Limbitless

Darryl Partridge is a below-knee amputee, an endurance athlete, an NASM-certified personal trainer, and the founder of Leg Up On Fitness, his personal training business in New York that focuses on helping a person with limb difference achieve their best health. He tells us his story in today's episode.

We spoke with Cass Isidro, MBA, president and CEO of the Amputee Coalition. She shared the mission and vision of the organization and how they are working to improve the lives of those with limb loss and limb difference in the United States. Ms. Isidro joined the organization as the president and CEO in February 2023. She is responsible for leading strategic direction, growing partnerships with key stakeholders, and increasing funding opportunities. Her professional career includes more than 25 years within the nonprofit sector, with 10 years in education-related associations. She obtained a Master of Business Administration from Hawaii Pacific University and a Bachelor of Science in public health education from Indiana University.

Sarah Marshall is the owner of TravelAble, a travel agency whose mission is "to create a travelable world by designing limitless experiences that perfectly support a traveler's unique desires, needs, and budget." She explains how to create a successful, meaningful, and enjoyable travel experience, regardless of your mobility or care needs. TSA Cares Special Needs at Sea Scootaround Curb Free with Cory Lee Becoming Rentable

We take a slight turn in our usual narrative to bring you one of the most incredible spy stories ever told. Mike talks with bestselling author Sonia Purnell about her book A Woman of No Importance: The Untold Story of the American Spy Who Helped Win World War II. It is a biography of Virginia Hall, an American woman who was one of the most successful undercover agents in the second world war despite the attitudes of men in power towards women and the fact that she was a below-knee amputee. The story is better than any fictional spy story you've ever seen.

Shaholly Ayers is a model, musician, and brand ambassador for Global Disability Inclusion. She has been featured in Nordstrom, Glamour, Rihanna's Savage X Fenty TV show, and has graced the runways of Milan Fashion Week and New York Fashion Week. Oh, and she's also a congenital amputee. Shaholly tells us about how she has made her own way, from figuring out how to play basketball to getting a modeling gig. She works hard to break down barriers for people with all kinds of disabilities and make the world a more equitable place for all.

Dr. Rylan Pearson is a chiropractor, former marine, and amputee. In his podcast debut, Rylan talks about his decision to amputate his foot in 2019, the power of community after amputation, the PT-Chiro relationship, and the importance of collaborating with the entire healthcare team- because no one person can do it all. You can find Dr. Pearson at ChiroFamily (https://chirofam.com/).

Amy Bream is an adaptive athlete with a passion for pushing her limits. In this episode, she joins Mike to discuss being born with PFFD, prosthetic training at a young age, her new daily workout program (Live By Example), and entering, navigating, and leading the world of Crossfit in the adaptive lower extremity division. Check out Amy on her: - Website: https://www.amybream.com/about/ - Instagram: onelegtostandon

Adrienne Haslet is an active blade runner, dancer, adventurer, a fierce global advocate for amputee rights, and a Boston Marathon bombing survivor. In this episode, Adrienne discusses her experience that day at the marathon and into recovery, travelling with a prosthetic leg, her advocacy work, and how verbiage matters.

Dr. Dan Steventon, a.k.a. The Kids' Cancer PT, joins us for a special talk about rotationplasty amputations and trying to be a light in the darkness for kids and their families navigating a cancer diagnosis. The Janke Leg Music by Mark Joesting and Andy Wicks

An amputation is more than a surgical procedure. It is a fundamental change in a person's life and their identity. Along with the physical challenges following an amputation, there are often mental and emotional challenges that may not be properly addressed. Katherine Joseph of the American Trauma Society talks with us about the importance of mental health, peer mentorship, and the many resources available to clinicians, patients, and their families. Amputeddy Helps a Friend Five Fingers and Ten Toes Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Alliance on Mental Illness National Center for PTSD Family Caregiver Alliance Child Mind Institute Music by Andy Wicks and Mark Joesting

Jim Thweatt is a retired physical therapist and an amputee who also is very active in the world of adaptive sports for people with physical disabilities. He talks about his unique perspective as a healthcare professional, an amputee, and an athlete. Hosted by Mike Verbsky. Music by Andy Wicks.

Dr. Nikhil Agrawal is a reconstructive plastic surgeon in New York who specializes in hand and nerve surgeries. He talks with Mike about the differences between residual limb and phantom pains, as well as some interesting new techniques for treating these post-surgical difficulties. Limbitless is hosted by Mike Verbsky and produced by Andy Wicks. Music in this episode from Mark Joesting and Andy Wicks.

Patty Young is a physical therapist and certified prosthetist who has worked in the VA medical system since 2010 and where she is the national program manager for the amputation system of care. She tells us about the many facets of support that amputees and their families need, and the myriad services and opportunities available to them. Patty is one of those rare gems who is incredibly passionate about what she does, and that passion is infectious.

Annika Hutsler is a veteran, an actress, an athlete, a teacher, and someone who is not afraid of challenges. She tells us about her life before and after limb salvage, how she jumped into adaptive sports with both feet (pun intended), and how she embraces the philosophy of "bouncing forward."

If you or someone you know is facing limb loss surgery and have questions, Jeffrey Mangus can give you answers. Jeffrey is a best-selling author, ghostwriter, and below-knee amputee whose book AMPossible: Real-World Solutions for Amputees to Accomplish the Impossible is a treasure-trove of hope, inspiration, and useful information. Hosted by Mike Verbsky. Music and production by Andy Wicks. Connect with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram!

Mike sits down for a conversation with Dr. Paulinder Rai, a board-certified specialist in physical medicine and rehabilitation in New York. Dr. Rai specializes in care and treatment of patients with amputations and wound complications and is an educator, mentor, and advocate for the PM&R field and its patients. Dr. Rai talks about the importance of establishing a relationship with a prosthetist and the complex care is often necessary in the immediate aftermath of a limb difference surgery. Music by Mark Joesting and Andy Wicks. Hosted by Mike Verbsky. Edited by Mike Verbsky and Andy Wicks.

Brian Maher has been an amputee for over 40 years, but that hasn't stopped him from playing golf. He talks with us about the Eastern Amputee Golf Association and how it has given him a chance to play and have a support network that has been vital over the years. Eastern Amputee Golf Association National Amputee Golf Association Southern Amputee Golf Association Midwestern Amputee Golf Association Southwest Amputee Golf Association Western Amputee Golf Association Music by Mark Joesting and Andy Wicks.

Welcome to Limbitless, the podcast of the Academy of Amputation and Limb Difference Physical Therapy (AALDPT). This podcast seeks to share stories and information related to the limb loss and limb difference community for clinicians, patients, and their families. Our first episode features Nicole Gross from the Amputee Coalition. She has a unique combination of professional and personal experience that gives her great insight into the limb loss and limb difference community and has a passion for connecting with and helping people who have recently lost a limb. Limbitless is hosted by Mike Verbsky. Produced by Andy Wicks. Music by Mark Joesting and Andy Wicks.