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00:00 Climbing competition format explained 06:38 Teamwork in blind climbing 09:10 Reviewing climbing session recordings 12:53 Competing against able-bodied climbers 15:31 Navigating difficult compromises 17:47 Adapting climbing techniques for height differences 23:06 Climbing route instructions 25:35 Creating beta sections for climbs 28:39 Overcoming beliefs and limitations 33:25 Climbing as a Social Sport 35:11 Dealing with competition nerves 38:11 Injury leads to paraclimbing connection 42:40 Challenges of Resource Accessibility 44:31 Adoption story and gotcha day 50:03 Qualifying for the Paralympics 51:22 Climbing community and personal growth 54:06 Feeling Grateful for Investor Support 57:15 Hopeful outlook with new leaders

Mike May shares how his mission for "getting unlost" has redefined possibility for people who are blind or visually impaired. Dive deep into the evolution of navigation tools, from 12-pound backpacks to cutting-edge AI and smart glasses, and learn how technology keeps pushing the limits of what’s possible.

Phamaly Theatre Company is the longest-running theater company in the U.S. dedicated to performers with disabilities. Managing Director Corinne Melon and blind actor Romy Lopez share behind-the-scenes challenges, hilarious moments, and the empowering ways that humor, camaraderie, and creativity break down stereotypes.

Sisters Leah and Grace, the creative duo behind Tiny and Snail, a greeting card and stationery business with a powerful story. Together, they share how their love of art, resilience in the face of life-altering adversity, and unwavering sisterly bond have shaped their company and lives. Leah discusses the impact of a spinal cord injury that changed her life in seconds, how it deepened her art and sense of purpose, and why handwritten notes matter more than ever.

11:07 Getting off the ventilator 14:32 Getting into racing as a kid 21:08 Challenges in rehabilitation care 22:40 Managing life and caretakers 30:52 Perspective on living with limited mobility 33:51 Staying productive after hardship 43:18 The SAM car. Evolving control systems 46:41 New camera tech in AV cars 53:44 Acknowledging the team and supporters 54:34 Starting out as a race owner 01:02:03 Reflections on Personal Growth 01:05:00 Praising an organization's impact

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. TAKEAWAYS Assistive 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.