In this inspiring episode of the Wild Heart Athletics Podcast, Ben Kanzigg sits down with Jake Frank, a double above-knee amputee who has been living with his condition for 25 of his 26 years. Jake shares his journey from childhood to becoming an accomplished adaptive athlete and how prosthetics have evolved over time. He discusses the mindset and support system that empowered him to take on challenges with sports like wrestling, football, and now climbing. Jake's insights into adaptive sports, overcoming obstacles, and finding freedom on the climbing wall are sure to inspire anyone facing physical or mental hurdles. He emphasizes the importance of resilience, individuality, and how sports have shaped his life, both physically and mentally.

Jake Frank: https://www.instagram.com/jakewithnolegs/

Key Points

·Jake’s early life as a double amputee and the evolution of prosthetic technology.

·The pivotal role of sports in building confidence and resilience.

·The importance of having a strong support system and mindset for overcoming physical challenges.

·Jake’s introduction to climbing and how it changed his perspective on life and movement.

·His involvement with the Challenge Athletes Foundation and the adaptive sports community.

·How climbing provides a sense of freedom and individuality.

·The therapeutic and mental benefits of engaging in physical challenges.

·Adapting to prosthetics for different sports and activities.

Podcast Merchandise: https://wild-heart-athletics.printify.me/products ($1 from every order will be donated to a nonprofit)

Hashtags:

#WildHeartAthletics #JakeFrank #AdaptiveSports #ClimbingCommunity #AmputeeAthlete #ChallengeAthletesFoundation #Prosthetics #OvercomingObstacles #MindsetMatters #AdaptiveClimbing

In this inspiring episode of the Wild Heart Athletics Podcast, Ben Kanzigg talks with Katie Bondy, a high school science teacher, coach, and athlete from Columbus, Ohio. Katie shares her powerful story of overcoming physical challenges, including spina bifida, scoliosis, and a below-the-knee amputation, to pursue a life filled with sports and teaching. Despite her adversities, Katie remains a dedicated coach in lacrosse and soccer and is a member of the inaugural U.S. Amputee Women’s Soccer Team. She dives deep into her journey through adaptive sports, the decision to amputate, and how the prosthetic gave her a new lease on life, allowing her to live with more freedom than ever before. Katie's passion for helping others, especially her students and athletes, reflects her resilient spirit.

Katie Bondy: https://www.instagram.com/kebondy52/

Key Points

• Introduction to Katie Bondy: Spina bifida, scoliosis, and amputation journey
• Living with leg braces, two-inch shoe lift, and MRSA leading to the decision for amputation
• Transitioning from leg-lengthening surgery to using a prosthetic and finding new freedom
• Becoming a high school science teacher and lacrosse/soccer coach
• Katie’s involvement with the U.S. Amputee Women’s Soccer Team
• Her journey from college lacrosse athlete to an advocate for adaptive sports
• The impact of teaching and coaching on her life and her approach to mentoring young athletes
• How Katie views amputation as a path to improved quality of life and physical freedom
• Reflections on overcoming physical challenges and maintaining a positive mindset through adversity

Podcast Merchandise: https://wild-heart-athletics.printify.me/products ($1 from every order will be donated to a nonprofit)

Hashtags:

#WildHeartAthletics #KatieBondy #AdaptiveAthlete #SpinaBifida #AmputationJourney #LacrosseCoach #USAmputeeSoccer #Resilience #OvercomingAdversity #AdaptiveSports #Inspiration #FreedomThroughAmputation

In this inspiring episode of the Wild Heart Athletics Podcast, host Ben Kanzigg sits down with Kevin Bolusi, a determined athlete from Montreal, Canada. Kevin shares his incredible journey from surviving a life-changing electrical accident that led to the amputation of his left leg to becoming a successful para climber. Listen in as Kevin discusses his path to recovery, the challenges he faced during rehabilitation, and how he found a new passion in climbing. He also dives into his academic journey in aerospace engineering, the supportive work environment that allows him to pursue his climbing dreams, and the tight-knit, welcoming community within the climbing world. This episode is a testament to resilience, determination, and finding purpose through adversity.

Kevin Bolusi: https://www.instagram.com/kevin_bolusi

Key Points:

• Introduction to Kevin Bolusi and his background.
• Kevin’s electrical accident and the resulting injuries, including the amputation of his left leg.
• The rehabilitation process and the challenges of regaining mobility.
• How Kevin discovered climbing and got involved in the para climbing community.
• His journey in aerospace engineering and balancing his professional and climbing aspirations.
• The importance of a supportive work environment and community in achieving goals.
• Kevin’s experiences at various para climbing competitions, including the World Cup events.

Podcast Merchandise: https://wild-heart-athletics.printify.me/products ($1 from every order will be donated to a nonprofit)

Hashtags: #WildHeartAthletics #ParaClimbing #Inspiration #Resilience #KevinBolusi #AdaptiveSports #ClimbingCommunity #OvercomingChallenges #AerospaceEngineering