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Van Life: It's About the Journey

Thu, 03 Oct 2024 23:51:30 GMT

Join us as we interview Kirk Williams, a professional photographer and van-life instagrammer with a twist - he's also in a wheel chair. Kirk details everything from how to go about setting up your own rig to challenges with cooking to his remarkable journey throughout South America in his van.

Ear muffs warning: PG-13. The content is very kid-friendly, but there are a few words in there that would be embarrassing if your kid uttered them in front of their entire first grade class.

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It Takes a Village

Thu, 22 Aug 2024 19:33:19 GMT

In this episode, we sit down with Olivia Kunevicius. In 2017, Olivia became the full time caregiver for her sister, Jessica, after a TBI related to cardiac arrest. In this interview, we get her unique perspective and dive into some of the uncomfortable things that many caregivers are too afraid or embarrassed to discuss with other people. Olivia shares about the path to recover from a caregiver's perspective, and discusses the candid realities of being a caregiver.

Ear Muffs Warning: PG-13. While all the language is fine for little ears, the content can be a little bit heavy.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Back to the Track

Fri, 02 Aug 2024 15:15:44 GMT

With a little engineering and a lot of heart, Mark Lapansie has found his way back to the track after a motorcycle injury left him paralyzed from the waist down. Mark's story is one where innovation, drive, and passion led to on question: well, why not?

Earmuffs warning: PG - this one is wholesome through and through.

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The Glamor of Reimagining the Poop Scoop

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 01:55:49 GMT

In this episode, we sat down with Pam Allen - a board member at Mobility Dog, a non-profit that trains service dogs. While her resume as a board member is certainly impressive, we got down to her real accomplishments...namely coordinating a design-a-thon with Metro State University to reenvision the poop-scoop. Why? Because for individuals with mobility limitations, picking up after a service dog isn't always a simple feat. Don't worry - the whole episode isn't strictly about poop scoops (fortunately). We also get to learn more about the remarkable woman herself and what inspires her to push the envelope to drive positive change.

Ear muffs warning: PG. No swear words or off-color humor on this one...we don't even make poop jokes - which may have been a missed opportunity, in retrospect.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adventures at Burning Man

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 21:33:46 GMT

Meet Paul Walker, a man who seems to respond to every challenge that life throws at him with, "Why not?" Despite being in a wheelchair, Paul has not only attended the iconic Burning Man festival multiple times but has also played a pivotal role in creating the stunning artwork that defines the event. Get ready to be inspired as we explore Paul's incredible journey through life and his contributions and experiences at Burning Man.

Earmuffs Warning: PG-13. Some swearing and references to guns and gang violence.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

PEAK Performance

Thu, 09 May 2024 12:35:53 GMT

In today's episode, we're delving into the transformative world of the PEAK Center at Craig Hospital. This cutting-edge gym is not your average workout facility—it's a specialized haven tailored for individuals in various stages of spinal cord injury recovery. From state-of-the-art machines to personalized physical therapy sessions, the PEAK Center caters to those embarking on their recovery journey as well as those who have transitioned into post-recovery life, focusing on physical maintenance and overall well-being. Joining us is the esteemed Buffy Wojciehowski, a licensed physical therapist with a wealth of experience in spinal cord injury rehabilitation. Buffy shares invaluable insights that promise to inspire and empower those who are in the middle of recovery and those who are navigating life after a spinal cord injury.

Earmuffs warning: PG-13. One or two swear words, no F-bombs, and no comments that will have your kids asking, "Dad, what's [fill in the blank with something you absolutely don't want to explain to your child]."

Sit back and enjoy!

Resources:

Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation

Craig PEAK Center

Craig Hospital YouTube Channel

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You Don't Have to Go It Alone

Thu, 25 Apr 2024 15:52:29 GMT

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Jose Reyes to discuss the journey to acceptance from the unique lens of a licensed therapist who has had a traumatic brain injury (TBI). At the heart of Jose's story is a profound message of resilience and empowerment as he transitioned from a patient to a Peer Mentor at Craig Hospital. By embracing his new reality and channeling his experiences into meaningful action, he has not only transformed his own life but has also become a guiding light for others on similar paths. Drawing from his own experiences, he provides invaluable support, guidance, and encouragement to those who are just beginning their own recovery journeys. Jose's empathy and understanding serve as a source of hope and community for countless individuals who may feel lost or overwhelmed by the staggering impact of a spinal cord injury (SCI)/TBI.

So sit down and listen to what he has to say -

Earmuffs warning: PG - no swear words or adult humor in this one. Go ahead an throw it on even if the kids can hear.

Resources:

Peer Mentoring at Craig Hospital

Cultural Competency Consulting

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Part 2 With David Ortiz: Let's Get Down to the Brass Tacks

Wed, 10 Apr 2024 14:35:44 GMT

In Part Two of our interview with Colorado Congressman David Ortiz, we sit down for an in depth discussion about disability rights. We’ll cover everything from the issues to how to get involved - he even pitches a bill idea on the spot.

While you don't need to listen to Part 1, The Man, The Myth, The Legend: David Ortiz, for this episode to make sense - you should still go back and give it a listen - it's fun and we talk about cephalopods.

Below is a list of the resources Representative Ortiz calls out in the podcast.

Colorado Legislature

PASCO

Disability Law Colorado

CCDC: Colorado Cross-Disability Association

Paralyzed Veterans of America

Engage Dora

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The Man, The Myth, The Legend: Representative David Ortiz

Thu, 28 Mar 2024 14:00:30 GMT

Join us as we put Representative David Ortiz in the hot seat. In this first installment of our two-part saga, we'll peel back the layers and get to know David as a person (spoiler alert: he's fun). In the next episode, we'll dive into the issues and how you can get involved to help keep moving the needle forward for ADA legislation and compliance.

Earmuffs! Rating: This one is PG 13. There are a few f-bombs (totally warranted, by the way), some references to a man named Dick Champion, and one or two swear words.

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The Origin Story

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 00:24:00 GMT

Everyone has an origin story, and in this episode, Amanda shares her very real, very raw origin story about how she came to be in a wheelchair. You'll also get to hear a little bit about who we are as people, our contributions to a zombie apocalypse team, and fun facts about wolverines.

Earmuffs! Rating: This episode is pretty heavy and has some mature (albeit funny) themes at the beginning (nothing too bad, but grandma might blush). We'd recommend giving it a listen before you play it around your kiddos.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.