Courage Before Confidence: Amy Purdy on Resilience and the Power of Gratitude

In this deeply moving episode, Gabe Schnickel, MD, MPH, sits down with Amy Purdy and her father, Stef Purdy, to explore a story that goes far beyond survival.At 19 years old, Amy developed meningococcal meningitis and was given less than a 2% chance of survival. She ultimately lost both of her legs, experienced kidney failure, and later underwent a life-saving kidney transplant — with her father as her donor.But this conversation is not simply about what happened. It is about how Amy rebuilt her life, how she redefined her identity, and how she continues to live with intention, courage, and gratitude.Together, Amy and Stef reflect on the emotional and physical challenges they faced, the strength they discovered and how their relationship evolved through the experience. Amy shares the mindset shifts that carried her forward — including her philosophy of “courage before confidence,” her ability to reframe life’s hardest moments as a “second chance” and her daily practice of gratitude as a way to stay present.This episode is a powerful exploration of resilience, love and what it means to move forward when life changes in an instant.Music by Geoff BowmanProduced by Leila AdlerReference to UC San Diego does not imply endorsement or support of any product, service or company involved. The Regents of the University of California and UC San Diego are not connected or affiliated with, nor do they endorse, favor or support any product or service of Amy Purdy.