In this episode of Struggle to Strength, host Akoya Blake dives into the remarkable journey of Bethany Hamilton, the professional surfer who survived a life-threatening shark attack at the age of 13. Despite losing her left arm, Bethany didn’t just survive — she thrived, returning to the surf and becoming one of the most influential figures in the sport.



We explore how Bethany’s struggle transformed into strength, as she faced immense physical, emotional, and mental challenges. From relearning how to surf with one arm to overcoming the psychological trauma of the attack, her story is a testament to resilience, perseverance, and the power of mindset.



Through personal reflections, stories of recovery, and the creation of the Bethany Hamilton Foundation, this episode shows how she turned her experience into a source of inspiration for millions. Join us for a powerful conversation about facing adversity, healing holistically, and using life’s toughest challenges to empower others.



Tune in for a story that will leave you motivated, empowered, and ready to conquer your own obstacles.

Bethany Hamilton – Turning Struggle Into Strength

Before the rockets, before the electric cars, before the billions—there was struggle. Elon Musk’s story isn’t just about innovation; it’s about surviving failure, rejection, and near-total collapse.

In this episode of Struggle to Strength, host Akoya Blake takes you inside Musk’s journey: from a bullied kid in South Africa to the brink of bankruptcy as rockets exploded and cars stalled. You’ll hear how he risked everything on SpaceX and Tesla, endured betrayal at PayPal, and pushed through “production hell” when everyone counted him out.

Love him or hate him, Musk’s path reveals timeless lessons about vision, resilience, and the price of chasing impossible dreams.

What’s your Mars—the dream that feels too big, too far away? This episode will challenge you to find it… and fight for it.

Elon Musk: From Collapse to Cosmos

In this powerful episode of Struggle to Strength, host Akoya Blake dives deep into the life of basketball icon Michael Jordan. More than just a story of slam dunks and championships, we explore the heart, grit, and resilience that defined his legendary career. From early setbacks and high school rejection to overcoming personal tragedy, Michael's journey is one of perseverance, comebacks, and an unwavering drive to be the best.Join us as we uncover the struggles, the sacrifices, and the mental toughness that shaped one of the greatest athletes in history. Whether you’re facing adversity in your own life or seeking inspiration to push forward, this episode will remind you that greatness isn’t just about success – it’s about how we rise from our failures.Tune in and get inspired by the man who turned every struggle into strength.This description is designed to capture the essence of the episode and make it appealing to listeners who want a blend of motivation, personal growth, and sports inspiration.

Michael Jordan: From Rejection to Greatness – The Power of Resilience"

Welcome to Struggle to Strength, the podcast that explores the transformative power of adversity. Hosted by Akoya Blake, each episode delves into the journeys of remarkable individuals who faced immense challenges, overcame them, and emerged stronger than ever. In this episode, we take a deep dive into the life of Abraham Lincoln, one of America’s most iconic leaders. From his humble beginnings to his presidency during the Civil War, Lincoln’s story is filled with personal loss, political battles, and moments of profound resilience.

Join us as we explore how Lincoln turned his struggles into strengths and the valuable lessons we can learn from his perseverance, emotional intelligence, and unwavering moral compass. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, motivation, or simply a reminder that strength comes from struggle, this episode will leave you feeling empowered to face your own challenges head-on.

Tune in, and let Lincoln’s legacy of resilience and leadership guide you on your own journey from struggle to strength.

Abraham Lincoln – 16th President of the United States and leader during the Civil War.

In this episode of Struggle to Strength, we dive into the inspiring journey of J.K. Rowling, the author of Harry Potter. While her name is synonymous with magic and success, her path to becoming one of the world’s most influential authors was anything but easy. From facing rejection after rejection to battling personal struggles, Rowling’s story is one of resilience, determination, and the power of not giving up. Join Akoya Blake as we explore how Rowling’s struggles shaped not only her own life, but the magical world we’ve all come to love. Tune in for a conversation on overcoming adversity, pushing through doubt, and finding strength in the face of challenges.

JKRowling Author of the Harry Potter series.

In this episode of Struggle to Strength, host Akoya Blake dives into the life of Thomas Edison, the inventor of the light bulb. Despite early struggles with failure, rejection, and a traditional education system that didn't understand him, Edison transformed adversity into innovation. Discover how his resilience, perseverance, and mindset turned the impossible into reality. From the light bulb to the phonograph, Edison’s journey is a powerful reminder that success is built on determination and learning from failure. Tune in for an inspiring exploration of how Edison’s struggles led to world-changing achievements and how his lessons can light the way for your own journey.

Thomas Edison – Inventor of the Light

In this episode of Struggle to Strength, Akoya Blake explores the inspiring journey of Nick Vujicic—a man born without arms or legs who has become a world-renowned motivational speaker and author. Nick’s story is one of extraordinary resilience, hope, and the power to overcome even the most daunting obstacles.



Join us as we dive into Nick’s early struggles, his path to finding purpose, and the life lessons he’s shared with millions around the globe. You’ll hear practical wisdom on how to turn pain into purpose, embrace vulnerability, and find meaning in your own challenges.



If you need a reminder that your struggles can become your strength, this episode is for you. Listen in for stories, insights, and motivation to help you live your own life—without limits.

Nick Vujicic: Life Without Limits

Struggle to Strength shares real, raw stories of people who turned their toughest challenges into powerful comebacks. Hosted by Akoya Blake, this podcast is your weekly dose of hope, grit, and inspiration—reminding you that every struggle can lead to strength.

Struggle to Strength Trailer

Struggle to Strength is a podcast sharing real, inspiring stories of people who have turned their toughest challenges into powerful comebacks. Each episode dives into honest conversations about adversity, resilience, and the lessons learned along the way. Whether it’s overcoming personal hardships, battling setbacks, or finding purpose in pain, Struggle to Strength celebrates the human spirit and reminds listeners that every struggle can lead to strength.

Akoya Blake

Shows