Wheel Talk

Today’s guest is Will Ruane, whose social media highlights paint a vibrant picture of an active and successful life post-spinal injury. I’ve been wanting to sit down with Will for a while now, and this conversation did not disappoint.

Will shares his journey from the day of his injury, to how he tackled the physical and mental challenges that followed. He tells the inspiring story of how he lost an incredible 38 kg and transformed his body into a lean, athletic machine.

He’s one of those annoyingly talented people who seem to master every adaptive sport they try, and on top of that, he’s an absolute pleasure to talk to—a brilliant storyteller, down-to-earth, and eloquent. We also dive into his experiences finding love after spinal cord injury, and Will offers thoughtful advice for anyone in a similar situation.

Wills instagram: @WillRuane

YouTube: Freddo the Wheelchair Guy

[email protected]

FB Freddo Smith

@freddothewheelchairguy

In this episode, Brittney shares her latest travel adventures, while Fred dives into the secret of how he lost 4kg in six weeks.

We discuss the tricky issue of which invisible disabilities qualify for using a wheelchair-accessible toilet and the awkwardness of public bathroom situations.

Plus, we explore the positive impact of small acts of kindness. It’s a mix of travel, fitness, inclusivity, and everyday life that you won’t want to miss!

Check out our YouTube Channels for more conversations and videos documenting life in a wheelchair

Brittney:

https://www.youtube.com/@EmpoweredPara

Fred: https://www.youtube.com/@FreddotheWheelchairGuy

Get in touch: [email protected]

In this episode, Brittney shares her experiences from a recent camping trip, where she faced the challenge of watching loved ones engage in activities that weren’t fully accessible. We explore how to navigate these situations with a positive mindset, choosing to be a supporter rather than dwelling on what’s out of reach.

Our conversation then turns to a more somber note as we reflect on the recent loss of my dear friend Lucy, whose tragic passing serves as a powerful reminder of life’s fragility. We discuss the importance of cherishing every moment and the profound lessons that come from grief.

In memory of Lucy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5-TlgD0y4M

Check out our YouTube Channels for more conversations and videos documenting life in a wheelchair

Brittney:

https://www.youtube.com/@EmpoweredPara

Fred: https://www.youtube.com/@FreddotheWheelchairGuy

Get in touch: [email protected]

In this episode of Wheel Talk, Brittney and I explore the profound value of good friends and the power of honest conversations, sharing how a single two-hour phone call with a close friend delivered results akin to weeks of therapy. We then dive into the tricky question of whether to disclose your disability when applying for a job or using dating apps—should you be upfront, or hold back to avoid pre-judgment?

This leads us into broader discussions on workplace accessibility, the importance of perseverance after setbacks, and Brittney’s creative solutions for making her new trailer accessible ahead of her camping trip to Montana. Plus, we had a blast interacting with our largest live audience yet, making this episode even more special.

Check out our YouTube Channels for more conversations and videos documenting life in a wheelchair

Brittney:

https://www.youtube.com/@EmpoweredPara

Fred: https://www.youtube.com/@FreddotheWheelchairGuy

Get in touch: [email protected]

In this episode of Wheel Talk, Brittney and I tackle a range of intriguing topics. We open up about the experience of loneliness, meaning, and the unique challenges and huge rewards of finding love after a spinal cord injury.

I also discuss a recent spiritual journey involving a magic mushroom ceremony, which brought up the thought-provoking question: If the power went off tomorrow and never came back on, what would you miss the most?

Join us for an insightful and diverse conversation that covers both the practical and philosophical aspects of life.

Check out our YouTube Channels for more conversations and videos documenting life in a wheelchair

Brittney:

https://www.youtube.com/@EmpoweredPara

Fred: https://www.youtube.com/@FreddotheWheelchairGuy

Get in touch: [email protected]

In this episode of Wheel Talk, I chat with Brian Kinney from the Paralyzed Living YouTube channel for an honest conversation about the emotional challenges of living with a spinal cord injury. We delve into the profound realisation that grieving the loss of abilities happens twice—first when the injury occurs, and again when you have kids and can’t join in on certain activities, like helping your daughter learn to ride a bike.

We also explore what it means to grow old with a disability, touching on the fears and uncertainties that come with aging. Additionally, we reflect on the complexities of strained relationships with our parents and discuss ways to mend those important connections. Join us for a heartfelt discussion that sheds light on the realities of life with a disability.

My first conversation with Brian is fantastic if you want to know more about his story:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/4SvEf8TbZrr8OLnpuG3djw?si=IVOBRN4TTMO-cCzgQTy0yw

Check out our YouTube Channels for more conversations and videos documenting life in a wheelchair

Brian

https://www.youtube.com/@ParalyzedLiving

Fred: https://www.youtube.com/@FreddotheWheelchairGuy

Get in touch: [email protected]

In this episode of Wheel Talk, we kick things off by discussing Brittney's latest YouTube video, where she courageously explores the negative emotions that surface when the world isn’t accessible, leaving us on the sidelines.

We then dive into a thought-provoking discussion: If a miracle cure for spinal injuries were discovered, would it truly be the perfect solution we dream of? Or, after the initial euphoria, would new challenges arise? Could there even be aspects of living with a disability that we might, in a strange way, miss? Join us for an insightful conversation that challenges assumptions and explores the complexities of life with a disability.

You can check out Brit's insightful vid here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLs5VOPMYJE&lc=UgysHirVk55tBNeIo5F4AaABAg.A62Y2MqOP6fA64oP0VuzGf&ab_channel=EmpoweredPara

Check out our YouTube Channels for more conversations and videos documenting life in a wheelchair

Brittney:

https://www.youtube.com/@EmpoweredPara

Fred: https://www.youtube.com/@FreddotheWheelchairGuy

Get in touch: [email protected]

In this episode of Wheel Talk, Brittney shares a deeply personal experience at the Rodeo, where an encounter with inconsiderate individuals left her in tears after they refused to let her sit in a wheelchair-accessible area.

We delve into the emotional toll of such experiences and discuss the frustrations that arise when able-bodied individuals occupy accessible toilets and changing rooms.

But it’s not all heavy—there’s also some good news to celebrate! Fred continues to expand his comfort zone, including attending a big concert to see Dire Straits.

Check out our YouTube Channels for more conversations and videos documenting life in a wheelchair

Brittney:

https://www.youtube.com/@EmpoweredPara

Fred: https://www.youtube.com/@FreddotheWheelchairGuy

Get in touch: [email protected]