Podcast
Rocket Motivation
Hosted by Rod Cate · EN
Rocket Motivation inspires others to overcome life-changing events, obstacles, and adversity to live your best life through the life experiences of the author of Get Back Up, Rod Cate, and his guests' stories.
84episodes
Episodes
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Overcoming The Impossible with Jajuan Harley
Feb 10, 202100:28:33Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we learn the story of Jajuan Harley. Jajuan tells his story of trying to make it in the NFL. After declaring early for the NFL draft, he was undrafted and found himself working at Walmart when the Buffalo Bills called. He was cut by the Bills, but now at age 29, he’s still pursuing his dreams of playing in the NFL. His story is one of perseverance, resilience, and a never quit attitude. According to Jajuan, nothing is impossible. Check out Jajuan's Make Adjustments Delete Excuses, Inc. Key Takeaways - Jajuan’s formula for success – MADE: Make Adjustments Delete Excuses. - It takes perseverance and resilience to realize your dreams. - Be appreciative for all opportunities life gives you. - Don’t turn adversity into a pity party. Use it as a stepping stone. Resources: Jajuan Harley - Instagram | Facebook Learn more about & contact Rod Cate:Rod Cate Website Twitter Facebook LinkedIn More about Get Back Up: On August 14, 1981, Rod broke his neck while making a tackle that left him paralyzed from the neck down. In a split second, he went from athlete to quadriplegic. Get Back Up is the story of Rod's life journey and provides a detailed account of what it’s like to be handicapped, how to overcome it and how to thrive. The book gives you a look into trying legal cases through the eyes of a handicapped lawyer. The book’s purpose is to hopefully motivate you to not allow life’s sometimes devastating twists and turns ruin your quest for a great life. If your life is perfect and you have never suffered a tragedy, this book may not be for you. For the rest of us who have hit a bump or two on the road of life and are still trying to make it happen, this is your book.
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Overcoming Bipolar Disorder Stigma
Feb 3, 202100:21:59Tap to summarizeIn this first episode of our season 2, we meet and learn the story of Ann Marie Kallberg. Ann Marie, also known as @babewithbipolar on Instagram, is not only living with her bipolar disorder, she is also openly sharing her "messy" and full life experiences to help others lessen the stigma of living with mental illness. Her story is refreshing in its honesty and transparency. Key Takeaways - Living with mental illness should carry no greater stigma than living with a physical illness. - Don't be afraid to be open about mental illness. - Being open about mental illness allows you to take ownership over your condition and can help others open up about theirs. Resources: Ann-Marie Kallberg | Instagram Learn more about & contact Rod Cate:Rod Cate Website Twitter Facebook LinkedIn More about Get Back Up: On August 14, 1981, Rod broke his neck while making a tackle that left him paralyzed from the neck down. In a split second, he went from athlete to quadriplegic. Get Back Up is the story of Rod's life journey and provides a detailed account of what it’s like to be handicapped, how to overcome it and how to thrive. The book gives you a look into trying legal cases through the eyes of a handicapped lawyer. The book’s purpose is to hopefully motivate you to not allow life’s sometimes devastating twists and turns ruin your quest for a great life. If your life is perfect and you have never suffered a tragedy, this book may not be for you. For the rest of us who have hit a bump or two on the road of life and are still trying to make it happen, this is your book.
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Overcoming Catastrophic Trauma with Scott Christmas
Dec 29, 202000:38:18Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we learn the story of Scott Christmas. Scott has dealt with multiple adversities, including losing sight in one eye, losing his best friend in an airplane crash that resulted in devastating physical injuries for Scott, and after finding the love of his life, losing his wife to brain cancer. Scott has always been an athlete, and he has used his athletic mentality and resiliency to not only overcome his adversities, but also honor his best friend and wife. His story is one of hope and determination. Check Out Rod's New Book "Get Back Up" >>> Buy Here Key Takeaways - In overcoming adversity, the most important thing is having hope. - Focusing on helping others is a great way to deal with your own adversity. - At some point, you just have to move forward to recover from physical and emotional setbacks and be resilient and determined. Resources: Scott Christmas Facebook | LinkedIn Learn more about & contact Rod Cate:Rod Cate Website Twitter Facebook LinkedIn More about Get Back Up: On August 14, 1981, Rod broke his neck while making a tackle that left him paralyzed from the neck down. In a split second, he went from athlete to quadriplegic. Get Back Up is the story of Rod's life journey and provides a detailed account of what it’s like to be handicapped, how to overcome it and how to thrive. The book gives you a look into trying legal cases through the eyes of a handicapped lawyer. The book’s purpose is to hopefully motivate you to not allow life’s sometimes devastating twists and turns ruin your quest for a great life. If your life is perfect and you have never suffered a tragedy, this book may not be for you. For the rest of us who have hit a bump or two on the road of life and are still trying to make it happen, this is your book.
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Overcoming Derailed Dreams with Coach JT Burton
Dec 22, 202000:32:47Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we learn the story of Coach JT Burton. Coach Burton had been coaching college basketball at the NAIA level for six years when he got the call to become an assistant coach and director of player development for the men’s basketball team at the University of Tennessee. This position could have helped Coach Burton realize his dreams of eventually becoming a Division 1 NCAA basketball coach. Instead, after one short year, the entire Tennessee staff was fired after NCAA sanctions were handed down on the head coach. Coach Burton was back at square one but continued to move forward with his dreams and is now the head basketball coach at Division 2 Tusculum University. Coach Burton talks about the devastating loss of the Tennessee job and overcoming obstacles to get back in the coaching game and back on path of fulfilling his dreams. Check Out Rod's New Book "Get Back Up" >>> Buy Here Key Takeaways - Life can be brutal in that you can go from being on top of the world to rock bottom in moments. - Use your faith to overcome adversity. - It’s okay to rely upon others to help get you back on your path. - Have a vision for where you want your life to be. Resources: Coach JT Burton Facebook | BIO Tusculum Basketball Facebook | Website Learn more about & contact Rod Cate:Rod Cate Website Twitter Facebook LinkedIn More about Get Back Up: On August 14, 1981, Rod broke his neck while making a tackle that left him paralyzed from the neck down. In a split second, he went from athlete to quadriplegic. Get Back Up is the story of Rod's life journey and provides a detailed account of what it’s like to be handicapped, how to overcome it and how to thrive. The book gives you a look into trying legal cases through the eyes of a handicapped lawyer. The book’s purpose is to hopefully motivate you to not allow life’s sometimes devastating twists and turns ruin your quest for a great life. If your life is perfect and you have never suffered a tragedy, this book may not be for you. For the rest of us who have hit a bump or two on the road of life and are still trying to make it happen, this is your book.
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Overcoming Alcoholism with David Mudcat Saunders
Dec 15, 202000:34:53Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we learn the story of David “Mudcat” Saunders. Mudcat was a sportswriter and became a successful real estate investor in Virginia. His career and life came crashing down because of his alcoholism. His alcoholism was so bad that he was on the brink of suicide. He quit drinking, turned his life around, and became a powerhouse political consultant and author. His story of facing and overcoming adversity makes him a perfect Rocket Motivation guest. Check Out Rod's New Book "Get Back Up" >>> Buy Here Key Takeaways Life is tough - Before you can live your best life and achieve happiness, you need to understand life can be tough. Hope is essential - Digging yourself out from a bad situation requires hope. It gets better - The sun comes out after the rain and shines brighter. Resources: Mudcat's Blog Dave Mudcat Saunders Bio Mudcat's Book >>> Buy Here Learn more about & contact Rod Cate:Rod Cate Website Twitter Facebook LinkedIn More about Get Back Up: On August 14, 1981, Rod broke his neck while making a tackle that left him paralyzed from the neck down. In a split second, he went from athlete to quadriplegic. Get Back Up is the story of Rod's life journey and provides a detailed account of what it’s like to be handicapped, how to overcome it and how to thrive. The book gives you a look into trying legal cases through the eyes of a handicapped lawyer. The book’s purpose is to hopefully motivate you to not allow life’s sometimes devastating twists and turns ruin your quest for a great life. If your life is perfect and you have never suffered a tragedy, this book may not be for you. For the rest of us who have hit a bump or two on the road of life and are still trying to make it happen, this is your book.
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Embrace The Dash
Dec 8, 202000:13:27Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we learn the story of Rod versus the waterslide. Because of holiday scheduling, this week we had no guest for Rocket Motivation, and so I took the opportunity to talk about my experience of riding a waterslide – one that has a trap door you stand on that opens, allowing a free fall down a tube. I’ve always been an adrenaline junky, even with my profound physical disability. The waterslide story is a metaphor for my life in that it addresses (1) overcoming obstacles and adversity, specifically climbing six flights of stairs to reach the top; (2) not allowing embarrassment or being worried about what others think to stop you from doing something you want to do; and (3) how quickly life goes. Check Out Rod's New Book "Get Back Up" >>> Buy Here Key Takeaways: - Life is a participation sport. Don’t sit it out. - Do not worry about what you look like to others when you are doing what you want to do on your life’s journey. - Don’t let obstacles/adversity stop you from reaching your goals. - Life goes by fast. Challenge yourself to do the sometimes not so easy things to get the most out of it. Learn more about & contact Rod Cate:Rod Cate Website Twitter Facebook LinkedIn More about Get Back Up: On August 14, 1981, Rod broke his neck while making a tackle that left him paralyzed from the neck down. In a split second, he went from athlete to quadriplegic. Get Back Up is the story of Rod's life journey and provides a detailed account of what it’s like to be handicapped, how to overcome it and how to thrive. The book gives you a look into trying legal cases through the eyes of a handicapped lawyer. The book’s purpose is to hopefully motivate you to not allow life’s sometimes devastating twists and turns ruin your quest for a great life. If your life is perfect and you have never suffered a tragedy, this book may not be for you. For the rest of us who have hit a bump or two on the road of life and are still trying to make it happen, this is your book.
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Dr. Manja Podratz
Dec 1, 202000:30:37Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we learn the story of Manja Podratz. Manja was born and raised in East Germany, where she obtained a Ph.D. in Theory of Architecture and other degrees. She taught at the college level for multiple years. She moved to the United States with her husband and children and went through a traumatizing divorce where she was basically trapped in a foreign country unable to leave, unable to work, and barely able to support herself and her children. She used her despair to change her life. She took the first step of baking and selling bread to support her family. She then started a career helping others overcome bad circumstances in their lives. She has continued pushing herself by obtaining further education to arm her with additional knowledge to advise clients on improving their lives. Using a devastating experience as a catalyst to start a career helping people overcome adversity in their own lives makes Manja an ideal guest for Rocket Motivation. Check Out Rod's New Book "Get Back Up" >>> Buy Here Key Takeaways - Devastating life events can be the beginning of a better life. - Get rid of the bad influences in your life and begin moving ahead by envisioning joy in your life and determining what it takes to achieve it. - Reaching your goals and dreams will only work by implementing action plans into your daily life. Resources: yogawithmanja.com drmanjapodratz.com Learn more about & contact Rod Cate:Rod Cate Website Twitter Facebook LinkedIn More about Get Back Up: On August 14, 1981, Rod broke his neck while making a tackle that left him paralyzed from the neck down. In a split second, he went from athlete to quadriplegic. Get Back Up is the story of Rod's life journey and provides a detailed account of what it’s like to be handicapped, how to overcome it and how to thrive. The book gives you a look into trying legal cases through the eyes of a handicapped lawyer. The book’s purpose is to hopefully motivate you to not allow life’s sometimes devastating twists and turns ruin your quest for a great life. If your life is perfect and you have never suffered a tragedy, this book may not be for you. For the rest of us who have hit a bump or two on the road of life and are still trying to make it happen, this is your book.
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Regina Cash
Nov 24, 202000:32:01Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we learn the story of Regina Cash. Regina became pregnant in high school, married, had two children, divorced, and living in a single-wide trailer at age 23. Regina was determined to improve her life and the lives of her children. By setting small goals, visualizing her success, and having tenacity, Regina accomplished her goal of becoming a lawyer. She graduated law school at age 37 and has been practicing law for the past 18 years. Regina’s determination makes her an ideal guest for Rocket Motivation. Check Out Rod's New Book "Get Back Up" >>> Buy Here Key Takeaways: - To achieve success, start with setting small attainable goals and keep moving forward. - Visualize yourself in the successful situation you want to achieve. - Do not let your age be a hindrance in starting your journey. Regina has a good headshot on her firm’s website. Luther, Collier, - Hodges, and Cash. Learn more about & contact Rod Cate:Rod Cate Website Twitter Facebook LinkedIn More about Get Back Up: On August 14, 1981, Rod broke his neck while making a tackle that left him paralyzed from the neck down. In a split second, he went from athlete to quadriplegic. Get Back Up is the story of Rod's life journey and provides a detailed account of what it’s like to be handicapped, how to overcome it and how to thrive. The book gives you a look into trying legal cases through the eyes of a handicapped lawyer. The book’s purpose is to hopefully motivate you to not allow life’s sometimes devastating twists and turns ruin your quest for a great life. If your life is perfect and you have never suffered a tragedy, this book may not be for you. For the rest of us who have hit a bump or two on the road of life and are still trying to make it happen, this is your book.
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Larry Hartle
Nov 17, 202000:30:32Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we learn the story of Larry Hartle. Larry had his dream job working for Richard Childress Racing as the gas man on a pit crew for several NASCAR drivers, including Jeff Burton and Kevin Harvick. During a pit stop, a tire came loose and rolled into Larry’s knee, injuring him to the degree he could no longer do his job. Following surgery and subsequent knee replacement, Larry took a job as an airplane mechanic working 3rd shift five days a week at the Charlotte, North Carolina airport, 99 miles away from his home. Larry moved on from his dream job, sucked it, and did what he had to do to provide for his family. Dealing with adversity in whatever form is what Rocket Motivation is all about. Larry certainly displays it. Check Out Rod's New Book "Get Back Up" >>> Buy Here Key Takeaways - Matters beyond your control can and will alter your life’s plans. - You can’t live in the past. Relish your past accomplishments and successes, but life keeps moving. So must you. - Rely on your faith, family, and friends to get through the tough times. - Sucking it up and doing what you have to do to provide for those relying on you makes you a hero. Learn more about & contact Rod Cate:Rod Cate Website Twitter Facebook LinkedIn More about Get Back Up: On August 14, 1981, Rod broke his neck while making a tackle that left him paralyzed from the neck down. In a split second, he went from athlete to quadriplegic. Get Back Up is the story of Rod's life journey and provides a detailed account of what it’s like to be handicapped, how to overcome it and how to thrive. The book gives you a look into trying legal cases through the eyes of a handicapped lawyer. The book’s purpose is to hopefully motivate you to not allow life’s sometimes devastating twists and turns ruin your quest for a great life. If your life is perfect and you have never suffered a tragedy, this book may not be for you. For the rest of us who have hit a bump or two on the road of life and are still trying to make it happen, this is your book.
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Derrick Dalton
Nov 10, 202000:32:31Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we learn the story of Derrick Dalton. Derrick grew up in a tough environment in which his father spent the majority of the time in prison for dealing drugs. Derrick persevered with the help of teachers and coaches, along with his internal strength, to become a talented high school and college athlete, but more importantly, he realized what he wanted to do with his life was to help others who were facing struggles that may not be apparent. Derrick obtained a master’s degree in education and administration and is currently working on his doctorate. His career has included teaching, being a principal, and now consulting to help improve failing schools. Derrick displays Rocket Motivation by not allowing a difficult upbringing to derail his life but instead has used his circumstances for his motivation and success. Check Out Rod's New Book "Get Back Up" >>> Buy Here Key Takeaways: - Tough circumstances during your developmental years require an internal strength to overcome them. - It’s okay to go through life with a chip on your shoulder as long as you use the chip for motivation. - Accept help from friends, family, teachers and others to help guide you on your journey. - Life is not fair. We all don’t start from the same starting line. Use what you learn in handling adversity early in life to become stronger, focused and more resilient as you grow. Learn more about & contact Rod Cate:Rod Cate Website Twitter Facebook LinkedIn More about Get Back Up: On August 14, 1981, Rod broke his neck while making a tackle that left him paralyzed from the neck down. In a split second, he went from athlete to quadriplegic. Get Back Up is the story of Rod's life journey and provides a detailed account of what it’s like to be handicapped, how to overcome it and how to thrive. The book gives you a look into trying legal cases through the eyes of a handicapped lawyer. The book’s purpose is to hopefully motivate you to not allow life’s sometimes devastating twists and turns ruin your quest for a great life. If your life is perfect and you have never suffered a tragedy, this book may not be for you. For the rest of us who have hit a bump or two on the road of life and are still trying to make it happen, this is your book.
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