Press Through Podcast

About Press Through Podcast

Press Through Podcast primarily focuses on encouraging listeners to persevere through adversity and life challenges. Each episode highlights testimonials from guest who have overcome a myriad of trials ranging from abuse, chronic disease, addiction, depression, legal matters, and more. The host, Lawrence D. Larry, engages listeners by delving beneath the surface of subject matter while providing life changing insight on triumphing through inevitable yet unexpected obstacles.

Publisher

Lawrence D. Larry

Category

education · health & fitness

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

2 Sept 2026

Latest episode

9 Nov 2026

Latest episodes

6 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   9 Nov 2026

   Carrying the Weight: Combat Veteran John Guardian on Purpose, Preparation, and Service

   He grew up on the streets of East Los Angeles with young parents and few expectations for the future, but a sudden decision to enlist in the armed forces set John Guardian on a journey that would test his spirit across two decades of service. In this powerful episode of Press Through Podcast, host Lawrence D. Larry sits down with retired military veteran John Guardian to discuss his path from Montebello to the front lines. Raised in a tight family environment during an era when neighborhood streets were dangerous and sirens were common, John navigated youth without clear career ambitions. When high school ended and college felt out of reach, he took a leap of faith into the United States Army, ready to face the world on his own terms even when plans with family members fell through. What began as an intention to serve just four years quickly turned into a demanding career spanning twenty-one years. Assigned as an infantry combat medic, John found himself carrying eighty pounds of gear through rugged terrain while responsible for the lives of the soldiers around him. Despite exhaustion and multiple rejections when trying to advance into aviation, he refused to quit. Instead of waiting for permission, John paid out of his own pocket to attend night school for his emergency medical technician certification, quietly preparing himself for an opportunity he could not yet see. That discipline paid off when an unexpected door opened to become a flight medic, leading to critical rescue missions at Fort Campbell and ultimately flying support during the initial combat invasion overseas. John reflects on the quiet moments before the storm, the tension of flying missions after the September 11 attacks under fighter jet escort, and the profound lessons learned when duty calls you into the unknown. His journey reminds us that preparation meets opportunity when you refuse to stay stagnant in difficult circumstances. Keep doing the work, stay grounded in purpose, and continue to press through. Stay tuned for part two.

2. 

   20 Oct 2026

   From Deep Poverty to a Life Guided by the Heart with Special Guest Pastor Billy Nettles

   He grew up surrounded by the profound poverty of the segregated South and the deep pain of losing his father at age three, yet Pastor Billy Nettles allowed his darkest moments to forge a life of remarkable faith and service. Born to a mother who was only fourteen, Pastor Billy spent his early years navigating a turbulent environment filled with instability and emotional wounds. He faced sudden evictions, lacked basic necessities, and carried a heavy burden of anger. By his teenage years, the unresolved pain threatened to dictate his future, leaving him feeling abandoned and defensive against a world that seemed to offer no support. The trajectory of his life shifted dramatically when his Aunt Margie Lee intervened, offering him a stable home and patient love that understood his pain. This vital support helped him transform his academic path and secure a college scholarship. Ultimately, it was a radical surrender to God that truly healed his deeply rooted anger. By trusting his faith even when circumstances were difficult, Pastor Billy learned to approach life and leadership with a mindset guided by the heart. Now married for over forty years, a retired juvenile probation director, and a dedicated spiritual leader, he shares how faith and a strong community can rewrite a painful past. His journey proves that our greatest wounds can become the very tools we use to help others heal. If you are carrying past hurts or feeling stuck in a cycle of adversity, we encourage you to seek out positive people, trust the healing process, and continue to press through.

3. 

   28 Sept 2026

   Finding Light In The Chaos: Faith, Grief, And Purpose with Special Guest, Crystal Bray, PhD

   She grew up in a highly protected California community, but when profound grief threatened to derail her college years, she had to discover a completely new way to process her reality. Crystal Bray, PhD, joined host Lawrence D. Larry to share her journey from a private school in Southern California to navigating the intense academic world of UC Berkeley and Stanford. While she was surrounded by a strong family and dedicated teachers early on, the devastating loss of her mother during her freshman year of college shifted her entire trajectory. Dealing with deep sadness, she had to abandon her original plans of entering the medical field and find a different path forward. Through the support of a targeted academic program and an unexpected invitation from peers, she pivoted toward mathematical engineering. She also realized the incredible value of the practical lessons her parents taught her about systems, consistency, and design focused on human needs. By leaning on her faith and intentionally changing her environment, she found a way to shift her thoughts and step out of the darkness. Today, she uses those same principles to help others solve complex problems sustainably. If you are feeling stuck in a difficult season, let this conversation remind you that changing your surroundings can change your outlook. Keep doing the work, hold onto your faith, and check out her book "Double Click Method" to help you continue to press through.

4. 

   14 Sept 2026

   Overcoming Childhood Trauma and Finding Purpose After Football with Special Guest Marvin Powell III

   He faced a childhood kidnapping and sudden organ failure in college, yet Marvin Powell, III refused to let his darkest moments dictate his future. Growing up in a fractured home, Marvin experienced immense challenges early on. Before he even reached the third grade, he navigated his mother's struggles with depression and the terrifying trauma of being taken by a stranger. A critical move to New York to live with his father provided the structure, tough love, and leadership he desperately needed to get back on track and dream bigger. That firm foundation helped him earn a spot at USC, where he pushed through intense adversity once again. A severe reaction to a physical supplement led to complete kidney failure, putting him on dialysis and leaving him fighting for his life right before his senior year. Relying on an unbreakable internal belief, Marvin fully recovered, stepped onto the football field again, and eventually signed with the New Orleans Saints. When an injury cut his professional football career short, he had to pivot once more, navigating law school, business ventures, and the complex transition to life after sports. Today, Marvin finds peace in his family and his ability to create his own positive energy. He encourages listeners to get comfortable with silence, shut out negative noise, and build the internal strength needed to press forward. If you are in the middle of a deep valley right now, keep believing, stay present, and continue to do the internal work required to heal. Follow and Subscribe to Press Through Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcast, and YouTube.

5. 

   7 Sept 2026

   Navigating Environments and Trusting the Process with Special Guest Alex Jimenez

   He grew up surrounded by poverty, violence, gangs, and the pain of an absent father, yet Alex Jimenez refused to become another statistic. Born in Mexico and raised in the challenging neighborhoods of Sun Valley, California, Alex faced poverty and family dysfunction early on. Without a father figure to guide him, he internalized his frustration and almost followed older relatives down a dangerous path. A tragic gang shooting involving his young cousin served as a divine awakening, pushing Alex to seek a totally different life. Finding refuge in high school football, Alex discovered discipline, positive role models, and a new community. His journey continued into the military, where he expanded his worldview and met his future wife, whose unwavering optimism helped him shift his perspective. Through hard work, the support of faithful friends, and a powerful choice to forgive his absent father, Alex transitioned into a successful career as an electrical engineer at JPL. In this episode of Press Through Podcast, Lawrence D. Larry sits down with his longtime friend to discuss the importance of letting go of past trauma. Alex shares how choosing positivity and surrounding yourself with the right people can completely change your trajectory. Hardship is only a season, so keep trusting the process, stay close to God, and continue to press through.

6. 

   2 Sept 2026

   PTP Episode Excerpt: From Negativity to Purpose

   We talk with Marvin Powell III, sports podcaster, entrepreneur, and former New Orleans Saints Fullback. In this clip he talks about how environment can change your mindset from being on a path of negativity to finding your purpose.

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Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

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Guest appearances

Books guests

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