Send a message into the Brightside

MaKaylie Peterkin grew up with sports as the heartbeat of her family. But it was her sister’s battle with a rare disease — and the way their small-town community rallied around them — that shaped her path.

Today, MaKaylie channels that experience into helping families through some of their hardest moments with Uplifting Athletes, a nonprofit that uses the power of sports to support those impacted by rare diseases.

In this episode, MaKaylie shares her story of resilience, loss, faith, and how “being coachable” can change your life.

Feel Good News Article: https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/in-prisons-across-ohio-these-inmates-are-finding-meaning-by-saving-orphaned-and-injured-animals/

Uplifting Athletes: UA Home - Uplifting Athletes

New episodes every Friday at 2 pm on all major podcast platforms. Interested in being a guest or perhaps just wanna chat and share opinions or concerns? Email me at Bravingthebrightside@gmail.com or slide into the dm's as the kid's say @braving_thebrightside

Send a message into the Brightside

Curtis Jr grew up chasing storms and snakes, but never quite felt like he belonged. The world saw him as different, and fitting in often came with a cost. Even as drinking crept into his life, music became his anchor-the one place where he could feel whole, alive, and true to himself.

In this conversation, Curtis opens up about learning to embrace the little kid he once was-the one who was made fun of for loving what he loved-and how welcoming that kid back saved him. His story is about finding identity, fighting through struggle, and letting music light the way forward.

If you've ever felt out of place, Curtis' journey will remind you: the parts of you that don't "fit in" might just be the parts that set you free.

Feel Good News Story (Majestic Mullet): https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/9-year-old-boy-saves-parents-when-tornado-sends-car-flying-into-trees/

Curtis Jr Music/Fundraiser Info: Curtis Jr. - Band, Live Music, Original and Cover Songs

New episodes every Friday at 2 pm on all major podcast platforms. Interested in being a guest or perhaps just wanna chat and share opinions or concerns? Email me at Bravingthebrightside@gmail.com or slide into the dm's as the kid's say @braving_thebrightside

Send a message into the Brightside

What does it really mean to push past doubt, setbacks, and pressure — not to prove others wrong, but to prove yourself right?

In this week’s episode of Braving the Brightside, I sit down with Will Scissum, a man whose grit and determination have carried him through challenges that would break most. From the football field to life beyond it, Will’s story is about resilience, discipline, and a steady belief in something bigger guiding the way.

We talk about what it takes to stay locked in when the odds are stacked against you, why comparison is the enemy of growth, and how proving yourself right can be the most liberating victory of all.

If you’ve been looking for a reminder to keep showing up — even on the hard days — this is the conversation you need to hear.

New episodes every Friday at 2 pm on all major podcast platforms. Interested in being a guest or perhaps just wanna chat and share opinions or concerns? Email me at Bravingthebrightside@gmail.com or slide into the dm's as the kid's say @braving_thebrightside