STORIES OF RESILIENCE

Welcome to another special and poignant episode of the Destiny is Debatable podcast. As we acknowledge World Meningitis Day on October 5th, we are honored to present a collection of heartfelt stories from around the globe, shared by individuals whose lives have been profoundly affected by meningitis.

Christine Bennborn from Sweden recounts the harrowing experience of losing her son, Mathias, to meningitis and sepsis in 2019. Driven by this tragedy, Christine founded Meningokockfonden in Sweden, dedicating herself to spreading awareness and advocating for better vaccination policies.

From Georgia, Shaquille Hodge, who transformed his grief into action after his wife, Percilla, succumbed to meningitis while they were on vacation. Shaquille established the PAMAH Foundation, named in honor of his wife, to educate and raise awareness about this silent killer through car shows and scholarship programs.

Katie Thompson, a meningitis survivor from South Carolina, who faced excruciating pain and near-death but emerged as a passionate patient advocate. Katie's story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a reminder of the importance of vaccination and awareness.

Claytone Musungu from Kenya shares his journey of founding the Meningitis Information Foundation in Nairobi, Kenya after witnessing the devastating impact of meningitis on a close friend’s family. Claytone's efforts to educate the public and work with the government aim to defeat meningitis by 2030.

Jayme Fahrer from New Jersey, who survived bacterial meningitis in 2009. Despite enduring severe physical and mental challenges, Jamie's determination to spread awareness and support others is truly inspiring. Her story emphasizes the urgent need for prompt medical care and the importance of prevention.

Tom Nutt, Chief Executive of Meningitis Now in the UK, sheds light on the critical work of his organization. From funding research and raising awareness to supporting affected individuals, Tom’s insights underscore the multifaceted approach needed to combat this disease. He also highlights the importance of vaccination and knowing the signs and symptoms of meningitis.

John Grimes wraps things up with a reminder of hope. Through his experience with meningitis, he quickly learned that survival wasn’t the end of his journey, it was just the beginning. John also offers his advice on the importance of acting now to shape your life into the future you want.

Throughout this episode, you'll hear powerful narratives of loss, resilience, and hope. These stories serve as a compelling reminder of the impact meningitis can have and the importance of continued efforts to spread awareness and promote vaccination. By sharing their experiences, our guests not only honor their loved ones but also strive to protect others from this preventable disease.

Through these efforts we will not just defeat meningitis, we’ll make meningitis nothing more than a historical footnote.  

🎙️ PODCAST LINKS  ⬇ 

JOHN GRIMES' MENINGITIS STORY 

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For show notes, guest profiles, photos, blog, social media links & more, visit JohnBGrimes.com 

.:: Destiny is Debatable is a Cemblem production and made possible by the generous support of our listeners and Executive Producer, Erin Grimes. 

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Kevin's story begins with a passion for motocross, fueled by the adrenaline of performing gravity-defying stunts. But life took a dramatic turn when a catastrophic accident left him paralyzed. In a split second, Kevin had to decide between two grim outcomes: staying on his bike and risking a broken neck or jumping off and potentially breaking his legs. He chose the latter, leading to a life-altering injury that would test his resilience and spirit.

As fate would have it, Kevin wasn't new to the world of spinal injuries. Just a few years earlier, his father had suffered a similar accident, leaving him paralyzed. The irony of both father and son facing such challenges is not lost on Kevin, who candidly shares the emotional and physical toll it took on his family. His mother, a beacon of resilience, navigated the turbulent waters of having both her husband and son in wheelchairs.

Kevin's recovery journey is a testament to human spirit and determination. From wiggling his first toe six weeks after the accident to walking and riding again within a year, his path was anything but easy. Along the way, he discovered a new passion in Paralympic sledge hockey, eventually earning a bronze medal in Sochi. This experience led him to a new calling: sharing his story and inspiring others through public speaking.

In his keynote presentations and coaching program, Kevin delves into what he calls the "Hero Mindset." He offers invaluable insights into navigating life's transitions, whether due to disability, career changes, or personal challenges. His message is clear: acceptance doesn't mean giving up; it's the first step toward a fulfilling life.

Kevin's humor and candidness make his story relatable and engaging. From humorous anecdotes about crop-dusting VIP audiences to the heartwarming tales of his current life with his girlfriend and her two children, Kevin's narrative is a rollercoaster of emotions and life lessons.

Join us for this compelling episode of Destiny is Debatable and discover how you, too, can adopt the Hero Mindset to overcome life's obstacles and build the life you want.

Don't wait—tune in now and start your journey toward a resilient and fulfilling life!

🎙️ EPISODE LINKS  ⬇ 

Kevin's Profile (bio, social inks, etc.)

Kevins's Website 

🎙️ PODCAST LINKS  ⬇ 

JOHN GRIMES' MENINGITIS STORY 

GET YOUR OWN DONT WAIT MUG! 

For show notes, guest profiles, photos, blog, social media links & more, visit JohnBGrimes.com 

.:: Destiny is Debatable is a Cemblem production and made possible by the generous support of our listeners and Executive Producer, Erin Grimes. 

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In this episode, host John Grimes sits down with Jonathan Tuteur, an executive leadership coach, speaker, and author of the forthcoming book, Seizing Today, to discuss his remarkable journey with epilepsy. 

Does Jon Tuteur look like John Stewart? See for yourself.

🎙️ EPISODE LINKS  ⬇ 

Jonathan Tuteur's Guest Profile (bio, social inks, etc.)

Jonathan's Website 

Jonathan's Authority Magazine Article 

🎙️ PODCAST LINKS  ⬇ 

READ JOHN GRIMES' MENINGITIS STORY 

GET YOUR OWN DONT WAIT MUG! 

For show notes, guest profiles, photos, blog, social media links & more, visit JohnBGrimes.com 

.:: Destiny is Debatable is a Cemblem production and made possible by the generous support of our listeners and Executive Producer, Erin Grimes. 

Please consider supporting to sustain our content.  

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Join us for an inspiring chat with Charlie Kramer, a life coach who's truly mastered the art of living confidently with his disability. We'll dive into his journey with Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), an inherited retinal condition that shapes his unique perspective on life and teaches us valuable lessons about resilience and acceptance.

Charlie shares his advocacy for mobility tools like the blind cane and opens up about the profound impact his disability has had on his identity. He sheds light on the importance of individuality, respect, and understanding when interacting with people with disabilities. Plus, he shares personal stories that help us understand the delicate balance between offering help and respecting independence.

We'll explore the hidden aspects of living with a disability and discuss societal norms and attitudes towards disabilities. Charlie likens his experience of sight loss to building a puzzle, emphasizing the importance of individual autonomy in navigating life's challenges. He shares his journey of self-discovery, acceptance, and how he's turned his blindness into opportunities for growth.

And let’s not forget that Charlie is also a musician. He discusses his immersive and transformative experience, "Singing in the Dark," a blindfolded singing and healing experience that's as unique as it is enlightening. We'll also get insights from his song, "Vision," which beautifully encapsulates his outlook on life.

Join us as we celebrate Charlie's roles in teaching, coaching, and singing, and discover his innovative approach to disability. Tune in and let's embrace and celebrate the diversity of life, both its opportunities and challenges. 

🎙️ EPISODE LINKS  ⬇

Charlie Kramer's Guest Profile (bio, social inks, etc.)

Charlie Kramer's Website 

Charlie's Music 

DID Episode: Tasting In The Dark with Hoby Wedler 

DID Blog Post: 5 Things I Wish Were Understood About People With Physical Limitations

🎙️ PODCAST LINKS  ⬇

GET YOUR OWN DONT WAIT MUG! 

For show notes, guest profiles, photos, blog, social media links & more, visit JohnBGrimes.com 

.:: Destiny is Debatable is a Cemblem production and made possible by the generous support of our listeners and Executive Producer, Erin Grimes. 

Please consider supporting to sustain our content.  

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In this episode we delve into the remarkable journey of Mary Beth O'Connor, author of the memoir, "From Junkie to Judge." This candid conversation beautifully captures her transformation from a troubled childhood filled with violence and neglect, to an eventual Federal Judge.

The episode sheds light on pressing issues like mental health, and substance abuse. Explore her personal battles with PTSD, anxiety, and meth addiction, and witness her remarkable resilience as she breaks out from this consuming abyss of negativity to rise as an influential figure in the world of law and education.

Discover the significant role that education and dedicated teachers played in her life, offering the guidance and attention she craved as a solace from her turbulent past and gain some valuable life insights from her candid advice to her younger self.

Hear her spellbinding journey to overcoming adversity and succeeding in making an impactful change in society. Learn about her incredible transition from a meth addict to a Berkeley Law School graduate, shedding light on the transformative power of perseverance and resilience. Follow her journey to becoming a federal administrative law judge and her meaningful contributions to recovery organizations.

Dive deeper into the profound connection between trauma, mental health, and substance abuse, and understand the lifelong consequences of addiction. The episode emphasizes the importance of strong support networks in recovery and offers insights into various recovery pathways that can cater to individual needs.

Get inspired by Mary Beth's commitment to spread awareness and education about substance use and recovery challenges. This episode concludes with a powerful message of hope and resilience, reminding us that with patience and persistence, overcoming obstacles is within our reach. 

🎙️ EPISODE LINKS  ⬇

Mary Beth O'Connor's Guest Profile

:: https://podcast.johnbgrimes.com/guests/mary-beth-oconnor/ 

Mary Beth's Website 

:: https://junkietojudge.com/

🎙️ PODCAST LINKS  ⬇

GET YOUR OWN DONT WAIT MUG! 

For show notes, guest profiles, photos, blog, social media links & more, visit JohnBGrimes.com 

.:: Destiny is Debatable is a Cemblem production and made possible by the generous support of our listeners and Executive Producer, Erin Grimes. 

Please consider supporting to sustain our content.  

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Join us for a captivating chat with Aaron Hale, a former US Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technician turned entrepreneur, ultra endurance athlete, and host of The Point of Impact podcast. Aaron's story is one of resilience, peppered with humor and wisdom.

After losing his sight disarming an IED in Afghanistan and his hearing to bacterial meningitis, Aaron refused to be sidelined. Instead, he dove headfirst into the kitchen, perfected his fudge recipe, and started a chocolate company, Extra Ordinary Delights. With a blend of wit and grit, Aaron shares how he turned adversity into opportunity, offering invaluable insights into overcoming obstacles and thriving against the odds.

Tune in for a dose of inspiration and a dash of humor as Aaron reminds us that even in life's toughest moments, there's always room for extraordinary triumphs.

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SUPPORT THIS PODCAST BUY ME A COFFEE! 

GET YOUR OWN DONT WAIT MUG! 

For show notes, guest profiles, photos, blog, social media links & more, visit JohnBGrimes.com  

🎙️ EPISODE LINKS  ⬇

Aaron Hale's Guest Profile

:: https://podcast.johnbgrimes.com/guests/aaron-hale/ 

EODFudge.com 

:: https://eodfudge.com/

.:: Destiny is Debatable is a Cemblem production and made possible by the generous support of our listeners and Executive Producer, Erin Grimes. 

Please consider supporting to sustain our content.  

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In this episode, join us for a deeply insightful conversation with Jonathan Beskin, the founder of SinglesSwag.com and author of "The Least Likely Millionaire: How to Succeed When Everyone Expects You to Fail." Jonathan opens up about his journey of overcoming significant obstacles and mental health challenges, all while navigating a strained relationship with his father during his formative years. Despite these hurdles, Jonathan shares how he discovered the power of channeling his energy into healthy obsessions, ultimately leading him to achieve remarkable success in entrepreneurship and personal growth. Through vulnerability and resilience, Jonathan offers invaluable insights into finding fulfillment and success despite life's adversities. Tune in as we explore the transformative journey of turning pain into power and forging a path towards authenticity and prosperity.

SinglesSwag.com is a subscription box service designed specifically for single women. Singles Swag delivers a variety of products, including beauty items, snacks, accessories, and other lifestyle products, aimed at empowering and celebrating single women.  

🎙️ PODCAST LINKS  ⬇

SUPPORT THIS PODCAST BUY ME A COFFEE! 

GET YOUR OWN DONT WAIT MUG! 

For show notes, guest profiles, photos, blog, social media links & more, visit JohnBGrimes.com 

🎙️ EPISODE LINKS  ⬇

Jonathan Beskin's Guest Profile

:: https://podcast.johnbgrimes.com/guests/jonathan-beskin/ 

JohnathanBeskin.com 

:: https://www.jonathanbeskin.com/

Book: The Least Likely Millionaire

.:: Destiny is Debatable is a Cemblem production and made possible by the generous support of our listeners and Executive Producer, Erin Grimes. 

Please consider supporting to sustain our content.  

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John Bryant, a versatile drummer, percussionist, music producer, and educator stops by to visit with host John Bryant about how he got started with drums and the years he spent with Ray Charles and the remarkably unique communication style he and Ray had to keep the band playing on the same tempo. 

Based in Dallas Texas, John Bryant boasts a remarkable career spanning collaborations with iconic artists like Ray Charles, Joe Walsh, and Delbert McClinton. With a rich portfolio encompassing major motion pictures, PBS and National Geographic documentaries, and symphony orchestras, Bryant serves as Adjunct Assistant Professor of Drumset Studies and Music Production at Southern Methodist University. A founding member of D'Drum, he has also produced groundbreaking works like "Gamelan D'Drum" in collaboration with Stewart Copeland and the Dallas Symphony. From his early days with the Paul Winter Consort to leading Pyramyd/Phyrework, Bryant's influence resonates through his extensive studio work and performances across renowned recording studios nationwide. 

🎙️ PODCAST LINKS  ⬇

SUPPORT THIS PODCAST BUY ME A COFFEE! 

GET YOUR OWN DONT WAIT MUG! 

For show notes, guest profiles, photos, blog, social media links & more, visit JohnBGrimes.com 

🎙️ EPISODE LINKS  ⬇

John Bryant's Guest Profile

John Bryant's Website

.:: Destiny is Debatable is a Cemblem production and made possible by the generous support of our listeners and Executive Producer, Erin Grimes. 

Please consider supporting to sustain our content.  

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Co-Founder and CEO, Heath Wilson, stops by to share the Aro story and mission to create a new generation of intentional families. Aro leverages the science of habit formation and motivational design to ensure parents and kids don’t miss out on what’s most important by helping reclaim time spent on their phones.  

🎙️ PODCAST LINKS  ⬇

SUPPORT THIS PODCAST BUY ME A COFFEE! 

GET YOUR OWN DONT WAIT MUG! 

For show notes, guest profiles, photos, blog, social media links & more, visit JohnBGrimes.com 

🎙️ EPISODE LINKS  ⬇

Heath Wilson's Guest Profile

Aro Website

.:: Destiny is Debatable is a Cemblem production and made possible by the generous support of our listeners and Executive Producer, Erin Grimes. 

Please consider supporting to sustain our content.  

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As we move into a new year, I think it’s a good time to evaluate many things in life. In this episode, Dr Angela Holliday-Bell stops by to talk about the importance of sleep. She says that sleep is the solution to everything. So, we dive into that bold claim and talk about the common mistakes we make about sleep and its importance in our daily lives. Dr Holliday-Bell shares some tips to get us sleeping better immediately and talks about her new book, Sleeping On The Job: Proven Strategies To Optimize Your Workplace Performance And Personal Wellbeing Through Better Sleep.

🎙️ PODCAST LINKS  ⬇

SUPPORT THIS PODCAST BUY ME A COFFEE! 

GET YOUR OWN DONT WAIT MUG! 

For show notes, guest profiles, photos, blog, social media links & more, visit JohnBGrimes.com  

🎙️ EPISODE LINKS  ⬇

Dr Holliday-Bells's Guest Profile

:: https://podcast.johnbgrimes.com/guests/dr-holliday-bell/ 

Website: https://thesolutionissleep.com//

Book: Sleeping On The Job

.:: Destiny is Debatable is a Cemblem production and made possible by the generous support of our listeners and Executive Producer, Erin Grimes. 

Please consider supporting to sustain our content.  

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