The AmpuTO Show

On this episode, we learn how Kendra Herber, author of ‘Whole - A Leg Up On Life', became a Para Triathlete in just 7 months and making Team USA.

Learn a more in-depth take to understand your Retirement Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) from Financial Advisor, Bobby Vu.

From NHL hopeful to 3x Olympian, Tyler McGregor talks about his love for hockey to representing Canada for the 3rd time in the upcoming 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. 

On this episode of The AmpuTO Show, learn all about the process to create Alleles prosthetic covers from Alleles Design Studio co-founders, Ryan Pilabroda and McCauley Wanner, and how you can get one of your own.

From bullied as a child playing sports to a rising Canadian Wheelchair Tennis athlete, Candice Combdon shares her journey in finding her sport and making ways for others to find theirs.

On this episode of the AmpuTO Show, adaptive athlete and Lululemon ambassador, Patrick Pressgrove, talks about his journey to prepare for running half a dozen half marathons, Iron Man, and the coveted Boston marathon. 

On this episode of The AmpuTO Show, learn more about Roxy, a tripod dog who befriends a dog with a missing ear. Author Hillary Sussman explains the process for writing the book and what she looks forward to writing the rest of The Adventures of Roxy teaching kids about limb difference. 

TRIGGER WARNING: Medical description of trauma in audio. On this episode of The AmpuTO Show, hear from author and ghost writer, Jeffrey Mangus, about his new book ‘AMPossible: Real-World Solutions for Amputees to Accomplish the Impossible' - a real life honest of his experience with limb loss.     

In this episode of The AmpuTO Show, Pole Sport Champion and Male Athletics of the Year Andrew Gregory, talks about getting into competition level pole as an amputee. 

In this episode, 2x Paralympian and Team Captain of Canada's Women's Sitting Volleyball Team speaks about her journey to the Tokyo Paralympics, the challenges of training and getting ready during the pandemic, and advocating for equality at the games. 

In this episode, Larry Borowsky of Amplitude Magazine looks back at some of the lessons learned and wins at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. 

On this episode of The AmpuTO Show, we hear from Alicia Jarvis, Digital Accessibility Consultant, talk about being in the room as a person with a disability when designing for everybody. 

On this episode of the AmpuTO Show, Anika Ursuliak shares her journey surviving bone cancer at the age of 11 and undergoing a rotationplasty. A new procedure at the time, Anika's choices since the procedure has allowed her to thrive and live her best life through travel, active lifestyle, and fulfilling career as a social worker.

On this episode of The AmpuTO show, Cannabis Educators Ming Bérubé-Sam and Dawn Atkinson discusses the many benefits of using Cannabis to deal with health issues including pain management. They also discussed THC and CBD are used how terpenes affect the desired outcome of use, and the laws in Ontario and Canada. Listener Discretion is Advised. Cannabis use for alternative health described in audio. Please consult with your health care provider before starting or stopping medications, and to learn more.   

TRIGGER WARNING: Trauma description in audio On this episode of The AmpuTO Show, hear how Deborah Smith, an adaptive sailor, adaptive golfer, amputee and cancer survivor has overcome the many challenges she's faced with strength, courage and conviction including walking away from an abusive marriage. Despite everything she has gone through, Deborah remains optimistic, greets life with a smile and a beacon of hope for many.

On this episode of The AmpuTO Show, learn about Physical Medicine or Physiatry, and the role of the discipline in limb loss from Dr. Amanda Mayo, physiatrist at Sunnybrook Health and Sciences Centre. Learn about benefits of prehab pre-amputation and physiatry post-amputation patient care. 

On this episode of The AmpuTO Show, researcher and content writer for Bionics for Everyone, Wayne Williams, discussed bionic options for lower limb amputees.  He also discussed costs for many of these prosthesis and what's coming down the pipe in terms of innovations like agonist-antagonist myoneural interface procedure. This episode is brought to  you by the Amputee Coalition of Toronto for the Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month Education Program.

On this episode of The AmpuTO Show, understand the different types of prosthesis available for all levels of amputation, the process for getting prosthesis made, and the process to become a prosthetist from Shane Glasford, C.P.(c), prosthetist.

On this episode of The AmpuTO Show, listen to researcher and content writer for Bionics for Everyone, Wayne Williams, as he discusses bionic options for upper limb amputees. He also discusses costs for many of these prosthesis and what's coming down the pipe in terms of innovations like agonist-antagonist myonueral interface procedure.  This episode is brought to you by the Amputee Coalition of Toronto for the Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month Education Program. 

On this episode of The AmpuTO show, learn how Ontario's Assistive Device Program (ADP) and other funding options available for Ontarians to assist in paying for their prosthesis from Office Manager of Hamilton Prosthetics and Orthotics, Joseph Griffa. TRIGGER WARNING: Use of an alternative description of residuum or residual limb used in the audio.

Trigger Warning: Medical and trauma description in the audio. Please speak with your medical care team. Listener discretion is advised.  On this episode of The AmpuTO Show, Tech CEO Mark Opauszky, talks about losing digits on his hand and eventually losing his left leg below the knee that resulted from Necrotizing Fasciitis (flesh eating disease), and the positive outlook he took to recover and getting back to an active lifestyle - a dad, husband, working out "hobbyist" (as he calls it), and a tech CEO.  

On this episode of The AmpuTO Show, hear how founder of Kingston Arts Circus, author of Flying Footless, and accessibility advocate, Erin Ball. Erin is creating accessibility in circus to include people with different abilities to both participate and enjoy performances. 

On this episode, blade runners Caitlin Connor (below-knee amputee) and Geoff Turner (above knee amputee)  discusses everything about running sprints, short distances and marathons on running blades and the differences between below knee and above knee amputees. Find out more about the different socket setup, different blades, and techniques and things to consider when running on a running blade.

On this episode of the AmpuTO Show, Achilles Canada Race Director, Brian McLean, and two Achilles Canada athletes shares the 20 plus years history of Achilles' St. Patrick's Day Race in Toronto, Achilles Canada has raised millions for other organizations through its St. Patrick's Day Race. 

On this episode of the AmpuTO Show, Just Ridin', Angie Sandow breaks down the many challenges she faced growing up with a limb difference and being diagnosed with breast cancer. One not to give up, Angie is an avid motorcycle rider, and can be seen performing as 'Angus' of AC/DC in the AC/DC tribute band called Bare Rump. An inspirational speaker, Angie is waiting to release a mini documentary based on her life called "Angie: Tales of Determination. 

TRIGGER ALERT: Trauma details in audio. Listener's discretion advised. On this episode of The AmpuTO Show, we hear from 3 time Paralympian medalist and Executive Director of ParaSport Ontario, Jeff Tiessen. Jeff Tiessen is a double upper limb amputee from childhood, a father and husband, who is also the publisher of Thrive Magazine - a magazine with focus on Canadians in the limb loss and limb different community.

On this episode of The AmpuTO Show, Christian Zyp, Teacher, Moving Radio Host, and Cinema Buff shares his story of survival from a serious illness and going back to his passion with movies, and connecting personal experiences in acting with his drama students.

On this episode of The AmpuTO Show, learn about residual limb overuse from Jackson's Body Essential owner, Mary Anne Jackson. Mary Anne was born with an upper limb difference and shares her experience growing up in a time when people with disabilities were "hidden from view".

On this episode of The AmpuTO Show, CEO & President of Adapt to Life Foundation, Fritz Rudy, talks about being a dad, an adaptive athlete, his limb loss experience and dealing with mental health. 

On this episode of The AmpuTO Show, we hear from Dr. Rosalie Steinberg and Dr. Matt Boyle about the importance of psychiatry services right at beginning of the patient's limb loss journey for their mental health. 

On this episode, Tyler Turner, first Canadian double below knee amputee wing pilot, extreme sports enthusiast and para snowboarder talks about his accident, the ups and downs of his recovery and the motivation and determination to dive again. A Para snowboarder with hopes of representing Canada in the Beijing Winter Paralympic Games in 2022, Ty is fulfilling his active lifestyle training, more dives and jumps, and living on a sailboat and in his own words “all about the spray”. 

On this episode, Dr. Liz Anderson-Peacock shares her amputation journey; from acceptance of the changes her body was about to go through to her recovery and the mindset she used that set her up for success. She regularly speaks in corporate groups around the globe about mindset, motivation and matching values with vision to empower one's self. 

On this episode of The AmpuTO Show, we meet Joy Monserrat-Rodriguez, SuperMom to Super WarAmps Super CHAMP, Jerhico. Joy talks about the challenges she and her family has faced raising her son with a limb difference, the supports she's received from the community and all the triumphs that lead to the advocacy she does as a parent for her son and the community. 

On this episode of The AmpuTO Show, listen to Tom McIntyre's limb loss journey with positive attitude and mindset; from saving himself after his accident to running the Boston Marathon. 

On this episode of the AmpuTO Show, learn some tips and tricks on bread making from culinary arts instructor and bread maker, Chef Thorsten Pannek. Listen to Chef Thor's story about proving himself early on in his career as a person born with a hand limb difference to becoming a bread making consultant and instructor at two culinary arts colleges in Canada.

On this episode of The AmpuTO Show, meet Kirsten Woodend, a nurse and osseointegration patient. She shares with us the ups and downs of her osseointegration procedure, and how she dealt with those challenges to thrive and live an active lifestyle.

On this episode of The AmpuTO Show, Canadian Fashion Designer, Izzy Camilleri talks about her pioneering of adaptive clothing while dressing some of the biggest celebrities including Canadian icon and legend, Gord Downie. Find out how she is changing the fashion landscape by designing adaptive clothing for fashion to be adaptive and inclusive for all abilities. #podcast #fashion #fashionista #adaptive #inclusion #fashionista #pioneer #canadianmade #adaptiveclothing

Meet Brad Warren,, born with a limb difference, a Niagara Falls Hall of Fame athlete in his teens and a competitive Handball/Wallball athlete pioneering and promoting getting active with the sport.

On this episode of The AmpuTO Show, Founder and CEO of Socket Socks, Joan MacDonald, talks about being an entrepreneur and finding a solution for a gap she found after becoming an amputee; helping amputees find individuality and uniqueness with Socket Socks. 

On this episode of the AmpuTO Show podcast, find out how the youngest Para Canoer on Team Canada fought cancer at the age of 12, having a rotationplasty and participated in her first international event at 19.  An accomplished athlete, Erica Scarff is the true definition of the athlete mindset. What an amazing story of determination and fighting all the the odds.

On this episode of The AmpuTO Show, we continue our series with the 4th instalment of Osseointegration Talks with the PBO Group. We hear from the four prosthetists who has worked with some of OI patients here in Canada including the first two prosthetist who has worked with Canada's first OI patient upon her return from Australia. 

In this episode of the AmpuTO Show, we connect with the one and only Cinderella with a Glass Arm, actress and the imagination behind Be The Spark Cosplay, Mandy Pursley. Learn more about her take on Cinderella and why it is important to have representation in the entertainment industry, including the character in a new video game based on her likeness.

In this episode, we hear from the only amputee to ever grace the Broadway Stage 30 years ago and remains to be the only amputee on Broadway's history. Actor David Connolly discusses inclusion in theatre, his advocacy and where we can come together to include persons of different abilities make it on to the Broadway stage. #broadway #inclusion #bodypositive #bodypositivemovement #poscast #podcaster #podcastersofinstagram #theatre #theatrepodcast #amputee #amouteelife #entertainment

In this episode, we learn about living and thriving after sepsis and amputation from Sepsis Advocate, Christine Caron, and drummer, Dean Laponse, as they share their stories of being diagnosed with sepsis, amputations due to sepsis, and other health issues after surviving this deadly disease. Discover how they are both thriving despite having post-sepsis syndrome. DISCLAIMER: PRESCRIPTION DRUGS AND ITS USE IN AUDIO. PLEASE CONSULT WITH YOUR PHYSICIAN BEFORE USING OR STOPPING ANY MEDICATIONS DESCRIBED IN THIS PODCAST. LISTENER DISCRETION IS ADVISED.

In this episode of the AmpuTO Show, Dr. Alison Fox-Robichaud - Professor at McMaster University and Lead Scientist in sepsis research in Canada with Sepsis Canada, talks about this deadly disease that affects approximately 75,000 Canadians each year, some resulting in amputations. She also talks about COVID19 and sepsis deaths due to COVID.

TRIGGER WARNING: Trauma and medical details in audio. In this episode, I speak with Edward Urquhart - a Tokyo 2020 hopeful, a double below-knee amputee, a multi-sport adaptive athlete and a two Canadian record-holder for Canada Para Long Drive and Para Powerlifting. 

In this episode of The AmpuTO Show, meet four members of Team Canada who were on their way to represent Canada at the now postponed Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. Due to COVID-19 pandemic, the games has been rescheduled to 2021. Listen to how they dealt with the news, to the uncertainty of the games, to staying resilient as the athletes they are through these tough times. Featuring: Jolan Wong - Women's Sitting Volleyball Janz Stein - Athletics Darek Symonowicz- Men's Sitting Volleyball Madison Wilson-Walker - Athletics 

TRIGGER WARNING: Trauma and Medical description in the audio. Listen to the journey of the first Canadian amputees who have undergone through the Osseointegration surgery including cost, accessing funding, and why they opted to have the procedure; one even going as far as Australia to have the surgery. 

In this episode, Dr. Robert Turcotte (first Canadian surgeon to perform Osseointegration in Canada) explains the procedure here in Canada including funding this innovative procedure for amputees outside of Montreal. Lots of great information for amputees and clinicians looking to explore Osseointegration and the future of this procedure in Canada.

TRIGGER WARNING: Trauma and medical details in the audio. Ontario Provincial Police Constable Peter Tucker and his wife, Michelle, shares the life-changing journey after Peter's accident to being one of the first Osseointegration procedures performed by Dr. Robert Turcotte in Canada, and the fist Canadian Above Knee Amputee police officer in service. They share their story of courage, sacrifices and fighting for their marriage and family through the ups and downs of Peter's recovery.

In this episode, adaptive yoga pioneer and author of Yoga for Amputees, Marsha Therese Danzig, M.Ed explains the benefits of Yoga not only during recovery after limb loss but as a lifestyle for amputees. She also explains a holistic approach to healing - mentally, emotionally, spiritually and physically through the practice of Yoga and other Eastern Medicine's approach to one's overall well being including Chakra practice. She also discusses how to make yoga practice inclusive and accessible for all bodies.