Hosted by Erik Weihenmayer (the first blind person to summit Mt. Everest; among many other perhaps more impressive achievements) our audience tunes into hear stories of perseverance along with the outcomes on the other side. Individuals who've defied the odds (defying the odds) or flipped the script of their lives are frequent guests. - Podcast producer contact: podcast@nobarriersusa.org
Phamaly Theatre Company is the longest-running theater company in the U.S. dedicated to performers with disabilities. Managing Director Corinne Melon and blind actor Romy Lopez share behind-the-scenes challenges, hilarious moments, and the empowering ways that humor, camaraderie, and creativity break down stereotypes.
Sisters Leah and Grace, the creative duo behind Tiny and Snail, a greeting card and stationery business with a powerful story. Together, they share how their love of art, resilience in the face of life-altering adversity, and unwavering sisterly bond have shaped their company and lives. Leah discusses the impact of a spinal cord injury that changed her life in seconds, how it deepened her art and…
11:07 Getting off the ventilator 14:32 Getting into racing as a kid 21:08 Challenges in rehabilitation care 22:40 Managing life and caretakers 30:52 Perspective on living with limited mobility 33:51 Staying productive after hardship 43:18 The SAM car. Evolving control systems 46:41 New camera tech in AV cars 53:44 Acknowledging the team and supporters 54:34 Starting out as a race owner 01:02:03…
0:00 Learning to Tie Shoes Differently 03:44 Neuroplasticity and enhanced senses 09:06 Childhood daredevil antics 14:10 Joining the pageant group 18:40 Innovative clothing solution for amputees 21:13 Adults embracing childlike creativity 24:25 Experiencing societal pressure and prosthetics 29:40 Revealing my disability over phone 32:20 Meeting a young girl at air show 34:45 Choosing the right…
00:00 Port Gibson boycotts in the 60s 06:28 Supportive judge during court case 12:55 Switching majors for civil rights 16:56 Product of the 1960s values 23:04 Struggling with vision in eighth grade 29:49 Discovering the benefits of the cane 33:51 Revealing a visual impairment 39:22 Discussing the reality of blindness 48:57 Facing discrimination with a guide dog 55:28 Discussing accessibility in…
00:00 Cortina festivals and accessibility initiative 05:54 Handling pressure in competitive sports 06:49 Injury impacting competition preparation 11:05 Discovering a passion for skiing 15:34 Discovering the flow state 18:22 Training at Adaptive Sports Center 22:32 Returning to the sport with purpose 24:18 Parental support and encouragement 28:38 Breaking stereotypes in sports 34:07 Coming out with…
00:00 Strategic Planning and Leadership Development 05:01 "Hero's Journey Call Explained" 08:42 "Lessons from the Hero’s Journey" 12:32 "Balancing Guidance and Control" 15:06 "Discovering the Heroic Journey" 17:23 Turning Pain Into Strength 19:26 "Heroic Journey Through Adversity" 23:49 "Risk, Survival, and Growth" 28:12 From Bullied to Empowering Youth 29:48 "Redefining Heroism and Self-Worth"…
Erik Weihenmayer sits down with inspirational speaker, author, and survivor John O'Leary. Their conversation dives deep into John's incredible journey of surviving a catastrophic childhood burn, his family's support, and the grit it took to reclaim his life — from agonizing hospital stays, relentless physical therapy, and powerful moments with his burn tech, Roy, to navigating guilt, loss, faith,…
Two of the world’s most accomplished blind climbers, Erik Weihenmayer and Andy Holzer share their story, from the serendipitous first meeting on a high ledge in the Dolomites to climbing Everest from opposite sides. It's a testament to human connection, resilience, and the art of overcoming “impossible” challenges.
Erik Weihenmayer has a lot in common with our guest today John Bramblitt. Both are blind. Both are trailblazing adventurers. One’s summited Everest, the other’s become a world-recognized painter. Whether you’re facing a giant mountain or a blank canvas, it’s NOT magic—it’s sweat, perseverance, and innovation. You’ll fail a lot. John’s failures and the innovation that resulted from those, led the…