What if the very thing you believe makes you broken… could actually become your superpower?

John Kippen’s story will challenge how you define beauty, strength, and identity. After a life-altering brain tumor left half his face paralyzed, John spent 12 years hiding—convinced the world would never look past his appearance. But a twist of fate (and a pocket square named Henry) led him back to his childhood love of magic… and his comeback began.

Today’s episode is part inspiration, part transformation—and proof that your greatest pain can become your greatest platform.

🌐 Website (Full Portfolio):

👉 johnkippen.com

See John's TED Talk, watch his documentary John’s Ultimate Illusion, and grab a copy of his book Playing the Hand You Were Dealt.

🧭 Coaching Website:

👉 kippen.coach

Explore John’s 1:1 Resilience & Empowerment Coaching, or book a complimentary discovery call.

🎥 Watch His TED Talk:

👉 TED Talk – John Kippen

Voted by Los Angeles Magazine as one of the most profound TED Talks of the century (over 1M views).

📽️ Watch the Documentary (feat. Jamie Lee Curtis):

👉 John’s Ultimate Illusion

📖 Get the Book – Playing the Hand You Are Dealt:

👉 Buy on Amazon

Whether you’ve been hiding your scars—visible or invisible—this episode is your reminder: You are not less than. You are more than. And the world doesn’t need a perfect version of you—it needs the real one.

💡 If this story inspired you, share the episode with a friend who needs it.

📲 And don’t forget to follow the podcast so you never miss another story of Grit, Grace, & Inspiration.

I hope you enjoyed today's episode! If there is ever anything I can do for you, please don't hesitate to reach out. Below, you will find ALL the places and ALL the ways to connect!

• I would LOVE to hear from you! Send me a Voice Message
• Want to be a guest on GRIT, GRACE, & INSPIRATION? Send Kevin Lowe a message on PodMatch!
• Sign-Up to Receive My LinkedIn Newsletter
• Plus Hangout with Me on LinkedIn
• Let's Schedule a Virtual Coffee Date
• Come Checkout the Website

© 2025 Grit, Grace, & Inspiration

This podcast is designed specifically for those seeking healing from trauma, relief from anxiety, overcoming fear of the unknown, resolving isolation,...

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OR CLICK HERE TO CREATE YOUR OWN CUSTOM SONG!

When was the last time you genuinely had fun—like laugh-until-your-belly-hurts, can't-wait-to-do-it-again kind of fun?

If your daily life feels like one never-ending Monday, you’re not alone. So many of us are stuck in the cycle of adult responsibilities, deadlines, and stress—forgetting how crucial joy and spontaneity are for our mental health and relationships.

• Discover 5 powerful ways to reintroduce fun into your daily routine—without overhauling your life.
• Learn how fun isn't just a luxury, but a life-saving strategy for emotional well-being and human connection.
• Get inspired to reconnect with your younger self through spontaneity, creativity, and yes—being silly on purpose.

Hit play now to rediscover what joy really feels like and walk away with simple tools to bring the spark back into your everyday life.

I hope you enjoyed today's episode! If there is ever anything I can do for you, please don't hesitate to reach out. Below, you will find ALL the places and ALL the ways to connect!

• I would LOVE to hear from you! Send me a Voice Message
• Want to be a guest on GRIT, GRACE, & INSPIRATION? Send Kevin Lowe a message on PodMatch!
• Sign-Up to Receive My LinkedIn Newsletter
• Plus Hangout with Me on LinkedIn
• Let's Schedule a Virtual Coffee Date
• Come Checkout the Website

© 2025 Grit, Grace, & Inspiration

This podcast is designed specifically for those seeking healing from trauma, relief from anxiety, overcoming fear of the unknown, resolving isolation, rebuilding self-worth, confronting guilt and shame, personal growth after trauma, finding their life's purpose, recovering from emotional distress, conquering limiting beliefs, navigating identity shifts, building resilience, rebuilding relationships, coping with chronic pain, searching for spiritual direction, embracing inner strength, cultivating hope, overcoming self-doubt, reclaiming their future, and experiencing post-traumatic growth.

If you’ve been battling self-doubt, stuck in survival mode, or wondering whether your dream is too far gone to chase—this conversation with Donald Osborn is for you.

The truth is, where you began doesn’t define where you’re capable of going. Whether you’re on a path of healing, personal transformation, or just trying to rebuild momentum, this equally inspirational as it is entertaining interview will give you the fuel to keep moving forward with purpose.

🎶 Listen to the song, Where You Land - Created by K-Lowe Music which takes today's entire interview and puts it into a song you won't want to miss!

✈️Purchase a copy of Donald Osborn's memoir, Where We Land on Amazon - Or HIGHLY recommend the audio book available on Audible!

• Hear how one man went from rural dirt roads to flying jets around the globe—and how you can rise above your own starting point
• Learn how resilience, creativity, and hustle can transform even the most unlikely dream into reality
• Discover what it truly means to land in your purpose—even when your journey includes detours, delays, and turbulence

In this unforgettable 400th episode, Kevin Lowe sits down with Donald Osborn, a career pilot, entrepreneur, and author whose life reads like a masterclass in resilience and perseverance. Raised in small-town Nebraska by a single mom, Don’s dream of flying took root early—and never let go. From paying for flight lessons with odd jobs to navigating industry shakeups, regulatory storms, and economic collapse, Don’s journey is anything but straight and smooth.

This isn’t just a podcast about aviation—it’s about personal growth, healing after adversity, and building a purpose-driven life no matter where you start. You’ll hear how Don turned layovers into opportunities, setbacks into new ventures, and dreams into flight plans. If you need a reminder that your past doesn’t define your future, this is it.

Hit play now to hear the inspiring story that proves your starting point isn’t your ceiling—it’s your runway.

Donald Osborn is a pilot, flight instructor, entrepreneur, and author whose career spans decades in aviation and a lifetime of hard-won wisdom. Born and raised in rural Nebraska, Don carved his path from humble beginnings—flipping houses, starting side hustles, and even flying transplant organs across the country—all while chasing a dream that never let go. His memoir, Where We Land, reflects on a life shaped by faith, hustle, setbacks, and resilience. Today, Don continues to inspire with his grounded approach to purpose and the high-altitude view of what’s possible when you never stop believing.

I hope you enjoyed today's episode! If there is ever anything I can do for you, please don't hesitate to reach out. Below, you will find ALL the places and ALL the ways to connect!

• I would LOVE to hear from you! Send me a Voice Message
• Want to be a guest on GRIT, GRACE, & INSPIRATION? Send Kevin Lowe a message on PodMatch!
• Sign-Up to Receive My LinkedIn...

She came to America with $100, no job, and no clue how to turn on the shower—Now she's The Swearing Therapist helping others to heal out loud!

⏯️ Hit play on her power anthem! Hear Zulma’s story come to life in her personal theme song, And Still I Rise — a fierce, fearless tribute to the woman who turned pain into power.

Zulma B. Williams didn’t follow the rules—and she sure as hell didn’t follow society’s timeline. In this unforgettable conversation, Zulma takes us from her childhood in Argentina to her decision to move to America at 31 years old. But that is just the beginning... We explore exactly what it's like to move to another country without speaking the language. We hear about the struggles of life, including her battle with cancer. But we also get to cheer alongside her as she graduates with her master’s in social work at 51 years old to then launching her own unapologetic private practice as The Swearing Therapist.

If you’ve ever felt like it’s “too late,” or that starting over is only for the young, Zulma's story will completely rewrite what you think is possible.

• Permission to start again—whether you’re 30, 50, or beyond
• Practical truths on doing hard things: immigrating, grieving, healing, and building
• Real-talk reminders that your voice, your story, and your dreams are still valid—f-bombs included

Listen now to get fired up by the one and only Swearing Therapist—and finally believe it’s not too late for you to start over, too.

💻 Zulma’s Website: www.dragonflytherapyservices.net

📱 Follow Zulma on Instagram: @theswearingtherapist

📻 Zulma's Podcast: Keeping It Real with Zulma the Swearing Therapist (search in your favorite app or click to listen on Spotify)

Zulma Williams is a bilingual licensed clinical social worker, breast cancer survivor, and the fierce force behind The Swearing Therapist brand. Born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Zulma immigrated to the U.S. at 31, reinvented herself in midlife, and now runs a private therapy practice rooted in radical honesty, humor, and resilience. She specializes in helping highly motivated adults navigate anxiety, trauma, and identity transitions—without sugarcoating or hand-holding.

Zulma is proof that it’s never too late to become who the hell you are!

I hope you enjoyed today's episode! If there is ever anything I can do for you, please don't hesitate to reach out. Below, you will find ALL the places and ALL the ways to connect!

• I would LOVE to hear from you! Send me a Voice Message
• Want to be a guest on GRIT, GRACE, & INSPIRATION? Send Kevin Lowe a message on PodMatch!
• Sign-Up to Receive My LinkedIn Newsletter
• Plus Hangout with Me on LinkedIn

SEND KEVIN A PRIVATE VOICE MESSAGE

Are you stuck in survival mode after trauma—wondering if it’s even possible to feel joy and purpose again?

If you've been silently carrying the weight of your past, hoping something will finally shift—you’re not alone. In this episode, Kevin Lowe shares the real, lived truth about what it takes to rebuild a thriving life after deep loss.

• Discover the 3 foundational pillars that can move you from surviving to thriving.
• Learn how small, intentional actions can create big change in your healing journey.
• Understand why connection—not isolation—is essential for long-term emotional growth.

I hope you enjoyed today's episode! If there is ever anything I can do for you, please don't hesitate to reach out. Below, you will find ALL the places and ALL the ways to connect!

• I would LOVE to hear from you! Send me a Voice Message
• Want to be a guest on GRIT, GRACE, & INSPIRATION? Send Kevin Lowe a message on PodMatch!
• Sign-Up to Receive My LinkedIn Newsletter
• Plus Hangout with Me on LinkedIn
• Let's Schedule a Virtual Coffee Date
• Come Checkout the Website

© 2025 Grit, Grace, & Inspiration

This podcast is designed specifically for those seeking healing from trauma, relief from anxiety, overcoming fear of the unknown, resolving isolation, rebuilding self-worth, confronting guilt and shame, personal growth after trauma, finding their life's purpose, recovering from emotional distress, conquering limiting beliefs, navigating identity shifts, building resilience, rebuilding relationships, coping with chronic pain, searching for spiritual direction, embracing inner strength, cultivating hope, overcoming self-doubt, reclaiming their future, and experiencing post-traumatic growth.

What if the pain you've buried is the very thing standing between you and your healing? This powerful interview pulls back the curtain on one man’s darkest moments to show you what’s possible when you stop running and start facing the truth.

Let’s be real—most people are carrying wounds they’ve never told anyone about. And as long as those wounds stay hidden, so does the healing. In this conversation, you’ll see how the deepest pain can become your greatest turning point—if you’re willing to go there.

• Discover how trauma, when confronted with truth, can become the foundation for purpose and personal transformation
• Learn how even the most chaotic childhood doesn’t have to define your future
• Hear what it really takes to serve others without losing yourself—whether you’re in a crisis profession or just trying to show up for your own life

Joe Smarro’s story isn’t easy to hear—but it just might be exactly what you need to. From childhood abuse and chaos so intense he once set his own bed on fire, to tours of duty as a U.S. Marine, to the high-stakes role of police crisis negotiator—Joe has lived through storms most can’t imagine. But the greatest battle he ever faced? Was the one inside.

This episode doesn’t glorify pain. It reveals the truth of it. And in that truth, you’ll find the possibility of your own redemption.

You’ll hear about the suicide calls, the emotional toll of policing, and the moment a man died in Joe’s arms. But you’ll also hear what happened next—and how Joe’s journey now helps others face what they’ve been running from.

This isn’t just Joe’s story. It’s a wake-up call for anyone who’s tired of pretending they’re fine.

SolutionPoint+ (Joe’s Mental Health Training Org)

JoeSmarro.com

Connect with Joe on Facebook

Follow Joe on Instagram

Connect with Joe on LinkedIn

Joe Smarro is a decorated US Marine Corps combat veteran, serving in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. After military service, he joined the San Antonio Police Department in 2005, becoming a key member of the SAPD Mental Health Unit and growing it into a model of best practices. He delivered a TEDx talk in San Antonio in 2018, titled "I See You," and co-starred in the Emmy-winning documentary "Ernie & Joe: Crisis Cops." Joe co-founded SolutionPoint+ in 2017, focusing on mental wellness and safety in organizations. He left SAPD in 2020 to expand his impact in law enforcement across the nation, aiming to eradicate suicide in policing.

I hope you enjoyed today's episode! If there is ever anything I can do for you, please don't hesitate to reach out. Below, you will find ALL the places and ALL the ways to connect!

• I would LOVE to hear from you! Send me a Voice Message
• Want to be a guest on GRIT, GRACE, & INSPIRATION? Send Kevin Lowe a message on PodMatch!

Are you feeling burned out and soul-tired—like you’re constantly pouring into everything and everyone but have nothing left for yourself? You’re not alone, and this episode is your wake-up call to finally take a breath and reset.

In this powerful solo episode, Kevin Lowe introduces the idea of taking a sabbatical—not as some luxury reserved for the wealthy or world travelers—but as a deeply personal, realistic way to come back to life. Whether you're a busy parent, professional, or simply overwhelmed by the noise of life, Kevin shares how a sabbatical can be tailored to your reality.

🔗 CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE INSPIRATION FOR TODAY'S TOPIC: MY INTERVIEW WITH RAY MARTIN

You’ll discover how a sabbatical can look different for everyone and learn three meaningful ways to take one: from mini-sabbaticals you can weave into your week, to 30-day focus breaks, to longer intentional pauses that don’t require quitting your job or blowing up your life. This episode will inspire you to stop waiting for permission and start designing time to reconnect with the most important person in your life—you.

Press play now to explore how a sabbatical could be the most important investment you make in your energy, clarity, and purpose.

I hope you enjoyed today's episode! If there is ever anything I can do for you, please don't hesitate to reach out. Below, you will find ALL the places and ALL the ways to connect!

• I would LOVE to hear from you! Send me a Voice Message
• Want to be a guest on GRIT, GRACE, & INSPIRATION? Send Kevin Lowe a message on PodMatch!
• Sign-Up to Receive My LinkedIn Newsletter
• Plus Hangout with Me on LinkedIn
• Let's Schedule a Virtual Coffee Date
• Come Checkout the Website

© 2025 Grit, Grace, & Inspiration

This podcast is designed specifically for those seeking healing from trauma, relief from anxiety, overcoming fear of the unknown, resolving isolation, rebuilding self-worth, confronting guilt and shame, personal growth after trauma, finding their life's purpose, recovering from emotional distress, conquering limiting beliefs, navigating identity shifts, building resilience, rebuilding relationships, coping with chronic pain, searching for spiritual direction, embracing inner strength, cultivating hope, overcoming self-doubt, reclaiming their future, and experiencing post-traumatic growth.

Ever felt like you’re living someone else’s life—even if, on paper, everything looks “successful”? What if the freedom, joy, and meaning you’re craving are waiting on the other side of letting go?

• The Power of the Pause: How a 6-month sabbatical became a 14-year global journey and reshaped Ray’s definition of success.
• Rewriting Your Identity: Discover the moment Ray realized he was simply playing a role—and how acting in a play cracked his reality wide open.
• Service Over Status: Hear how helping elephants, orphans, and cancer patients led Ray to more fulfillment than any boardroom ever could.

In today’s soul-stirring conversation, host Kevin Lowe sits down with Ray Martin—a former CEO whose life unraveled completely in a matter of months. His marriage ended, his business collapsed, and his father passed away. But instead of breaking down, Ray broke free.

This episode offers an inspiring, practical, and deeply reflective look at what it really means to reclaim your life, redefine success, and walk an unconventional path guided by inner truth.

Whether you're in the midst of a life transition, burnout, or simply seeking deeper purpose—this episode is your permission slip to begin again.

ALL THINGS Ray Martin & Life Without a Tie are found by visiting: LifeWithoutATie.com

Life after burnout, How to reinvent yourself after failure, Minimalist lifestyle transformation, Sabbatical ideas for professionals, Redefining success and fulfillment, Mindfulness and personal growth, Traveling for self-discovery, Ray Martin Life Without a Tie, Vipassana retreat benefits, Purpose-driven living

Ray Martin is a leadership coach, former award-winning CEO, and author of Life Without a Tie. After a personal and professional implosion in 2005, Ray walked away from everything he knew to explore a radically different life—starting with a 6-month sabbatical that led to 14 years of world travel, deep reflection, and meaningful service.

From running the NYC Marathon to raising thousands for causes across Asia, Ray's story is one of bold reinvention, soulful truth, and purpose-led living. Today, he coaches global leaders and continues to share his journey through writing and speaking.

👉 Visit LifeWithoutATie.com to connect with Ray, explore his book, and learn more.

🎧 Press play now to explore how releasing the life you’ve outgrown can help you step into the one that’s waiting to be lived.

I hope you enjoyed today's episode! If there is ever anything I can do for you, please don't hesitate to reach out. Below, you will find ALL the places and ALL the ways to connect!

• I would LOVE to hear from you! Send me a Voice Message
• Want to be a guest on GRIT, GRACE, & INSPIRATION? Send Kevin Lowe a message on PodMatch!
• Sign-Up to Receive My LinkedIn Newsletter
• Plus Hangout with Me on LinkedIn