The Relentless Pursuit Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Bryan Neely | Mile 17: Where Most People Quit Feb 04, 2026

Show notes

Bryan Neely joins the Relentless Pursuit Podcast with host, Joe Adams for one of the most powerful conversations we’ve had about resilience, faith, discipline, and learning how to rise when life gets heavy.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re living in a hard season… like yourbreaking point is getting closer… or like you’ve been fighting battle after battle with no relief — this episode is for you.

Bryan shares the message behind “Mile 17” — the moment in the journey where the pain is real, the excitement has worn off, and most people mentally quit… even if they keep moving physically. But if you can learn how to push through Mile 17, you’ll discover the kind of strength that changes everything.

This episode is about turning pain into purpose, hardship into growth, and struggle into something that fuels you instead of destroys you.

If you’re ready to Rise Up, stay in the fight, and become the typeof person who doesn’t fold when life gets hard — you’ll love this conversation.

Welcome to Episode 179 of the Relentless Pursuit Podcast.

Listen, share this with someone who needs it, and let me know what hit you the hardest.

00:00 Overcoming Darkness: A Journey Through Depression and Service

01:01 Welcome to the Relentless Pursuit Podcast

01:36 Introducing Brian Neely: Entrepreneur and Athlete

03:09 Brian's Current Life and Reflections

05:27 The Importance of Embracing the Unknown

08:03 Navigating Relationships and Personal Growth

11:21 Brian's Military Background and Family Dynamics

19:51 Childhood Challenges and Lessons Learned

47:27 The Role of Faith and Resilience

48:39 Unexpected Tryout Opportunity

49:09 Struggles with a Tough Coach

50:15 Lessons from Sitting on the Bench

51:37 The Importance of Coaching and Mentorship

53:29 Balancing Business Success and Family Life

58:57 Joining the Navy and Career Aspirations

01:02:13 Facing Rejection and Redirection

01:06:41 Becoming a Warrior Through Adversity

01:19:04 The Value of Combatives and Self-Defense

01:25:42 Living with Intentionality and Purpose

01:34:59 The Bigger Picture: Beyond Money and Likes

01:36:14 The Journey of Obstacle Course Racing

01:37:23 Overcoming Personal Challenges

01:38:27 The Significance of Winning and Losing

01:39:38 The Power of Persistence and Hard Work

01:40:36 Fitness and Life Balance

01:41:25 The Importance of Community and Support

02:01:58 Mile 17: Turning Breaking Points into Breakthroughs

02:18:03 Final Thoughts and Reflections

#RelentlessPursuitPodcast #BryanNeely #Mile17 #RiseUp #BreakingPoint #Breakthrough #OvercomingAdversity #Resilience #PersonalGrowth #MentalToughness#Faith #Motivation #Discipline #Inspiration #Podcast

Pressure Is a Privilege | Vanessa Hampton on Entrepreneur Pressure & Mental Health Jan 29, 2026

Show notes

In Episode 178 of the Relentless Pursuit Podcast, Joe Adams sits down with Vanessa Hampton — owner of B2 Wellness Suites, founder of Body Well, and partner in Nashville Fit Magazine — for an honest, soul-level conversation about what it really takes to rebuild your life.

Vanessa doesn’t share a highlight reel. She shares the real story.

From getting pregnant right after high school, navigating single motherhood, and spending 19 years in finance… to surviving a toxic marriage, fighting through insecurity and body image battles, and finally reclaiming her life through fitness — Vanessa’s journey is a raw example of transformation through pressure.This episode goes far beyond entrepreneurship.

It’s about self-worth. Boundaries. Healing. Anxiety. Control. And what happens when grief hits so hard it forces you to confront everything you thought you understood about life.

If you’ve ever felt like you were holding it all together while quietly falling apart… this conversation will hit home.

Topics include:

• single motherhood and early adulthood pressure

• divorce, toxic patterns, and rebuilding identity

• fitness as survival and empowerment

• counseling, communication, and growth

• anxiety, control, and entrepreneur stress

• grief, loss, and what it reveals about purpose

• building community through wellness (B2 Wellness Suites)

Vanessa’s story is living proof that you can start over — and start stronger.

Subscribe for more real stories from real people who refuse to quit.

00:00 The Pressure of Leadership and Self-Care

00:35 Finding Control Through Fitness

01:06 Personal Growth and Relationships

02:52 Podcast Introduction and Guest Welcome

04:45 Vanessa Hampton's Journey

14:13 Entrepreneurial Challenges and Mental Health

15:40 Overcoming Personal Struggles

30:45 The Importance of Boundaries and Self-Worth

49:43 The Impossible Standard

50:30 Balancing Lifestyle and Entrepreneurship

51:22 Grace and Recovery

53:50 Navigating Relationship Differences

01:01:29 Building a Wellness Business

01:17:37 Mental Health and Entrepreneurship

01:21:41 Understanding Anxiety

01:29:27 Grief and Personal Growth

01:34:01 Final Thoughts and Relentless

Pursuit#RelentlessPursuitPodcast #VanessaHampton #B2WellnessSuites #WomenWhoLead #SingleMom #DivorceRecovery #HealingJourney #MentalHealthMatters #AnxietyAwareness #EntrepreneurLife #NashvillePodcast #WellnessCommunity #PersonalGrowth #Boundaries #SelfWorth #GriefJourney #Resilience #PurposeDriven

Philip Shouse | Rock & Roll, Sobriety & Inner Peace Jan 14, 2026

Show notes

Philip Shouse has toured the world with rock legends like Gene Simmons, Ace Frehley, and Accept.

But the story most people never hear is what happened behind the scenes.

In this episode of The Relentless Pursuit Podcast, Philip sits with host, Joe Adams and opens up about his journey through addiction, sobriety, grief, and the long road to finding peace after decades inside the rock and roll lifestyle.

After losing his father and stepping away from the chaos of addiction, Philip began doing deep inner work that changed how he sees success, spirituality, and who he really is beyond the stage.

In this powerful conversation, we talk about

• His journey through addiction and recovery

• How grief reshaped his life after losing his father

• Rebuilding identity after fame and burnout

• Why success without inner peace never lasts

• His upcoming solo album and non-alcoholic beer brand Rock n Roll

This episode is not about celebrity.

It is about becoming whole.

If you have ever struggled with addiction, loss, burnout, or feeling disconnected from yourself, this conversation will resonate deeply.

Listen now and experience the real story behind the music, the recovery, and the man.

00:00 The Coolness of Joe Perry01:13 Introduction to the Relentless Pursuit Podcast01:39 Meet Philip Shouse: Guitarist and Bassist02:44 Philip's Musical Journey and Solo Record05:24 Touring in Europe vs. America14:07 Early Musical Influences and Family22:01 Discovering Identity Through Music30:23 Moving to Nashville and Career Breakthrough35:31 The Legendary Irish Bar36:16 Rock Legends on a Small Stage37:12 The Evolution of Nashville's Music Scene37:39 Touring with Rock Icons38:50 The Struggles of Fitting In39:31 The Harsh Reality of the Music Industry40:49 The Journey to Sobriety41:21 Playing with KISS Legends45:43 The Delusion of Success47:53 The Importance of Personal Growth52:16 The Challenges of Sobriety01:08:16 Reflecting on Past Mistakes01:10:16 The Importance of Moving Forward01:10:31 Getting Back into Fitness01:13:06 The Power of Physical Activity01:15:35 Sobriety and Self-Worth01:19:30 Exploring Spirituality and Higher Power01:25:06 Coping with Loss and Family Bonds01:35:12 New Ventures and Future Plans01:43:05 Final Thoughts and Reflections#PhilipShouse #RelentlessPursuitPodcast #RockAndRecovery #SobrietyJourney #MentalHealthAwareness #AddictionRecovery #AcceptBand #GeneSimmons #AceFrehley #RockAndRollLife #PersonalGrowth #InnerPeace

“I Want Him Back” — Manny Garcia | Losing His Brother to Suicide Dec 31, 2025

Show notes

In this special episode of The Relentless Pursuit Podcast, Joe Adams sits down with his friend Manny Garcia during one of the hardest moments a person can endure — the recent loss of Manny’s brother, Jonathan, to suicide.

This conversation is not about speculation or blame. It is about grief, love, responsibility, and the ripple effect suicide leaves behind — especially for the family, the children, and the people left carrying the weight.

Manny opens up about the moments leading up to his brother’s death, the shock of loss, and what it has meant to step into a role of strength for his brother’s wife and three children while still trying to process his own grief.

This episode is raw, emotional, and difficult — but it is also important. If even one person hears this and feels less alone, or reaches out for help, then this conversation has served its purpose.

If this topic is heavy for you, please take care of yourself.

Mental health resources are listed below.

❤️ Support Jonathan’s FamilyJonathan leaves behind a wife and three children. A GoFundMe has been created to help support them during this time.👉 Donate here: https://gofund.me/5c3952aa1

All funds go directly to the family.

🆘 Mental Health ResourcesIf you or someone you love is struggling:

• U.S. Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988

• If you’re outside the U.S., visit findahelpline.com

You are not weak for needing help. You are human.

📩 If this episode stirred something in you and you don’t know where to turn, you can reach out at RelentlessPursuitLifestyle@gmail.com

and I will do my best to help connect you with support.

Please check on your people. Ask real questions. Be present.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:42 Meet Manny Garcia

01:18 Manny's Family Life

03:04 Childhood Memories

07:07 The Recent Loss

08:44 Coping with Grief

12:27 Remembering His Brother

14:14 The Final Days

22:43 Unexpected Morning Call

23:08 Cryptic Facebook Post

24:06 Disturbing Phone Call

28:13 Rushing to the Scene

31:17 Confronting the Reality

37:00 Dealing with Grief

42:29 Seeking Support

50:19 Final Thoughts and Farewell

#MentalHealthAwareness

#SuicidePrevention

#GriefAndLoss

#CheckOnYourPeople

#RelentlessPursuitPodcast #Brotherhood

#MensMentalHealth

#YouAreNotAlone

#EndTheStigma

#GriefJourney

#RealConversations

Thomas Harris | After The Storm Dec 23, 2025

Show notes

In Episode 175 of The Relentless Pursuit Podcast, Joe Adamscontinues the conversation with Thomas Harris, moving beyond survival and into what comes after the storm.

In part two, Thomas reflects on the long work of integration —identity after service, navigating mental health, recovery, faith, and the responsibility that comes with self-awareness. Drawing from his military experience, personal healing journey, and current leadership at the Nashville Rescue Mission, Thomas speaks candidly about discipline, emotional regulation, and the dangers of surface-level solutions to deep-rooted pain.

This episode explores what real healing looks like over time — not as a single breakthrough, but as a layered process involving accountability, community, honest conversation, and purpose-driven service.

Thomas and Joe discuss the importance of learning when to pause rather than react, how suffering reshapes perspective, and why growth requires both humility and courage.

Part two completes the arc of Thomas’s story — not by offering easy answers, but by examining the choices required to live well after trauma.

This podcast exists because real people carry real weight. If you’re struggling and need to be connected with someone who understands your lane, email me at RelentlessPursuitLifestyle@gmail.com.

I’ll do what I can to help you find the right connection.

00:00 Introduction and Personal Reflections

01:24 The Purpose of the Show

02:38 Welcome to the Relentless Pursuit Podcast

03:08 Introducing Thomas Harris

03:18 Military Experiences and Transition

06:30 Post-Military Life and Challenges

23:14 Faith and Personal Growth

36:06 Questioning Medication and Root Issues

37:37 Channeling Addiction into Positivity

39:18 Addressing Relationship Conflicts

41:50 Listening and Empathy for the Homeless

48:01 The Impact of 2020 on Mental Health

49:56 Personal Story of Loss and Grief

57:37 Balancing Responsibility and Self-Care

01:06:17 Final Thoughts and Reflections

#RelentlessPursuitPodcast

#AfterTheStorm

#VeteranVoices

#MentalHealthMatters

#TraumaToPurpose

#FaithAndResilience

#HealingJourney

#ServiceAndLeadership

#GrowthThroughAdversity

#PurposeDriven

Thomas Harris | Surviving the Storm Dec 19, 2025

Show notes

In Episode 174 of The Relentless Pursuit Podcast, Joe Adams sitsdown with Thomas Harris, a former Navy Submariner and leader at the Nashville Rescue Mission, for a raw and powerful conversation about trauma, purpose, faith, and resilience.

Thomas shares his journey through a challenging childhood, years of uncertainty, and the defining decision that led him into the U.S. Navy. From serving aboard submarines to working daily with individuals experiencing homelessness, Thomas reflects on the weight of responsibility, the power of humility, and the importance of emotional discipline.

This episode explores what it means to confront pain rather than escape it, how unaddressed trauma shapes behavior, and why gratitude found in the darkest moments can become a guiding force. Thomas also discusses faith, personal accountability, and the mindset required to lead, serve, andde-escalate chaos in high-stress environments.

Part one of this conversation lays the foundation for Thomas’s story and philosophy — a story shaped by choice, service, and a relentless pursuit of purpose.

🎧 Part 2 of this conversation will be released early next week.

This podcast exists because real people carry real weight. If you’re struggling and need to be connected withsomeone who understands your lane, email me at RelentlessPursuitLifestyle@gmail.com.I’ll do everything I can to help you find the right connection.

00:00 A Life-Changing Accident

00:15 Finding Gratitude in Darkness

00:50 The Power of Words and Healing

01:09 The Mission of the Show

02:23 The Birth of Relentless Pursuit

02:46 A Near-Death Experience

04:50 Embracing Life's Challenges

07:15 The Importance of Choices

15:55 The Relentless Pursuit Podcast

16:26 Introducing Thomas Harris

17:29 Thomas Harris' Journey

28:08 Overcoming Childhood Struggles

38:56 The Inner Monster and De-escalation Techniques

39:57 Childhood Reflections and Identity Struggles

41:30 Choosing the Military Path

43:55 The Turning Point: Joining the Navy

54:18 Submarine Life and Jedi Mind Tricks

01:03:53 Emotional Regulation and the Power of Words

01:15:30 Final Thoughts and Sponsorship Appeal

Ken O’Hearn | Losing Identity, Finding Purpose: A Veteran Therapist's Journey Through Trauma, Faith & Healing Dec 11, 2025

Show notes

In episode 173 of The Relentless Pursuit Podcast, Joe Adams sitsdown with Ken O’Hearn — a veteran, former paramedic, and trauma therapist who rebuilt his identity after nearly losing it.

Ken opens up about the unseen cost of military and first-responder service: identity collapse, spiritual struggle, emotional numbness, shut-down communication, and the shadow work required to truly heal. He dives deep intoEMDR, RTM, cognitive behavioral approaches, inner-child work, and why early intervention saves lives.

Ken shares how his wife’s unwavering belief pulled him out of the darkest season of his life, how faith rebuilt his direction, and why he now dedicates himself to helping veterans, medics, law enforcement, and trauma survivors reclaim their lives. His story is raw, spiritual, clinical, vulnerable, and packed with wisdom.

If you or someone you love has served in the military, first response, or carries trauma into adulthood, this conversation will change the way you see healing and responsibility forever.

Topics Covered:

• Losing identity after service

• Marriage, consistency, and emotional regulation

• Shadow work, Carl Jung, and self-awareness

• EMDR, RTM, CBT and modern trauma therapy

• Parenting, foster care, and legacy

• Why veterans feel “too far gone” — and why they’re not

• Faith, purpose, and the pursuit of righteousness

• How to actually help someone who is struggling

Connect with Ken:

TheTraumaGuru.net (virtual sessions available)

00:00 A New Path to Healing

01:21 Introduction to the Relentless Pursuit Podcast

01:51 Meet Ken: From Paramedic to Therapist

03:15 Ken's Journey: From Military to Civilian Life

05:23 Finding Purpose Beyond the Uniform

08:33 The Impact of Family and Relationships

11:08 Challenges and Triumphs in the Military

23:21 Transitioning to Civilian Life and Career

37:14 Losing Myself and My Family

37:29 A Blessing in Disguise

38:30 Meeting My Wife: A Life-Changing Date

39:58 Setting Expectations in Relationships

42:45 Journey to Faith and Spiritual Growth

45:10 The Impact of a Supportive Partner

46:29 Ironman Aspirations and Family Influence

48:53 The Power of Spiritual Connection

51:44 Consistency in Relationships

54:06 Facing Demons and Self-Awareness

01:03:04 Therapeutic Techniques: EMDR and RTM

01:11:29 Helping Veterans and First Responders

01:14:56 Introduction to the Green Beret's Story

01:15:21 A Harrowing Encounter

01:17:30 The Aftermath and Emotional Impact

01:20:47 Challenges in Communication

01:21:12 Facing Inner Shadows

01:23:02 Exploring Darkness Retreats

01:28:03 Helping Those Who Feel Too Far Gone

01:37:13 The 10,000 Piece Puzzle Analogy

01:41:20 Supporting Veterans and First Responders

01:48:45 Becoming a Foster Parent

01:53:42 Final Reflections and Relentless Pursuit

#VeteranMentalHealth #TraumaHealing #EMDRTherapy #RTMTherapy#FirstResponderSupport #MentalHealthMatters #CombatPTSD #JoeAdams#RelentlessPursuitPodcast #TherapyJourney #IdentityLoss #ShadowWork#FaithAndHealing #EMDR #VeteranStories #MentalHealthAwareness

Losing Everything, Finding Herself | Kristen Martinez on Recovery, Motherhood & Reclaiming Life Dec 03, 2025

Show notes

Kristen Martinez sits down with Joe Adams for one of the most raw & emotional episodes yet. From losing custody of her children, multiple relapses, DUI's & hitting rock bottom three times in one year — to rebuilding her life through recovery, therapy, spiritual surrender & learning to liveintentionally.

Kristen shares the full truth of addiction, motherhood, trauma, boundaries, rebuilding identity & fighting for a second chance.

Her story shows that recovery is possible, motherhood can berestored & your life is not over — no matter how far you’ve fallen.

Timestamps:

00:00 Opening Reflections on Addiction and Motherhood

01:12 Welcome to the Relentless Pursuit Podcast

01:44 Introducing Kristen Martinez

02:00 Kristen's Connection with Brooke Moore

04:45 Life Updates and Career Growth

07:12 Childhood Memories and Family Dynamics

27:03 Navigating College Relationships

33:58 Early Adulthood and Motherhood Challenges

36:07 Adversities in Marriage and Personal Growth

45:56 Emotional Survival Mode

47:32 Struggles with Alcohol and Isolation

48:51 The Turning Point: Leaving and Seeking Help

50:34 The Battle with Addiction

52:31 Losing Custody and Hitting Rock Bottom

54:11 The Road to Recovery

56:31 Rehab and Relapse

58:37 Final Attempt at Recovery

01:02:52 Finding Support and Spirituality

01:06:42 Rebuilding Relationships and Moving Forward

01:36:21 Reconnecting with an Old Friend

01:36:51 The Importance of Structure in Recovery

01:38:13 Building Relationships with Children

01:42:19 Redefining Identity Beyond Motherhood

01:45:35 Navigating Relationships in Recovery

01:57:38 Strengthening Bonds Through Adversity

02:05:51 Advocating for Mothers in Recovery

02:09:40 Reflecting on the Journey and Future Goals

02:12:19 Closing Thoughts and Gratitude

If you’re struggling — this episode is hope.

#AddictionRecovery #SobrietyJourney #MothersInRecovery#RelentlessPursuitPodcast #OvercomingAddiction #SpiritualRecovery #MentalHealthHealing #RebuildingLife #NARecovery #RecoveryCommunity #JoeAdams

After the Flames | The Rebuild of Matty Fiorenza (Part 2) Nov 23, 2025

Show notes

In Part 2 of his powerful story, Matty Fiorenza opens up about the darkest chapters of his life — addiction, assault, shame, injury, ideation, and the long road toward recovery, faith, and redemption.

From brain health breakthroughs and first responder trauma to marriage restoration, fatherhood, and spiritual awakening, this is one of the most raw and transformative conversations ever shared on the Relentless Pursuit Podcast.

If you or someone you love is struggling, this episode may be exactly what they need.

Episode 171 • The Relentless Pursuit Podcast • Hosted by Joe Adams

00:00 A Dark Plan and a Life-Saving Intervention

00:52 The Power of Brotherhood and Redemption

01:33 Welcome to the Relentless Pursuit Podcast

02:18 A Night of Chaos and Regret

03:48 Facing the Consequences and Seeking Help

06:42 A Journey to Healing and Transformation

10:04 The Role of Rituals and Daily Practices

16:17 The Impact of Save A Warrior Program

36:48 Spreading the Message and Helping Others

38:44 A Mentor's Compassion

39:36 The Power of Grief Support

41:21 Peer Support and Personal Growth

42:29 A Hero's Journey: Mark Wessing

45:42 Challenges and Triumphs in Recovery

48:00 The Impact of The Pandemic

52:01 A Life-Saving Intervention

01:02:41 Rebuilding and Rediscovering Purpose

01:15:39 A Spiritual Awakening

01:18:14 Joining the Church Security Team

01:18:37 Struggles and Reconciliation

01:19:33 A Prophetic Moment

01:19:50 Expecting a Baby Girl

01:20:55 Personal Growth and Recovery

01:22:07 Working in Mental Health

01:23:05 A Trip to Alabama

01:23:38 Hawaii and Personal Reflections

01:26:53 Nonprofit Work and Advocacy

01:30:17 Identity and Family

01:30:26 Reconnecting with a Business Partner

01:33:08 Generational Trauma and Identity

01:41:31 Helping Others and Finding Peace

01:44:38 Final Thoughts and Reflections

#RelentlessPursuitPodcast #MattyFiorenza #RedemptionStory #TraumaRecovery #FirstResponderMentalHealth #PTSDAwareness #AddictionRecovery #FaithAndHealing#MensMentalHealth #BrainHealth

Facing the Flames Within: The Reckoning of Matty Fiorenza (Part 1) Nov 20, 2025

Show notes

In Part 1 of this unforgettable two-part episode, Joe Adams sits down with firefighter, keynote speaker, and recovery advocate Matty Fiorenza — a man who has battled the kind of darkness most people never survive.

Before becoming a leader for first responders and veterans, Matty lived through a storm of childhood trauma, toxic relationships, addiction, violence, and the kind of self-destruction that nearly cost him his life. He opens up about the moments that broke him, the lies he told himself, the pain he caused, and the internal flames he spent years trying to numb.

This episode goes far beyond addiction.It’s about the truth men avoid, the chaos we create, and the courage it takes to face ourselves.

In this raw, unfiltered conversation, Matty opens up about:

• Growing up in chaos, abandonment, and abuse

• Finding identity in punk rock, rebellion, and danger

• Becoming a firefighter and “living the dream” on the outside

• How trauma, infidelity, and addiction slowly tore his life apart

• PTSD, nightmares, hypervigilance, and trying to “fake it” on the job

• Losing his marriage, his kids, and nearly his life

• The DUI, assault, and suicidal moment that became a breaking point

• The cops who talked him down — and the woman who saw something in him when he didn’t

This is more than a firefighter story — it’s about addiction, PTS/PTSD, fatherhood, broken identity, and the brutal cost of unresolved pain.

If you’re a first responder, veteran, spouse, or anyone who feels like they’ve gone too far to come back, this episode is for you.

Part 2 drops Sunday, November 23rd — and that’s where the story erupts into the turning point that changed everything.

00:00 Introduction and Personal Struggles

01:33 Podcast Introduction and Guest Welcome

03:55 Guest's Professional Background

09:13 Personal Life and Family Dynamics

16:19 Early Life and Rebellious Youth

33:10 Reflecting on Childhood and Early Life Lessons

35:32 Struggles with Betrayal and Anger

37:51 Navigating Family and Career Challenges

42:53 The Journey to Becoming a Firefighter

55:01 Facing Personal and Professional Adversities

01:05:11 Hitting Rock Bottom and Seeking Redemption

01:07:31 A Glimmer of Hope and Support

01:12:14 The Road to Recovery and Reconciliation

#RelentlessPursuitPodcast #MattyFiorenza #FirefighterStories #TraumaHealing #OvercomingAddiction #RecoveryJourney #MentalHealthAwareness #FirstResponders #SurvivorStory #UnfilteredConversations

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