How Sobriety, Faith, and Doing Hard Things Changed Brady McDonald’s Life

Check Out Therabody 👇https://www.therabody.com/discount/DETERMINEDUse Code: DETERMINED to get 15% off at checkout------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------In this powerful episode of The Determined Society Podcast, Brady McDonald shares his raw journey from alcohol dependency and fear to sobriety, faith, ultra-endurance racing, and building a life rooted in discipline and purpose.Brady opens up about quitting alcohol after realizing the cycle he was passing down to his daughters, how doing hard things like 75 Hard and ultra running gave him clarity, and the moment God intervened and changed the trajectory of his life. We dive deep into fatherhood, leadership, failure, faith, resilience, and why children don’t do what we say, they do what we do.This conversation also explores Brady’s mission to use running for something bigger than himself through 50K in 50 States, raising millions for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and how serving others brings more fulfillment than success ever could. Key Takeaways-Sobriety gave Brady clarity, courage, and control over his life.-Doing hard things builds confidence that transfers into every area of life.-Discipline is simple, but it’s never easy.-Fitness became the gateway to mental, emotional, and spiritual growth-Failure isn’t the end; it’s feedback for the next attempt.-The right people in your corner determine how far you go.-Faith showed up when quitting no longer felt like an option.-Serving others creates deeper fulfillment than personal success. Connect with me :https://link.me/theshawnfrench?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaY2s9TipS1cPaEZZ9h692pnV-rlsO-lzvK6LSFGtkKZ53WvtCAYTKY7lmQ_aem_OY08g381oa759QqTr7iPGABrady McDonaldhttps://www.instagram.com/brady.mcdonald84/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What do you do when heartbreak, betrayal, or a toxic relationship leaves you broken on the floor?In this powerful episode of The Determined Society Podcast, Shawn sits down with world-renowned breakup and divorce coach Sara Davison to talk about reclaiming your power when life knocks you down.Sara shares the deeply personal story behind her mantra “Screw You, Watch This,” how toxic relationships quietly trap people in cycles of fear and self-doubt, and the practical tools anyone can use to break free. Key Takeaways-Toxic relationships often feel familiar and safe, which is why people repeat them.-Healing starts when you take responsibility for your own power and decisions.-Emotional recovery requires replacing old patterns with new daily standards.-Small, consistent actions create momentum and long-term change.-Taking care of yourself first is essential, not selfish.-Children learn how to cope by watching how parents handle adversity. Connect with me :https://link.me/theshawnfrench?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaY2s9TipS1cPaEZZ9h692pnV-rlsO-lzvK6LSFGtkKZ53WvtCAYTKY7lmQ_aem_OY08g381oa759QqTr7iPGASara Davisonhttps://www.instagram.com/saradavisondivorcecoach/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What does it really take to build a scalable business that survives without you?In this episode of The Determined Society Podcast, David Royce shares how he went from knocking doors as a college student to building and exiting multiple pest control companies, including a $500M empire operating across 34 states and 5,000+ cities.David breaks down the real mechanics of scale, why blue-collar businesses with white-collar systems are massively underrated, and how obsession, systems, and cash flow discipline separate businesses that grow from those that collapse. Key Takeaways-A business is truly scalable if you can step away for 30 days and it still runs without you.-Growth is meaningless without strong cash flow and financial control.-Some of the most profitable opportunities exist in overlooked, blue-collar industries.-Systems and processes create freedom and allow a business to operate without constant involvement.-Great sales come from listening, understanding people, and solving real problems.-Obsession and persistence matter more than talent, because most people fail by quitting too early. Connect with me :https://link.me/theshawnfrench?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaY2s9TipS1cPaEZZ9h692pnV-rlsO-lzvK6LSFGtkKZ53WvtCAYTKY7lmQ_aem_OY08g381oa759QqTr7iPGADavid Roycehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/david-royce-22539425/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

2025 was a turning point.Personally, professionally, and mentally. This episode is a raw reflection on how fixing one overlooked area of my life changed everything, from my marriage and mindset to the growth of The Determined Society.If you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or like something small is quietly holding you back, this conversation is about identifying that one thing and committing to real change.Growth doesn’t come from motivation, it comes from discipline, ownership, and doing the work when no one’s watching. Key Takeaways-Personal growth off-camera directly fueled professional success on-camera.-Fixing the “one thing” holding you back unlocks progress in every area of life.-Physical health improvements led to better clarity, confidence, and communication.-Consistency and discipline drove massive growth in 2025.-Emotional regulation improved relationships with family, team, and guests.-Growth in the show was a byproduct of personal accountability and self-care.-Feeling “seen” by the audience came from staying authentic and mission-driven.-Long-term thinking (years, not months) is key to sustainable success.-Momentum is built by doing the mundane work consistently and intentionally. Connect with me :https://link.me/theshawnfrench?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaY2s9TipS1cPaEZZ9h692pnV-rlsO-lzvK6LSFGtkKZ53WvtCAYTKY7lmQ_aem_OY08g381oa759QqTr7iPGA Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of The Determined Society, host Shawn French sits down with Dr. David Karli, a renowned physician and entrepreneur in regenerative medicine, to explore the intersection of health, determination, longevity, and the future of medical technology.Dr. Karli opens up about his personal health crisis in his early 40s; including burnout, panic attacks, hormonal imbalance, and the wake-up call that forced him to rethink everything he believed about aging, performance, and medicine. What followed was a complete transformation that reshaped not only his body, but his mindset, career, and mission.Together, they dive into testosterone optimization, mental health in men, the psychology of discipline, and why process, suffering, and systems are unavoidable if you want real change. The conversation expands into cutting-edge regenerative medicine, AI-driven stem cell therapy, and the ethical questions surrounding longevity; including whether living longer actually means living better. Key Takeaways-Hormonal health is foundational to both physical and mental performance-Discipline is doing the work long after motivation fades-True transformation comes from systems, not shortcuts-Longevity without mobility and quality of life is a hollow win-Suffering is not the enemy, it’s part of growth-The future of medicine will be personalized, data-driven, and ethically complex Connect with me :https://link.me/theshawnfrench?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaY2s9TipS1cPaEZZ9h692pnV-rlsO-lzvK6LSFGtkKZ53WvtCAYTKY7lmQ_aem_OY08g381oa759QqTr7iPGADavid Karlihttps://www.instagram.com/davidkarli/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this raw and deeply emotional episode of The Determined Society, Shawn French sits down with Matt Dillon for a powerful conversation about adversity, identity, addiction, resilience, and what it truly means to build yourself back up when life breaks you down.Matt opens up about leaving Australia for New York, starting over from nothing, navigating addiction, loneliness, and career pressure, and learning how to survive by showing up every single day, even when everything felt impossible. From swimming through rock bottom to rebuilding discipline, trust, and self-worth, this episode explores the realities most people never talk about.The conversation also dives into Matt’s life-changing bond with a chimpanzee that gave him purpose during one of the darkest chapters of his life, reshaping how he views love, responsibility, and connection. Key Takeaways-Why rock bottom can become the foundation for real personal growth-The difference between fake confidence and earned self-belief-How eliminating toxic people and habits creates momentum-Why discipline, presence, and self-trust change everything-How purpose can come from unexpected relationships and responsibility-Redefining success, greatness, and ambition on your own terms Connect with me :https://link.me/theshawnfrench?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaY2s9TipS1cPaEZZ9h692pnV-rlsO-lzvK6LSFGtkKZ53WvtCAYTKY7lmQ_aem_OY08g381oa759QqTr7iPGAMatthew Dillonhttps://www.instagram.com/mattdillon1983/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of The Determined Society, Shawn French sits down with Baiju Bhatt, co-founder of Robinhood, for a wide-ranging conversation that spans entrepreneurship, immigration, resilience, artificial intelligence, and humanity’s next energy frontier: space.Baiju opens up about growing up as the child of Indian immigrants, learning English by watching TV, and how that outsider perspective shaped his worldview, work ethic, and belief in opportunity. He reflects on building Robinhood in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis, the skepticism they faced, and how democratizing access to the markets reshaped an entire generation’s relationship with money.The conversation then moves beyond finance into the future of energy and AI. Baiju introduces his newest venture, Aetherflux, and the bold vision behind what he calls the “Galactic Brain” a solar-powered AI data centers and energy grids built in space.From space-based power transmission using lasers to solving the massive energy demands of artificial intelligence, this episode explores ideas that sound like science fiction but are rapidly becoming reality. Key Takeaways-Baiju Bhatt’s immigrant upbringing and how it shaped his mindset-The real story behind building Robinhood after the 2008 financial collapse-Why access to investing became a cultural and generational shift-The philosophy of failure, stubborn belief, and customer-driven validation-What the “Galactic Brain” means for AI, power, and the future of humanity-How space solar power and laser energy transmission actually work-Health, discipline, confidence, and how self-respect changes outcomes Connect with me :https://link.me/theshawnfrench?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaY2s9TipS1cPaEZZ9h692pnV-rlsO-lzvK6LSFGtkKZ53WvtCAYTKY7lmQ_aem_OY08g381oa759QqTr7iPGABaiju Bhatthttps://www.instagram.com/realbaijubhatt/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this deeply moving episode of The Determined Society, host Shawn French sits down with Liz Caplan, world-renowned vocal coach, founder of Liz Caplan Voice Studios, and trusted voice teacher to some of the biggest names in film, television, and Broadway, including Hugh Jackman, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Andrew Garfield, Ben Platt, Stephen Colbert, and more.From growing up with asthma to discovering that singing and breathwork could literally change how her body functioned, Liz explains how music became her first medicine, long before success, recognition, or a thriving business.She shares how deep, intentional breathing can calm the nervous system, reduce anxiety, and create a natural “high” with no crash, no hangover, and no harm.Liz also pulls back the curtain on her journey from teaching a few students to becoming one of the most trusted vocal coaches in the industry, explaining how small steps, word of mouth, and genuine care built a world-class career rooted in service, not ego. Key Takeaways-Your voice and breath are powerful healing tools, not just performance skills.-Deep, intentional breathing can regulate the nervous system and reduce anxiety naturally.-True success is built slowly through service, trust, and word-of-mouth consistency.-Burnout often comes from absorbing others’ energy; learning to release it is essential.-Creativity, music, and movement can be medicine when used with intention.-Determination means continuing your mission with empathy, care, and integrity. Connect with me :https://link.me/theshawnfrench?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaY2s9TipS1cPaEZZ9h692pnV-rlsO-lzvK6LSFGtkKZ53WvtCAYTKY7lmQ_aem_OY08g381oa759QqTr7iPGALiz Caplanhttps://www.instagram.com/lizcaplan/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of The Determined Society, host Shawn French sits down with Olivia Mock, founder and CEO of The Check-In Club, a rapidly growing fitness accountability app helping thousands of people build discipline, community, and confidence, without the toxicity, filters, and comparison traps of modern social media.What begins as a conversation about fitness quickly turns into a deep discussion on mental health, self-talk, consistency, childhood insecurities, and the emotional battles people face long before they ever touch a weight. Shawn and Olivia open up about their own struggles with anxiety, body image, shame, yo-yo dieting, and the internal narratives that keep people stuck.Olivia shares the story behind The Check-In Club, why she built a judgment-free platform, and how accountability communities help moms, beginners, athletes, and everyday people stay consistent. Key Takeaways-You cannot build a lasting fitness journey from shame—only from self-love.-Small wins compound. Consistency beats intensity every time.-Nutrition and movement dramatically improve mental health, anxiety, and confidence.-Walking counts. Any movement is better than none.-Community accelerates progress—accountability builds discipline.-Showing up for yourself first allows you to show up better for your family, work, and relationships.  Connect with me :https://link.me/theshawnfrench?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaY2s9TipS1cPaEZZ9h692pnV-rlsO-lzvK6LSFGtkKZ53WvtCAYTKY7lmQ_aem_OY08g381oa759QqTr7iPGAOlivia Mockhttps://www.instagram.com/oliviamockk/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of The Determined Society, host Shawn French sits down with entrepreneur and wellness advocate Jerome, whose life story is a raw testament to trauma, resilience, and the determination to build something better for the next generation.What begins as a conversation about childhood adversity becomes a shocking revelation:Jerome discovered that he was likely a surviving twin, the result of selective abortion practices in 1970s France. That discovery unraveled decades of unexplained psychological pain, complex PTSD, and emotional disconnection. For the first time publicly, he opens up about prenatal trauma, childhood neglect, and the generational patterns he is determined to break as a father of three young girls. Key Takeaways:-Trauma isn’t just emotional, prenatal and childhood trauma shape the brain, identity, and adulthood.-Breaking generational cycles requires intentionality, vulnerability, and emotional honesty.-Children don’t need perfect parents, they need present, loving, apologetic, humble ones.-Determination is built in moments where your instinct is to react, but you choose to respond with love.-Mental health struggles are not weakness; silence is. Talking about it is the first step to freedom-Affordable healthcare is possible, removing middlemen makes life-saving medication accessible for families in need. Connect with me :https://link.me/theshawnfrench?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaY2s9TipS1cPaEZZ9h692pnV-rlsO-lzvK6LSFGtkKZ53WvtCAYTKY7lmQ_aem_OY08g381oa759QqTr7iPGAJerome Knyszewskihttps://www.instagram.com/jeromeknyszewski/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.