Survive and Advance

“Most people go through life not being a survivor. They just exist. They let life overrun them. They become a victim, but that can always change.” - Paul Estridge This season was dedicated to bringing you Paul’s Principles of Survival along with harrowing stories of people who have faced life-shattering challenges and come out stronger on the other side. In this finale episode, Paul reflects on what he’s learned from conversations with his guest about what it takes to never give up. Listen in to hear why Paul says anyone can be a survivor as long as they’re willing to change their mindset and be rooted in faith.

Bart Burrell was a happy, young, athletic guy and the picture of good health. But then everything changed.  Bart’s life was hit with tragedy when his father passed, and then after having breathing issues, he received a shocking diagnosis. Little did Bart know, this was only the tip of the iceberg. Stem cell transplants, heart problems, physical therapy — he faced one hardship after another. But through his newfound faith, Bart was able to find peace. In this episode, Bart shares his story of belief in life, not survival. As you listen, you’ll hear how his faith and resilience gave him the strength to live like there’s no tomorrow.

If you want to survive and advance, you have to do it on purpose; It won’t happen by accident. Along the way, you’ll need tools and strategies to help you navigate the storms life throws at you. For Paul Estridge, those tools are what he calls the Principles of Survival. In this series, he’ll examine those principles, break down what they mean, and share the real-life stories that helped him understand why they’re so important. In this episode, we’ll look at: Keep moving Don’t quit Practice gratefulness 

“I've survived 100% of my bad days so far, and I plan on continuing to do just that.” Gary Brackett has faced countless challenges—from breaking into the NFL, to deep personal loss, to being in the restaurant business during COVID, but his winner mindset has led him through it all. In this episode, Gary shares how he handles tough situations with grace and leans into gratitude when he’s at his lowest. Along the way, you’ll learn how to reframe the stories you tell yourself so you can focus on what you can control and live to fight another day.

Dr. Ena Shelley was supposed to retire, move into her newly-purchased house, and bask in the Georgia sun. But then life got in the way. During a meeting, she came down with a headache. But this wasn’t just any headache. Something was wrong, and she was rushed to the hospital. Instead of hanging pictures in her new home, Ena spent time in the hospital for a subdural hematoma, a brain bleed. Instead of fundraising for charities and volunteering like she normally would, she underwent extensive therapy. She was flooded with thoughts about her family and her future, but she was 110% determined to get her life back on track. In this episode, Ena shares her story of survival and what it means to play the hand you’re dealt. As you listen, you’ll hear about what it truly means to serve others and how to stay grateful after facing the hardest challenges imaginable.

If you want to survive and advance, you have to do it on purpose; It won’t happen by accident. Along the way, you’ll need tools and strategies to help you navigate the storms life throws at you. For Paul Estridge, those tools are what he calls the Principles of Survival. In this series, he’ll examine those principles, break down what they mean, and share the real-life stories that helped him understand why they’re so important. In this episode, we’ll look at: - Be resourceful: find a way or make one - Be resilient: keep getting up

Mark Whitacre was climbing the corporate ladder with ease. He had a mansion and a private jet—life was good. And then he was let in on a shocking company secret and became part of the largest international price-fixing scheme in U.S. history. Participating in the crime ate away at his conscience and eventually his wife convinced him to come forward. Which led to Mark wearing a wire for three years as an FBI informant, all the while knowing if he was caught he would likely be killed. In this episode, Mark shares what it was like living under that kind of pressure and how he endured it. As you listen, you’ll hear how having the wrong purpose in life led Mark down a bad path multiple times until he eventually wound up in prison. But what felt like an ending for Mark became the start of living a life full of purpose and productivity.

If you want to survive and advance, you have to do it on purpose; It won’t happen by accident. Along the way, you’ll need tools and strategies to help you navigate the storms life throws at you. For Paul Estridge, those tools are what he calls the Principles of Survival. In this series, he’ll examine those principles, break down what they mean, and share the real-life stories that helped him understand why they’re so important. In this episode, we’ll look at: Recall Your Purpose Stay Calm and Focus

When the unthinkable happens, how do you survive, come to terms with it, and move forward? After being paralyzed in a violent race car crash, Robert Wickens chose to focus on “what’s next” and anchor his recovery in his inherent determination. And that served him well, three and a half years after the accident Robert was not only racing again, he got on the podium as well. In this episode, Robert shares his path to racing and emphasizes the importance of taking care of your mental health. As you listen, you’ll learn what it means to truly give it your all and be inspired to follow your dreams.

If you want to survive and advance, you have to do it on purpose; It won’t happen by accident. Along the way, you’ll need tools and strategies to help you navigate the storms life throws at you. For Paul Estridge, those tools are what he calls the Principles of Survival. In this series, he’ll examine those principles, break down what they mean, and share the real-life stories that helped him understand why they’re so important. In this episode, we’ll look at: - Breathe, Eat, and Sleep - Get the Mindset to Win

What are the characteristics that help someone survive a war? Better yet, what characteristics are needed to survive coming home? Eric Donoho, a businessman and veteran, joins to share his story about his tour in Iraq, how he was hit by explosives more than once, and what it took for him to mentally come home. As you listen, you’ll learn how a “don’t quit” mentality can push you forward and why surrounding yourself with a support network can help you through your lowest points.

If you want to survive and advance, you have to do it on purpose; It won’t happen by accident. Along the way, you’ll need tools and strategies to help you navigate the storms life throws at you. For Paul Estridge, those tools are what he calls the Principles of Survival. In this series, he’ll examine those principles, break down what they mean, and share the real-life stories that helped him understand why they’re so important. In this episode, we’ll look at: - Accept and surrender

What makes you a survivor? Dave Carter is a businessman, mountaineer, and climbing guide, but he was a survivor long before he earned any of those titles. He has spent his life learning to overcome the most extreme conditions, where a single decision often tips the scale toward survival or death. In this episode, Dave shares the story of his two expeditions to Mt. Everest, how he nearly lost his life on the mountain and the lessons that helped him survive where many others didn’t. As you listen, you’ll learn how to turn failures into fuel for your success, and why the principles for survival apply to all of life. Key Takeaways: – It’s not enough to survive, you must advance – Break it down – Practice gratefulness, even in the midst of challenges What to Listen For: [01:39] - Dave’s first trip to Everest [04:21] - The return to Everest [06:17] - What Dave did differently the second time [10:19] - The summit attempt [18:34] - The Descent [26:26] - Respiratory arrest [31:39] - Dave’s takeaways

If you want to survive and advance, you have to do it on purpose; It won’t happen by accident. Along the way, you’ll need tools and strategies to help you navigate the storms life throws at you. For Paul Estridge, those tools are what he calls the Principles of Survival. In this series, he’ll examine those principles, break down what they mean, and share the real-life stories that helped him understand why they’re so important. In this episode, we’ll look at the first two: Stand Up, Square Up, Pray Face Your Challenge

From failure, abuse, destruction comes turnaround, discovery, and triumph. In partnership with the People Forward Network, Survive and Advance shares true stories of leaders who have thrived when their backs were pushed against the wall. These are stories you won’t get from company bios and profiles. Through in-depth conversation, and an authentic, raw look into what it means to be a man in today’s world coupled with a practical guide on how to rise up when the pressure bears down.