Behind The Smile with Ash Butterss

Ep 147. Paralyzed at 21: Rhiannon Tracey on Hope and Defying the Impossible


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One moment changed everything for Rhiannon Tracey, but it didn’t define her spirit. In this heartfelt conversation, the motivational speaker, TEDx presenter, and wellness advocate opens up about the accident that left her with a spinal cord injury and the extraordinary journey that followed.


Rhiannon shares how she transformed tragedy into purpose, from the early days of relearning life’s simplest tasks to founding a not-for-profit dedicated to helping others do the same. Along the way, she discovered the healing power of community, self-love, and joy in the smallest moments.


With honesty and warmth, she reflects on the boundaries she’s learned to set, the intuition she’s learned to trust, and the unconditional love of her pets that carried her through. Her story is a moving reminder that freedom doesn’t come from circumstance, it comes from choosing to live with hope, gratitude, and authenticity.


The episode highlights are:

00:00 Introduction to Resilience and Transformation

01:55 Daily Life and Joys of Rhiannon

05:11 Hiding Behind a Smile: A Photo Reflection

22:53 The Day That Changed Everything: Rhiannon's Accident

26:43 Resilience Through Adversity

29:52 Finding Hope in Trauma

37:30 The Role of Hope in Recovery

47:33 Creating a Community for Healing

50:12 Non-Negotiables for a Fulfilling Life


You can connect with Rhiannon using the links below:

  • Website: www.rhiannontracey.com.au

  • The Next Step Recovery & Wellness Centre: www.thenextstepsci.org.au

  • Instagram: @rhiannontraceymywheellife | @our_little_urban_homestead | @thenextstepscirecovery

  • Email: [email protected]


Follow and connect with Ash on: 

⁠Instagram⁠ @ashbutterss

Website⁠ www.ashbutterss.com


Join Ash on retreat in Bali in  2026! All the details can be found at https://www.ashbutterss.com/bali-retreat-2026

 

Watch Ash’s TEDx Talk here!


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Behind The Smile with Ash ButterssBy Ashleigh Butterss

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