Battle Harder
The Battle Harder Podcast is where pain becomes power. Hosted by Coach Rob—a veteran, former cop, actor, and mental health advocate—this show dives deep into stories of resilience, grit, and growth. From overcoming trauma to building discipline and finding purpose, each episode brings raw truth, real conversations, and a warrior mindset to fuel your personal development journey. Turn your pain into progress—one episode at a time.
Battle Harder
Blind by 18 — How Laura Bratton Rebuilt Her Life Through Grit & Gratitude
Born with full sight and diagnosed at nine years old with a rare degenerative eye disease, Laura Bratton lost nearly all her vision by the end of high school. Panic attacks. Depression. Identity collapse.
But she refused to let blindness define her.
In this powerful conversation, Laura shares how she rebuilt her life through grit, gratitude, community, and the courage to accept a new normal. From losing her vision as a teenager to becoming a professional speaker who helps organizations navigate change, Laura’s story is proof that purpose is still possible — even when life looks nothing like you imagined.
If you're facing transition, uncertainty, or a battle you didn’t choose… this episode is for you.
⏱️ CHAPTERS
00:00 — Cold Open
00:18 — Who is Laura Bratton
01:20 — Diagnosed at 9: The beginning of vision loss
05:05 — The day she realized she couldn’t see the board
09:12 — Panic attacks, denial, and depression
13:45 — How her parents modeled strength and normalcy
19:10 — Friendships, support, and navigating high school
23:50 — Why community matters for healing
28:40 — Accepting a new normal
33:15 — Receiving her first guide dog
38:20 — College, independence, and majoring in psychology
42:55 — Pursuing a Master of Divinity
47:30 — Faith, spirituality, and emotional healing
51:12 — Living without sight in a sighted world
55:03 — Grit + Gratitude: Her framework for navigating change
59:10 — What she teaches on stage
01:04:22 — Advice for anyone with a disability or major life change
01:09:10 — Laura’s definition of Turning Pain Into Progress
If this episode hit you…
If you’re navigating your own battle and need structure, discipline, and a community that pushes you forward—
👉 Apply for Operation Relentless — Your 90-Day Comeback Plan
http://www.battleharder.com/relentless
You weren’t built to break.
You were built to rise.
🔗 CONNECT WITH LAURA BRATTON
Book: Harnessing Courage