Who You Became

I Broke My Back at 15 and Never Stopped Moving | Jacob Barneck

At 15, Jacob Barneck was headed to a football camp when a car accident shattered his back and left him paralyzed. Doctors told him he would never walk again. His response? "It's going to be fine. I'll walk again."  In this episode of Who You Became, Jacob shares the remarkable journey of choosing to walk — literally and figuratively — through every challenge life placed in front of him. From spending nights in his hospital bed willing his toes to move, to giving up his cane, to proposing to his wife Amy on their very first date, Jacob's story is one of unshakeable positivity, an unwavering belief in himself, and relentless forward motion.  
Now 49 years old, a husband of nearly 28 years, father of five, and a professional who has helped organizations like Goldman Sachs, Citibank, and USAA save close to half a billion dollars, Jacob is just getting started. His mission: to positively influence the lives of 10,000 people. His method: go make someone's day better.
 
Connect with Jacob
Common Sense Profile
LinkedIn
Instagram

The Long Road to Loving What You Do | Annika Finley

In this episode of Trials and Triumphs, we’re joined by Annika Finley, a Salt Lake City-based real estate agent whose journey to finding a career she loves was anything but straightforward. From moments of confusion and doubt to finally discovering her passion in helping others buy and sell homes, Annika opens up about the multi-year process of figuring out what she was meant to do.
Now a thriving realtor, wife, and new mom, Annika shares her story of trusting the process, learning through trial and error, and ultimately embracing the slow and sometimes uncomfortable journey of career discovery. Whether you're currently navigating a professional pivot or trying to find more meaning in your work, Annika's story is a refreshing reminder that the path doesn’t have to be perfect to lead to purpose.
Connect with Annika:
Instagram: @Annikasellsdreamhomes
Cell: 801-598-7786
Email: Annikasellshomes@gmail.com
EXIT Realty Success

Faith, Divorce & The Marriage I Prayed For | Ekam Makkar

In this heartfelt episode of Trials and Triumphs, we sit down with Ekam Wehi to explore a journey marked by courage, faith, and unexpected new beginnings. Born in India and raised in Canada, Ekam was raised in a Sikh household—but everything changed when she discovered the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Despite family opposition, she chose to follow her spiritual convictions and was baptized as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
But not long after, she faced the heartbreak of divorce and the painful task of rebuilding her life. Through it all, her faith remained a constant source of strength.
Now living in Australia with her new husband and their baby daughter, Ekam is thriving as a business owner and Assistant Director at a Montessori childcare center. In this episode, she shares about growing up Sikh, choosing Jesus despite cultural challenges, navigating divorce, and starting over with hope and resilience.
Ekam’s story is a powerful reminder that sometimes, the deepest triumphs are born from our hardest trials.
 
Music by Kyrylo Momot from Pixabay

Hope Beyond Delay: Faith Precedes Marriage | Namon Bills

In this episode of Trials and Triumphs, we sit down with Namon Bills, an artist-turned-UX designer whose journey has been anything but conventional. Growing up as the oldest of eight children in Spanish Fork, Utah, Namon developed a deep love for creativity and storytelling. After earning a BFA from BYU and an MFA from Utah State University, he started his career in the newspaper industry, eventually leading a weekly publication that won several awards. But when life called for a change, Namon took a leap into the world of UX design—learning HTML, CSS, and user experience on the job.
Throughout his journey, Namon has navigated career pivots, embraced lifelong learning, and balanced the demands of creativity, work, and family life. In this conversation, he shares insights on resilience, adapting to unmet expectations, and the power of following your heart—even when the path takes unexpected turns.
Join us as we dive into Namon’s story of artistic beginnings, professional reinvention, and the lessons he's learned along the way.
 
You can learn more about Namon here:
LinkedIn
 
Music by Kyrylo Momot from Pixabay

How To Go From Outcast to President | Paul Victor

In this episode of Trials and Triumphs, we’re joined by Paul Victor—world traveler, entrepreneur, and former BYU student body president—who has spent the last 15 months backpacking across 40 countries. From volunteering on the front lines in Ukraine to helping schools in Palestine, navigating high-risk areas, and providing aid in leprosy colonies in India, Paul’s journey has been nothing short of extraordinary.
But behind the adventure is a story of resilience, self-discovery, and stepping outside of comfort zones. Paul opens up about overcoming self-doubt, navigating career pivots, and how embracing discomfort has shaped his perspective on life and success. Now, as the co-founder of a travel company focused on making global experiences more accessible, he’s helping others unlock the power of international opportunities for both financial and personal growth.
Join us as we dive into Paul’s incredible experiences, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and how pushing boundaries can lead to a life of purpose and adventure.
Connect with Paul Victor:
📸 Instagram: @latterdayhindu
📺 YouTube: Paul Victor Travels
📘 Facebook: Paul Victor
 
Music by Kyrylo Momot from Pixabay