No Barriers

0:00 Learning to Tie Shoes Differently 03:44 Neuroplasticity and enhanced senses 09:06 Childhood daredevil antics 14:10 Joining the pageant group 18:40 Innovative clothing solution for amputees 21:13 Adults embracing childlike creativity 24:25 Experiencing societal pressure and prosthetics 29:40 Revealing my disability over phone 32:20 Meeting a young girl at air show 34:45 Choosing the right plane for training 37:36 Promoting disability awareness through aviation 43:15 Discussing social awareness and bias

00:00 Port Gibson boycotts in the 60s 06:28 Supportive judge during court case 12:55 Switching majors for civil rights 16:56 Product of the 1960s values 23:04 Struggling with vision in eighth grade 29:49 Discovering the benefits of the cane 33:51 Revealing a visual impairment 39:22 Discussing the reality of blindness 48:57 Facing discrimination with a guide dog 55:28 Discussing accessibility in healthcare 01:03:51 Supreme Court expanding its power 01:06:14 Teaching kids about the Constitution

00:00 Cortina festivals and accessibility initiative 05:54 Handling pressure in competitive sports 06:49 Injury impacting competition preparation 11:05 Discovering a passion for skiing 15:34 Discovering the flow state 18:22 Training at Adaptive Sports Center 22:32 Returning to the sport with purpose 24:18 Parental support and encouragement 28:38 Breaking stereotypes in sports 34:07 Coming out with the alchemy stick 38:23 Facing bullying after coming out 40:59 Discovering alchemy in Nepal 44:31 Overcoming adversity and personal growth 48:39 Pursuing international ski racing goals

00:00 Strategic Planning and Leadership Development 05:01 "Hero's Journey Call Explained" 08:42 "Lessons from the Hero’s Journey" 12:32 "Balancing Guidance and Control" 15:06 "Discovering the Heroic Journey" 17:23 Turning Pain Into Strength 19:26 "Heroic Journey Through Adversity" 23:49 "Risk, Survival, and Growth" 28:12 From Bullied to Empowering Youth 29:48 "Redefining Heroism and Self-Worth" 35:51 "Personal Life Rumble Strips" 36:44 "Rumble Strips for Emotional Survival" 40:41 Blind Traveler's Reframing Journey 44:05 Overcoming Challenges with Pride 47:46 Navigating Reentry After Transformative Experiences 50:21 "Heartfelt Conversations Over Arguments" 53:36 "Erik’s Inspiring Leadership Tribute"

Erik Weihenmayer sits down with inspirational speaker, author, and survivor John O'Leary. Their conversation dives deep into John's incredible journey of surviving a catastrophic childhood burn, his family's support, and the grit it took to reclaim his life — from agonizing hospital stays, relentless physical therapy, and powerful moments with his burn tech, Roy, to navigating guilt, loss, faith, and ultimately, finding purpose.

Two of the world’s most accomplished blind climbers, Erik Weihenmayer and Andy Holzer share their story, from the serendipitous first meeting on a high ledge in the Dolomites to climbing Everest from opposite sides. It's a testament to human connection, resilience, and the art of overcoming “impossible” challenges.

Erik Weihenmayer has a lot in common with our guest today John Bramblitt. Both are blind. Both are trailblazing adventurers. One’s summited Everest, the other’s become a world-recognized painter.  Whether you’re facing a giant mountain or a blank canvas, it’s NOT magic—it’s sweat, perseverance, and innovation. You’ll fail a lot.John’s failures and the innovation that resulted from those, led the creation a unique way of painting. What if you could feel color? John does. His artistic and accurate rendering of people with vivid colors and textures is remarkable. He paints both small and large. Including murals that sweep across buildings and one of his works was even wrapped onto the entirety of a Boeing 737.  Curious how you paint without sight, or how John turned visions of the world into incredible works of art—using his sense of touch and innovative painting techniques?

Adapted website: https://adaptedthefilm.com/ Adapted Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adaptedthefilm/Paul Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pbikis/Josh Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livin_wheel_life/

This isn’t just another story about overcoming obstacles—it’s a firsthand look at how technology, advocacy, and good old adventure can transform lives. Cody, a recent high school grad shares how technology like her communication device—affectionately called her “talker”—has been a literal game-changer in giving her a vibrant, independent voice. She brings a refreshing perspective on independence, friendship, and living life to the fullest. Jen, her equally unstoppable mom, shares a wealth of wisdom on building support systems and making the outdoors accessible for all.TAKEAWAYSAssistive Technology Transforms Lives: Codi’s journey with communication devices, starting from simple recorded-message tools to advanced iPad-based apps, demonstrates how accessible technology can open new pathways for self-expression, connection, and independence.Outdoor Adventure Is for Everyone: Jen and Codi shared how their family makes recreation accessible—from camping in yurts and adaptive skiing to river rafting and biking. With teamwork and ingenuity, they’re redefining what’s possible, not just for Codi, but for others in their community.Advocacy & Community Matter: The Mendenhalls’ commitment to advocacy—through speaking, volunteering, and building “Team Codi”—shows the profound impact of finding (and creating!) supportive networks. Their advice? Advocate fiercely and help others navigate the journey.

The conversation explores not only the grit and technology behind adaptive sports and modern prosthetics, but also the emotional landscape of recovery, mentorship, and finding purpose after trauma. From the details behind a touching tribute film to Terry Fox—where Adam had to painstakingly reenact Fox’s signature running gait—to lessons learned in coaching, mental performance, and helping others move from surviving to thriving, this episode is packed with authentic, heartfelt insights.

Julie and Kyle Taulman—a powerhouse mother-son duo whose story is full of courage, humor, and straight-up innovation in the world of adaptive sports.  Together, they open up about resilience, family, and the innovative world of adaptive sports—from NSCD’s wild west beginnings on the slopes of Winter Park to the cutting edge of inclusive technology and advocacy today This episode is packed with honest anecdotes, practical advice for families navigating disability, and a celebration of what’s possible when you approach life with a “no barriers” mindset.

You’ll hear about the the complex nature of moral injury, and how service, faith, and a sense of purpose healed him—and helped him pay it forward in extraordinary ways. Whether you’re a veteran, someone facing an invisible challenge, or just looking for inspiration, you’re in the right place.Connect with Eric DonohoCanyon of Hope book: https://www.amazon.com/Canyon-Hope-Darkness-Embracing-Within/dp/1962956253Eric's website: https://ericdonoho.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ebdonohoLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ebdonoho/  

An unprecedented unit of World War Two climbers and skiers, the 10th was dispatched to fight axis powers in extreme cold and mountainous terrain. Not only were their efforts critical to Germany’s surrender, these veterans returned home to develop ski areas across the country, and start companies like Nike and National Outdoor Leadership School.Erik and Christian are about to blast open some history, challenge your assumptions, and remind us all what it means to build something extraordinary when the world needs it most. 

This episode dives into the raw, messy, and ultimately transformative terrain between suffering and awakening—a journey that’s anything but straightforward. Traver Boehm. His story is wild—think: MMA fighter by day, acupuncturist by night, and years later, a man who spent a month alone in complete darkness to confront the deepest parts of himself. In between he navigated professional heartbreak, devastating personal loss, and a year devoted to living as if it were his last. If you’re ready to challenge your own assumptions about pain, healing, and the human spirit—or searching for a map to navigate your own tough terrain—this episode promises insight, inspiration, and true no-barriers wisdom.

Let's go to the Appalachian Trail. The AT as it’s called. Here’s some stats. At just under 2200 miles It’s longest hiking-only footpath in the world. Each year roughly 3 million people visit a segment of it. Of that, about 3000 people attempt to hike the whole thing… with only fraction finishing.  Last year 1 of those finishers did it faster than anyone else. Thru-hiking the AT typically takes about 4-7 months, Tara Dower did in just 40 days.Tara shares the highs and lows of her journey. She opens up about what drives her to keep moving forward, the importance of curiosity and confidence, and the value of learning to suffer with purpose.

This is part 2 of No Barriers Live featuring  Kara Star of the World, with Kara Brouhard. Part 1 of No Barriers Live is the previous episode and features From My Window, with Melissa Simpson. Afterwards, Erik talks with the stars of these films and their family caregivers. He explores the challenges and rewards of adopting a “No Barriers Mindset,” and how this mindset and these experiences have affected the lives of not only Kara and Melissa, but everyone around them as well.We couldn’t do this by ourselves. Brewability is an inclusive brewery and pizzeria that employs people living with disabilities in Englewood, Colorado. The venue and vibe were perfect for this live event. Check it if you’re in the area. PASCO joined us as well. They are Colorado based company dedicated to families with special needs, providing care, support, guidance and resources. 

This is part 1 of No Barriers Live featuring  From My Window, with Melissa Simpson. Part 2 of No Barriers Live is the next episode and features and Kara Star of the World, with Kara Brouhard. Afterwards, Erik talks with the stars of these films and their family caregivers. He explores the challenges and rewards of adopting a “No Barriers Mindset,” and how this mindset and these experiences have affected the lives of not only Kara and Melissa, but everyone around them as well.We couldn’t do this by ourselves. Brewability is an inclusive brewery and pizzeria that employs people living with disabilities in Englewood, Colorado. The venue and vibe were perfect for this live event. Check it if you’re in the area. PASCO joined us as well. They are Colorado based company dedicated to families with special needs, providing care, support, guidance and resources. 

A self-promoting egomaniac known mostly for his catastrophic failures. No, not our guest today. But there’s definitely something for us to learn from this individual who leads the cast of characters in The Realm of Ice & Sky. It’s the latest historical work of author Buddy Levy, where he takes on a gripping journey through the attempts to conquer the North Pole, which — spoiler alert — was not achieved not by dogsled or airplane, but by airship.Why do we care? Well, this accidental historian, as Buddy describes himself says… "That these historical models provide a sort of connective tissue for today’s innovators and thought leaders who will show us the way to do the things we need to do in the future to survive on this big rock.”

By request from our listeners! To kick off 2025 we want to take a trip down memory lane from 2024. This episode showcases some of our favorite highlights from guests we spoke to in 2024. Enjoy!

You can’t hear. You can’t speak. How do you function in this world? Oh you want to climb mountains? The biggest ones in the planet?  You rely on sign language, how ya gonna sign with oversized mittens or in a white out with snow coming at ya sideways? Oh you’re not sure? Ah… too risky for you. Better find something else to do…. Our guests heard these questions and concerns over and over again… and you know, they didn’t have the answers. What Scott & Shayna did have was a curiosity and drive to figure it out along the way. And indeed they did, right to the top of the highest mountain in the world, Everest.In this interview you’ll hear their story, from being born profoundly deaf, meeting each other in school, the romance that followed, becoming educators, then mountaineers, and now advocates for the deaf and hard of hearing. They’re especially passionate about making the outdoors more accessible.Get ready for tales of courage, adaptability, and the collaborative spirit that defines the No Barriers mindset. Connect with Scott & ShaynaScott & Shayna on InstagramScott & Shayna website 

Erik’s goal with these interviews is to shine light into that obscure terrain between the struggle and the success. It’s dark there with plenty of barriers; metaphorically speaking certainly, but also many times literally….  as is the case with Sarah; she stared into the darkness of  English Channel waters crossing it back and forth twice. Oh yeah, she was swimming. And she was battling breast cancer too.Sarah’s journey is both surreal and inspiring. Her feats of sheer endurance go beyond the English Channel, across the world. 104 miles across on Lake Champlain, 80 miles across Lake Powell.. a short 22 miles across the Loch Ness (no monster sightings) and many, many more.She’s on a mission to complete the Ocean's Seven marathon swims.Erik digs into it all, from her motivations, breathtaking encounters with marine life and how she’s thriving post-breast cancer.Sarah's website: https://sarahthomasswims.com/Sarah on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/sarahswims04

There’s much to be said about the effect of wild places on the human psyche….  therapeutic, healing, transformative … a place to experience mindfulness….  Even scary for some, however, our guest Katelyn McKinney simply sums it up like this: “When our bodies are in a wild space we are simply more at ease.”She’s been busy testing that idea by bringing groups of people into wild settings, creating supportive environments, and encouraging shifts in mindsets.  Veterans of the military dealing with post-service challenges related to trauma are a focus for her. She is one herself. .In this episode Katelyn shares her journey helping people navigate difficult life experiences, including complexities of identity, particularly for veterans transitioning to civilian life, the scientific and indigenous wisdom behind connecting with nature, and the overall philosophy of turning personal challenges into sources of strength and purpose—what we call 'alchemy.'www.mountainsandmedicine.comInstagram: @Mountains_and_Medicine_LLCFacebook:  https://www.facebook.com/mountainsandmedicine

https://www.zachanner.com/https://ifatbirthyoudontsucceed.com/Instagram: @zach.annerYoutubeZach Anner is a unique personality, writer, comedian, and media influencer born in America in 1984. He is also a YouTube star who motivates people to make daily positive changes. From an early age, he advocated for positive thinking and self-realization no matter what.He became popular after emerging as the winner of the Oprah Winfrey Show's "Search for the Next TV Star" in 2010, which saw him hosting his travel show, "Rollin' with Zach," on the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN). His story is remarkable for his endless optimism, thirst for self-knowledge, and creativity that breaks through even physiological barriers.

“You can’t make dreams come true if the only thing you’re doing is dreaming.”  This is from a guy who was counted out on Day 1. What does that mean? It means not being included in an activity. In this case, that activity was life itself. The doctors told his parents he would’t live more than a few months. He was born without arms, almost no legs, and given up for adoption.  Now, decades later, he’s an accomplished musician and world traveller.Growing up in Nashville was part of his musical trajectory… eventually leading to a moment in front of 20,000 people, performing his soulful style of music where Jeffrey Marshall, that’s our guest today, became known as “the guy who plays bass guitar with his feet."LISTEN & WATCH. 3 minute video. Solo performance singing, playing bass guitar, and harmonica. Jeffrey's WebsiteJeffrey on Instagram

Jenna's Website: https://www.jennabainbridge.com/Jenna on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bainbridgejenna/Episode Highlights🔸 A Blank Slate for AuditionsJenna shares her unique approach to auditions, using a nondescript wheelchair to present herself as a "blank slate" for casting directors, allowing her talent to shine first and foremost.🔸 Fashion Forward MobilityShe’s on the hunt for a vibrant new wheelchair! Jenna gets candid about how wheelchairs can be more than just functional, discussing exciting customization options like light-up wheels and personalized patches that make powerful statements—both fashion and functional.🔸 Overcoming Barriers in TheaterJenna recounts her journey facing discrimination in both sports and theater due to her disability. With the unwavering support of her parents and sheer determination, she found her place in theater companies that celebrated disability and diversity, leading her to a historic role on Broadway.🔸 A Voice for ChangeHer consulting business, Consultability, champions the mantra that access needs are human needs. Jenna is pioneering a shift in the theater world by advocating for more inclusive and accessible environments for everyone.🔸 Representation MattersFrom her major break at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival to performing on Broadway, Jenna underscores the importance of casting actors with disabilities in diverse roles—more than checkbox diversity but genuine inclusion based on talent and capability.🔸 The Power of Community SupportErik and Jenna reflect on the crucial role of community and support systems in their respective journeys, highlighting how encouragement and advocacy from loved ones and mentors open doors and create lasting impacts.

Shawn reached out to the pod recently looking for a little insight from Erik on a project. It’s called the Shine Music festival. She founded it in 2019, formed a non-profit, assembled a team, and next month will be their 4th annual event.With that in mind, we put Erik in the hot seat for a bit, and Shawn asks some pressing questions about his experience growing the No Barriers organization. You’ll hear his ideas and advice on running a nonprofit, leadership, and sustaining a mission-driven organization.So what is this music festival all about? It’s a visionary project that will make you rethink how we approach inclusivity in our communities.  Every sensory experience is accessible to all. From colorblind glasses and braille t-shirts to acoustic performances and adaptive technologies, Shawn is revolutionizing how we experience and connect through music.Shine Music Festival promo videoShine Music WebsiteShawn Satterfield LinkedIn

Episode Rundown00:00 Navy choice surprising, personal agency, self-assessment.10:07 Routine of deployment, planning missions, intense focus.15:36 Be vigilant for potential IED hazards.16:35 Struggle to stay focused in combat heat.25:33 Grateful for life after near-death experience.29:57 Realized blindness after combat, surgery wasn't successful.34:45 Frustration over unique challenges and solutions.41:27 Supporting network enabled veteran to succeed athletically.43:21 Fear turned to opportunity, life changed completely.51:46 Doubt about value of congratulations for disability.53:33 Paralympics transformed mindset, athletes are incredibly inspirational.01:00:30 Passionate about academia and influencing others positively.01:04:44 Sharing combat and sports experiences to inspire.Brad's Website: https://www.bradsnyder.us/Brad on Instgram. https://www.instagram.com/bradsnyderusa/

Ben's Website: www.jetbutterflies.comBen's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jetbutterflies/

This duo took the Grand Canyon head-on, from one side to the other and back again, with nothing but their grit and trusty hand cycles — or "trikes" as they like to call them. Why trikes? Because they are both paralyzed from the waist down. Jason was injured in a rollover vehicle crash. Quinn, from a fall while climbing a giant wall of granite, the famed El Capitan in California.Their journey, marked by both physical, mental, and bureaucratic challenges, sheds light on wider issues faced by individuals with disabilities, offering insights that are as instructive as they are inspiring.00:25 Adventures and Challenges: Rim to Rim Grand Canyon Experience02:17 Meeting at Craig Hospital: A Bond Formed Through Rehabilitation02:26 Exploring the Differences in Spinal Cord Injuries and Mobility05:25 The Technicalities and Thrills of Hand Cycling and Trikes11:19 The Grand Canyon Adventure: Planning, Teamwork, and Execution17:12 Navigating the Technical Challenges of the Grand Canyon Trails24:14 The Technicalities and Public Reactions to Adaptive Mobility Devices24:46 Understanding and Educating on Accessibility in Nature28:04 The Complexities of Adaptive Equipment and Accessibility Rights33:02 Reflecting on Past Adventures and the Impact of Injuries35:24 The Journey of Recovery and Advocacy for Spinal Cord Injuries43:24 The Role of Unite to Fight Paralysis in Advancing Research and Advocacy

Tanja, a four-time Paralympic gold medalist, shares her personal journey as an athlete, the changing significance of her victories, and her involvement advancing adaptive sports. Her dedication to the community and the memories she's cherished are an integral part of this conversation.Ross, an engineer, takes us through the technical strides and the human stories behind the development of the Tetraski. It’s possibly the most advanced ski we’ve ever seen for sure. Is designed for people with complex physical injuries or illness. Don’t have use of your hands or legs? You can control this through your breath, independently. Whatever you’re doing, the ski is responding, you are in command, you’re shredding again or maybe for the first time.TRAILS adaptiveTetraSki website (Tetradapt)

Gabriel Rodreick website: https://gabrielrodreick.com/LISTEN: Freaque https://open.spotify.com/artist/6xmxsU99bvYcGrvdsw3pFkWATCH: 16 min interview covering the basics of his story. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7lH6xeWghs

Listen to the full episodes referenced in this episode.Episode 178 - Rob Cahill and 4DWNEpisode 177 - Nic NovickiEpisode 173 - Dr. Diva Amon, Behind the BubbleEpisode 172 - Kathy Eldon, the active soul in all of usEpisode 150 - Chasing Dreams with Diana Nyad

You've arrived at the intersection of human willpower and biomechanics. After this episode you’ll be wondering, “is the term ‘disability’ about to be dismantled and  and reshaped by pioneers using the power of technology?”  Our guests are Keenon Werling and Russel Martin, two pHd students from the Stanford Biomechatronics lab. The topic. Wearable Robots. Exoskeletons.Maybe the first image that comes to mind are futuristic versions of these creations. They are all over Hollywood in blockbuster movies like Avatar, Black Panther, Spider man, Iron Man.  But here in the real world, innovations in exoskeletons have the potential to truly change lives. Can they give someone confined to a wheelchair the option of walking down the street? ….or what about an exoskeleton that gives them the freedom to go for a run…garage along the beach.One thing about Keenon. He can’t go for that run on the beach, give his wife a piggy back, or hike with his dog…   Why? He has an incurable degenerative neuropathy, which has been slowly paralyzing him from the feet up. Life in a wheelchair could be right around the corner for him.  Is restoring mobility for people with disabilities like Keenon’s really possible? Stick around and find out. The Lab: https://biomechatronics.stanford.edu/Keenon Werling: https://keenon.github.io/Russell Martin https://www.linkedin.com/in/russell-m-martin/Lab overview video. https://youtu.be/SiHyoOhCnag?si=3L1FYjWpvh0RlDM0

WEBSITE: The Davis Phinney FoundationWATCH: 8 minutes. Davis Phinney Moment of Victory. 

Today, we’re talking augmented reality with audio and ultimately sensory substitution. Our guest is Tim Devine. He and his team at Action Audio have developed a product that translates the spatial data from live sports into sound, allowing blind and low vision audiences to follow the action in real time. It’s not just functional tech though, it’s emotional. He wants to bring the tension, the anticipation… the core of what makes live sports amazing to watch, to this audience. Tim shares his journey into the world of sound design, starting with a focus on tennis and eventually collaborating with the NBA, transforming data into an immersive 3D spatial audio experience. You'll hear Tim's passion for music, emotion, and sound come to life as we discuss everything from enhancing the broadcast experience to the future expansions in sports like soccer and football. Tim's story isn't just about technological breakthroughs; it's about persistence, responsibility, and the drive to make ideas accessible to those who will most benefit from them.

Today we meet Alice Brouhard and her daughter Kara. When Kara was 5 she was struck by an out of control skier. The accident caused a traumatic brain injury, left Kara legally blind and mostly paralyzed on one side of her body. Kara's parents helped her relearn as much as they could and raised Kara to live as independently as possible, patiently pushing her to chase her dreams. Alice took finding assistive technology into her own hands and in the process became a champion of the use of technology to support people with memory and cognitive challenges. She has worked tirelessly to set up a system that allows Kara to live independently. What keeps Alice going? How does Kara navigate life with such spirit, and what does it tell us about accessibility and resilience? We’ll hear about Kara's incredible journey and her dedication to living independently, even amidst challenges like vision loss, paralysis, and seizures. Today, she manages her life with the help of wonderful technology but more than anything, her fiery spirit.

What would you with an extra tank of gas? It’s a metaphor for living that we had not heard, until now, when we interviewed Nick Martinez. He’s a true adventurer and survivor of life's highest peaks and deepest valleys. And to complete the metaphor, yes, the fuel indeed ran out and not just once. His narratives provide insight into his world of BASE jumping and climbing as well as his life-altering experiences that have shaped his unique perspective on life, death, and everything in-between. He’s lost loved ones in tragic accidents and survived near-death experience himself. You’ll hear how he emerged with a view of life with "extra mode" activate - an extra tank of gas, something to be cherished and refueled every day, with the good things.

Book Link. RESILIENCE: THE SCIENCE OF MASTERING LIFE’S GREATEST CHALLENGESDr. Dennis Charney on LinkedIn

4DWN Film Trailerhttps://4dwn.org/https://www.instagram.com/4dwn_org/https://www.facebook.com/4DWNskateboardinghttps://www.youtube.com/@4dwnproject197

https://www.nicnovicki.com/https://www.instagram.com/nicnovicki/https://www.instagram.com/disabilityfilmchallenge/https://disabilityfilmchallenge.com/The Disability Challenge video. https://youtu.be/FISwEhPXWzQ

Kyle Maynard is no stranger to pushing the limits, overcoming obstacles, and inspiring others to live a no barriers life. That’s why he’s our guest today AND in a few weeks when we see him on stage at the No Barriers Summit. His first No Barriers Summit was 12 years ago and a pivotal moment in his life, because soon thereafter he bear crawled to the top the highest mountain in Africa. Bearcrawled? He’s got a rare condition known as congenital amputation, that left him with arms that end at his elbows and legs that end near his knees. Today Kyle shares stories of his transformation, but we go beyond physical feats and explore the deeper motivations that drive him. Like the importance of connection and the power of using climbing as a vehicle to foster relationships, AND his upcoming project aimed at creating a long-lasting impact in the world. Join us as for stories of triumph, growth, and the relentless pursuit of a life without barriers. Get ready to be inspired and motivated to embrace your own journey.

In anticipation of the No Barriers annual 3-day festival we call the Summit (starts on Aug 25th), we’re re-releasing an episode that was recorded live at a previous Summit in Lake Tahoe. The guest? JR Martinez. His journey is filled with ups and downs. While on patrol with his Army unit in Iraq, his vehicle was hit with a roadside bomb. He was trapped inside as the explosives his vehicle was carrying detonated around him. During his recovery with over 30 surgeries and skin grafts, he found solace in helping other wounded veterans. 8 years later, an opportunity to join Dancing with the Stars arrived… you’ve heard of the show maybe?? …. and he (with his dancing partner) won the whole thing! He was in the spotlight now. Writing a book came soon after, the title: Full of Heart: My Story of Survival, Strength and Spirit. In this episode JR shares these experiences with us in an engaging way. And through out it his message of resilience and optimism rings true.

https://firstdescents.org/ 

Follow Diva on Twitter @divaamon and Instagram @diva_amon, or visit her website https://divaamon.com/.

http://kathyeldon.com

https://www.instagram.com/jake.skis/VIDEO: Invisible Mountains: Jacob Smith, Blind Skier (Skiing the Big Couloir)

Many entrepreneurs say that starting a business is something they always felt destined to do. Then there are people who never in a million years thought they’d be running their own business, but, lo and behold, somehow the opportunity found them. The ‘accidental’ entrepreneur some might call themselves. Meet Tiffany Fixter. She founded The Brewability Lab, and what’s interesting is not only her path there, but the entrepreneurial journey, filled with challenges and adversity, that she is still smack in the middle of right now. Unique to this business are its employees. Disabled, abled, neurodiverse, you name it… bottom line, great beer and food create by people who’ve traditionally seen very limited career options. This inclusive workplace Tiffany is creating is prepping its employees for more opportunities beyond. How does she do that? How does she handle the skeptics? Was she destined for this journey or was it an accident? Hang around and find out.

Penny Melville Brown's passion is cooking. However, for a career she chose the Royal Navy. Yes she’s British. During her service in the Royal Navy she became the first female barrister there; it’s a type of lawyer, the ones that wear those wigs. Then as it happened to all of our guests on this podcast, she had a life altering moment. In Penny’s case, she lost her sight and had to leave her 20-year career with the Navy. The next chapter of her life get’s real interesting. With an eye towards her cooking roots, she sets her mind on a culinary focused worldwide journey to learn and teach the concepts of baking blind. In the process she’s shattered assumptions about the capabilities of blind chefs. In this episode we jump from the Australian outback, to the streets of Paris, to a small Malawian village, and more.

SAM'S SOCIALS: Instagram - BionicKickVIDEO: Muay Thai and MeWEBSITE: https://www.samanthatokita.com/

Polar adventurer, expedition guide, dog musher and educator, Eric Larsen has spent the past 15 years of his life traveling in some of the most remote and wild places left on earth. He traversed 550 miles of shifting sea ice and open ocean to get to the North Pole. That wasn’t enough, so off he went to the South Pole. 600 frozen miles and 41 days later he made it. Then back to the North Pole in winter, then up to the top of Mt. Everest… shall I go on? The curveball arrived. Did these journeys of isolation and endurance prepare him for the ultimate battle; one for survival in the face of an unexpected cancer diagnosis? In this episode Larsen's shares his honest and thoughtful insights; honed from the mental gymnastics practiced during the the isolation experienced in expanses of snow and ice.