In this powerful and deeply moving episode of Next Rung Radio, we sit down with Cathy A. Lewis, one of America’s first female executive chefs who’s cooked for NFL, NBA, and NHL teams, music legends, and Indy 500 champions and now an award‑winning author and speaker whose story of redemption will stir your soul. From the high‑pressure chaos of the restaurant world and the heartbreak of addiction to a radical life transformation through faith, Cathy reveals how she rebuilt her identity from the inside out. Her courage to confront her past, rediscover her worth, and boldly walk away from destructive habits is nothing short of miraculous. This conversation is raw, redemptive, and real, a true masterclass in grace, resilience, and the power of saying yes to a new life.

Episode Highlights

One of America’s first female executive chefs, who cooked for elite athletes, celebrities, and music icons and then found a higher calling through faith.

Opens up about years of addiction, burnout, and searching for identity in the wrong places and how a divine encounter completely transformed her life.

Shares how recommitting to Christ turned her from survivor to servant, now using her culinary gifts to minister to those who minister.

Reveals the spiritual awakening that inspired her to write two award‑winning historical fiction books based on her father’s WWII experiences.

Encourages listeners to face their past, find their peace, and rediscover purpose through faith, forgiveness, and community.

To Learn More About Cathy Visit: Cathy A Lewis

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his week on Next Rung Radio, we dive into the colorful world of Dean Tomasek, a rare creative who’s lived multiple artistic lifetimes. From painting stage sets for Dolly Parton, Alice Cooper, and KISS, to playing bass on tour and designing murals across the country, Dean’s story is one of true resilience, humility, and raw creative fire. Hear how he shifted from supporting roles to owning his artistry, stayed grounded through feast-or-famine seasons, and built a legacy out of saying YES, even when he didn’t know how. Whether you’re torn between passions or looking for clarity in your creative path, this conversation will inspire you to trust your voice, follow your hands, and keep climbing, no matter what the canvas looks like.

Episode Highlights

From bassist to muralist: Dean shares how he carved out careers in both music and visual art.

Created legendary stage designs for Dolly Parton, Grace Potter, Alice Cooper, and even Kiss (including 6-ft muscular cat sculptures!).

Talked about carving giant stage props from Styrofoam with heat wires and rasps, pure grit and invention.

Reveals the power of diversity in creativity and the value of being a “yes man” even when the task seems impossible.

Highlights how working through the pandemic taught him to pivot and adapt using digital sales and commissioned art.

To Learn More About Dean Visit: Dean Tomasek

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In this deeply moving and iconic episode of Next Rung Radio, we sit down with Manuel Cuevas , the 92-year-old master tailor behind the looks of Johnny Cash, Elvis, Dolly Parton, and hundreds of the world’s most celebrated artists. From picking up a needle at age seven to shaping fashion history, Manuel shares how clothing isn't just fabric: it's identity, storytelling, and legacy. With poetic humility and a mischievous grin, he reminds us that true beauty lies within, he just adorns it so the world can recognize it. This isn’t just about rhinestones and runways... it’s about purpose, perseverance, and the soul of creation.

If you’ve ever doubted your gift or wondered what it means to truly love what you do, this episode is your wake-up call.

Episode Highlights

Legendary fashion designer who began sewing at age 7 and went on to dress Elvis, Johnny Cash, and even presidents.

Describes his mission not to change people but to help them feel seen and celebrated through what they wear.

Emphasized cooperation, legacy, and passion as cornerstones of longevity in any creative field.

Still creating at 92, sharing wisdom on why work doesn’t feel like work when you love what you do.

To Learn More About Manuel Visit Manuel Couture

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Get ready for an explosive episode, literally. In this week’s Next Rung Radio Podcast, we sit down with pyrotechnics mastermind Randy Bast, the man behind the fire, sparks, and spectacle for rock legends like KISS, AC/DC, Rush, and even NASCAR and HBO. From lighting his first fuse at just 18 to creating jaw-dropping stage effects across 40+ countries, Randy’s journey is one of grit, passion, and pure rock ‘n’ roll chaos. He opens up about his early hustle as a concert promoter, life on tour with the world’s biggest acts, and the mindset it takes to transform a wild dream into a decades-long global business. You’ll hear about the lessons behind the flames, the financial risks, the heart-stopping setbacks, and the sheer determination that kept him climbing rung after rung toward mastery. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, artist, or dream chaser, this episode will ignite your inner fire and remind you that you can build the life you love...one spark at a time.

Episode Highlights

From local concert promoter to pyrotechnic legend for KISS, AC/DC, and Rush.

Built a global business around his passion for fire, light, and spectacle.

Talks openly about financial risks, creative resilience, and learning to ignite success without burning out.

Reveals how integrity, relationships, and adaptability kept him thriving for decades.

Inspires entrepreneurs to “find your fire” no matter what industry you’re in.

To learn more about Randy Visit High Tech Special Effects

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From a Memphis drum kit to Emmy wins and multiple No. 1 hits, Trey Bruce has spent decades shaping songs and artists who shape the culture. In this wide-open conversation, Trey explains how he turns a spark into a song people actually feel, why “vernacular” matters when writing for different voices, and how he can tell fast when someone’s a real artist. We dig into development vs. radio, why great artists don’t have to write everything they sing, and how streaming built a thriving “middle class” of independent careers. Trey shares stories from the rooms (Tootsie’s to Bridgestone), the discipline behind inspiration, and the producer’s job of pulling artists toward their truest corner, even when the market pushes back. If you’re stuck on a rung: writer, artist, or entrepreneur, this episode gives you an honest map: study the craft, cut the best songs (not just yours), evolve bravely, and keep your eye on the long game.

To Learn More About Trey Visit: https://www.treybruce.com

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Strict rules. Crushing perfectionism. A decade tangled in opioids. A failed marriage. And the day she found her father after an overdose. By every measure, Jamie Creech had reasons to stop climbing. Instead, she chose the hard path...the one with treatment, truth, and rebuilding. In this raw, hope-heavy conversation, Jamie shares how chasing acceptance turned into addiction, why grief first pulled her under, and how she reframed her father’s death into a mandate to live. We talk about owning consequences, choosing uncomfortable growth, and surrounding yourself with people who won’t let you quit. Today, Jamie is the CEO of Creech Ladder & Racks / Commercial Truck and Van Up Fitting, carrying a multi-generational legacy forward while leading a team and a thriving national operation. If you’re stuck on the bottom rung—wrestling with self-worth, relapse, or the weight of expectations—this episode offers practical footholds: identity over image, 1% better every day, and the courage to take the harder road.

To Learn more about Jmie and Creech Ladder Visit: https://www.creechladder.com

https://www.facebook.com/AddiMom19

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He built his first obstacles with his grandpa on weekends, bled on monkey bars he couldn’t cross, and years later placed Top 10 on NBC’s American Ninja Warrior at just 16. Now 20, Nashville native Elijah “Boss Ninja” Browning has competed across 34 states and 4 countries, coaches a podium-stacked youth team, builds full courses, and turns passion into business—from merch to sports-card investing. In this high-energy conversation, Elijah breaks down how to love the grind, why “dirty reps” beat highlight reels, and the mindset that lets you perform when millions are watching. He shares the gut-punch of COVID canceling his first ANW call-up, the comeback that followed, and the moment he realized Ninja isn’t his identity—it’s his outlet. We dig into course design secrets, why certain obstacles separate good from great, and how he’s helping the next generation fly (literally) further, faster, smarter. If you need a shot of resilience, practical discipline, and entrepreneurial spark, this one’s a buzzer hit.

To Learn More About Elijah "The Boss Ninja" Visit http://www.thebossninja.com

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What really powers a world-class tour? In this episode, Ron sits down with veteran tour and artist manager Chuck Pursel, a behind-the-scenes force with 30+ years in live entertainment. From production tents at sunrise to settlements after midnight, Chuck has worn nearly every hat on the road: stage manager, production manager, tour manager and he’s learned the secret to longevity: keep your cool, build a family, and be a good human. He shares how a single moment watching a beaming worker at a row of porta-johns reset his entire perspective, why attitude matters as much as skill, and how teams thrive when conflict is handled offstage, not shouted across it. Chuck also opens up about the 18 months live music went dark, the humbling pivot he made to keep the lights on, and the surge of gratitude when the buses rolled again. Plus: the making of Tracy Lawrence’s Turkey Fry—from a handful of church friends to 80 fryers and thousands fed & what it takes to move 30+ trucks city to city, and the non-negotiables he looks for when hiring. If you want a masterclass in tour culture, leadership under pressure, and purpose that outlasts the spotlight, this conversation is your all-access pass.

To Learn More about Chuck Visit: Instagram @chuckpursel

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