In this powerful episode of the Grind It Up Podcast, we sit down with Leslie Hestwood to discuss the harrowing realities of navigating the special education and mental health systems. Leslie shares her personal journey as a mother advocating for her daughters, highlighting systemic failures, lack of transparency in federally funded programs, and the bureaucratic hurdles that often leave families searching for answers in the dark. From the exorbitant costs of private evaluations to the intricacies of IEP meetings, this conversation provides an essential look at the reality of special needs advocacy today.

The episode also touches on the host's personal battle with stage four cancer and the mission behind the Mauer Foundation, which aims to bring direct support to those in need with 100% transparency. Join us for a raw and honest discussion about resilience, the necessity of school district accountability, and the need for ground-up reform in our public services.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:01:32 - Fighting Stage 4 Cancer & Shooting Guns

00:08:45 - The Hidden Struggle of Special Education

00:18:59 - Why Special Education & Mental Health Reform is Failing Families

00:25:35 - The Brutal Reality of Special Needs Parenting

00:31:33 - Why Texas Schools Failed My Daughter

00:40:31 - The Harsh Reality of the Special Education System

00:45:36 - A Mother’s Raw Experience with Special Education Meetings

00:47:46 - Why the Disability Support System is Failing Families

00:53:58 - The TRUTH About IEPs

01:03:05 - Fighting the System

01:15:24 - Understanding Intellectual Disabilities

01:19:54 - Why Driving Styles Are Completely Different

01:28:26 - Mama Bear Activated

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In this episode of the Grind It Up Podcast, we sit down with retired pro MMA fighter and expert commentator Lance DeClue to pull back the curtain on the high-stakes world of mixed martial arts. Lance shares his fascinating journey from high school wrestling to the professional cage, detailing the grueling reality of extreme weight cuts, the mental warfare of pre-fight nerves, and his transition into becoming the premier voice for the Nemesis Fighting Alliance and Cage of Honor.

Beyond the cage, the conversation shifts into the business of combat and personal finance. We explore the controversial impact of the Paul brothers on boxing, the complexities of fighter management, and Lance’s unique dual life as a professional banker. Whether you are an aspiring athlete or interested in the mechanics of the fight game, this episode provides a masterclass in grit, technique, and professionalism.

TIMESTAMPS:

01:15 - How MMA Began

03:42 - The Brutal Truth About MMA Weight Cutting

07:04 - My Journey From the Cage to the Commentary Booth

10:33 - How The Ultimate Fighter Saved MMA

16:59 - The Best Martial Arts for a Street Fight

24:18 - How Pro Fighters Really Train

27:25 - Is Modern Fighting Rigged?

39:39 - Why MMA is Dominating Boxing

48:07 - How to Get Signed to Nemesis Fighting

51:29 - Banking Secrets You Need To Know

56:32 - The Truth About Industry Insurance

01:01:14 - How Aspiring MMA Fighters Level Up

01:04:13 - MMA Concussions, Brutal Injuries & The GOAT Debate

01:06:57 - The Most Brutal MMA Knockouts Witnessed

01:09:02 - Debating Top 5 MMA Fighters

01:09:02 - Inside MMA Commentary

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This episode of the Grind It Up Podcast features the incredible William Williams, a double transplant survivor who received both a kidney and pancreas. Bill shares his raw and inspiring journey, from being diagnosed with brittle diabetes at age nine and enduring grueling dialysis treatments, to the life-changing phone call that led to his transplant. He opens up about the challenges he faced, the profound impact of organ donation, and how he's learned to live life to the fullest, including incredible experiences like deep-sea scuba diving.

Joined by Odis and Coach Edwards, the conversation also delves into broader themes of health vigilance, the historical nuances of Cahokia, and even a dive into local paranormal phenomena. Bill's story is a powerful reminder of resilience, the importance of self-advocacy in health, and never letting circumstances dictate your dreams.

TIMESTAMPS:

01:45 - Surviving a 1,150 Blood Sugar Level

04:59 - The Harsh Reality of Kidney Failure and Life on Dialysis

07:38 - How I Got a Double Organ Transplant in Just 16 Days

12:52 - Living Without Limits

17:52 - The Real Truth About Dialysis and Diabetes Management

19:39 - The Meaning Behind My Blue Flamingo Tattoo

21:00 - Meeting My Donor's Mom & Surviving Recovery

26:32 - Why This Ice Cream Shop Was My Favorite Job Ever

28:00 - Why Staying Vigilant About Your Health Saves Lives

33:33 - Mistaken for Drunk?

37:33 - Secrets of Busch Stadium Security

42:24 - Growing Up in Cahokia

53:06 - The Forgotten NBA Draft Pick from Cahokia

59:05 - Haunted Cahokia

01:08:33 - Iconic Hangout Spots & Hidden History

01:10:29 - The Lemp Mansion & The Dark Secrets of Waverly Hills Sanatorium

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