Bold Journeys Podcast

Hosted by Rob Spee

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197

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Jun 2026

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About the show

All around us, people are overcoming extraordinary challenges. Where do they find the resilience and perseverance to move forward? At Bold Journeys, we share stories of grit, adventure, and faith from those whose journeys have both tested them and shaped who they've become. Hosted by Rob Spee, each episode of the podcast explores the resilience it takes to carry on – offering encouragement, perspective, and a reminder of what's possible. We seek guests who've walked through the fire, whether it's a challenge they chose like climbing Mt. Everest, or a knock-down punch life throws at you. If you're ready to reflect, grow, and live boldly... you're in the right place. 🎙️New episodes every Tuesday

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June 16, 2026Episode 1840 min

When Doing Hard Things Becomes the Only Way Forward: The Power of Pushing Your Limits

In this episode of Bold Journeys, we get real about what it means to push yourself — not for bragging rights, not for a medal, but because sometimes your life depends on it. For some people, a daily workout is enough to stay grounded. For others, like JD Tremblay, the dial has to be turned all the way up. That's how he ended up taking on 10 Ironman triathlons in 10 days — an extreme challenge that matched the intensity of what he was fighting on the inside. This isn't a story about being superhuman. It's a story about finding yourself, learning what kind of challenge wakes you up, pulls you out of the dark, and forces you to rebuild. Physical struggle has a way of stripping everything down and pull you out of the darkness. You don't need to be an Ironman Triathlete to get something out of this episode. What matters is finding the level of challenge that pushes you — the version that makes you sharper, clearer, and more alive. JD's journey proves that when you push your limits, you don't just get stronger, you may just get your life back. Join the Journey If this conversation resonates, subscribe for more stories of grit, adventure, and faith — and share it with someone who needs strength today. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@boldjourneysco Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boldjourneysco/ Through The Fire Newsletter: https://boldjourneys.co/subscribe/ Chapters 00:00 Intro: JD's Calling 00:26 Ironman as Escape 03:06 Roots and Childhood 03:55 Divorce and Enlistment 06:49 Child Star Spotlight 09:23 Military Culture Shock 12:33 Leaving Service for School 15:33 Identity Crisis and Depression 19:45 Untrained Ironman Breakthrough 21:46 Coaching and Ultraman Rise 27:52 Epic Deca Decision 36:28 Epic Deca Lessons and Mission

June 2, 2026Episode 171 hr 9 min

Faith on the Fairway: Choosing Purpose Over Security

Do you question your calling in life? What if your calling isn't what you planned? In this episode, I sit down with Norrie Steyn to talk through the twists and turns that have shaped his life. He grew up in a small South African town, moved across the world to play college golf, and eventually stepped away from a stable career path to pursue ministry. We talk about the moments that pushed him out of what was familiar, the tension between financial security and purpose, and the way he's learned to invest in people through steady, relational work. Norrie shares what it's like to carry his faith into the professional golf world where it isn't always welcomed. Here are a few takeaways from our conversation: Stepping out of comfort zones — Growth often begins when we're willing to leave what's familiar. Purpose over security — Choosing calling over comfort leads to a more honest, meaningful life. Relational ministry matters — Real transformation tends to happen through personal connection. Authenticity in skeptical environments — Staying grounded in your mission matters most when it's tested. Meaning beyond material gains — Fulfillment is found in faith, service, and relationships. If you're navigating your own crossroads or trying to make sense of the next step in front of you, Norrie's story offers a steady reminder that courage usually shows up in the small, consistent decisions we make along the way. Join the Journey If this conversation resonates, subscribe for more stories of grit, adventure, and faith — and share it with someone who needs strength today. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@boldjourneysco Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boldjourneysco/ Through The Fire Newsletter: https://boldjourneys.co/subscribe/ Chapters 00:00 CGF Origins and Mission 04:37 Who CGF Serves 05:48 Global Reach Through Golf 06:56 South Africa Roots and Boarding School 13:07 College Golf Path to Ministry 41:07 Ministry Insecurity 43:01 Lonely Calling 43:48 PGA Outreach 46:07 Tours and Bible Studies 49:19 College vs Pros 50:31 Rapid Fire and Wrap

May 19, 2026Episode 1640 min

The Fighter Pilot's Guide to Growth, Accountability, and Performance

This is Part 2 of my conversation with Christian "Boo" Boucousis. We move beyond his origin story and into the mindset of a fighter pilot. As the CEO of Afterburner, Boo teaches teams how to implement a practical, no nonsense approach to clarity, accountability, and performance — the same principles that kept him alive in the cockpit. This fighter pilot's guide is something we can apply in business and everyday life, including: • Iteration as a daily practice — why quick, honest reflection creates momentum • Clear expectations — how alignment reduces friction in work, relationships, and leadership • Accountability without blame — a simple debrief framework for steady improvement • The D.O.S.E. model — using your brain's chemistry to stay resilient and focused Be sure to watch Part 1 to hear Boo's full journey from his childhood in the Australian outback to the Royal Australian Air Force, his entry to entrepreneurship and his faith transformation. Join the Journey If this conversation resonates, subscribe for more episodes that explore clarity, courage, and the mindsets and faith behind meaningful growth. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@boldjourneysco Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boldjourneysco/ Through The Fire Newsletter: https://boldjourneys.co/subscribe/ Chapters 00:00 Think Like Fighter Pilots 03:03 Afterburner and Mission Focus 04:08 Red Tails Lesson on Mission 05:32 Finding and Buying Afterburner 06:52 Accountability and Skill Benchmarks 09:31 Flight Suit Culture and Identity 12:46 The Cognitive Model of Iteration 15:54 Debriefing vs Blame Reviews 21:44 Applying Iteration at Home 27:06 Biases Beliefs Behaviors Framework 32:20 The Chemistry of Resilience 36:11 Final Questions and Takeaways

April 28, 2026Episode 151 hr 15 min

From Darkness to Light: How Survivors Reclaim Their Power After Narcissistic Trauma

In this episode, Host Rob Spee sits down with survivor and holistic healer Deanna Scaldaferri, whose twenty‑year relationship with a narcissist nearly cost her her voice, her safety, and her sense of self. Deanna opens the door on what these relationships really look like — the early love bombing, the charm that fools everyone else, the private chaos, and the slow erosion of identity that keeps victims trapped. She breaks down the patterns that made her vulnerable, the fear and trauma bonding that kept her in place, and the physical toll of living in constant threat. What follows is a conversation about truth, courage, the breaking point and the long road back to the light. Deanna shares the faith that saved her and the tools that rebuilt her life — therapy, meditation, brain rewiring, and return to God after profound trauma. Today she's using her story to help others name what's happening, break the cycle, and reclaim their God‑given light. You can find Deanna at https://www.healinghandsbydeanna.com/ Key Takeaways Name the cycle so you stop doubting yourself. Love bombing, mask‑slipping, gaslighting, inconsistencies, control — once you understand the pattern, your intuition comes back online. People‑pleasing is not peacekeeping. The "keep the peace" reflex is often the doorway to losing your voice. Reclaiming boundaries is the first step toward reclaiming identity. Charm in public doesn't erase abuse in private. Narcissists curate a persona. Survivors need outside support — therapy, trusted friends, and professionals who understand the dynamic. Your body tells the truth before your mind can. Panic attacks, chest tightness, hypervigilance — these aren't overreactions. They're signals that your system is overwhelmed and unsafe. Healing requires all of you — mind, body, and spirit. Faith, breathwork, movement, somatic therapy, massage, reiki, and intentional "rewiring" help break trauma loops and rebuild confidence. Leaning into God is a turning point, not a last resort. Deanna's story shows how faith can anchor you, and even save you, when grief, loss, and trauma collide. You can leave the victim mindset behind. Healing isn't about pretending it didn't happen — it's about choosing who you become next. Join the Journey If this conversation resonates, subscribe for more stories of grit, adventure, and faith — and share it with someone who needs strength today. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@boldjourneysco Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boldjourneysco/ Through The Fire Newsletter: https://boldjourneys.co/subscribe/ Chapters 00:00 Love Bombing Begins 05:01 Deanna Background and Advocacy 06:37 Mask Slips and Confusion 10:29 Charm and Smear Campaign 13:58 Starting a Support Group 17:34 Conscious Control and Gaslighting 28:04 Childhood Roots and Silent Treatment 32:21 Reclaiming Your Light 35:35 Faith Returns to the Forefront 42:24 Choosing Faith Over Anger 46:29 Leaving Victim Mindset Behind 47:31 Reiki and Energy Healing Explained 57:48 Brain Rewiring and Neuroplasticity 01:01:38 Rapid Fire Self Care Habits 01:06:29 Narcissism Red Flags to Watch 01:12:35 Resources and Final Takeaways

April 14, 2026Episode 1455 min

After the Mission: A Fighter Pilot's Path to Purpose

Christian "Boo" Boucousis flew nearly 1,600 missions as an Australian fighter pilot before life forced him into a completely different path. He talks about what happens when the mission ends—how operating at the peak of the stress curve, mastering the basics until they're automatic, and building identity through call signs shaped the man he became. He also shares how long‑term visualization and relentless reps helped him push through average grades and undiagnosed ADHD to earn the cockpit. His fighter pilot career ended after a medical discharge from an autoimmune joint disease, and he had to rebuild from the ground up. Boo walks through the transition from the cockpit to entrepreneurial success in Afghanistan. The success came with real cost: PTSD, divorce, and a complete reset of identity. Boo opens up about getting help from an unexpected source, rediscovering a faith centered on joy, purpose, and responsibility. His story shows what it looks like to find purpose again when the mission changes, and how discipline, vision, and service can rebuild a life from the inside out. Key Takeaways Purpose has to outlast the mission. When the cockpit disappeared, Boo had to rebuild who he was without the uniform, the call sign, or the structure that shaped him. Discipline and identity travel with you. The habits, awareness, and standards forged as a fighter pilot became the backbone of how he navigated entrepreneurship, pressure, and uncertainty. Awareness is a survival skill in life, not just in the air. Knowing what you know, what you don't, and what's happening around you guided him through Afghanistan, leadership, and personal upheaval. Rebuilding requires humility, service, and a clear sense of purpose. Boo's path back—through PTSD, loss, and faith—shows that the next mission is often internal, not external. Join the Journey If this conversation resonates, subscribe for more stories of grit, adventure, and faith — and share it with someone who needs strength today. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@boldjourneysco Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boldjourneysco/ Through The Fire Newsletter: https://boldjourneys.co/subscribe/ Chapters 00:00 Peak Stress Curve 01:00 Fighter Pilot Call Sign Origins 06:44 Inside the Cockpit 12:24 Awareness and Senses 14:55 Queensland Roots 17:54 Obsessed With Aviation 26:36 Checklist Mastery Under Pressure 27:57 Programming the Brain Networks 30:36 Afghanistan by Choice 33:36 Fear on the Ground 35:48 PTSD and Life Unraveling 37:55 Discharge and New Direction 40:41 Why Afghanistan Made Sense 45:05 Faith Reframed and Joy

April 7, 2026Episode 131 hr 22 min

Divine Intervention: Finding Joy After Trauma and Homelessness

Josette Pelatan's story is a study in grit, faith, and the long road back from trauma. Born into addiction, adopted across an ocean, and later navigating life in the U.S. alone at sixteen, she carried years of anger, complex PTSD, and misdiagnosed illness while pushing herself through school, advanced degrees, and relentless adversity. In this conversation, Josette opens up about surviving a drug‑facilitated rape, years of neurological symptoms dismissed as "mental health," and the eventual diagnosis of relapsing MOGAD that reframed her entire medical history. She also shares the 2022 moment she calls divine intervention—a turning point that sparked her healing, her creative work, and her commitment to rebuilding her life while homeless. We talk about what real support looks like, why resilience is never just willpower, and how purpose‑driven routines—breathwork, meditation, visualization, gratitude—became her daily anchors. Join the Journey If this conversation resonates, subscribe for more stories of grit, adventure, and faith — and share it with someone who needs strength today. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@boldjourneysco Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boldjourneysco/ Through The Fire Newsletter: https://boldjourneys.co/subscribe/ Chapters 00:00 Adoption and Absent Father 03:35 Meeting Josette and Her Duality 07:40 Childhood in France Begins 13:12 Grandfather Anchor and Boarding School 18:34 Texas at 16 Cowgirl Life 22:55 From Jobs to Higher Education 24:43 Assaults and Breaking Point 31:08 Mystery Illness and Diagnosis 35:58 Turning Point – Divine Intervention 39:04 Forgiveness and Daily Practices 44:10 Homelessness and Street Reality 52:36 Omnist Faith And Discernment 59:04 Breathwork And Daily Routines 01:04:18 Producing Films Against Odds 01:06:25 Disability Fight And Purpose 01:16:12 Unconditional Love For Healing

March 31, 20261 hr 5 min

How to Stay Resilient & Optimistic: Lessons from a Mindfulness Guru

Hit by a COVID‑related brain stroke, the doctors told Professor M.S. Rao he wouldn't survive. Then when he does survive, but is left paralyzed on his right side, doctors told him he would never walk again. He refused to accept that ending. In this episode, Rao shares how disciplined self‑talk, a steady spiritual foundation, and a lifetime of resilience helped him rebuild his body and re‑shape his future—one determined step at a time. An Indian Air Force veteran, author of 55 books, and longtime advocate for mindfulness and mental health, Rao opens up about the forces that shaped him: a difficult childhood, the structure and cultural tolerance forged in the military, and the daily practices that anchor his optimism. He explains how concepts like dharma, karma, and service guide his choices, why he believes "life is an echo," and how gratitude, empathy, and ethical living became non‑negotiables in his recovery. In this episode, we explore: How disciplined inner dialogue helped him survive and recover The mantra he repeated when fear and doubt closed in Why fitness, structure, and service became the backbone of his resilience How karma and dharma shape his approach to leadership and healing The role of gratitude, empathy, and respect in rebuilding a meaningful life Join the Journey If this conversation resonates, subscribe for more stories of grit, adventure, and faith — and share it with someone who needs strength today. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@boldjourneysco Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boldjourneysco/ Through The Fire Newsletter: https://boldjourneys.co/subscribe/ Chapters 00:00 Subconscious Survival 05:50 Dalai Lama Foreword 07:46 Toxic Childhood 13:12 Air Force Lessons 17:00 COVID Stroke Ordeal 21:33 No Doubt Mindset 25:44 Hinduism Dharma Karma 37:29 Writing After Stroke 41:14 Reincarnation and Karma 50:26 Gratitude Daily Ritual 57:08 Final Advice and Wrap Up

March 24, 2026Episode 111 hr 0 min

From Shame to Strength: How Honesty, Community, and Courage Sparked Transformation

In this episode of Bold Journeys, I sit down with Lisa Robinson, Golden Retriever Wrangler, Weightlifting Enthusiast, and Mountain Climber. Lisa opens up about the long road from people‑pleasing and hidden shame to sobriety, adventure, and a faith rooted in love. Lisa's story is a testament to what can happen when you stop hiding, start telling the truth, and let community and challenges reshape you. Her journey reveals that transformation happens one honest step at a time, and it can happen for you too. Core Lessons Lisa Learned Faith grounded in love is stronger than fear — Lisa no longer believes she has to choose between who she is and being loved by God. Sobriety grows through honesty and connection — meetings, therapy, truth‑telling, community, and a very loving sponsor kept her anchored. Community shifts with each season, and each one plays a role in healing and growth. Grit is built step by step, in life and on the mountain, through false summits, setbacks, and staying present in the climb. Saying yes to adventure expands your world — building confidence, belonging, and a deeper sense of self. Join the Journey If this conversation resonates, subscribe for more stories of grit, adventure, and faith — and share it with someone who needs strength today. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@boldjourneysco Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boldjourneysco/ Through The Fire Newsletter: https://boldjourneys.co/subscribe/ Chapters 00:00 Secret Identity Struggle 03:44 Saying Yes to Adventure 07:29 First Trip and Training 17:39 Growing Up in Georgia 21:49 Church and Belonging 24:18 Coming Out and Fallout 27:18 Early Signs and Drinking Spiral 33:07 Faith and Identity Clash 35:42 Relapse and Rock Bottom 36:41 Recovery Program Deep Dive 39:12 Community Beyond Meetings 40:42 Love Over Legalism 43:17 Hiking as Healing 49:39 Rapid Fire Reflections 57:36 Final Advice and Support

March 17, 2026Episode 106 min

Grit. Faith. Lesson From The First 10 Episodes

Ten episodes in, I'm taking a moment to pause and look at what Bold Journeys has already taught me —about grit, faith, resilience, and the power of simply beginning. Reflecting on the nine conversations with people who've pushed through fear, illness, doubt, and the unknown, I'm humbled and awed by their stories - and their courage to share them. I also want to take this moment to thank you for being part of this bold journey with me. I'd love to hear what you like about the show or what new stories you'd like to hear. Thanks! Rob Join the Journey If this conversation resonates, subscribe for more stories of grit, adventure, and faith — and share it with someone who needs strength today. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@boldjourneysco Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boldjourneysco/ Through The Fire Newsletter: https://boldjourneys.co/subscribe/ Chapters 00:00 - Celebrating 10 Episodes: The Milestone and Reflection 00:31 - The Heart of Bold Journeys: Sharing Stories of Courage, Faith, and Adventure 01:00 - Overcoming Challenges in Podcasting and Personal Growth 01:28 - The Intertwined Threads of Grit, Faith, and Adventure 02:27 - Daily Faith Practice & Its Role in My Journey 03:26 - Exploring Diverse Faiths and Cultural Stories 03:39 - Expanding Into New Adventures: Sailing, Climbing, Cycling & More 04:09 - Announcing Upcoming Live Podcast Studio & Interviews 04:37 - Your Voice Matters: Share Feedback and Stories You Want to Hear 05:21 - How You Can Support: Sharing Is Caring!

March 10, 20261 hr 14 min

Overcoming Life's Hardest Challenges: Faith & the Warrior Mindset

What makes one person collapse under adversity while another rises? In this conversation, business leader turned sailor and Sailing Life Warriors founder Dave Mortell opens up about a life shaped by childhood abuse, near‑death medical crises, and the loss of his first boat and two dogs in a fire — and how faith, grit, and a long‑held dream to sail the world carried him forward. Dave's journey from trauma to the South Pacific is raw, honest, and deeply human. If you're navigating your own storms, his story will show you the life that can be carved out of pain through a warrior mindset and faith. What Dave Learned the Hard Way Trauma can bury you or build you. His "warrior" mindset isn't bravado — it's the discipline of getting back up when life hits hard. Healing takes time and truth. He didn't fully face his childhood abuse until maturity and mentors gave him the tools to do it. Faith is a lifeline, not a slogan. Dave learned to talk to Jesus like a friend and trust that God wasn't finished with him — even when cancer and medical crises said otherwise. Marriage requires presence. He regrets not supporting his wife well through miscarriages and learned that faith should never replace empathy. Big dreams demand resilience. Losing a boat and two dogs could have ended the journey. Instead, it clarified what mattered: family, preparation, and a community built on shared values. Join the Journey If this conversation resonates, subscribe for more stories of grit, adventure, and faith — and share it with someone who is searching for more courage and faith. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@boldjourneysco Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boldjourneysco/ Through The Fire Newsletter: https://boldjourneys.co/subscribe/ Chapters 00:00 Two Choices Mindset 02:56 Sea Life Warrior Origin 06:45 Childhood Trauma Story 08:45 Faith After Abuse 10:44 Air Force Turning Point 16:15 Miscarriages and Marriage Strain 23:32 Aneurysm Scare and Recovery 27:15 Stage Four Melanoma Fight 34:29 Sailing Dream Origins 37:48 Quitting Career for Family Time 38:55 Choosing the First Catamaran 40:18 Cardiologist Shock and Stents 43:07 Boat Fire and Losing the Dogs 56:50 Faith and the Adventure Mindset 01:00:40 Rapid Fire Sea Stories 01:05:32 God and a Personal Relationship 01:11:43 Advice for Aspiring Cruisers