Life After Paralysis is the official podcast of SPINALpedia.com, a nonprofit dedicated to helping people with spinal cord injuries. Hosted by Tiffiny Carlson, a C6 quadriplegic since 1993 and the executive director of SPINALpedia, she interviews guests and highlights important topics in the paralysis community, from spinal cord injury research and advocacy to lifestyle topics. New episodes are uploaded monthly. Send show ideas to info@spinalpedia.com. Learn more at SPINALpedia.com
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Join Makaila Nichols as she shines a new light on your favorite celebrities, influencers, and experts. We invite you to hear the real, unglamorous and challenging struggles that your role models have overcome. Our show serves as a reminder that you are not alone in dealing with a multitude of social issues including bullying, body image, mental health and more. Brought to you by the Blatantly Honest Foundation.
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Episode 54: NYC Real Estate Broker, Author & SCI Peer Mentor - Jeffery Lorenzo Williams
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Meet Jeffrey Lorenzo Williams, a New York City real estate broker from Harlem who's been injured since he was a teenager in the early 1980s from an accidental shooting. His injury however was simply a catalyst for an amazing life that he shared with us in this uplifting episode. After getting a degree in Criminal Justice, he went on to become a rea…
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Episode 53: Paul LaCorte - Single Dad & Lead Singer of Honkydonky & Heartbreaker
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Paralyzed for nearly 20 years, Paul LaCorte, a 38 year old paraplegic originally from California now living in Montana, shares his journey since his injury at 18 years old. From pivoting employment goals from auto mechanics to mass communications to teaching himself how to play the guitar post-injury as a form of therapy, Paul is living his life on…
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Kim Alexis, a renowned supermodel, has embraced a remarkable mission — the empowerment of others. Her prominence in the modeling scene soared during the 1970s and 1980s, as she graced the covers of esteemed publications such as: Sports Illustrated, Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Glamour, Self, and Cosmopolitan. In her current endeavors, Kim dedicates her …
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Episode 52: ShelbyLynn Quintana's Transverse Myelitis Journey
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In episode #52, we spoke with the newly paralyzed ShelbyLynn Quintana, injured from transverse myelitis last year. She shares her experience of being undiagnosed for months until a cause of paralysis was found thanks to sharing her story on Tiktok. Also a published poet, ShelbyLynn sheds light on a cause of paralysis that not enough people are awar…
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Episode 51: Paralyzed Metal Artist & Rally Racer Chris Hrabik to Start Adaptive Driving School
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In episode 51, we spoke with Chris Hrabik, based in a small town in Missouri, who was paralyzed nearly 20 years ago in a car accident at the age of 18. An incomplete quadriplegic, he went on to become a talented metal artist and fabricator as well as a rally racer after his injury. And he has a new project - starting his very own adaptive driving s…
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Episode 50: The Healing Power of Gratitude with Author Shelly Kerschner
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In this episode, we're joined by Shelly Kerschner, a longtime paraplegic who penned the book, "Standing Tall & the Healing Power of Gratitude," after her injury. She shares the importance of gratitude in her life, as well as her other passions, adaptive kayaking and adaptive yoga, and shares her plan to become an adaptive yoga teacher. — Follow She…
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Episode 49: Slingshot Golf for Quadriplegics Makes Debut at Adaptive Open
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In episode 49, we speak with founder of SPINALpedia and creator of Slingshot Golf, Josh Basile, a C4-5 quadriplegic who grew up loving the game of golf. Since standard adaptive golf wasn't a possibility for Josh due to arm mobility limitations, he created Slingshot Golf as a way for anyone to be able to golf no matter their mobility level. In May 2…
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Episode 48: Katie Rodriguez Banister & Rejoining the Theater World 30 Years After Her Spinal Cord Injury
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A former high school theater kid and aerobics instructor paralyzed in 1990, Katie Rodriguez Banister has been living life as a C5-6 quadriplegic for over 33 years. Post-injury, she found a passion for speaking and writing about SCI issues like managing/finding caregivers, and during Covid she decided to turn her autobiography into a play with the h…
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Life After Paralysis Episode 47: Gabe Trujillo: Becoming a NBC 12 News Digital Executive Producer
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In episode 47, we share a conversation with Gabe Trujillo, a longtime digital producer at 12 News, NBC-affiliate in Phoenix. Gabe became paralyzed at the age of 14 by a rare form of polio, induced by an extreme asthma attack. After finally getting a diagnosis years after his injury, Gabe settled into his new life as a quadriplegic (with arm movemen…
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Life After Paralysis Episode 46: Amy Wang-Hiller, Violinist on Wheels
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In episode 46, we chatted with musical phenom Amy Wang-Hiller, the only professional violinist in the US who uses a wheelchair full-time. She is new to using a wheelchair due to Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, a condition that affects the collagen in the body and can cause spinal cord injuries. Originally from Shanghai, China, Wang-Hiller moved to the US t…
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Life After Paralysis Episode 45: Casey Moore of the Oregon Spinal Cord Injury Connection
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A quadriplegic, husband, father and community health worker, Casey Moore from Medford, Oregon shares his story. Paralyzed in 2000 in a diving accident, he was unsure of what life held for him, but he did his best to focus on the positive and pushed ahead, going on to marry the love of his life, having a son without the need of IVF and then finding …
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Life After Paralysis Disability Employment Series 2022 - Candis Welch, DEI Practioner, Disability Advocate & Speaker
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In our second disability employment success story for National Disability Employment Awareness Month 2022, meet Candis Welch. A lifelong resident of Los Angeles, California with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, she began her career as an Executive Assistant with Issa Rae Productions after graduating with a degree in Journalism. She then pivoted to the publ…
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Life After Paralysis Disability Employment Series 2022 - Brandon Winfield
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October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month and this year we will be highlighting a variety of disability employment success stories. Brandon Winfield, founder of the accessibility review app iAccessLife, is first up in our series. Paralyzed at the age of 14 in a motocross accident, he went on to become a self taught QA analyst and an…
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Life After Paralysis Episode 44: Wheelchair Zumba Instructor Tennille Houston
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Is Zumba a good workout for wheelchair-users? In this episode, we speak with wheelchair Zumba instructor Tennille Houston from Idaho who fills us in on why Zumba is a great workout for those who can't walk. Also married with two teenagers, she became a wheelchair-user over 14 years ago due to pregnancy complications and went on to become a Zumba ce…
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Episode 43: Self-Improvement Hour with Tim Taylor
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Tim Taylor, a C5 quadriplegic from Pennsylvania, has experienced a lot since his injury nearly 20 years ago, and he has a lot to share in this episode. We talk with him about his car accident that resulted in the death of two individuals, how he made it through the depression that followed afterwards and how he ultimately found his calling since he…
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Episode 42: Quadriplegic Camper Jason Thurston Spreads the Word on John Dillon Park, a Fully Inclusive Campground
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We're excited to have Jason Thurston, a C5-6 quadriplegic, back on the show. A wheelchair camping expert who camped alone 4 times last year, he's now the Outreach Coordinator for International Paper John Dillon Park, a free and fully inclusive campground located in New York state in the Adirondack mountains. Injured in 2004 in a diving accident, th…
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Episode 41: Bianca Faith Johnson - Lawyer, Professor, Preacher & Ms. Wheelchair NY 2022
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If you're looking for a dose of motivation, this is the podcast episode for you. Injured 5 years ago in a motorcycle accident, Bianca Faith Johnson went on to receive her law degree and is now an assistant college professor as well as an assistant preacher at her church, St. Albans. To top it off, she's also the newly crowned Ms. Wheelchair New Yor…
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Episode 40: Wage Disparities & The Great Caregiver Shortage
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If you get paid more to pour a cup of coffee at McDonald's than be a caregiver, the system is surely unjust. Kevin Orr, a complete C4-5 quadriplegic from Mississippi and former police officer injured in 2009, has experienced a severe absence of caregivers since the pandemic began (with his mother becoming his full-time caregiver as a result). Tiffi…
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In the first episode of 2022, we chat with Natalie Cinman, a passionate home cook and wheelchair-user from Montreal, Quebec. She may not be paralyzed, but she has dozens of amazing tips to share on cooking in a wheelchair. Born with osteogenesis imperfecta, she lives in her forever home with her dream accessible kitchen, along with her husband and …
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Life After Paralysis Episode 38: Peter Yeo's Mobility-Enhancing Surgeries
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Peter Yeo, a C4 incomplete quadriplegic from British Columbia, Canada, shares the two surgeries that helped him regain movement after his spinal cord injury, including a groundbreaking therapy to treat spasms after maxxing the daily maximum of Baclofen. He was also the first to receive this treatment. And although he still has limited upper-body mo…
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Life After Paralysis Episode 37: Newly Injured Melissa Childers Shines a Light on Spinal Strokes
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Not being able to move just one of her legs is how Melissa Childers, an avid marathon runner and mountain climber, woke up one January morning in 2021. By the day was up, she would be no longer able to move her legs. Diagnosed with a spinal stroke (which can happen to anyone at any time), Melissa has had to figure out life after paralysis this year…
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Life After Paralysis Episode 36: Wheelchair Weight Loss, Finding Love and More with Beth Beckley
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Beth Beckley is not your average married lady living life in the Atlanta, Georgia suburbs with her spoiled fur babies (although her dogs are insanely cute). Injured 13 years ago when she was 21, Beth, now a T4 paraplegic, has an appreciative perspective on life. She shares her injury story, how recently lost 40 pounds and how she's forging ahead wi…
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Brooklyn Quintana is the author of the book, “Fynneas Fog: Nine of Swords.” Her journey to becoming an author was not always so simple, Brooklyn pivoted many times in her life and ultimately has found her calling through writing and inspiring others. She is the founder of a publishing group called Morpheus Media, LLC an alternative to the tradition…
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Mark Hulsewé is an actor, activist and former victim of bullying. His motivation for joining the entertainment industry is simple - to make a positive impact and using his influence to inspire the youth to pursue their dreams. He sits on the board for AMRAK, a charity focusing on preventing bullying. Mark hopes to continue to bring light to the wor…
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Life After Paralysis Episode 35: Former MMA Fighter Ulysses Martin
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In Episode 35, we are joined by Ulysses Martin, a 45 year old C3-5 quadriplegic, father and quadriplegic from Florida. A former amateur MMA fighter, minor league football player and actor, Martin was injured in 2018 when he was hit by a SUV while on his motorcycle. He is now striving to walk again and is determined to return to physical therapy to …
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Laura Sharpe on finding her purpose after tragedy
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Laura Sharpe turned a tragic event into a life-affirming mission. After a tragic helicopter crash in 2008 which left her with significant, life altering injuries, Laura discovered the power of art in healing. It was through her lengthy rehabilitation process from her near-fatal wounds, Laura found her mission in life. She is the founder and CEO of …
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Taylor McVeigh is a 14-year-old model, actress and social media influencer on a mission. She wants to promote kindness, positive body image and encourage people to take a stance against bullying. Today she opens up about what it means to be a “influencer” and more importantly how to be your own role model.…
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Episode 34: Adaptive Surfer Ernie Johnson
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In Episode 34, Ernie Johnson, paralyzed as a C4-5 incomplete quadriplegic while playing high school football over 24 years ago, shares his life in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, including his passion for adaptive surfing. Surfing on his belly, he has won a number of adaptive surfing events. From being a wheelchair bodybuilder to a high school basket…
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Dai Time is a social media influencer, founder of Dai Time Magazine and a young entrepreneur. She has been inspiring youth and adults alike since she was only 15 years old. Today, we discuss what it means to be a female entrepreneur and how to lead by example.By Makaila Nichols
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Lisa Jason is a singer, songwriter and performer. She wrote an original show called "Bullied to Beautiful" that highlights her own experiences of bullying and how she was able to push through the darkness. Lisa is now a Dance Movement Therapist and holds a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Dance Movement Therapy. She hopes to…
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Episode 33: 40 Years Paralyzed - Ron Trozzi and His Green Thumb Life in Arizona
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In Episode 33, Ron Trozzi, a C5-6 quadriplegic injured over 43 years ago at 20 years old as an officer in the Coast Guard, shares his spinal cord injury story. A Long Island native, he decided to hightail it to Tucson, Arizona 2 years after his injury so he would no longer be known as the 'wheelchair guy' in the neighborhood where he grew up. He al…
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Oscar Castan on the ups and downs of being a teen
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Oscar Castan is a host, actor and influencer best known for his Young Artist Academy nominated role as host of the "Gen Z Buzz." Oscar is a series regular host for the new children's streaming show "Next Gen News." He opens up his experiences with bullying, social media and the pressures young people face.…
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Lacey Caroline is an actress, singer, dancer and host. She’s best known for her role as Mariah in the 2019 Hallmark Hall of Fame movie, A Christmas Love Story. She’s also worked with NASCAR on NBC as a Kid Reporter and the Monster Energy Supercross series. Check out her take on women in sports, growing up quickly and how she plans to make an impact…
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Gabe Silva is an actor, podcast host and magazine publisher. He has shared the big screen with some of Hollywood’s top a listers and has appeared in “Godzilla: King of the Monsters.” He started his own podcast called, "Just Talk with Gabe" that is downloaded in six different countries. "JTWG" was the natural offshoot of his entrepreneurial spirit t…
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Episode 32: Leah B. Rose - Quadriplegic Empowerment Coach from Vancouver
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In Episode 32, Tiffiny chats with the very cool Leah B. Rose from Vancouver, British Columbia. After her injury, Leah, a C5-6 complete quadriplegic, discovered a love of empowerment coaching for youth and mothers. She felt the need to help others because of what she learned after her injury (and she also became the owner of two Sphynx/hairless cats…
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Patrick Oliver Jones is an actor and singer who has been performing for more than 25 years. He was an original cast member of “First Wives Club” in Chicago as well as performing in two National Tours of “The Adams Family” and “Evita.” Now he hosts his own podcast called “Why I’ll Never Make It,” which explores the reasons why actors and creative pr…
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Neil D’Monte on overcoming the peer pressures of Hollywood
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Neil D’Monte is a director, producer, storyboard artist and musician. Neil is best known for his work on Jurassic World, Batman Vs. Superman, Palm Springs, Unbreakable boy, Rambo: Last Blood and Midnight Sun. He is also a producer with Robots of Awesome on Sony pictures lot. We discuss what led Neil to Hollywood, his journey of sobriety and how he …
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Connor Dean is an actor, writer, athlete, and meme king. Connor has appeared on Fox’s hit drama 9-1-1 and played Butch the Bully in the Cool Cat movies. Despite his role, he knows what it’s like to be the target of bullying. Connor opens up about the ups and downs of growing up in Hollywood, his charitable work and how he conquered bullying.…
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Jillian Curwin on living in a world that was not designed for her
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Jillian Curwin is a blogger, advocate for accessible fashion and part of the little person community. Using her blog, Always Looking Up, as her platform, she writes about trying to fit into a world that was not designed for people like her, demonstrating that height is just a number, not a limit.By Makaila Nichols
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Sarah Hamel-Smith aka @thecurvytrini is a New York based TEDx presenter, plus sized model, storyteller and digital influencer represented by TRUE Model Management. She’s also the co-Founder of Plus Amplified, an organization dedicated to educating and empowering those who live in plus-size bodies and serves as a catalyst for cultural and internal s…
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Tricia Campbell on body image and Black History Month
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Tricia Campbell is a plus-size supermodel and life coach. Today she gets Blatantly Honest about her former struggle with body image and her journey to become a confident queen. Makaila and Tricia also chat about Black History Month and where she gets her entrepreneurial spirit.By Makaila Nichols
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Episode 31: Scott Fedor & 5 Absolute Life Truths He's Learned Since Breaking His Neck
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In our interview with Scott W. Fedor, a C3 quadriplegic from Ohio, he shares the 5 most important life truths he's learned since breaking his neck in a diving accident 12 years ago. A non-sugar coater, Scott speaks from the soul, sharing awesome tips on how to deal with some of life's biggest blows. For more on Scott, including where to purchase hi…
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Cavanaugh is the Chief Positivity Creator and founder of a non-profit called Cool and Dope. His organization helps combat bullying. At just eight years old, his work has been recognized on a local, state, and national level even President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris have heard of this impressive young man. His dream is to end bull…
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Will LeGate is a young entrepreneur who taught himself to code when he was just 13 from online Stanford classes and is now the CEO of one of the top cryptocurrency platforms in America. Despite his success, he was bullied in school for coding during recess. Will opens up about his own experiences and more importantly how to tune out the haters.…
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Lexi Rabe is an actress who’s appeared in Godzilla: King of the Monsters, as Morgan Stark in Avengers: End Game, and her most recent film Silk Road. Despite her success, Lexi reveals how she has experienced bullying. Now, she hopes to spread kindness wherever she goes and to be a role model for others.…
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Kevin Hines on why he jumped off the Golden Gate Bridge
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Kevin Hines is an award-winning global speaker, best-selling author, documentary filmmaker, suicide prevention and mental health advocate who has reached millions with his story. He is the 26th out of 34 people to survive jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge. Today, Kevin and I discuss the reasons why he jumped including childhood bullying, eating di…
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Patti Negri is Hollywood’s go-to psychic-medium and “Good Witch.” Patti has a recurring role on Ghost Adventures, appeared on other shows including Master Chef, America’s Got Talent and Flipping Out. She’s the best-selling author of “Old World Magick for the Modern World” and now has a weekly podcast called “The Witching Hour.” Patti has graced num…
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Jeremiah Josey is quickly becoming the face of autistic young adulthood. Jeremiah is a baker, model, author and speaker. He’s been featured in both Tommy Hilfiger and Kohls adaptive lines, cooked on the Steve Harvey show and is a current student at the Culinary Institute of America. He advocates for other autistic youth and hopes to encourage other…
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Episode 30: Balancing Optimism vs Reality with Author and Quadriplegic Ryan S. Atkins
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In our first episode of 2021, we speak with Ryan S. Atkins, a C3-4 quadriplegic from Cincinnati, Ohio (and Bengals fan) who was paralyzed in a car accident in 2009. He has mastered the art of focusing on the here and now and how to balance the reality of being paralyzed and staying positive even he never walks again. Ryan has also published a book …
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Matt Newman is the best-selling author of “Starting at a Finish Line” a book centered around Matt’s struggle with brain cancer. Matt has dedicated his life to inspiring others to live in the present.By Makaila Nichols
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