Stronger Together with Marc and Matt

In this powerful episode of Stronger Together, Marc and Matt welcome disability advocate and entrepreneur Annie Heathcote, who shares her remarkable journey living with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). Annie opens up about defying medical expectations, becoming Miss Wheelchair Wisconsin, speaking at prestigious events, going viral on TikTok with 15 million views, and publishing her first book "Still We Rise: Stories of Triumph Over Disabilities."Annie's story demonstrates how faith, determination, and community support can transform challenges into opportunities. Learn how she built multiple businesses, became a public speaker, and uses her platform to inspire others with disabilities to pursue their dreams.Join the Stronger Together community where Marc and Matt create spaces for people with mobility challenges to connect, share resources, and support each other.📚 Annie's Book: "Still We Rise: Stories of Triumph Over Disabilities and the Strength of Empowerment"🌐 Annie's Website: https://annie-speaks.com 🌐 M.A.R.C. Network: https://marcknetwork.world 🌐 United Spinal: https://unitedspinal.org

Join Marc and Matt as they welcome Thomas Quiter, founder of the Mobility Independence Foundation, for a powerful conversation about revolutionizing wheelchair accessibility. Thomas shares his journey of being trapped at home for 5 years due to inadequate equipment and how it led him to create open-source wheelchair designs that empower users with affordable, repairable mobility solutions.Learn how the current healthcare system fails wheelchair users with exorbitant costs, unnecessary repairs, and lengthy wait times, while Thomas offers a groundbreaking alternative—open hardware designs that communities can build themselves. Discover the Endurance Power Chair project that's giving independence back to people with disabilities without relying on insurance companies or medical bureaucracy.🔧 THE POWER TO MOVE: Thomas discusses his documentary showcasing how anyone can build these life-changing chairs. 🌐 COMMUNITY STRENGTH: Learn why building local teams to construct these wheelchairs creates lasting support networks. 💪 INDEPENDENCE RESTORED: Hear powerful stories of how accessible design changes lives.Visit https://themif.org to learn more and support the Mobility Independence Foundation.CONNECT WITH US: M.A.R.C. Network App: Download on Apple and Google Play WWW.MARCNETWORK.WORLD United Spinal: https://unitedspinal.org #wheelchairaccessibility #mobilityindependencefoundation #thomasquiter

Join hosts Marc and Matt on "Stronger Together with Marc and Matt" as they welcome special guest Zach Anner - writer, comedian, and disability advocate! In this inspiring conversation, Zach shares his journey from winning Oprah's reality show competition to becoming a successful TV writer and YouTube sensation.Zach opens up about using humor to navigate life with cerebral palsy, his viral "Rainbow Bagel" video that highlighted accessibility challenges in NYC, and his exciting new projects including writing an action movie featuring a lead character who uses a wheelchair. The trio discusses the importance of community support, advocating for accessibility, and changing society's perception of disability. Zach's perspective on "joyful grit" and his message that "if you see a person, be a person" offers valuable insights for everyone, regardless of ability.Don't miss this authentic, humorous, and powerful conversation about living life to the fullest and making the world more accessible for all!🔗 Connect with Zach: Check out Zach's podcast: Answer for It Watch Zach's Rainbow Bagel video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhpUJRGrZgc🔗 Connect with Marc & Matt: M.A.R.C. Network: https://marcnetwork.world United Spinal: https://unitedspinal.org #zachanner #disabilityadvocate #cerebralpalsy📋 TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 - Introduction and welcome 03:00 - Zach's background and journey with cerebral palsy 06:45 - Recent marriage and life changes 12:20 - The Rainbow Bagel video clip 21:30 - Using humor to navigate challenges 29:45 - Changing perspectives on disability 35:00 - Creating accessible spaces benefits everyone 42:15 - Accessible RVs and travel opportunities 50:20 - Zach's current projects and writing career 56:30 - Final thoughts and community support

Marc and Matt welcome triple amputee veteran and comedian Adam Keys to discuss his journey from military service to the comedy stage. Adam shares his experience as a Purple Heart recipient injured in Afghanistan, his 5-year recovery at Walter Reed, and how he found purpose through comedy despite accessibility challenges in the industry. Join this raw, honest conversation about resilience, disability representation, and finding humor in life's darkest moments.Marc and Adam reflect on their shared experiences at Walter Reed Medical Center, the importance of community support during recovery, and the ongoing challenges faced by people with disabilities. Adam also discusses his upcoming performances, including a special show celebrating the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.🔹 CONNECT WITH US:The M.A.R.C. Network: https://marcnetwork.worldUnited Spinal Association: https://unitedspinal.org/🔹 UPCOMING GUESTS:Don't miss our next episode with comedian and advocate #ZackAnner!🔹 FOLLOW ADAM KEYS:Watch Adam's comedy at upcoming shows in San Francisco, Sacramento, Tampa, and DC at the Wability event celebrating the 35th anniversary of the ADA!Stronger Together with Marc and Matt" delivers raw, unfiltered conversations with extraordinary individuals who redefine what's possible against overwhelming odds. Hosts Marc and Matt bring their unique perspectives and engaging interview style to each episode, creating a powerful platform where guests like adaptive racing pioneer Torsten Gross share their journeys of resilience, innovation, and triumph. Unlike typical inspiration-focused podcasts that stay surface-level, "St🔹 CHAPTERS:ronger Together" dives deep into the practical realities, technical challenges, and emotional landscapes that shape remarkable lives. Whether discussing adaptive sports technology, accessibility innovations, or the psychology of overcoming limitations, each episode leaves listeners with actionable insights and a profound shift in perspective. Subscribe now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube to join a growing community that's challenging assumptions about ability, potential, and what it means to truly live without limits.00:00 - Introduction and catching up03:55 - Meet comedian Adam Keys, triple amputee veteran07:20 - Recovery journey at Walter Reed14:05 - The importance of physical therapy19:30 - Finding community after injury25:10 - Comedy career beginnings32:17 - Dating with disabilities36:50 - Accessibility challenges in comedy venues48:05 - Wheelchair maintenance struggles55:38 - Adam's upcoming performances58:40 - Advice for newly injured individuals

Join Marc and Matt as they welcomeTheo Braddy, Executive Director of the National Council for Independent Living (NCIL), for a powerful conversation about disability advocacy and community support. Theo shares his incredible journey from a 15-year-old quadriplegic placed in a nursing home to becoming a leading voice in the independent living movement. In this eye-opening episode, discover: The untold history of the independent living movement and its founder Ed Roberts Why Centers for Independent Living are America's best-kept secret for disability resources How peer mentoring can transform lives through shared experiences The importance of unified advocacy across disability communities Practical ways to combat ableism through education and awareness Whether you're living with a disability, supporting someone who does, or simply interested in creating a more inclusive world, this conversation will inspire you to become part of the movement for change.Connect with us:🔹 The M.A.R.C. Network app: https://marcnetwork.world 🔹 NCIL: https://ncil.org 🔹 United Spinal Association: https://unitedspinal.org Tags: #disabilityadvocacy #independentliving #TheoBraddyTimestamps/Chapters:0:00 - Introduction and welcome 2:53 - Marc shares a personal story about accessibility challenges 6:56 - Matt's experience with his new Striker bike 11:41 - Introduction of Theo Braddy, Executive Director of NCIL 14:51 - The power of knowledge and community resources 18:22 - The history of Ed Roberts and the independent living movement 24:07 - What are Centers for Independent Living? 30:25 - Theo shares his personal journey with disability at age 15 38:20 - From nursing home to advocacy leader 41:44 - The importance of education and mentorship 49:50 - The five core services provided by Centers for Independent Living 51:10 - The impact of peer counseling and mentoring 57:54 - Addressing attitudinal barriers and ableism 1:02:30 - NCIL's upcoming annual conference and closing thoughts

In this premiere episode of "Stronger Together with Marc and Matt," hosts Marc (Boston Marathon bombing survivor) and Matt (spinal cord injury survivor) welcome adaptive fitness pioneers Jesi Stracham and Nikki Walsh.Jesi and Nikki share their inspiring journeys following their injuries and how they joined forces to create the groundbreaking Wheel with Me Adapt Fit app - the #1 fitness resource designed specifically for wheelchair users. Learn how proper fitness approaches can transform independence, mental health, and overall wellbeing for people with mobility challenges.The hosts and guests discuss the power of collaboration in the disability community, practical fitness approaches that consider unique challenges, and how taking small steps toward health can create significant life changes. Whether you use a wheelchair or know someone who does, this conversation offers valuable insights on building strength, independence and community.Download the Wheel with Me Adapt Fit app: https://wheelwithmeadaptfit.comFollow on Instagram: @wheelwithmefitSTRONGER TOGETHER PODCASTBi-weekly episodes featuring individuals, organizations, and products making a difference in the disability community.Available on the M.A.R.C. Network app and United Spinal website.Wheel with Me Adapt Fit App: https://wheelwithmeadaptfit.comInstagram: @wheelwithmefitEmail: [email protected]. Network App: https://marcnetwork.worldUnited Spinal Association: https://unitedspinal.orgTimestamps/Chapters:00:00 - Welcome to Stronger Together with Marc and Matt03:17 - Meet your hosts: Marc Fugaril and Matt Castellano06:11 - Introducing guests Jesi Stracham and Nikki Walsh07:15 - Jesi's journey: From motorcycle accident to adaptive fitness11:05 - Nikki's story: Returning to fitness after car accident injury16:51 - The birth of Wheel with Me Adapt Fit app22:05 - Common challenges in gyms for wheelchair users26:30 - How to use the Wheel with Me Adapt Fit app32:16 - Success stories and life transformations38:27 - Membership options and app features42:40 - Mental health and disability: Moving beyond limitations48:55 - The power of community and collaboration53:16 - Final thoughts and upcoming podcast episodes