Living Adaptive With Scott Davidson

Just Dance No Matter the Challenges with Xoe Xapoian and Beyond DA Adversity with Chris Pulley  In todays show we talk with actress and model Xoe Xapoian and listen to her story and learn about her documentary called Just Dance: The Xoe Xapoian Story.”  This is a short documentary film focusing on her life and her accident.  For the second half of the show we’re joined by Chris Pulley of Beyond DA Bus, Dive Pirates, and Hunting with Charlie Campbell, so tune in.   In this episode we discuss, Xoe Xapoian’s story prior to accident and thriving after accident and how you can do the same when faced with adversity. The rough path Xoe walked prior to accident and the documentary focused on her life called Just Dance: The Xoe Xapoian Story. Xoe’s profession and life as an actress and model. Chris Pulley’s story of living with a significantly bleak diagnosis, defying the medical predictions, and thriving. Chris Pulley’s non-profit Beyond DA Bus and how he plans to bring disability to the mainstream. Chris

Be More Adaptive, The Active Amputee, and Prone to Ride   Today we got a stacked episode with Caitlin Conner of Be More Adaptive, Bjoern Esser of The Active Amputee, and Jacob Pacheco from Prone to Ride, so tune in.   We discuss Be More Adaptive (BMA) and it’s mission, what BMA does for you, where it’s going, and supporting organizations.  Organizations discussed include Challenged Athletes Foundation, Grit Freedom Chair, Spartan, and a bunch of others.   The importance of building the adaptive movement. Bjoern Eser tells us about his new podcast that focuses on adaptive topics especially limb differences. Jacob Pacheco talks about getting past his loss at nationals and how he plans to move forward.  We also talking about shifting from amateur athlete to elite athlete and what it takes to succeed. We learn more about Prone to Ride and what content is coming up.   Timestamps of each guest: -Caitlin Conner of Be More Adaptive at 2:40 -Bjoern Esser of The Active Amputee at 22:40 -Jacob Pac

Move Forward - Tyler Rich   Today we hang out with athlete Tyler Rich who describes himself as a veteran advocate, adaptive athlete, Operation Enduring Warrior OCA, and professional stunt gimp on a closed course!  He’s a character for sure.   We discuss, -Tyler Rich’s adaptive story, -competing in Obstacle Course Races (OCR), -the importance of orgs like Oscar Mike and Operation Enduring Warrior (OEW) and how you can get involved, -and maintaining the drive to keep pressing forward no matter the challenges and not offering a bundle of excuses.   You can find Tyler Rich using the links below, https://www.facebook.com/palsywarrior/ https://www.instagram.com/capnty/   Find Operation Enduring Warrior (OEW), here https://www.enduringwarrior.org Find Oscar Mike here, https://www.oscarmike.org Find Be More Adaptive here, https://www.bemoreadaptive.org   More about Tyler Rich On June 24th, 2017 my life changed forever. That was the day I ran my first obstacle course race. 3.2 miles, 20 obstacles. Through grit, determ

Life is Worth Living - Jaclyn and Callie Kennedy   Life is Worth Living is a non-profit dedicated towards spreading awareness and decreasing the stigma surrounding mental illness and suicide and they join Living Adaptive today.     This episode is for anyone that’s struggled through life and even at points felt little hope.  It’s also for those that want to know how to build something amazing and impactful after traversing out of significant adversity.  Please note, there’s resources within this episode to help those struggling.  Also, please note that audio is a tiny bit choppy at the beginning of the interview.   In this episode we discuss, What is the Life is Worth Living Foundation and how the the org began. We talk about the loss of Brianne Kennedy and how to honor Brianne Kennedy and those that we’ve lost. How to operate from a position of vulnerability. Why life is worth living. Resources for help.  How to treat yourself when life gets devastatingly tough. The future of Life is Worth Livin

Creating Athletic Opportunities for All - Angel City Sports (Clayton Frech) We got one hour packed with adaptive content.  Throw in the earbuds, turn up the volume, and listen in to Clayton Frech the founder and president of Angel City Sports.  Angel City Sports is one of the leaders in the worldwide Paralympic movement.  Angel City Sports is based in Southern California, creating sports opportunities for anyone with a physical disability. We discuss, The upcoming Angel City Games presented by The Hartford (June 20th-23rd in Los Angeles). How Clayton Frech ended up in the adaptive world (hint his son). The beginnings of Angel City Sports and what it takes to develop an org of this caliber. We talk about competing, adaptive athletes, growing a brand, and a bunch of other good stuff.   Find Angel City Sports using the links below, http://angelcitysports.org https://www.instagram.com/angelcitysports/ https://twitter.com/angelcitysports https://www.facebook.com/angelcitysports   More about Clayton Frech

Jacob Pacheco joins us today from the beach (literally, you can hear the waves)!  Jacob Pacheco developed ProneToRide which is a personal brand that encompasses the belief, anything is possible. Jacob’s own story of adversity, relentless work ethic, and success drove the creation of ProneToRide. ProneToRide is not just a philosophy but also full of creative content including a vlog that follows Jacob, especially on his journey as a surfer.   Jacob was born with Cerebral Palsy and never gave in to the numerous challenges he faced, including medical opinions stating he would not walk by age 16. Jacob has a great zest for life which led to overcoming those opinions and challenges.  Jacob is extremely active.  He’s involved in athletics as a professional athlete, trainer, and coach.  He’s creating content, he models, and also gives a lot of time and energy by helping those that are adapting to various challenges.    In this episode we talk about, * Jacob’s adaptive story. * Turning a challenge into an opportunity

The Heart of a Lion - David Francisco David Francisco is an accomplished singer, songwriter, producer, recording engineer and spinal cord injury survivor.  While attending the prestigious Blackbird Academy furthering his music career, on April 27, 2016, and his life was forever changed when he was struck by a car.  This accident resulted in significant injuries most notably a spinal cord injury.  David’s response was to rebuild and then grow.  Since that time, David finished his schooling at the Blackbird Academy, tried out and had a very successful season on American Idol, organized a charity ride and appeared on ELLEN to tell his story and receive funds for his charity, amongst so much more.   In this episode we discuss, David’s life prior to his accident and his accident story. Redemption and building your redemption story. ELLEN, American Idol, shows, and other very public performances. Purpose in Suffering and the blessings of a supportive community. Proving you can do more than you realize.

Whatever Doesn’t Kill You, Makes You Adaptive - Jeremy Ogle   Jeremy Ogle of You Adapt is featured in this episode and we talk all kinds of stuff about adapting and the adaptive world.  Jeremy lives by the motto that Whatever Doesn’t Kill You, Makes You Adaptive.  In the episode we discuss, Jeremy’s story, including his injury, the recovery process, and how he rebuilt his life in a big way.   You Adapt, Jeremy’s organization. Jeremy’s activities in the adaptive sports world. Para Spartan How to stay driven after an injury. Important organizations that supported Jeremy and other adaptive athletes. A whole bunch of other adaptive related stuff.  It’s a podcast, go listen while you’re doing whatever, come on...   Jeremy Ogle sustained a Brachial Plexus injury on June 20, 2015 during a motorcycle accident, resulting in paralysis of his upper left extremity.  His daughter was born just three months after his accident. Leading up to her birth, he battled depression and many other complex physical an

The World Owes You Nothing So Be Bold And Fight - Rustin Hughes Rustin Hughes is an experienced mixed martial artist (MMA) and has fought as a professional.  Rustin started B-Bold, a veteran-owned nonprofit in 2016 to help individuals with disabilities through adaptive sports.  Rustin is an amputee (above the knee) due to complications with blood clotting.  Rustin recently fought and won his most recent professional mma fight.  Rustin joins us and we discuss, Rustin’s story of adapting.  This includes life as a caregiver.  Rustin provided care and support to his wife for ten years before she passed due to cancer.  Also, Rustin tells his story about becoming an amputee not long after the passing of his wife. B-bold, Rustin’s non-profit, how it started and the mission of B-bold. Rustin shares why the world owes us nothing and we need to fight for what we want.   Rustin is driven and we talk about perseverance through set backs and how he found rich meaning out of the challenges he faces.   More about

This podcast episode is all about adapting to your new normal and Richard Corbett from Wheels2Walking (W2W) joins us.   Nine years ago Richard Corbett fell 50 feet which resulted in significant injuries including a spinal cord injury.  Richard Corbett began a long road of adapting.  The road has led to Richard Corbett launching a platform called Wheels2Walking and he is making profound impacts within his community and the adaptive world.  Richard is especially impacting those that have gone through a significant injury and need to adapt to a new normal, as he calls it!   In this episode we discuss, * Richard Corbett’s injury, his adaptive path, and finding your new normal after a dramatic life change. * Wheels2Walking, what it’s about, what it offers our listeners. * Insights on what Richard Corbett found effective when adapting and this includes overcoming physical and mental challenges spanning from learning to move again, dark depression, addiction, and other significant challenges.   https://www.youtube.c

Tina Hurley from Less Leg More Heart joins us.  Tina is a high level adaptive athlete.  With her nonprofit, she is set on helping those struggling and she's also focused on building the adaptive community and many supporting organizations.   In this episode we discuss, Tina Hurley’s story Adaptive Training Foundation (ATF) and Tina’s experience at ATF The story and mission of Less Leg More Heart Spartan, specifically para Spartan and the 2018 championship Adaptive sports and the future, this includes talk of organizations joining together for the greater good Adaptive athletes rising up to train other adaptive athletes Rewards of going after your passions Reality Shows Companies that made a difference in Tina’s life   More about Less Leg More Heart Through her own medical journey as an amputee and her clinical experiences as a medical professional, Founder- Tina Hurley, recognized the need for further support in the newly disabled population and their loved ones.  The intent of this charit

Don’t Be Afraid to get Hurt Again - adaptdefy - Mike Brown One moment, one accident, one really difficult event, and everything changes.  so what do you do?  Do you look back?  Do you spend your time wishing for something to be different?  Do you give up and feel sorry for yourself?  Do you live in fear of getting hurt again?  Or do you move forward?... My guest Mike Brown chose to move forward after his accident.  Tune in to hear Mike Brown's story of adapting and defying and how he built the world of adaptdefy. Following an accident in 2012 that left Mike Brown a paraplegic he began to build his life and he eventually began to build adaptdefy.  The mission of adaptdefy is to increase freedom for wheelchair users by connecting and highlighting a global community of Adaptdefiers and developing products that help them adapt and defy, including the Lapstacker.  Mike Brown works tirelessly to connect the community of the adapt defiers.     In this episode we discuss, What is adaptdefy and what are A

Resiliency, Recovery, and BJJ - Maximiliano Ulloa York  Some bad shit can happen and great things can follow.   Maximiliano Ulloa York joins us today and shares his story of resilience after suffering a significant injury. Max is recovering from a spinal cord injury. Max is a BJJ instructor,BJJ competitor, and runs the International Jiu Jitsu without Limitations Federation and Para Jiu jitsu magazine. He is an important person in the world of adaptive Brazilian jiu jitsu.  Max is involved in a bunch of projects and organizations. He is kicking off a podcast, writes about a bunch of cool subjects, and shares BJJ instruction online with guest BJJ coaches that happen to be the best in the world.  In the interview we discuss, Max’s injury and life prior to injury. Max’s road to recovery and the many obstacles he encountered. Mindset and how to approach when bad stuff goes down. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and adaptive BJJ. Max’s JJWLF and PJJ Magazine. Building the adaptive world. The stupid shit we did as kids.   You

The Rebound It’s all about how you rebound after you go through adversity and today we talk with the director (Shaina Allen) and producer (Mike Esposito) of the award winning independent film documentary The Rebound.   In the show we discuss, What is The Rebound and why was The Rebound made. We talk adaptive sports, specifically basketball. Rebounding from adversity. Why it’s important to share your story. How to take begin to share your story. The future of Shaina Allen and Mike Esposito within the adaptive community by continuing to make documentaries about notable athletes and teams.   More About The Rebound The Rebound is an award-winning independent documentary (76 min) following the underdog journey of the Miami Heat Wheels wheelchair basketball team in their quest for their first NWBA National Championship. The cameras don’t stop when the players leave the court: the film follows the athletes through daily life with a disability as they reach for new heights. From first-time Director

Challenged Athletes Foundation - Bob Babbitt What began as three friends’ kindness and compassion to help one athlete paralyzed in triathlon has now grown into a powerful current that has carried and supported those with physical challenges – empowering them to find community, confidence, and conviction.  The mission of the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) to provide opportunities and support to people with physical challenges, so they can pursue active lifestyles through physical fitness and competitive athletics. The Challenged Athletes Foundation believes that involvement in sports at any level increases self-esteem, encourages independence and enhances quality of life.  Since CAF began, over 100 million dollars has been raised to support the athletes. Bob Babbitt started racing triathlons win the late 1970’s. He did his first Ironman Triathlon in 1980 on the island of Oahu and ended up completing five more when the event moved to the Big Island.  Hi is in both the Ironman Hall of Fame and the USA Tria

Bjoern Eser is the creator of The Active Amputee. As a teenager he was diagnosed with cancer and the consequences of cancer eventually led to Bjoern choosing to amputate his leg later in life (above the knee). You will hear why Bjoern chose to amputate. Bjoern’s organization The Active Amputee is regarded as an incredible resource page from amputees for amputees. The org aims to inform, inspire, and engage. In this interview we talk about,  Bjoern Eser’s story (cancer, mobility, and eventually amputation). Bjoern’s future with podcasting, vlogging, and his site The Adaptive Amputee. The importance of accepting difficult things. Getting rid of the victim label and also the need to accept the consequences of your decisions. Being a father and adapting to some significant challenges. Bjoern shares some of his favorite hacks. Responsibility for your own journey. Responsibility for your own Journey with "The Adaptive Amputee" - Bjoern Eser - 031 Find Bjoern Eser at, https://www.theactiveamputee.org https://twitt

Sean Swentek is the executive director and cofounder of the surf therapy organization A Walk on Water (AWOW).  Sean Swentek talks about his path that led to cofounding and directing A Walk on Water, what it’s like to be a part of this incredible organization, and he provides a bunch of good insight into how to get involved and even run a successful nonprofit.  Many of you listeners are involved in or even run a nonprofit, especially within the adaptive community.  Furthermore, Sean Swentek pulls the curtain back and provides some insight into the model that makes A Walk on Water successful.  Sean is a really altruistic person from southern California.  His work and the organization A Walk on Water has managed to change the lives of many so tune in.   In this episode you hear, What is A Walk on Water and who is Sean Swentek. What is it like to attend an AWOW event and what goes into running a AWOW event. How AWOW has impacted many lives. What is surf therapy and how does one become involved. Reasons

How does one become more adaptive and able to thrive after going through a really terrible event, such as an accident that causes permanent changes? How does one push through the fears to reach success? In today’s episode we’re joined by Caitlyn Conner and we hear her incredible story from ICU survivor to adaptive thriver, and she gives us the tools and methods she uses to "Be More Adaptive" despite any struggle one encounters. More About Caitlin Conner Caitlin Conner who is an athlete, model, community builder, content creator, that runs the very notable Be More Adaptive nonprofit. Caitlin Conner is a member of Team Some Assembly Required, Team Catapult, she’s also the first female amputee boxer in the United States and second in the world. She’s a model with corporations like Target,a mom, an artist, and is sponsored by a bunch of organizations such as York Athletics and Swiftwick Athlete. Recently, Caitlin Conner and Team Some Assembly Required finished in first in the Para Elite Spartan Race. In this epis

Mindset towards Adapting – Tom Seaman How important is your mindset to adapting to difficult challenges? In this episode I talk with someone that changed his mindset and he was able to then change his position in life for the better. Tom Seaman is an author who has published countless articles and a book focused on coping strategies and tools for dealing with physical and mental challenges of life, especially when dealing with chronic health conditions, relationship issues, depression, anxiety, and setbacks. Tom had to learn to navigate life with a painful neurological movement disorder (Dystonia) that left him broken and, at points, unable to physically move, to eventually adapting, healing, and developing a fulfilling life as a life coach, author, and speaker. Through research and experience (personal and professional) Tom learned strategies for battling back when the rock one is under seems too heavy to lift. The first half of the interview focuses on, Tom tells his story about how he couldn’t physically

What I did After a Brain Cancer Diagnosis - Liz Salmi Most everyone will encounter a difficult diagnosis or significant obstacles in life and this interview with Liz Salmi displays a positive way to adapt despite significant struggles. Salmi joins us to tell her story of living with a brain cancer diagnosis. Salmi not only tells her story, she also talks about how to be productive after a significant change in life, in her case, Salmi is now a prolific researcher in the realm of brain cancer patient advocacy and bettering the communication between patients and healthcare professionals. She also researches what’s it like to die from brain cancer. Salmi is relatively fearless in these realms. Salmi’s path to success is unorthodox compared to what one might believe is required to reach Salmi’s level. Salmi went from patient and amateur to patient and expert within her realm. Salmi’s story and advice aren't limited to just a cancer diagnosis. Salmi’s story shows us that when you’re living with something difficult