In this episode, we sit down with Sarah Evans, a resilient mother, former Air Force finance officer, and cancer survivor. Sarah shares her incredible journey of being diagnosed with stage three osteosarcoma during her deployment in Afghanistan and her fight to overcome the disease. Despite losing her leg, Sarah’s determination led her to achieve remarkable feats in adaptive sports, including winning a gold medal at the Invictus Games. Tune in to hear about her inspirational story, her experiences in the military, and how she balances life as a mother with two young boys.

Key Points:

·Sarah Evans' Background: Air Force finance officer; diagnosed with stage three osteosarcoma in Afghanistan.

·Diagnosis and Treatment: 14 cm tumor discovered; medevac to Texas; left leg amputation.

·Rehabilitation: Brooke Army Medical Center; introduction to adaptive sports; surfing.

·Warrior Games and Invictus Games: Team Air Force; multiple sports; gold medal in hand cycling.

·Motherhood: Two boys despite challenges; balancing motherhood and active lifestyle; inspirational journey.

Chapters:

0:12 Navigating cancer diagnosis and treatment with Sarah Evans.

7:31 Balancing cancer treatment, survival, and motherhood.

18:47 Competing in adaptive sports: Warrior Games, Invictus Games, and handcycling.

25:10 Training in CrossFit and soccer, emphasizing adaptive sports and functional fitness.

35:55 Enhancing soccer abilities through conditioning with limited teammates.

46:21 The evolution and impact of the women's amputee football team.

53:07 Inclusive sports for individuals with disabilities, focusing on soccer.

59:18 Building a supportive community in adaptive sports.

1:03:18 Finding resilience and purpose through adaptive sports after cancer.

1:13:15 Advocacy and mentorship for individuals with disabilities.

1:19:39 Promoting disability awareness and acceptance.

Hashtags:

#CancerSurvivor #MilitaryLife #AdaptiveSports #InvictusGames #WarriorGames #Motherhood #Resilience #SarahEvans #OvercomingAdversity

In this episode, we delve into the inspiring journey of Kevin Kirsch, a physical therapist who transitioned from an aspiring soccer player to a dedicated healthcare professional. Kevin shares his motivations for choosing physical therapy, influenced by his experiences in athletic training and mentorship. We explore his educational path, including a 3+3 program at Thomas Jefferson University, and his decision to specialize in orthopedics after gaining diverse clinical experience. Kevin discusses the advantages of working out-of-network, which allows for more personalized care, and the challenges posed by insurance limitations.

Key Points

· Path to PT: Inspired by athletic training experience and advice from mentors.

· Education Journey: Completed a 3+3 program at Thomas Jefferson for soccer and PT.

· Hospital Experience: Enjoyed collaborative environment, did rotations but chose orthopedics.

· Insurance vs. Cash-Based: Benefits of being out-of-network; allows personalized care.

· Insurance Limitations: Challenges with limited PT visits and billing issues.

· Movement as Medicine: Importance of consistent movement for pain management.

· Patient Education: Empowering patients to understand and manage their pain.

· Collaborative Care: Working with trainers and coaches for ongoing rehab.

· Patient-Centered Approach: Focusing on patient goals over strict diagnoses.

Chapters

0:12 Deciding on a physical therapy career: hospital versus outpatient settings.

3:36 Comparing insurance-based mental health care with out-of-network options.

7:00 Difficulties in insurance-based physical therapy, including visit and coverage limitations, and the value of collaborating with coaches or personal trainers.

13:41 The significance of movement in managing pain and promoting overall health.

16:06 Using exercise to address chronic pain, emphasizing daily activity adjustments and heart rate management.

19:09 The value of patient-centered care and the unique role of physical therapists in movement and pain management.

26:32 The importance of diverse sports training for youth athletes and their development into adulthood.

29:44 Balancing youth sports with overall development.

35:50 The necessity of progressive overload in strength training and rehabilitation.

39:48 The importance of power and speed training for older adults.

43:08 The role of physical therapy in enhancing strength and flexibility for both athletes and non-athletes.

49:10 The impact of therapist-patient connections and the influence of therapists' coaching.

51:43 The role of patient education, collaboration, and creating a positive legacy in physical therapy.

Hashtags:

#PhysicalTherapy #HealthcareJourney #MovementIsMedicine #PainManagement #PatientCare #OrthopedicPT #CashBasedPT #HealthInsurance #PTEducation #CollaborativeCare

In this episode, we dive into the inspiring story of Greta Streimikyte, a dedicated runner whose athletic journey began by accident and evolved into a passionate career. Greta shares her experiences from her first race in school to becoming a competitive 1500-meter runner. She discusses the importance of loving what you do, the impact of her PE teacher, and the significance of mental strength in sports. Greta also talks about her role as an ambassador for the DARE program, her educational pursuits, and her hopes for the future.

Key Points

·Greta’s accidental start in running: How a chance participation in a school race ignited her passion for running.

·First experiences and early competitions: Highlights from her initial races and the thrill of her early successes.

·Cherished memories from her early running days: The moments that defined her early career and fostered her love for the sport.

·Reasons for choosing the 1500-meter distance: The strategic and personal reasons behind her preference for this race.

·Impact of her PE teacher and joining the running club: The significant influence of her first coach and the supportive environment of the running club.

·Role as an ambassador for the DARE program: Greta's involvement in the DARE program and her mission to inspire young athletes.

·Heartwarming interactions with kids: Memorable experiences and inspiring stories from her work with children.

·Balancing running with obtaining two master's degrees: The challenges and strategies of managing academic achievements alongside a demanding athletic career.

·Applying sports psychology in her athletic career: How she leverages psychological principles to enhance her performance and overcome challenges.

Chapters

0:12 How Greta started running and their first personal best race.

4:12 Athletic career, PE class experience, and mentorship impact.

9:55 Why the Greta enjoys answering kids' sports-related questions.

13:08 Athletic career aspirations, mentorship, and personal passions.

19:07 Sports psychology and its application in athletic performance.

21:53 Mental preparation for sports, peak performance, and flow state.

36:41 Running mileage, recovery strategies, and priorities.

45:56 Visualization techniques for running races and cultural traditions from Lithuania.

56:14 Adaptive sports, Paralympics, and inclusivity.

1:02:51 Greta’s career highlights and coping strategies for setbacks.

Hashtags:

#RunningJourney #AthleteLife #SportsPsychology #DAREProgram #1500Meters #PersonalBest #Inspiration #Mentorship #SportsEducation #MentalStrength #AdaptiveSports #Greta

In this episode, we sit down with adaptive climber Shamus Boulianne, who shares his incredible story of finding his passion for climbing despite being an amputee. Shamus' journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, determination, and community. From his first tentative steps on the climbing wall to becoming a competitive athlete, Shamus opens up about his experiences, challenges, and triumphs.

Key Points

·Shamus' passion for climbing was sparked by a local bouldering gym, where he discovered his love for the sport.

·His journey to becoming a competitive athlete was marked by setbacks and doubts, but ultimately led to growth and development as a climber.

·The adaptive climbing community has played a crucial role in Shamus’ growth and development as a climber.

·He has found creative solutions to overcome the challenges he faces as an amputee climber.

·Shamus’ story highlights the importance of community and connection in overcoming adversity.

·The camaraderie he shares with other adaptive climbers has been a source of comfort and support.

Chapters

0:12 - Climbing experiences, techniques, and hobbies.

4:55 - Meeting influential people in the community.

9:19 - Adaptive climbing, including unique foot designs and after-party memories.

13:59 - Finding shoe soulmates for adaptive climbers.

19:34 - Fundraising, and community building in Canada.

28:58 - Debunking misconceptions about disability and athleticism.

34:06 - Rock climbing misconceptions, safety, and favorite climbing locations.

39:24 - Climbing in Switzerland and adaptations for a climber with a limb difference.

44:44 - Climbing routes and setting, with insights on problem-solving and intuition.

49:34 - Training regimen, and marriage to fellow climber.

57:22 - Personal growth and self-expression.

Hashtags:

#AdaptiveClimbing #ClimbingWithADifference #DisabilityInSports #InclusionInClimbing #ClimbingCommunity #Perseverance

In this episode, we delve into a conversation Anikka Cassidy who has navigated through life's challenges with grace and resilience. From discovering hidden talents in cooking and art to pursuing athletic endeavors despite physical limitations, Anikka shares their inspiring journey of embracing passions and overcoming obstacles. We explore pivotal moments from her gymnastics career to their transition into adaptive sports like wheelchair basketball and track, highlighting the profound influence of mentors and the power of community support. Through adversity, Anikka cultivated a practice of gratitude, finding strength and purpose in every step of their journey.

Key Points

·Culinary and Artistic Passions: Anikka’s love for cooking and art.

·Adaptive Sports Journey: From gymnastics to adaptive sports.

·Mentorship Tribute: Honoring Danny Brinton's legacy.

·Community Support: The Calgary rollers team's impact.

· Gratitude Practice: Using gratitude to navigate challenges.

Chapters

0:12 - Cooking, art, and museums.

3:38 - Art, athletics, and coaching.

6:48 - From gymnastics to wheelchair sports.

13:42 - Gymnastics and chronic pain syndrome.

17:26 - Living with chronic illness and gratitude.

20:24 - Adaptive sports for kids.

27:29 - Disability, self-acceptance, and empowerment.

30:50 - Impact of illness on life perspective.

33:46 - Leadership and cultural exchange in Japan.

40:51 - Choosing University of Illinois for basketball.

44:07 - Overcoming knee injuries in sports.

47:34 - Positivity and authenticity in athletics.

54:30 - Self-care and nutrition strategies.

57:56 - Misconceptions about adaptive sports.

1:05:24 - Overcoming discomfort through small steps.

1:10:22 - Adaptive sports, Paralympics, and growth.

Hashtags:

#PassionUnleashed #ArtisticJourney #OvercomingChallenges #MentorshipMatters #CommunitySupport #GratitudeGuided #EmpoweringOdyssey #LimitlessPotential

In this episode, we dive into the inspiring journey of Ben Mayforth, an adaptive athlete who has navigated the world of sports with resilience and determination. From playing wheelchair basketball at the University of Missouri to making a push to become a professional climber, Ben shares insights into the challenges and triumphs of adaptive sports. We discuss the importance of failure as a learning tool, the role of family support, and the need for problem-solving in overcoming physical limitations. Additionally, we explore the strategies used to adapt daily tasks and the significance of mentorship in guiding new adaptive athletes.

Key Points

· Early involvement in wheelchair basketball and other adaptive sports.

· Transition from multiple sports to focusing on climbing.

· Influence of a working-class family background on adaptive problem-solving skills.

· Building contraptions and methods to facilitate daily activities.

· The physical and technical difficulties of sports like wheelchair tennis and climbing.

· Importance of grip strength and tailored techniques.

· Shift to professional climbing in 2016 and its impact on other sports.

· Current training focus on improving efficiency and speed.

· Encouraging parents to let their children with disabilities experience failure.

· Advice for kids hesitant to try adaptive sports.

· Importance of building confidence through sports and applying lessons to life.

Chapters

0:00 - Adaptive climbing and problem-solving for disability.

4:09 - Adaptive sports and travel experiences.

8:43 - Adapting to disabilities and finding solutions through problem-solving and family bonding.

23:04 - Overcoming fear and failure in sports.

27:55 - Overcoming obstacles and finding new passions through climbing.

40:33 - Managing bipolar disorder through exercise and coffee.

46:13 - Mental health, self-awareness, and personal growth.

50:52 - Climbing community's impact on personal growth and relationships.

57:55 - The benefits of the climbing community for individuals with disabilities.

1:03:30 - Climbing, coaching, and mentoring with a former coach.

Hashtags:

#AdaptiveSports #WheelchairBasketball #Climbing #Resilience #ProblemSolving #FamilySupport #Mentorship #OvercomingBarriers #DisabilityAwareness #SportsJourney #Inspiration