In this episode of PASS (Prevail Against Self-Sabotage), Mo Nelson sits down with Will Ricker a Tampa-born author, visionary world builder, and culture-driven storyteller for a conversation about resilience, identity, and turning your story into purpose.
Will opens up about growing up in foster care, being adopted, and the internal battles that come with questioning where you come from and who you’re meant to become. Together, they explore what it takes to heal without holding resentment, how emotional awareness keeps you grounded when motivation fades, and why discipline is built through self-belief, patience, and protecting your mental health.
Drawing from his journey as an independent author, Will breaks down the real behind-the-scenes challenges of publishing budgeting, marketing visibility, and building community support while sharing why reading is more important than ever in a world shaped by screens and short attention spans.
This episode is for anyone who’s ever felt held back by their past, overwhelmed by the process, or tempted to quit on their dream and needs a reminder that you can still prevail, build, and become unstoppable.