E57: The Unconventional Truth About Grit (Even When Life Hits Hard)

"To me, grit is really about being faced with adversity or getting hit with something and not collapsing under the weight of it. But being able to come back not only to baseline, but to go above baseline based on training, based on that strength that you've built." - Eric Hodgdon

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Eric Hodgdon, widely known as The Grit Guy, is a 2x TEDx speaker, Amazon bestselling author, and leading transition coach who empowers high-achievers to break free from corporate constraints and build resilient, purpose-driven lives and businesses. With over 25 years in corporate leadership, Eric draws on profound personal experience - including navigating the grief of losing his daughter - to teach the power of grit, resilience, and a growth mindset. Through his work as a lifestyle business mentor, grief coach, and founder of The Grit Guy, he helps ambitious professionals launch parallel incomes, navigate major life transitions, and create futures they truly control.

In this heartfelt and powerful episode, Eric takes us on a journey through life's setbacks, grief, and the transformative power of resilience and storytelling.

From overcoming personal tragedy to helping others find their strength, Eric demonstrates that real grit isn’t armour, but response - built through vulnerability, purpose, and connection.

In this episode:

• Eric’s transition from a successful IT career to resilience coaching after facing profound loss
• The true meaning of grit
• How storytelling heals the brain and fosters universality in pain and recovery
• The myth that time heals all wounds and why proactive steps accelerate healing
• Strategies for helping others through grief and building resilience in personal and professional life
• The importance of embracing vulnerability and living purposefully
• Practical insights on practicing and preparing for life’s challenges, including public speaking and racing

Connect with Eric:

• ⁠Instagram: @thegritguy⁠
• The Grit Guy Website – Learn how Eric helps you transition from employee to entrepreneur

Resources and More:

• The Little Book of Talent by Daniel Coyle – Discover why struggle is essential for growth
• Steven Pressfield - The War of Art – Overcome resistance and unlock your creative potential

This episode reminds us that resilience is built day by day, through response over armour, story over silence. Whether you're running, working, or facing life's unexpected setbacks, embracing vulnerability, connection, and a growth mindset can transform your pain into purpose. If you’re navigating your storm, Eric’s message is clear - you're not alone, and the next step is always possible.

In a world of runners, be a RUNEGADE.

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Connect with Todd, Mark and Harvey:

• ​Email: runegadepodcast@gmail.com
• ​Todd on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@altramarathonman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ​Mark on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@runclemark⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ​Harvey on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@altra_harvey⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RUNEGADE on Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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