Personal Growth After Trauma | Grit, Grace, & Inspiration
Welcome to Grit, Grace, & Inspiration — the podcast that hits different. This isn’t just another self-help show. It’s a weekly reset. A soul check-in. A space where heartfelt inspiration meets bold motivation—and where real-life strategies help you rise from whatever life’s thrown your way. Your host, Kevin Lowe, is a life-loving, faith-following inspirational speaker and blind visionary on a mission to show you that the best is yet to come in this crazy thing we call life. Kevin lost his sight at 17, but what he gained was a vision most people never find. Today, Kevin is helping you see li...
#391: 3 Ways We Respond to Life’s Hardest Situations—But Only 1 Leads to Personal Growth After Trauma

What do you do when your back’s against the wall—and everything feels like it’s falling apart?
In this soul-stirring solo episode, Kevin Lowe reflects on a pivotal concept sparked by Damon West’s incredible journey from criminal conviction to national inspiration. Whether it's heartbreak, job loss, or silent internal battles like depression, we all face moments that feel like boiling water—and how we respond determines our tomorrow.
What You're About to Discover Includes:
Discover the metaphor that helped transform a maximum-security prison sentence into a life of purpose.Learn the three...#390: Sentenced to Life, Yet Brewed for Redemption: How a Coffee Bean Freed Damon West & Changed a Prison

Have you ever felt like your story was over—only to
discover it was just beginning? Damon West was sentenced to 65-years in a Texas maximum-security prison. But instead of letting that be the end of his story, he sparked a transformation—within himself and the prison around him—starting with a simple metaphor: a coffee bean.
In this gripping episode, Damon shares the life-altering moment that helped him become a force for hope, leadership, and radical redemption behind bars. His journey will leave you questioning what’s really possible in the face of adversity.
Wh...
#389: Never Ask. Never Get a Yes! Your Fear of Rejection Is Costing You More Than You Realize

How many dreams have you let slip away—not because you heard “no”—but because you never asked in the first place? Today’s episode is a wake-up call for anyone who's let fear of rejection rob them of the life they truly want. Kevin Lowe is here to remind you: The biggest risk isn't hearing “no”—it’s never asking at all.
This episode is for you if:
You feel stuck waiting for permission or approvalYou’re tired of letting fear call the shotsYou've missed opportunities because you assumed the answer would be "no"You’re ready to live bolde...#388: Whose Life Are You Living? Answer These 3 Questions to Rewrite Your Story

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Have you ever looked around and wondered, “Whose life am I even living?”
If you’re feeling stuck living out a script written by someone else—whether it's generational expectations, societal pressures, or old beliefs—this episode will help you recognize that you hold the pen to your own story and that it's never too late to rewrite it.
Learn the three powerful questions that will help you reflect, break free from the past, and design your new future.Become empowered and encouraged by the simple realizatio...#387: Are You Willing to Give It All Up? Why Mathew Blades Left a 28-Year Career to Heal Himself & His Family

Have you ever felt like life was asking something more from you, but you didn't know how to answer? I'm talking about maybe you've been crushing it in your career, checking all the boxes, but quietly you've been breaking down inside, knowing that where you are is maybe not where you're meant to be, and feeling like there's got to be something more for you? And yeah, maybe that means that the thing that you've built your life around is the very thing that you have to walk away from.
Who Is This For?
If...
#386: If God Is Real, Why Would He Let Bad Things Happen? | 3 Stories of Faith, Forgiveness, & Healing

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Have you ever felt like life’s pain is too heavy to bear? That in your darkest moments, as unanswered prayers echo in the night, you’re left wondering, “If God is real, why would He let bad things happen?" Today, join me on a deeply personal journey through sorrow, struggle, and faith as I share stories from my own life that reveal hope amidst heartbreak.
This episode is for you if:
You’re questioning why you’re facing pain and suffering.You feel overwhelmed by unanswered prayers and life’s...#385: 3 Simple Daily Habits to Restore Hope When Life Feels Overwhelming

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Feeling like hope is slipping away? You're not alone.
In this heartfelt episode, Kevin Lowe shares three powerful—but totally doable—habits that helped him overcome personal darkness, including his journey through 21+ years of blindness. If life feels heavy and you're searching for something real—not just surface-level motivation—this episode was made for you.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
How to stack small wins each day to create real momentum and confidence Why isolation is silently stealing your hope (and...#384: No Paycheck, No Plan-Just Faith: How Losing It All Ignited JR's God-Given Purpose

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What if losing everything was actually the moment you were finally found? In this powerful and deeply personal episode, you’ll meet JR, a man who went from leading a successful software company to having no paycheck, no plan—just faith. But what happened next? That’s where the fire of purpose was born!
Who Is This For?
If you’ve ever wondered why your life suddenly took a turn you didn’t expect… if you’ve questi...
#383: How The Ed Mylett Show & a Smoothie Inspired My Morning Routine with a Gratitude Wake-Up Call

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What if the most powerful shift in your life didn’t come from another achievement—but from a moment of stillness?
In this unexpectedly powerful episode, Kevin Lowe invites you into a moment that started like any other: a smoothie in hand, The Ed Mylett Show playing in the background, and a new day just getting started.
But then—everything changed.
What was meant to be part of a typical morning routine turned into a gratitude wake-up call. A single line f...
#382: 5 Signs You’re Letting Limiting Beliefs Control Your Life + How to Break Free and Reclaim Your Identity

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Ever feel like you’re stuck in a life you didn’t choose? You dream of more. You sense there’s a life waiting for you—full of purpose, peace, and possibility... But something always seems to keep holding you back?
Who Is This For?
This episode is for you if:
You feel like fear, doubt, or shame are silently running your lifeYou keep putting off your goals, even though you crave chanYou’re tired of playing small and want to reclaim your confidenceYou’re ready to step into...#381: Stuck in a Life You Don’t Love? Let Go & Manifest the Future You Deserve with Yvonne Trost

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Have you ever felt like you’re living someone else’s life—checking the boxes but still feeling stuck, unfulfilled, and lost?
Yvonne Trost takes us from Midwest cornfields to emotional clarity, teaching us what happens when you stop playing small and finally start choosing yourself.
This isn't just a story. It's an invitation...
If you've ever felt stuck in a life that looks "right" on the outside but feels all wrong on the inside...
If you're tired of checking the bo...
#380: The Inspiration to Start Over: Let Go of What No Longer Fits & Step into What’s Next

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Are you holding on to a version of life that no longer feels right—but can’t seem to let it go?
If you’ve ever wished someone would just give you permission to start over, this episode might be exactly what your heart’s been waiting for.
Who Is This For?
This episode is for anyone stuck in a life they’ve outgrown—whether it’s a career, relationship, identity, or version of themselves that once served them… but no longer fits.
If you’ve b...
#379: Inspirational Story: What a Young Blind Hustler Can Teach You About Smashing Limiting Beliefs

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Are you on the hunt for a life-changing jolt of motivation but coming up empty every time? What if the spark you desperately need springs from a 13-year-old blind DJ, hustling his way through the streets of Miami?
If you’ve ever felt like the odds are stacked too high—whether it’s a tough background, limited resources, or self-doubt—this episode is for you. We’re taking an unfiltered look at how obstacles can become your ultimate source of strength, as proven by a young kid who refused to be defi...
#378: Motivational Journey: Mike Calvo’s Rise from Blind Drug Dealer to CEO & Truths About Blindness

What does it really take to rise from the streets to the C-suite? This is a story so gripping, bold, and empowering—it’ll challenge what you think you know about success, struggle, and what’s truly possible.
This is the raw, unfiltered story of Mike Calvo—a blind Cuban-American who went from hustling drugs in 1980s Miami to becoming a pioneering tech CEO. His story forces us to confront uncomfortable truths about how society sees race, disability, and the very real limits of modern DEI.
Ready for An Inspirational Ride to the Top?
Tap pl...
#377: Feeling Like a Dollar Store Sale? How to Reclaim Your Self-Worth & Inspire Personal Growth

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Are you giving away your time, your energy, and your talents like it’s a clearance sale at the dollar store? Are you constantly over-delivering, undercharging, or bending over backward for people who don’t appreciate you?
In today’s episode, we’re drawing an unexpected yet powerful comparison between President Trump's Tariffs Strategy and your self-worth—because just like countries set tariffs to ensure fair trade, you need to set boundaries to ensure you’re valued.
Who Is This For?
If you’ve ever strugg...
#376: When Life Breaks Your Heart: How to Find Emotional Healing & Reinvent Yourself After Trauma

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What if your biggest setback was actually your greatest setup for success? Life-changing moments hit us when we least expect them—a devastating diagnosis, an unexpected job loss, a heartbreak that feels impossible to move past. But what if these moments weren’t the end of your story… but the beginning of a powerful transformation? In this episode, we uncover how to rebuild, reinvent, and come out stronger than ever.
Who Is This For?
This episode is for anyone who has faced an unexpected challe...
BONUS: Kevin Lowe’s Inspirational Story: Turning Blindness into Purpose & Post-Traumatic Growth

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How would your life change if you woke up tomorrow completely blind? Today, you will discover the answer to that very question. Get ready to hear the incredible story of Kevin Lowe, whose unexpected journey into blindness became a powerful catalyst for purpose, inspiration, and hope.
This episode is for anyone facing unexpected challenges, life-altering situations, or moments of doubt, seeking the courage, inspiration, and practical wisdom needed to turn obstacles into opportunities.
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Follow/ Listen to Real Talk with...#375: Kaley Z’s Inspirational Story of Beautiful Resilience & Trauma Recovery after a MS Diagnosis

What if you could turn your greatest challenge into your most powerful purpose? Kaylee Z's soul stirring journey from a devastating MS diagnosis to complete healing will undoubtedly challenge what you think is impossible in your own life.
Does This Sound Like You?
Many of us face health challenges or life-altering circumstances that seem insurmountable. Kaylee's story offers hope and practical insights for anyone looking to overcome adversity and find meaning in their struggles. This is a story for anyone needing a reminder to never stop dreaming and to never give up hope.
...
#374: Your Secret Weapon to Thrive in Uncertain Times: Unlock the Power of Hope

Are you feeling stuck and overwhelmed by the nonstop challenges life keeps throwing your way? Get ready to unlock a hidden superpower that can transform your worries into renewed motivation and purpose.
If you’re tired of letting uncertainty and fear hold you back, this episode is designed to give you a roadmap for rising above the chaos. Maybe you’ve got dreams that feel out of reach, or you simply want to feel more confident about the future—if so, you’ll discover how harnessing genuine hope can be the game-changer you’ve been looking for.
Look...
#373: Wendy’s Inspirational Story: How 3 Near-Death Experiences Inspired Her Personal Growth Journey

What if the same helicopter that lifted your shattered body off the side of a mountain was also lifting you into a completely new version of yourself? In this powerful episode of Grit, Grace, & Inspiration, Wendy Feldman shares how a life-altering cycling accident shattered her body but lifted her spirit, teaching her that sometimes, the most devastating crashes are the very moments that propel us into becoming the strongest, most resilient version of ourselves.
Who Needs This Dose of Empowerment?
If you've ever had your life change in an instant—whether through an accident, illness, or...
#372: What Michael Jordan’s Inspirational Story Can Teach You About Resilience & Overcoming Failure

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What was your biggest failure? That moment you wish you could erase, the one that still stings when you think about it? What if I told you that failure isn’t the end of the road, but rather a crucial part of your journey to success? In this episode, we’re flipping the script on failure and showing you how your worst moments might just be leading you toward something even greater.
Who Is This For?
Have you ever experienced a failure so big that...
#371: Motivational Insight: The Guaranteed Investment for Personal Growth, Happiness & Fulfillment

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Have you ever placed a bet—whether on a lottery ticket, a horse race, or even a hand at the casino? We take chances on all kinds of things in life, but how often do we bet on the one thing that matters most—ourselves? Today’s episode is all about making the ultimate investment: believing in YOU.
If you've ever felt stuck, uncertain, or like you’re waiting for the right moment to go after your dreams, this episode is for you. Maybe you’ve hesitated...
#370: From Grief to Global Impact: The Inspirational $8K Gamble That Turned Pain into Purpose

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Have you ever felt like life was trying to hold you back, only to realize it was actually pushing you forward? Today’s guest, James Brackin IV, knows that feeling all too well. In his early 20's, James is the perfect example that wisdom comes with experience, not age. He has lived through immense loss, bet on himself, and built a life of purpose—all while inspiring others to do the same.
If you’ve ever questioned your path in life or felt unsure of what’s next, this episode...
#369: Success vs. Fulfillment: Inspirational Insights to Align Your Life with Your Personal Growth Goals

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Have you ever reached a big goal, only to realize you still feel unfulfilled? In today’s episode, we’ll uncover the surprising gap between outward success and inner fulfillment—and how to bridge the gap between the two.
So, if you’re tired of chasing society’s definition of success and still feeling empty inside, this episode is for you. It speaks to anyone craving inspiration and motivation to reach better health, a better you, and a renewed sense of personal growth and development.
FREE RE...
#368: The Inspirational Secret to Achieving True Personal Growth, Happiness & Fulfillment

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Have you ever felt like you had to choose between happiness and fulfillment—like you couldn’t possibly have both? What if I told you that not only can you have both, but that true joy comes from the balance of the two?
In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into what it takes to design a life that is rich in both happiness and fulfillment, using a powerful metaphor of a garden that will change the way you see your own personal growth.
Who I...
#367: From Emotional Abuse to Unshakable Joy: A Science-Backed Guide to Finding True Happiness with Tamara Zoner

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Have you ever found yourself—or perhaps you’re in that place right now—feeling trapped by overwhelm, anxiety, and fear, wondering if true happiness is only reserved for everyone else? If so, today’s episode is going to teach you science-backed strategies proving that genuine joy and happiness are not only possible, but well within your reach!
Do You Need a Mental Health & Happiness Boost?
If you're craving genuine joy, battling overwhelm, or yearning for a better you, get ready—this conversation unlocks the motiva...
#366: Inspirational Insight: How Life's Challenges Build Resilience & Lead to Personal Growth & Development

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Have you ever faced a moment in life so painful, so unexpected, that you wondered if you'd ever find your way forward? What if that very challenge—the one you never signed up for—was actually shaping you into the person you were meant to become?
In this episode of Grit, Grace, & Inspiration, we dive into the reality of life's toughest moments, exploring how the struggles that knock us down can ultimately lift us up in ways we never imagined.
Who Is This For?
<...#365: Create a Positive Feedback Loop: Inspirational Ideas to Live for Something Bigger

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Are you struggling to find meaning after a significant loss? What if the hardest moments in your life could fuel a purpose greater than yourself? If you’ve ever faced loss, hardship, or moments of uncertainty, this episode is for you. Get ready to discover how shifting your focus to something bigger than yourself can change your life and fuel you to keep going!
Looking for the Links?
Learn more about Jodi’s Climb for Hope: ClimbForHope.orgListen to Episode 364 featuring Andy Buerger’s Full StoryS...#364: From Grief to Greatness: How Andy Found Strength & Inspiration After Losing Jodi to Breast Cancer

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Life is full of hardships—loss, heartache, and challenges that seem impossible to overcome. But what if those very struggles were the foundation for something even greater? In this episode of Grit, Grace, & Inspiration, we meet Andrew 'Andy' Buerger, a man who has faced unimaginable loss yet chose to channel his pain into purpose. Instead of giving in, Andy created Jodi’s Climb for Hope, an organization that has raised over a million dollars for medical research. His story will challenge you to rethink adversity, find strength in stru...
#363: Motivational Insight: Discover the Word That Unlocks Adventures & Inspires Personal Growth

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What if one simple, two-syllable word could change your life? It’s a word we say every day—sometimes without even thinking—but when spoken with intention, it can open doors to new opportunities, meaningful relationships, and unforgettable experiences.
Today's Source of Inspiration:
Inspired by a recent issue of "Extra Mile Thursday," an amazing weekly newsletter written by the "Extra Mile Man" himself, Shawn Anderson, I’m sharing how a simple act of acknowledgment turned an ordinary trip into something extraordinary.
Shawn, a past g...
#362: Feeling Under the Weather? Get Inspired to Use Your Sick Day for a Personal Growth Boost!

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Who ever thought a sick day could be the secret weapon for achieving those personal growth & development goals? Leave it to your host, Kevin Lowe, to find a way to make good come out of feeling sick!
This episode is tailor-made for anyone on a quest for personal development and better health. If you've ever felt bogged down by unexpected setbacks or just need a little motivational boost to transform your downtime, this is for you. Let’s flip the script on feeling under the weather an...
#361: Inspirational Story: A Father’s Journey of Love, Emotional Healing & His Son's Lasting Legacy

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What if a young man’s short but extraordinary life could teach us profound lessons about empathy, resilience, and living with intention? In this heartfelt episode of Grit, Grace, & Inspiration, host Kevin Lowe sits down with Christopher Cochran to share the inspiring story of his son, Christian.
Even after his passing, Christian Cochran's life shines bright, continually inspiring others to ask themselves a simple but transformative question: "What's good about today?"
Experience the Impact of Christian's Legacy
Today, we’re joined by Chri...
#360: Morning Motivation: Inspirational Insights for a Fresh Start & Personal Growth Each New Day

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Have you ever wished for a fresh start, a chance to reinvent your life? Discover how the symbolism of the morning sunrise can become your daily permission slip for transformation and renewal.
Who Needs a Personal Growth Breakthrough?
This episode is for anyone feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or yearning for positive change in their life. If you've been waiting for the "perfect moment" to start over, this conversation will show you how to harness the power of each new day for all the inspiration, motivation...
#359: Discover Your Passion: Inspirational Shortcuts to Personal Growth & a Purpose-Filled Life

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Imagine waking up every morning with a fire in your soul, a purpose that makes your heart race with excitement. What if I told you that this isn't just a dream, but a reality waiting to be discovered??Today, we're diving deep into the life-changing power of finding your 'thing' - that passion that can transform your world.
This episode is for anyone feeling stuck, uninspired, or searching for meaning in your everyday life. If you're looking to reignite your passion, improve your mental and physical...
#358: Motivation in Motion: Her Inspirational Journey from Paralysis to Olympic Weightlifting

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Have you ever felt like life has knocked you down so hard you couldn't possibly get back up? Kim Rahir's equally inspiring as it is motivational story of overcoming the unthinkable is sure to leave a lasting impact on your life. And how this woman would go from suddenly being paralyzed to Olympic Weightlifting will undoubtedly leave you breathless and begging for more.
Who Is This For?
Are you someone facing seemingly insurmountable health challenges, feeling stuck in life, or simply seeking inspiration to...
#357: The Reverse Bucket List: Inspirational Ways to Shed 2024's Weight & Inspire Growth in 2025

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Are you carrying the weight of 2024 into the new year? Discover how to shed that baggage and start 2025 with a clean slate in this transformative episode of Grit, Grace, & Inspiration.
If you're struggling to let go of past experiences and want to create space for new opportunities, this episode offers a practical and symbolic exercise to help you move forward into what may just be your best year ever. It was especially designed for anyone who felt the weight of disappointment, regret, or frustration in 2024 and...
#356: 12 Chances for Personal Growth in 2025: Inspirational New Year's Resolutions & Monthly Goals

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Are you tired of making New Year's resolutions that fizzle out by February? What if you could have a fresh start every month instead of just once a year? I'm talking about continuous fuel to light up your personal growth journey throughout the entire year!
This episode is for anyone seeking inspiration and motivation to make 2025 their best year yet but struggles with traditional New Year's resolutions. If you're looking for a more flexible, achievable approach to personal growth & development and goal setting, Kevin's concept of "...
#355: Fill Your Cup with the Good Stuff: Discover the Ingredients for a Purpose-filled Life

Featuring one of your favorite episodes from the year that was 2024! #FanFavorite
Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the endless stream of negativity in the world, yearning instead to focus on what truly enriches your life—family, faith, career? Kevin Lowe introduces a sanctuary where you're encouraged to fill your life with positivity, leaving no room for the darkness that often seeks to intrude.
In today’s fast-paced world, it's easy to get caught in a cycle of negativity, from the news we consume to the challenges we face daily. This episode shines a light on a...
#354: Is Your Life's Purpose Collecting Dust? Discover 3 Inspirational Strategies to Live It Out Loud!

Featuring one of your favorite episodes from the year that was 2024! #FanFavorite
How do you turn your life's purpose from a mere concept into a driving force that shapes your everyday actions? In this episode, we explore the practical steps to living out your purpose and making it an integral part of your daily life.
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What Exactly Is This All About?
Discover how to align your everyday life with your life's...
#353: The Science of Happiness: 5 Surprising Science-Backed Practices to Inspire a Happier You

Featuring one of your favorite episodes from the year that was 2024! #FanFavorite
Did you know that simply waking up and declaring you want to be happy can actually make you unhappy? Now, prepare to discover why this counterintuitive truth is key to unlocking genuine happiness!
Many of us chase happiness like it's an elusive prize, only to find it slipping further away. This episode unpacks why our approach to happiness might be all wrong and offers a new perspective that could change everything!
A Deeper Look at What's Inside
In this...