Rain Brings Growth Podcast

Episode 56 | Jamie Shepard | Foster Care to Recovery: Addiction, Trauma & Generational Curses

Tue, 12 May 2026 20:00:00 -0600

In Episode 56 of the Rain Brings Growth Podcast, Matt sits down with Jamie Shepard for one of the most raw and emotional conversations yet.

Jamie opens up about growing up in foster care, surviving abuse, battling addiction, becoming a young mother, and spending years trapped in cycles of trauma and dysfunction before finally finding recovery, faith, and purpose.

This episode dives deep into generational trauma, toxic relationships, drug court, motherhood, healing, and what it truly means to break cycles and rebuild your life from the ground up. Jamie’s story is painful, powerful, and ultimately full of hope for anyone struggling through their own storm.

If you’ve ever felt broken, lost, addicted, abandoned, or stuck in survival mode… this conversation is for you.

Topics Covered:
• Foster care and childhood trauma
• Physical abuse and toxic family dynamics
• Addiction and substance abuse recovery
• Drug court and sobriety
• Motherhood and breaking generational curses
• Faith, healing, and personal growth
• Toxic relationships and rebuilding life
• Learning to live with purpose after pain

🎙️ Rain Brings Growth Podcast — real conversations about adversity, mindset, healing, faith, and growth.

Follow Jamie Shepard:
TikTok: @jamie.shep1904
Instagram: @jamieshepard1904

Follow Matt / MOD Fitness:
Instagram: @sidwell.fitness

📺 Subscribe for more powerful conversations and weekly episodes.

#RainBringsGrowthPodcast #AddictionRecovery #FosterCare #TraumaHealing #MentalHealth #Sobriety #Faith #RecoveryJourney #Podcast #JamieShepard #MattSidwell #GenerationalTrauma #HealingJourney #DrugCourt #RecoveryStory

Episode 55 | Scott Larson | He Survived a Plane Explosion, War, and Addiction… Then Changed His Life

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 -0600

What happens when you survive war… but almost lose your life to alcohol?

In Episode 55 of the Rain Brings Growth Podcast, Scott Larson shares a powerful story of survival, addiction, and redemption. From joining the military at 17 to experiencing a near-death moment when a C130 engine exploded mid-flight, Scott has lived through moments most people will never face.

But his hardest battle wasn’t overseas…

It was with alcohol.

This episode dives deep into the reality of addiction, especially in military and law enforcement culture, and what it truly takes to break free. Scott is now over 15 years sober and shares the mindset, discipline, and hard truths that helped him change his life.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode
* The near-death experience that changed everything
* How alcohol slowly takes control without you realizing it
* Why so many men struggle with addiction in silence
* The truth about discipline vs motivation
* How to break destructive habits and rebuild your life

Episode 54 | Hunting Talk | The Truth About Hunting: The Grind, Ethics, and The Stories Nobody Sees

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 12:00:00 -0600

In this roundtable episode of the Rain Brings Growth Podcast, we sit down with some of the real voices in the hunting space to break down what hunting actually looks like beyond the highlight reels.

Featuring creators like Richard Bettencourt from @SteepKuntryOutdoors Will Meyers of @rivertons9580 and Cole Rushton from @apexhunt9859 this conversation dives deep into the good, the bad, and the ugly of life in the mountains.

We talk about the moments you don’t see on TV — the missed shots, the long pack outs, the mental battles, and the responsibility that comes with pulling the trigger. From tracking animals for days to making tough ethical decisions, this episode pulls back the curtain on what it really means to hunt.

You’ll hear real stories about:

The emotional weight of wounding animals and doing everything possible to recover them
Why showing the full story is changing how hunters are perceived
The importance of understanding where your food comes from
How fitness, preparation, and mindset separate success from failure
Why hunting is deeper than just a kill — it’s connection, discipline, and respect

This isn’t just about hunting… it’s about earning something the hard way and appreciating it on a different level.

If you’ve ever questioned hunting, are new to it, or live it every season — this episode brings perspective that most people never hear.

Episode 53 | Scott Curtis | From DUI to Discipline, Faith, Risk, and Building a New Life

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 21:00:00 -0600

In Episode 53 of the Rain Brings Growth Podcast, Scott Curtis shares a raw, unfiltered story of transformation from reckless decisions and addiction to faith, discipline, and building a life with purpose.

Scott opens up about hitting rock bottom after a DUI at 21, battling substance abuse, and ultimately making the decision to change everything for his future family. From checking into rehab to walking away from a secure prison job, this episode dives deep into what it really takes to break destructive cycles and bet on yourself.

We talk about
• The truth about addiction and personal responsibility
• Why most people stay stuck and how to change
• Leaving security behind to pursue more in life and business
• The power of mentorship and surrounding yourself with the right people
• How faith transformed his mindset anxiety and direction
• Building businesses with purpose not just chasing money

Scott also shares his perspective on risk, why most people are afraid to take it, and how betting on yourself can completely change your life trajectory.

This is a conversation about ownership growth and becoming the man you are called to be.

If you are feeling stuck afraid to take the next step or know you are capable of more this episode will challenge you to level up.

Episode 53 with Scott Curtis is available now on YouTube Spotify and Apple Podcasts
Subscribe for more real conversations that push you to grow

Episode 52 | Erik Roberts | He Survived What Most Wouldn’t

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 15:00:00 -0600

This might be one of the most intense and powerful stories ever shared on the Rain Brings Growth Podcast.

Eric takes us through a life marked by extreme adversity…
A devastating motocross crash that left him paralyzed, in a coma, and fighting for his life…

But that was only the beginning.

From surviving near-death experiences… to enduring violence, trauma, and unimaginable personal battles… this episode dives deep into what it truly means to be tested.

We talk about:

Overcoming life-threatening injuries and being told you’ll never walk again
PTSD, depression, and the battles men fight in silence
Faith, purpose, and finding meaning through pain
Leadership, fatherhood, and protecting your family at all costs
Why sharing your story might save someone else’s life

This is not just a story about survival…
It’s about choosing to keep going when everything in you wants to quit.

If you’ve ever felt like giving up, this episode is for you.

You can follow Erik on Instagram @erik_roberts_177

🎧 Episode available on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts
👉 Subscribe to Rain Brings Growth Podcast for more real, raw conversations

Episode 51 Tyler Schuler Breaking Generational Curses With Food and Fitness

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 23:00:00 -0600

In this episode of the Rain Brings Growth Podcast, we sit down with Tyler Schuler, owner of The Protein Spot in Boise, Idaho. Tyler shares his powerful journey from being over 100 pounds overweight and pre-diabetic as a teenager to building multiple gyms and creating a healthy fast food alternative that is changing lives.

We dive deep into the hard truths around childhood obesity, generational habits, and how the environment you grow up in shapes your relationship with food. Tyler opens up about growing up in an unhealthy household, overcoming food addiction, and why he believes parents play a critical role in their children’s long-term health.

We also break down macros, food addiction, and how to build a sustainable approach to nutrition without cutting out the foods you love. Tyler shares the mission behind The Protein Spot and how he is helping families find healthier options without sacrificing taste.

If you are a parent, someone on a weight loss journey, or looking to break generational cycles, this episode will challenge your perspective and give you actionable insight.

Follow Tyler Schuler on Instagram: @theproteinspot_

🎙️ Rain Brings Growth Podcast
Available on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts
Make sure to subscribe on YouTube for more episodes

Episode 50 | She Forgave Her Sister’s Killer… This Is Her Story | Vanessa Ayala

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0600

Episode 50 of the Rain Brings Growth Podcast is one you won’t forget

Vanessa Ayala opens up about a life that most people would never see on the surface From what looked like a normal childhood to the reality of pain loss and growth behind closed doors this episode dives deep into the truth that everyone has a story you don’t see

Vanessa shares her journey growing up in California navigating ADHD chasing her passion in cosmetology and becoming a mother But everything changed in an instant when she experienced one of the highest highs in life followed immediately by unimaginable tragedy finding out her sister had been murdered

In this episode we talk about

The pressure of living a perfect life on the outside
ADHD motherhood and learning to manage chaos
Moving from California to Idaho for a fresh start
Faith forgiveness and finding purpose through pain
Processing trauma and healing after loss
What it really means to forgive the unforgivable

Vanessa’s story is raw real and powerful It is a reminder that growth does not come from the highlights it comes from the rain

If you have ever struggled questioned your path or needed hope in a dark season this episode is for you

Available on YouTube Spotify and Apple Podcasts

Follow Vanessa on Instagram
@the_tattoo_barber

Episode 49 | Luke Sanders — Faith, Fatherhood and Purpose

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 22:00:00 -0600

In this episode of the Rain Brings Growth Podcast, I sit down with Luke Sanders, also known as @skywalker.life, to talk about faith, fatherhood and becoming the man your family needs.

Luke shares his story growing up in a small town in Northern California, being raised in a large faith driven family, and transitioning into a Mennonite lifestyle that shaped his values, discipline and perspective.

We dive into the difference between religion and relationship with God, the importance of focusing on Jesus over denominations, and how men can lead their families with strength, purpose and integrity.

Luke also shares his experience moving to Uruguay for mission work, navigating culture shock, adversity and growth while building a life centered around faith and service.

If you are a dad looking to get stronger mentally, physically and spiritually, this episode is for you.

🎧 Available on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts
📲 Follow for more real stories, real growth and real conversations

Episode 38 – Brock Sande | From Uniforms to Building a Business

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 21:00:00 -0600

Episode 39 | Soldiers of the Cross

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 17:00:00 -0600

In this powerful episode, I sit down with leadership from Soldiers of the Cross, a men’s motorcycle ministry committed to searching for the one—the lost, the broken, and the forgotten.

Joining me are:
• Ben Hardister, President of the Modesto, California founding chapter
• Nick Dowdy, Vice President of the Modesto chapter
• Rod Garcia, President of the Idaho chapter

Soldiers of the Cross serves wherever God opens the door—inside prisons, on the streets, on mission trips, and in communities where help is needed most. Their mission is simple but heavy: show up, serve, and bring the Gospel to men who feel beyond reach.

We dive into powerful “God stories” from across the country and around the world—moments of redemption, divine timing, and lives changed through obedience. Ben also shares his experience spending years as a volunteer chaplain working with death row inmates at San Quentin State Prison, offering a perspective few ever hear.

This conversation touches on faith, purpose, suffering, redemption, brotherhood, and what it means to walk boldly in your calling—no matter where you’re starting from. No matter your walk of life, there is something in this episode that will hit home.

🔗 Learn more about Soldiers of the Cross:
👉 https://sotc.faith

Episode 40 — David “Menace” Stamper | From Chaos to Choice

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 16:00:00 -0600

In this raw and unfiltered episode of the Rain Brings Growth Podcast, I sit down with David Stamper, better known as Menace, to unpack a life that started in chaos and found its way to purpose.

David opens up about a traumatic childhood surrounded by meth labs, abuse, and addiction at a young age. He shares what it was like running away from home, spending three years in juvenile detention, and navigating early adulthood—including working on fishing boats in Alaska—while still battling destructive patterns.

As the partying escalated, so did the consequences: DUIs, jail time, and ultimately conceiving his child while sitting in county jail. David spent seven years in prison, a stretch that forced him to confront the man he had become and the father he needed to be. He also explains how he earned the nickname Menace, and what it represented during that season of his life.

This conversation is about accountability, hard-earned lessons, and the decision to change when every statistic says you won’t. David shares why he chose a different path, how fatherhood reshaped his priorities, and what becoming a better man truly looks like after a past like his.

If you believe growth can come from the darkest places, this episode is proof.

Episode 41 | Kameron Ross | Humbled by Illness, Held by Faith

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0600

In this episode of the Rain Brings Growth Podcast, I sit down with Kameron Ross to unpack a journey that went from discipline and drive to complete humility and rebuilding.

Kameron grew up with a deep love for jiu jitsu, fitness, and service. Between training, the gym, and serving on special teams at the jail where he worked, his life was built around physical capability and mental toughness. Then everything changed.

After months of unexplained health struggles and bouncing between specialists, Kameron was diagnosed with a form of Lyme disease. What followed was a long road of treatments, uncertainty, and loss. He was forced to step away from the gym, jiu jitsu, and the career roles that once defined him. The identity he had built was stripped away piece by piece.

We talk candidly about what it feels like to lose everything you care about, the mental battle that follows, and how pride is broken in seasons you never asked for. Most importantly, Kameron shares the crucial role his faith in Jesus Christ played in carrying him through the darkest moments when answers were few and strength was gone.

This episode is a powerful reminder that growth doesn’t always come from pushing harder. Sometimes it comes from being brought to your knees and learning who you really are when everything else is taken away.

If you’re walking through illness, loss, or a season that doesn’t make sense, this conversation is for you.

Episode 42 | Travis Taylor | From Rock Bottom to Redemption

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 10:00:00 -0600

What happens when success on the outside hides destruction on the inside?

In Episode 42 of the Rain Brings Growth Podcast, Matthew Sidwell sits down with Travis Taylor to share a raw and honest story about career success, addiction, loss, and ultimate redemption through faith.

Travis grew up around farm life and was raised in the Mormon church. After graduating high school, he slowly drifted away from his faith while searching for direction in life. A few years later, Travis began working in corrections as a stepping stone toward becoming a police officer. What started as a temporary job quickly turned into a full career as he promoted through the ranks and worked at multiple facilities.

While Travis appeared to be building a successful career, he was fighting a silent battle behind the scenes. Alcohol began taking control of his life, leading to destructive choices that eventually cost him everything including his job, his marriage, and his relationship with his child.

Travis shares his deeply personal journey through addiction, hitting rock bottom multiple times, attending rehab twice, and facing the difficult reality of rebuilding his life from nothing. Through his lowest moments, Travis found healing, purpose, and identity through Jesus Christ.

This episode is a powerful reminder that failure does not define your future and sometimes losing everything is the beginning of true transformation.

If you are struggling with addiction, loss, faith, or rebuilding your life after mistakes, this conversation will bring encouragement and hope.

⸻

🔥 Topics Covered In This Episode

Farm life upbringing and early influences
Growing up Mormon and walking away from faith
Working in corrections and promoting through the ranks
Hidden struggles with alcohol and addiction
Losing career, marriage, and family
Rock bottom moments and rehab journey
Finding faith and healing through Jesus Christ
Rebuilding identity and purpose

⸻

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Helping men and women turn adversity into growth.

⸻

📲 Follow Matthew Sidwell / MOD Fitness

Instagram: @sidwell.fitness
YouTube: Rain Brings Growth Podcast
Fitness Coaching: MOD Fitness

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⚠️ If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, you are not alone. There is help available and recovery is possible.

Episode 43 | Prison Talk: Bus Stuff | Wild Stories, Brotherhood & Behind The Scenes Prison Bus Life

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 10:00:00 -0600

What is it really like working prison transport and running a prison bus? In Episode 43 of the Rain Brings Growth Podcast, we sit down with Caleb, Tommy, Matt, and Scott to talk about their real-life experiences working corrections transport.

This episode is packed with hilarious stories, unforgettable moments, and raw conversations about the reality of life on the prison bus. The guys dive into the brotherhood built during long shifts, the unpredictable situations officers face, and the lessons learned from working one of the most unique roles inside corrections.

We cover the good, the bad, and the ugly of transport work while sharing stories that most people never hear about. If you’ve worked corrections, law enforcement, or enjoy hearing behind-the-scenes stories from intense careers, this episode is for you.

🔥 In This Episode We Cover:
• What prison transport is really like
• Wild and funny stories from the bus
• The brotherhood built in corrections
• The toughest moments officers face
• Lessons learned from working transport
• The culture behind prison bus teams

If you enjoy real conversations about growth, adversity, and life experiences, make sure to subscribe and join the Rain Brings Growth community.

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Follow & Connect With Rain Brings Growth Podcast:
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Facebook: Rain Brings Growth Podcast
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Host Instagram: @sidwell.fitness

Episode 45- Carly Slawson: What It Really Takes to Become a Surrogate Mother

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 10:00:00 -0600

In this episode of the Rain Brings Growth Podcast, host Matthew Sidwell sits down with Carly Slawson to discuss her recent experience as a surrogate mother and what the surrogacy process truly looks like behind the scenes.

Carly shares the full journey of becoming a surrogate, including the intense background checks, psychological evaluations, medical screenings, legal requirements, and approval process required just to be accepted into a surrogacy program. Many people do not realize how detailed and demanding the surrogate application process is, and Carly breaks down every step with honesty and transparency.

We dive deep into the mindset required to carry a baby for another family. Carly explains how she prepared emotionally and mentally to help parents who were not capable of having a baby on their own. She talks about the responsibility, purpose, and heart behind her decision and what it truly means to give the gift of life through gestational surrogacy.

This episode covers surrogacy requirements, surrogate mother qualifications, background checks for surrogates, emotional preparation for surrogacy, and what families should know about the surrogate journey. If you have ever wondered how to become a surrogate, what the screening process involves, or what motivates someone to help another family grow, this conversation offers real insight and perspective.

Guest
Carly Slawson
Surrogate Mother and Entrepreneur
Instagram carly_hairbycjs

Host
Matthew Sidwell
Founder of MOD Fitness
Host of the Rain Brings Growth Podcast

Follow the Podcast
Instagram rain.brings.growth.podcast
Available on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts

Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who would benefit from hearing Carly’s story.

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Episode 46 | Anthony Larson | Choosing Growth Over Comfort

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 10:00:00 -0600

In Episode 46 of the Rain Brings Growth Podcast, I sit down with Anthony Larson for a real conversation about pain, growth, and becoming who you were never expected to be.

Anthony shares his childhood and upbringing, and how lifting weights at a young age became his first outlet for discipline and self-belief. We walk through his early adult years, the different jobs he worked, and the winding path that eventually led him into the masonry field.

What started as labor turned into ownership.

Today, Anthony runs a business alongside his wife, and we break down the real learning curves of entrepreneurship, marriage, leadership, and building something from the ground up when there is no blueprint.

We also dive into his weight loss journey and how transforming his body transformed his mindset. That decision ultimately led him into bodybuilding, where he has taken 1st place on stage. This is not just a fitness story. It is a story about identity, discipline, and refusing to stay stuck.

The core theme of this episode is simple: pain creates growth, and growth requires breaking out of the mold your family, environment, or past tried to keep you in.

If you have ever felt boxed in by expectations or afraid to choose a harder path, this episode will resonate.

Episode 46 is now live on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.

Episode 47 | Ethan Edminsten | The Shocking Link Between Your Mouth and Your Health

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 10:00:00 -0600

In this episode of the Rain Brings Growth Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Ethan Edminsten, dentist and owner of Caldwell Dentistry Co. in Caldwell, Idaho.

Ethan shares the story of his childhood growing up homeschooled and moving across different states before eventually deciding as a teenager that dentistry was the career he wanted to pursue. We dive into what dental school is really like, including the intense education most people never hear about such as cadaver work and the deep understanding dentists must have of the human body.

We also talk about how oral health impacts the entire body, something many people overlook when thinking about their overall health.

This conversation tackles some of the most talked-about dental topics including:

• Fluoride and whether it is good or bad
• The truth about flossing
• Electric toothbrush vs manual toothbrush
• How oral health connects to overall health
• The reality of dental school and medical training

Ethan also opens up about something many people don’t realize about dentistry: the mental toll the profession can take. Dentistry is often feared or disliked by patients, and we discuss how he approaches patient care differently by building genuine relationships and making people feel comfortable instead of just treating them like another number.

Outside of dentistry, Ethan is stepping into a brand new chapter of life as a father, and we talk about family, hunting, archery, and balancing career with being present at home.

If you have ever wondered what dentists really think about flossing, fluoride, oral health, and dental care, this episode gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the profession and the person behind the chair.

Full Episode 47 of the Rain Brings Growth Podcast is now available.

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Topics Covered

Dentistry and dental school
Cadaver training in medical school
Fluoride debate
Flossing and electric toothbrushes
Oral health and whole body health
Mental health in dentistry
Building trust with patients
Fatherhood and family life
Hunting and archery

Connect with Dr. Ethan Edminsten

Caldwell Dentistry Co.
Caldwell, Idaho

Episode 48 | Rudy Vazquez | Hard Work, Culture, and Growing Up Fast

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 10:00:00 -0600

In Episode 48 of the Rain Brings Growth Podcast, I sit down with Rudy Vazquez, a barber at Goodfellas Barber Shop in Nampa, Idaho. This conversation is full of laughter, real stories, and hard truths about life, family, and growing up.

Rudy shares what life was like growing up working alongside his parents in the fields picking produce at a young age. Those early experiences shaped his work ethic and perspective on family, culture, and responsibility.

We also dive into Mexican culture and traditions, including Rudy’s honest take on how quinceañeras have changed over the years and why he feels the meaning behind them has shifted.

The episode gets real as Rudy talks about the trouble he got into growing up. From driving without privileges at 12 years old to breaking and entering during teenage beer runs, he reflects on the lessons those moments taught him and how they shaped the man he is today.

We also talk about fatherhood, the parenting moments that test us, and how becoming a dad changes your priorities and outlook on life.

This episode is packed with humor, humility, and honest reflection about where we come from and how we grow from it.

If you enjoy real conversations about fatherhood, culture, work ethic, and personal growth, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

🎙️ Episode 48 of the Rain Brings Growth Podcast

Available now on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.

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Episode 44 Charlie Fortik

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 15:00:00 -0700

In this powerful episode of the Rain Brings Growth Podcast, we sit down with Charlie Fortik, owner of 3D Fitness and co-founder of Bunker Supplements, to share one of the most raw redemption stories ever featured on the show.

Charlie opens up about growing up in extreme poverty and chaos. He endured abuse from his mom’s boyfriends, grew up surrounded by crime, and at times survived by eating out of McDonald’s garbage cans. By the age of 11, Charlie was living completely on his own in a small camper in a field, forced to survive with no guidance, no protection, and no safety net.

He shares how fighting became his outlet, eventually leading him into a professional MMA career, but also how unresolved trauma followed him into adulthood. After the passing of his father, Charlie entered a downward spiral that resulted in five years in prison, a moment that could have ended everything.

Instead, it became the turning point.

This episode dives deep into how Charlie used pain, discipline, and accountability to rebuild his life, build successful fitness businesses, and help others understand that their past does not define their future.

If you have ever felt trapped by your circumstances, weighed down by trauma, or unsure if real change is possible, this conversation is for you.

🌧️ You have to go through some rain to get the growth on the other side.

🎧 Guest Information

Charlie Fortik is the owner of 3D Fitness, a private members-only gym, and the co-founder of Bunker Supplements. He is a former professional MMA fighter and a survivor of childhood abuse, homelessness, and incarceration. Charlie’s mission is to help others build discipline, confidence, and purpose, especially those who feel stuck because of their past.

🧠 Topics Covered in This Episode

Childhood abuse and extreme poverty
Living alone at 11 years old
Homelessness and survival
Growing up around crime
Professional MMA fighting
Losing a parent
Spending five years in prison
Rebuilding life through discipline and fitness
Entrepreneurship and second chances

🔗 Guest & Business Social Media Links

Charlie Fortik Instagram
https://instagram.com/maryandcharliefortik

3D Fitness Instagram
https://instagram.com/3dfitnessllc

Bunker Supplements Instagram
https://instagram.com/bunker_supplements

🎙️ Host Information

This episode is hosted by Matthew Sidwell, host of the Rain Brings Growth Podcast. Matthew is an online fitness coach for parents over 30, a father of four, and an advocate for mindset, discipline, faith, and generational growth. He created Rain Brings Growth to share real, unfiltered stories of people who have walked through darkness and come out stronger.

🔗 Host & Podcast Social Media Links

Matthew Sidwell Instagram
https://instagram.com/sidwell.fitness

Matthew Sidwell Facebook
https://facebook.com/
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Rain Brings Growth Podcast Instagram
https://instagram.com/rain.brings.growth.podcast

Rain Brings Growth Podcast Facebook
https://facebook.com/
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Rain Brings Growth Podcast YouTube
https://youtube.com/@rainbringsgrowthpodcast

Rain Brings Growth Podcast TikTok
https://tiktok.com/@rain.brings.growth.podcast

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Redemption
Fitness
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Faith
Prison reform
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Fatherhood
Discipline

Episode 36 Prison Talk

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 19:00:00 -0700

This episode is a special one. We sat down for a raw, real, and hilarious four-way conversation with four former corrections officers who spent years inside the walls most people never see behind. Joining the roundtable are Matthew Sidwell, Kyle Nations, Brock Sande, and Jeffery Anderson, and together we share the stories you don’t hear unless you lived it.

We dive into the reality of prison life from the officer’s side—major incidents, intense moments, fights, adrenaline dumps, and what it truly takes to stay calm when chaos breaks loose. But we also talk about the funny memories, the pranks, the camaraderie, and how you find ways to make a dark environment enjoyable just to survive it mentally.

There’s laughter. There’s perspective. There’s honesty. And there’s also reflection on what we miss, what we don’t, and how those years shaped us as men, fathers, and leaders today.

If you’ve ever wondered what prison is really like for the people working behind the gates, buckle up—this one is wild, emotional, and absolutely unforgettable.

Rain brings growth… even in the hardest places. 🌧️➡️🌱

Listen, laugh, learn, and gain a new appreciation for the men and women who suit up and step into that world every day.