Ever questioned if you're truly meant for greatness? In this soul-stirring episode, Adrian Branch welcomes two-time Olympic gold medalist Ruthie Bolton for a profound conversation about resilience, faith, and finding purpose through life's toughest challenges.

Ruthie takes us back to her humble beginnings as the 16th child in a family of 20 in McLain, Mississippi, where her minister father instilled unshakable principles that would shape her extraordinary journey. With remarkable vulnerability, she shares the pivotal moment at age 14 when conquering her fear of jumping a fence became the unexpected foundation for her championship mindset.

The conversation delves into Ruthie's heartbreaking college recruitment story—being told she wasn't talented enough while watching her sister receive star treatment. Instead of surrender, Ruthie embraced a grueling 10-hour bus ride to Auburn University, where coaches bluntly informed her she would never make the travel team. Through tears and determination, she transformed rejection into fuel, ultimately becoming a starter her freshman year.

Perhaps most powerful is Ruthie's raw account of forgiveness after being unexpectedly cut from the Sacramento Monarchs, the team where she had become a franchise icon. "When you don't forgive, you become a prisoner of your own emotions," she reflects. "It clips your wings and you can't not just fly, but soar."

Now an author, coach, and humanitarian, Ruthie shares how her current book "Sent with Purpose" emerged from her realization that every struggle was preparation for a greater mission. She offers listeners a masterclass in mental resilience: "When resistance tries to hit me, the stronger they come, the stronger I get."

Ready to break through your own barriers? Join us for this transformative episode that will leave you saying, "If she can overcome, I can overcome too."

Connect with Ruthie on social media @RuthieBolton to learn more about her inspirational journey.

When Dr. Joel Freeman left home at 17 with just $24 in his pocket, nobody could have predicted his extraordinary journey from self-described "long-haired, hippie, dope-smoking fool" to becoming a respected NBA chaplain, author of 24 books, historian, and mentor to countless individuals including Klimb host Adrian Branch.

This powerful conversation reveals the pivotal moments that transformed Freeman's life, beginning with his spiritual conversion in 1972 and the crucial lesson he learned about finishing what you start while painting a farmer's tractor. With disarming honesty, he shares a moment of profound temptation during his time as a school principal that could have derailed everything he'd built—and the clarity that helped him overcome it.

Freeman's insights on blind spots prove particularly illuminating. "When you're in a jar, you can't read the label," he explains, emphasizing why we need trusted people to help us see what we can't recognize in ourselves. This wisdom has shaped his approach to mentorship and his understanding that most personal conflicts stem from personality differences rather than demographic factors.

Now the creator of Black History 365—a comprehensive curriculum used in over 15,000 schools—and the innovative Rosetta Universe project, Freeman continues pushing boundaries at every stage of life. His remarkable ability to communicate complex concepts simply allows him to "talk to the street and talk to the elite," making profound wisdom accessible to all.

The conversation culminates with Dr. Freeman's research-backed observation stressing the importance interpersonal skills can factor in a person's success—a perspective that explains his extraordinary impact across multiple fields and diverse audiences.

Be sure to follow Adrian Branch Speaks on social media and download The Klimb wherever podcasts are available. Remember, everything worthwhile is uphill—so be encouraged and keep klimbing.

Seth Franco's remarkable journey from basketball prodigy to physical rehabilitation warrior captivates in this deeply moving episode of The Klimb. Touring around the world as a member of the iconic Harlem Globetrotters, Seth's meteoric rise in professional basketball came to an abrupt halt when doctors discovered he had been born with hip dysplasia. By age 23, this undiagnosed condition had caused the joint deterioration of an 80-year-old, requiring both hips to be replaced.

Facing the devastating loss of his professional career, Seth made a pivotal decision that would define his recovery and future: "I focused on what I could do, not what I couldn't." This mindset shift became the foundation of his rehabilitation journey—a progression he now teaches others through his ministry called Stand, Walk, Run. The philosophy is beautifully simple yet profound: stand for who you want to be, take small daily steps toward your goals, and ultimately run after something meaningful that extends beyond yourself.

Seth draws powerful parallels between basketball and life's challenges, noting that "life is like a basketball—when it's filled with the right thing, the harder you push it down, the higher it soars back up." His candid reflections on fatherhood reveal how he's applying the lessons from his athletic journey to family life, learning that true toughness isn't about projecting strength but about caring for those you love.

Perhaps most compelling is Seth's hard-earned wisdom about the disconnect between feelings and reality: "Sometimes you don't feel good, but you're actually doing great." His story reminds us that our greatest accomplishments often come during our most difficult moments—when we push through discomfort to do what matters most.

Subscribe and join us on The Klimb as we continue to explore stories of resilience, faith, and the human spirit. Follow Adrian Branch at AdrianBranchSpeaks.com or on social media @AdrianBranchSpeaks.