In this episode, Sam Acho and Clif Marshall are joined by Kurt Hester, the director of strength and performance for the Houston Cougars football team. Kurt opens up about his remarkable journey growing up in the Louisiana swamps, his award-winning coaching career, and his ongoing battle with stage four cancer. Together, they unpack the power of resilience, the importance of relationships over results, and how faith and mindset fuel Kurt’s fight both on and off the field. If you’re looking for inspiration, wisdom forged through adversity, and honest conversation, you won’t want to miss this episode.

Connect with and Support Kurt

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hesterkurt/
• X: https://x.com/TheKurtHester
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurt-hester-69366016
• Support Coach Kurt: https://www.bonfire.com/kurt-hester-is-unbreakable/

Connect with Sam

• Website: https://www.samacho.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thesamacho
• X: https://x.com/thesamacho
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesamacho/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesamacho/
• YouTube: ⁨https://www.youtube.com/@TheSamAchoPodcast

Book Sam to speak at your event: https://www.samacho.com/speaking

Read Sam's books

• Let the World See You: https://www.samacho.com/resources/let-the-world-see-you
• Change Starts With You: https://www.samacho.com/resources/change-starts-with-you

Chapter Outline
(00:00) Growing Up in the Louisiana Swamps
(07:05) A Day in the Life during Training Camp
(09:29) Battling Stage Four Cancer with Tenacity
(17:45) Adversity, Mindset, and the Meaning of Unbreakable
(21:12) Relationships over Results in Coaching
(29:43) Reconnecting with Faith through Hardship
(32:05) Building Community and Anticipating the Season

In this episode, Sam Acho sits down with University of Texas football standout Michael Taaffe for an honest conversation about faith, adversity, and what it means to pursue purpose on and off the field. Michael shares his journey from walk-on to All-American, the powerful lessons coaches have taught him, and how personal loss has shaped his drive and perspective. Together, they tackle tough subjects like overcoming setbacks, finding identity beyond athletic achievements, and turning tragedy into positive action. If you’re looking for inspiring stories of resilience, brotherhood, and faith lived out loud, this episode delivers real wisdom for anyone navigating life’s challenges.

Connect with Michael

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-taaffe-ab7a87244/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaeljtaaffe/
• X: https://x.com/MichaelTaaffe4

Connect with Sam

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thesamacho
• X: https://x.com/thesamacho
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesamacho/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesamacho/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSamAchoPodcast

Book Sam to speak at your event — https://www.samacho.com/speaking

Read Sam's books

• Let the World See You — https://www.samacho.com/resources/let-the-world-see-you
• Change Starts With You — https://www.samacho.com/resources/change-starts-with-you

Chapter Outline
(00:01) The Coaches Who Shape Character
(03:03) Betting on Purpose over Comfort
(04:53) The Power of Texas and Brotherhood
(06:28) Faith as the Foundation
(09:29) Adversity, Loss, and Finding Purpose
(12:46) Honoring Heroes and Advocating Change
(16:45) Building Faith and Brotherhood at Texas
(18:19) Life Verses and Legacy

This week on The Sam Acho Podcast, former NFL Pro Bowler and Buffalo Bills radio voice Eric Wood joins Sam and Clif Marshall for a deeply personal and wide-ranging conversation. Eric reflects on his unlikely journey from overlooked recruit to first-round draft pick, shares candid insights about sudden career-ending adversity, and opens up about work-life balance, faith, and the transformative power of community. With memorable stories and practical wisdom drawn from both the locker room and life after football, this episode is packed with encouragement for anyone navigating transition or searching for purpose beyond achievements. Don’t miss the honest lessons on resilience, generosity, and what truly defines victory.

Connect with Eric

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ewood70/
• X: https://x.com/ewood70
• What's Next with Eric Wood Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-next-with-eric-wood/id1454848755
• Eric's book, Tackle What's Next: https://www.amazon.com/Tackle-Whats-Next-Achieve-Business-ebook/dp/B0BHFF67Z6

Connect with Sam

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thesamacho
• X: https://x.com/thesamacho
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesamacho/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesamacho/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSamAchoPodcast

Book Sam to speak at your event: https://www.samacho.com/speaking

Read Sam's books

• Let the World See You: https://www.samacho.com/resources/let-the-world-see-you
• Change Starts With You: https://www.samacho.com/resources/change-starts-with-you

Chapter Outline
(00:01) From Underdog to Louisville Cardinal
(03:14) Finding Community and Giving Back
(05:08) Embracing Louisville Culture and the Kentucky Derby
(06:34) Discovering Confidence and Striving for Excellence
(09:39) Navigating Work-Life Balance and Family Priorities
(13:34) Perspective on Modern Football and Team Predictions
(17:02) Influential Coaches and Lifelong Lessons
(22:02) Faith, Books, and Spiritual Foundations
(23:47) Adversity, Identity, and the Role of Faith
(32:01) Redefining Victory and the Value of Community
(35:55) Accountability, Small Groups, and Lifelong Learning
(37:43) Life Verse and Spreading Joy
(40:24) Financial Stewardship and Lasting Contentment