Kurt Hester on Fighting Cancer, Growing Faith, and Having an Unbreakable Mindset

In this episode, Sam Acho and Clif Marshall are joined by Kurt Hester, the director of strength and performance for the Houston Cougars football team. Kurt opens up about his remarkable journey growing up in the Louisiana swamps, his award-winning coaching career, and his ongoing battle with stage four cancer. Together, they unpack the power of resilience, the importance of relationships over results, and how faith and mindset fuel Kurt’s fight both on and off the field. If you’re looking for inspiration, wisdom forged through adversity, and honest  conversation, you won’t want to miss this episode.

Connect with and Support Kurt

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hesterkurt/
• X: https://x.com/TheKurtHester
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurt-hester-69366016
• Support Coach Kurt: https://www.bonfire.com/kurt-hester-is-unbreakable/

Connect with Sam 

• Website: https://www.samacho.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thesamacho
• X: https://x.com/thesamacho
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesamacho/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesamacho/
• YouTube: ⁨https://www.youtube.com/@TheSamAchoPodcast

Book Sam to speak at your event: https://www.samacho.com/speaking

Read Sam's books 

• Let the World See You: https://www.samacho.com/resources/let-the-world-see-you
• Change Starts With You: https://www.samacho.com/resources/change-starts-with-you

Chapter Outline
(00:00) Growing Up in the Louisiana Swamps
(07:05) A Day in the Life during Training Camp
(09:29) Battling Stage Four Cancer with Tenacity
(17:45) Adversity, Mindset, and the Meaning of Unbreakable
(21:12) Relationships over Results in Coaching
(29:43) Reconnecting with Faith through Hardship
(32:05) Building Community and Anticipating the Season

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.

Host

Sam Acho

Financial Professional and ESPN Analyst

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.