to make a difference in the world on the plight of homeless-beings! Lisa has one of the most unusual and fascinating ways of connecting to these lost souls. Society is too focused on people's past or background, and that is the true problem behind homelessness. It is the obstacle that keeps people from rejoining life. Everyone can change if given the opportunity. These people aren't monsters or losers, They're important. Find our more about Lisa at  http://Quora.com . Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamlisakirk

Kathy & Roger Flynn were so excited at the birth of their first child, their beautiful daughter Ansley Sara Flynn. "Shortly after this joyous occasion we were suddenly approached by our pediatrician stating, “I hear a heart murmur, but feel like it is innocent however, as a precautionary measure we have arranged a pediatric cardiologist for an evaluation”. Within a few hours the cardiologist came into our room and said, “I have no other way to say this, but your daughter has severe congenital heart disease and may not make it through the night”. Within just a few hours our lives were turned upside down. The baby I had just held in my arms and nursed was now in the ICU fighting for her life. As we walked into the ICU to see her for the first time since the horrific news - tears were streaming down my face and all I could think of was protecting her. All of my mommy duties had just been taken away no sooner than I got them. I was confused, concerned and in shock. The only thing I had left to give her was my love, a gentle touch and my tearful prayers. At that point I began to be grateful that I had carried her for 9 months, held her for 2 days and I that would have her for eternity… then my spirit kicked in... I was going to fight with all my might to save her. My baby’s life meant something, and it wasn’t going to end this way. I became a prayer warrior and claimed healing for my baby. I knew she needed me to be strong and became her advocate. This sweet baby was in a fight for her life and I was going to be beside her fighting along with her to save her." Ansley Sara Flynn The news was devastating. After a short visit with their daughter Ansley in the ICN, the doctors came in and delivered the news. They had three choices. They could elect no medical intervention and take Ansley home to die; they could take a chance with experimental surgery; or follow the path of a potential heart transplant. The story and journey of Ansley and her parents, Kathy and Roger Flynn continues on the Brink of Greatness Podcast… The Next Leap Forward Over 40,000 babies are born in the U.S. with heart defects every year. One in 100 people are born with Congenital Heart Defects. The Flynn's wanted to do something about this and make a difference in the world, and so they did.  Kathy & Roger Flynn Build a Legacy at Camp Braveheart in the name of daughter Ansley!  "Roger would handle fundraising, My job managing director/Camp director, Ansley’s nurse would coordinate the medical team and a special child life coordinator would assist with the agenda/theme of camp. The four of us would work hard to pull off the impossible camp for heart kids with special needs. The name of our first camp was “Heart Camp”. Heart Camp was set for the first weekend in October 1995 where 25 kids and 25 volunteers would connect and have the time of their lives while growing in confidence and love for one another. Our first camp was a huge success! The second year 1996 was even bigger with 50 kids and 40 volunteers. It brought certain challenges for us personally because Ansley had her 3rd open heart surgery which was a big surgery and she had been in the hospital for a month. But we were determined and by the grace of God we pulled it off. It was at the 2nd camp we realize camp needed its own special name. This awesome place deserved an awesome name so we come up with 3 names and the kids voted on Camp Braveheart!

Life can change in the blink of a moment, and when you least expect it. Sometimes it is an ordinary everyday event that goes bad. Fact is, many of these encounters happen within a few miles of your home even. It was May of 2017, when Aspen made a typical stop at a Subway sandwich shop, just miles from her home in Tucson, Arizona. She was abducted at knifepoint from a man with a criminal past; she was brutally and sexually assaulted throughout the course of many hours.  It was the phone call that would change everything, when Craig Sawyer and his wife received the call that would turn their life upside down! Craig Sawyer and his family knew immediately that they had to do something to answer back, and they did. This is an incredible story of courage and faith, and how one man, his family, and a community of citizens can make the ultimate difference... The story continues on the Brink of Greatness Podcast… The Next Leap Forward “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” ― Edmund Burke Child Trafficking is the fastest growing enterprise in the world, as Craig points out on the broadcast, it is even more lucrative and active than the narcotics industry. 27 million children worldwide are victims of Human Trafficking and Sex Slavery. It is a$150 billion dollar industry. The Untied States has the highest child rape consumption in the world, some of this growth can be credited to the point of accessibility. Through mobile phones and apps, technology creates a vulnerability factor that can be difficult to defend. Veterans for Child Rescue was founded specifically to help bring an end to child trafficking. For Further Insight: Website: https://vets4childrescue.org/ PLEASE DONATE HERE: https://vets4childrescue.org/pages/donate

“I used to walk to work every day in Crystal City,” Snyder says of the area in Northern Virginia near the Pentagon. Each day, she encountered veterans like Clarke, whose situation astounded her. “I couldn’t believe it. He was homeless, right here in my area.” That is where the story begins. Lieutenant Colonel Deborah Snyder served for 22 years, US Army, UH-1 Huey Test Pilot, UH-60 Blackhawk Pilot. Her passion to serve was at the center of her military career; so much that, in retirement she found herself with that same desire back here at home. This time it would be to serve and honor our military vets that were most forgotten. There are approximately 68K Veterans living in transitional shelters, in tent cities and on the streets. “I don’t think we should have homeless vets,” says Snyder, "It’s a fixable problem.” Lloyd Clarke, a Vietnam-era vet found himself homeless at 66 years old, Snyder and Operation Renewed Hope Foundation assisted in finding him a new home. “She’s very serious about helping the veterans,” states Clarke. Operation Renewed Hope Foundation (ORHF) is a Veteran-let nonprofit organization providing quality housing and supportive services to homeless Veterans. ORHF partners with the Department of Veterans Affairs. The organization arranges for permanent housing for homeless Veterans, they provide vehicles, and assist with health care and other services.  “At night when I lay down, I see a ceiling over my head,” Snyder says. “I think of these vets who see the inside of a car or a tent. It’s really nice to see someone go from living in a shelter or in a vehicle and see them happy.” The story continues on the Brink of Greatness Podcast… The Next Leap Forward The 5 words that motivate Deborah Snyder; from the mouth of a veteran... “She has changed my life”.  Mother Teresa summed it up well – “We think sometimes that poverty is only being hungry, naked and homeless. The poverty of being unwanted, unloved and uncared for is the greatest poverty. We must start in our own homes to remedy this kind of poverty.” For Further Insight: Website:  https://operationrenewedhopefoundation.org/ Donate Here:  https://operationrenewedhopefoundation.org/how-you-can-help/make-a-donation/