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Showing episodes and shows of
Zach Tidwell
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Going in Blind with Zach Tidwell
#72 Mark Porro: Acting with Tom Hanks & Seinfeld, Award-Winning Careers, & A Cup of What— Where?
Mark Steven Porro is a multi-talented creative professional who has lived a remarkably diverse life. His parents lived through the Great Depression, and his career began in industrial design of all places— before rapidly expanding into Hollywood, where he spent 28 years building a career as an actor, writer, and director, appearing in shows like Hill Street Blues, Castaway with Tom Hanks, and even Seinfeld alongside his father. Beyond all of this, he . Also co-founded a snack food company with his brother to honor their father's 1963 invention, achieving national distribution. But his most profound achievement came wh...
2026-02-16
1h 44
Going in Blind with Zach Tidwell
#71 Alexis Arralynn: Escaping a Doomsday Cult, Attempted Kidnapping, & Rebuilding In Hiding
Alexis Arralynn was born into a fundamentalist Christian doomsday cult. She was groomed and abused throughout her childhood, manipulated by her mother, father, and eventual husband, and only escaped the life after an attempted kidnapping of her children in her thirties. It’s a harrowing tale filled with self-discovery and reinvention. She’s also an entrepreneur and podcaster. You can find Alexis’ podcast here: https://wtbbpod.buzzsprout.com/Zach’s book is on the way it’s officially in the hands of an editor, and on the final path...
2026-02-09
1h 22
Going in Blind with Zach Tidwell
#70: Dr. Atinuke Adediran: Disclosureland, Corporate Lies, & Lifting Up Downtrodden Communities
Dr. Atinuke (“Tinu” Adediran (J.D, Ph.D) is a sociologist and associate professor of law at Fordham University in New York. In her new book, Disclosureland, she analyzed how corporate messaging surrounding race—which had never occurred until after the murder of George Floyd—were largely unmet, and explored the legal implications, the corrupt nature in which majority and institutional shareholders of public companies use their power to manipulate the actions of massive corporations, and the wider impacts on society. Other topics explored were DEI vs meritocracy, racial equity audits, fixing d...
2026-02-02
1h 30
Going in Blind with Zach Tidwell
#69 Sacha Dench: The Human Swan, International Freediving Champion, & Conservation Without Borders
Sacha Dench is a geneticist, freediver, adventurer, high-flyer, change maker, and founder of Conservation Without Borders. Her work with animals began with capturing turtles as a freediver and geneticist off the Great Barrier Reef, and the uniqueness of her path multiplied from there. Competing internationally whilst becoming a national champion freediver, her work eventually took to the skies.A 7,000 kilometer motorized paraglider flight following Buick Swans from the Russian Arctic to the United Kingdom catapulted her into the public eye as she helped combat the decimation of the species. Her grassroots effort carried her across...
2026-01-26
1h 49
Dream Catcher - The Podcast!
From Darkness to Light: Zach Tidwell's Journey of Resilience
In this episode of the Dream Catcher Podcast, host Mark Larsen welcomes Zach Tidwell, a Marine Corps veteran who has faced significant challenges, including a life-altering injury that left him blind and deaf in one ear. Zach shares his journey from a dark place, where he attempted suicide, to becoming a self-taught, award-winning software developer. He discusses the importance of resilience, the power of perspective, and how he has turned his experiences into a mission to make the digital world more accessible for everyone. Zach's story is one of hope, determination, and the belief that li...
2026-01-19
43 min
Going in Blind with Zach Tidwell
#68 Wendy Huffman: Transforming refugee lives through enterprise & peace while depolarizing politics
Join host Zach Tidwell for an inspiring conversation with Wendy S. Huffman, Executive Director and Founder of Let's Make the Difference, as she shares her remarkable journey from interior designer to global changemaker. After losing her partner Bill in Africa, Wendy transformed grief into purpose by creating sustainable enterprises in refugee camps across 11 African countries. Wendy's approach rather than just feeding them is revolutionizing how we think about humanitarian aid. From bakeries producing 1,000 loaves daily to peace ambassadors spreading throughout war zones, this episode reveals how small investments create massive ripple effects.
2026-01-19
1h 34
Going in Blind with Zach Tidwell
#67 Isabella Young: Marrying A Cult Leader & Barely Escaping After Murder
Isabella Young shares her harrowing journey from joining a messianic cult to escaping after losing her son to an alleged murder. As the wife of the cult leader who claimed to be the Second Coming, Isabella reveals the manipulation, abuse, and tragic consequences of cult life, while offering insights on cult dynamics, manipulation tactics, narcissism, abuse, healing, and prevention. You can find Isabella and her books at: feelingbetternaturally.loveZach’s book is on the way it’s officially in the hands of an editor, and on the...
2026-01-12
1h 46
Going in Blind with Zach Tidwell
66 Laszlo Suhayda: Escaping Communism To Warn The World | Socialism in Venezuela, Russia & China
Laszlo Suhayda escaped communist, Soviet-occupied Hungary in 1956. He shares his story to remind the public that freedom doesn’t come free, and to warn of the dangers of socialism. He shared his story here, examined state-controlled media, power struggles, propaganda, and the dynamic states of Venezuela, China, Cuba, Russia, Iran, the Ukraine War, and the rebuilding of the Gaza Strip, in addition to the recent New York City election of Zohran Mamdani. Laszlo is also a successful entrepreneur and author, and you can find his work here:Book(Twelve Bells to Fr...
2026-01-08
1h 31
Going in Blind with Zach Tidwell
#65 Aaron Turnage: A Child Abuse & Homicide Detective’s Darkness
Aaron Turnage officially served as a police officer and homicide/child abuse detective for 21 years, but his entry into the field began at 8 when he took his first ride along, then again 13 when he entered his local cadet program and logged over 4,000 hours of work by the time he graduated high school. When he finally joined the force, the man who took him on that very first ride along became his partner, and was eventually murdered in the line of duty. This, combined with two decades of avoidance, almost killed him. You can find Aaron’s...
2026-01-05
1h 26
Going in Blind with Zach Tidwell
#64 Riana Milne: Top 10 problems plaguing relationships & how to fix them
Riana Milne is an author, entrepreneur, Licensed Mental Health Counselor(LMHC), and trauma recovery coach, and she came on the show to break down the top 10 childhood traumas that impact adult relationships. From abandonment issues to verbal abuse, discover how early experiences shape our love lives and learn practical tools for healing.Key Topics Covered:The 10 most common childhood traumas and their relationship impactsHow trauma manifests in jealousy, people-pleasing, and communication issues The difference between therapy and coaching approachesAddressing modern relationship challenges: porn addiction, AI relationships, and hookup cultureRed flags in relationships and when to seek...
2025-12-29
1h 01
Going in Blind with Zach Tidwell
#63 Jennifer Hawkins: Buying a business on my credit card saved my son's life
Tragedy coupled with Jennifer Hawkins’ unmatched drive in her corporate career ever so perfectly so as to set her up for one wild, unexpected opportunity to arise that would ultimately save her teen son’s life. In this episode, you can expect to hear how nearly losing her brother—and the resulting disabilities of his accident—impacted Jennifer as a young woman and led her to find a mission in her life. In seeing her brother struggle so greatly, she wanted to have an impact, and that came in the form of acquiring a failing Sylvan Learning Center franchise when she...
2025-12-22
51 min
Going in Blind with Zach Tidwell
#62 Dr. John Graham: Civil Rights Movements Then Vs. Now, Redemption, and Hand Ups, Not Handouts
Dr. John David Graham has worn many hats, the latest of which include being an award-winning author and founder of Good Samaritan Home. At 53, John and his wife purchased a home to create a shelter that has since served over 2,500 people transitioning from prison back into society. John shares his journey from a childhood marked by "quiet desperation" through decades of professional detours—from truck driver to construction worker to minister—before finding his calling in prison rehabilitation. His novel "Running As Fast As I Can" has won 48 literary awards and sold 22,000 copies, using fiction to a...
2025-12-15
1h 21
Going in Blind with Zach Tidwell
#61 Dr. Baruch Halevi: Viktor Frankl, logotherapy, Jewish persecution, life, culture, and religion
Dr. Baruch “B” Halevi is a former rabbi turned pastoral counselor who holds two doctoral degrees - one in divinity and another in pastoral counseling. Dr. HaLevi practices logotherapy and runs men's peer groups through his nonprofit organization. The conversation explores his unique journey from rabbinical studies in Israel to developing innovative approaches to men's mental health and meaning-making through adversity. We discussed cultural and spiritual realities for many American Jews, the crossover and disconnects between the race, culture, and religion, and explored how he became a rabbi and lived in Israel three different times. We d...
2025-12-08
1h 26
Going in Blind with Zach Tidwell
#60 T.Y. Lee: Return of the Rooftop Koreans, LA riots, Rodney King, & lasting impacts
Tae Yeon Lee’s family ties to the Rooftop Koreans of the 1992 LA Riots led him to direct his creative efforts into revisiting the story from a modern day lens. And it made for a different kind of episode. We delved into growing up as the child of Korean immigrants and the stories Lee’s own family shared from living in LA during the riots. But we spent most of our time digging deep into the events that set the stage for the riots to kick off, from Rodney King, to the interracial tensions in minority communities, to the prov...
2025-12-04
1h 15
Going in Blind with Zach Tidwell
#59 Julie Barth: Unimaginable loss, abuse, & friction doesn’t have to mean suffering
Julie Barth has navigated an incredible amount of pain. Her daughter, Tayte, was born with Primordial Dwarfism, and her vocal cords were paralyzed from the lifesaving care she received when she was born weighing just three pounds. Then, Julie’s husband, Colin, was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer at the age of 33. He passed 16 months later, when Taytem was just five. Julie eventually remarried into a cartoonishly abusive relationship, and Taytem was diagnosed with an extremely rare cancer that required the removal of a part of her torso to save her life. But the hardships Julie and her family faced in...
2025-12-01
1h 25
Going in Blind with Zach Tidwell
#58 Paul Watkins: Pushing the limits of human performance & implications for the human race
Paul Watkins knows a thing or two about doing difficult things. In addition to being an accomplished entrepreneur and mountaineer, he won the 380-mile “6633 Arctic Ultra” race in the Canadian arctic in 2019, and achieved second place in the 2023 Laplandian Arctic Ultra—which was another 300+ mile race. And by the time this episode airs, he’ll have competed in a desert ultra in Namibia too. But this episode was a lot more than just a rundown of Paul’s accomplishments. A discussion into his path towards that first arctic ultra facilitated a much deeper discussion into perspectiv...
2025-11-24
1h 32
The Warrior Parent Podcast
Relearning Life After Suicide: A Marine Veteran's Unbelievable Comeback with Zach Tidwell
Please note that this episode discusses sensitive and triggering topics - audience discretion advised. In this powerful Veterans Month episode of The Warrior Parent Podcast, Marine Corps veteran Zach Tidwell shares his extraordinary journey from a traumatic brain injury and a near-fatal suicide attempt to rebuilding his life after losing his sight and hearing. Zach opens up about depression, PTSD-like symptoms, alcoholism, and the hidden struggles many veterans face—and how purpose, resilience, and accessibility became the catalysts for his recovery. Now a blind award-winning software developer, athlete, speaker, and future author, Zach's story offers hope, insight, an...
2025-11-20
39 min
Going in Blind with Zach Tidwell
#57 Dr. Barbara Rothbaum: Treating PTSD with MDMA, virtual reality, and exposure therapy
Dr. Barbara Rothbaum(Ph.D) has spent the past four decades researching anxiety disorders, and specifically Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder(PTSD). Her career is marked by innovation and dissemination of leading edge treatments, including both the invention of using virtual reality(VR) in exposure therapy, and driving it’s use in prolonged exposure therapy programs for veterans. To top things off, she and her team are now running a groundbreaking study using MDMA and exposure therapy to treat veterans with PTSD, with plans to run follow-on studies in the future. Today, she’s the Director of the...
2025-11-17
1h 14
French Kissing Life
Ep 97: A Vision for a More Accessible World with Veteran Zach Tidwell
Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is survive. And sometimes surviving becomes the doorway to something extraordinary.In this episode, I talk with Zach Tidwell, a Marine Corps veteran who lost his sight in a suicide attempt and then rewrote the story of his life. From relearning how to navigate the world to becoming an award-winning software developer, Zach shares how he built purpose from pain, humor from heartbreak, and a vision for a more accessible world.His honesty is striking. He talks about addiction, disability, and depression without flinching. He also talks about...
2025-11-11
37 min
Going in Blind with Zach Tidwell
#56 Adam Cheyer: Siri Founder shares the past, analyzes the current, & predicts the future
Adam Cheyer is a visionary software engineer, AI expert, and entrepreneur behind many of the technologies used by most of us today. In addition to sharing his trajectory, Adam he had some very nuanced things to say on machine learning, large language models, and where “AI” is headed—including his prediction of the next iteration of Cheyer’s Conjecture coming in 2035. He and his team developed the world’s first digital assistant, Siri, which was acquired by Apple in 2010, and was the basis for all that came after: Alexa, Cortana, Bixby, and any others you can think...
2025-11-10
2h 02
Going in Blind with Zach Tidwell
55 Ben Patton: Patton Veterans Project, filmmaking, & General Patton's lineage
Ben Patton is the grandson of General George Patton—the famed WWI and WWII General—and son of Major General George Patton IV, a man whose service record is as broad as his own father’s was. But Ben went a different path; he worked across various multimedia industries, co-authored a book, and founded the Patton Veterans Project, where he’s now helping American veterans process their own toughest times through filmmaking. And it’s having incredible outcomes—Ben and his team have conducted studies with the VA and found that veterans with PTSD who’ve completed a workshop with the Patto...
2025-11-06
1h 22
Going in Blind with Zach Tidwell
#54 Dr. Holly Wood: Sex dolls, robots, intimacy, open relationships & betrayal
Dr. Holly Wood is a sex therapist who works with individuals and couples in California. She And Zach got into some spicy territory, covering everything from sex robots, AI companions, and non-monogamous relationships, to sex addiction, navigating infidelity, and helping victims of sexual violence reach a place where they can enjoy being intimate with a partner again. You can find Holly in the following places:Website: www.thehollywoodsexologist.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thehollywoodsexologistZach’s book is on the way it’s of...
2025-11-03
1h 20
Going in Blind with Zach Tidwell
#53 Tim "F-ing" Barber: Racing cars professionally, training the next generation, & entrepreneurship
Tim “F-ing” Barber rose from racing go-carts as a kid, all the way to racing cars at the professional level. Along the way he’s owned multiple businesses, recorded on albums as a drummer, and is now running TFB Performance, where he trains the next generation of racers, builds racecars, and handles every aspect of vehicle and race prep/support for his clients. You can find Tim and his team at TFBPerformance.comZach’s book is on the way it’s officially in the hands of an editor...
2025-10-27
1h 25
Going in Blind with Zach Tidwell
#52 Dr. Philip Yanos: Growing up on psychiatric hospital grounds to treating serious mental illness
Dr. Philip Yanos grew up on the grounds of a psychiatric hospital in New York, and went on to become a world-renowned clinical psychologist known for his work on serious mental illness and stigma surrounding serious mental illness. He’s a professor and Director of Clinical Training for the clinical psychology Ph.D. program at John Jay College, and an author. We discussed his new book about his experiences growing up on the grounds of the aforementioned facility, his work and development of “Narrative Enhancement and Cognitive Therapy”, and Phil’s surprising love of punk music—he...
2025-10-20
1h 12
Be Your Best You! With Tash and Becky
Zach Tidwell: Surviving Suicide & Finding True Purpose | Episode 51
🎁 FREE GIFT — Return to Self: The Subconscious Reset ✨If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck in your head, or caught in the loop of “I should be doing more”, we’ve created a free 12-minute guided audio to help you calm your nervous system, quiet the mental noise, and come back to yourself.👉 Download the free Subconscious Reset here: https://natashabraniffhypnotherapy.thrivecart.com/return-to-self-the-subconscious-reset/This week, we sat down with the amazing and truly inspiring Zach Tidwell — and wow, what a conversation. Zach’s story is one of those that just stays with you. From surviving a suicide attempt that left...
2025-10-15
1h 02
Going in Blind with Zach Tidwell
#51 Tom Lancaster: Maturity crisis, ancient worlds, mountaineering, & differing ideas
Tom Lancaster has spent his life adventuring around the world, making films, and even setting a world record. But this episode focused on just about everything other than that; Zach and Tom went back-and-forth on philosophical meanderings about both the old and modern ways of the world, and what they might implicate on a larger scale. And it all began with an inquiry into Tom’s views on modern rites of passage and what he calls the “maturity crisis”.Tom is now the Founder of Altitude Evolution, where he and his team merge wilderness experiences with h...
2025-10-13
1h 39
Going in Blind with Zach Tidwell
#50 Deke Letson: Healing American veterans through adventure
After serving 10 years in the Army, including two combat deployments, Deke Letson found healing through adventure and the Marcus Institute for Brean Health. And those combined experiences led him to found Veteran’s Exploration Therapy, where he is the Executive Director, and leads other veterans and their families through explorative experiences to help them grow, heal, find purpose, and embed themselves into a community. You can find Deke and Veteran’s Exploration Therapy at VetXTherapy.org.Zach’s book is on the way it’s officially in the hand...
2025-10-06
1h 18
Going in Blind with Zach Tidwell
#49 Sal Gonzalez: From catastrophic combat to country music star
Sal Gonzalez is a professional musician, Marine Corps veteran, Purple Heart recipient, and professional speaker with the Wounded Warrior Project®. His new album, “Sal Gonzalez” will be released November 10, 2025(links below). You can find Sal in the following places:Website: peglegsongs.comSocial media: @SalGMusicZach’s book is on the way it’s officially in the hands of an editor, and on the final path to publishing! If your new to the show and haven’t heard his incredible story, go back and listen...
2025-10-02
1h 36
Phoenix Wisdom: inspiring stories of transformation and triumph over suicidal ideation
#108 - Going in Blind with Zach Tidwell
"I have my purpose again." - Zach TidwellIn this episode of the Phoenix Wisdom Podcast, host Janet Sandberg speaks with Zach Tidwell, a Marine Corps veteran who lost all of his sight and hearing in one ear to a suicide attempt in 2019. He subsequently fell into and overcame rampant alcoholism, despite being diagnosed with a terminal genetic disease whilst trying to get sober. Today he's a speaker, award-winning, self-taught software developer and entrepreneur, athlete, podcast host, and soon to be published author who is sharing his story to save lives.
2025-10-01
39 min
Going in Blind with Zach Tidwell
#48 Aaron Vernon: Founder and CEO of Split Atom Labs
Aaron Vernon started teaching himself how to code when he was 12 years old, then went on to begin his impressive career as a software engineer as an early member of multiple startups, in the game development industry, and eventually working for the tech giant, Meta. But he’s now the Founder of Split Atom Labs, a startup “building an inclusive future for casual gaming”, and a 2025 Apple Design Award Finalist. Aaron and Zach went deep into the weeds on this one—from covering Aaron’s professional path, to nerding-out about coding, dissolving illusions around LLMs and quantu...
2025-09-29
1h 31
Going in Blind with Zach Tidwell
#47 Dr. Robb Kelly: Treating celebrity addictions after recording with the world's biggest bands
Dr. Robb Kelly began life as a performing musician, eventually rising to the point where he was recording with Elton John and Queen. But addiction took over—to the point where he stabbed his wife over a bottle of booze, wound up living on the streets, and lost everything. And today he’s a preeminent force in substance abuse treatment for celebrities through his company, Robb Kelly Group. You can find on his website at https://robbkelly.com/. Zach’s book is on the way it’s o...
2025-09-22
1h 46
Going in Blind with Zach Tidwell
#46 Adam Meyers: Police officer founded "Stop the Threat, Stop the Stigma" after fatal shooting
Adam Meyers is a police Captain in Wisconsin who was involved in a fatal shooting in 2016 that changed the path of his life. He struggled with rampant addiction and destructive behaviors for six years before he began seeking help, at which point he was terminated from his department. Today he’s a certified Peer Support Specialist, Founder of “Stop the Threat - Stop the Stigma”, and working to help other first responders navigate the same types of incidents he faced in a healthier, safer way. You can find Adam in the following places:Websit...
2025-09-15
1h 39
Going in Blind with Zach Tidwell
#45 Mike Bona: Exotic animal trainer, zookeeper, conservationist, and Founder of "Laughs for Giraffes"
Mike Bona is an exotic animal trainer and zookeeper who has shifted his focus to giraffe conservation. To date, he’s travelled to Africa four times, started a comedy benefit to contribute to their conservation, and appears on shows like this one to educate the public. You can find Mike in the following places: Laughs for Giraffes: https://globalconservationforce.org/laughs-for-giraffes-a-benefit-comedy-show/Social Media: @WildTailsPodPodcastZach’s book is on the way it’s officially in the hands of an edi...
2025-09-08
50 min
Brushwood Media Network
Wake Up with Patti Katter and Zach Tidwell
Against All Odds: The Inspiring Journey of Marine Veteran Zach Tidwell In a world where challenges can often feel insurmountable, Zach Tidwell's story stands as a beacon of hope and resilience. A Marine Corps veteran, Zach faced unimaginable obstacles after his honorable discharge in 2018. Despite not seeing combat during his service, he returned home to confront a battle of a different kind—one that would test his spirit and redefine his purpose. Zach's journey took a tragic turn when he found himself in a dark place, struggling with severe mental health issues. In a...
2025-09-07
29 min
Going in Blind with Zach Tidwell
#44 Dr. Jeff Zurek: Forecasting volcanic eruptions & seeing inside Earth
Dr. Jeffrey Mark Zurek is a Geophysicist and Volcanologist who’s worked in volcanic research, mapping mineral deposits buried in the Earth’s crust, and scientific consulting for various media formats. He and Zach dove into his work, obtaining a doctoral degree, ringwoodite, magnetic pole shifts, solar flares, and just about the incredible technology that makes Jeff’s work possible. You can find Jeff in the following places:Facebook:www.facebook.com/WhimsicalWavelengths Instagram: @whimsical.wavelengths Bluesky: @whimsicallambda.bsky.socialZach’s book is on the way it’...
2025-09-05
1h 25
Going in Blind with Zach Tidwell
#43 Dr. Charles Drebing: Suicide prevention, peer support & 34 years treating American veterans
Dr. Charles Drebing is a Clinical Psychologist who specializes in suicide prevention, and spent 34 years administering mental health care to veteran’s through the Department of Veteran’s Affairs healthcare system. He’s a prolific researcher, and has also gone on to write six handbooks aimed at furthering the implementation and efficacy of Peer Support Specialists in treating mental health problems. You can find Dr. Drebin’s work in the following places:Website: www.charlesdrebing.comZach’s book is on the wayit’s officially in the hands of...
2025-09-01
1h 24
Going in Blind with Zach Tidwell
#42 Laura M. Clark: Trailblazing mountaineer & first female to solo Colorado's "fourteeners"
In addition to becoming the first female to summit all 58 of Colorado’s peaks above 14,000 feet as a solo mountaineer, Laura Clark has climbed all of Colorado’s 100 highest peaks, a portion of which is included in the 600+ peaks she’s reached above 13,000 feet. She’s also a Girl Scout author, Leader, mentor, and most importantly to her—a mother. You can find Laura’s work in the following places:Book: https://www.amazon.com/Wild-Wanderer-Soloing-Colorados-Highest/dp/B09ZFH2CC1Website: https://wildwanderertripreports.com/Zach’s book is on the way
2025-08-25
1h 00
Brushwood Media Network
Wake Up with Patti Katter and Zach Tidwell
Against All Odds: The Inspiring Journey of Marine Veteran Zach Tidwell In a world where challenges can often feel insurmountable, Zach Tidwell's story stands as a beacon of hope and resilience. A Marine Corps veteran, Zach faced unimaginable obstacles after his honorable discharge in 2018. Despite not seeing combat during his service, he returned home to confront a battle of a different kind—one that would test his spirit and redefine his purpose. Zach's journey took a tragic turn when he found himself in a dark place, struggling with severe mental health issues. In a...
2025-08-18
29 min
Wake Up with Patti Katter
Wake Up with Patti Katter and Zach Tidwell
Against All Odds: The Inspiring Journey of Marine Veteran Zach Tidwell In a world where challenges can often feel insurmountable, Zach Tidwell's story stands as a beacon of hope and resilience. A Marine Corps veteran, Zach faced unimaginable obstacles after his honorable discharge in 2018. Despite not seeing combat during his service, he returned home to confront a battle of a different kind—one that would test his spirit and redefine his purpose. Zach's journey took a tragic turn when he found himself in a dark place, struggling with severe mental health issues. In a...
2025-08-18
29 min
Going in Blind with Zach Tidwell
#41 Jamie Hughes: Social psychologist transcended a horrendous childhood to treat others
Jamie Hughes is a social psychologist who entered the field after an incredibly unfortunate upbringing seemed to point him in that direction. And who better to help those going through such upbringings than someone who has been through it? He and Zach discussed Jamie’s childhood, working in psychology with undergraduate and Master’s degrees, and suicide and some of suicide’s realities that aren’t talked about—all before diving into Jamie’s books, antidepressants, and the powerful impact fitness and diet can have in treating depression. You can find Jamie on his...
2025-08-18
1h 13
Going in Blind with Zach Tidwell
#40 Mistress Mia Payne: Professional dominatrix and therapeutic BDSM
“Mistress Mia Payne” left her framing business to become a professional dominatrix after a chance encounter not too unlike something you might read in Fifty Shades of Gray. But she and Zach dove into the wider implications for her work, especially in the context of therapeutic BDSM, where mental health clinicians and professional BDSM providers work hand-in-hand to facilitate unique healing experiences for their clients. You can find Mistress Mia on her website:paynewithpurpose.comFollow And Support The Show Follow, rate, and review the show...
2025-08-11
1h 07
Going in Blind with Zach Tidwell
#39 Dr. Jeff Zurek: Geophysicist and Volcanologist
Dr. Jeffrey Mark Zurek is a Geophysicist and Volcanologist who’s worked in volcanic research, mapping mineral deposits buried in the Earth’s crust, and scientific consulting for various media formats. He and Zach dove into his work, obtaining a doctoral degree, ringwoodite, magnetic pole shifts, solar flares, and just about the incredible technology that makes Jeff’s work possible. You can find Jeff in the following places:Facebook:www.facebook.com/WhimsicalWavelengths Instagram: @whimsical.wavelengths Bluesky: @whimsicallambda.bsky.socialZach’s book is on the wayit’s off...
2025-08-08
1h 25
Going in Blind with Zach Tidwell
#39 Scott Harvey: Hostage negotiator
Scott Harvey is a retired hostage negotiator and police officer. Today he’s travelling the world speaking on stages and bringing his high-stakes communication skills to companies and organizations looking to level-up You can find Scoot on his website at speakingofharvey.comZach’s book is on the wayit’s officially in the hands of an editor, and on the final path to publishing! If your new to the show and haven’t heard his incredible story, go back and listen to the show’s trailer, or visit Zach’s web...
2025-08-08
1h 26
Going in Blind with Zach Tidwell
#38 Josh Brown: Green Beret and Combat Diver with 30 years on active duty
Chief Warrant Officer 4(CWO4) Josh Brown has spent over two decades of his 30-year career as a Green Beret in the United States Army. He and Zach discuss his path from conventional infantryman to SOF, and eventually to becoming a Combat Diver. Along they way they dipped into how Josh has navigated struggles along the way, shaped his unique career through intentional action, and much, much more. You won’t find Josh online, but if you do happen to find him knocking on— or knocking down —your door, something in your life has probably gone horrib...
2025-08-04
1h 14
Going in Blind with Zach Tidwell
#37 Zoey Michaels: Falling victim to two sophisticated financial scams
During two separate low points in her life, Zoey Michaels was targeted and financial scammers, and unfortunately they were successful. Thinking she’d learned her lesson the first time, she fell victim to a more sophisticated ruse by a team of unknown agents. But the second time around she decided to speak up and keep others from offloading their savings under the manipulation of others. She now has a book out, and her podcast is on the way. You can find Zoey on her website at www.zoeymichaels.com.Follow And Support The Sh...
2025-08-01
1h 02
Going in Blind with Zach Tidwell
#36 Charles Browne: Nuclear Engineering, the cleanest energy on Earth, and life under the sea
Charles Browne is a Navy veteran and former submariner who went on to become a nuclear engineer, author, and coach. He and Zach covered the ins-and-outs of nuclear power, from modern military submarines, to power plants, and even what the future might hold. They also discussed just how safe nuclear power is, it’s potential as the most potent source of green energy, and the incredible role it will likely play in the future of humanity— both here on Earth and beyond. You can find Charles in the following places:Email: me@therealcharlesbrowne.com
2025-07-28
1h 23
Going in Blind with Zach Tidwell
#35 Adam Sikes: From the frontlines in the Marines to covert CIA operations and beyond
Adam Sikes is a Marine Corps veteran and Silver Star recipient for his actions taken in combnat. He went on to join the CIA’s Ground Branch as a paramilitary operations officer conducting covert missions around the globe before becoming an author. Along the way of exploring Adam’s career, he and Zach also stepped into the state of the world today and how Adam has navigated life after taking part in some of the bloodiest fighting in Iraq. You can find Adam in the following places: Website: https://www.adamsikes.com/ Instagram: http...
2025-07-20
1h 18
Going in Blind with Zach Tidwell
#34 Brett Rezewski: Moyamoya's chaos
Brett Rezewski is an Air Force veteran who became a caregiver to his wife, Michelle, after undiagnosed Moyamoya Disease changed their lives forever in 2017. The two have navigated an incredible amount of loss and change together, and are now spreading awareness and helping other’s navigate hard times. You can find the Rezewski’s in the following places:Follow And Support The Show Follow, rate, and review the show wherever you listen. And if that happens to be on YouTube, like this video too before sharing the epis...
2025-07-14
1h 11
Going in Blind with Zach Tidwell
#33 Dr. Sarah Nassir: Addiction and osteopathic medicine
Sarah Nassir is a Doctor of Osteopathy(DO) who has been working in addiction medicine for the past six years. She and Zach discuss her work, addiction as a disease, and how treatment is approached by doctors at large before diving into what it is that makes osteopathic medicine different. You can find Dr. Nassir in the following places:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarahnasirdoLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-nasir-do/Follow And Support The Show Follow, rate, and review the show...
2025-07-07
1h 04
Going in Blind with Zach Tidwell
#32 Eric Ham: Escaping the Jehovah's Witnesses
Eric Ham was raised as a Jehovah’s Witness, but extracted himself from that environment as a teen following an experience that shook the foundations of his faith. Listen to the uncomfortable truths he feels responsible to share with the world. You can find Eric at his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gym in Austing, Texas—Austin Jiu-Jitsu Collective, or in the following places:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/austinjiujitsucoFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Austin-Jiu-Jitsu-Collective/61552843906417/Website: https://austinjiujitsuco.com/ Follow And Support The Show
2025-07-04
1h 04
The MisFitNation
🔥 The MisFitNation Welcomes USMC Veteran Zach Tidwell! 🔥
🎙️ Join Rich LaMonica as he sits down with Marine Corps Veteran Zach Tidwell—a man who refuses to be defined by adversity. 💥 After surviving a suicide attempt that took his sight and hearing in one ear, Zach rebuilt his life on his terms. Now, he’s: ✅ An award-winning self-taught software developer making the digital world more accessible. ✅ A competitive Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu fighter facing able-bodied opponents. ✅ A passionate adventurer, skiing, rock climbing, and kayaking against the odds. ✅ A writer, working on his memoir to inspire and spark real conversations about mental health. 🔥 This episode is all about resilience, grit, and defying expectations! Z...
2025-07-01
52 min
Going in Blind with Zach Tidwell
#31 Dave Murphy: Finding healing 30 years after a brutal knife attack
Dave Murphy’s life changed forever after he was beaten and stabbed by a group of unknown assailants in the 90’s. Decades of battling PTSD led him to self-medicating with both food and alcohol, but his life changed once again from one unexpected influence. Today Dave is an author, podcaster, and joyful man putting love out into the world. You can find Dave in the following places:Book(In the Heart of the Forest): https://www.amazon.com/Heart-Forest-Dave-Murphy-ebook/dp/B0DHQYT28JYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheUnsungPodcast2025
2025-06-30
55 min
Going in Blind with Zach Tidwell
#30 Raelene Weaver: Working with teen sex-offenders, how we should raise boys, and speaking at TEDX
Raelene Weaver is a retired licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who spent years working with male teen sex-offenders. Her past work granted her insights into a philosophical framework for raising mentally robust, respectable boys and young men. She’s also an author TEDX speaker, and Founder of the Silicon Valley Men’s Center. You can find Raelene in the following places:Book: https://www.amazon.com/Let-Boys-Be-Kids-First/dp/B0BZFNXQDKLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raelene-s-weaver-11082020/SVMC: https://siliconvalleymenscenter.com/Follow And Support The Show...
2025-06-23
1h 00
Going in Blind with Zach Tidwell
#29 Lonnie Bedwell: Conquering the world's tallest mountains , Grand Canyon, & South Pole without sight
Lonnie Bedwell is a Navy veteran who lost his sight when he was shot in the face by a friend whilst hunting. Of course there was a fight for his life, followed by a painstaking recovery, but what he’s gone on to accomplish is nothing short of jaw-dropping. Aside from speaking and creating opportunity for others, he became the first blind person to kayak all 226 miles of the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. And because that wasn’t enough, he’s now summitted four of the world’s seven highest peaks(including Mt. Everest), and trekked to the Sout...
2025-06-16
1h 34
The Blind Chick
I Aint Makin Salt and Pepper Shakers: Zach Tidwell Part 2
In this raw and inspiring continuation of Zach Tidwell’s story, The Blind Chick dives deeper into Zach’s journey of survival, addiction, recovery, and resilience. After surviving a self-inflicted gunshot wound and waking up totally blind, Zach faced cognitive dissonance, identity loss, and multiple layers of trauma—but he also found something unexpected: purpose. Zach walks us through the blurry, painful months of relearning everything from brushing his teeth to walking again, confronting the reality of permanent blindness, and battling crippling depression—all while defying odds. His path includes learning to snowboard, going back to college, coding an award-wi...
2025-06-12
29 min
Going in Blind with Zach Tidwell
#28 Dan Chumbler: Accidental CEO on drive, discipline, and climbing the ladder
Dan Chumbler climbed from the bottom of the corporate ladder to the very top—through sheer grit, determination, and drive. Starting as a salesman, he rose through the ranks to a high-level management position at Polaris before becoming CEO of MeatEater, and finally Tethrd. It’s hard to do this rise justice through a brief episode summary, so you’ll have to listen to appreciate the journey and glean how you might accomplish similar feats in your own career. You can find Dan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-chumbler/Follow...
2025-06-09
55 min
Going in Blind with Zach Tidwell
#27 Monty Heath: Two-time Bronze Star Recipient and Former Naval Special Warfare Group SEAL
Monty Heath is a decorated Navy SEAL who finished his career at the pinnacle of special warfare—Seal Team 6. And he opened up how tough it was to transition into the civilian world, including entrepreneurship, volunteering, and executive protection work. Not to mention the trials his family went through while his youngest son fought for his life while under the clutches of bacterial meningitis. You can connect with Monty on his website at montyheath.com.Follow And Support The ShowFollow, rate, and review the show wherever yo...
2025-06-06
1h 34
The Blind Chick
A Shot at Life: Zach Tidwell’s Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption
In this powerful and emotional episode of The Blind Chick, Penn and Moses welcome Zach Tidwell, a blind Marine Corps veteran, suicide survivor, and resilience advocate whose story will leave you speechless—and ultimately inspired. Zach opens up about his time in the military, the deep emotional wounds following betrayal and traumatic brain injury, and the dark spiral into alcoholism and isolation that followed. At his lowest point, Zach attempted to take his own life and survived a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. His recovery, however, would become a testimony not only to medical miracles but to the po...
2025-06-05
30 min
Going in Blind with Zach Tidwell
#26 Deece Casillas
Follow And Support The Show Follow, rate, and review the show wherever you listen. And if that happens to be on YouTube, like this video too before sharing the episode with family and friends. Website: https://zachtidwell.netFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556533676388Instagram: @ZachCTidwellLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-tidwell-9076852ab/X: @ZachCTidwellApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/going-in-blind-with-zach-tidwell/id1787306128Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/51IxT43...
2025-06-02
1h 08
Going in Blind with Zach Tidwell
#25 Derrick McManus: Clinging to life during one of Australia's biggest shootouts
Derrick McManus is a former police officer who operated in Australia’s Special Tasks And Rescue(STAR) Group for a portion of his career. And today’s episode focused primarily on the day he accrued 14 penetration injuries in one of Australia’s biggest shootouts, and the three hours he was left alone fighting for his life. Today, Derrick is both a speaker and coach, and you can find him at the following links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/derrickmcmanus14/Instagram: @derrickmcmanus_ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derrickmcmanus/FacebookWebsite: https://derric...
2025-05-26
1h 08
Energy of the Untamed Heart
Going in Blind - a conversation with Zach Tidwell
As we approach the American holiday of Memorial Day, I thought this particular episode should air now as a reminder of what our fellow men and women who choose to serve in the various branches of our military sacrifice to protect our freedoms. Just like we hear in the Toby Keith country song “American Soldier”, freedom doesn’t come free. The cost may be one’s life, one’s sanity, one’s peace in the heart - whatever the price, men and women who return to civilian life after time...
2025-05-22
1h 06
Going in Blind with Zach Tidwell
#24 Brian O'Connell: Cold War nuclear B-52 missions, overthrow of Noriega, and death from above
Brian O’Connell is a retired United States Air Force Lieutenant Colonel who served his country for more than two decades. From flying nuclear missions on a B-52 Stratofortress during the Cold War, to the overthrowing of Manuel Noriega in Panama, to supporting Army infantry units on the ground as a JTAC—he’s seen a little bit of everything during his decorated career. But that’s not all— this man has lived an incredibly full life, and you’ll have to listen to the episode to hear how it’s all played out.Follow And Support Th...
2025-05-19
58 min
Going in Blind with Zach Tidwell
#23 Mark Anthony: "The Rogue Hypnotist"
Mark Anthony is one of Australia’s most-renowned hypnotists, but his story is much deeper than that. From a troubled childhood and life as a young adult, he reshaped his life and is now helping other’s do the same. And on top of everything else, he’s a performer and author. You can find Mark in the following places:Book and websites: https://roguehypnotistbook.com hypnotist.com.au andFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheRogueHypnotist/X: @RogueHypnotistYou can find Mark in the following places...
2025-05-12
1h 24
Going in Blind with Zach Tidwell
#22 Tony Lynch(Pt 2): Death, anguish, and intervention transform a lost man into a man on a mission
Part 2 – From 22 Gunshots to Grief Guide: Tony Lynch's Journey from Gang Life to Healing OthersIn this powerful continuation of our two-part conversation, Tony Lynch shares how he escaped a life of gangs, gun violence, prison, and homelessness to become a leading voice in men’s grief support. Shot 22 times, abandoned as a child, and involved in a drive-by by age 11, Tony’s story is a raw, real look at trauma—and what it means to rise from it.Now the founder of the nonprofit Memories of Us, Tony helps men face loss, process pain, and find...
2025-05-05
52 min
Going in Blind with Zach Tidwell
#21 Tony Lynch(Pt 1): 22 gunshots took a gangbanger from running the streets to living on them
Tony Lynch is a felon and former gangbanger who has used his experiences with grief to transform his life into one of service and guidance. Having been victimized at 6 and left to defned himself, he was in a life a crime ealy on, and involved in his first drive-by shooting by the time he was 11. And from there, violence, death, and anguish followed him everywhere he went. He’s come out on the other side of prison, homelessness, being shot 22 times, and an incredible amount of loss with a mission of helping other men navigate their own grief, and yo...
2025-05-02
42 min
Going in Blind with Zach Tidwell
#20 Kevin Carr: Inventor and non-traditional engineer creating ability around the world
Kevin Carr is an Air Force veteran and inventor who broke outside the bounds of America’s engineering pipeline to carve his own path. And today he’s using his talents to break down barriers for others with his company, Creating Ability, by developing some of the world’s leading edge adaptive sports equipment. But behind it all is a beautiful story of trails and triumphs that you won’t want to miss.Follow And Support The Show Follow, rate, and review the show wherever you listen. And if that happens to be on YouTu...
2025-04-28
1h 11
Going in Blind with Zach Tidwell
#19 George Visger: Super Bowl Champ's career cut short by brain trauma
George Visger is a former Super Bowl champion whose career was cut short by lifelong subjection to head trauma. What ensued was a gnarly web of grand mal seizures, nine emergency brain surgeries, and a 38 year legal battle for compensation and elevation of the risks of the sport. Today, George is a wildlife biologist, entrepreneur, speaker, consultant, and author of a new book: “Facing Giants: My 38 Year Battle”. You can find George in the following places: Book and website: https://georgevisger.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thevisgergroup/
2025-04-21
1h 21
Going in Blind with Zach Tidwell
#18 Chris Christie: The critical nature of character
Stop for a second and consider how crucial a role both purpose and character play in the outcomes of our lives. One is a driving force and the other is a framework forged through the challenges we’ve taken on and the values we hold. Chris Christie has recognized that through his own successful career as a 15-year PGA pro and elite-level ski coach, and after a waking that occurred following the loss of his older brother who essentially functioned as his father for much of his childhood and early adult life. Today, character has become the core of Ch...
2025-04-14
55 min
Michael and Jeremy Steal Your Podcast
The 'Going in Blind with Zach Tidwell' Heist Featuring Rachel Greenwell
Michael and Jeremy expertly sneak into Zach Tidwell's studio to steal his podcast: 'Going in Blind'. He can't see, but he has a nose of a bloodhound. They interview Rachel Greenwell: a therpist, life coach, author and all around great gal. @GIB_Pod Join the MJSYVERSE by following our socials!XInstagramFacebookWanna have Michael and Jeremy Steal YOUR Podcast or feature your band?Visit our WEBSITE for details!Support the show...
2025-04-14
58 min
The Scene Projects
Zach Tidwell on Mental Health, Podcasting Passion, and Community Impact
Bubba Startz introduces Zach Tidwell and delves into Zach's journey, focusing on mental health and personal growth. They discuss Bubba's struggles and how podcasting has facilitated his development. The conversation shifts to envisioning a future free from past labels, emphasizing the role of social media and community support. They explore the balance between passion and financial motivation in podcasting, highlighting the importance of authenticity. Zach's podcast and book are briefly promoted, offering insights into his work. The episode wraps up with closing remarks, reflecting on the themes of growth and support. (0:00) Introduction and Background of Zach Tidwell (2:30) Zach's Journey and...
2025-04-08
29 min
Going in Blind with Zach Tidwell
#17 Josh Thurmond: Shark Tank millionaire
Ever wonder what it takes to get on Shark Tank. Or better yet, have you ever wondered what it’s like? Look no further—Josh Thurmond, Founder and CEO of LavaBox went from starting his business out of his garage, to over $1,000,000 in sales in just two years before striking a deal with Laurie Greiner on the world-renowned show. But that’s not all—this episode is full of laughs, peaks into what Josh has been up to behind the scenes, and the ingredients of successful entrepreneurship. You can find Josh and all of his mentione...
2025-04-07
1h 02
Going in Blind with Zach Tidwell
#16 Mary Beth O-Connor: From Shooting Meth at 16 to becoming a federal judge
From shooting meth at 16 to becoming a federally appointed judge, Mary Beth’s story is yet another example that we don’t have to fall victim to our circumstances, and that we’re never out of the fight unless we decide to quit. But in addition to her accomplishments, she’s a wealth of knowledge. Listen to today’s episode to get the inside scoop on what’s wrong with the substance use disorder treatment industry and hear her incredible journey. You can find Mary Beth and her book, “From Junkie to Judge: One Woman's Triumph Over T...
2025-04-04
1h 10
Going in Blind with Zach Tidwell
#15 Travis Holzum: Regenerative Agriculture and the Food Forest Design Network
Travis Holzum is a regenerative agriculture entrepreneur who founded both the Food Forest Design Network and Food Forest Design Minnesota. He and Zach had a rather eye-opening discussion about the reality of America’s corrupt food system and what Travis aims to build both in the country and the wider world. You can find Travis below:Food Forest Design Minnesota: https://foodforestabundancemn.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopmnM4zisKCcQu1fe2ag78Q1deD5FtossB_mS7UXNPcgvzAKFGvFood Forest Design Network: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7LO22NinV5nPuKNWe7Ue-g/videosYouTube: ht...
2025-03-31
48 min
Going in Blind with Zach Tidwell
#14 Doug Gresenz: Healing those who've served with the Redford Ranch Foundation
Doug Gresenz is a Marine Corps veteran working to improve the lives of servicemembers, veterans, first responders, and their families through outdoor recreation. After battling his own struggles after returning home from Iraq, Doug found healing on the water. This breakthrough ultimately led to the founding of the Redford Ranch Foundation, through which Doug aims to create a one-of-a-kind adaptive center where those who have served can not only get introduced to healing forms of recreation, but continue those new activities when they return home. You can find Doug and his nonprofit below:...
2025-03-24
1h 05
Going in Blind with Zach Tidwell
#13 Keegan Schafer: Fighting wildfires and addiction
Keegan Schafer is a Division Chief of the Tahoe-Douglas Fired Department in Nevada, and has been a firefighter for more than 25 years. He and Zach take a deep dive into the industry in the wake of the Palisades fires in Southern California before delving into living a life of balance and service. The show wraps up with a peek into the uncanny dream world of Southern California’s rehab culture and some alternative treatment modalities like Ibogaine, Ayahuasca , and Ketamine therapies.Follow And Support The Show Subscribe, rate, and review the sh...
2025-03-17
1h 00
Going in Blind with Zach Tidwell
# 12 Justin Martinez: Finding purpose and healing after combat
Justin Martinez is a retired Army Chief Warrant Officer 2, tattoo artist, entrepreneur, and a man who has committed his life to serving others. While there’s plenty of laughing in this episode, Zach and Justin spent a lot of time discussing the challenges so many veterans face when transitioning to civilian life before following Justin’s path to discovering purpose outside the armed forces. You can find Justin’s tattoo shop below. The nonprofit he’s working for did not have a website at the time of recording/uploading: Coastal Ink Tattoo(Laguna Niguel, California): https...
2025-03-10
1h 10
Soul Sessions: Therapy, Identity, and Real Life as a Black Latina
EP 15: Surviving the Impossible: Zach Tidwell’s Path to Healing and Purpose
Episode 15: Surviving the Impossible – Zach Tidwell’s Path to Healing and PurposeSome stories redefine resilience. In this episode of Soul Sessions, we sit down with Zach Tidwell, a survivor who turned his darkest moments into a mission for healing and purpose. From overcoming unimaginable challenges to finding strength in vulnerability, Zach shares his journey of survival, transformation, and the lessons he’s learned along the way.Join us as we explore the power of perseverance, the importance of mental health, and how even the hardest battles can lead to a life filled with meaning.T...
2025-03-09
1h 05
Going in Blind with Zach Tidwell
#11 Seth Dahl: Award-winning Director of The Long River Home and other documentaries
Seth Dahl is an award-winning documentary filmmaker who found his passion after serving in Iraq in the earlier years of the war. He and Zach discussed how Seth got into the industry, his future endeavors, and how his award-winning film about disabled veterans Lonnie Bedwell, Russel Davies, and Aaron Howell navigating some of the deadliest whitewater in the world despite the fact that Lonnie is completely blind. You can find Seth at the following links: Benchmark: https://www.bigcedarmedia.com/documentary-films/benchmarkThe Long River Home: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ko8...
2025-03-07
49 min
”It’s A Wrap with Rap”
Zach Tidwell, Pushing Past Possible: A Marine's Journey from Despair to Purpose
Join us for an inspiring episode of "It's a Wrap with Wrap," where host Ron Rapaport welcomes Zach Tidwell, a blind Marine Corps veteran from Denver, Colorado. Known for his lighthearted approach to life's toughest challenges, Zach shares his incredible story of survival and transformation. After a failed suicide attempt that left him blind, Zach has turned his life around, becoming a motivational speaker and advocate for inclusive design in the tech world. At just 28, he has founded his own software development company and participates in extreme sports, challenging societal perceptions of disability. Listen as Zach opens up about his...
2025-03-04
1h 06
”It’s A Wrap with Rap”
Zach Tidwell, Pushing Past Possible: A Marine's Journey from Despair to Purpose
Join us for an inspiring episode of "It's a Wrap with Wrap," where host Ron Rapaport welcomes Zach Tidwell, a blind Marine Corps veteran from Denver, Colorado. Known for his lighthearted approach to life's toughest challenges, Zach shares his incredible story of survival and transformation. After a failed suicide attempt that left him blind, Zach has turned his life around, becoming a motivational speaker and advocate for inclusive design in the tech world. At just 28, he has founded his own software development company and participates in extreme sports, challenging societal perceptions of disability. Listen as...
2025-03-04
1h 06
Going in Blind with Zach Tidwell
#10 Guy Zuck: A lifelong outdoorsman's path to faith through addiction and depression
Guy Zuck is a lifelong outdoorsman and world-renowned turkey caller/guide now focused on making a dent in veteran suicide. Zach and Guy discussed a lot of heavy topics on this episode, including addiction, mental health, and Guy’s discovery of his faith whilst living a life he didn’t want for himself. You can find the “encounters” Guy mentioned here: https://encounterministry.org/Follow And Support The Show Subscribe, rate, and review the show wherever you listen. And if that happens to be on YouTube, like this video too before sharing...
2025-03-03
1h 06
Going in Blind with Zach Tidwell
#9 Jeff Circle: US intelligence, Afghanistan pullout, private contracting & The Writer's Dossier
As you’ll see in this week’s episode, Jeff Circle has worn too many hats to encapsulate in one blurb, so we’ll summarize the first half of the conversation as taking a stroll down memory lane. But thing’s took a turn into some heavier subjects that more people need to know about, including former US shortcomings in US screenings for security clearances, the Afghanistan pullout, and other shocking revelations that have come to pass over the past two or three years. You can find Jeff at thewritersdossier.com or jeffcircle.com
2025-02-24
1h 18
Going in Blind with Zach Tidwell
#8 Ross Izard: Doing difficult things, backcountry fly fishing, entrepreneurship, and writing
Ross Izard is a political entrepreneur, author, and backcountry fly fisherman. This week, he and Zach dive into some heavy topics surrounding mental health and the value of doing difficult things whilst exploring the impressive path Ross has carved for himself. You can find Ross in the following places: Backcountry Fly Fishing Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDYM1qu1zoDOk9GZsAaJ5Sd-vaRGrkuPPCompany website: https://xiphosstrategies.com/Follow And Support The Show Subscribe, rate, and review the show wherever...
2025-02-17
1h 06
Conversations with Calvin; WE the Species
ZACH TIDWELL US Marine Vet; Blind (Suicide Attempt); Speaker; Writer; Software Developer; Athlete; Podcaster; LIVE from Colorado
#realconversations#USMarines #suicide #softwaredeveloper #blind #brazilianjiujitsu #podcaster#writer #rockclimber #ColoradoCONVERSATIONS WITH CALVIN WE THE SPECIESMeet ZACH TIDWELL: “I’ve been doing this podcast for 4 ½years. 400+ Interviews. Many around our globe. How these interviews come aboutis a story in itself. And then theuniverse brought 29-year-old Zach Tidwell into my realm. Actually, it was Zachhimself. No more excess words. Zach, in 2019, put a gun to his head in aSUICIDE attempt. The former Marine didn't succeed at suicide but blindedhimself and became deaf in one ear. He is now an amazing inspiration for all ofus. His smile...
2025-02-11
52 min
Wake Up With Patti Katter
Against All Odds: The Inspiring Journey of Marine Veteran Zach Tidwell
In a world where challenges can often feel insurmountable, Zach Tidwell's story stands as a beacon of hope and resilience. A Marine Corps veteran, Zach faced unimaginable obstacles after his honorable discharge in 2018. Despite not seeing combat during his service, he returned home to confront a battle of a different kind—one that would test his spirit and redefine his purpose.Zach's journey took a tragic turn when he found himself in a dark place, struggling with severe mental health issues. In a moment of despair, he attempted to take his own life, resulting in life-altering inj...
2025-02-11
29 min
Going in Blind with Zach Tidwell
#7 Tom Kranz: Journalism, broadcasting, writing, and exploring the creative sparks of others
Tom Kranz is a man with quite the broad background—from journalism and broadcasting, to writing nonfiction and serving as a volunteer EMT for two decades. Now he’d exploring the creative spark of others and finishing his seventh novel. As usual, Zach dives into some heavier topics with Tom whilst exploring his story and progression through these different chapters of Tom’s life. You can find Tom on his own podcast, “Type. Tune. Tint.” By heading to his website: https://typetunetint.com/And you can find his books on Amazon...
2025-02-10
1h 02
Wake Up with Patti Katter
Wake Up with Patti Katter and Zach Tidwell
Against All Odds: The Inspiring Journey of Marine Veteran Zach Tidwell In a world where challenges can often feel insurmountable, Zach Tidwell's story stands as a beacon of hope and resilience. A Marine Corps veteran, Zach faced unimaginable obstacles after his honorable discharge in 2018. Despite not seeing combat during his service, he returned home to confront a battle of a different kind—one that would test his spirit and redefine his purpose. Zach's journey took a tragic turn when he found himself in a dark place, struggling with severe mental health issues. In a...
2025-02-08
29 min
Going in Blind with Zach Tidwell
#6 Thomas Jones: "The Woke Prophet"
Thomas Jones is a self-proclaimed prophet also known as “The Woke Prophet”, and has written a book that shares his title. Given Thomas’ claims and the wide array of services he offers associated with his gifts, he and Zach had plenty to explore- from the origins of Thomas’ gifts to a back-and-forth exchange centered around his offerings of deliverances, spatial cleansing, spiritual counseling, mentoring, and healings. You can find Thomas on his website at https://www.energetic-hands.com/. And you can also join his massive TikTok following @thewokeprophet.Follow...
2025-02-07
1h 17
Going in Blind with Zach Tidwell
#5 Evan Barrett: Dead dads anddDirtbags
Evan Barrett is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt, instructor, and fierce competitor from Colorado. His record currently includes 37 wins by submission, 9 by points, and 2 by decision. You can find him on Instagram @evanbarrettjiujitsu.Follow And Support The ShowSubscribe, rate, and review the show wherever you listen. And if that happens to be on YouTube, like this video too before sharing the episode with family and friends.Website: https://zachtidwell.netFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556533676388LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin...
2025-02-03
37 min
We're Not Stumped - Centering on life stories of the Limb Loss / Amputee and Disabled Communities
Overcoming Vision Loss & Surviving Suicide: Zach Tidwell's Journey | We're Not Stumped Podcast
In this episode of the We're Not Stumped podcast, host Mike Bolland sits down with Zach Tidwell to discuss his journey of adapting to life with vision loss and finding strength through resilience. What You'll Learn: Zach's personal experience with vision loss and how it transformed his life.Insights on overcoming challenges, finding purpose, and adapting to a new reality. Practical advice and encouragement for anyone navigating life-changing circumstances. Join us for an honest and uplifting conversation that reminds us of the power of determination and a positive outlook. Zach Tidwell on Facebook: https...
2025-01-28
38 min
Going in Blind with Zach Tidwell
#4 Dave Jones: From counterterrorism specialist and First Responder to writing thriller novels
Dave Jones has worn an incredible number of hats in his professional career and he dove into it all with Zach this week. His Air Force career spanned from the Gulf War through 2011, and his positions ranged from Criminal Investigator to Chief of the European Antiterrorism Specialty Team, and eventually things came full circle as he was helping train other antiterrorism-focused OSI agents to deploy into Iraq and Afghanistan. Following the end of his military career he went on to serve as a Wisconsin Chief of Police, volunteer firefighter, and Criminal Justice Program Chair at a local university before...
2025-01-27
46 min
Going in Blind with Zach Tidwell
#3 Steve Baskis: Army veteran, Purple Heart recipient, adventurer, endurance athlete, and musician
Steve Baskis is a retired Army veteran and Purple Heart recipient who has pursued more adventure in the 17 years since he lost his sight than most do in a lifetime. And what was expected to be a conversation delving into Steve’s musical escapades, mountaineering trips, paralympic athlete pursuits, and ventures as a nonprofit Founder transpired into something greater altogether. You can support the Blind Endeavor’s Foundation on their website at https://blindendeavors.org/.Follow And Support The Show Subscribe, rate, and review the show wherever you listen. And if that...
2025-01-20
1h 03
Going in Blind with Zach Tidwell
#2 Ally Wolski: "B-Team's Smallest Bull" and rising as a professional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu athlete.
Ally Wolski is a Nicky Ryan Purple Belt and rising Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu athlete. She and Zach cover her entry into the sport and the rapid rise she’s made on her way to the top— from finding BJJ through overcoming a catastrophic injury, to taking her training seriously with a real team to back her up and even her recent controversial win over Nathalia Santoro. You can keep up with Ally and her new BJJ promotion on Instagram at @allywolski1 and @bjjworldchampionship.Follow And Support The Show Subscribe, rate, and review the...
2025-01-20
1h 01
The Courage, Coaching and Counseling Podcast with Sovann Pen
Zach Tidwell Suicide Attempt Survivor Going In Blind Podcast Host
Zach Tidwell is a completely blind Marine Corps veteran and suicide survivor sharing his story in hopes of saving lives and getting our society to have the tougher conversations we tend to avoid. After serving honorably as a machine gunner for four years, Zach reached the point where he didn’t want to be alive anymore. Everything looked fine from the outside— he was working and going to school full-time and keeping up appearances, but he was dying inside. An unfortunate combination of personal circumstances, head injuries, and a lack of healthy coping skills led him to stay silent whilst...
2025-01-16
43 min
Going in Blind with Zach Tidwell
#1 Joe Mornini: Adventurer, Kayaker, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Team River Runner
Joe Mornini is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of the nonprofit kayaking organization Team River Runner. Wearing many hats in his life, from adventurer and boater, to educator, father, and grandfather, Joe and the Team River Runner crew have built what started as a way to get wounded combat veterans out of their hospital rooms at Walter Reed into an international organization getting veterans, servicemembers, and their families to experience the therapeutic power of both flat and whitewater kayaking. Find Joe and the team at https://teamriverrunner.org if you’d like to get involved or support their efforts....
2025-01-13
1h 09
Going in Blind with Zach Tidwell
Coming Soon: Going in Blind with Zach Tidwell
Host and completely blind Marine Corps veteran Zach Tidwell introduces himself and his miraculous story before breaking down what the show is all about and announcing the official release on January 13, 2025 at 0500 EST. Zach has overcome more in the past several years than most do in a lifetime, and he shares his story in hopes of saving lives and getting our society having the tougher conversations we tend to avoid. From depression and alcoholism, to rebuilding himself after a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head that stole his sight and hearing in one ear- to where he...
2024-12-25
02 min
Stuart Sax: Someone You Should Know
Someone You Should Know with Host Stuart Sax and Guest Zach Tidwell
In this episode of Someone You Should Know, Stuart Sax talks with Zach Tidwell, Zach Tidwell is a completely-blind Marine Corps veteran and suicide survivor best known for his lighthearted approach to the hard topics in life and ability to inspire others. Having shot himself in the head in an attempt to take his own life, he woke up completely-blind and deaf in one ear, and with a new perspective on life Check out Zach's website at https://zachtidwell.net/ and reach out to have him speak to your organization.
2024-10-23
43 min
Type.Tune.Tint.
Survivor Times 3: Zach Tidwell
A conversation with Marine veteran Zach Tidwell, survivor of a severe head injury following a motorcycle accident, a recovering alcoholic and an unsuccessful suicide attempt that left him totally blind. After all that, he's designed a iPhone app and is writing a book.Whadya think of this episode>Support the showSubscribe to the Type. Tune. Tint. podcast today. Cheap. Right here.
2024-09-27
33 min
Blind Abilities
From Darkness to Triumph: Zach Tidwell's Unyielding Journey
If you are having thoughts about suicide, please call 988 by phone or text the word, "Talk", to the number 741741. In this profound episode of Blind Abilities, Jeff Thompson interviews Zach Tidwell, whose life story is nothing short of miraculous. Zach candidly shares the harrowing tale of how he lost his sight by shooting himself, which marked the beginning of an extraordinary turnaround. From the depths of despair, he emerged as a successful app developer, public speaker, and entrepreneur, channeling his experiences into developing the award-winning game, Zanagrams. Zach's journey is a powerful testament to...
2024-03-25
41 min
Double Tap
Apple Car Abandoned & The Story Of Zach Tidwell
Content Warning: This episode discusses suicide and trauma. In this episode of Double Tap, hosts Steven Scott and Shaun Preece dive into a range of topics, but the highlight is an in-depth and candid interview with Zach Tidwell, an app developer who is blind with an extraordinary backstory. The duo starts by discussing the rumour mill churning around Apple's supposed car project, which has been shelved in favour of machine learning and AI development. They debate the implications of this pivot, considering Apple's secretive nature, and ponder the future of technology interfaces, accessibility, and the potential for an Apple car...
2024-03-01
56 min