Rocket Motivation

In this week’s episode, we learn the story of Michelle Rapkin. Michelle is a three time cancer survivor who was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma for the first time in 2000. She tells her story of battling cancer and navigating her life through this time. Throughout it all, she balanced her career in the publishing industry, self-care, and personal life. She’s written a book entitled “Cancer Sucks, but You Can Get Through It.” A practical guide for those diagnosed with cancer and their friends and family. This is an inspirational and informative episode.

Key Takeaways

- Worrying does not change anything. Make an effort to be positive.

- Be involved in your cancer treatment. Be a CEO of your health. Do your homework and participate in treatment decisions.

- Put yourself first in your cancer journey. Be selfish. It is all about you.

- Adversity offers us opportunity. We learn painful lessons that help us become better people.

Buy Michelle's Book
Grab your Copy of Cancer Sucks, but You Can Get Through It

This episode was made possible by:

Hand Arendall Harrison Sale 

Buy Rod's Book "Get Back Up" >>> Buy Here

Learn more about & contact Rod Cate:
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In this week’s episode, we learn the story of Jacki Semerau Tait. Jacki was a real estate agent when the great recession hit. She lost all of her sources of income, couldn’t pay her mortgage, and she and her two daughters had to move back into her parents house. It got worse from there. She tells her story about how she had only 4 one dollar bills to her name, her entire net worth, but used that as a catalyst to launch into her dream life.

Key Takeaways 

Don’t ignore the reality when things are going wrong. It’s fine to have the breakdown or feeling of being overwhelmed, but limit the time you spend on the bad feelings and address your problems.

Look up/look ahead. What’s going on in the moment doesn’t last. Use it to move forward.

Look for helpers when going through adversity.

Circumstances that seem disastrous at the time can be needed to move forward to live your best life.

You need greater vision to look past adversity.

This episode was made possible by:

Hand Arendall Harrison Sale 

Buy Rod's Book "Get Back Up" >>> Buy Here

Learn more about & contact Rod Cate:
Rod Cate Website
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In this week's episode, we learn the story of Coach Tim Weaver. Coach Weaver has been a football coach at the college level for over 30 years, consisting of seven different college jobs. He's presently the defensive coordinator at Brown University. He gives great life advice based upon his years of working in a profession with constant uncertainty.  

Key Takeaways 

Before reacting to a sudden bad circumstance, take a pause and figure out where you want to be in the near future and how you are going to get there. 

For young people, the ability to communicate is most important in every aspect of life. Develop good communication skills. 

Woe is me doesn't help. 

Surround yourself with quality people. Develop a great support group. Build new relationships.

This episode was made possible by:

Hand Arendall Harrison Sale 

Buy Rod's Book "Get Back Up" >>> Buy Here

Learn more about & contact Rod Cate:
Rod Cate Website
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In this week’s episode, we learn the story of Theresa Contaxis. Theresa had a tough childhood where she was bullied and, as an adult, had feelings of anger, jealousy, and insecurity. After the birth of her third child, she became extremely depressed and was determined to overcome it and begin living her best life. She tells the story about her journey of spiritual enlightenment and gives advice on how to find your place in this world. 

Key Takeaways

- True joy comes from within.

- We are all connected in this life. Life is better when you stay connected with others, yourself and this world.

- Accept your negative qualities. Learn to live with them.

- Practice small acts of random kindness. Give someone a smile.

- Even on a cloudy day, the sun shines above the clouds. The sun is always shining. 

- Life should be joyous.

This episode was made possible by:

Hand Arendall Harrison Sale 

Buy Rod's Book "Get Back Up" >>> Buy Here

Learn more about & contact Rod Cate:
Rod Cate Website
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In this week’s episode, we learn the story of Olivier Charles. When Olivier was 10 years old, his family fled Haiti on a boat that was barely seaworthy. They eventually made it to the United States. He tells his story of navigating life and eventually rising to the position of President of Bishop State Community College in Mobile, Alabama.

Key Episode Takeaways

- Tough times don’t always last, but embrace the hard times. 

- Find a purpose. Do something to make a difference in others’ lives.

- Everybody’s got to do something hard in life. Don’t run away from difficult challenges.

- Pain doesn’t last forever. Train your mind to understand that.

- Do that thing in life you’ve always wanted to do. We only get one life. 

This episode was made possible by:

Hand Arendall Harrison Sale 

Buy Rod's Book "Get Back Up" >>> Buy Here

Learn more about & contact Rod Cate:
Rod Cate Website
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In this week’s episode, we learn the story of Gerald Jones. At age 25, Gerald had testicular cancer that was misdiagnosed for a year. By the time the correct diagnoses was made, the cancer had spread and Gerald had a mass on his aorta. He had surgery, chemo and now, over 35 years later, he tells his story of faith and gives great advice and life lessons. 

Key Takeaways

- Through God’s strength, we can do anything.

- Life can be frail. We need to appreciate life.

- Even when life deals you something you believe is insurmountable, there is always hope.

- When dealing with adversity, look inside yourself and see your worth. Understand what you have to offer.

- Look at life like this: It’s Christmas everyday!

This episode was made possible by:

Hand Arendall Harrison Sale 

Buy Rod's Book "Get Back Up" >>> Buy Here

Learn more about & contact Rod Cate:
Rod Cate Website
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LinkedIn

In this week’s episode, we learn the story of Brad Schaeffer. Just after his 16th birthday, Brad’s father, a Korean War Veteran, committed suicide. Brad talks about the loss of his father, how it affected him and how it prepared him for life and his career. Brad was a trader on the iconic commodities exchange trading floors and talks about that experience and life lessons. He’s an author who has captured much about what he talks about on this pod cast in his books. This is a great episode.

Key Episode Takeaways

- No one owes you a living. Take control of your life.

- When things don’t go your way in life, don’t complain. Find your solution.

- Things change. Learn to adapt and find something new.

- When bad things happen, brush yourself off and move forward.

- Things can always get worse. But nothing is permanent. You can get through anything. 

This episode was made possible by:

Hand Arendall Harrison Sale 

Buy Rod's Book "Get Back Up" >>> Buy Here

Learn more about & contact Rod Cate:
Rod Cate Website
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Facebook
LinkedIn

In this week’s episode, we learn the story of Aaron Payne. Aaron suffered a broken neck and spinal cord injury in a diving accident when he was 19 years old. The injury left him with significant paralysis, and he is wheelchair-bound. He’s 37 years old, has a great job, and has lived a productive life. He tells his story of continuing to move forward in life. 

Key Takeaways

- Life can be a rollercoaster of emotion and challenges that you have to deal with. There are always obstacles to overcome.

- Do what it takes to figure out where you fit in best at work and in life.

- Bad days happen. Hopefully, the good outnumber the bad. But that’s life. You have to work through the bad days.

- Go through life with patience.

- Take small steps in reaching your goals. Small victories are important. 

This episode was made possible by:

Hand Arendall Harrison Sale 

Buy Rod's Book "Get Back Up" >>> Buy Here

Learn more about & contact Rod Cate:
Rod Cate Website
Twitter
Facebook
LinkedIn

In this episode, we learn the story of Christina Cook. Christina is a former gambling addict. She now is over 1000 days without making any bets. She tells her story of becoming an addict, hitting rock bottom and her recovery. When we think of gambling addicts, we typically think of men. Christina’s story enlightens us on gambling addiction from a female perspective. She gives her advice on overcoming gambling addiction and dealing with and overcoming adversity. Christina hosts her own podcast called The Broke Girl Society created for women struggling with problem gambling. Enjoy this great episode. 

Key Episode Takeaways

In dealing with addiction, find help from people who have gone through what you have gone through. Find support.

It’s okay to share how you feel with others.

We can change our circumstances. It’s not going to happen overnight or without hard work.

In dealing with addiction, you need to first accept where you are, accept what’s ahead and start tackling the problem. 

This episode was made possible by:

Hand Arendall Harrison Sale 

Buy Rod's Book "Get Back Up" >>> Buy Here

Learn more about & contact Rod Cate:
Rod Cate Website
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Facebook
LinkedIn

In this episode, we learn the story of Jordan Patterson. Jordan played seven years as a professional baseball player, mainly grinding it out in the minors with a brief stint in the major leagues with the Colorado Rockies. In 2020, he realized it was time for a new career and is now finishing his 3rd year of law school. He tells his story of the ups and downs of battling to make it to the major leagues, being so close, making it briefly, and realizing when it was time to move on. He provides great life lessons based on his experiences. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Life doesn’t always work out like you think it should. But, keep moving forward.

Instead of blaming others for not getting what you want, ask yourself what you could have done better.

Be persistent in trying to reach your goals. Control what you can control. It may be that even if you do all you can, you don’t reach your goals, But that’s okay.

It’s okay to feel uncomfortable in trying new things. That’s how you grow.

Be present. Be aware of where you are and the people around you. Be intentional. 

This episode was made possible by:

Hand Arendall Harrison Sale 

Buy Rod's Book "Get Back Up" >>> Buy Here

Learn more about & contact Rod Cate:
Rod Cate Website
Twitter
Facebook
LinkedIn

In this week's episode, we learn the story of The Honorable John England, Jr. Judge England, a retired circuit court judge and former Alabama Supreme Court Justice. He was a student at Tuskegee University during the height of the Civil Rights Movement. He was in the first class of African Americans admitted to the University of Alabama Law School. He has lived a spectacular life. He provides great insights, advice and life lessons. This is an episode not to be missed. 

Key Takeaways 

Life has its ups and downs. Sometimes you think it's your time, but it's not. But you have to stay ready. 

We all have far more in common than differences. Find common ground to make progress. 

You can differ with someone's views but can still respect their views. 

You can't fight every battle. Pick the important ones. 

Have faith in yourself, but don't be afraid to ask questions. 

If you do your best, everything will work out.  

This episode was made possible by:

Hand Arendall Harrison Sale 

Buy Rod's Book "Get Back Up" >>> Buy Here

Learn more about & contact Rod Cate:
Rod Cate Website
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LinkedIn

In this week's episode, we learn the story of Brett Horn. Brett lost his 2-year-old son Charlie when he was crushed by a dresser that tipped over and fell on him. Brett turned his grief into something positive. He has successfully advocated for legislation requiring furniture to meet tip-over standards. He was also instrumental in creating Charlie's House, a full-scale demonstration safety house. Brett did not want other parents to experience his loss from tip-over accidents. This a great episode of overcoming grief and being persistent to reach your goals.

Key Takeaways

- Persistence is the necessary ingredient in getting things done.

- We all have different strengths and weaknesses. In arriving at a solution, draw from your and others' strengths. 

- Don't let the pursuit of perfection get in the way of progress. 

- With regard to the loss of a child, time does not heal all wounds. Time provides an opportunity to deal with those wounds.

- In coping with loss, find your way to deal with the loss, not how others think you should deal with the loss. 

- In overcoming adversity, take it one day at a time. Set goals. 

This episode was made possible by:

Hand Arendall Harrison Sale 

Buy Rod's Book "Get Back Up" >>> Buy Here

Learn more about & contact Rod Cate:
Rod Cate Website
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In this week’s episode, we learn the story of John Berry. John is a Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter. He’s earned multiple Gold and Platinum records over his 40 plus year career. His song “Your Love Amazes Me” hit number one on the Billboard country chart. The day it hit number one, John was undergoing emergency brain surgery. He’s had a very successful career but has dealt with and overcome more than his share of adversity, including brain surgery, vocal cord surgery, and most recently, throat cancer. He has an unshakeable faith in God and tries to live in a manner to glorify Him. This is a great episode of inspiration and faith.

Check Out John Berry's Music >>>

Key Takeaways

Find joy in overcoming adversity. Rely upon your faith.

Live your life with joy.

Try to be a positive person.

Surround yourself with like-minded people. 

Have a spiritual component to your life. 

Live your life as a creation of God. Glorify Him with the way you live your life.

This episode was made possible by:

Hand Arendall Harrison Sale 

Buy Rod's Book "Get Back Up" >>> Buy Here

Learn more about & contact Rod Cate:
Rod Cate Website
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In this week’s episode, we learn the story of Retired Army Sergeant Rick Yarosh. In September 2006, while on patrol in Iraq, Rick’s vehicle hit an IED. The resulting explosion caused Rick to be covered by fuel that was on fire. He suffered second and third-degree burns to 60 % of his body. He lost his nose, ears, fingers and had his right leg amputated below the knee. He had to face his new life without his face. He tells his story of hope and how what happened to him completely changed his life – for the better.  

Learn More About Rick Yarosh >>>

Learn More About Sweethearts and Heroes >>>

Episode Takeaways

Have HOPE (Hold on Possibilities Exist). The longer you hold on, the more opportunities exist for people to come into your life to help.

There are things in life that you cannot get through on your own. Accept help from family and friends.

Misfortune happens. Let misfortune go and figure out how you are going to overcome. Change your perspective. Don’t live in a world of negativity. 

You have to have the will and strength to get better. You can’t sit around waiting for something to happen. Put yourself in uncomfortable positions. Get out there!

Take risks. It’s okay if doesn’t work out.

Choose to be happy. We all struggle. The struggle can be the most amazing thing that happens to us. It’s all in your perspective.

This episode was made possible by:

Hand Arendall Harrison Sale 

Buy Rod's Book "Get Back Up" >>> Buy Here

Learn more about & contact Rod Cate:
Rod Cate Website
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LinkedIn

In this week’s episode, we learn the story of Franklin Harrison. Twelve years ago, Franklin was attending a meeting as the attorney for the Bay County, Florida School Board when a gunman came into the meeting and began threatening board members and then started shooting. Franklin tells what it was like to literally stare down the barrel of a gun. He is fortunate to have survived this traumatic event and tells how this event has changed his life and how he looks at life. 


Watch The Franklin Harrison's Live Shooter Incident >>> 

Key Takeaways

- Tragedy can happen anywhere and at any time. No one is immune.

- Life is fragile. Understand that and appreciate life every day.

- Rely on your faith, family and friends to get through tough times.

- After a traumatic event, it’s okay to seek professional counseling.

- Even in the worst circumstances, have some humor. 

This episode was made possible by:

Hand Arendall Harrison Sale 

Buy Rod's Book "Get Back Up" >>> Buy Here

Learn more about & contact Rod Cate:
Rod Cate Website
Twitter
Facebook
LinkedIn

In this week’s episode, we learn the story of Scott Ashley. In April 2012, when Scott was 36 years old, he was in a horrific automobile accident resulting in multiple broken bones, spinal cord damage and had his left leg amputated above the knee. He was told by his doctors he would never walk again. They were wrong. He not only walks but is incredibly active. Most importantly, his injury opened his eyes as to what life is all about. He tells a great story of motivation.

Learn More About Scott Ashley 
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Scott Ashley's Takeaways

When faced with adversity, you have 2 choices – move forward with life or give up. Never give up! Only you can dictate if you are going to give up, not other people. 

Tough times pass and don’t last forever. Things get better. Be patient.

Use what you learn in dealing with adversity to shape you in the right way. Have a purpose in your life.

We are not guaranteed tomorrow. Make the most out of each day.

Be a role model and reach out to people who are struggling.

This episode was made possible by:
Hand Arendall Harrison Sale 

Buy Rod's Book "Get Back Up" >>> Buy Here

Learn more about & contact Rod Cate:
Rod Cate Website
Twitter
Facebook
LinkedIn

In this week's episode, we learn the story of Trent Crawford. At age 27, Trent was involved in a hunting accident where he fell from a tree and broke his back leaving him partially paralyzed from the waist down with little hope of walking again. He didn't let his paralysis stop him from living his best life. He walks, is a husband and father, and lives life on his terms. He has a great story of overcoming. 

Key Takeaways 

- Sometimes you just have to deal with what life throws at you.

- If you can overcome the tough problems, everyday problems are easy.

- In overcoming adversity, it helps to have a great attitude.

- Someone always has it worse than you do.  

- There is no substitution for hard work. 

- To get through tough times, know yourself and know what motivates you. 

- It's okay to rely on others for help to get you back on your feet.

This episode was made possible by:
Hand Arendall Harrison Sale 

Buy Rod's Book "Get Back Up" >>> Buy Here

Learn more about & contact Rod Cate:
Rod Cate Website
Twitter
Facebook
LinkedIn

In this week's episode, we learn the story of Josh Zucker. Josh was in the 2nd tower of the World Trade Center on 9/11 when the 2nd plane hit. He was only 20 floors below. His story is fascinating strictly in a factual context. He goes further and relates how that day changed his life and what it means to be a survivor.

Key Takeaways 

Surviving a horrible event makes you stronger. Use what you learn and adopt the attitude you can get through anything. 

Look to make a difference in your life and others' lives. 

Never give up when faced with adversity. Remember, you are blessed to be on this Earth. 

Stay positive even when things are not going your way.  

You might get outsmarted in life but never get outworked. 

This episode was made possible by:
Hand Arendall Harrison Sale 

Buy Rod's Book "Get Back Up" >>> Buy Here

Learn more about & contact Rod Cate:
Rod Cate Website
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Facebook
LinkedIn

In this week’s episode, we learn the story of Kevin Olmstead. Kevin was fishing in south Mobile Bay when he was knocked out of his boat by a crashing wave. His boat was still in gear and took off. With no life jacket, Kevin survived for over 9 hours, swimming and treading water, until he could cling to a piling and was rescued. He battled exhaustion and hypothermia and survived by never giving in. His desire to live to be a father to his kids is what kept him going. His story is incredible.  

Key Takeaways

- Live with a purpose. That purpose might keep you alive.

- Set small goals and achieve them to get to your larger goal.

- To get through tough times, you need to be mentally tough.

- Take negative experiences and find positives from them. 

- To overcome tough times, believe in yourself. 

This episode was made possible by:
Hand Arendall Harrison Sale 

Buy Rod's Book "Get Back Up" >>> Buy Here

Learn more about & contact Rod Cate:
Rod Cate Website
Twitter
Facebook
LinkedIn

In this episode, we learn the story of Maddi Niebanck. At age 22, after Maddi had just graduated from Georgetown University, she suffered a major stroke leaving her paralyzed on her left side. She did not let her stroke derail her life, but instead realized how fragile life is and has focused her life on what she wants to do. She provides outreach on social media helping other stroke victims. She has written two books, travels and has her own podcast. She has turned her bad luck into a new life.  

Key Takeaways

Turn obstacles into opportunities. Don’t let obstacles stop you. It’s all how you look at life.

Recovery begins with a positive mindset. You can’t improve your situation without putting in the work.

When life gives you a second chance, make the most of it. Go for something you really desire.

When dealing with adversity or tough times, be patient with yourself. But don’t embrace a limiting mindset. 

This episode was made possible by:
Hand Arendall Harrison Sale 

Buy Rod's Book "Get Back Up" >>> Buy Here

Learn more about & contact Rod Cate:
Rod Cate Website
Twitter
Facebook
LinkedIn