Welcome to Paul's Positive Podcast, where each episode is a celebration of incredible real-life stories of resilience and optimism. In this special episode, your host, Amy Iverson, shares the heartening and powerful journey of Jean Mitchell, a 24-year-old Olympic rower from Australia whose life story is the epitome of determination and spirit.

At just 16, Jean faced a life-altering challenge when diagnosed with brain cancer. Throughout her rigorous battle, which involved surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, Jean's indomitable spirit never wavered. After stepping back from rowing to focus on her recovery, she began rebuilding her strength from the ground up. Starting from managing only one minute on the rowing machine, Jean has risen to become a formidable athlete, competing at the Olympic Games in Paris.

Despite ongoing challenges such as balance and hearing issues, Jean has achieved remarkable sporting success without seeking any special accommodations, earning her place on the Olympic team through pure merit. Her teammate, Lily Alton, sheds light on Jean beyond her athletic accomplishments, describing her as the team's heart—full of kindness, humor, and an uplifting spirit that enhances the strength and bond of their team.

Already securing a silver medal at the World Cup in Poland, Jean and her Australian women's four crew are not just contenders for Olympic gold; they are a testament to the power of team spirit and the profound connections forged through collective endurance and victories. Jean's story isn't just one of achieving athletic greatness; it's about the capacity of the human spirit to triumph over incredible odds, illuminating a path of hope and tenacity for us all.

Tune into this inspiring episode of Paul's Positive Podcast, and join Amy Iverson as she delves deeper into Jean Mitchell’s story of resilience, proving yet again that boundaries are meant to be pushed and redefined. Prepare to be inspired!

Olympic Games star, 24, reveals how she battled back from brain cancer in miracle journey to Paris
Australian rower and brain cancer survivor Jean Mitchell to compete in Paris Olympics

Welcome to "Paul's Positive Plaza", a special place designed just for you, Paul! In this unique episode, our host Amy Iverson brings to light the inspiring power of dance through personal stories of resilience and transformation.

In this segment, we explore the journey of Maya Hajizadeh, a courageous woman who once lived in a society where she was not allowed to dance. Now residing in Melbourne, Australia, Maya not only dances without boundaries but also teaches dance at L2R, a non-profit organization. Her story is one of breaking free from constraints and embracing the joy and community dance offers.

We also delve into the life of Ligi Htoo, who made his way from a refugee camp to the dance floors of Melbourne. With no prior professional dance experience, Ligi has grown into a skilled dancer and an inspiration to all, especially at L2R. His narrative is a testament to how art can lift individuals out of the toughest circumstances and lead them towards leadership and creative expression.

The magic of L2R doesn't stop with individual stories. It reaches deep into the community, transforming lives and creating connections through the universal language of dance. Their presence isn't just felt in classes and workshops, but vibrantly in public spaces through festivals and street performances, bringing joy and hope to the urban landscape.

Join Amy and Paul as they discuss how these touching tales not only highlight personal victories but also illustrate the immense power of supportive networks in fostering inclusion and encouraging personal development. These stories remind us all to embrace our own journeys with courage and creativity. Don't miss this moving episode filled with humanity's brighter moments, just for you, Paul!

How Maya – who was banned from dancing – found her groove
How Maya – who was banned from dancing – found her groove