Jess Berry Podcast

Rock bottom can break you — or it can forge the discipline that changes your life.
In this episode of The Jess Berry Podcast, I sit down with police officer and entrepreneur Daniel Jurkowitcsch to talk about adversity, accountability, and what it really takes to rebuild after a dark chapter. After the failure of his first business led him into a period of alcoholism and unhealthy habits, Daniel made a powerful decision: he wasn’t going to stay there.
Instead, he rebuilt his life through discipline, responsibility, and a renewed focus on family, purpose, and leadership. With over a decade of experience as a police officer and a passion for entrepreneurship and jiu jitsu, Daniel shares what he’s learned about resilience, growth, and becoming stronger through the hardest seasons of life.
This conversation is honest, grounded, and a reminder that the moments we think define us can actually become the foundation for who we choose to become next.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
• How Daniel rebuilt his life after the failure of his first business
• Insights on overcoming addiction and unhealthy habits
• Lessons from over 10 years in police work about pressure, people, and perspective
• How jiu jitsu and discipline shape mental resilience and character
• The challenge of balancing entrepreneurship, fatherhood, and a demanding career
• Why adversity can become a powerful catalyst for leadership and growth
If you're someone who has faced adversity and is committed to building a stronger, more disciplined life, this episode will meet you there.
Check out FlowSpaceMats: flowspacemats.com

Chris Avery is a husband, father, endurance runner, and faith-driven leader. In 2027, he and his family will travel the perimeter of the U.S. while he runs 50k a day for a year (Chris Runs America). His message is simple: daily obedience, not hustle, shapes the man you’re called to become. Chris challenges the idea that consistency comes from motivation or hustle. Using his 1,400+ day run streak as proof, he reframes consistency as a byproduct of alignment—when your daily actions match your identity, faith, and mission, showing up stops being a fight. Running became the forge where stress quieted, leadership sharpened, and clarity deepened—not the goal itself.

Key Insights:
Alignment > motivation: consistency sticks when it’s identity-driven

The “easy button” is simplicity—if you can do 1 aligned day, you can do 1,400

Most people are doing too much; real progress comes from subtraction

Your mission sets the rules—your lifestyle and responsibility follow

🔗 Show Notes & Links

Website: https://chrisrunsamerica.com

Instagram (Coaching): https://www.instagram.com/chrisaverycoaching/

Instagram (Chris Runs America): https://www.instagram.com/chrisrunsamerica

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chris.avery.9083/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-avery-coaching/

In this episode Jess Berry interviews Ulysses Lopez, a decorated U.S. Army combat veteran (2X Purple Heart) and co-founder of the AYA Mission, which focuses on expanding psychedelic therapy for veterans. Ulysses shares his journey from military service to advocating for mental health support through psychedelic therapy. He discusses the importance of community, personal transformation, and the healing power of nature. The conversation delves into Ulysses' experiences with jiu-jitsu, backpacking, and the significance of mindset in overcoming challenges. Ulysses emphasizes the need for vulnerability and connection in the healing process, offering insights into how individuals can navigate their own journeys toward wellness.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Ulysses Lopez and the AYA Mission
02:26 The Role of Psychedelic Therapy for Veterans
05:15 Real-Life Impact of the IAM Mission
08:03 Personal Transformation and Healing Journeys
10:44 The Importance of Mindset and Discipline
13:02 The Journey of Jiu-Jitsu and Personal Identity
16:02 Backpacking Adventures and Connection with Nature
18:32 The Power of Vulnerability and Community
21:17 Reflections on Childhood and Personal Growth
24:05 Closing Thoughts and Future Aspirations

https://theayamission.org/, https://mindopszenith.org/,
Facebook: The Aya Mission, Ulises Lopez Castaneda
Instagram: @theayamission, @sacredvibesbjj
LinkedIn: The Aya Mission, Ulises Lopez Castaneda

From standing on the Paralympic podium to losing his health, relationships, and sense of self, Mikael Avatar Stjernvall has lived both extreme success and total collapse.
In this episode, Mikael shares how hitting rock bottom forced him to ask one honest question—“How the hell did I end up here?”—and how rebuilding his life through simple 1% daily changes led to what he calls resurrection, not motivation.
This is a conversation about falling apart, finding peace, and reclaiming your power—one small choice at a time.

Connect with Mikael:
🌐 Main Website: https://mikaelavatar.com

🚀 Avatar Resurrection App (Waitlist):https://mikaelavatar.com/avatar-resurrection-app-join-the-waitlist/

🤍 Connect on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikaelavatar/

What if your biggest struggles weren’t setbacks—but invitations?
In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Dr. Ron Stotts, transformational executive coach, bestselling author, Marine Corps veteran, and U.S. rowing champion, to explore how inner work fuels outer success.
With over five decades of transformational experience, Ron shares how emotional intelligence, mindfulness, breathwork, and conscious leadership help high-achieving leaders move beyond surface-level success into true fulfillment, authenticity, and legacy.
This episode is for leaders, entrepreneurs, and growth-minded humans who are ready to stop performing—and start becoming.
🔗 Show Notes Links
🌐 Website: https://ronstotts.com
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ron.stotts.50/
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-ron-stotts-14143236/
📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.ronstotts