When Ben Pettingill was just 16 years old, he lost 98% of his eyesight overnight thanks to a hereditary disease that had laid dormant up until that point. His resilience was quickly tested when Ben was forced to comprehend a new reality without his sight.

Not allowing his disability to get in the way of life, Ben has gone on to waterski, compete in Spartan obstacle course races, hike the famed Kokoda Track. When not at home with his wife and two daughters, Ben is travelling around the country speaking with children and companies, advocating for better mental health, and even hosting his own podcast.

In this raw and honest conversation, Ben opens up about the day he lost his sight, the drive to rebuild his life and finding his purpose in disability awareness and advocacy. 

SUPPORT

• For immediate help in a crisis, contact Lifeline or Beyond Blue

LINKS

• For more information on Ben and his speaking, check out his website
• Follow Ben on Instagram
• Check out Ben's podcast Talkin' Tough
• Follow Richard Richard De Crespigny on Instagram and Linkedin
• Buy Richard's book 'Fly! The Elements Of Resilience'
• Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial.

CREDITS
Host: Richard De Crespigny
Editor: Adrian Walton
Executive Producer: Damien Haffenden 
Managing Producer: Ricardo Bardon

Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation. We pay our respect to Elders past and present.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.