Adaptdefy

Andrew Slorance is the CEO and founder of Phoenix Instinct. In 2020 they won a million dollars in the Toyota Mobility Foundation Mobility Unlimited Challenge to revolutionize the manual wheelchair. Andrew grew up in the North East of Scotland and became a T4/5 paraplegic wheelchair user as a 14 year old after falling from a tree. Over the last 30 years he has learnt a thing or two about navigating life and has taken it upon himself to solve some of the frustrations that he's encountered along the way. A successful photographer, designer and entrepreneur, we discuss the ups and downs and how he has ultimately risen like the Phoenix!

I first met Alex while he was flying a plane around New Zealand. The more I got chatting the more I was in awe of the balance he has in his life. A paraplegic of over 20 years, Alex is is an accomplished wheelchair tennis player, sit skier, peer mentor and family man. In this episode we discuss his philosophy on life and gain an insight into how he has managed to create such a well rounded life.

Born with a rare disorder that affects her mobility, Jackie Silver rocks a wheelchair and is on a mission to empower people with disabilities and/or chronic diseases to live healthier lifestyles. Jackie is a registered dietitian with a Masters of Health Science (MHSc) who takes a weight-inclusive approach to nutrition and focuses on health behaviour change rather than weight. She also takes a mindful eating approach believing it to be one of the most effective ways of sustaining long-term health behaviour change.

Shaun Gash is a paraplegic amputee who loves adventure and physical activity. Whether it is scaling mountains, scuba diving, boxing, or obstacle racing through mud, Shaun does it with a smile on his face and a determination to improve the lives of others in the process. In this episode we really connect and go deep into what it means to live life to the fullest and do good in the process. A must listen and the longest episode to date.

Maria Rabaino is a founding member of the phenomenally successful Rollettes Wheelchair Dance Team, and a certified personal trainer who creates workout videos for wheelchair users to increase their mental and physical wellbeing. In this episode we talk about: The accident that left Maria with an L1 incomplete spinal cord injury What helped her during her recovery The journey to success with the Rollettes Finding love Fitness and mental health

Hannah Gavios was backpacking in Asia solo when an attempted sexual assault forced her run for her life. Things went from bad to worse when she fell down a cliff and was paralyzed, only to be confronted by her attacker as she lay there in the dark unable to move. Her physical and mental recovery and strength is phenomenal. Hannah now runs marathons and teaches Yoga even though she suffers the lasting effects of a spinal cord injury. There is much wisdom to soak up in this interview. Hang on for a wild ride.

Andrea Dalzell was diagnosed with Transverse Myelitis at the age of 5, but growing up using a wheelchair didn’t stop her from pursuing a career in healthcare! Today, she is the first registered nurse who uses a wheelchair in NYC.

Ivan Pizzaro was shot by a gunman when he was 19 while attending a Halloween party. A fit an active sportsman he was left paralyzed from the waist down. In this episode we talk about his recovery and how he manages to stay fit and healthy in both mind and body. If you're a wheelchair user or you know someone who is, checkout the LapStacker to increase freedom and remove frustration from your life.

In this episode, Cambry Nelson, a champion equestrian vaulter, describes what happened the day she broke her back. “I decided to do my aerial dismount off the horse, but didn’t communicate it to my teammate still on the horse. I flipped, hit him with my leg, changed my rotation in the air and landed on my back. I severed my spinal cord and became permanently paralyzed from the waist down.” In this podcast we talk about her recovery, (which she describes as ongoing), why it took her so long to feel comfortable on a horse again, dating and marriage as a paraplegic, identity and self worth, occupational therapy, and developing a new product to increase freedom for wheelchair users. This is a goodie! Check it out.

Gem Hubbard is arguably one of the top Disability Lifestyle Creators in the UK with an international following for her “Wheels No Heels” channels. A medical mishap while a young girl left Gem fighting for her life in ICU. Waking from the induced coma, she was told that she was now paralyzed from the waist down. The transition to being a wheelchair user was rough physically and mentally and at one point Gem wanted to end it all. Lucky she didn't because her Youtube videos educate and entertain millions on how to life a fulfilling life as a wheelchair user. More importantly perhaps, her content highlights important changes needed to make our world more inclusive and accessible. In the podcast we discuss: The early days of her recovery What it took to find her tribe How she overcame depression and found her passion Love and relationships Being a parent as a wheelchair user Content creation and the business of vlogging Wheelchair travel Disability advocacy To learn more and for links to Gem's content go to https://adaptdefy.com/gem-hubbard-podcast

Sophie Elwes is an international para athlete, peer mentor, adventurer and media producer. Given a 40% chance of surviving after a huge fall from a balcony, Sophie has built a life filled with excitement, adventure, service and love. In this episode we dive deep into self identity and what it took to pack up and leave the support of her family to travel the world. We discuss how she came to represent Great Britain in adaptive skiing and waterskiing, how she shaped her career, and how she overcame all the physical and mental hurdles along the way. Check it out!

Megan Blunk is a gold medal winning paraplegic wheelchair basketball star that speaks openly about her struggle with severe depression. This was one of those podcasts that went DEEP straight away. Megan is courageous, talented and determined to make a better life for herself and others who struggle with their mental health. If you or someone you know is feeling stuck in their life, be sure to check this out! More details and links are available at https://adaptdefy,com/podcasts

Ben Clark, dove into the sea “Baywatch style” and discovered it was shallower than he expected. The impact broke his neck, resulting in paralysis from the chest down. Drawing on 10 years of experience as a professional swimmer, he was determined to get through his recovery with physical and mental strength. In this interview we explore an impressive range of topics, including: Self identity Mental health Happiness Falling in love with the process Post success depression Starting a youtube channel Being a coach in a wheelchair Prehab and not getting injured Sticking to exercises Smart goals Travel as a quadriplegic Dating Through his social media channels, Ben aims to, “adapt workouts, nutrition, advice, motivation for any and all situations” so that working out and staying fit is accessible for all. I just love one of his favourite sayings, "There’s no path to happiness, happiness is the path." You can learn more about Ben and get his social media links at https://adaptdefy.com/ben-clark-podcast

South African paraplegic Alwyn Uys is a professional triathlete, entrepreneur and motivational speaker who knows how to train hard, focus his mind and achieve his goals. In this episode we unpack the accident that left him a wheelchair user, his daily routine, fitness hacks, and goals for the future.

Brandon Winfield is the founder of iaccesslife, a mobile app that allows people with disabilities to rate and review the accessibility of venues such as restaurants, lounges, clubs, and bars. Paralysed at 14 years old he's had a rough ride. He meditates daily, and has worked on his mindset to shape the confident and successful man he is today. Check this out.

Robyn Lambird caught our attention with her wildly interesting fashion images on instagram. Born in the UK with Cerebral Palsy, she emigrated with her parents to Australia where she immersed herself into sport. Never afraid of being herself, she is disabled, queer and proud! Oh, and she's a talented international athlete, social media influencer and style aficionado. Check it out! For full links go to https://adaptdefy.com/robyn-lambird-podcast

Kirk Williams is a photographer, van conductor, drone expert, marshmallow cooker, mental mechanic, and active quadriplegic after a routine mountain bike accident left him with a C5 burst fracture. Discovering access issues while travelling in South America he vowed to return, but this time in a custom van which has given him the ultimate freedom. In this episode we talk about the van and what modifications he's made, his road to recovery, his mental fortitude and advice, and how Covid-19 has affected his plans. Check it out! Follow Kirk's adventures at: https://impactoverland.com/ https://www.instagram.com/impact.overland/

At 20 years-old, Peruvian born Marcela Marañon survived a fatal car accident that killed her boyfriend. She was left paralyzed and with a lower leg amputated. Living in the USA at the time and barely able to speak English she faced an ordeal of epic proportions. In this podcast we talk about how she managed to climb out of a deep hole and into a life of freedom, independence and travel. Marcela has a deep drive to change the world of disability and accessibility through her Journey of a Brave Women brand and large social media profile.

Quadriplegic Alvaro Silverstein is the founder of Wheel The World, an adventure travel company helping to redefine adventure tourism for people with disabilities. We talk about growing up in Santiago Chile and the accident that left him with a broken neck. What helped him during his recovery, his life hacks, and how he came to start a world leading adventure travel company that offers accessible travel experiences in over 40 countries.

Jesi Stracham is a former ATV racing party animal, who powers through life as a paraplegic due to a solid foundation of goals, exercise, community and entrepreneurship. This episode is chock full of lifehacks and lifestyle design tips, and is not to be missed for those who are struggling to make headway in life or are looking to up their game. Tune in! Key topics include: Starting the Wheel With Me Foundation How to set meaningful goals How to get on top of your mental health How to stay fit as a paraplegic How to do the Tough Mudder Race as a paraplegic How to find the opportunity within obstacles

There was a crowd around Andrew Skinner at the Abilities Expo in Los Angeles. He and the Triumph Foundation which he co-founded have made such an impact on peoples' lives that everyone wanted to see him. During this podcast interview it was easy to see why. Andrew broke his neck while on vacation at a ski lodge and even though his injury was in 2004, he still calls himself a recovering C6 quadriplegic. Combining determination, empathy and a willingness to put others before himself, Andrew has helped build an organisation and community that goes above and beyond to help others triumph after disaster. In this episode we explore: Relationships and love after a spinal cord injury The importance of peer support Goal setting Mental health Being a rock star Starting a charity Living a life of purpose

There aren’t many people with a goal to live to 109 years old, but Benveet Gill (Bean for short) has her sights firmly set on this and other lofty goals. Struck down by Transverse Myelitis and paralyzed from the waist down while on vacation with her friends when she was 30, Bean turned the worst moment in her life into an opportunity to work on her mental health, build a thriving rehabilitation business, and help change healthcare and services for the disabled in Canada. Key learnings and tips and tricks from this podcast include: Managing your mental health Dating Job interviews when you're disabled How to stay fit Choosing the right partner in business Navigating cultural stigmas How to stay focussed on a goal How to change the system

Jeremy McGhee is one tough dude. He's pushed his paraplegic body to breaking point in the mountains, in the surf, and in the gym, and is now on a mission to document the world's mountain bike tracks for adaptive riders, through his organisation The UNpavement. This is a must listen episode if you love outdoor adventure and biking. Check it!

What do you get when you combine skate, BMX and motocross culture with a fiery redhead who was born with Cerebral Palsy? You get Katherine Beattie, the first women to do a backflip in a wheelchair and also an award winning Hollywood writer. These talents combined with an infectious personality have allowed Katherine to help change the way people view disability. Don't miss this episode!

It's unbelievable that Richard Corbett is still alive. A 50 foot fall into an underground parking lot didn't kill him, but an addiction to pain medication and a mental breakdown, nearly did. Finding his way out of the darkest of places, Richard is a now world class YouTube video producer making informative how to videos for newly injured wheelchair users.

Teal Sherer is an award winning actress, who also happens to be a wheelchair user after a car accident left her a paraplegic when she was 14 years old. Teal shares her tips for being an actor as a wheelchair user, her thoughts for how society views wheelchair users and hr role in educating the public on what really goes on. Check it out.

Brooklyn might be considered the hood, but to Garrison Redd it has always been and always will be home. Even after the self-proclaimed authentic Brooklynite was shot in the back just steps away from his childhood home. An immensely physical and intelligent teenager, his life was thrown into turmoil as he lay in the hospital bed, learning he would never be able to walk again. But wise words from one of his doctors: “you might not be able to play football, but you can still coach,” soon changed his entire perspective. Now a model, a Paralympic powerlifter, public speaker and the founder of the Garrison Redd Project, an organisation that runs adaptive programs for people with spinal cord injuries, there’s almost no stopping Garrison from achieving his goal. All that’s left is to become the mayor of New York City.

Paralyzed in a car accident at age 13, Reveca thought her dreams of a career in art and fashion were over, but rolling in the footsteps of Mexican legend Frida Kahlo, Reveca has forged a career in the arts and is a pivotal figure in the disability rights movement in Chicago. She is the co-Director of ReelAbilities Film Festival, founder of Backbones and uses painting, illustration, photography, film, movement, and other media as a tool for advocacy and social justice.

Martyn is a man on a mission. A mission to make our society a more inclusive place to live. He's had to overcome major spinal fusion surgery, fundraise for vital mobility equipment, manage strangers to do his personal care, fight bouts of pneumonia, struggle through inaccessible housing, experience weird societal stereotypes, and many other barriers. He is the co-founder of Disability Horizons, a published author, podcast host, adventurer, government, business & charity adviser, and entrepreneur. He co-founded Accomable which was later acquired by Air BnB and is on a mission to travel and adventure to as many places on the planet as he can. He's a self confessed smiler with Spinal Muscular Atrophy .

Yannick Benjamin is a world class sommelier (wine expert), the founder of charities Wine On Wheels and Wheeling Forward, and a man who knows what it's like to push through barriers to do what he loves. Yannick has paved his way into New York’s restaurant scene as an Adapdefying wheelchair using Sommelier Extraordinaire!

Paraplegic Sebastian Westin is a Swedish prankster, para bobsledder, wheelchair instructor, musician, YouTuber, and meditation advocate. Giving himself a year to overcome the depression which almost killed him, he moved to India where the unthinkable happened. This is his story.

Alana Nichols is a world-class athlete with a passion for challenging herself and others. From a young age, her passion for sports and adventure has driven her and no matter what obstacle life throws her way, she takes a challenge head on. After suffering a spinal cord injury at age 17 while attempting a back flip on her snowboard, Alana quickly transitioned to adaptive sports. She is the first American female to win gold medals at both Summer (Wheelchair Basketball) and Winter (Alpine Ski Racing) Olympic/Paralympic Games.

Nothing seems to stop mobility master Stuart Dunne. After breaking his neck at 17 years old, following a car accident, Stuart quickly learned he just had to get on with life, and seize whatever opportunities were presented to him. He returned to university to study accountancy before making his own wheelchairs, and forming successful mobility products company Cyclone Mobility in 1989. In his spare time he likes to keep active, including playing wheelchair rugby for Great Britain, and spending time with his wife of 20 years.

Karen Darke, MBE is nothing short of legendary. What she has achieved with her life after becoming paralysed from the chest down at age 21 is extraordinary. Her wild streak and love of adventure drove her to cross-country ski across the Greenland ice-cap, kayak for 3 months from Vancouver to Alaska, and traverse multiple countries via handcycle. She is gold medal winning Paralympian, author and sought after speaker who leaves audiences energized and wanting more.

Derek Herrera is a former Marine Special Operations Officer who was paralyzed after being shot in the spine while on duty in Afghanistan. Derek re-focused his energy and skill to complete an MBA and started Spinal Singularity, a company that is developing medical technology to improve people’s lives.

Sophie Morgan is a prolific TV personality, artist, adventurer, entrepreneur, and paralysed icon who never sits still. She is the face and star of numerous BBC TV series and is at the forefront of a global movement for inclusivity. A self described wild child Sophie has channeled her energy after a life changing accident into a force that is changing the world for the adaptive community.

When Rob Smith broke his neck he never thought he'd go onto play sport for Great Britain, or apply his mechanical engineering skills to create a company which would improve the lives of thousands around the world. Rob is an athlete, entrepreneur and father with an Adaptdefying mindset. Check him out! For this story and more visit adaptdefy.com/adaptdefiers

Nathalie McGloin is the world’s first female tetraplegic racing driver. She races a hand-controlled Cayman S in the Porsche Club Championship, competing against able-bodied men. She has an impressive list of sponsors, is the President of the FIA Disability and Accessibility Commission, and founder of Spinal Track that offers disabled drivers the opportunity to experience track driving in specially adapted cars. Nathalie is also an sought after speaker, who delivers keynotes around the world to share her unique story, encourage women and disabled people into Motorsports, and help audiences believe that anything is possible.

Paraplegic Christian Bagg is a brilliant engineer. He’s the founder of BowHead Corp. and designer of the Bowhead Reach, which is the world’s gnarliest and most capable off-road electric trike. He’s a family man, adventurer, and entrepreneur on a mission to increase freedom for wheelchair users! Sound familiar? An Adaptdefier™ with so much to share. Check him out.

Josh Dueck is an absolute legend in the adaptive community. He became an instant celebrity after he appeared on the Ellen Degeneres show for becoming the first person to do a backflip in a sit ski. He is a Paralympic gold medalist, ambassador and mentor, and one of the reasons adaptdefy’s Mike Brown was able to bounce back and keep his head held high following his spinal cord injury. Josh has so much wisdom to share and is one of the nicest guys around.

When doctors said Aaron Baker would never regain function he visualised the outcome he wanted and set about proving them wrong. Aaron is the founder of the Center of Restorative Exercise (C.O.R.E.) and believes that exercise is medicine.

Roy Tuscany is the founder of The High Fives Foundation whose vision is to be the “safety net of the outdoor action sports community”. Roy is such a positive guy, he hardly has a bad word to say about breaking his back, and has paid his experience and gratitude forward to help others find their freedom in the outdoors. Roy’s attitude and zest for life is exactly the spirit you need to become an Adaptdefier.

As if riding a skateboard wasn’t hard enough, paraplegic Erik Kondo has found ways to ride them while in his wheelchair. And while at first this sounds foolhardy, there is some real logic behind his pioneering way of thinking about movement in a wheelchair. Erik is a strong advocate for finding ways to be free in a wheelchair without expensive equipment.

From remote wilderness rafting trips, to yacht racing, to business and politics, paraplegic Quentin Smith is a true all rounder. But it’s took Quentin time and introspection to get there. Finding the cause, and a way to move past, “depression” helped Quentin build his emotional intelligence that enables him to thrive in his personal, family, business and community life.

From the highs of a professional mountain biking career to the deepest lows of living life paralysed from the waist down, Tara Llanes has risen again to become a world class wheelchair athlete and leader in the adaptive mountain biking community.

South African Bruno Hansen has more survival stories than anyone else we know. A paraplegic following a carjacking attack, he’s now a three time world adaptive surfing champion with a wealth of physical, spiritual and emotional wisdom to share after years of hard core Adaptdefying.

Paraplegic Helen Smith has found novel ways to explore the outdoors by literally harnessing her friends so she can go on multi-day camping and rafting adventures. She takes a lightweight approach and has many wheelchair life-hacks to share. She is the winner of a Churchill Fellowship which allowed her to travel the globe discovering just how accessible adventure with a wheelchair can be.

Samanta is a wheelchair tennis champion, an inclusive fashion model, sought after speaker, and a health and wellbeing expert who is changing the way the world views inclusivity.

Jezza's mindset is astounding and infectious. Becoming a tetraplegic(quadriplegic) hasn't stopped him from becoming an expert in accessible adventure tourism. He is the founder of Making Trax who are on a mission to encourage and assist tourism operators to make their services accessible for those living with a disability. He paraglides solo despite having very limited hand function, was the world's first tetraplegic to complete the Mongol Rally, and runs guided adventure trips to take people with access needs rafting, skiing, hiking, camping, sky diving, and much more...

Brazilian paraplegic Fellipe Kizu Lima is a legend. In a country with little money to support those with spinal cord injuries he found ways to "just get on with it" In a laid back interview we explore how he manages to surf waves all over the world, run a small business and generally find the stoke.

Paraplegic Tanelle Bolt hasn't let the cost of adaptive equipment stop her from being rad again! She is the founder of the RAD society which she started to make it easier for people to try expensive adaptive equipment, or rent it and take it to enjoy with whom and where ever they please. Tanelle is on a mission and offers advice on how to ask for help, connect with others and enjoy the outdoors again.