Life's New Normal Podcast with Host John Register artwork

Life's New Normal Podcast with Host John Register

169 episodes - English - Latest episode: almost 4 years ago - ★★★★★ - 2 ratings

Amputate your fear and embrace your new normal with host John Register introducing you to amazing people who have overcome tremendous adversity and still find it in themselves to give back to others.

Have you ever felt you were called to do more than what you are doing?
Do you wish that it was you who was inspiring others?
Have you ever wanted to create a new normal for yourself or those around you?

Well if you answered yes to those questions you are in the right spot, and if you answered no, well, you are probably in self-denial.

Each guest on this show has overcome a life challenge with dignity and grace. You get a chance to hear their story and learn the life lessons which you can apply to your own life.

My name is John Register, Paralympic Silver Medalist, and I am your host.

My Story

I am a four-time all-American; two-times Olympic trials participant and U.S. Army Gulf War Veteran, who sustained an injury resulting in the amputation of my left leg. With the support of faith, family, and friendships, I hurdled the adversity and created a new normal mindset.

Armed with this resilient mindset, I began swimming for physical therapy and wound up getting so fast I qualified for and swam in the Paralympic Games (games for people with physical disabilities). Four years later, I learned how to run again and became the first American to long jump over 17 feet without a leg or a knee and captured the silver medal at the Paralympic Games in the process.

Now, as a keynote speaker and change management expert, and host of this podcast, "Life's New Normal," I am honored to introduce you to amazing ordinary people who turned their obstacles into opportunities. Their mindset is to live greater tomorrow than today. In short, they share with us how they created life's new normal.

I hope you are inspired by each guest and take away tangible action steps to overcome the obstacles in your life.

If you would like to learn more about

Self-Improvement Education new normal overcoming adversity motivational podcast uplifting inspiring hope liberating freedom clarity story telling
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Episodes

Episode 66: Good to Great -Foundation Stones to Success with BMXer Jamie Staff

April 29, 2017 13:00 - 1 hour - 55 MB

Jamie Staff MBE is an English racing cyclist and coach, formerly on BMX and later on the track. A world and Olympic champion, he also won numerous other medals at World Championships, World Cups and at the Commonwealth Games. Jamie began his career in BMX when he was nine years old. Switching to the track after the 2001 BMX season had ended, he was part of Great Britain's first team sprint world championship winning trio. In 2010, after twenty-seven years of competitive cycling, Jamie shift...

Episode 65: Battle with the Blades - Amputees Blaze Track and Change Perception

April 22, 2017 13:00 - 1 hour - 54.8 MB

Today we hear the journey of 4 athletes who offer insights and wisdom into why they want to bring awareness to Paralympic sport as they venture to Fort Smith Arkansas for the "Battle with the Blades." Their journeys are varied. They are the first to say that as athletes with disabilites they are not super human as some would suggest, but rather they are just athletes who want to showcase their talents and be equally recognized for their achievements as their counter parts who have no disabili...

Ep. 64: Olympic Champion Mindset with 400mIH World Record Holder, Kevin Young

April 15, 2017 13:00 - 1 hour - 55.7 MB

THE BULLET OF BARCELONA In the men’s 400m hurdles final at Barcelona 1992 Kevin Young became the first and only man ever to run the event in under 47 seconds, setting a new world record that has stood ever since. HISTORY IN THE MAKING As the men’s 400m hurdles finals unfolded before them on a golden August afternoon in 1992, the 80,000 spectators in Barcelona’s Olympic Stadium knew that they were witnessing something special. Only taking their eyes away from the track to check the clocks o...

Episode 63: Jack of All Trades Boxer usually fights in Pink. Meet Cam F. Awesome

April 08, 2017 13:00 - 58 minutes - 52.4 MB

Cam F. Awesome, formerly known as Lenroy Thompson, is an American amateur boxer best known for winning the US Boxing titles in 2008, 2010, 2013, 2014, and 2016, and the Golden Gloves in 2009, 2011 and 2013 at super heavyweight. He frequently fights in pink to show his commitment to and involvement with the Breast Cancer Awareness Program. Awesome is the U.S. National Team Captain and is also the Athlete Director on USA Boxing Board of Directors. But Mr. Awesome also is a stand up comic, and ...

Episode 62: Just Keep Swimming - Olympians Janet Evans & Olivia Morgan

April 01, 2017 13:00 - 1 hour - 54.6 MB

Janet Evans: Despite her small size and unorthodox windmill stroke, Janet Evans was a natural-born swimmer who was swimming laps at the age of two. By the end of her storied career, she was considered to be the greatest female distance swimmer of all time. On her path to earning that accolade, Evans earned four individual Olympic gold medals and one silver medal, won seventeen international titles and forty-five US National titles, and broke seven world records, many of which stood for two d...

Disability Works: Recruit, Hire, and Promote a Productive Workforce – Part 4

March 25, 2017 13:00 - 1 hour - 54.9 MB

There are true fighters amongst us. No, I am not talking about those who have seen the battlefield of military combat, but those who have overcome the negative stigma and stereotypes to live their life in a unapologetic way. They refuse to let the negative value of one person determine their self-value. In continuing with our theme of, "Disability the Dynamic Factor" for the month of March, I caught up with Amy, a 20 year old blogger from Birmingham, UK who was born with the disability (PFFD...

Disability Works: Recruit, Hire, and Promote a Productive Workforce – Part 3

March 18, 2017 13:00 - 1 hour - 54.7 MB

There is a talented and dependable pipeline of talent of people with disabilities wanting to enter the workforce and Joyce Bender, President and CEO of Bender Consulting Services, has built her career on over 30 years of executive search experience, placing this talent in formative jobs.  Joyce began her career in 1979 as a search consultant, and in 1988, founded Bender and Associates International, Inc., an executive search firm specializing in technology and management search.  In 1985, J...

Disability Works: Recruit, Hire, and Promote a Productive Workforce – Part 2

March 11, 2017 14:00 - 1 hour - 54.9 MB

“Still operating with a linear mindset is going to find themselves on the wrong side of a global economy.” John Register. Business Resource Groups, or BRG’s, are becoming critical in retaining talent, finding talent, and connecting people when companies scale up. Today I have two spectacular guests who get it. Redia Anderson, Chief Inclusion and Diversity Officer at BP, is a power house. Not just in the D & I space, but in all spaces she occupies. Just 10 seconds in a room with this woman a...

Disability Works: Recruit, Hire, and Promote a Productive Workforce – Part 1

March 04, 2017 14:00 - 1 hour - 54.7 MB

Tony Coelho was not intending to be a disability rights advocate, he was on track to be a priest. But when he found out he had epilepsy, the Catholic Church told him that there was no way he was going to do that job. The misfortune for the Priesthood, became a blessing for people with disabilities and our American government in the House of Representatives. While in the House, he was a member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. Mr. Coelho has been the Democratic Minority Whip and is credit...

Ep. 57 The Oscars | Behind the Camera Lens of Master Photographer Mr. Rodriguez

February 25, 2017 14:00 - 1 hour - 55.1 MB

In just a few short hours Alberto Rodriguez will photograph the movie stars who will grace the red carpet at the 2017 Oscars. What is it like to walk the redcarpet at the Oscars? Does a stars' light diminish or rise from year to year? What would it be like to have a front row view movies' greatest night? Does anyone ever trip? On this episode of Life's New Normal I chat with Getty staff photographer and my high school friend, who shares his journey and insight on documenting some of the wor...

Homeless to Hopeful and No Take Downs. The Fight of two Champions

February 18, 2017 14:00 - 1 hour - 54.9 MB

Roderick Sewell @rsewell92 and Tracy G'Angelo Hancock @OlympicKidd have seen more than their fair share of heart ache. However, the have not let society beat them down. In fact, they are the ones that society better look out for. They are the 'never yielders'. They will never quit. They fight on. "Yeah, I was a hard head. I was alway getting into trouble and I was on the wrong path. I did not see a vision for my life. Then one day a mentor came to my home and told my mother that he was goi...

A Gun won't keep me Down | The Amazing Journey of Paralympian Ralph Green

February 11, 2017 14:00 - 1 hour - 54.6 MB

Ralph Green | A high school quarterback and multi-sport athlete was gunned down at 16  years old while he and a friend walked along a street in Brooklyn. Green survived, but his left leg was amputated at the hip. A year later, Green was introduced to skiing in the Poconos, and it didn’t do much for him. In 2000, though, Green found himself back on the slopes with a program in Winter Park, Colo., and as he says, “That’s when it stuck...‘I’m skiing until I’m the best.’” Green is now a 10-time U...

Real Talk - Father to Son | How Far Have We 'Overcome' | with Donald Register

February 04, 2017 14:00 - 1 hour - 55 MB

There are times in life when you must stand for what you believe. It does not matter if it is a great political cause, or you are just tired of being sick and tired.  When I found a newspaper article  in the basement of my about my father's involvment in the civil rights movement, I realized there was more to this man than the person I knew who showed up at my sporting events and musical recitals.  I learned later the profound impact he had on a system of injustice and how one person can ma...

Rebirth | International Recording Artist Transforming Lives | Cheri Maree

January 28, 2017 14:00 - 1 hour - 55.4 MB

Cheri Maree’s songs have a message that comes from a real place,” says Mo Pleasure, renowned producer and multi-instrumentalist for the iconic Bette Midler and principle keyboardist for legendary Michael Jackson’s “This Is It” tour. “She doesn’t fit a mold, but brings her own style, much like Jill Scott.” Ms. Maree’s love affair with music goes back to her early childhood. Born in Muncie, Indiana, Cheri tested her vocal chords during early years in Chicago and Columbia, South Carolina. The h...

Fitness Through Faith | New Normal Body with Guest Charlie Brookins

January 24, 2017 13:00 - 1 hour - 55.1 MB

Charlie Jordan Brookins has been passionate about health and fitness since the age of 13 - when she became consumed with dance and how nutrition and fitness impacted her body.  Since that “awakening,” Charlie has been a student, teacher and "passionate" of all things related to the field.   She is the first to tell anyone that hard work and discipline are the core of any new normal we create. So, if you are serious this year, listen to this show. Throughout her career in Hollywood, which in...

Rebirth | International Recording Artist Transforming Lives with Music

January 24, 2017 02:00 - 1 hour - 54.8 MB

Cheri Maree’s songs have a message that comes from a real place,” says Mo Pleasure, renowned producer and multi-instrumentalist for the iconic Bette Midler and principle keyboardist for legendary Michael Jackson’s “This Is It” tour. “She doesn’t fit a mold, but brings her own style, much like Jill Scott.” Ms. Maree’s love affair with music goes back to her early childhood. Born in Muncie, Indiana, Cheri tested her vocal chords during early years in Chicago and Columbia, South Carolina. The h...

Fitness Through Faith | New Normal Body with Guest Charlie Brookins

January 21, 2017 14:00 - 55 minutes - 49.6 MB

Charlie Jordan Brookins has been passionate about health and fitness since the age of 13 - when she became consumed with dance and how nutrition and fitness impacted her body.  Since that “awakening,” Charlie has been a student, teacher and "passionate" of all things related to the field.   She is the first to tell anyone that hard work and discipline are the core of any new normal we create. So, if you are serious this year, listen to this show. Throughout her career in Hollywood, which in...

"How Story Tamed a Yankee Cowboy" | The Inspirational Journey of Dave Lieber

January 14, 2017 14:00 - 1 hour - 55 MB

Dave Lieber, Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) is unique. He is an amazing writer and journalist. He is the watchdog for consumer rights issues at the Dallas Morning News. He’s co-founder of Summer Santa, one of North Texas’ largest children’s charities. He also is an amazing long jumper. Well, now, he like meek is a short jumper. He has lived 100 lives since moving to Dallas, TX from the East Coast.  He tried to make an impression on his new neighbors and failed miserably. In Texas, t...

Stay Ready - Beyond Hoop Dreams | The Inspirational Story of Xavier Ford

January 08, 2017 12:30 - 58 minutes - 52.6 MB

Meet our guest. Xavier Ford is a unique young man. He has truly beaten back stigma and stereo-types of the professional athlete. He is an avid reader, a poetry lover, and is writing his first book. His entire career path has been built on taking advantage of losses. His AAU team lost to the second highest ranked team in the nation by a respectable 10 points. College coaches took notice. He landed in Buffalo and played for the New York State University at Buffalo where he led the Bulls to ...

Stay Ready - Beyond Hoop Dreams | The Inspirational Story of Xavier Ford

January 07, 2017 14:00 - 57 minutes - 52 MB

Meet our guest. Xavier Ford is a unique young man. He has truly beaten back stigma and stereo-types of the professional athlete. He is an avid reader, a poetry lover, and is writing his first book. His entire career path has been built on taking advantage of losses. His AAU team lost to the second highest ranked team in the nation by a respectable 10 points. College coaches took notice. He landed in Buffalo and played for the New York State University at Buffalo where he led the Bulls to ...

Living a 1 handed life in a 2 handed world. The Story of Danielle Green

December 31, 2016 14:00 - 1 hour - 55.1 MB

Danielle Green, a former Notre Dame Basketball Star who enlisted in the United States Army after the attack of 9-11 received the ESPY award for inspirational service and patriotism at the July 15, 2015 awards ceremony, which were broadcast nationally on ABC. She was among the first awards presented at the event, before a crowd of professional athletes and celebrities. In an interview with Military Times, Green called the award a surprise and an honor, especially given its namesake. "Pat Til...

Resolved to Know No Limits

December 24, 2016 14:00 - 1 hour - 54.9 MB

Oz Sanchez is no stranger to overcoming adversity. He was born in 1975 and raised in Los Angeles, California. By the time he graduated high school he was involved with drugs, gangs and street life. In 1996, Oz turned his life around following his recruitment into the Marine Corps. In the Marine Corps, Oz found himself in his natural element and quickly excelled through the ranks. Soon after graduation from boot camp, Oz discovered and grew interest in joining the Marine Corps Special Operatio...

"Know No Limits." An Interview with Oscar "Oz" Sanchez

December 17, 2016 14:00 - 58 minutes - 53.1 MB

Oz Sanchez is no stranger to overcoming adversity. He was born in 1975 and raised in Los Angeles, California. By the time he graduated high school he was involved with drugs, gangs and street life. In 1996, Oz turned his life around following his recruitment into the Marine Corps. In the Marine Corps, Oz found himself in his natural element and quickly excelled through the ranks. Soon after graduation from boot camp, Oz discovered and grew interest in joining the Marine Corps Special Operatio...

Gold Medalists get up faster. | Guest Bonnie St. John

December 10, 2016 14:00 - 1 hour - 55.4 MB

Bonnie St. John was born in Detroit but raised in San Diego. In the 1984 Winter Paralympics in Innsbruck, Austria, St. John won a bronze medal in the slalom, a bronze medal in the giant slalom, and was awarded a silver medal for overall performance thereby earning her the distinction of being the second fastest woman in the world on one leg in that year.  In her new book, “Micro-Resilience” Bonnie shows us how to rethink the drive-until-you-drop approach to work. She reframes our thinking by...

Reckless Pursuit. A Conversation with 3 Amazing Paralympic Snowboarders

December 03, 2016 14:00 - 1 hour - 55.1 MB

Evan Strong (born November 13, 1986) is an American Snowboard Cross racer who began his career in 2008. He is the gold medalist in para snowboard cross at the 2014 Paralympics in Sochi, Russia. He was the 2012 World Champion and has won 10 WFS and IPC World Cup races. Strong's accolades earned him an ESPY nomination for best male athlete with a disability.  Nicole Roundy became the first above-knee amputee to compete in adaptive snowboarding. Her accomplishments spearheaded global demand for...

Kari Miller | Gold Medalist | Hit by drunk driver | Creates her new normal.

November 19, 2016 14:00 - 1 hour - 54.4 MB

Kari Miller was serving in active military duty, getting ready for officer training school, when a drunk driver smashed into the car she was traveling in. The driver of her car was killed. Kari survived, but lost both her legs in the crash; one amputated above the knee, one below. As she recovered, Miller first competed in wheelchair basketball, then discovering sitting volleyball. It was an intense experience: the first ball came at her “like it had smoke and fire shooting from it. I just s...

Paralympian Brad Synder and Basketball Coach Delvin Maston Create the New Normal

November 12, 2016 14:00 - 1 hour - 56.1 MB

Bradley "Brad" Snyder is an Amrican swimmer. He swam for the U.S. Naval Academy and then on the 2012 and 2016 summer Paralympic team.  It was one year to the day he lost his vision, due to an improvised explosive device, or IED, while he was serving in Afghanistan. Through the use of sport Brad immersed himself in the familiar. The swimming pool became not only a safe haven but a place where he could and would excel. Among fully blind swimmers, he is the current world record holder for the 10...

Melissa Stockwell and Kortney Clemons Living with Post Traumatic Growth

November 05, 2016 13:00 - 1 hour - 55.7 MB

The month of November we honor veterans. Many stories are written about injured veterans who struggle to return to a healthy and active lifestyle. I choose on this program to focus not on the Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, but rather the Post Traumatic Growth Outcome. Kortney Clemons, U.S. Army combat medic went to the aid of a fallen comrade whose Humvee had been blown off a dirt road outside of Baghdad by an insurgent's bomb. He prepared the wounded soldier for helicopter evacuation and s...

Lex Gillette: No Need for Sight when You Have Vision

October 29, 2016 13:00 - 1 hour - 55.7 MB

Who is the one blind, the one with or the one without sight?  Lex Gillette is the best totally blind long and triple jumper in the history of U.S. Paralympics. He is the current world record holder in the long jump, a three-time Paralympic medalist, a two-time long jump world champion, and a 16-time national champion. He is the only totally blind athlete in the world to eclipse the 22-foot barrier in the long jump. Think all of this came easy, think again. I have known this amazing man for ...

Judith Heumann: The Gun at a Knife Fight - Disability Advocate Power

October 22, 2016 13:00 - 1 hour - 55.5 MB

Judith Heumann is an internationally recognized leader in the disability community and a lifelong civil rights advocate for disadvantaged people. She has been appointed Special Advisor for International Disability Rights at the U.S. Department of State. She previously served as the Director for the Department on Disability Services for the District of Columbia, where she was responsible for the Developmental Disability Administration and the Rehabilitation Services Administration. For more t...

Coach Charmas Lee - Building Champions

October 15, 2016 13:00 - 1 hour - 55.5 MB

As a coach of 28 years Charmas has developed keen insight into what is necessary to foster a true champion, both on and off the field. He has adapted these insights into a comprehensive strategy that helps individuals, businesses and corporations reach their full potential. Charmas and his wife, Janice, own two successful businesses specializing in performance and achievement. Charmas holds a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Management and many elite coaching certifications including USA ...

Mitch Grant: Motorcycle Accident to Motivational Speaker

October 08, 2016 13:00 - 1 hour - 55.4 MB

Why would you want to seek out workplace motivation?  Do you struggle with trying to maintain your best efforts?  Well my buddy Mitch Grant has tunred his tragic accident into a story that captures the essence of rising from the ruts in life to back into life.   In 2008 Mitch Grant was just an ordinary Aussie riding his beloved motorcycle when the unthinkable happened.  Mitch was involved in a motorbike accident. The result of the accident caused him to have his left leg amputated just above...

Ashleigh Reign: Can you Handle the Reign?

October 01, 2016 13:00 - 1 hour - 55.5 MB

HIp Hop recording artist and professional speaker Ashlei Regin has traveled to many places delivering a message that stimulates the intellect, challenges the mind, ignites the Spriit and touches the heart.  With the combination of an array of successful endeavors, unpleasant life experiences and an extensive resume of various careers, Ashlei has definitely been gifted with the ability to point vivid pictures of perspective for any audience.  She has successfully stood in front of diverse audi...

Chasing the Coconut Man

September 24, 2016 13:00 - 31 minutes - 28.3 MB

Many of my family and friends wished me well in Rio, but they also warmed me of staying safe.  The warnings were not just in the United States, the warnings were from friends I knew who lived in other countries.  Even some of the Brazilians gave me warnings. Most of the warnings were not to venture out at night.  Do not go it alone and to know the surroundings. Great advice for any big city. I have to admit, all of the negativity really had me on my toes and on the alert.  I soon found out...

Are You Listening? Creating a New Normal through Improvisation.

September 17, 2016 13:00 - 1 hour - 55.4 MB

Kat Koppett is the author of "Training to Imagine: Practical Improvisational Theatre Techniques to Enhance Creativity, Teamwork, Leadership, and Learning", published by Stylus Publishing Inc. Kat holds a B.F.A. in Drama from New York University and an M.A. in Organizational Psychology from Columbia University.She specializes in applying improvisational theatre techniques to the organizational stage to improve individual and group performance. Her clients include JPMorganChase, Apple, GE, Hav...

Paralympic Games - Athletes and Staff Creating a New Normal

September 14, 2016 14:49 - 1 hour - 55.2 MB

The festival has started with a bang here in Rio de Janeiro. The athletes are set for their competition and TeamUSA has already struck gold in several events. I had the great opportunity to interview three (4) athletes and (2) staff members. Each have a role to play in making the games the best experience for all Americans watching. The Paralympic Games have more depth than than the Olympics becuase they are tangible. You will hear this passion come out as you tune into todays show. Hunter Wo...

Paralympic Games - Athletes and Staff Creating a New Normal

September 10, 2016 15:00 - 1 hour - 55 MB

The festival has started with a bang here in Rio de Janeiro. The athletes are set for their competition and TeamUSA has already struck gold in several events. I had the great opportunity to interview three (4) athletes and (2) staff members. Each have a role to play in making the games the best experience for all Americans watching. The Paralympic Games have more depth than than the Olympics becuase they are tangible. You will hear this passion come out as you tune into todays show. Hunter Wo...

Rio Paralympic Games – TeamUSA Athletes Creating The New Normal

September 03, 2016 13:00 - 1 hour - 54.5 MB

Every once in a while you get a great gift. Well today I have four great gifts in the form of four Paralympic athletes, former and present, who are shaping the landscape for a new generation. They thought about their legacy and are formulating new ones.As you listen to this show, think about the legacy you are leaving. Who will replace you and what shape are you leaving your current place in for the next person? Today I speak with Suzy Muha who participated in the Paralympic Games in London ...

How to Run Fast on One Leg in Rio de Janeiro...It's all Science!

August 27, 2016 13:00 - 1 hour - 55.7 MB

Just because a person was born without a leg does not mean they have to succumb to societies reality for them.  In Jerome Singleton's case he has performed excellent on two fronts. On the track and in the classroom.   On the track he has bested now defamed South African Sprinter Oscar Pistorious, and won gold as part of several United States Relay squads.   In the classroom he is even more brilliant earning degrees in mathematics from Atlanta's Morehouse College and a second degree in indus...

Repurposed Reality - Creating the New Normal with Moon Hi Hansen

August 20, 2016 13:00 - 1 hour - 55.4 MB

Good day Inspirers! There comes a time in our lives when we have to make tough decisions. We might ask ourselves, "I am ready? Do I have the skill set to get through?"  This Saturday on Creating Life's New Normal I have a chance to speak with broadway actress and now  lead editor for some amazing reality tv shows Moon Hi Hansen.  Moon Hi offers advice for those of us who are on the verge of making  adecision to create the new normal.  This amazing talent majored in acting at The Theater Sch...

Professionalism: Excellence is her Standard with Guest Maria Howell

August 13, 2016 13:00 - 1 hour - 55.3 MB

Mere words can only capture the refrain of her awesome talent. Maria Howell is much more. She is the ballad of beauty and elegance. The melodies flowing from the petite vocalist are truly amazing. While casting a spellbinding smile, she mesmerizes her captive audience with incredible harmonies and rhythms. Howell's signature film performance as the choir soloist in the movie The Color Purple was quoted by one critic as being "one of the film's most stirring moments!" Her rendition of "God Is...

Olympic Sized Innovation: What's the Next Thing? Dick Fosbury and Tim Coffman

August 06, 2016 13:00 - 1 hour - 55.7 MB

Dick Fosbury is most well known as an Olympic champion, for jumping backwards over a high bar, and winning an Olympic Gold Medal in the process.  His revolutionary technique, known as the Fosbury Flop, is now used by all elite high jumpers. Tim Coffman lives in the Chicago area. A graduate of the prestigious Jazz Studies program at Indiana University, Mr. Coffman worked closely with David Baker. He was awarded the Performer’s Certificate after his Senior Recital. He most recently played with...

No Limb-itations: Chase Your Podium. Creating The New Normal with Sam Kavanagh

July 30, 2016 13:00 - 1 hour - 56.1 MB

Avalanche! The last words you want to hear while skiing the back country.  On January 1st 2005, Sam Kavanagh was out with his buddies on a normal day. Like many times before they found some great powder snow and were skiing the back country of Montana.  "It was a whisper," Kavanagh remembers. "A small voice that pierced through my soul."  Avalanche. The next moments were critical to survival, but even that might not be enough.   Today Sam talks about the life that prepared him for this d...

Passion Driven Change: A chat with ESPN's Edward R. Murrow Winner Lisa Fenn

July 23, 2016 13:00 - 1 hour - 55.9 MB

Former ESPN producer Lisa Fenn shares the story of how she formed an unlikely family with Dartanyon Crockett and Leroy Sutton, two high school senior wrestlers who she covered in 2009. The three permanently altered the courses of each other's lives. Leroy, who lost his legs in a childhood train accident, was often found on the back of the legally blind and homeless Dartanyon. Two remarkable individuals without the means or opportunities to succeed were in dire need of guidance. While there is...

Fit to Fight: The Remarkable Story of Sgt. Elizabeth Marks

July 16, 2016 16:00 - 1 hour - 55.4 MB

Sgt. Elizabeth Marks is more than merely fit for duty. She is a testament to service. On Wednesday night, the biggest names in sports were introduced to her story. Marks, a combat medic and member of the U.S. Army World Class Athlete program of Fort Carson, Colorado, was presented with the Pat Tillman Award for Service during the ESPYs. The awards show, which recognizes grand sports achievements, aired on ABC. Marks is the first active-duty Soldier to receive the award. She was awarded for ...

Sports a Catalyst for Change: Overcoming Adversity with Paralympian Megan Absten

July 10, 2016 14:00 - 1 hour - 55.8 MB

When Megan Absten was 14 years old, she lost her left arm after an accident in which an all-terrain vehicle was overturned. She attended the Annie Wright Schools after receiving a scholarship where she found a love for education. A wrestler and track star in high school, Absten returned to sport with the help of fitness coach Laurie Saunders. In her junior year of high school, back problems led her coach to reach out to a Paralympics coach who later came out to see her run. In 2013, she compe...

Good as Steele: Learn the Big 5 to win Student Scholarships

July 02, 2016 13:00 - 1 hour - 55.3 MB

Aimy Steele is on the move. She can multi-task, run a school, and still have time to raise 5 children and complete a doctorate in curiculum and instruction with a concentration in urban education. Her passion is to make an impact that changes students' lives, enhances the quality of the teacher pipeline, and provide additional learning opportunitis for marginalized student groups. Today she shares with us how to improve the chances of students obtaining college scholarships through her tradm...

The 13 Codes to discovering your voice - Living Life's New Normal

June 25, 2016 13:00 - 1 hour - 55.6 MB

Be Bold and Live Courageously and use the code. Billy and CJ McDonald are a power couple. They fight for each other and create lasting impacts for the people who are blessed to come in contact with them.  Billy is a a former Special Forces Soldier and knows how living by a code can advance the team in dangerous situations. His struggle came when he briefly lost his code after a botched surgery that left him without the use of his hand. His wife CJ was in the corporate world and found that...

Undefeated: Beating the odds. New normal insights from Coach Bill Courtney

June 18, 2016 13:00 - 1 hour - 55.6 MB

Bill Courtney has many amazing qualities, but it is his unique ability to draw out the best in every person he comes in contact with that makes him special.  Yes, he is the CEO of Classic American Hardwoods, a lumber company headquarter in Memphis, Tennessee, and yes, he was the subject of the Academy Award-winning documentary, “Undefeated”, which chronicles his career as a high school football coach in the economically pressured area of Shelby County, Tennessee. But this psychology graduat...

"Mygrations" the amazing life of Reggie Shower. Hold on to your New Normal.

June 11, 2016 11:00 - 1 hour - 55.5 MB

West Philadelphia born & raised. No, not Will Smith but rather Reggie Showers (@ReggieShowers). The youngest of 6 children to hard working dedicated parents; the father to one amazing teenage daughter and holder of 14 world records and 2 world championships in professional motorcycle drag racing. He's an accomplished pilot, holding ratings for single and multi engine aircraft. He's an adaptive snowboard instructor, amputee advocate and certified peer visitor and criss crosses the country rou...