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At 12 years old, Hadley Ott was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease and weighed just 53 pounds. He could barely keep food down, and for more than a decade, his life was shaped by medications, steroids, a feeding tube, biologic drugs, and eventually surgery to remove part of his intestine.
But even after all of that, the symptoms kept coming back.
By his early 20s, Hadley was still sick and still searching for answers. The stress of his job triggered another flare, and eventually he found himself in a place of deep hopelessness, wondering if there was any way out.
That moment changed the direction of his life.
In this episode, Hadley sits down with Sam Acho and Clif Marshall to share the deeply personal story behind his decision to take a different approach to his health. In the spring of 2024, he stepped away from his doctors and medications and committed himself to a lifestyle centered around nutrition, fitness, and faith.
He talks openly about changing the way he ate, using supplements and gut health protocols, approaching fitness as part of his healing journey, and leaning deeper into his faith. Most importantly, he shares the mindset that helped him move forward when he felt like he had exhausted every option.
Hadley says his journey took him from 53 pounds to 170 pounds and eventually inspired his book, Drug Free Crohn’s: Overcoming Big Doctors, Big Hospitals and Big Pharma, which became an Amazon bestseller.
Today, he shares his story with audiences at universities across the country, including Notre Dame, Auburn, Ole Miss, and Mississippi State.
But this conversation goes beyond Crohn’s disease.
It’s about what happens when you reach your breaking point. It’s about faith in the middle of suffering, taking ownership of your life, rebuilding your body, confronting fear, and finding hope when you feel like there is none left.
Hadley’s story will challenge you to think differently about health, resilience, faith, and what it means to keep fighting when the odds feel stacked against you.
If you or someone you love is navigating Crohn’s disease, chronic illness, an autoimmune condition, or simply a difficult season in life, this is a conversation worth hearing.
Hadley’s story reflects his personal experience and beliefs. This episode is for informational purposes and is not intended to replace professional medical advice or treatment.
Creators and Guests
Host
Clif Marshall
Coach Clif Marshall enters his ninth year as the Performance Director at Ignition where he is responsible for the design and implementation of both the strength and speed programs. Marshall works as a Fitness Ambassador for the NFL. With 15 years of professional experience, Marshall has trained more than 400 pro football players, including first round NFL draft picks, Super Bowl Champions and Pro Bowlers. Luke Kuechly, AJ Green, Geno Atkins and Devin McCourty have been some of Marshall's most notable clients over the years. Under Marshall's Direction Ignition has trained over 40+ NFL Combine Top Performers and a number of NFL Players who hold all time combine records for their position groups. Currently Ignition and Coach Marshall have at least one player that they have trained on all 32 NFL Clubs.
What is The Sam Acho Podcast?
The Sam Acho Podcast, featuring Clif Marshall, helps athletes learn how to win without losing it all. By going first, giving space, and growing hope, Sam and Clif talk authentically about faith, family, football, and finance to win at more than sports.