12 Seconds: A Pro Snowmobiler's Life-Changing Moment | E 147 episode artwork

EPISODE · Feb 10, 2025 · 40 MIN

12 Seconds: A Pro Snowmobiler's Life-Changing Moment | E 147

from The CRUX: True Survival Stories · host Bleav + Kaycee McIntosh + Julie Henningsen

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Matt Potratz, a former professional snowmobiler whose life changed forever in a devastating avalanche in 2009. Before the accident, Matt was living what many would consider a dream life - a successful career as a general sales manager at a Toyota dealership and appearances in seven different snowmobile motion pictures. But in just 12 seconds, everything changed. The avalanche left Matt with catastrophic injuries, including a broken neck, severe brain trauma, and permanent paralysis in his left arm. After spending 41 days in a coma and 88 days in the hospital, Matt had to rebuild his life from the ground up. Today, he shares his extraordinary journey of recovery, resilience, and transformation. Matt discusses: His early passion for snowmobiling and unexpected path to becoming a professional The day of the avalanche and his 41-day coma His grueling recovery process and battle with phantom nerve pain How his near-death experience transformed his relationship with his children Finding new purpose as a motivational speaker and author The importance of focusing on what we can change rather than what we can't Connect with Matt: Website: lifetradicallychanged.com Facebook: Life Radically Changed and Matt Potratz Follow The Crux: Email: [email protected] Instagram: @thecruxpodcast If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review. Your feedback helps us improve and reach more people with these important stories. Quotes from the episode: "Focus on things you can change. Don't waste time focusing on things you can't change." "The soul would have no rainbow if the eyes had no tears." "In life we almost face one of two pains, the pain of discipline or the pain of regret... discipline weighs ounces, regret weighs tons." Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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Matt Potratz went from being a successful professional snowmobiler to fighting for his life when he was caught in an avalanche in 2009. In just 12 seconds, everything changed - the accident left him with a broken neck, severe brain trauma, and permanent paralysis in his left arm. After 41 days in a coma and 88 days in the hospital, Matt began the long journey of rebuilding his life. Today, he shares his story of recovery and resilience as a motivational speaker, focusing on the power of hope and the importance of directing our energy toward things we can change.

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12 Seconds: A Pro Snowmobiler's Life-Changing Moment | E 147

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This episode was published on February 10, 2025.

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