Hidden Pearls Podcast

Our guest in this episode is Susan Cottrell, who is one of the leading voices for parents of LGBTQ+ kids with a focus on deconstructing harmful, false religious teaching. Susan has been married 39 years and is the mother of 5 children including two transgender sons.She is many things including:- A public theologian with a Master of Arts in Theological Studies- A devoted Christina who spent 20+ years in the non-affirming Evangelical church beforefounding FreedHearts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Seatle- author of 5 books including “Mom I’m Gay”- the co-host of the popular FreedHearts Podcast- a TED speaker (with 5+ million views)- has appeared on ABC’s 20/20, Nightline, Good Morning America, and NBC News Out- Their Mission is “Freeing hearts to love and be loved! Love. Inclusion. Affimation.” Thepodcast is co-hosted by Susan and her husband Rob Cottrell.In this Show you will hear us discuss:a. Her transitioning into the LGBTQ World –i. From long time member of the Evangelical Church to mother of two queer daughters / eventually transgender sons, who came out in 2011 and 2012ii. Her decision to choose her daughters/sons and love over the church, fear, and rejecOoniii. Why she feels there is so much fear around the LGBTQ community and people transitingin gender and sexual identity?b. Her own journey towards healing –i. How the church & religion has impacted LGBTQ individuals and families’ traumaii. The power and need for deconstructing a world view and religious beliefs and the steps toward rebuildingiii. identifying trauma/wounds (mental, emotional and those held in the body)c. optimizing performance, her own, her family’s, and the lives of countless others -i. The creation of Vibrant Community, and the Beloved Adventure courses (Freedhearts.com)ii. Creating support through storytelling, sharing, needed resources, justice, inclusion, and loveiii. Her vision of the future and what people really wantThis is an intriguing show with some very real life experiences and stories with a woman, mother, and theologian, who is well educated, well read, and extremely passionate. We hope you enjoy it.BruceWebsite - https://www.freedhearts.org/IG - https://www.instagram.com/freedheartsPodcast - https://freedhearts.buzzsprout.com/ ----If you're interested in any of the movement, meditation, or mindfulness practices discussed on the show, please join us on Hidden Pearls Studio for less than $0.30 / day. hiddenpearlsstudio.com---CONNECT WITH USHidden Pearls Studio IG - @hiddenpearls.studioHidden Pearls Podcast IG - @hiddenpearlspodcastBruce Kittle IG - @coachkittle61Emma Kittle Ponce IG - @emmakittleponce Emma Kittle Ponce Youtube  @EmmaKittlePonce  George Kittle IG - @gkittle #hiddenpearls #hiddenpearlspodcast #hiddenpearlsstudio #hpp #hps #kittle #georgekittle #kittlefoundations #ponce #폰세

I'm very proud and honored to offer this next podcast to our followers, friends, and family. The show was recorded back in October 2025 at George's workout facility, "The Barn," outside of Nashville. With Emma in South Korea having a baby, and me not being great with the technical side of things, it's been sitting around for a while. But it's a truly special episode because of the person who was gracious enough to sit down with me for a couple of hours.Casey Beathard is father to CJ, who was George's quarterback at the University of Iowa. They were freshmen together, and in 2017 both were drafted by the San Francisco 49ers — that's how we first got to know CJ and his family, including Casey.At the time, I had no idea he was a Hall of Fame songwriter with a list of number-one hits that anyone would envy. In the show, we cover the many awards he's won over the years. But even more impressive than the accolades is how he got his start in the business, his work ethic, his incredible resilience, and — most of all — his steadfast love in the face of very difficult and painful situations.In this episode, we followed the three core elements of the work we do at Hidden Pearls Studio: (1) Navigating Transition, (2) Pathways to Healing, and (3) Pursuing Optimal Performance. Casey's stories around each of these topics are powerful, shared with grace, love, and a deep faith that grounds him in everything he does.As you listen, you'll hear about the obstacles he faced and the sacrifices he and his family made navigating life's transitions. He speaks powerfully about loss and grief, and the role healing has played in his life. And of course, we talk about the success he's had, how he got there, and what it took to navigate it all with grace and love.I encourage you to listen with an open heart — be ready to be moved, touched, and inspired. Thank you, Casey, from the bottom of my heart, for taking the time to be with us on this journey of life. ----If you're interested in any of the movement, meditation, or mindfulness practices discussed on the show, please join us on Hidden Pearls Studio for less than $0.30 / day. hiddenpearlsstudio.com---CONNECT WITH USHidden Pearls Studio IG - @hiddenpearls.studioHidden Pearls Podcast IG - @hiddenpearlspodcastBruce Kittle IG - @coachkittle61Emma Kittle Ponce IG - @emmakittleponce Emma Kittle Ponce Youtube  @EmmaKittlePonce  George Kittle IG - @gkittle #hiddenpearls #hiddenpearlspodcast #hiddenpearlsstudio #hpp #hps #kittle #georgekittle #kittlefoundations #ponce #폰세

Welcome to another very special HPP edition, also recorded at The Barn — this one back in August 2025. Yes, it's also been a little delayed in getting pushed out, but I promise it's worth the wait.In this show, we welcome Nick Lavery to the podcast. I first met Nick at our 2025 gathering of tight ends at TEU in June, where he addressed our group. Nick's energy and message were truly inspiring and offered all of us great insight on mindset and performance.Nick's story and perspective on life are grounded in action and intention, built on hard-earned, lived-through lessons on success, resilience, and courage — all approached with a peak-performance mindset.Nick's resume is extensive, and we cover it in the show, but some highlights are worth noting:Nick is a Chief Warrant Officer 2 and an active-duty member of the United States Army Special Forces (The Green Berets). He is the first Special Forces operator to return to full active-duty combat deployment as an above-the-knee amputee. Injured in 2013, after two years of surgeries, prosthetic fittings, and grueling field training, he returned to his unit and back into full combat settings.He is also the first amputee in military history to complete: (1) the Special Forces Warrant Officer Technical and Tactical Certification course, (2) the Special Operations Combatives Program Instructor course, and (3) the Special Forces Combat Diver Qualification course.Nick's awards include the Silver Star, three Purple Hearts, two Bronze Stars, and many others. He is a warrior's warrior, a proven leader, and the author of Objective Secure: The Battle-Tested Guide to Goal Achievement. He's also an inspiring speaker with a group of veterans doing leadership and mindset training known as Precision Components, a spokesperson for Pillars of Valor Coffee, and — above all — a husband and father to two boys.This episode follows how Nick's life intersects with the three components of our work at HPS: (1) Navigating Transitions, (2) Finding Healing, and (3) Achieving Peak/Optimal Performance. His story across all three is a textbook study in mindset, resilience, courage, loyalty, and love.He shares his transition from college football, growing to 6'5" and 250 lbs by the time he reported for service; his sense of wasting his life and making some poor decisions while working as a VIP security guard after college; and eventually seeking a higher calling with purpose and intention. And he found it.He shares his stories of training for the Special Forces, his deployments, and the insider ambush attack on the U.S. military compound where he was stationed — which resulted in the deaths of U.S. service members and his own injuries, ultimately costing him his leg. This led to more transitions, more healing, and eventually more optimal performance. It's also a blueprint for developing your own mindset: how he accomplished the recovery and training that led to his approval and assignment back to full active duty — something no one with his injuries had ever done before.Give this a listen and expect inspiration, challenge, shock and awe, and deep admiration for another hero in uniform with the Special Forces. Thank you, Nick, for sitting down with me.https://mchn.co/----If you're interested in any of the movement, meditation, or mindfulness practices discussed on the show, please join us on Hidden Pearls Studio for less than $0.30 / day. hiddenpearlsstudio.com---CONNECT WITH USHidden Pearls Studio IG - @hiddenpearls.studioHidden Pearls Podcast IG - @hiddenpearlspodcastBruce Kittle IG - @coachkittle61Emma Kittle Ponce IG - @emmakittleponce Emma Kittle Ponce Youtube  @EmmaKittlePonce  George Kittle IG - @gkittle #hiddenpearls #hiddenpearlspodcast #hiddenpearlsstudio #hpp #hps #kittle #georgekittle #kittlefoundations #ponce #폰세

Jake Owens has done about everything someone in the music industry can do – a 20 year industry pro, he has multiple gold and platinum records, along with 10 #1 singles, and has seen his songs streamed more than three billion times! Jake was open and engaging as we discussed (with George on from California!) life transitions, finding healing, and achieving peak performance. At 44 years old he is continuing to evolve and works at accepting his authentic self, whoever that is now! For him one of the metaphors of life that transcend the sport is golf. A great golfer in his own right, he explains his life philosophy with a story about an approach to a green with a dog leg and a large water hazard. The safe way is to hit alongside the water, although that will require at least one extra shot for sure. He says no way – GRAB THE 3 WOOD, HIT OVER THE WATER & GO FOR THE GREEN! Never play it safe and lay it up! He talks about grabbing his 3 wood over and over in life, taking risks and always going for the green! Life is about proving it to yourself, not others. Did I step up and give it my best? That is his search.And that is what he is doing with his new album “Dreams to Dream”. Trying some new things. Recorded in LA, with a new sound and a new producer, and self-released. Evolving, accepting himself for where and who he is at this stage in his life, and exciting about taking some risks to see what is true and alive for him right now. He shares his life as a single dad and living as a person in recovery/sobriety. Lessons learned and​ more life to be lived.----If you're interested in any of the movement, meditation, or mindfulness practices discussed on the show, please join us on Hidden Pearls Studio for less than $0.30 / day. hiddenpearlsstudio.com---CONNECT WITH USHidden Pearls Studio IG - @hiddenpearls.studioHidden Pearls Podcast IG - @hiddenpearlspodcastBruce Kittle IG - @coachkittle61Emma Kittle Ponce IG - @emmakittleponce Emma Kittle Ponce Youtube  @EmmaKittlePonce  George Kittle IG - @gkittle #hiddenpearls #hiddenpearlspodcast #hiddenpearlsstudio #hpp #hps #kittle #georgekittle #kittlefoundations #ponce #폰세

Today we are interviewing the former #2 overall pick in the NFL draft, Robert Gallery. Robert's journey from college superstar as a Iowa Hawkeye to the NFL wasn't without its challenges. Listen in as he shares his story from broken and at his end, to changing the lives of veterans and athletes alike with a treatment that saved his life!Watch the full episode on YouTube - https://youtu.be/hJ3zNyUY0Q8Athletes For Carehttps://athletesforcare.org/IG - @athletes4care----If you're interested in any of the movement, meditation, or mindfulness practices discussed on the show, please join us on Hidden Pearls Studio for less than $0.30 / day. hiddenpearlsstudio.com---CONNECT WITH USHidden Pearls Studio IG - @hiddenpearls.studioHidden Pearls Podcast IG - @hiddenpearlspodcastBruce Kittle IG - @coachkittle61Emma Kittle Ponce IG - @emmakittleponce Emma Kittle Ponce Youtube  @EmmaKittlePonce  George Kittle IG - @gkittle #hiddenpearls #hiddenpearlspodcast #hiddenpearlsstudio #hpp #hps #kittle #georgekittle #kittlefoundations #ponce #폰세Licensed Music from MusicBed:MB01TPQZB0U69EDMB01SVYUYR6XOAW

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Ignacio Garza, founder of the Special Forces Foundation—a nonprofit built by Green Berets, for Green Berets. Ignacio shares his journey through over two decades of military service and what led him to create a community dedicated to supporting the Special Forces and their families. With a mission grounded in immediate and ongoing care, the Foundation offers vital programs that address mental health, family support, and crisis intervention, helping service members navigate the visible and invisible wounds of their work.We also explore how values like service, unity, and healing align with Hidden Pearls Studio’s commitment to mindful leadership and holistic wellness. Ignacio’s story is a reminder of the strength found in community, the courage to ask for help, and the power of purpose-driven healing. Tune in to hear how veterans are being supported not just in survival—but in coming home to themselves.----If you're interested in any of the movement, meditation, or mindfulness practices discussed on the show, please join us on Hidden Pearls Studio for less than $0.30 / day. hiddenpearlsstudio.com---CONNECT WITH USHidden Pearls Studio IG - @hiddenpearls.studioHidden Pearls Podcast IG - @hiddenpearlspodcastBruce Kittle IG - @coachkittle61Emma Kittle Ponce IG - @emmakittleponce Emma Kittle Ponce Youtube ‪@EmmaKittlePonce‬ George Kittle IG - @gkittle #hiddenpearls #hiddenpearlspodcast #hiddenpearlsstudio #hpp #hps #kittle #georgekittle #kittlefoundations #ponce #폰세

WELCOME BACK HIDDEN PEARLS PODCAST!What an interesting year we have had. Took some time to regroup, get a dog, Emma is growing a baby (third trimester!!!!), and recover from an injury. There has been a lot of moving parts but as we approach football season it didn't feel right to move forward without HPP.This will be our 6th season of the podcast! Crazy how much we have covered, learned, seen, and definitely loved over the last 6 years. We are so excited to share these conversations and welcome our new guests to the show. We'll be releasing an episode every other week starting with: Ignacio Garza, Nick Lavery, and Robert Gallery.If you're interested in any of the movement, meditation, or mindfulness practices discussed on the show, please join us on Hidden Pearls Studio for less than $0.30 / day. hiddenpearlsstudio.com#hiddenpearls #hiddenpearlspodcast #hiddenpearlsstudio #hpp #hps #kittle #georgekittle #kittlefoundations #ponce #폰세

The NFL Salute To Service game for the Niners is this weekend vs the Seattle Seahawks. This is a very special game for us and everyone involved as we honor those who have served our country. We have special military / veteran guests attending the game this week and one of them is joining us on the podcast.In this episode Bruce sits down with Lieutenant Colonel John Park, who is in year 23 of a distinguished career with the United States Marine Corps, and is planning to retire in June of 2025.Joined by his wife Megan, they tell the story of him maneuvering, surviving and thriving through the Marine Corps over all these years. John enlisted in the Marine Corps following high school after a great experience in football because he loved the teamwork and camaraderie. John also wanted to serve his country and chose the Marine Corps. Before he had finished Boot Camp, 911 struck and within a month he was deployed. Working his way up through the non-commission ranks, he eventually finished his college degree and was accepted as a commissioned officer. John now serves as Commanding Officer of the Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 11, at Miramar Air base in San Diego.We are proud to have John and his family joining us this weekend at Levi's Stadium, along with 4 of his closest friends, also long-time Marine Corps members. Tune in for more about John's career, his mindset, lessons learned, and his vision for the future (as he looks to join the space program!). This is an entertaining and enlightening discussion and we know you’ll enjoy it.You can access any of the movement, meditation or mindfulness practices we discussed on the show today, on Hidden Pearls Studio. For a limited time, enjoy a FREE month of Hidden Pearls Studio by using the code HPPodcast upon checkout https://hiddenpearlsstudio.com/join_us #hiddenpearls #hps #kittle #byeweek #georgekittle #kittle #ponce #mindfulparenting #salutetoservice

Hope you enjoyed BYE WEEK. We sure did. In this episode, George and Bruce chat all things bye week and why it is so important to teams and players. We get into travel and where they spent it, things GK focuses on as he gets more rest days, and how teams can utilize this week to bring momentum back into their season.We also talk Cowboys game, Halloween, what it was like to be the Mandalorian, and some fun #AskGeorge questions.You can access any of the movement, meditation or mindfulness practices we discussed on the show today, on Hidden Pearls Studio. For a limited time, enjoy a FREE month of Hidden Pearls Studio by using the code HPPodcast upon checkout https://hiddenpearlsstudio.com/join_us #hiddenpearls #hps #kittle #byeweek #georgekittle #kittle #ponce #mindfulparenting #japan