No Barriers

00:00 Riding a bike blind across America 05:06 Innovative communication for cycling 08:32 Tandem biking with blind veteran 12:29 Overcoming personal grief for family 16:37 Balancing independence and interdependence 17:47 Balancing risk and safety 21:15 Filming Sian's Journey in America 26:31 Doubting Lonnie's kayaking ability 30:20 Choosing a new path through sports 32:07 Reflecting on adventurous...

00:00 Climbing competition format explained 06:38 Teamwork in blind climbing 09:10 Reviewing climbing session recordings 12:53 Competing against able-bodied climbers 15:31 Navigating difficult compromises 17:47 Adapting climbing techniques for height differences 23:06 Climbing route instructions 25:35 Creating beta sections for climbs 28:39 Overcoming beliefs and limitations 33:25 Climbing as a So...

Mike May shares how his mission for "getting unlost" has redefined possibility for people who are blind or visually impaired. Dive deep into the evolution of navigation tools, from 12-pound backpacks to cutting-edge AI and smart glasses, and learn how technology keeps pushing the limits of what’s possible.

Phamaly Theatre Company is the longest-running theater company in the U.S. dedicated to performers with disabilities. Managing Director Corinne Melon and blind actor Romy Lopez share behind-the-scenes challenges, hilarious moments, and the empowering ways that humor, camaraderie, and creativity break down stereotypes.

Sisters Leah and Grace, the creative duo behind Tiny and Snail, a greeting card and stationery business with a powerful story. Together, they share how their love of art, resilience in the face of life-altering adversity, and unwavering sisterly bond have shaped their company and lives. Leah discusses the impact of a spinal cord injury that changed her life in seconds, how it deepened her art and...

11:07 Getting off the ventilator 14:32 Getting into racing as a kid 21:08 Challenges in rehabilitation care 22:40 Managing life and caretakers 30:52 Perspective on living with limited mobility 33:51 Staying productive after hardship 43:18 The SAM car. Evolving control systems 46:41 New camera tech in AV cars 53:44 Acknowledging the team and supporters 54:34 Starting out as a race owner 01:02:03 Re...

0:00 Learning to Tie Shoes Differently 03:44 Neuroplasticity and enhanced senses 09:06 Childhood daredevil antics 14:10 Joining the pageant group 18:40 Innovative clothing solution for amputees 21:13 Adults embracing childlike creativity 24:25 Experiencing societal pressure and prosthetics 29:40 Revealing my disability over phone 32:20 Meeting a young girl at air show 34:45 Choosing the right plan...

00:00 Port Gibson boycotts in the 60s 06:28 Supportive judge during court case 12:55 Switching majors for civil rights 16:56 Product of the 1960s values 23:04 Struggling with vision in eighth grade 29:49 Discovering the benefits of the cane 33:51 Revealing a visual impairment 39:22 Discussing the reality of blindness 48:57 Facing discrimination with a guide dog 55:28 Discussing accessibility in he...

00:00 Cortina festivals and accessibility initiative 05:54 Handling pressure in competitive sports 06:49 Injury impacting competition preparation 11:05 Discovering a passion for skiing 15:34 Discovering the flow state 18:22 Training at Adaptive Sports Center 22:32 Returning to the sport with purpose 24:18 Parental support and encouragement 28:38 Breaking stereotypes in sports 34:07 Coming out with...

00:00 Strategic Planning and Leadership Development 05:01 "Hero's Journey Call Explained" 08:42 "Lessons from the Hero’s Journey" 12:32 "Balancing Guidance and Control" 15:06 "Discovering the Heroic Journey" 17:23 Turning Pain Into Strength 19:26 "Heroic Journey Through Adversity" 23:49 "Risk, Survival, and Growth" 28:12 From Bullied to Empowering Youth 29:48 "Redefining Heroism and Self-Worth" 35...

Erik Weihenmayer sits down with inspirational speaker, author, and survivor John O'Leary. Their conversation dives deep into John's incredible journey of surviving a catastrophic childhood burn, his family's support, and the grit it took to reclaim his life — from agonizing hospital stays, relentless physical therapy, and powerful moments with his burn tech, Roy, to navigating guilt, loss, faith,...

Two of the world’s most accomplished blind climbers, Erik Weihenmayer and Andy Holzer share their story, from the serendipitous first meeting on a high ledge in the Dolomites to climbing Everest from opposite sides. It's a testament to human connection, resilience, and the art of overcoming “impossible” challenges.

Erik Weihenmayer has a lot in common with our guest today John Bramblitt. Both are blind. Both are trailblazing adventurers. One’s summited Everest, the other’s become a world-recognized painter.  Whether you’re facing a giant mountain or a blank canvas, it’s NOT magic—it’s sweat, perseverance, and innovation. You’ll fail a lot. John’s failures and the innovation that resulted from those, led the...

Adapted website: https://adaptedthefilm.com/   Adapted Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adaptedthefilm/ Paul Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pbikis/ Josh Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livin_wheel_life/

This isn’t just another story about overcoming obstacles—it’s a firsthand look at how technology, advocacy, and good old adventure can transform lives. Cody, a recent high school grad shares how technology like her communication device—affectionately called her “talker”—has been a literal game-changer in giving her a vibrant, independent voice. She brings a refreshing perspective on independence,...

The conversation explores not only the grit and technology behind adaptive sports and modern prosthetics, but also the emotional landscape of recovery, mentorship, and finding purpose after trauma. From the details behind a touching tribute film to Terry Fox—where Adam had to painstakingly reenact Fox’s signature running gait—to lessons learned in coaching, mental performance, and helping others m...

Julie and Kyle Taulman—a powerhouse mother-son duo whose story is full of courage, humor, and straight-up innovation in the world of adaptive sports.  Together, they open up about resilience, family, and the innovative world of adaptive sports—from NSCD’s wild west beginnings on the slopes of Winter Park to the cutting edge of inclusive technology and advocacy today This episode is packed with hon...

You’ll hear about the the complex nature of moral injury, and how service, faith, and a sense of purpose healed him—and helped him pay it forward in extraordinary ways. Whether you’re a veteran, someone facing an invisible challenge, or just looking for inspiration, you’re in the right place. Connect with Eric Donoho Canyon of Hope book: https://www.amazon.com/Canyon-Hope-Darkness-Embracing-Within...

An unprecedented unit of World War Two climbers and skiers, the 10th was dispatched to fight axis powers in extreme cold and mountainous terrain. Not only were their efforts critical to Germany’s surrender, these veterans returned home to develop ski areas across the country, and start companies like Nike and National Outdoor Leadership School. Erik and Christian are about to blast open some histo...

This episode dives into the raw, messy, and ultimately transformative terrain between suffering and awakening—a journey that’s anything but straightforward. Traver Boehm. His story is wild—think: MMA fighter by day, acupuncturist by night, and years later, a man who spent a month alone in complete darkness to confront the deepest parts of himself. In between he navigated professional heartbreak, d...

Let's go to the Appalachian Trail. The AT as it’s called. Here’s some stats. At just under 2200 miles It’s longest hiking-only footpath in the world. Each year roughly 3 million people visit a segment of it. Of that, about 3000 people attempt to hike the whole thing… with only fraction finishing.  Last year 1 of those finishers did it faster than anyone else. Thru-hiking the AT typically takes abo...

This is part 2 of No Barriers Live featuring   Kara Star of the World , with Kara Brouhard. Part 1 of No Barriers Live is the previous episode and features From My Window , with Melissa Simpson. Afterwards, Erik talks with the stars of these films and their family caregivers. He explores the challenges and rewards of adopting a “No Barriers Mindset,” and how this mindset and these experiences have...

This is part 1 of No Barriers Live featuring   From My Window , with Melissa Simpson. Part 2 of No Barriers Live is the next episode and features and  Kara Star of the World , with Kara Brouhard. Afterwards, Erik talks with the stars of these films and their family caregivers. He explores the challenges and rewards of adopting a “No Barriers Mindset,” and how this mindset and these experiences hav...

A self-promoting egomaniac known mostly for his catastrophic failures. No, not our guest today. But there’s definitely something for us to learn from this individual who leads the cast of characters in The Realm of Ice & Sky. It’s the latest historical work of author Buddy Levy, where he takes on a gripping journey through the attempts to conquer the North Pole, which — spoiler alert — was not ach...

By request from our listeners! To kick off 2025 we want to take a trip down memory lane from 2024. This episode showcases some of our favorite highlights from guests we spoke to in 2024. Enjoy!