We are so excited to welcome on CP Soccer Paralympian, author, and advocate, Adam Ballou!

This conversation covers the journey of Adam Ballou in CP soccer, the impact of word of mouth in finding the team, the role of media and social media in promoting adaptive sports, changes in adaptive sports coverage, the evolution of disability sports programs, the journey of self-acceptance and advocacy, and the RISE method and community support.

Takeaways

• The importance of storytelling in the context of unexpected life experiences
• The significance of CP soccer and the Paralympic sport in the context of hosting the CP World Cup Word of mouth plays a significant role in discovering adaptive sports
• The RISE method provides a framework for personal growth and self-acceptance Embracing imperfection
• The impact of mentorship

Adam's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/akballou/

Our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/opticaldelusionpod/
MERCH: https://www.etsy.com/shop/OpticalDelusionPod

Everyone's new mantra just dropped: "pain is a privilege." And now, we are all taking it inch by inch and day by day with our guest this week who is 2x Fittest Seated Woman in the World in adaptive cross fit!!

Please join us in welcoming Hope Kittel. She's grown her platform in hopes of changing the world of adaptive cross fit, and supporting pediatric patients with her non-profit, Baskets Spreading Hope.

Hopes Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/hopekittel/

Baskets for Hope:https://www.instagram.com/basketsspreadinghope_/

Our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/opticaldelusionpod/
MERCH: https://www.etsy.com/shop/OpticalDelusionPod

What happens when you focus on a goal for so long and don't reach it? What happens on the other side of a missed medal or opportunity? 2x Paralympian Anastasia Pagonis sits down and chats with us about her experience in the spotlight and why she is glad she didn't win gold in Paris. Tune in to listen to the depth of the stories beyond the medals and the bright lights!

Tas' Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anastasia_k_p/

Our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/opticaldelusionpod/
MERCH: https://www.etsy.com/shop/OpticalDelusionPod

Join us in welcoming Paralympic cyclist, Kate Brim, to the podcast today!! And trust us, you will not want to miss her story!

Kate's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quadkate/

Our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/opticaldelusionpod/
MERCH: https://www.etsy.com/shop/OpticalDelusionPod

Our very first in person recorded episode is here and live!! While out at training camp prior to the Para Pan Pacs competition here in LA, we sat down with fellow teammates to give you all a sneak peek of what's to come this week!

Joined by Julia Gaffney, Gia Pergolini, Katie Kubiak, and Evan Wilkerson, we talk about guide dogs, team culture, LA28, venues, and SO much more! We cannot wait for you all to tune in not only to the episode, but the competition this weekend!

Our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/opticaldelusionpod/
MERCH: https://www.etsy.com/shop/OpticalDelusionPod

Julia's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliakaygaffney/

Gia's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gia.pergolini/

Katie's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katie.kubiak/

Evan's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealevanwilkerson/

Pan Pacs Livestream: https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/video/9.7310273

With Para Dressage World Championships up this week, we are so excited to welcome our first equestrian athlete, Fiona Howard! Not only do we now know a lot about para dressage, but we get to cheer on Fiona and the rest of the team in Germany starting this Wednesday!

Fiona's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fionahoward.ply/

Our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/opticaldelusionpod/
MERCH: https://www.etsy.com/shop/OpticalDelusionPod

We are excited to host the fist blind hockey player on the podcast, Joe Fornasier. From losing his sight and love of the sport, to being a 10x Canadian national team member, Joe's journey is one for the books and we cannot wait for you to tune in!

Joe's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joefornasier/

Our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/opticaldelusionpod/
MERCH: https://www.etsy.com/shop/OpticalDelusionPod

We are very excited to welcome Paralympian and author Ashley Dyce onto the pod this week!! If you've ever wanted to know the ins and outs of para powerlifting, and how athletes navigate life through sport, this is the episode for you!

Ashley's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashley_dyce/

Our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/opticaldelusionpod/
MERCH: https://www.etsy.com/shop/OpticalDelusionPod

This episode we are honored to have South African sisters Ivana and Danika! Their story of resilience is INSANE and they made it to the world stage from a backyard pool after going blind at young ages.

Ivana's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivanavyncke/

Danika's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danikavyncke/

Our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/opticaldelusionpod/
MERCH: https://www.etsy.com/shop/OpticalDelusionPod

This week we are very excited to welcome on Shea Hammond, founder of CP soccer and advocate in the community! The conversation covers topics such as adaptive soccer, the World Cup and competitive landscape, grassroots nonprofit and of course, personal resilience.

Shea's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shea_hammond/

CP Soccer: https://www.instagram.com/cpsoccer.us/

Our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/opticaldelusionpod/
MERCH: https://www.etsy.com/shop/OpticalDelusionPod