This episode was an absolute blast as we sat down with Matt Paasch, the creative mind behind MLP Graphic Design. Matt is exactly what his website promises: a fun-loving, pun-ready, dad-joke-equipped human who somehow makes great design look effortless.

Chris and Matt quickly realized they were basically long-lost ADHD cousins, bonding over shared experiences, creative brains that never shut off, and a whole lot of laughs. Meanwhile, Mel bravely held on as the conversation zig-zagged through design, creativity, life, and whatever shiny object popped up next.

We talked about Matt's journey, his love for creativity, and what makes his work so approachable and fun. From cashew chicken to Tetris to knowing absolutely no strangers, Matt brings a refreshing mix of talent and personality that makes him genuinely enjoyable to work with. If you need design work and want to actually enjoy the process, Matt is your guy. Check him out at mlpgraphicdesign.com.

This episode is equal parts insight, chaos, and laughs, and a perfect example of what happens when creative brains collide.

Sponsor Blurbs

The Grill Guys / VRC
This episode of The Unbroken Podcast is sponsored by The Grill Guys and VRC. Whether you're grilling for the family, catering an event, or upgrading your outdoor cooking game, The Grill Guys are your one-stop shop. Check them out at grillguys417.com and veganrecovery.org or call 417-647-5002, and don't forget to mention The Unbroken Podcast.

Raptor Renovation
Big thanks to Raptor Renovation for sponsoring this episode. If you're looking for high-quality renovations and expert remodeling in Southwest Missouri, Raptor Renovation delivers craftsmanship you can trust. Call 417-597-4208 to get started on your next project.

In the second half of our conversation with Stacey Hanson and Justin Carroll from The Fortified Mindset, the focus shifts into a much more raw and vulnerable space. Stacey opens up about her journey into becoming a foster parent, sharing a deeply personal and unique story that shaped her life in ways she never expected. Justin is there to add perspective, support, and pieces of the story along the way, making this episode feel honest, grounded, and incredibly human.

This conversation isn't about theory or coaching tools — it's about real life, hard moments, growth, and choosing to step into something bigger than yourself. It's an emotional episode that stayed with us long after we stopped recording, and we're genuinely excited for you to hear more from Stacey and experience this side of her story.

Sponsors:
A huge thank you to the sponsors who help make this podcast possible:
The Grill Guys / VRC — your go-to spot for grilling supplies, smokers, and catered food. Check them out at grillguys417.com or call 417-647-5002 and mention The Unbroken Podcast.
Raptor Renovation — delivering high-quality renovations and expert remodeling services throughout Southwest Missouri. Call 417-597-4208 to get started on your next project.

In this episode, we sit down with mindset coaches Stacey Hanson and Justin Carroll, owners of The Fortified Mindset, for a powerful and surprisingly personal conversation. Chris and Mel first met Stacey at the Monster Games, sparked an instant connection, and then fate stepped in again when Mel ran into her at a completely different competition. As they say… the rest is history.

We dive into how Stacey and Justin built The Fortified Mindset, why the words we use matter more than we realize, and how small language shifts can create massive changes in how we think, perform, and show up in life. Chris even gets put on the spot with a writing exercise that reveals how changing our internal dialogue can start reshaping our mindset in real time. This episode is full of insight, reflection, and practical takeaways you can use immediately.

Sponsors:
Huge thanks to our sponsors for supporting the show:
The Grill Guys / VRC — your one-stop shop for grilling supplies, smokers, and catered food. Visit grillguys417.com or call 417-647-5002 and be sure to mention The Unbroken Podcast.
Raptor Renovation — providing high-quality renovations and expert remodeling services across Southwest Missouri. Call 417-597-4208 for your next project.

In this solo episode of The Unbroken Podcast, we challenge the belief that success fixes everything. Hitting the goal doesn't always bring peace—and for many high performers, it brings anxiety instead.

This conversation explores why outcomes don't satisfy when the process is built on pressure, self-criticism, and burnout. Using fitness, business, leadership, and relationships as mirrors, the episode breaks down how the way you pursue your goals shapes who you become far more than the goal itself.

Enjoying the process doesn't mean avoiding discomfort—it means building discipline, ambition, and growth without sacrificing yourself in the process.

Because outcomes are moments.
Processes are lives.

Sponsors

🔥 The Grill Guys / VRC – Your one-stop shop for premium grills, grilling supplies, and catered food for any event. Check them out at grillguys417.com or call 417-647-5002. Be sure to mention The Unbroken Podcast.

🛠️ Raptor Renovation – High-quality renovations and expert remodeling you can trust in Southwest Missouri. Call 417-597-4208 to get your project started.

In this episode of The Unbroken Podcast, we sit down with Brendon Bay, owner of Man Handy Solutions — your go-to handyman for the jobs that actually matter.

Brendon shares his journey of grinding from a young age, often juggling three or more jobs at a time, working long, unpredictable hours just to get ahead. Through that grind, he had a realization that changed everything: if he was going to work that hard, it should be for himself — and in a way that truly helps people.

That mindset led to the creation of Man Handy Solutions, a business built on purpose, not just profit. Brendon explains why he intentionally turns down large-scale jobs so he can focus on being the reliable handyman people need for everyday fixes, small projects, and honest help — the jobs that often get overlooked.

This conversation dives into work ethic, entrepreneurship, knowing your value, and choosing the kind of success that aligns with who you are. Brendon's story is a reminder that building a business isn't always about getting bigger — sometimes it's about getting better.

The Grill Guys / VRC
This episode is sponsored by The Grill Guys and VRC, your one-stop shop for all things grilling. Whether you're looking for top-tier grills, smokers, accessories, or catered food for your next event, they've got you covered. Check them out at grillguys417.com or call 417-647-5002, and be sure to mention The Unbroken Podcast when you reach out.

Raptor Renovation
Also sponsored by Raptor Renovation, delivering high-quality renovations and expert remodeling services across Southwest Missouri. From small upgrades to major transformations, Raptor Renovation is known for craftsmanship you can trust. Give them a call at 417-597-4208 and see why so many homeowners rely on Raptor Renovation to get the job done right.

In this powerful episode of The Unbroken Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Phillip Guison, Doctor of Chiropractic and owner of his own practice, to talk about a journey that took unexpected turns—and demanded relentless resilience.

Phillip originally set his sights on becoming a pharmacist, but while working toward that goal, someone told him something that changed everything: "You'd be great at chiropractic." That simple statement planted a seed that ultimately redirected his entire career path. Phillip shares how he made the leap, trusted the process, and built a successful chiropractic practice rooted in helping others feel and move better.

But his story doesn't stop there.

Phillip opens up about his battle with stage 4 cancer, including the frightening and frustrating process of knowing something was wrong—and having to beg doctors to take him seriously. He walks us through how he finally got answers, what the diagnosis meant, and the physical and mental fight that followed as he pushed through treatment.

When Phillip was eventually considered cancer-free, he didn't just return to "normal." Instead, he set a new, audacious goal: competing in a bodybuilding show. Not only did he do it—he did really well. Phillip shares what that experience meant to him, how it reshaped his mindset, and why he plans to continue competing in the future.

This episode is about listening to your body, advocating for yourself, redefining limits, and choosing to keep pushing forward—no matter how heavy the setback. Phillip's story is raw, inspiring, and a perfect example of what it truly means to be Unbroken.

The Grill Guys / VRC
Looking to level up your grilling game? The Grill Guys are your one-stop shop for everything grilling—from top-tier equipment to catered food for your next event. Check them out at grillguys417.com or call 417-647-5002, and be sure to mention The Unbroken Podcast when you reach out.

Raptor Renovation
If you're planning a remodel or renovation, Raptor Renovation delivers high-quality craftsmanship you can trust. Serving Southwest Missouri, they specialize in expert remodeling and attention to detail from start to finish. Call 417-597-4208 to get started.

In this episode of The Unbroken Podcast, we sit down with Cody and Justin, the owners of the brand-new CrossFit gym coming to Republic, Missouri — CrossFit Tribelent. The name says it all: Tribe + Relentless = Tribelent, and that mindset runs through everything they're building.

We talk about why they decided to open a gym, what pushed them to take the leap into ownership, and the work they've been grinding through leading up to their grand opening on January 3, 2026. From long days, big goals, and plenty of challenges, Cody and Justin share what it really looks like behind the scenes of launching a fitness community from the ground up.

The conversation naturally dives into competition, personal goals, and the importance of creating the right tribe — not just a place to work out, but a place where people feel supported, challenged, and welcomed. This episode is packed with laughs, motivation, and honest talk about building something meaningful together.

If you're into fitness, entrepreneurship, or just love hearing stories about people betting on themselves and their community, this is one you don't want to miss.

The Grill Guys / VRC
Your one-stop shop for everything grilling — from premium grills and accessories to catered food that brings the flavor. Whether you're upgrading your backyard setup or planning an event, The Grill Guys have you covered.
🌐 grillguys417.com | 📞 417-647-5002
👉 Mention The Unbroken Podcast when you reach out.

Raptor Renovation
High-quality renovations and expert remodeling services right here in Southwest Missouri. If you're looking to upgrade your home or tackle a big project, Raptor Renovation delivers craftsmanship you can trust.
📞 417-597-4208

n this episode of The Unbroken Podcast, we sit down with Kristin Hook for a powerful conversation about discipline, service, and finding purpose through movement and helping others.

Kristin shares how her fitness journey began—what first drew her to running, how CrossFit became a defining part of her life, and how physical challenge shaped her mindset well beyond the gym. Fitness wasn't just about performance for Kristin; it became a foundation for resilience, confidence, and growth.

We also dive into her path into medicine, including what motivated her to attend PA school and pursue a career where she could directly impact people's lives. Along the way, Kristin opens up about her unique professional journey—from serving in the Army as a police officer, and ultimately finding her calling as a Physician Assistant in the medical field.

This episode is about more than career changes—it's about answering the pull to serve, adapting when life evolves, and staying grounded in your core purpose no matter where the road leads. Kristin's story is a reminder that being "unbroken" doesn't mean unchallenged—it means continuing to move forward with intention.

This episode of The Unbroken Podcast is sponsored by The Grill Guys / VRC, your one-stop shop for everything grilling. From top-tier grills and accessories to incredible catered food for your next event, they do it all. Check them out at grillguys417.com or call 417-647-5002, and be sure to mention The Unbroken Podcast when you reach out.

We're also brought to you by Raptor Renovation, delivering high-quality remodeling and renovation work across Southwest Missouri. Whether you're updating your home or tackling a full renovation, their craftsmanship and attention to detail set them apart. Call 417-597-4208 to get started.