No Barriers USA
No Barriers
Hosted by Erik Weihenmayer (the first blind person to summit Mt. Everest; among many other perhaps more impressive achievements) our audience tunes into hear stories of perseverance along with the outcomes on the other side. Individuals who've defied the odds (defying the odds) or flipped the script of their lives are frequent guests. - Podcast producer contact: podcast@nobarriersusa.org
Author
No Barriers USA
Category
Podcast website
Latest episode
Jul 9, 2026
Where to listen?
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Episodes
Sam Smith Racing Beyond Limits No Finish Line 09.07.2026 59:32
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...
Jessica Cox on Living Boldly, Adapting Creatively, and Challenging Stereotypes 12.06.2026 48:42
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...
vision, justice, and blindness: Judge David Tatel's legacy in law and civil rights 19.05.2026 1:09:57
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...
Chasing Freedom: Mikey O'Hearn’s Story of Alchemy, Family, and Authenticity 22.04.2026 52:51
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...
Reframing Your Life Story by Embracing the Heroic Journey 12.03.2026 56:18
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...
John Oleary Intentional Living Overcoming Trauma and Embracing Grace 26.02.2026 1:09:38
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,...
The First and Second Blind Climbers to Summit Mt. Everest - The Story Behind the Story 18.01.2026 59:39
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.
Transforming Vision: John Bramblitt on Painting Without Sight 19.12.2025 53:27
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 The Film with Paul Bikis and Josh Hancock 25.10.2025 1:01:59
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/
Trailblazers at Heart: The Mendenhall Family’s Guide to Accessible Living and Boundless Possibility 10.10.2025 37:18
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,...
Surviving to Thriving: Adam Popp’s Advice for Overcoming Life’s Toughest Challenges 14.08.2025 47:51
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...
Redefining Independence: Julie and Kyle Taulman’s Advice for Families and Disabled Adventurers 31.07.2025 1:04:37
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...
Canyon of Hope, Eric Donoho 27.06.2025 1:01:16
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...
Climbing Into History: Christian Beckwith on the 10th Mountain Division’s Lasting Impact 05.06.2025 58:20
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...
Redefining Pain’s Purpose with Traver Boehm 09.05.2025 53:52
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...
Tara Dower Beyond Endurance 25.04.2025 54:14
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...
No Barriers Live Part 2 - Kara & Alice Brouhard 31.03.2025 39:56
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...
No Barriers Live Part 1 - Melissa Simpson 19.03.2025 42:54
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...
Buddy Levy - Realm of Ice & Sky 28.02.2025 55:07
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...
2024 Highlight Reel 05.02.2025 55:24
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!
Deaf Mountaineers Scott & Shayna Breaking Stereotypes 15.01.2025 53:32
You can’t hear. You can’t speak. How do you function in this world? Oh you want to climb mountains? The biggest ones in the planet? You rely on sign language, how ya gonna sign with oversized mittens or in a white out with snow coming at ya sideways? Oh you’re not sure? Ah… too risky for you. Better find something else to do…. Our guests heard these questions and concerns over and over again… an...
Sarah Thomas: Swimming Through Adversity 30.12.2024 44:07
Erik’s goal with these interviews is to shine light into that obscure terrain between the struggle and the success. It’s dark there with plenty of barriers; metaphorically speaking certainly, but also many times literally…. as is the case with Sarah; she stared into the darkness of English Channel waters crossing it back and forth twice. Oh yeah, she was swimming. And she was battling breast can...
Katelyn McKinney: Approaches to Wilderness Therapy 17.12.2024 1:29:17
There’s much to be said about the effect of wild places on the human psyche…. therapeutic, healing, transformative … a place to experience mindfulness…. Even scary for some, however, our guest Katelyn McKinney simply sums it up like this: “When our bodies are in a wild space we are simply more at ease.” She’s been busy testing that idea by bringing groups of people into wild settings, creating s...
Comedy and Courage: Zach Anner 04.10.2024 51:12
https://www.zachanner.com/ https://ifatbirthyoudontsucceed.com/ Instagram: @zach.anner Youtube Zach Anner is a unique personality, writer, comedian, and media influencer born in America in 1984. He is also a YouTube star who motivates people to make daily positive changes. From an early age, he advocated for positive thinking and self-realization no matter what. He became popular after emerging as...
Jeffrey Marshall's Mantra: "Close Your Eyes and Jump" to Success 20.09.2024 44:23
“You can’t make dreams come true if the only thing you’re doing is dreaming.” This is from a guy who was counted out on Day 1. What does that mean? It means not being included in an activity. In this case, that activity was life itself. The doctors told his parents he would’t live more than a few months. He was born without arms, almost no legs, and given up for adoption. Now, decades later, he’...
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