In this heartfelt episode of the Refine & Shine Podcast, host Angelina Rivera reconnects with longtime friend Cole Watson to share a powerful story of resilience and faith. Diagnosed with osteosarcoma (bone cancer) as a teenager, Cole faced life-changing challenges that tested his strength and spirit. Against all odds, he fulfilled his dream of walking across the graduation stage, proving that determination can overcome even the toughest battles.
Today, Cole shines as a father, professional, and entrepreneur—using lessons from his journey to inspire others. He opens up about his father’s tragic passing, the life-saving impact of life insurance, his passion for Toastmasters leadership, and the mindset practices—like martial arts philosophy, intermittent fasting, and cold therapy—that help him thrive.
This episode is an invitation to embrace resilience, lean into faith, and find purpose in life’s hardest moments.
✨ Whether you’re facing personal struggles, seeking motivation to push through, or curious about how faith and discipline create lasting resilience, Cole’s story will encourage you to keep going—no matter what life throws your way.
🔗 Resources & Links
- Connect with Cole
- Www.strongmaninsurance.com
Host Contact Information:
- Website: www.angelinarivera.com
- Facebook: Angelina Rivera
- Instagram: @refineandshinepodcast | @the.angelina.rivera
- YouTube: Refine and Shine Podcast | Angelina Rivera
- LinkedIn: Angelina Rivera | Refine and Shine Podcast
- Book a Free Discovery Call: Click Here
- Sukha App: https://TheSukha.co/?ref=angelina (free 7 day tool trial, no cc)
#CancerSurvivor #Resilience #FaithAndStrength #LifeLessons #RefineAndShine #InspirationPodcast #PersonalGrowth #Motivation #Toastmasters #OvercomeChallenges
Healing in Real Time: Conversations That Matter: 10/3/2025 10 AM PT | 1 PM ET - Register
Feeling overwhelmed by endless to-do lists and constant distractions? Join the 8-week Unlock Your Time Potential program to reclaim your time and boost productivity. Join the waitlist today at angelinarivera.com/unlock-your-time-potential. We start mid-October 2025.
If this episode inspired you, please like, subscribe, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! ⭐
Your feedback helps the Refine & Shine Podcast reach more amazing listeners like you.
Don’t forget to share this episode with someone who needs a reminder that healing and transformation are possible at any age.
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Popular Podcasts
My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark
My Favorite Murder is a true crime comedy podcast hosted by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark. Each week, Karen and Georgia share compelling true crimes and hometown stories from friends and listeners. Since MFM launched in January of 2016, Karen and Georgia have shared their lifelong interest in true crime and have covered stories of infamous serial killers like the Night Stalker, mysterious cold cases, captivating cults, incredible survivor stories and important events from history like the Tulsa race massacre of 1921. My Favorite Murder is part of the Exactly Right podcast network that provides a platform for bold, creative voices to bring to life provocative, entertaining and relatable stories for audiences everywhere. The Exactly Right roster of podcasts covers a variety of topics including historic true crime, comedic interviews and news, science, pop culture and more. Podcasts on the network include Buried Bones with Kate Winkler Dawson and Paul Holes, That's Messed Up: An SVU Podcast, This Podcast Will Kill You, Bananas and more.
24/7 News: The Latest
The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com