#175 - Matt Blanchard and Brad Coleman

In this episode of The 10 Ninety Podcast, Mason talks with Brad Coleman and Matt Blanchard—two friends and spinal cord injury survivors—about the life-altering moments that put them in wheelchairs and the long road to acceptance. Brad recounts his motorcycle accident and the search-and-rescue effort that saved his life, while Matt shares how a car crash and, years later, a second accident with a drunk driver changed everything. Together, they open up about the realities of paralysis: learning to walk again, losing and regaining hope, navigating relationships, and the daily frustrations and small victories that come with adapting to a new normal. The conversation digs into what actually helps—like humor, community, and showing up for each other—and what doesn't, from toxic positivity to unhelpful comparisons. Brad and Matt discuss pain management, mental health, and the importance of purpose, as well as the challenges of asking for help and redefining masculinity. Honest, unfiltered, and fiercely human, this episode is a testament to resilience, vulnerability, and the power of connection in the face of life's hardest turns.