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From Quadriplegic To Prosecutor: Ken Kunken On Mindset, Support, And Starting Over
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Today, I sit down with Ken Kunken, a man whose life changed in a single moment—yet whose response to tragedy has inspired thousands. Mr. Kunken shares how, at only twenty years old, a tackle during a Cornell football game shattered his neck, severely damaged his spinal cord, and left him a quadriplegic with minimal movement in his arms. He describes the fear, confusion, and emotional devastation of lying in intensive care with no clear answers, no roadmap, and no idea of what the future would hold.
Mr. Kunken explains how the early days were the darkest—nine months of hospitalization, uncertainty, and watching other patients surrender to hopelessness. Doctors offered little encouragement. Fellow patients had given up. He had no role models and no examples of what life in a wheelchair could look like outside hospital walls—especially in the 1970s before the ADA existed. But what he did have was a powerful support system: family, extended relatives, a dedicated counselor, and a nurse who believed he could still build a meaningful life.
With their encouragement, Mr. Kunken made a bold decision: only eleven days after discharge, he returned to Cornell University—250 miles from home—to finish his degree. His determination opened doors that had never existed for him before. He went on to work with Abilities Incorporated, later attended law school, and ultimately served more than 40 years as an Assistant District Attorney on Long Island, eventually supervising over 25 prosecutors. His office later created the Kenneth J. Kunken Award in his honor, recognizing outstanding prosecutors who embody excellence and character.
Mr. Kunken also opens up about dating, self-esteem, and love after disability. He shares how he struggled with body image, how women he met showed genuine interest in him, and how he eventually met his wife Anna—first as a caregiver and later as a partner. Against all odds, the couple pursued IVF, and in 2005 welcomed triplets: Joseph, James, and Timothy. Today, their sons are thriving in college, and fatherhood remains one of Mr. Kunken’s greatest joys.
We also talk about his book, I Dream of Things That Never Were, titled after a quote sent to him by Robert F. Kennedy following his congressional testimony. Mr. Kunken’s mission now is to uplift others facing disabilities, advocate for accessibility, encourage employers to hire individuals with disabilities, and help caregivers understand the crucial role they play. His story reminds listeners that tragedy does not define identity—choice does.
https://www.amazon.com/Dream-Things-Never-Kunken-Story/dp/1946074411
Website: https://coupleonukes.com
Exodus, Honor Your Heart, & Nulu Knives: https://www.coupleonukes.com/affiliates/
Want to be a guest on Couple O' Nukes? Send me a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1726279485588093e83e0e007
Sign Up For A PodMatch Account: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/coupleonukes
*Couple O' Nukes LLC and Mr. Whiskey are not licensed medical entities, nor do they take responsibility for any advice or information put forth by guests. Take all advice at your own risk.
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Today, I sit down with Ken Kunken, a man whose life changed in a single moment—yet whose response to tragedy has inspired thousands. Mr. Kunken shares how, at only twenty years old, a tackle during a Cornell football game shattered his neck, severely damaged his spinal cord, and left him a quadriplegic with minimal movement in his arms. He describes the fear, confusion, and emotional devastation of lying in intensive care with no clear answers, no roadmap, and no idea of what the future would hold.
Mr. Kunken explains how the early days were the darkest—nine months of hospitalization, uncertainty, and watching other patients surrender to hopelessness. Doctors offered little encouragement. Fellow patients had given up. He had no role models and no examples of what life in a wheelchair could look like outside hospital walls—especially in the 1970s before the ADA existed. But what he did have was a powerful support system: family, extended relatives, a dedicated counselor, and a nurse who believed he could still build a meaningful life.
With their encouragement, Mr. Kunken made a bold decision: only eleven days after discharge, he returned to Cornell University—250 miles from home—to finish his degree. His determination opened doors that had never existed for him before. He went on to work with Abilities Incorporated, later attended law school, and ultimately served more than 40 years as an Assistant District Attorney on Long Island, eventually supervising over 25 prosecutors. His office later created the Kenneth J. Kunken Award in his honor, recognizing outstanding prosecutors who embody excellence and character.
Mr. Kunken also opens up about dating, self-esteem, and love after disability. He shares how he struggled with body image, how women he met showed genuine interest in him, and how he eventually met his wife Anna—first as a caregiver and later as a partner. Against all odds, the couple pursued IVF, and in 2005 welcomed triplets: Joseph, James, and Timothy. Today, their sons are thriving in college, and fatherhood remains one of Mr. Kunken’s greatest joys.
We also talk about his book, I Dream of Things That Never Were, titled after a quote sent to him by Robert F. Kennedy following his congressional testimony. Mr. Kunken’s mission now is to uplift others facing disabilities, advocate for accessibility, encourage employers to hire individuals with disabilities, and help caregivers understand the crucial role they play. His story reminds listeners that tragedy does not define identity—choice does.
https://www.amazon.com/Dream-Things-Never-Kunken-Story/dp/1946074411
Website: https://coupleonukes.com
Exodus, Honor Your Heart, & Nulu Knives: https://www.coupleonukes.com/affiliates/
Want to be a guest on Couple O' Nukes? Send me a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1726279485588093e83e0e007
Sign Up For A PodMatch Account: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/coupleonukes
*Couple O' Nukes LLC and Mr. Whiskey are not licensed medical entities, nor do they take responsibility for any advice or information put forth by guests. Take all advice at your own risk.