What does it really take to push past every limit life throws at you? In this powerful episode of Unemployable with Jeff Dudan, I sit down with world-record mountain climber, champion wrestler, and New York Times bestselling author Kyle Maynard. Born without arms and legs, Kyle has summited Kilimanjaro and Aconcagua, fought in jiu-jitsu world championships, built thriving businesses, and inspired millions. We talk about: Building grit and mental toughness when the odds say quit The hidden power of environment and who you choose to compete with Turning obstacles into opportunities—from sports to startups Lessons from extreme climbs, combat sports, and elite military friendships How to follow your bliss (and why real fulfillment requires struggle) Kyle’s story proves we all have invisible “disabilities”—and that greatness comes from the mindset we build, not the circumstances we’re born with. FREE COPY of Jeff's Book DISCERNMENT
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00:00 Welcome & episode overview 01:00 Kyle’s birth story and early family life 06:30 Growing up with a congenital amputation and choosing normalcy 11:05 Love of competition—football, wrestling, and early sports drive 17:30 Building a CrossFit gym during the 2008 market crash 23:30 Entrepreneurship lessons and delayed gratification 28:30 Wrestling journey—35 straight losses to state-level success 36:00 Wrestling style, technique adaptations, and breakthrough season 39:00 Discovering jiu-jitsu and competing in world championships 46:00 Facing brutal climbs on Kilimanjaro & Western Breach 51:00 Training, team dynamics, and summit emotions 57:00 Aconcagua expedition and being among the highest people in the world 1:01:00 Lessons from extreme challenges: mindset and environment 1:05:00 Life-changing encounters: Tim Ferriss, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and more 1:08:30 Universal challenges—we all have “invisible disabilities” 1:10:00 Building a global speaking career and inspiring audiences 1:12:00 What’s next—future climbs, projects, and teaching opportunities 1:16:00 Kyle’s one-sentence life advice: “Follow your bliss” #KyleMaynard, #JeffDudan, #UnemployablePodcast, #OvercomingAdversity, #EntrepreneurMindset, #MountainClimbing, #JiuJitsu, #Inspiration, #MentalToughness, #NoExcuses
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