Grief, Grit, and Building Hope from Heartbreak (S3 -E5 )

Host: Kathryn Lancioni

𝗚𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁: Jason Reid

Episode Overview:

Kathryn Lancioni sits down with Jason Reid, a serial entrepreneur and founder of the Tell My Story foundation, to explore the gut punches life throws our way and the resilience required to move forward. Jason opens up about his experience building businesses, facing repeated setbacks, and the unimaginable loss of his son, Ryan—a tragedy that drastically altered his perspective on life, family, and mental health. Together, Kathryn Lancioni and Jason Reid unpack how we navigate loss, learn from failure, and ultimately, choose to rebuild and help others along the way.

5 Key Lessons from This Episode:

1. Resilience Is a Muscle We Build

Jason believes the ability to be resilient is one of the most important skills anyone can have. Life will present constant challenges—some expected, many not—and it is our response to adversity that defines us, not just the adversity itself. Finding the strength to keep moving forward, even after substantial loss, is at the core of his message.

2. Everyone Faces Challenges, No Exceptions

Both Jason and Kathryn reflect on the idea that everyone has “their something,” even if they don’t always admit it. Jason shares candidly about entrepreneurial failures, brushes with bankruptcy, and personal losses. The key, he says, is understanding that setbacks are a universal part of the human experience, and comparing ourselves to others is rarely fruitful.

3. The Power of Choosing How to Respond to Tragedy

After losing his son, Jason faced a crossroads: retreat or lean in and take action. He chose to channel his grief into advocacy, founding Tell My Story and creating resources to help others understand and address mental health challenges. He reminds listeners that even amid life-altering pain, we have agency over our next steps—even when those steps feel impossible.

4. Real Connections Come from Honest Communication

Jason emphasizes that meaningful connections with our children—or anyone—often happen in unexpected ways, like car rides or family dinners, rather than forced eye-to-eye conversations. He encourages parents to create environments where kids feel comfortable to open up on their terms, reinforcing that parenting is often inconvenient, but rewarding when we lean in at the right moments.

5. Progress Requires Movement, Even When It’s Hard

Jason’s most practical advice for anyone feeling stuck is simple: keep moving. Stagnation is the enemy of growth. He reminds us that every day brings new challenges and opportunities, and our attitude toward those ups and downs—rather than the events themselves—will shape how we rebuild and grow.

During the episode, Jason Reid shares the story behind Tell My Story, an organization dedicated to making a difference in youth mental health. He discusses a range of impactful projects, including the documentary "Tell My Story" available on Amazon Prime, as well as mental health resources and tools like the card game designed to foster open conversations between parents and kids. Jason Reid and his team have also created additional films and programs to support families navigating difficult times.

Connect with Jason Reid:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonrreid
• Website: https://www.tellmystory.org/
• Amazon Prime: https://www.amazon.com/Tell-My-Story-Jason-Reid/dp/B09QFQJB42

Produced by the Digital Transformation Broadcast Network.

From Cop to Defendant How My Arrest Changed Everything (S3 -E3 )

Host: Kathryn Lancioni

Guest: Dr. Kareem Puranda

Episode Overview:

In this compelling episode of Gut Punch, Kathryn Lancioni sits down with Dr. Kareem Puranda-a former police officer, football player, and now a mental health professional and community advocate. Dr. Puranda shares his raw, personal journey from growing up in a high-poverty neighborhood in the Bronx, to finding purpose through football, to facing lawsuits and indictments as a police officer, and ultimately transforming his pain into a passion for helping others heal. Through honest stories of adversity, trauma, resilience, and redemption, this conversation is a powerful reminder that we can rewrite our stories and emerge stronger after life's gut punches.

5 Key Lessons from This Episode:

1. Trauma Often Hides in Plain Sight

Dr. Puranda explains how the experiences of violence, poverty, and loss in his youth were normalized, making it difficult to recognize them as trauma at the time. It was only in retrospect that he understood how these formative experiences shaped his behavior, responses, and coping mechanisms, highlighting the importance of recognizing and naming past pain in order to heal.

2. Purpose and Belonging Can Change a Life’s Trajectory

Football offered Kareem more than just an athletic opportunity; it became his lifeline. Being part of a team gave him structure, community, and a space to channel anger constructively, ultimately setting him on a path toward higher education and away from environments that could have led to much darker outcomes.

3. Ego Can Be Both Armor and Obstacle

The episode reveals how ego protected Kareem from feelings of inadequacy and pain for years, especially during his law enforcement career. Yet, it also led to destructive behaviors and critical setbacks-until deep reflection in the lowest moments allowed him to recognize, confront, and ultimately move beyond the limits imposed by his ego.

4. True Strength Lies in Vulnerability and Self-Awareness

Shifting from a mindset driven by accolades, toughness, and suppression of emotions, Kareem learned that real courage is found in vulnerability. Admitting hurt, seeking help, making amends, and practicing self-reflection brought him to a place of authenticity and healing, showing listeners how honest introspection is the bedrock of transformation.

5. Your Narrative Isn’t Set in Stone

Through the metaphor of the “four Vs” -violation, victim, villain, and victorious- Dr. Puranda encourages us to examine how we respond to adversity. We all have power to choose whether we become a victim, a villain, or victorious after life’s gut punches. Changing our mindset and consciously authoring our own story creates the possibility for growth, redemption, and impact.

If you're interested in learning more about Dr. Kareem Puranda’s work and the positive impact he’s making, be sure to check out his website. There, you'll find information about his training sessions, keynote talks—including his signature “Patrolling Your Purpose” program for law enforcement and the community—as well as resources from his private practice, Self Talk Counseling and Consulting. Whether you’re seeking guidance, inspiration, or resources for personal growth, don’t hesitate to reach out and see how his services might benefit you or someone you know.

Connect with Dr. Kareem Puranda:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kareem-puranda/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drkareemp/

Produced by the Digital Transformation Broadcast Network.

Mandy’s Gut Punch Journey from Victim to Legend (S3 -E2 )

Host: Kathryn Lancioni

Guest: Mandy Horvath

Episode Overview:

In this compelling episode of Gut Punch, Kathryn Lancioni welcomes Mandy Horvath, whose life was forever altered after being struck by a train under mysterious circumstances. Together they unravel how Mandy Horvath moved beyond trauma and rebuilt her life, setting world records in mountaineering, reclaiming her narrative through an award-winning documentary, and breaking barriers on reality television. Through honest discussion about heartbreak, injustice, recovery, and hope, this episode is both raw and deeply inspiring.

5 Key Lessons from This Episode:

1. Healing Isn’t Linear—And Sometimes the Real Challenge Comes Later

Mandy Horvath shares that the initial trauma of losing her legs was just the beginning. The need for a rare re-amputation due to osteoregeneration tested her far beyond the immediate accident. Recovery, both physical and emotional, unfolds in unpredictable ways and requires ongoing adaptation and strength.

2. Resilience Grows Step by Step, Sometimes on a Mountain

After her trauma, Mandy Horvath found purpose in the outdoors, pushing herself to scale mountains like Pikes Peak and Mount Kilimanjaro. These feats were not just world records; they were acts of self-discovery and healing, showing how taking on challenges can shift perspective and reignite hope.

3. Vulnerability in Storytelling Is a Form of Strength

Sharing her journey in a documentary and on national platforms took immense courage. For Mandy Horvath, telling her story publicly meant confronting skepticism and stigma, but it also helped reclaim her narrative and offered validation. Vulnerability allows others to see the person, not just the event.

4. The System Doesn’t Always Deliver Justice—but Advocacy and Truth Matter

Mandy Horvath was failed by the legal system, which initially dismissed her case and denied her basic investigations. Through advocacy, independent investigation, and the support of documentary filmmakers, light was shone on her truth. This journey shows the importance of never giving up on seeking justice and having your voice heard.

5. Joy and Motivation Can Be Found in Small, Everyday Things

Despite the magnitude of what she’s faced, Mandy Horvath finds daily happiness in her animals and simple pleasures. She reminds listeners that rebuilding isn’t just about grand achievements—sometimes it’s about embracing the little things that bring a smile and give life meaning.

During this episode, Mandy Horvath invites listeners to follow her journey and learn more about her incredible story by connecting on social media. Keep an eye out for her new documentary film, The Ascent, which premiered at South by Southwest and will be screening at other festivals around the country while seeking wider distribution. If you want to be inspired by resilience and courage, be sure to follow Mandy and stay tuned for updates about how and where you can watch her film.

Connect with Mandy Horvath:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mountaingnome0.5/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mountaingnome0.5/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mtngnome

Produced by the Digital Transformation Broadcast Network.

The Untold Story Behind the Ascent (S3 -E1 )

Host: Kathryn Lancioni

Guest: Mandy Horvath

Episode Overview:

Life can change in an instant, and no one knows this better than double amputee, world record holder, and adventurer Mandy Horvath. Hosted by Kathryn Lancioni, Gut Punch brings you the story of an extraordinary woman who turned her most traumatic experience into a life of record-breaking achievements, grit, and hope. From summiting Mount Kilimanjaro by crawling to starring on Naked and Afraid, Mandy’s journey is one of resilience, reinvention, and redefining what’s possible after a devastating setback. Tune in as Kathryn and Mandy dive into the challenges, mindset, and drive that fuels a truly unstoppable spirit.

5 Key Lessons from This Episode:

1. Resilience Is Forged in Adversity

After losing both legs in a traumatic accident at age 21, Mandy Horvath refused to be defined by her circumstances. She transformed her pain into a source of strength and became a record-setting athlete. Her story shows that setbacks can ignite our most resilient selves, setting us on new, unexpected paths of achievement.

2. Preparation and Planning Lay the Groundwork for Success

Every major climb and adventure Mandy takes on is meticulously planned over months, sometimes years. She emphasizes the importance of overpreparing, carefully vetting team members, and tailoring physical training to each goal. This level of preparation has ensured her ongoing success and personal safety.

3. Support Systems Matter—Choose Wisely

Mandy Horvath speaks candidly about building the right support team for challenging endeavors, sharing how the wrong environment can derail your efforts. Her experience highlights that surrounding yourself with skilled, positive, and adaptable people is crucial—especially when the going gets tough.

4. Self-Awareness and Rest Are Non-Negotiable

Mandy’s journey reinforces the critical role of listening to your body and mind. She is highly selective about recovery time and avoids unnecessary risks ahead of events, underscoring the importance of self-care, reflection, and honoring personal boundaries in high-performance pursuits.

5. Purpose Fuels Perseverance

What began as a way to reclaim her narrative from tragedy grew into a purpose-driven life. By using her climbs and media appearances to raise awareness for charity and inspire others, Mandy found deeper meaning in each challenge. Her actions remind us that purpose—not just publicity—drives real, lasting fulfillment.

Gut Punch is all about those pivotal moments that rattle us to our core, but as Mandy Horvath proves, none of us have to be defined by our lowest points. There is a path forward, and with determination, preparation, and purpose, you can rebuild—stronger, wiser, and more resilient than before. If life just handed you a gut punch, remember: you hold the pen to write your next chapter.

Connect with Mandy Horvath:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mountaingnome0.5/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mountaingnome0.5/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mtngnome

Produced by the Digital Transformation Broadcast Network.