Beyond Grit digs deep into what makes people successful as well as the cost of success. You will hear behind-the-scenes stories about the peaks and valleys involved in relentlessly pursuing a dream. Nothing comes for free, there is always a cost and smarts alone don’t guarantee success. It’s a person’s drive and determination, discipline and grit - that is the difference maker. If you’ve lived the journey or in the midst of it, you can’t help but appreciate these extraordinary tales of success.log
Episodes
Wednesday Jun 09, 2021
Wednesday Jun 09, 2021
- 2020 Charlottean of the Year.
- 2021 BOB award for best chef - Co-chef of the Year shared with Paul Verica – The Stanley.
- Appeared on The Food Network’s Beat Bobby Flay and did just that – beat Bobby Flay!
- Launched Your Farms, Your Table in response to the global shutdown.
- Personal Chef to Carolina Panther’s star, Christian McCaffrey
- Co-Leader of the Charlotte chapter of Ben’s Friends - addiction recovery support for those in the food and beverage industry.
Cooking is an art form for this week’s guest and we get a taste of what goes into making each creation a delicious masterpiece. Unfortunately, Chef Sam Diminich was one of the many restaurant workers to be furloughed because of the COVID-19 shutdown. Restaurant closures across the region negatively impacted the local farming industry as well. But for the brilliant minds of gritty entrepreneurs, new problems present new opportunities for solutions. Chef Sam Diminich cannot only “take the heat,” but also seems to be refined by the fire. Your Farms, Your Table has not only provided a means of service to local farmers but also serves the entire community by delivering locally grown and prepared gourmet meals to Charlotte residents. Because of his grit and determination to provide for his family, 2020 turned out to be a wildly successful year for Chef Diminich - and that was only the beginning.
Each ingredient tells a story of how it journeyed from “farm” to “table” and Chef Sam embraces every single detail. This week, we are embracing every detail of his story. His passion for food and love for bringing people together has led him down this incredible path of hope in the face of adversity. Grab a dish and gather ‘round the table as we savor this week’s episode. Delizioso!
Find Chef Sam Diminich at:
Website: www.yourfarmsyourtable.com
Instagram: @yourfarmsyourtable
@chefsamdiminich
Facebook: Facebook.com/sam.diminich
External Links:
Beat Bobby Flay
https://www.charlotteobserver.com/charlottefive/c5-food-drink/article239389583.html
2020 Charlottean of the Year: Chef Sam Diminich
https://www.charlottemagazine.com/2020-charlotteans-of-the-year-sam-diminich/
For $30, Christian McCaffrey’s Chef will Deliver a 3-course Meal to your Door
Wednesday Jun 02, 2021
Wednesday Jun 02, 2021
It has been said that life is a marathon, not a sprint, and the one who wins is the one who endures to the end. But for this week’s guest, marathons truly are life. In this episode, Rob sits down with leading triathlete and top ironman competitor, Tanya Houghton, to discuss the mental strength and determination required to become a world champion in one of the most challenging sports of our time.
As a newcomer on the scene in 2008, Houghton made a lasting first impression, placing in the top ten in her very first race. That top-10 finish lit a fire within her and she became laser-focused on competing and becoming the best in her age group. Coaching herself and spending 20+ hours training each week, completely adjusting her diet, and doing whatever it takes to finely-tune her mind and body, she has climbed to the top positions in multiple races throughout the world and continues to dominate in her field. Houghton recently qualified for her 5th full World Championship and has done so every year at the 70.3 distance. The race is not given to the swift, but the one who endures and this fierce competitor has endured multiple stress fractures, a global pandemic, 4 children, and everything that comes along with being a mom, but nothing seems to slow her pace. Now, Houghton is a certified triathlete coach and fitness instructor, leading others down the path to victory. Through it all, she somehow manages to stay focused on her goals and embodies what it means to live a life beyond grit. Listen and be inspired as we take a few laps around the track and discover what it takes to become an “iron-woman” marathon warrior.
Wednesday May 26, 2021
Wednesday May 26, 2021
Melissa was born and raised in Charlotte, NC. She received her Bachelor's degree in Furnishings and Interiors from the University of Georgia.
She was introduced to the new home construction world early on in her career. She has since had the opportunity to work with many of the area's top builders.
Being a woman in a male-dominated field had its challenges, but she never let that stop her from becoming an expert in her field. It was her confidence and a willingness to learn about the construction industry that has earned her respect.
You can find her at:
www.crowndesigngroupofnc.com Instagram: @crowndesigngroupofnc
Wednesday May 19, 2021
Wednesday May 19, 2021
Kent is not only an artist from Charlotte, NC; he's a pretty good guy. He has built a successful business around being true to himself, giving things away, and just being kind.
His stories are heartfelt, and his purpose is genuine. It was a great conversation with lots of laughs throughout the interview.
He has collaborated with Nobull Project, Lululemon, cb2, Lulu and Georgia, Magnolia Market, to name a few.
You can find him on:
IG @kentyoungstrom www.kentyoungstrom.com Facebook @kentyoungstrom
Wednesday May 12, 2021
Wednesday May 12, 2021
@moestronger
Michele currently holds:
- 17 NC State Records in all powerlifting lifts
- Ranks 10 in the country-overall
- She holds the American Record in the deadlift for her age
- She competed in her first National powerlifting meet in November
Michele was a runner, then CrossFitter, and now a powerlifter. While watching her daughters compete, she met a woman slightly older than her, competing and wearing a CrossFit shirt. From that moment, everything changed for her.
That's the moment she started her journey into powerlifting.
Not only is Michele a competitive powerlifter, but she is also the CEO of Moestronger Nutrition and Fitness. She's now able to share her love of fitness and nutrition.
You can find her at: www.moestronger.com Instagram: @Moestronger Facebook: Moestronger Linkedin: Moestronger!
Wednesday May 05, 2021
Wednesday May 05, 2021
Scoot fell in love with music listening to his mom play gospel music around the house. He grew up in Kings Mountain, NC, surrounded by music and musicians.
Scoot started touring while still in high school. He still plays over 300 gigs a year and has been for over 30 years.
He tells a great story of growing up and his journey through life as a musician. Scoots had some great memories and some not-so-great memories along the way.
You can still hear him playing all around town. You can find him at:
www.scootmusic.com
Instagram: @scootpittman Facebook: scoot Poovey Pittman
Wednesday Apr 28, 2021
Wednesday Apr 28, 2021
Cory Worf has had an accomplished career and life, coaching, running multiple businesses, a charity bike ride across the country, and running a successful CrossFit gym here in Weddington, NC.
You can find him on:
Wednesday Apr 21, 2021
Wednesday Apr 21, 2021
@Olin_lester_writer proudly served in the US Army for four years. After the military, he decided to become a police officer. After driving around the southeast searching for a department to join, he landed in Charlotte, NC, where he has served for nearly twenty years.
He has worn many hats within the department, from sniper to K9 and many in between.
Olin is also a published author of horror/thriller stories. The Missing and The Message. He is currently working on the sequel to The Missing.
Links to order Olin Lester's books on Amazon:
Wednesday Apr 14, 2021
Wednesday Apr 14, 2021
@pamelagagnon is a gymnastics master. She has tirelessly honed her skills over the years. Those skills afforded her lifelong opportunities, which include:
Competing at Rutgers University-1992-96
Masters University of Pennsylvania - 1999
CrossFit Games Athlete - 2014,15,17
Started Performance Plus 2016 - @performanceplusprogram
CrossFit gymnastic Staff 2013-present
She is also a mom to two great kids 17&19
She shows how hard work, both mentally and physically, has helped her succeed.
Help us grow by taking a screenshot, tagging me, and sharing to your story!
Wednesday Apr 07, 2021
Wednesday Apr 07, 2021
Chuck grew up in the Detroit area of Michigan. He joined the Army out of high school, which led him to North Carolina. After the military, Chuck knew that sitting behind a desk was not his path. Since that time, he has owned multiple car audio stores, a Furniture store, a successful building/contractor career, and now the Fayetteville Marksmen Hockey Team owner. He's a true entrepreneur.