In this powerful and heartfelt episode of the Early Accountability Podcast, host Kimi Walker welcomes Rob Wheeler, a military veteran, former law enforcement officer, and founder of the coaching brand Battle Fitted. Rob opens up about his journey through trauma, PTSD, anxiety, and the loss of his business, sharing how those struggles became the foundation for helping others reclaim their lives through fitness, mindset, and discipline.

Together, Kimi and Rob dive into topics like overcoming adversity, building resilience, and the practical power of daily gratitude. Rob candidly reflects on how he turned his pain into progress, explaining why consistency—not fleeting motivation—is the real key to lasting wellness. Listeners are treated to inspiring stories from Rob’s own path and from his work with men and fellow first responders, as well as simple strategies for creating healthy habits, emotional regulation, and leading with vulnerability. The episode is a reminder that no matter our battles or setbacks, each day presents another chance to choose growth, seek support, and move forward with renewed purpose.

Topics Covered in This Episode

1. Turning trauma and adversity into a source of strength and purpose
2. The core pillars of wellness: fitness, mindset, and discipline
3. The underestimated power of gratitude for improving mental well-being
4. Why consistency outshines motivation in building lasting habits
5. Addressing the “silent battles” faced by veterans, first responders, and men
6. Creating a family legacy of wellness and modeling healthy behaviors for children

About Robert Wheeler

Rob Wheeler is a veteran, former law enforcement officer, and the creator of BattleFitted, a coaching brand that helps people reclaim their lives through fitness, mental resilience, and discipline. A survivor of trauma and PTSD, he uses movement and mindset to fight mental health challenges and empower others to do the same. As the host of the Battle Harder Podcast, Rob shares stories of warriors from all walks of life who have turned struggle into strength. Guided by his motto, “Turn Pain Into Progress,” his mission is to provide real talk, real tools, and a blueprint for resilience

Connect with Robert Wheeler

1. Website: https://www.battlefittedbrand.com/
2. Email: ibattleharder@gmail.com

Connect with Kimi Walker:

1. Visit: earlyaccountability.com
2. LinkedIn: Kimi Walker
3. Facebook: Kimi Walker
4. Instagram:

In this powerful episode of the Early Accountability Podcast, host Kimi Walker welcomes Laura Bratton, speaker, coach, author, and resilience advocate. Laura shares her remarkable journey of navigating life after losing her vision as a teenager due to a rare retinal eye disease. With candor and compassion, Laura discusses the emotional and practical challenges that came with her transition to blindness—highlighting the critical roles of family, friends, and community support in her healing and adaptation process.

The conversation dives deep into the themes of resilience, self-advocacy, and navigating change with courage and gratitude. Laura opens up about becoming the first blind student to receive a Master’s of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary, tackling both internal and external obstacles along the way. She breaks down her trademarked approach of “Experiencing Grit and Gratitude” and offers listeners tangible strategies for facing setbacks, validating emotions, and moving forward moment by moment. Whether you’re grappling with change or helping others through life’s storms, this episode is a testament to the strength we find when we accept both the grit and the grace within ourselves. As Laura reminds us, “You are enough—right now, as you are.”

Topics Covered in This Episode

• Laura’s personal journey through vision loss and her path to resilience
• The transformative power of supportive relationships during major life transitions
• Advocating for yourself and adapting to new environments, like graduate school
• The true definition of grit and gratitude in facing adversity
• Practical steps to ground yourself during setbacks or major changes
• Rethinking resilience: validating emotions and taking small steps forward

About Laura Bratton

Laura Bratton was diagnosed with an eye disease at the age of nine and, over the next decade, faced the difficult transition to life without sight. Despite these challenges, she graduated with a BA in psychology from Arizona State University and went on to become the first blind student to earn a Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary. Laura is the author of Harnessing Courage and the founder of Ubi Global, where she provides speaking and coaching to empower people to overcome obstacles with grit and gratitude

Connect with Laura Bratton

• Website: https://www.laurabratton.com/
• Email: laura@laurabratton.com

Connect with Kimi Walker:

• Visit: earlyaccountability.com
• LinkedIn: Kimi Walker
• Facebook: Kimi Walker
• Instagram: Kimi Walker
• YouTube: Kimi Walker

In this moving episode of the Early Accountability Podcast, host Kimi Walker welcomes Jamal Powell, Christian rap artist turned author and motivational speaker. Jamal shares his deeply personal story chronicled in his book A Marriage Broken by Covid, taking listeners through the heartbreak and resilience his family experienced when the pandemic turned his world upside down. As Jamal recounts the separation and reconciliation in his marriage, the terrifying battle his wife faced with Covid-19, and the sudden demands of new fatherhood—all experienced amidst uncertainty and grief—he also traces how faith, persistence, and reframing hardship as opportunity became his most powerful tools.

Listeners will be inspired by Jamal’s “diamond mindset,” his commitment to turning pain into purpose, and how visibility and storytelling can foster healing. Jamal opens up about the practical and spiritual disciplines that helped him endure prolonged adversity and transform brokenness into renewed strength and deeper gratitude. This episode is a testament to the power of perseverance, the importance of social support, and never giving up, no matter how bleak life may seem—a radiant reminder that diamonds truly are forged under pressure.

Topics Covered in This Episode

• Turning loss and hardship into lessons of resilience and hope
• The transformative power of faith during times of crisis
• Embracing the “diamond mindset” to emerge stronger from adversity
• The role of accountability, visibility, and community in personal growth
• Practical spiritual and mindset disciplines for enduring tough times
• The importance of sharing your story to inspire and help others

About Jo’mel Williams Powell

Jo’mel Williams Powell is a Detroit-based author, speaker, and former gospel rap artist whose story is as powerful as it is redemptive. When his pregnant wife contracted COVID-19 in 2021, Jo’mel was suddenly thrust into single fatherhood as she remained in long-term care. Out of this life-altering hardship, he discovered what he calls the “Diamond Mindset”—a belief that life’s pressure can reveal hidden strength, purpose, and spiritual clarity. Today, Jo’mel shares his story to help others transform pain into power. He is the author of A Marriage Broken by COVID Produced Diamonds for You and speaks to audiences about resilience, faith, and healing through adversity.

Connect with Jo’mel Williams Powell

• Linktree (book, socials, and more): https://linktr.ee/AMarraigeBrokenCovid
• Instagram: @jomelwilliams
• Facebook: facebook.com/share/1A4EySpqzg
• TikTok: @diamondsforyou85
• Email: JomelWilliams85@gmail.com

Connect with Kimi Walker:

• Visit: earlyaccountability.com
• LinkedIn: Kimi Walker
• Facebook: Kimi Walker
• Instagram: