Above Ground: The Veteran Who Turned Pain into Purpose

Summary

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Living Your Legacy – Above Ground: The Veteran Who Turned Pain into Purpose

Podcast: Living Your Legacy
Host: Kiera Brinton (with reference to host Rudy Mawer in show description)
Guest: Alan Francis
Episode Date: October 15, 2025

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Episode Overview

In this inspiring episode, Kiera Brinton sits down with Alan Francis, a decorated US Army combat veteran, best-selling author, and leadership coach, to discuss his journey from hardship to healing. Alan shares how he's transformed personal pain into a powerful legacy of purpose and gratitude, explores the rapid creation and impact of his book "Above Ground," and offers heartfelt advice for others seeking hope or purpose, regardless of their circumstances.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Meaning Behind "Above Ground" (00:39, 06:36)

• Alan's Daily Refrain:
  Alan explains that simply being "above ground" (alive) is a powerful reminder of gratitude:

  "Just the simple fact I am above ground signifies so much. I'm alive, I'm doing okay. I'm not dead. I'm above ground."
  — Alan Francis [00:39]

  This notion is central both to his personal outlook and the central message of his book, encouraging listeners to find gratitude in everyday existence.

2. Writing and Publishing His Book (04:02–06:10)

• Book Journey:
  Alan recounts how, with Kiera's help, he wrote his book in five days and published it in just 102 days, aiming to get it out before Christmas:

  "You got your book done in five days. Then we published it. What was it? 102 days."
  — Kiera Brinton [04:02]
  "102 days from the day from written all the way to publishing."
  — Alan Francis [04:08]

• Teamwork and Energy:
  Alan attributes this quick success to their shared drive and energy:

  "We had the same vibe, we had the same energy... It didn't even seem, you know, it was stress free. It was just getting it done."
  — Alan Francis [05:04]

• Becoming a Published Author:

  "I'm a publisher now. I'm like, oh, my God, I'm a publisher... I saw my kids and now they got about. Dad, you're an author now. I'm like, yeah, I got the behind my name now."
  — Alan Francis [05:17]

3. The Book's Impact (06:10–06:28)

• Changing Lives:
  Alan expresses awe at how quickly readers responded to "Above Ground" and describes a constant outpouring of gratitude from those inspired by his story.

• Importance of the Message:
  Kiera highlights why they rushed the book into the world:

  "Your message is so important and that is why we push such a rush... Because we knew that this is going to save lives."
  — Kiera Brinton [06:12]

4. Universal Message of Hope and Inspiration (06:36–08:17)

• More than Overcoming Hardship:
  Alan's message applies to anyone, not just those who've struggled:

  "It's not just about people who have a hard time and who's been in the hole and they're trying to get up. It's inspiration, it's motivation. It's something you can pass on to a family member... It's just a message, a global message that each and everyone needs to hear."
  — Alan Francis [06:36]

• A Practice of Daily Gratitude:

  "In the morning when I wake up, I'm like, oh, yeah, it's ticking. I'm good. I'm above ground. Let's go. It's because we take so much for granted."
  — Alan Francis [07:27]

5. Perspective, Empathy, and Legacy (08:17–09:22)

• Learning from Others' Journeys:

  "You could be a very fortunate person of a mansion…But you may not realize just how blessed you are…And then you go back and look at your life and, man, you know, there's so many things I take for granted…And he still climbed the ladder."
  — Alan Francis [08:46, 08:57]

• Gratitude as a Reframe:

  "It is a reframe for every human."
  — Kiera Brinton [08:17]

6. Mutual Appreciation & Closing Thoughts (09:44–11:36)

• Alan’s Gratitude for Kiera:
  Alan credits Kiera with playing a pivotal role in his personal and authorial journey:

  "What you've done for me, you have changed my life…You had so much to do with the outpour of that message that God was giving me…my loyalty to Kiera is unshakable."
  — Alan Francis [09:44–10:47]

• Kiera on Legacy:

  "Honestly, it's my deepest honor. Like, this is my deepest sacred work to bring books through and just such an honor to work with you."
  — Kiera Brinton [11:15]

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Daily Resilience:

  "When I wake up, I'm like, oh, yeah, it's ticking. I'm good. I'm above ground. Let's go."
  — Alan Francis [07:27]

• On the Book’s Impact:

  "The best part, I think it's the lives that is changing…that outpour of effect that Above Ground had on their life or still having on their life is just overwhelming."
  — Alan Francis [05:17–06:10]

• On Universal Relevance:

  "It's just a message, a global message that each and everyone needs to hear."
  — Alan Francis [06:43]

• On Surviving and Thriving:

  "So many people who were so less fortunate...yet has risen to the point of like, oh my God, who is this king?...They came from here all the way to there."
  — Alan Francis [08:57]

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:39] – The meaning of "Above Ground"
• [04:02–06:10] – Writing and publishing the book in record time
• [06:36–08:17] – Who the message is for: universality of hope and inspiration
• [08:17–09:22] – Gratitude, empathy, and shifting perspective
• [09:44–10:47] – Alan’s deep gratitude to Kiera and the role of legacy

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Tone

The episode is candid, warm, and filled with mutual respect. Alan’s tone is sincere, humble, and uplifting, while Kiera is enthusiastic, supportive, and empowering. Together, they create an atmosphere of hope, gratitude, and practical inspiration.

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Summary

This episode is a powerful testament to resilience and gratitude. Alan Francis' transition from hardship to impactful leadership—immortalized in his book "Above Ground"—offers listeners not only inspiration, but also a practical framework for shifting their perspectives, appreciating the present, and building their own legacies. The collaborative energy, actionable wisdom, and deep mutual appreciation between Alan and Kiera make this episode a must-listen for anyone seeking to be "above ground" in spirit as well as in life.

Transcript

[A]

Your story, there's so much hardship you went through as a young child that just reading it will help anyone feel grateful for their life.

[B]

There are so many other people who were so less fortunate, yet has written to the occasion, yet has risen to the point of like, oh my God, who is this king? Who is this person? You know, but they came from here all the way to there and then you go back and look at your life and man, you know, there's so many things I take for granted.

[C]

Alan Francis is a decorated US army combat veteran, best selling author in leadership coach who transforms discipline into empowerment. Guiding people and organizations to rise above challenges, unlock their potential and lead with impact.

[B]

On my recording earlier I was telling Ray that, you know, say, hey, how you doing today? I'm above ground. Wow. Just the simple fact I am above ground signifies so much. I'm alive, I am, I'm doing okay. I'm not dead, I'm not dead. I'm above ground. It spans the globe like a super high. Is called Internet Elvis.

[D]

Ready for free today Apple is going to reinvent the phone. It's not over until I win.

[B]

The living your legacy podcast for those who live to leave a legacy that's extraordinary.

[D]

The impossible has been. Oh, that is sensational. Jordan open Chicago with believe you said Paul is the fastest man on the planet. You can live your dream.

[A]

Welcome back to my season of legacy makers. I'm Kiera Brinton and I'm so excited to introduce you to the one, the only Alan Francis. Thank you, Alan. I am so excited you're here.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

How was that to record your episode?

[B]

Oh my God. Wow.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Blew my expectation.

[A]

Right?

[B]

It was amazing.

[A]

What was your favorite moment, recording your episode?

[B]

Just being transparent with the question they asked and was able to just, just lay it out there the way I saw it. Yeah, you know, it was, that was. And the crew was fun, of course. Ray.

[A]

Yeah, yeah. Lauren.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

So much fun.

[B]

So it was very down to heart and very warm.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Nice to just express yourself and it.

[A]

Just feels like you were made for tv, right? It just feels like it. Yes. Yeah. Like, oh, you finally arrived. Like, TV's been waiting for you.

[B]

Like, where have you been? Like, I'm sorry, a little delay. I'm so sorry about that.

[A]

The TV has been waiting for you. So you went with me to Rosemary Beach, Florida just in August. It was like eight months ago or something.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

What was that experience like for you?

[B]

Other than not knowing where I was going?

[A]

Yeah. I didn't tell you where you were going because I Didn't know where we were going. You're like, where are we going? Like, I don't know.

[B]

No, I tell you, actually, that was. That was. That made it so much more fun for me because I've never really traveled, let's say, outside my space and not know where I'm going. So it was like. It was fun.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

To just finally, like, okay, I'm going somewhere.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Somewhere safe. So we go. I don't know. Don't worry. Let's just go, you know, like, let's just go, man. So that was kind of my thing.

[A]

And it was.

[B]

It was amazing the way everything turned out. The not planning, not doing all that. Just go. Just. Just be present and just be a part of whatever it's going to be.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

It was a great experience. I mean. Yeah. Remember I told you when I came, I said to get me to that point, I raised my white flag inside. Surrender to Kira. Wherever she wants me to go, I'll just go with her. Wherever. I'm in. All in. Let's go.

[A]

And you did it. You got your book done in five days. Then we published it. What was it? 102 days.

[B]

102 days from the day from written all the way to publishing. 102 days.

[A]

We don't usually work that fast. No, but it's because you really wanted it out for Christmas and I wanted to honor that for you so that. Because we know that those who read your book, it will change their life.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

And it will save lives. So tell me a little bit about what it's been like since you've published. What are some moments that have really stuck out to you?

[B]

Well, let me say this first, because in the book, getting done that fast as space of time, I actually met a person like yourself who is so driven and on point and, you know, let's. That's what you want to do. Yeah. Okay. We can do it. Let's do it. So we worked together. The way we worked together, I think that was. We had the same vibe, we had the same energy, and it was just. It didn't even seem, you know, it was stress free. It was just getting it done.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

So that was a big part of it. Coming back from Rosemary beach and let's say the 14th of December, when I spoke to you, say, Alan, guess what he said. What?

[D]

You're a publisher now. I'm like, oh, my God, I'm a publisher.

[B]

Yeah, it was. It was a. It was so satisfying. Something I wanted such a long time. And it was surreal. I mean, like I'm like, okay, published author now. You know, what should I do? Should I sit a certain way? You know, what should I do as a published author? What am I supposed to do? Should I, you know, more jackets, you know, more fun stuff? You know, what should I do with the artist? Yeah, but it was fun. It was fun. And I saw my kids and now they got about. Dad, you're an author now. I'm like, yeah, I got the behind my name now. Yes. You know, so it was amazing. But the best part, I think it's the. The lives that is changing. I mean, I mean, people judge me and like, oh, my God, I don't read their book. Oh. And it was. It just. And it continues. That outpour of defect that above God had on their life or still having on their life is just overwhelming. It's like, yeah, I knew it was going to happen, but it's happening fast.

[A]

Yeah. Yeah, it is.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And it's because your message is so important and that is why we push such a rush on yours to get it into the world. Because we knew that this is going to save lives.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

And it's just been live for a few months. We have yet to see the reach.

[B]

Exactly.

[A]

If there's one message that you could give people, what would be the most important message that you could give people today who. Who are thinking of watching your episode?

[B]

There is. Well, it's not even about a person, let's say, who's been in my shoe, the suffering and the things I've been through. It's the pain to bring everything, the legacy across for the world to see, for the world to embrace. But there's also others who are in. In a different space, just need maybe some hope, need to connect a different way, another. Another alternative, you know, so it's not just about people who have a hard time and who's been in the hole and they're trying to get up. And it's all that. It's inspiration, it's motivation. It's something you can pass on to a family member. It's something you can. It's just. It's just a message, a global message that each and everyone needs to hear. So if, you know, if you're in a place of desperation, a place I need to be inspired and, you know, I'm in a space, I'm stuck above ground, the perfect place, because I was stuck in that place for a long time and climbing that hole, of course, and coming above ground again. When you're above ground, you know, if I. I Was. Am I recording earlier? I was telling Ray that, you know, he said, hey, how you doing today? I'm above ground. Wow. Just the simple fact I am above ground signifies so much. I'm alive. I am. I'm being okay. I'm not dead. I'm not there. I'm above ground. It's so much gratitude in that. And for me, myself, and I. In the morning when I wake up, I'm like, oh, yeah, it's ticking. I'm good. I'm above ground. Let's go. You know, it's. It's because we take so much for granted.

[A]

Is a reframe for every human.

[B]

Yes. Yes.

[A]

And I think your story, there's so much hardship you went through as a young child that just reading it will help anyone.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Feel grateful for their life.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

And. And that's the piece that I think we really get to leave them with is like, they will leave. Watching the episode, reading your book.

[B]

You're right.

[A]

This sense of gratitude for the life they have.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And that is absolutely key. You could be a very fortunate person of a mansion, I mean, you know, whatever. But you may not realize just how blessed you are.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

So many other people who were so less fortunate, yet has written to the occasion, yet has risen to the point of like, oh, my God, who is this king? Who is this person? You know, but they came from here all the way to there. And then you go back and look at your life, and, man, you know, there's so many things I take for granted. Yeah. I had all this. I had that. I had that. He never had any of those. And he still climbed the ladder. And then I'm, wow, this is beautiful. This is amazing. And that's the story's all about.

[A]

Oh, so good. Alan, I love you. I'm so proud of you. I'm so excited for your episode. I'm so excited. The world to know about your book. Every one of you, you are going to love Alan's episode. You're going to love his book. Watch it. Get his book, be in his world. It will activate gratitude in a way that you've never experienced. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you for being here.

[B]

I am a person of gratitude, okay? And when. When great things happen for me, I like to acknowledge those things. Because what you've done for me, you have changed my life, you know, and just being here today, a legacy maker, just like that was you, Ellen, really think you should do this. And it's like, you're so correct. You're so right. Coming here today was like, thank God Kira brought me a. Thank God Kira told me about this. This is like amazing, you know, but just my book being written above ground and just your part in it, your spirituality just helped me to get my mindset right, to get the word flowing. You had so much to do with the outpour of that message that God was giving me, you know, so I just, I'm just. When I was doing my recording earlier, I just told my crew I was just so, so grateful, sincerely and thankful to you. And also told him that my loyalty to care is unshakable. I told him that. And I mean that because you just, you've just done. You've done so. You have no idea my legacy I'm leaving on this planet right above ground. You are such a huge part of that and you help me with that. And I just the ought to thank you and say she's amazing. If you want to write the book in five days, talk to her. She is freaking amazing.

[A]

Allan, I love you. I'm so grateful. And honestly, it's my deepest honor, like this is my deepest sacred work to bring books through and just such an honor to work with you.

[B]

Yes. Thank you so much.

[A]

Thank you, thank you, thank you. And with that, we thank you for being here with us and hope that you enjoy his episode as well.

[B]

Please do you love it?