Wheel Talk

Brit opens up to Fred about why a comment from her husband hit her hard, and it sparks a meaningful conversation about the fear of being a burden when living with a disability. We explore how to confront those insecurities, the balance between asking for help and maintaining independence, and how to navigate these challenges in a relationship. 

Is it easier to start a new relationship from a wheelchair, or to adjust to the new dynamic of an existing relationship after a major life change like paralysis? 

We also touch on the question of consent when it comes to personal space: is it ever okay to touch someone’s wheelchair without permission? This brings up some real-life dilemmas we’ve both experienced. 

This episode was a journey with plenty of laughs and personal insights, and it’s one of our favorites to date

Fred and Brittney dive into the surprising dynamics of how men and women interact with people who have disabilities. After a night out at a bar, Brit noticed the men were unusually kind and helpful, while the women seemed a bit distant. Their conversation explores the reasons behind these reactions and the broader social dynamics at play.

They also discuss why some people handle spinal cord injuries better than others and whether it’s okay to share your struggles with someone who might have it worse.

Plus, for the first time, Fred opens up to Brittney about the snowboarding accident that changed his life, leading to an emotional and honest moment that adds depth to their discussion.

For those of you that watched until the end and are interested in Pete's perspective of Freds accident, you can find that conversation here : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzlyoAB2bh4&list=PLWkZtT5OjrINqHRk64ilO3_oRwfvnFRck&ab_channel=FreddotheWheelchairGuy

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]

or leave us a comment on Spotify!

 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠#paraplegic⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠#wheelchair⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠#Spinalcordinjury

In this episode, Fred catches up with Brian Kinney, the creator behind the popular YouTube channel “Paralyzed Living,” who hasn’t posted a video in over two years. With the help of ChatGPT, they brainstorm ways for Brian to break his creative drought and reconnect with his audience.

Tune in to hear Brian’s candid thoughts on why he hates his job, the challenges of navigating the American healthcare system, and how becoming a parent has brought him purpose and meaning.

Check out his channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@ParalyzedLiving

This week on Wheel Talk, Fred shares his return to rehab and the mixed feelings that came with it.

Brittney recounts her recent outing to a bar with friends, all of whom were in wheelchairs, and the awkward reactions they encountered from people.

Together, we discuss the complexities of public perception and accessibility in social spaces. Tune in for an insightful conversation about the ups and downs of everyday life with a disability.

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]

or leave us a comment on Spotify!

 ⁠⁠⁠⁠#paraplegic⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠#wheelchair⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠#Spinalcordinjury

In this episode, Fred talks with Mike Dewsnap, a former champion in the Four Cross mountain biking scene. Mike shares his story of how a routine jump went tragically wrong, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down. Despite the devastating injury, Mike’s resilience shines through as he discusses his rehab journey, from tough moments like falling out of his wheelchair to getting back up and learning to navigate life anew.

Now, Mike has found his way back to the trails through adaptive mountain biking, riding alongside his son and rediscovering the passion that shaped his life. This conversation dives into his personal growth, the power of family, and how he’s found new ways to enjoy the sport he loves.

Follow Mike on instagram @michaeldewsnap

@freddothewheelchairguy

YouTube: Freddo the Wheelchair Guy

[email protected]

FB Freddo Smith

Today we explore the complex and often misunderstood relationship between disability and attractiveness. Are people with disabilities inherently less attractive than their able-bodied counterparts?

Fred also reflects on his recent return to rehab after many years living with a spinal cord injury, where he begins the process of weaning off Baclofen with the support of his medical team in France. He shares his gratitude for the care received and discusses the emotional and physical aspects of returning to rehab.

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]

or leave us a comment on Spotify!

 ⁠⁠⁠#paraplegic⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠#wheelchair⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠#Spinalcordinjury

We're diving into three incredibly intense and relatable topics that many of us face in life. Get ready for some Wheel Talk!

Assisted Suicide after Life-Changing Disabilities: This is a sensitive yet vital discussion we need to have. We'll provide our thoughts on whether assisted suicide should be an option for those diagnosed with life-changing disabilities. It’s a complex issue that touches on ethics, quality of life, and personal autonomy.

Brittney:

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

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

Get in touch: [email protected]

or leave us a comment on Spotify!

#LifeStories #AssistedSuicide #MentalHealthMatters

 ⁠⁠#paraplegic⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#wheelchair⁠⁠ ⁠⁠#Spinalcordinjury

In this episode of Wheel Talk we dive into some tough conversations about parenting with a disability and Brit shares some tricky parts of her journey as a mom.

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]

 ⁠#paraplegic⁠ ⁠#wheelchair⁠ ⁠#Spinalcordinjury

In this episode of Wheel Talk, we explore cannabis and conflict resolution, Brittney’s take on Freds latest video, and a question the term ableism. 

We dive into a mix of topics—from celebrating Halloween in September and budgeting energy as wheelchair users, to Freds near-death experience falling down stairs and a candid conversation about the best sex after SCI

Expect plenty of laughs, real talk, and raw honesty as we tackle life’s highs and lows from the perspective of two wheelchair users.

Freds video : https://youtu.be/wfuiyxlbuWQ

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]

 #paraplegic #wheelchair #Spinalcordinjury

In this episode of Wheel Talk, we explore the power of the mind and ask: can you really think your way out of a spinal cord injury? From there, we compare the effects of faith healing with more traditional medical approaches, and debate whether ChatGPT is a creative tool or simply a creativity thief. Plus, Brit seeks advice on navigating parenthood, sparking a thoughtful conversation on raising kids. Join us for a mix of thought-provoking discussions and personal insights!

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]