Denali wasn't supposed to be the hardest mountain on her journey. But for Louise McEvoy, it became the one that kept saying no. Across twenty‑one years, two ACL repairs, multiple shutdowns, and three failed attempts, she kept coming back.

In this conversation, Louise takes us inside the patience, grit, and quiet courage it took to finish the Seven Summits — and the mistake on summit day that nearly damaged her fingers for good.

If you're pushing through something hard, your own mountain to climb — this story is for you.

What We Talk About

· Why Denali became the mountain that kept shutting the door

· The storms, injuries, and delays that stretched her Seven Summits journey to twenty‑one years.

· The training it takes to haul 125 pounds of gear up one of the coldest mountains on earth.

· The most frightening thing she witnessed on the mountain — and the adaptive athlete who reminded her what true grit looks like.

· The deeper lesson: how the toughest moments may be part of the journey to your summit.

Key Takeaway

The hard thing you're in right now might be the very thing preparing you for whatever comes next. Sometimes your version of Everest isn't a mountain — it's the long, frustrating thing that keeps refusing to happen… until one day it does.

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Follow the show, leave a rating, and share this episode with someone who's pushing through their own climb. Your support helps these stories reach the people who need them most.

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Chapters

00:00 Almost Losing Her Fingers on Denali
01:46 Chasing the Seven Summits
09:45 Getting Turned Around by the Mountain
16:19 Paying the Price to Climb
21:03 Following Denali's West Buttress Route
24:06 Waiting for the Weather to Break
27:40 Wrestling with the Mental Game
32:40 Training for 125 Pounds of Gear
34:31 Learning to Respect the Mountain
35:53 Finding Community on the Climb
38:37 A Woman's Perspective on the Seven Summits
43:06 The Mistake That Caused Frostnip
47:17 Finally Reaching the Summit
51:42 Fighting the Post-Expedition Blues
53:37 Was It Worth It?
55:40 Why K2 Is Still Calling
01:06:25 Gratitude in the Face of Danger
01:11:20 What 21 Years of Climbing Taught Me

Colleen Clifford spent decades fishing in Alaska, working long shifts on factory trawlers and living a life most people only see in documentaries. But beneath the rugged adventure was a wound she carried from age nineteen — a moment of shame that quietly shaped the next forty years of her life. Binge drinking became the way she buried that wound, a pattern that looked manageable from the outside but was slowly eroding her identity, her relationships, and her hope.

In this episode, Colleen traces her drinking back to the moment that changed everything, the diagnosis that created a false identity, and the years she spent trying to outrun the truth. She shares how her husband's alcohol‑related suicide forced her to confront her own story, how faith and prayer carried her through grief, and how writing her book, Life Beyond the Binge, helped her uncover the deeper narrative beneath her behavior.

This conversation is about courage — the courage to stop running, to name the wound, and to rebuild a life with honesty and purpose. It's a reminder that the real battle is often the one happening beneath the surface, and healing begins when we finally tell the truth.

What We Cover in This Episode

• How one shame-filled moment at nineteen created a false identity that shaped Colleen's life for decades

• How writing helped her uncover the deeper story beneath 40 years of binge drinking

• How grief, her husband's alcohol-related suicide, and faith shaped her healing journey

• How destructive behavior often grows out of believing a lie about who we are

• How honesty, coaching, and courage helped Colleen break free from shame and rebuild her life

Key Takeaway

Colleen's story reminds us that shame can quietly shape a life — but naming it can give that life back. Her journey encourages us to look beneath our coping habits, tell the truth about where the story began, and trust that God can rebuild what shame tried to steal.

Resources

• Colleen's Book: Life Beyond The Binge: A Commercial Fisherwoman's Journey Home
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - available 24/7/365. Your conversations are free and confidential
• Veterans and service members can access the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988 and pressing 1.

Join the Journey

If you know someone who's carrying a hidden story or struggling with destructive habits, please share this episode with them. It might be exactly what they need to hear.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@boldjourneysco

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Through The Fire Newsletter: https://boldjourneys.co/subscribe/

Chapters

00:00 — The Story Beneath the Drinking

04:05 — Naming the False Identity

06:10 — Writing Through Grief

09:17 — When the Book Turned Back on Her

10:01 — The Moment That Built the Shame

11:55 — Growing Up Catholic in Seattle

15:33 — How Binge Drinking Took Hold

18:30 — Why the Shame Stayed Hidden

20:14 — Testing Death on the Skykomish

23:41 — The Diagnosis That Changed Everything

30:34 — Freedom Through Honesty

31:31 — When Identity Turns Into a Lie

34:05 — Running to Alaska

38:28 — Life and Work on the Factory Trawlers

48:24 — The "95/5" Drinking Pattern

50:35 — Losing Her Husband and Carryi

Try to imagine sitting across from your doctor with stomach pains and hearing the words, "You've got stage 4 cancer and less than a year to live."

Episode 26 features Gary Young, a cancer survivor whose story is difficult, honest, and anchored in faith. Gary grew up on a Michigan farm where hard work and resilience were part of everyday life. Those early lessons became essential when he was diagnosed with stage‑four abdominal cancer. His journey shows what it looks like to face a life‑changing diagnosis with community support, clear purpose, and trust in God.

What We Cover in This Episode

• How Gary leaned on friends, church members, and mentors during the hardest season of his life
• The door God opened through HIPEC and how that operation changed Gary's hope for survival
• The role faith played in helping him stay steady through diagnosis, surgery, and recovery
• The impact Gary's faith had on the people around him, including his surgeon
• How cancer clarified Gary's purpose and led him to become a Beacon of Hope for others

Key Takeaway

Gary's story is a reminder that faith, community, and purpose matter most when life becomes difficult. His journey encourages us to invest in the people around us, stay rooted in our faith, and pay attention to the ways God may be shaping our next chapter.

Join the Journey

If you know someone who's facing a difficult season, please share this episode with them. It might be exactly what they need to hear.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@boldjourneysco

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boldjourneysco/

Through The Fire Newsletter: https://boldjourneys.co/subscribe/

Chapters

00:00 — Finding Peace Before Surgery

02:52 — The Diagnosis That Changed Everything

06:29 — Searching for a Treatment That Could Help

10:33 — When a Doctor Becomes a Friend

12:26 — Where Faith Took Root

20:01 — How Community Carried the Weight

29:04 — Hope That Doesn't Stay Still

38:05 — Learning to Trust God Daily

40:08 — Staying Steady in Work and Life

41:34 — How Calling Comes Into Focus

43:34 — Faith That Shows Up at Work

49:19 — Building Made for More

55:01 — Facing New Trials After Cancer

01:01:41 — Practices That Strengthen Hope

01:08:56 — Final Encouragement for the Journey

In this episode of Bold Journeys, we continue our conversation with Appalachian Trail thru‑hiker Jason Turner, whose 2,000‑mile trek reshaped his faith, his resilience, and his understanding of what truly matters. Known on the trail as Fancy Feet after a stumble that turned into a quick recovery, Jason's story is equal parts grit, humility, and spiritual awakening.

This second part dives deeper into the moments that tested him — physically, emotionally, and spiritually — and the lessons he carried home.

What We Cover in This Episode

• Near‑Hypothermia & Hard Lessons Jason shares the night that pushed him to the edge and forced him to confront his limits. It's a raw look at how adversity clarifies what's essential.

• Emotional Resilience Over Physical Pain The loneliness of the trail became the real battleground. Jason opens up about the emotional lows and how perseverance shaped his character.

• Nature's Quiet Healing From sunrise stillness to shared campfires, Jason found God's presence in the quiet places. The trail became a space for spiritual and emotional restoration.

• Minimalism & Simplicity Living with less taught Jason to appreciate the basics. He returned home with a renewed desire for a life not defined by material excess.

• Human Connection & Community The trail brought strangers who became teachers, friends, and spiritual companions. Jason reflects on the power of authentic connection.

• Stepping Beyond Comfort Zones Jason's journey is a reminder that growth happens when we choose courage over comfort and trust God with the unknown.

Key Takeaway

Jason's story is more than a hiking recap — it's a call to action. A reminder that the dreams we label "too big" or "too risky" might just require one bold step of faith.

Join the Journey

If this story energized you, share it with your adventurous friends and join our journey:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@boldjourneysco

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Through The Fire Newsletter: https://boldjourneys.co/subscribe/

Chapters

00:00 The Night Everything Went Wrong

00:25 Picking Up Where We Left Off

03:06 Storms, Survival, and a Close Call

08:25 Trail Hazards You Don't See Coming

11:50 Views That Make the Pain Worth It

15:55 Faith Moments That Changed Him

27:45 Returning to Real‑World Comforts

28:46 Are Post‑Trail Blues Real?

30:38 Facing the Big Question: What Now?

33:11 Living Intentionally After the AT

36:39 Rapid‑Fire: Dangers You Should Know

43:16 Trail Names, Faith Talks, and Final Wisdom

In Part 1 of this two‑episode conversation, adventure seeker Jason Turner opens up about the raw, unfiltered reality of hiking the Appalachian Trail — 2,197.9 miles from Georgia to Maine. This isn't a highlight reel. It's the honest story of doubt, loneliness, faith, and the grit required to keep moving through the pain.

Jason shares the emotional lows that hit early, including the moment he called his wife and admitted he wasn't sure he could continue. From there, the trail became a classroom — teaching him about connection, vulnerability, and the courage it takes to step into the unknown.

What We Cover in Part 1

• The emotional crash that nearly ended Jason's journey
• How loneliness became one of the toughest challenges on the trail
• The role faith played in helping him push forward
• The early physical battles — bruised feet, worn‑down shoes, and the grind of millions of steps
• Why slowing down became a crucial part of his endurance

Why This Episode Matters

Jason's story is a reminder that every bold journey includes struggle. The breakthrough often comes after the moment you think you can't go any further. Jason's honesty sets the stage for a powerful Part 2, where we explore the climb to Katahdin and the triumph that made every step worth it.

If you've ever faced a challenge that pushed you to your limits, this episode will speak directly to you.

Join the Journey

If this story energized you, share it with your adventurous friends and join our journey:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@boldjourneysco

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Through The Fire Newsletter: https://boldjourneys.co/subscribe/

Chapters

00:00 The Moment Doubt Hit

00:23 A Glimpse of What's Coming

02:04 Who Is Jason Turner?

02:21 Tracking the Impossible

03:39 Standing at the Finish

04:56 What Pain Teaches You

07:16 Life After the Trail

08:43 Why Rest Days Matter

09:51 The Weight of Being Alone

10:43 Night Fear Is Real

11:41 The Dream That Started It All

15:42 A Calling You Can't Ignore

20:22 Healing You Don't Expect

21:30 Who Actually Makes It?

22:58 Inside the Hiker Bubble

25:37 Miles, Age, and Reality

27:44 The First Step at Springer

29:12 Loneliness Changes Everything

Chances are you know someone in your family or circle of friends and colleagues who has battled an addiction. This week on the Bold Journeys Podast, Cesar Wurm — author of The Powers of Addiction — opens up about his battle with alcoholism, the generational patterns that shaped him, and the moment he finally chose sobriety.

From growing up with an alcoholic father in Brazil to living a double life as a "fun guy" in the hospitality industry, Cesar walks us through the hidden cost of addiction and the breakthrough that saved his life.

Cesar grew up watching addiction shape his family, and for years he carried that same pattern into adulthood — quietly, successfully, and completely hidden from the world. In this conversation, he pulls back the curtain on the double life he built, the physical and emotional breaking points he could no longer outrun, and the moment he finally faced the truth about who he was becoming.

He talks openly about the role his wife played and how AA helped him rebuild his identity from the inside out. If you've ever battled something in silence or felt trapped by expectations, Cesar's journey will hit you hard — and leave you wanting to hear the rest of the story.

Key Takeaways

• Addiction is subtle until it's not. It creeps in quietly and becomes a lifestyle before you realize it.
• Compassion and accountability work together. Real change requires both.
• Faith and community matter. Cesar found strength through AA, his sponsor, and a higher power.
• Self‑acceptance is freedom. When you stop performing and stop hiding, you start healing.

About Cesar Wurm

Cesar Wurm is the author of The Powers of Addiction and a hospitality industry professional who rebuilt his life through sobriety, faith, and the support of his family. His mission is to help others recognize the signs of addiction and find the courage to pursue recovery.

Join the Journey

If this episode hit home for you, share it with someone who needs hope today.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@boldjourneysco

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Through The Fire Newsletter: https://boldjourneys.co/subscribe/

Chapters

00:00 The Hidden Routine That Fueled His Addiction

03:06 Addiction in Plain Sight

06:47 Is It Genetics or Choice?

09:52 How Early Drinking Set a Trap He Didn't See Coming

12:33 The Grief He Buried — And How It Started to Surface

16:04 Blackouts, Success, and the Illusion of Control

21:21 A Fresh Start in America

27:04 The Denial That Kept Him Drinking

29:27 How Every Day Became a Strategy to Stay Drunk

38:10 The Breaking Point: What Finally Forced Change

41:36 Is Addiction a Disease or a Decision?

42:24 Relapse, Shame, and the Power of Compassion

43:28 The Wake‑Up Call That Changed Everything

45:23 Why Sponsors Matter More Than You Think

46:37 Finding a Higher Power When You Don't Want One

01:09:40 A Challenge to Anyone Fighting Their Own Battle

In Part 2 of my conversation with endurance athlete and performance coach JD Tremblay, we go deeper into what it really takes to break through the barriers holding you back — physically, mentally, and spiritually.

JD opens up about the systems he built through ultra‑endurance racing, the faith that kept him moving when everything in him wanted to quit, and the moment he realized his "normal" wasn't normal at all. That realization pushed him into a new mission: helping others find clarity, align their actions with their values, and pursue goals that actually change their lives.

We talk about:

• Why faith becomes fuel when you're facing failure
• How the right community can accelerate your growth
• Breaking mental barriers that keep you stuck
• Aligning your daily actions with the future you're building
• What it means to set goals that scare you — and why you should

If you're ready to push past your own limits and step into the next chapter of your journey, this episode will give you the clarity and challenge you need.

Join the Journey

If this conversation resonates, subscribe for more stories of grit, adventure, and faith — and share it with someone who needs strength today.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@boldjourneysco

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boldjourneysco/

Through The Fire Newsletter: https://boldjourneys.co/subscribe/

Chapters

00:00 Choosing Faith Over Failure

04:13 The Secret to Training Less & Gaining More

06:47 From an EpicDeca to New Mission

14:51 The "Hungry Warrior" Origin Story

23:08 How to Build an Unstoppable Mindset

26:19 Why Even High-Achievers Burn Out

27:07 The "EPIC" Identity Shift

27:38 How Community Actually Saves Lives

29:28 The 4 Pillars of the DECA Framework

29:55 Using Structure to Build Discipline

31:59 How to Fuel Your Journey Correctly

34:06 Finding Your Career Capacity

39:13 Your Action Challenge

49:03 Set a Goal That Scares You

Part 2 of my conversation with John Graham picks up where the chaos left off. After years of chasing danger, John finally has to face the fallout. He's led on a spiritual journey and a moment at sea that forces him to choose what kind of man he is going to be. This episode gets into the turning point: how he confronted his past, how he rebuilt himself, and how he committed to a life of service instead of adrenaline.

In This Episode

• Vietnam, PTSD, and the emotional work he could no longer avoid
• How encounter groups pushed him to confront himself
• The unexpected spiritual path that cracked him open
• The typhoon off Alaska that nearly killed him
• The decision that changed his direction
• How the Giraffe Heroes Project gave him a mission and a place to serve

If you missed Part 1, go back and listen — it sets the stage for everything John reveals here.

Stay Connected

If these conversations help you think deeper and live with more clarity, make sure you're plugged in:

• Subscribe to the Bold Journeys Newsletter for weekly insights and episode updates
• Subscribe on YouTube for full episodes and clips
• Follow on Instagram for behind‑the‑scenes content and daily encouragement

Your support helps this show reach more people who need these conversations.

Chapters

00:00 Part Two Setup

02:34 Vietnam Homecoming PTSD

03:27 Encounter Group Breakthrough

10:34 Out of Body Experiences

15:58 The Sign and Healing

21:43 Cruise Ship Fire

28:41 Panic in the Lifeboat

30:03 Dawn Rescue Attempts

34:04 A Choice with God

36:32 Founding Giraffe Heroes

41:35 Badass Granddad Goes Viral

47:14 Finding Meaning and Grace