Imagine standing at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, the world's tallest freestanding mountain, and realizing the hardest climb isn't the one ahead—it's the one within. This is the powerful message at the heart of Brandon Cox's debut memoir, It Goes With You. Released one year after his own ascent of Kilimanjaro, Cox, an Owensboro native, transforms his physical journey into a profound exploration of personal struggle, resilience, and growth. But here's where it gets intriguing: Cox doesn't just recount the climb; he uses it as a metaphor for the internal battles we all face—perseverance, vulnerability, and the weight of self-doubt. From the false summits that test resolve to the thin air that demands every ounce of strength, Cox draws striking parallels between the mountain's challenges and the emotional terrain of self-discovery.
“This book isn’t just about climbing a mountain,” Cox reflects. “It’s about the much more treacherous one—the one we climb within ourselves.” And this is the part most people miss: It Goes With You isn’t just a story of adventure; it’s a candid conversation about imposter syndrome, perfectionism, and the lessons learned at nearly 20,000 feet that reshaped how Cox views success, struggle, and identity. Through a blend of storytelling and introspection, the memoir invites readers to examine the burdens they carry and decide what’s worth holding onto.
Controversially, Cox reframes ‘The Imposter’ not as a flaw, but as a signal of growth. This bold interpretation challenges conventional wisdom and sparks a thought-provoking question: Could our insecurities actually be markers of progress? Cox began the book as a private journal, later crafting it into a narrative that champions authenticity and resilience. A former journalist and current marketing executive at Fastek Services, Cox also teaches advertising and public relations at Kentucky Wesleyan College, bringing a wealth of experience to his writing.
A 2005 graduate of Apollo High School, Cox holds degrees from KWC and LSU. He lives in Owensboro with his wife, Charity, their four children—Alyssa, Marshall, Anderson, and Boston—and two dogs. It Goes With You is a 240-page softcover available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other online retailers. Locally, it can be found at Displaced Pages and borrowed from the Daviess County Public Library. The foreword, written by Dr. Brent J. Garrard of Garrard Therapeutic Partners in Owensboro, adds depth to this already compelling work.
As you turn the pages of It Goes With You, you’ll find yourself not just following Cox’s journey, but reflecting on your own. What mountains are you climbing? And what will you choose to carry forward? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s start a conversation about the climbs that matter most.
