Walk and Roll Live-Disability Stories

This podcast episode elucidates the impactful narrative of Becky Curran, a distinguished advocate for individuals with disabilities, as she shares her journey and experiences. Central to our discussion is the profound emphasis on community, resilience, and the importance of open dialogue surrounding disability. We delve into Becky's personal story, her advocacy work, and the challenges she has faced, particularly in light of her late son, Jackson, who also had dwarfism. Our conversation explores the societal perceptions of disability, the necessity of inclusivity, and the shared responsibility of fostering understanding and support within our communities. As we engage with Becky...

This podcast episode elucidates the profound significance of adaptive sports and the invaluable resources provided by organizations such as the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF). We delve into the personal narrative of Rudy Garcia Tolson, whose journey as a double above-the-knee amputee has been marked by resilience and triumph within the realm of competitive sports. His experiences reflect not only the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities but also the transformative power of community support and adaptive equipment. As we explore the various programs offered by CAF, we aim to inspire listeners to embrace an active lifestyle, regardless of their...

Kelly Brush, a distinguished downhill skier who sustained a spinal cord injury, has transformed her personal adversity into a powerful movement through the Kelly Brush Foundation. This organization is dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities by providing them with access to adaptive sports and fostering a sense of community among those facing similar challenges. In our conversation, we delve into Kelly's journey from a promising athlete to an advocate for safety and inclusivity in sports, emphasizing the importance of peer support and shared experiences in navigating life after injury. We explore the initiatives undertaken by the foundation to improve...

The discussion centers on the availability and significance of cochlear implants for infants, highlighting the transformative impact these devices can have on early childhood development. We engage with Dr. Nancy Young, a pioneering figure in the field, alongside Doug and Ewa Tweedy, whose daughter, Ella, received cochlear implants at a young age. The Tweedies recount their initial experiences and the emotional journey they undertook upon learning of their daughter’s hearing loss. Dr. Young elucidates the advancements in cochlear implant technology, particularly the recent FDA approval for infants as young as seven months, emphasizing the critical nature of early in...

Joyce Reynolds from the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) elucidates the critical role her organization plays in providing vital resources and support for seniors and individuals with disabilities. At the forefront of her discourse, she emphasizes the necessity of accessible assistance and advocacy for those facing crises, illustrating the profound impact of timely intervention. Joyce shares her extensive experience in crisis counseling, highlighting the emotional toll and urgency often encountered by those reaching out for help. She articulates a commitment to not merely dispense information but to engage comprehensively with clients, ensuring they feel seen and supported throughout...

Shonna Counter, diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 3, imparts her profound journey of resilience and self-discovery in this enlightening conversation. From her early childhood experiences to her current endeavors as a multifaceted individual, Shonna emphasizes the importance of viewing disability through a lens of aspiration rather than mere inspiration. She articulates the necessity for society to move beyond superficial narratives and recognize the complexities of living with a disability. Shonna's advocacy work underscores her commitment to creating a more inclusive environment, challenging misconceptions, and promoting accessibility. Through her candid storytelling, she invites listeners to reflect on their perceptions and...

In this enlightening discussion, we engage with Jesi Stracham, a prominent social media influencer, health coach, and advocate for the disabled community. Jesi shares her profound journey of overcoming personal adversity following a life-changing injury, illustrating her resilience and determination to reclaim her life. Throughout our conversation, we delve into the challenges she faced and the transformative strategies she employed in her path to recovery. Jesi’s commitment to empowering others within the disability community is palpable as she discusses her initiatives, including her innovative fitness app tailored for individuals with disabilities. Join us as we explore Jesi’s rema...

Bernard Taruc's narrative is an evocative testament to the transformative power of experience, underscored by a life-altering incident that irrevocably changed his trajectory. After immigrating to the United States as a teenager, he became captivated by the vibrant culture, yet inevitably found himself drawn into the perilous realm of gang culture. One fateful night, an encounter with violence culminated in a harrowing shooting that left him paralyzed, forcing him to confront the consequences of his choices. Through this poignant chronicle, Bernard articulates his journey of self-discovery, resilience, and eventual redemption, as he navigates the complexities of life post-trauma. His...

The adaptation of dance and theatre to accommodate diverse physical and cognitive abilities is a central theme of our conversation. We delve into the prevalent misconceptions surrounding students with disabilities in the performing arts, illuminating the need for a paradigm shift in public perception. Furthermore, we explore effective strategies for fostering confidence among students who may be hesitant to express themselves creatively. Our guest, Ellie Nelson, shares her profound insights and experiences, emphasizing that every individual possesses unique abilities worthy of celebration. This episode ultimately advocates for inclusivity and the belief that the performing arts can be a transformative...

This podcast episode centers on the compelling narrative of Suzie Gulshan, a C7 incomplete quadriplegic, who shares her journey of resilience following a life-altering injury sustained during a fitness class. We delve into the intricacies of her recovery, highlighting the critical role of self-advocacy and the importance of community support in navigating the complexities of living with a disability. Susie’s story offers profound insights into the challenges faced by individuals with spinal cord injuries, emphasizing the diverse responses to similar injuries and the unique journeys of those affected. As she reflects on her experiences, Susie articulates her aspirations to...

Arthur Martinot, a C6-C7 quadriplegic, shares his transformative journey following a life-altering diving accident during a vacation in Spain. This episode illuminates the resilience of the human spirit, as Arthur recounts not only his struggles but also the remarkable progress he has achieved in the face of overwhelming challenges. Despite the initial despair and uncertainty regarding his future, he has embraced adaptive sports, particularly wheelchair rugby, as a means to regain independence and connect with a community of individuals who share similar experiences. We delve into the intricacies of his rehabilitation journey, the profound impact of supportive relationships...

This episode of Walk and Roll Live delves into the intricate and often misunderstood realm of Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) through the compelling narrative of our guest, Gemma Davies. In our discussion, we explore the profound impact of her diagnosis on her life, illuminating the challenges she faced and the strength she exhibited in navigating a complex medical landscape that often dismissed her experiences. Gemma, drawing on her professional background as a nutritionist, has established "Wellness Without Barriers," an initiative aimed at supporting individuals with disabilities by promoting a holistic approach to wellness. Our conversation highlights the importance of...

This episode presents an insightful dialogue regarding the complexities of dating as individuals with disabilities. Doug and Addie not only share their personal stories but also emphasize the transformative potential of the DateAbility app. They discuss the app's unique features, which allow users to disclose their disabilities in a manner that feels authentic and not overly clinical. The hosts reflect on their respective journeys, illustrating the emotional toll that societal expectations and stigmas have on their self-esteem and relationships. They advocate for the empowerment of disabled individuals, encouraging them to embrace their identities and seek connections that affirm their...

The salient point of this podcast episode centers around the profound resilience and adaptability inherent within the disability community, as exemplified by the inspiring narrative of our esteemed guest, Dena Peterson. We delve into Dina's extensive journey, encompassing her experiences with various disabilities, including scoliosis and a recent tibial plateau fracture, all while she navigates her roles as a single mother and a dedicated student of recreation therapy. The discussion illuminates the often-overlooked intricacies of living with multiple disabilities, highlighting not only the physical challenges but also the psychological fortitude required to confront them. We further explore the transformative...

Dan Fernandez's life underwent a profound transformation following a catastrophic car accident in April 2018, resulting in a broken back, a severed spinal cord, and various other injuries. Once a successful retail executive, overseeing 70 stores as a Regional Director, Dan's transition to living with a disability has been marked by significant challenges and adaptations. Throughout this harrowing journey, he has found strength and resilience, bolstered by the unwavering support of his wife, Donna, and their family. In our poignant conversation, Dan recounts his remarkable evolution from an active lifestyle filled with fishing and travel to navigating the complexities of life...

The primary focus of this podcast episode is to illuminate the multifaceted narratives within the disability community, specifically through the lens of our esteemed guest, Renee Rojo. We delve into the profound impact of community engagement and advocacy for individuals with disabilities, highlighting Renee's extensive volunteer work and his commitment to fostering inclusivity. Throughout our conversation, we explore the myriad challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, emphasizing the importance of understanding and communication. As we recount personal experiences and insights, it becomes evident that the journey toward empowerment is not solely individual but a collective endeavor. This episode serves...

This week on Walk and Roll Live – Disability Stories, Addie and I are joined by past guests Bobby Rohan and Robert Soto as we wrap up our weekend at the Abilities Expo in Long Beach. We spent two full days exploring the new venue, meeting innovators, reconnecting with friends in the disability community, and discovering some exciting new developments in accessibility and adaptive living.

Our goal on day one was simple — cover the entire floor, meet as many people as possible, and learn what’s new in the world of disability inclusion. Along the way we found some i...

On this episode of Walk and Roll Live – Disability Stories, Doug and Addie sit down with Lera Alexandrova, founder of Overcoming Change, to talk about resilience, motherhood, and finding purpose after life-altering challenges.

Lera’s story began with a devastating childhood accident that led to multiple surgeries and years of recovery. For much of her life she pushed forward, building a career, raising two children, and living actively. But after another major surgery in 2019, Lera’s life changed dramatically when she transitioned to using a wheelchair full time.

Rather than letting those challenges define her limits...

Content creator Ky Westcott, known for “The Vibe With Ky,” joins Walk and Roll Live to talk about the life-changing moment when he was diagnosed with inattentive ADHD at age 34 — and how that diagnosis finally helped him understand the experiences he had struggled with for years.

Ky opens up about growing up feeling different, the emotional mix of relief, grief, and validation that came with finally having answers, and how understanding his brain changed the way he treats himself and navigates the world.

Through humor, honesty, and authenticity, Ky has built a community of over two mi...

What does life look like when motherhood, caregiving, advocacy, and adventure all intersect?

On this episode of Walk and Roll Live – Disability Stories, host Doug Vincent and co-host Addie Rich welcome Sandy Gilbreath — blogger, travel influencer, caregiver, and mother to Cory, who lives with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA).

Sandy shares her deeply personal journey of raising a child with a disability while navigating the emotional realities of caregiving, single parenthood, and resilience. From the moment she learned Cory’s diagnosis to building a life filled with purpose, travel, and advocacy, Sandy’s story is both raw and...

This week on Walk and Roll Live – Disability Stories, Doug Vincent and Addie Rich welcome Jeana Nunez — life and business transformation coach, mom of four, woman of faith, and a warrior living with a rare neuromuscular disease.

After years of misdiagnosis, ER visits, and hospital stays, Jeana’s strength and mobility can change without warning. But instead of allowing unpredictability to define her, she chose to transform it into purpose.

In this powerful conversation, Jeana shares:

What it’s like to live with a rare, unpredictable neuromuscular condition

How misdiagnosis and medical...

What happens after the hospital stay ends?

In this powerful episode of Walk and Roll Live, Doug and Addie sit down with two dynamic leaders from Casa Colina in Pomona, California, to explore what true recovery really looks like after neurologic or traumatic injury.

Dr. Rachel Tabak Tran, Director of the Transitional Living Center, shares how post-acute rehabilitation bridges the gap between medical recovery and independent living. From neurologic physical therapy to national leadership in PT education, Dr. Tran explains how Casa Colina prepares individuals not just to function—but to thrive.

Lisa Hi...

On this episode of Walk and Roll Live – Disability Stories, Doug Vincent sits down with Ty Gipson, entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and resilience advocate whose life has been shaped by extraordinary medical and personal challenges.

Diagnosed with Type 1 juvenile diabetes at a young age, Ty’s journey includes multiple life-saving organ transplants, years of uncertainty, and moments where giving up might have seemed easier than pushing forward. Instead, Ty adopted what he calls a “No Options” mindset — a belief that when quitting isn’t an option, purpose takes over.

In this powerful conversation, Ty shares how his health c...

Myles Pearson is a British Paralympian whose journey in wheelchair rugby is defined by talent, resilience, and fearless honesty. Born with Arthrogryposis and raised in Lytham St Annes, Myles first made his mark in wheelchair tennis—reaching the world top 25 as a junior—before discovering wheelchair rugby at just 15 years old.

By 17, he became the youngest athlete ever to represent Great Britain in wheelchair rugby, earning a silver medal at the 2011 European Championships and competing on the world stage at the London 2012 Paralympic Games. Known for his creativity and playmaking ability, Myles has gone on to help Team...

In this episode of Walk and Roll Live, we travel to rural Uganda to shine a light on the powerful work of Training Of Rural Women in Uganda (TORUWU). For more than two decades, TORUWU has been empowering women, children, and families through education, income-generating programs, healthcare, and disability support.

We explore how TORUWU supports children with disabilities through physiotherapy and inclusive education, helps women gain economic independence, and strengthens entire communities through grassroots solutions. This conversation is filled with inspiring stories, real-world challenges, and a hopeful vision for what happens when opportunity, dignity, and inclusion come...

In this episode of Walk & Roll Live, we’re joined by Michelle Steiner, advocate, writer, photographer, and founder of Michelle’s Mission.

Michelle lives with an invisible learning disability and grew up being told there were limits to what she could achieve. Today, she’s a college graduate, published writer, paraeducator, and a passionate voice for disability awareness. Through her writing, advocacy, and photography, Michelle works to encourage, empower, and educate people with and without disabilities.

We talk about what it’s like to navigate a world that often overlooks invisible disabilities, the importance of self-adv...

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Walk and Roll Live, Doug and Addie welcome Avriel, a former railroad executive whose life took an unexpected turn following a back surgery that resulted in a T5 spinal cord injury.

Avriel takes us back to his roots—growing up in Charleston, moving to Atlanta as a teen, and taking a bold leap to New York City at just 18 years old to work on the trading floor of the New York Mercantile Exchange. After finding his footing, he built an impressive 16-year career with Norfolk Southern, rising through the ra...

In this powerful episode of Walk and Roll Live – Disability Stories, host Doug Vincent welcomes Mike Kent, a stroke survivor whose life changed in an instant after a routine surgery in Paris went catastrophically wrong.

What was meant to be a simple nose operation in 2019 resulted in a massive hemorrhagic stroke, an induced coma, and doctors giving Mike just 90 minutes to live. Eight weeks later, he woke up unable to move the right side of his body, unable to recognize his own life, and uncertain whether he wanted to go on.

Spending six months in a...

Diagnosed with Transverse Myelitis at just 10 months old, RaeAnne Lindsay has spent her life navigating disability — and transforming that lived experience into powerful advocacy.

In this episode of Walk and Roll Live, host Doug Vincent sits down with Ms. Wheelchair USA 2024 to explore her remarkable journey: from nearly 18 years of childhood rehab, surgeries, and summer camps at Shriners Hospital in Chicago, to earning her Master’s in Social Work, and now serving as a Research Coordinator at Vanderbilt University, focusing on Section 504 plans and accessible housing.

RaeAnne opens up about the promise she made to hers...

As we close out 2025, Walk and Roll Live – Disability Stories takes a moment to reflect on the conversations that moved us, challenged us, and inspired us throughout the year.

In this special year-end wrap-up episode, host Doug Vincent revisits powerful stories from guests who shared their lived experiences with disability — stories of survival, resilience, self-advocacy, and transformation. From navigating life after injury or diagnosis, to breaking down barriers, educating others, and redefining independence, these conversations remind us that disability is not the end of the journey — it’s often the beginning of a new one.

This epi...

On this episode of Walk and Roll Live – Disability Stories, hosts Doug Vincent and Addie Rich welcome author and mental health advocate Anna Keibler for a powerful and honest conversation about living with mental illness as a disability.

Anna shares her journey with bipolar disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder, including a moment of crisis that led her to seek emergency psychiatric care and ultimately change the course of her life. She speaks openly about the realities of parenting while managing serious mental illness, the stigma surrounding mental health disabilities, and the courage it takes to ask for help.

In this powerful episode of Walk and Roll Live – Disability Stories, Doug Vincent and Addie Rich sit down with U.S. Army veteran Daniel Palacios, whose life changed forever after a tragic motorcycle accident left him paralyzed at the T5–T6 level.

Daniel takes us through his journey—from serving his country at Fort Bliss, to navigating loss and a life-altering injury, to rebuilding his world through the support of family, the Long Beach VA community, and fellow veterans.

Today, Daniel channels his strength and experience into service. Through organizations like PVA and the Triumph Founda...

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Walk and Roll Live – Disability Stories, hosts Doug Vincent and Addie Rich sit down with Donald Allison, who shares his lifelong journey from growing up in Fontana, California, to living today in Yucca Valley near Joshua Tree National Monument.

Donald opens up about the early signs of a rare and progressive muscle disease called Inclusion Body Myositis (IBM)—a condition that first affected his hands, then his mobility, and ultimately placed him in a wheelchair. Diagnosed at the Mayo Clinic, Donald explains what it’s like to live with consta...

In this powerful episode of Walk and Roll Live – Disability Stories, Doug Vincent and Addie Rich sit down with Chris Pecson from Reno, Nevada, whose life changed in 2015 after a devastating street bike accident left him with a complete T-6 spinal cord injury. Chris opens up about the day of the crash, the realities of early rehabilitation, and the powerful mindset shifts that helped him move forward.

Now working as a part-time delivery driver and preparing to start college in 2026 as a computer science major, Chris shares how he rebuilt his independence, discovered new passions, and found pu...

On this episode of Walk and Roll Live – Disability Stories, Doug and Addie sit down with legendary adaptive sports coach Carl Vereen, founder of the Rolling Cubs Junior Wheelchair Basketball Team.

Carl shares his incredible journey from coaching championship teams in Michigan to creating new opportunities for youth athletes with disabilities here in the Inland Empire. Since founding the Rolling Cubs in 2018, Carl has built a powerhouse program that competes in the West Coast Conference under the National Wheelchair Basketball Association. His leadership has already helped two athletes continue their athletic careers at the University of Arizona.

At just five years old, Suhrab Zarifi’s life was forever changed when a bomb blast in war-torn Afghanistan left him paralyzed. What could have been a story of loss became a story of unbreakable spirit. In this moving episode of Walk and Roll Live – Disability Stories, hosts Doug Vincent and Addie Rich sit down with Suhrab to reflect on his childhood, the challenges of growing up with a disability in Afghanistan, and the incredible resilience that carried him through decades of struggle and hope.

Suhrab shares what it was like to rebuild his life from the ruin...

When a construction accident took his left arm in 1980, Willie Stewart thought his best days were behind him. What followed instead was a transformation few could imagine. From quitting life to conquering it, Willie became a world-class endurance athlete, a Paralympic medalist, and a beacon of resilience for adaptive athletes everywhere.

In this compelling episode of Walk and Roll Live – Disability Stories, hosts Doug and Addie sit down with Willie Stewart, a Challenged Athletes Foundation ambassador whose story redefines the meaning of strength. Hear how he turned loss into purpose, overcame mental barriers, and went on to com...

In this illuminating episode of Walk and Roll Live – Disability Stories, Doug and Addie sit down with leaders from the San Francisco Disability Business Alliance (SFDBA) — the first organization in the Bay Area dedicated entirely to supporting entrepreneurs with disabilities.

From helping people with disabilities start and grow their own businesses to breaking down barriers in access to capital and inclusion, SFDBA is proving that disability and entrepreneurship go hand in hand. Discover how they’re empowering individuals to build independence, economic freedom, and community impact — one small business at a time.

Join us as we explo...

In this powerful episode of Walk and Roll Live, Doug Vincent and Addie Rich sit down with lifelong educator Rita Duran and her devoted daughter to share a story of perseverance, purpose, and love.

After 38 years of teaching and a life filled with running marathons, supporting students, and giving back to her community, Rita’s world changed following a life-altering accident that forced her into medical retirement. But her story didn’t end there — it evolved.

Today, Rita continues her journey of recovery through physical therapy at Casa Colina, finds strength through PossAbilities, and shares her lo...

In this uplifting episode of Walk and Roll Live, hosts Doug and Addie sit down with Jeff Mitchell, a man whose life took a dramatic turn but whose determination and positivity never wavered. Jeff shares his journey from a successful career and active lifestyle to facing a life-altering injury that changed everything — except his spirit.

With honesty and humor, Jeff talks about the early days of recovery, learning to adapt, and how he found new purpose through community, advocacy, and faith. His story is a reminder that even when life doesn’t go as planned, you can stil...