Advertise on podcast: Paralysis to Purpose

HIS STORY INSPIRED ME.  HIS FAITH ENCOURAGED ME. On November 2, 2011, Vincent Rutley, actor, playwright and musician, survived a near fatal accident that severed his spinal cord. Diagnosed as a paraplegic with traumatic brain damage, the doctors prepared him for the worst by telling him he would never move his arms or legs again.  He viewed this tragedy as an “Assignment” not a “Punishment”. Vincent Rutley comes from a strong family of faith, and has a strong personal relationship with God, so in the doctor’s report didn’t deter them from expecting the best.  Believing that God would perform a miracle, Vincent began his journey of recovery.   It was a few weeks after his surgery, that the miracles began.  Feeling and slight movement in his right arm, became a full range of motion.  Later, his left arm and wrist became functional. In 2014 Vincent returned to the stage play production “Street Corner “which he wrote, produces and starred in, from his wheelchair.  “Your disability doesn’t change the fact that God made you, YOU!  The journey may be 10 times tough, but you can fulfill your wildest dreams.  The car accident didn’t paralyze my love for acting.  I didn’t lose my love for acting because I use a wheelchair now. Vincent Rutley doesn’t deny the reality of the challenges that come with his spinal cord injury, but he refuses to let it dictate the quality of his life. He has learned to lean on his support system, spearheaded by his wife, who he was engaged to at the time of the accident.  His goal is to become the most sought-after quadriplegic actor in the business. Thirteen years after the accident, Vincent Rutley still believes that God will work a miracle and he will walk again.  In the meantime, he is committed to living life to the fullest. Check out Vincent's website:https://vincentrutley.jimdofree.com/ Follow Vincent on Instagram: @vincentrutley FOLLOW PARALYSIS TO PURPOSE Twitter: https://twitter.com/Paral2Purpose Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paralysis2purpose/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paralysis2purpose TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@paralysis2purpose Mailing List: http://eepurl.com/hzE5n9 FOLLOW OUR HOST, DAVID COOKS Twitter: https://twitter.com/dcespeaks Instagram: https://instagram.com/dcespeaks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dcespeaks/ Website: https://davidcooksspeaks.com/ Listen in for stories of growth, change, and discovery by both individuals and corporations on their journeys from Paralysis to Purpose. http://paralysis2purpose.com/

Transparent. Real. Unedited. “Sometimes even when you are doing your best, things don’t work out.  Things conclude.  It’s ok to begin again.”– Kenneth Lock II Kenneth Lock II, author of the book “Shift Happens” , Pastor of Evolve Church and  Chaplain for The Milwaukee Bucks is no stranger to the changes, “the shifts” life can bring.  In this episode of Paralysis to Purpose the Podcast, we discuss the pain of a DIVORCE and the process of healing from a broken heart. Among other things, we also discuss how being  diagnosed with MENINGITIS and given 48 hours to live changed his perspective on LIFE.   Gratitude is a lifestyle for Pastor Kenneth Lock Ii.  And for him, giving to others is an expression of gratitude. The consummate servant, Pastor Lock is passionate about making a difference in the lives of whoever he encounters:  eager to share the principles he has used to navigate the muddy waters of life. In his book “Shift Happens”, Lock helps help others find renewed Purpose, Gratitude and Love after heartbreak.

The Story of an adopted black hockey player Being adopted can be an uncomfortable conversation, but not for Anthony Walsh, author of the children’s book “Hockey is for Everybody.” Raised in Minnesota, Anthony was introduced to Hockey at a young age by his adopted parents. (“Mom & Dad”). When asked about his experience growing up as an adopted child, he is glowingly states he is grateful for being raised in a loving, nurturing and progressive family. However, as the only African-American and adopted player on his hockey teams, hearing teammates talk about their parents, grandparents, etc., Anthony wanted to know who he was, where he was from…his biological family. He wanted to be able to give an answer to the Doctor when asked about his “family medical history”. Anthony’s journey of self -discovery took years but ended with him finding his biological family before going to law School. He found the missing piece and missing peace in his life. A bonus was learning he was related to the great Marvin Gaye. Anthony, an attorney in Minnesota, is proud to be the product of a “blended family.” He has embraced all aspects of his life experiences and continues to use Hockey as a platform for change. Check out Anthony's website: hockeyisforeverybody.org Follow Anthony on Twitter: @anttheauthor FOLLOW PARALYSIS TO PURPOSE Twitter: https://twitter.com/Paral2Purpose Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paralysis2purpose/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paralysis2purpose TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@paralysis2purpose Mailing List: http://eepurl.com/hzE5n9 FOLLOW OUR HOST, DAVID COOKS Twitter: https://twitter.com/dcespeaks Instagram: https://instagram.com/dcespeaks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dcespeaks/ Website: https://davidcooksspeaks.com/ Listen in for stories of growth, change, and discovery by both individuals and corporations on their journeys from Paralysis to Purpose. http://paralysis2purpose.com/

“Perspective can be your Prison or your Passport” – Thomas R. Williams Change is inevitable. On today’s episode, we welcome back Thomas R. Williams, to discuss some of the tools/principles necessary to continue moving forward and to sustain success during change and uncertainty. Thomas R. Williams, former NFL player, author, and member of the Jon Gordon Speaking Team, returns to Paralysis to Purpose the Podcast to discuss his latest book 'DIG – Discover Your Depth, Determination, and Destiny Through Adversity", and to share what’s new in his life journey since he first appeared on Paralysis to Purpose the podcast in Season 1 on Episode 4 entitled “Dead at 16’". Check out Thomas R. William's website: http://thomasrwilliams.com/ Follow Thomas R. Williams on Twitter: @MrTRWilliams on Instagram: @mr_trw FOLLOW PARALYSIS TO PURPOSE Twitter: https://twitter.com/Paral2Purpose Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paralysis2purpose/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paralysis2purpose TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@paralysis2purpose Mailing List: http://eepurl.com/hzE5n9 FOLLOW OUR HOST, DAVID COOKS Twitter: https://twitter.com/dcespeaks Instagram: https://instagram.com/dcespeaks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dcespeaks/ Website: https://davidcooksspeaks.com/ Listen in for stories of growth, change, and discovery by both individuals and corporations on their journeys from Paralysis to Purpose. http://paralysis2purpose.com/

Jeremy’s life was hanging in the balance. A Flight for Life, was just the beginning of an incredible journey, that included paralysis twice, for Jeremy Bock, a talented basketball player from a small town in Wisconsin. With aspirations to play college basketball, Jeremy left the comfort of his hometown, and enrolled in a high school that he knew little about, except for their basketball success. Jeremy’s talent was quickly recognized by his coach and his peers, and he was instrumental in leading them to a state championship his junior year. His success didn’t come without its’ challenges. Jeremey’s relationship with his high school coach provided the additional guidance needed to get him through those challenges, including physical paralysis, twice. In this episode, Jeremy shares the joys, the miracles, and the pains of his experience, and how they were instrumental in shaping his desire to serve others and to create Leaders in the marketplace. FOLLOW PARALYSIS TO PURPOSE Twitter: https://twitter.com/Paral2Purpose Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paralysis2purpose/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paralysis2purpose TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@paralysis2purpose Mailing List: http://eepurl.com/hzE5n9 FOLLOW OUR HOST, DAVID COOKS Twitter: https://twitter.com/dcespeaks Instagram: https://instagram.com/dcespeaks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dcespeaks/ Website: https://davidcooksspeaks.com/ Listen in for stories of growth, change, and discovery by both individuals and corporations on their journeys from Paralysis to Purpose. http://paralysis2purpose.com/

Cole Schaefer and Brian Waddick, college roommates, had started a sunflower seed company in their dorm room at the University of Minnesota: SMACKIN’ Sunflower Seeds. Out of money and with COVID impacting the world, Cole and Brian had to make aa decision: find a way to keep the business going or quit. They believed in what they were doing and double-down on their goal of creating a sunflower seed inspired by the nostalgia of spitting seed on little league baseball fields but upgraded for the 21st century consumer. A healthy snack that tastes better than you remember with bold and unique flavors. Today, SMACKIN’ Sunflower Seeds is a growing profitable company. Their journey to creating a successful brand is filled with Perspective, Perseverance and Partnerships. “Nothing in life worth doing is easy and the journey is usually worth it.” – Cole Schaefer, Co-Founder of SMAKIN’ Sunflower Seeds Check out SMACKINS' website: https://smackinsunflowerseeds.com Follow [GUEST] on Twitter: and Instagram: @smackinsunflowerseeds FOLLOW PARALYSIS TO PURPOSE Twitter: https://twitter.com/Paral2Purpose Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paralysis2purpose/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paralysis2purpose TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@paralysis2purpose Mailing List: http://eepurl.com/hzE5n9 FOLLOW OUR HOST, DAVID COOKS Twitter: https://twitter.com/dcespeaks Instagram: https://instagram.com/dcespeaks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dcespeaks/ Website: https://davidcooksspeaks.com/ Listen in for stories of growth, change, and discovery by both individuals and corporations on their journeys from Paralysis to Purpose. http://paralysis2purpose.com/

Ryan Schachtner is the epitome of Paying It Forward, and his journey to becoming that, is inspiring. An aspiring professional baseball player, Ryan had put in the work and was on his way to having his dream fulfilled. That dream turned into a nightmare during warmups of one of his college baseball games. A routine warmup activity caused a shoulder injury that not only sidelined him for the remainder of that season, but it put an end to his baseball career. Ryan now found himself having to implement a Plan B, something he had not given much consideration to. He managed to get an internship that summer in finance and loved it! It didn’t take long for him to realize that there were others just like him who needed to understand the importance of having a solid Plan B, and that should include financial literacy. Ryan, author of the best-selling book “Foundation for Financial Excellence, has committed his life to eradicate financial illiteracy and level the financial playing field for amateur and professional athletes. Check out Ryan's website: https://amustwin.com/ Follow Ryan on Instagram: @amust.win FOLLOW PARALYSIS TO PURPOSE Twitter: https://twitter.com/Paral2Purpose Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paralysis2purpose/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paralysis2purpose TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@paralysis2purpose Mailing List: http://eepurl.com/hzE5n9 FOLLOW OUR HOST, DAVID COOKS Twitter: https://twitter.com/dcespeaks Instagram: https://instagram.com/dcespeaks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dcespeaks/ Website: https://davidcooksspeaks.com/ Listen in for stories of growth, change, and discovery by both individuals and corporations on their journeys from Paralysis to Purpose. http://paralysis2purpose.com/

Dr. Jahkari “JT” Taylor completed his freshman year in high school with a .75 grade point average. A troubled youth who went from living in a homeless shelter to one of the toughest Project complexes in South Norfolk, Va. He now has four earned degrees including a Doctorate in Advanced educational Leadership. How do you go from a .75 to a Ph.D.? On today’s podcast, we discuss his improbable journey from a troubled youth and self-proclaimed atheist to an award-winning educator, a community leader, an author of 9 books and The Senior Pastor at Focus Church in Chesapeake, VA. His most recent book, “Becoming Culturally Responsive Educators, released July 3, 2023, is groundbreaking and challenges the existing methods used in educating youth in America today. Check out Dr. Taylor's website:https://purposepushers.com/ Follow Dr. Taylor on Twitter and Instagram : @purposepushers FOLLOW PARALYSIS TO PURPOSE Twitter: https://twitter.com/Paral2Purpose Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paralysis2purpose/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paralysis2purpose TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@paralysis2purpose Mailing List: http://eepurl.com/hzE5n9 FOLLOW OUR HOST, DAVID COOKS Twitter: https://twitter.com/dcespeaks Instagram: https://instagram.com/dcespeaks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dcespeaks/ Website: https://davidcooksspeaks.com/ Listen in for stories of growth, change, and discovery by both individuals and corporations on their journeys from Paralysis to Purpose. http://paralysis2purpose.com/

Is Money Good? Evil? Does it grow on trees? Today’s guest, Jerremy Newsome, sees Money Everywhere! Jerremy Newsome, credits Forest Gump for the inspiration to pursuit wealth to help others. At a very early age, Jerremy Newsome discovered that money did grow on trees, in the form of Blackberries. Selling Blackberries door to door was the beginning of Jerremy’s journey from abject poverty, to becoming one of the leading global minds on Stock Market education. Jerremy, author of “Money Grows on Trees”, is the CEO of Real-Life Trading, and a philanthropist at heart. Today, he helps people achieve financial freedom by creating revenue streams via the stock market. His Real-Life Trading brand is global and is committed to reaching as many as possible, especially children  @RealLifeTrading  , Jerremy founded the RL Foundation whose mission is to enrich the lives of those who are enriching others. His greatest investment is as a Husband and a Father. Check out Jerremy's website: https://www.jerremynewsome.com Follow Jerremy on Twitter: @newsomenuggets Instagram:@JerremyNewsomeEnrichesLives  FOLLOW PARALYSIS TO PURPOSE Twitter: https://twitter.com/Paral2Purpose Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paralysis2purpose/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paralysis2purpose TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@paralysis2purpose Mailing List: http://eepurl.com/hzE5n9 FOLLOW OUR HOST, DAVID COOKS Twitter: https://twitter.com/dcespeaks Instagram: https://instagram.com/dcespeaks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dcespeaks/ Website: https://davidcooksspeaks.com/ Listen in for stories of growth, change, and discovery by both individuals and corporations on their journeys from Paralysis to Purpose. http://paralysis2purpose.com/

For Phillip Spencer, incarceration seemed inevitable. Raised in a single parent home in the inner-city of Milwaukee, with his 3 siblings, Phillip's journey from Poverty to Philanthropy is transformational and inspiring. He defied the odds, survived the melee and turned his street smarts into business know-how, to become an uber-successful businessman. His book, "Breaking The Chain: Leaving 27th Street" , tells of his remarkable journey. "A True American Story of Family, Faith, Fatherhood and Fortune". Follow Phillip Spencer on LinkedIn FOLLOW PARALYSIS TO PURPOSE Twitter: https://twitter.com/Paral2Purpose Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paralysis2purpose/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paralysis2purpose TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@paralysis2purpose Mailing List: http://eepurl.com/hzE5n9 FOLLOW OUR HOST, DAVID COOKS Twitter: https://twitter.com/dcespeaks Instagram: https://instagram.com/dcespeaks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dcespeaks/ Website: https://davidcooksspeaks.com/ Listen in for stories of growth, change, and discovery by both individuals and corporations on their journeys from Paralysis to Purpose. http://paralysis2purpose.com/

In 1953 Nate Allen was shot and killed by a White man who was also his employer. Witnesses remained silent and no investigation was conducted. In 2020 George Floyd was murdered at the knee of a policeman and witnessed across the world because of the camera in a cell phone. On this episode of Paralysis to Purpose, I get to have a candid conversation about racism, reconciliation and redemption with Phil Allen Jr., the grandson of Nate Allen and the author of two books, Open Wounds: A Story of Racial Tragedy, Trauma, and Redemption and The Prophetic Lens: The Camera and Black Moral Agency From MLK to Darnella Frazier. Today’s podcast is intentionally released in conjunction with the anniversary of the death of George Floyd. Check out Phil Allen, Jr's website: https://www.philallenjr.com/ Follow Phil Allen, Jr. on Instagram: @philallenjrig FOLLOW PARALYSIS TO PURPOSE Twitter: https://twitter.com/Paral2Purpose Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paralysis2purpose/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paralysis2purpose TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@paralysis2purpose Mailing List: http://eepurl.com/hzE5n9 FOLLOW OUR HOST, DAVID COOKS Twitter: https://twitter.com/dcespeaks Instagram: https://instagram.com/dcespeaks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dcespeaks/ Website: https://davidcooksspeaks.com/ Listen in for stories of growth, change, and discovery by both individuals and corporations on their journeys from Paralysis to Purpose. http://paralysis2purpose.com/

A broken neck, but not a broken spirit! At the age of 15, Zack Collie and his friends went to Newport Beach, CA to bodysurf; a regular event for Zack and his buddies. However, this time, something went terribly wrong: Zack needed help getting out of the water, as he laid face down and fully conscious in the surf; he had broken his neck. Zack's life was changed forever. Now what? Listen as Zack shares how is journey to find purpose began with a broken neck : Follow Zack on Instagram: @zackcollie7 FOLLOW PARALYSIS TO PURPOSE Twitter: https://twitter.com/Paral2Purpose Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paralysis2purpose/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paralysis2purpose TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@paralysis2purpose Mailing List: http://eepurl.com/hzE5n9 FOLLOW OUR HOST, DAVID COOKS Twitter: https://twitter.com/dcespeaks Instagram: https://instagram.com/dcespeaks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dcespeaks/ Website: https://davidcooksspeaks.com/ Listen in for stories of growth, change, and discovery by both individuals and corporations on their journeys from Paralysis to Purpose. http://paralysis2purpose.com/