The decision point between breaking & breakthrough | Bryan Neely | TEDxOldHickory
Mile 17 isn’t just a mile marker - it’s a moment in life when we face the choice to break or breakthrough. Drawing from the extremes of ultramarathon running, military service, and personal loss, Bryan Neely reveals how our toughest moments define who we are. This talk will inspire you to embrace struggle, make courageous decisions in the face of fear, and discover strength you didn’t know you had. When life hits its Mile 17, the question isn’t if you’ll continue - it’s how you’ll rise. Bryan Neely is a man of faith whose life mission is to awaken resilience and pour inspiration into others. From the battlefield of grief to the endurance of ultramarathon races, Bryan’s story is a living example of what it means to rise—again and again. He is the owner of Billy Goat Coffee Café, a mountain-inspired community hub where faith, comedy, and great coffee come together to fuel conversation, connection, and personal growth. As a Krav Maga instructor, YoungLife ministry leader, ultramarathoner, and Military Funeral Honors Officer, Bryan has built a life around service—teaching others how to stand strong in adversity, physically, mentally, and spiritually. Bryan is also the author of Embrace Your Roar, a creative and inspiring call to action that challenges people to stop comparing themselves to others in order to Rise Up and be the Champion they were created to be. Bryan lives by a higher purpose—one rooted in faith and a belief that we’re all called to something greater. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
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