Overcoming to Live Well

About Overcoming to Live Well

Everyone is overcoming something. Overcoming to Live Well features honest conversations about adversity, transformation, and finding a better way forward. Through personal stories and conversations with guests, we explore mental health, physical health, resilience, loss, healthy habits, and the decisions that help us rebuild. Your story isn’t over.

Publisher

Overcoming to Live Well

Category

health & fitness

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

16 Aug 2026

Latest episode

10 Nov 2026

Latest episodes

6 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   10 Nov 2026

   Finding Hope Through Metabolic Health | Donika Hristova

   Sometimes the hardest struggles are the ones nobody can see. Donika Hristova spent years battling insecurity, binge eating, depression, and eventually a bipolar II diagnosis. From her childhood in Bulgaria to building a new life in America, she appeared determined and successful on the outside, while privately searching for relief. In this deeply personal conversation, Donika shares the moments that brought her to despair, the support that helped her move forward, and how discovering ketogenic nutrition and metabolic health became a turning point in her life. We talk about the complicated relationship between food and emotions, mental health treatment, the importance of sleep and movement, and the daily commitment required to maintain healthier habits. Today, Donika channels her experiences into helping others through Transformation Evoked. Her perspective on overcoming adversity is beautifully simple: "Rent is due every day." This is a conversation about hope, resilience, and discovering that a different future may still be possible. If her story inspires you, share this episode with someone who might need it. Learn more or share your own story at overcomingtolivewell.com. This conversation reflects Donika's individual experience and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.

2. 

   27 Oct 2026

   Seeing a New Way to Live | Jill Wheatley on Brain Injury, Vision Loss & Rebuilding

   After a sports accident left her with a traumatic brain injury and vision loss, mountaineer Jill Wheatley faced a long medical journey and the challenge of rebuilding her sense of self. In this episode of Overcoming to Live Well, Jill shares the story behind her love of adventure, the accident that changed her life, and how movement, nature, and the mountains became part of her journey forward. We talk about growing up in Northern Ontario, teaching and traveling around the world, and the medical team that continued to fight for her. Jill also shares what the mountains have taught her about perspective, acceptance, and impermanence, as well as the importance of vulnerability and speaking openly about mental health. Jill opens up about the recovery she’s navigating after an ice climbing fall and ankle surgeries, and what living well means to her today. This is a conversation about identity, connection, and finding meaning while life continues to change. I’m so grateful to Jill for sharing it with us. Connect with Jill: Website: https://mountainsofmymind.com/ (https://mountainsofmymind.com/) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mtnsofmymind/ (https://www.instagram.com/mtnsofmymind/) YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JillWheatley (https://www.youtube.com/c/JillWheatley) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mountainsofmymind/ (https://www.facebook.com/mountainsofmymind/) Connect with Overcoming to Live Well: https://overcomingtolivewell.com/ (https://overcomingtolivewell.com/) If Jill’s story resonates with you, please follow the show and share this episode with someone who might appreciate the conversation. Everyone is overcoming something. ❤️

3. 

   13 Oct 2026

   The Finish Line Where Healing Began | Ryley Nahrgang

   Ryley Nahrgang finished a 100 mile race across the street from the treatment center where he began rebuilding his life. With his family and girlfriend there, he looked back at that building and took in just how far he had come. In this conversation, we go back to the beginning. Ryley shares what growing up in Montana was like, how much baseball meant to him, and what happened when an injury left him questioning his identity. He talks openly about alcohol addiction, his darkest moments, and becoming ready to accept help. From there, we explore early sobriety, rebuilding trust, and how physical therapy led to a first 5K and eventually running ultras through the mountains of Montana. I’m grateful for his honesty and the opportunity to share this conversation with you. Everyone is overcoming something. Share your story: https://www.overcomingtolivewell.com/share-your-story (https://www.overcomingtolivewell.com/share-your-story) Episode 4 of Overcoming to Live Well Content note: We discuss alcohol addiction and suicide attempts.

4. 

   22 Sept 2026

   Steven Vazquez: Sobriety, Curiosity, and the Road to 100 Miles (Ep. 3)

   I met Steven Vazquez through my wife’s cousin while we were playing video games in 2020. I had no idea then how much his friendship would influence my own journey. In this episode, Steven takes us back to a time when life was going fine on paper, but he felt like he was just getting by. He shares how a stack of index cards helped him look honestly at where his energy was going and why he decided to stop drinking. Nearly ten years later, that decision is one part of a life he’s built with curiosity, playfulness, and a willingness to try hard things. We talk about early morning golf tee times, CrossFit, the half marathon he couldn’t finish, and the 50K he signed up for that same night. Steven went on to run 100 miles, but some of his hardest moments happened in training, long before race day. We also share memories from our mountain adventures, the lesson from his mom that has stayed with both of us, and what “Overcoming to Live Well” means to him now. Steven cohosts the Trail Mix Running Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6KxPdDgC2IbF4mqYIKp6kl (https://open.spotify.com/show/6KxPdDgC2IbF4mqYIKp6kl) Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trailmixrunningpodcast/ (https://www.instagram.com/trailmixrunningpodcast/) If this conversation resonates with you, share it with a friend who could use a little encouragement. #OvercomingToLiveWell #StevenVazquez #Sobriety #UltraRunning

5. 

   4 Sept 2026

   16 Deployments. His Hardest Battle Came After War. | Jerry Jenkins

   After 16 deployments and 61 months in combat, retired U.S. Army Green Beret Jerry Jenkins discovered that his hardest battle would begin after the war. During 25 years in Army Special Forces, Jerry built a life defined by service, sacrifice, discipline, and mission. In this deeply personal conversation, he opens up about becoming a Green Beret, combat, PTSD, divorce, military transition, fatherhood, asking for help, and the long process of rebuilding his life. Jerry also shares how he overcame the belief that he was not intelligent enough to succeed, completed college and earned an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management—all while serving. He discusses his personal experience with ibogaine, how his son gave him a reason to keep moving forward, and the woodworking business he is building as a lasting legacy for his family. This is a conversation about what happens when the mission ends, what strength really looks like, and why healing rarely happens overnight. Jerry, thank you for your service, vulnerability, and willingness to share your story. Everyone is overcoming something. Learn more: https://overcomingtolivewell.com (https://overcomingtolivewell.com/) Content note: This episode discusses combat, PTSD, suicidal thoughts, divorce, and psychedelic-assisted treatment. Jerry’s experience with ibogaine is personal and should not be considered medical advice or an endorsement. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988. Veterans may call 988 and press 1, or text 838255.

6. 

   16 Aug 2026

   How One Podcast Changed My Life

   One podcast. One decision. One life changed. In the first episode of Overcoming to Live Well, I share my own story—not because I have everything figured out, but because I know what it feels like to appear okay on the outside while quietly falling apart on the inside. One conversation opened the door to a different path. What followed wasn’t a quick fix or an overnight transformation. It was a series of small decisions: changing how I ate, rebuilding my health, creating better habits, and learning to move forward through some of the hardest seasons of my life. This episode is about transformation, loss, resilience, and choosing to keep going when life doesn’t unfold the way you expected. If you’re struggling, rebuilding, or trying to take your first step toward something better, I hope this story reminds you: your story isn’t over. A new chapter can begin with one brave decision. What have you overcome? Overcoming to Live Well is a place for honest conversations with people who have faced difficult seasons, found a way forward, and are willing to share what they learned along the way. If you have a story that could help someone else, I’d love to hear from you. Share your story: stories@overcomingtolivewell.com This podcast is for informational and inspirational purposes only and is not medical or mental-health advice. If you are struggling or in crisis in the United States, call or text 988 for immediate support.

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Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

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Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

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