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

In this inspiring episode of the Wild Heart Athletics Podcast, host Ben welcomes Moatez Jomni, a decorated Paralympian and wheelchair racing athlete. Moatez shares his incredible journey from a rebellious youth in Detroit to becoming an elite para-athlete representing Great Britain. He opens up about his experiences at the 2016 Rio Paralympics, the challenges of competitive racing, and the rigorous anti-doping protocols athletes must follow. Moatez also discusses the pivotal role of mentorship in his career and the mental strategies he employs before races. This episode is a deep dive into the world of adaptive sports and the relentless spirit that drives athletes to succeed.

Moatez Jomni: https://www.instagram.com/mr_jomni

Key Points

·Introduction: Moatez Jomni's background and journey to becoming a Paralympian.

·First Paralympics Experience: Competing at the 2016 Rio Paralympics and the unexpected warmth of Brazil.

·Path to Racing: Overcoming early life challenges, multiple surgeries, and finding a passion for wheelchair racing.

·Racing Debut: Recounting the excitement and nerves of his first race in 2013.

·Mental Focus: How Moatez enters a "flow state" during races and the mental preparation in the call room.

·Mentorship: The influence of Paralympic legend David Weir on Moatez’s career.

·Anti-Doping: The strict testing protocols for Paralympians and Moatez's experiences with surprise drug tests.

·Community & Competition: Navigating the dynamics of the adaptive sports community and the drive to excel.

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

Hashtags:

#VeteranStories #Resilience #AmputeeAthlete #OvercomingAdversity #AdaptiveSports #Inspiration #Podcast #CombatWounded #Prosthetics #AmputationJourney

In this powerful episode, we sit down with BT Urruela, a combat-wounded veteran and below-the-knee amputee, who shares his incredible journey of resilience, determination, and recovery. BT opens up about his service in the U.S. Army infantry, the life-changing injury he sustained from a roadside bomb in Iraq, and the tough decision to undergo elective amputation. He reflects on his rehabilitation process, the challenges of learning to walk and run again with a prosthetic, and how he found a new lease on life through sports and adaptive athletics. BT's story is a testament to the human spirit's capacity to overcome adversity and push beyond limitations.

Key Points

·BT’s Military Background: Six and a half years in the U.S. Army infantry, including deployment to Baghdad and sustaining a life-altering injury from a roadside bomb.

·Elective Amputation Decision: The difficult choice to amputate his leg after extensive surgeries and rehabilitation, leading to a significant turning point in BT’s life.

·Rehabilitation and Recovery: The journey of learning to walk and run with a prosthetic, including intense physical therapy and the mental challenges of adapting to life as an amputee.

·Adaptive Sports and New Beginnings: BT's introduction to adaptive sports, from mono-skiing to softball, and his pursuit of lifelong passions, including his recent endeavors in professional wrestling.

·Inspiration and Motivation: How BT’s story serves as a source of inspiration for others facing similar challenges, highlighting the importance of resilience, community, and perseverance.

·Life-Saving Surgery: The remarkable circumstances surrounding BT's injury, including how the heat from the shrapnel cauterized his femoral artery, preventing him from bleeding out, and the 14-hour surgery that followed.

·Elective Amputation as a Life-Changing Decision: The emotional and physical impact of choosing to amputate his leg, which ultimately provided BT with the freedom and mobility to pursue his passions.

·Pursuing Professional Wrestling: BT's journey into the world of professional wrestling, driven by a lifelong passion and determination, despite the challenges of starting a new physical endeavor later in life.

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

Hashtags:

#VeteranStories #Resilience #AmputeeAthlete #OvercomingAdversity #AdaptiveSports #Inspiration #Podcast #CombatWounded #Prosthetics #AmputationJourney

In this episode, we sit down with Hannah Dodd, an inspiring Australian dual-sport Paralympian who has competed at the highest levels in both equestrian and wheelchair basketball. Hannah shares her incredible journey, from representing Australia in equestrian at the London 2012 Paralympics to transitioning into wheelchair basketball and competing in the Tokyo 2021 Paralympics. She discusses the challenges she faced, including navigating professional leagues in Europe, overcoming injuries, and balancing life with her equally competitive partner. Hannah’s story is one of resilience, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

Key Points

·Dual-Sport Success: Learn about Hannah's journey as a dual-sport Paralympian and how she balanced competing at the highest level in both equestrian and wheelchair basketball.

·Overcoming Challenges: Hannah shares the physical and mental challenges she faced and overcame in her sports career, offering insight into her resilience and determination.

·Transitioning Between Sports: The unique experience of transitioning from equestrian, a solo sport, to wheelchair basketball, a team sport, and how it shaped her approach to competition.

·Training Regimens: A deep dive into Hannah's training routines for both sports, including how she tailored her workouts to meet the demands of each discipline.

·Support System: The role of family, coaches, and teammates in Hannah's journey, highlighting the importance of a strong support system for athletes with disabilities.

·Paralympic Experience: Reflections on the Paralympic Games, including the atmosphere, competition, and what it means to represent her country on the global stage.

·Inspiration and Mentorship: Hannah discusses how she has been inspired by other athletes and how she now serves as a mentor for the next generation of Paralympians.

·Future Goals: Insight into Hannah's future aspirations, both in sports and beyond, as she continues to push the boundaries of what's possible for athletes with disabilities.Encouragement to engage with adaptive individuals and support their needs through visibility and understanding.

Hashtags:

#Paralympics #WheelchairBasketball #Equestrian #HannahDodd #AthleteJourney #AdaptiveSports #Inspiration #SportsTransition #DualSportAthlete #WomenInSports #OvercomingChallenges

In this episode of Wild Heart Athletics, Ben Kanzigg welcomes Mark Fuglevand to discuss innovations in adaptive technology. Mark, who became a trailblazer in adaptive solutions after his spinal cord injury in 1995, founded AbilitEase in 2013. The conversation highlights his transition from CPA to adaptive product designer, driven by his passion for enhancing independence and accessibility. Mark shares insights into his work on adaptive products like a urinal cap and drink holder, as well as the challenges and opportunities in the field. The episode also covers the impact of the pandemic on his work and the importance of community feedback in refining his designs. Ben encourages listeners to engage with the disability community and support adaptive technology for greater inclusivity.

Key Points

·Mark’s journey began with a spinal cord injury in 1995 and evolved through personal DIY solutions for independence.

·AbilitEase, Mark’s company, was founded in 2013 to create adaptive products for individuals with disabilities.

·COVID-19 reignited Mark’s passion, leading him to utilize 3D printing to help with PPE shortages.

·Transition from CPA to adaptive product designer during the pandemic, inspired by the maker movement.

·Product development involves creating adaptive tools like a urinal cap and drink holder to enhance independence and comfort.

·Accessibility challenges include ensuring products are functional, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing.

·Visibility and representation are crucial for improving accessibility and understanding in public spaces.

·Community and feedback from users worldwide drive product innovation and availability.

·Encouragement to engage with adaptive individuals and support their needs through visibility and understanding.

Hashtags:

#AdaptiveTechnology #3DPrinting #DisabilityInclusion #AdaptiveLiving #Innovation #SpinalCordInjury #AssistiveDevices #DisabilityAdvocacy #AbilitiesEase #ComfortInDisability #InclusiveDesign

In this episode of Wild Heart Athletics, Ben sits down with Caleb Cowan, a remarkable paraclimber whose determination and passion for the sport have redefined what's possible. Caleb shares his incredible journey, from overcoming personal challenges to becoming a prominent figure in the world of paraclimbing. Listen in as Caleb discusses his training regimen, the mental and physical hurdles he faces, and the exhilarating moments that make his climbing experiences unforgettable. Whether you're an athlete, a climbing enthusiast, or someone looking for a dose of motivation, Caleb's story is sure to leave you inspired and ready to tackle your own mountains.

Key Points

·Introduction to Caleb Cowan: Army veteran, new paraclimber, dad, and graduate student.

·Journey to Climbing: Childhood interest, military repelling experiences, and finally starting climbing through the Kirstie Ennis Foundation.

·Impact of Climbing: Saved his life during a dark period post-amputation, divorce, and mental health struggles.

·Climbing Community: The supportive and inclusive nature of the general and adaptive climbing communities.

·Adaptive Climbing Efforts: Establishing a climbing chapter in Tampa, working with the VA to integrate climbing into therapy.

·Training and Motivation: Fun and engaging approach to training, the importance of finding personal passion.

·Future Goals: Expanding adaptive climbing opportunities, making climbing accessible for more veterans.

Hashtags:

#WildHeartAthletics #ParaClimbing #AdaptiveSports #VeteranStories #ClimbingCommunity #MentalHealth #Inspiration #OvercomingChallenges #KirstieEnnisFoundation #AdaptiveAthletes