Épisodes

  • From Uniform to Unstoppable: Donnell Johns Redefining Leadership After the Military Ep. 6

    From Uniform to Unstoppable: Donnell Johns Redefining Leadership After the Military Ep. 6
    Jan 21 2026
    In this powerful episode of Unbreakable Storm, we sit down with Donnell Johns, a retired U.S. Army Command Sergeant Major who turned the pain of transition and the weight of identity loss into a mission that empowers thousands. Donnell opens up about the difficult shift from the structured life of military service to the uncertain terrain of civilian entrepreneurship. With candor and depth, he reflects on what it really means to lead—not from rank, but from purpose. We explore the founding of Veterans Growing America, his commitment to building spaces for veteran-owned businesses to thrive, and how the struggles he faced post-service gave rise to a new definition of leadership: one rooted in empathy, vision, and community building. This conversation dives into: The internal storm of losing identity after military retirement The uphill journey of launching a business from scratch Donnell’s belief that service doesn't end with the uniform—it just evolves Why helping others rise is the ultimate form of healing Donnell's story is a living blueprint for resilience and purpose-driven leadership. If you’ve ever felt lost after a chapter ended, or uncertain about what comes next, this episode will speak to your soul. 👉 Tune in now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, and YouTube. 🎧 Share this episode with someone who needs to hear that there’s life—and greatness—after the storm. For more about Donnell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnelljohns/ For more on Olivia: https://www.olivianunn.com To be a guest, email Olivia at olivia@olivianunn.com To schedule a call with Olivia https://calendly.com/olivianunn
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    47 min
  • Breaking the Silence with Annette Whittenberger Ep. 5

    Breaking the Silence with Annette Whittenberger Ep. 5
    Jan 13 2026
    In this deeply moving episode, Olivia is joined by Annette Whittenberger — a retired Army officer, mental health advocate, speaker, and founder of A Wild Ride Called Life. Annette opens up about her journey through the hidden battles of life after service, her experience navigating divorce, and the lifelong impact of living with depression, anxiety, and PTSD. From the outside, Annette was the strong leader, mother, and soldier. But behind the uniform and the smile was a woman grappling with loss of identity, overwhelm, and emotional exhaustion. It wasn’t until she gave herself permission to be vulnerable — to speak her truth out loud — that the real healing began. 🌀 In this conversation, we explore: Letting go of perfectionism and embracing authenticity Parenting through pain and showing up anyway The emotional weight of transition, both personal and professional The power of community, connection, and storytelling How writing became a form of release and reclamation Annette’s story reminds us that even the strongest people need support — and that healing doesn’t require having it all figured out. It just requires the courage to begin. 📢 You are not alone. Your story is not over. And the storm you’re walking through might just lead to your greatest breakthrough. For more on Annette: https://www.awildridecalledlife.com/about For more on Olivia: https://www.olivianunn.com To be a guest, email Olivia at olivia@olivianunn.com To schedule a call with Olivia https://calendly.com/olivianunn
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    36 min
  • From Battlefield to Redemption: Shawn Livingston’s Long Road Back Ep. 4

    From Battlefield to Redemption: Shawn Livingston’s Long Road Back Ep. 4
    Jan 6 2026
    Combat veteran Shawn Livingston knows what it means to fight battles that don’t end when the uniform comes off. After sustaining an injury while serving his country, Shawn found himself struggling with heroin addiction—a descent that nearly cost him everything. His raw and courageous journey from combat, to addiction, and ultimately to recovery is documented in the film 100 Miles to Redemption, an unflinching look at pain, accountability, and the long road home. Today, Shawn is living proof that redemption is possible. Through sobriety, discipline, and relentless self‑work, he transformed his life and mindset. He is now a decorated ultra runner, pushing his body and mind through grueling endurance races that mirror the internal battles he once fought in silence. Shawn is also the host of the podcast I Am Redemption, where he creates space for others to share stories of recovery, resilience, and triumph. Deeply rooted in the recovery community, he travels nationwide as a motivational speaker—offering hope to those who feel trapped by their past. This episode is about falling hard, choosing to rise, and discovering that redemption isn’t a destination—it’s a daily commitment. 🌪️ If you’ve ever felt lost, broken, or beyond saving, this conversation will remind you: it’s never too late to rise. For more on Shawn: https://iamredemption.com/ For more on Olivia: https://www.olivianunn.com To be a guest, email Olivia at olivia@olivianunn.com To schedule a call with Olivia https://calendly.com/olivianunn
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    40 min
  • Poverty, Pain, Press- How Dr. Rob Garcia Built His Empire Ep. 2

    Poverty, Pain, Press- How Dr. Rob Garcia Built His Empire Ep. 2
    Dec 30 2025
    In a world where success is often showcased without the struggle behind it, Dr. Rob Garcia brings the full story — the ups, the downs, and the relentless pursuit of purpose. A globally recognized visibility strategist and media architect, Rob knows firsthand what it feels like to come from a place of hardship, loss, and challenge — and to transform that experience into a platform for change. In this episode, Rob takes us beyond the press releases and media accolades to the real journey that shaped his ethos: growing up with limited resources, navigating personal and family losses, and rising through grit, strategy, and authentic leadership. Today, he helps experts and leaders elevate their voice through strategic media positioning, storytelling, and brand authority. But this path didn’t begin in the spotlight — it was forged in the grit of lived experience. We dive deep into: The mindset shifts that turned adversity into opportunity How vulnerability became a strategic strength The power of media to not just broadcast — but connect Why true visibility starts with authenticity Rob’s story is a reminder that resilience isn’t just about surviving the storm — it’s about using what you’ve endured to illuminate the way for others. 👉 If you’ve ever felt overlooked, underestimated, or stuck behind your own success story, this is the episode that will remind you: your voice matters, your story is powerful, and your storm is part of your strength. Tune in, be inspired, and remember — you are the storm. For more on Dr. Garcia: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-robert-garcia-san-diego/ For more on Olivia: https://www.olivianunn.com To be a guest, email Olivia at olivia@olivianunn.com To schedule a call with Olivia https://calendly.com/olivianunn
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    39 min
  • Amputated. Not Defeated. Nick Lavery on Discipline, Purpose, & Resilience Ep. 1

    Amputated. Not Defeated. Nick Lavery on Discipline, Purpose, & Resilience Ep. 1
    Dec 30 2025
    From the shadows of war to the summit of personal triumph, Nick Lavery is the embodiment of what it means to rise after being broken. An active‑duty Green Beret, decorated combat veteran, bestselling author, and founder of Precision Components LLC, Nick’s life was forever changed by a life‑altering injury sustained in combat. What could have defined an end instead became the beginning of a fierce new mission. In this unfiltered conversation, Nick takes us through the battlefield of recovery — navigating pain, loss, and the relentless grind of rebuilding identity after trauma. A leader in resilience and purpose, Nick has dedicated his life to empowering others through discipline, mindset, and a belief that limits are made to be surpassed. From earning the Silver Star and three Purple Hearts, to authoring Objective Secure — a battle‑tested guide to goal achievement — Nick’s story is not just about survival, but about transformation. He shares the lessons that shaped his unbreakable resolve, the role of family and faith in his journey, and the leadership principles that have inspired countless others to unlock their capacity and increase their capability. 👉 If you’ve ever faced a storm that felt too big to weather, this episode will remind you why the storm doesn’t make you weak — it reveals what you’re made of. Tune in, subscribe, rise with us, and remember: you are the storm. For More on Nick: https://www.precisioncomponentsllc.com/ For more on Olivia: https://www.olivianunn.com To be a guest, email Olivia at olivia@olivianunn.com To schedule a call with Olivia https://calendly.com/olivianunn
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    43 min
  • Diagnosed to Die. Determined to Rise- Brandi Benson's Comeback Story Ep. 3

    Diagnosed to Die. Determined to Rise- Brandi Benson's Comeback Story Ep. 3
    Dec 30 2025
    At 24 years old, Brandi Benson was living her dream — serving in the U.S. Army, chasing goals, and building a future with purpose. But life came to a screeching halt when she was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer. In an instant, her battlefield became the hospital, her mission became survival, and her weapon was unshakable willpower. In this soul-stirring episode of The Unbreakable Storm, Brandi opens up about the darkest season of her life — from receiving a terminal diagnosis while deployed in Iraq to defying the odds stacked against her. But this isn’t just a story of survival; it’s one of reinvention, resilience, and radical hope. Now a bestselling author, speaker, and mental wellness advocate, Brandi is changing the narrative around trauma and healing — helping others find strength, purpose, and beauty in their scars. Her memoir, The Enemy Inside Me, has touched thousands, and her work continues to light the path for warriors — military and civilian alike — navigating their own storms. The emotional and physical toll of surviving cancer as a young soldier The identity crisis that follows trauma — and how to rebuild from it Mental health as a daily mission, not a destination The power of storytelling in turning pain into purpose How Brandi redefined what strength and femininity look like in a world that labels survivors Brandi’s story is a reminder that healing doesn’t mean returning to who you were — it means becoming who you were meant to be. 💥 This is an episode you won’t forget. 📲 Download. Share. And remind someone today: the storm is survivable — and you’re not alone. For more about Brandi: https://brandilbenson.com/ For more on Olivia: https://www.olivianunn.com To be a guest, email Olivia at olivia@olivianunn.com To schedule a call with Olivia https://calendly.com/olivianunn
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    36 min