Erik’s goal with these interviews is to shine light into that obscure terrain between the struggle and the success. It’s dark there with plenty of barriers; metaphorically speaking certainly, but also many times literally….  as is the case with Sarah; she stared into the darkness of  English Channel waters crossing it back and forth twice. Oh yeah, she was swimming. And she was battling breast cancer too.

Sarah’s journey is both surreal and inspiring. Her feats of sheer endurance go beyond the English Channel, across the world. 104 miles across on Lake Champlain, 80 miles across Lake Powell.. a short 22 miles across the Loch Ness (no monster sightings) and many, many more.

She’s on a mission to complete the Ocean's Seven marathon swims.Erik digs into it all, from her motivations, breathtaking encounters with marine life and how she’s thriving post-breast cancer.

Sarah's website: https://sarahthomasswims.com/

Sarah on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/sarahswims04

There’s much to be said about the effect of wild places on the human psyche….  therapeutic, healing, transformative … a place to experience mindfulness….  Even scary for some, however, our guest Katelyn McKinney simply sums it up like this: “When our bodies are in a wild space we are simply more at ease.”

She’s been busy testing that idea by bringing groups of people into wild settings, creating supportive environments, and encouraging shifts in mindsets.  Veterans of the military dealing with post-service challenges related to trauma are a focus for her. She is one herself. .

In this episode Katelyn shares her journey helping people navigate difficult life experiences, including complexities of identity, particularly for veterans transitioning to civilian life, the scientific and indigenous wisdom behind connecting with nature, and the overall philosophy of turning personal challenges into sources of strength and purpose—what we call 'alchemy.'

www.mountainsandmedicine.com

Instagram: @Mountains_and_Medicine_LLC

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/mountainsandmedicine

There’s much to be said about the effect of wild places on the human psyche….  therapeutic, healing, transformative … a place to experience mindfulness….  Even scary for some, however, our guest Katelyn McKinney simply sums it up like this: “When our bodies are in a wild space we are simply more at ease.”

She’s been busy testing that idea by bringing groups of people into wild settings, creating supportive environments, and encouraging shifts in mindsets.  Veterans of the military dealing with post-service challenges related to trauma are a focus for her. She is one herself. .

In this episode Katelyn shares her journey helping people navigate difficult life experiences, including complexities of identity, particularly for veterans transitioning to civilian life, the scientific and indigenous wisdom behind connecting with nature, and the overall philosophy of turning personal challenges into sources of strength and purpose—what we call 'alchemy.'

www.mountainsandmedicine.com

Instagram: @Mountains_and_Medicine_LLC

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/mountainsandmedicine

• https://www.zachanner.com/
• https://ifatbirthyoudontsucceed.com/
• Instagram: @zach.anner
• Youtube

Zach Anner is a unique personality, writer, comedian, and media influencer born in America in 1984. He is also a YouTube star who motivates people to make daily positive changes. From an early age, he advocated for positive thinking and self-realization no matter what.

He became popular after emerging as the winner of the Oprah Winfrey Show's "Search for the Next TV Star" in 2010, which saw him hosting his travel show, "Rollin' with Zach," on the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN). His story is remarkable for his endless optimism, thirst for self-knowledge, and creativity that breaks through even physiological barriers.

“You can’t make dreams come true if the only thing you’re doing is dreaming.”  This is from a guy who was counted out on Day 1. What does that mean? It means not being included in an activity. In this case, that activity was life itself. The doctors told his parents he would’t live more than a few months. He was born without arms, almost no legs, and given up for adoption.  Now, decades later, he’s an accomplished musician and world traveller.

Growing up in Nashville was part of his musical trajectory… eventually leading to a moment in front of 20,000 people, performing his soulful style of music where Jeffrey Marshall, that’s our guest today, became known as “the guy who plays bass guitar with his feet."

• LISTEN & WATCH. 3 minute video. Solo performance singing, playing bass guitar, and harmonica. 
• Jeffrey's Website
• Jeffrey on Instagram

Jenna's Website: https://www.jennabainbridge.com/

Jenna on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bainbridgejenna/

Episode Highlights

🔸 A Blank Slate for Auditions
Jenna shares her unique approach to auditions, using a nondescript wheelchair to present herself as a "blank slate" for casting directors, allowing her talent to shine first and foremost.

🔸 Fashion Forward Mobility
She’s on the hunt for a vibrant new wheelchair! Jenna gets candid about how wheelchairs can be more than just functional, discussing exciting customization options like light-up wheels and personalized patches that make powerful statements—both fashion and functional.

🔸 Overcoming Barriers in Theater
Jenna recounts her journey facing discrimination in both sports and theater due to her disability. With the unwavering support of her parents and sheer determination, she found her place in theater companies that celebrated disability and diversity, leading her to a historic role on Broadway.

🔸 A Voice for Change
Her consulting business, Consultability, champions the mantra that access needs are human needs. Jenna is pioneering a shift in the theater world by advocating for more inclusive and accessible environments for everyone.

🔸 Representation Matters
From her major break at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival to performing on Broadway, Jenna underscores the importance of casting actors with disabilities in diverse roles—more than checkbox diversity but genuine inclusion based on talent and capability.

🔸 The Power of Community Support
Erik and Jenna reflect on the crucial role of community and support systems in their respective journeys, highlighting how encouragement and advocacy from loved ones and mentors open doors and create lasting impacts.

Shawn reached out to the pod recently looking for a little insight from Erik on a project. It’s called the Shine Music festival. She founded it in 2019, formed a non-profit, assembled a team, and next month will be their 4th annual event.

With that in mind, we put Erik in the hot seat for a bit, and Shawn asks some pressing questions about his experience growing the No Barriers organization. You’ll hear his ideas and advice on running a nonprofit, leadership, and sustaining a mission-driven organization.

So what is this music festival all about? It’s a visionary project that will make you rethink how we approach inclusivity in our communities.  Every sensory experience is accessible to all. From colorblind glasses and braille t-shirts to acoustic performances and adaptive technologies, Shawn is revolutionizing how we experience and connect through music.

Shine Music Festival promo video

Shine Music Website

Shawn Satterfield LinkedIn

Episode Rundown

• 00:00 Navy choice surprising, personal agency, self-assessment.
• 10:07 Routine of deployment, planning missions, intense focus.
• 15:36 Be vigilant for potential IED hazards.
• 16:35 Struggle to stay focused in combat heat.
• 25:33 Grateful for life after near-death experience.
• 29:57 Realized blindness after combat, surgery wasn't successful.
• 34:45 Frustration over unique challenges and solutions.
• 41:27 Supporting network enabled veteran to succeed athletically.
• 43:21 Fear turned to opportunity, life changed completely.
• 51:46 Doubt about value of congratulations for disability.
• 53:33 Paralympics transformed mindset, athletes are incredibly inspirational.
• 01:00:30 Passionate about academia and influencing others positively.
• 01:04:44 Sharing combat and sports experiences to inspire.

Brad's Website: https://www.bradsnyder.us/

Brad on Instgram. https://www.instagram.com/bradsnyderusa/

Ben's Website: www.jetbutterflies.com

Ben's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jetbutterflies/

This duo took the Grand Canyon head-on, from one side to the other and back again, with nothing but their grit and trusty hand cycles — or "trikes" as they like to call them. Why trikes? Because they are both paralyzed from the waist down. Jason was injured in a rollover vehicle crash. Quinn, from a fall while climbing a giant wall of granite, the famed El Capitan in California.

Their journey, marked by both physical, mental, and bureaucratic challenges, sheds light on wider issues faced by individuals with disabilities, offering insights that are as instructive as they are inspiring.

00:25 Adventures and Challenges: Rim to Rim Grand Canyon Experience

02:17 Meeting at Craig Hospital: A Bond Formed Through Rehabilitation

02:26 Exploring the Differences in Spinal Cord Injuries and Mobility

05:25 The Technicalities and Thrills of Hand Cycling and Trikes

11:19 The Grand Canyon Adventure: Planning, Teamwork, and Execution

17:12 Navigating the Technical Challenges of the Grand Canyon Trails

24:14 The Technicalities and Public Reactions to Adaptive Mobility Devices

24:46 Understanding and Educating on Accessibility in Nature

28:04 The Complexities of Adaptive Equipment and Accessibility Rights

33:02 Reflecting on Past Adventures and the Impact of Injuries

35:24 The Journey of Recovery and Advocacy for Spinal Cord Injuries

43:24 The Role of Unite to Fight Paralysis in Advancing Research and Advocacy