#402: A Brain Tumor Took His Smile — But a Pocket Square Named Henry Gave Him His Life Back

BONUS! HEAR JOHN KIPPEN'S STORY TOLD IN A SONG!What if the very thing you believe makes you broken… could actually become your superpower?John Kippen’s story will challenge how you define beauty, strength, and identity. After a life-altering brain tumor left half his face paralyzed, John spent 12 years hiding—convinced the world would never look past his appearance. But a twist of fate (and a pocket square named Henry) led him back to his childhood love of magic… and his comeback began.Today’s episode is part inspiration, part transformation—and proof that your greatest pain can become your greatest platform.CONNECT WITH JOHN KIPPEN:🌐 Website (Full Portfolio):👉 johnkippen.comSee John's TED Talk, watch his documentary John’s Ultimate Illusion, and grab a copy of his book Playing the Hand You Were Dealt.🧭 Coaching Website:👉 kippen.coachExplore John’s 1:1 Resilience & Empowerment Coaching, or book a complimentary discovery call.🎥 Watch His TED Talk:👉 TED Talk – John KippenVoted by Los Angeles Magazine as one of the most profound TED Talks of the century (over 1M views).📽️ Watch the Documentary (feat. Jamie Lee Curtis):👉 John’s Ultimate Illusion📖 Get the Book – Playing the Hand You Are Dealt:👉 Buy on AmazonFinal Thought:Whether you’ve been hiding your scars—visible or invisible—this episode is your reminder: You are not less than. You are more than. And the world doesn’t need a perfect version of you—it needs the real one.💡 If this story inspired you, share the episode with a friend who needs it.📲 And don’t forget to follow the podcast so you never miss another story of Grit, Grace, & Inspiration.Hey, it's Kevin!I hope you enjoyed today's episode! If there is ever anything I can do for you, please don't hesitate to reach out. Below, you will find ALL the places and ALL the ways to connect!I would LOVE to hear from you! Send me a Voice MessageWant to be a guest on GRIT, GRACE, & INSPIRATION? Send Kevin Lowe a message on PodMatch!Book Kevin to Speak at Your Next Event: CLICK to Learn More + Get In TouchHire Kevin to Create Your Own Custom Soundtrack!Or for 1 Place for Everything, CLICK to visit the website!Stay Awesome! Live Inspired!© 2026 Grit, Grace, & Inspiration This podcast is designed specifically for those seeking healing from trauma, relief from anxiety, overcoming fear of the unknown, resolving isolation, rebuilding self-worth, confronting guilt and shame, personal growth after trauma, finding their life's purpose, recovering from emotional distress, conquering limiting beliefs, navigating identity shifts, building resilience, rebuilding relationships, coping with chronic pain, searching for spiritual direction, embracing inner strength, cultivating hope, overcoming self-doubt, reclaiming their future, and experiencing post-traumatic growth.