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No Barriers Podcast Episode 194: Zach Anner, Comedy & Courage
Our guest is Zach Anner. His antics are well documented in shows like “Rollin with Zach” or his memoir “If at Birth you Don’t Succeed”.
No Barriers Podcast Episode 193: Jeffrey Marshall’s Mantra: “Close Your Eyes and Jump” to Success
Jeffrey’s mantra, “Close your eyes and jump,” is all about saying yes to new opportunities and figuring things out along the way. Whether it’s summiting
No Barriers Podcast Episode 192: Jenna Bainbridge
Guest Jenna Bainbridge is a New York city based actor, singer, and disability rights advocate that has been performing since she was 12 years old.
No Barriers Podcast Episode 191: Shawn Satterfield
Guest Shawn Satterfield is revolutionizing how we experience and connect through music through the Shine Music Festival. Erik Weihenmayer shares some of his own ideas
No Barriers Podcast Episode 190: Brad Synder
EOD. Explosive Ordinance Disposal. In 2008 the film Hurt Locker won 6 academy awards including best picture for its story about a bomb disposal team
No Barriers Podcast Episode 189: Ben Ayers
Ben Ayers joins us from the other side of planet. He’s a man whose life and work in Nepal have deeply influenced his understanding of
No Barriers Podcast Episode 188: Quinn Brett & Jason Stoffer
This duo took the Grand Canyon head-on, from one side to the other and back again, with nothing but their grit and trusty hand cycles
No Barriers Podcast Episode 155: What is an Adaptive Athlete?
Some might imagine our guest today as the superhero on the cover a graphic novel. The headline would read… mild mannered kindergarten teacher by day
No Barriers Podcast Episode 154: Integrating Caregiving into Your Life with Elizabeth Miller
Whether you are a new listener or one of our regulars, the statistics show that you’ve cared for someone at some point (or will) or
No Barriers Podcast Episode 153: Helping Caregivers with Bianca Padilla
If you provide care for an aging parent, spouse, relative or for an ill or disabled person, according to the AARP you are one of
No Barriers Podcast Episode 152: Mindsets with Matt Lewis, Navy Seal and COO
The most recent census reported 7% of the US population are veterans. That’s about 18 million people who served in the active military, naval, or
No Barriers Podcast Episode 151: Vertical Pursuits with Hans Florine
“We are on this planet to do, not to observe.” says Hans Florine; a longtime climbing partner of Erik’s When Erik wanted to climb Mt.
No Barriers Podcast Episode 150: Chasing Dreams with Diana Nyad
Our No Barriers podcast hit a milestone this week. 150 episodes. That’s 150 innovators, athletes, activists, disability advocates, veterans, frontline workers, business leaders, educators, caregivers,
No Barriers Podcast Episode 149: Starting a NGO. The Journey with Jim Nowak
Our guest today is Jim Nowak; co-found of the dZi Foundation. The dZi Foundation works in partnership with remote communities in Nepal to improve quality
No Barriers Podcast Episode 148: Overcoming tragedy with Sebastian “Zuko” Carrasco
Erik spent the last few weeks adventuring in South America with today’s guest, Sebastian Currasco. Together they took on Ecuador’s 2nd highest mountain, Cotopaxi. It
No Barriers Podcast Episode 147: Abby Holcombe, Team USA Freestyle Kayaker
During the recording of this episode the term McNasty was used. A quick search revealed some of its family members… the Sasquatch, lunar orbit, blunt,
No Barriers Podcast Episode 146: Steve Emt, Paralympic Champion Curler
Today we meet Steve Emt, vice-skip of the US Paralympic Wheelchair Curling Team. Steve is a life long athlete. He played baseball, soccer, and basketball
No Barriers Podcast Episode 145: Disability Awareness Education with Patty O’Machel
Patty O’Machel is a nationally recognized leader and on the front lines of (DAW) Disability Awareness Education in schools. Why this kind of programming is
No Barriers Podcast Episode 144: Cross Cultural Music with AJ Subat
We’re traveling today…. From Los Angeles to Afghanistan and back again. Not literally, but in a groovy kind of way with the help of Ajmal
No Barriers Podcast Episode 143: Casey Harris of X Ambassadors
So often when people with differing abilities want to try something that is perceived as beyond their reach, well intentioned friends will try and talk
No Barriers Podcast Episode 142: From Warrior to Healer with Dr. Zach Skiles, PsyD
From Warrior to Healer through the medium of psychedelic assisted therapy with Dr. Zach Skiles, PsyD. Dr. Skiles is at the forefront of entheogenic drug
No Barriers Podcast Episode 141: From Surviving to Thriving with Caitlin Connor
Our guest today is Caitlin Conner. Her life was pretty run of mill; work, pay bills, repeat. Then a series of deaths in her life
No Barriers Podcast Episode 140: Social Change Makers Sabriye Tenberken and Paul Kronenberg
Today we meet the founders of Kanthari. They train individuals on how to start and run impact making organizations; aka: social change makers. They specialize
No Barriers Podcast Episode 139: Blind Stokers Club with Dave White
In this episode we meet the Blind Stokers Club and its founder Dave White. It’s the largest and most active tandem club for blind riders
No Barriers Podcast Episode 138: Frontiers of the Mind with Dr. Albert Lin
“I learned barriers are entirely in your mind. You choose to either accept these barriers or you can have the guts to dance, to tango
No Barriers Podcast Episode 137: Beyond the North Pole with Dwayne Fields
Dwayne Fields, along with our host Erik Weihenmayer, and a handful of additional elite explorers were tapped to guide actor Will Smith through some of
No Barriers Podcast Episode 136: 500 mph with former Blue Angels pilot John Foley
Happy 2022 everyone. Our first conversation of the new year is with a former navy jet pilot. An 18 year journey that began after a
No Barriers Podcast Episode 135: Recap 2021
To kick off 2022 we want to take a trip down memory lane from 2021. This episode showcases some of our top highlights from select
No Barriers Podcast Episode 134: Frontlines of the NICU with Benjamin Rattray
To introduce our guest this week, read you a passage from a recent essay he wrote: “I gaze at her straight charcoal hair, serious blinking
No Barriers Podcast Episode 133: Rebuilding Community & Purpose with Cpt. Dave Inbody, US Army, Ret
Our guest this week is retired US Army Captain Dave Inbody. When he returned home after wartime deployment in Afghanistan he was changed… physically; his
No Barriers Podcast Episode 132: Restoring Vision with Geoff Tabin
The day before we recorded this episode, our guest Geoff Tabin, returned to the US from Ethiopia after a two week -surgical outreach where he
No Barriers Podcast Episode 131: Harnessing Positivity with Jim Kwok
It’s mid-november and 2021 is rapidly coming to a close. This week were sharing an episode from Season 2 with you. It’s a staff favorite.
No Barriers Podcast Episode 130: How to See with Joe Strechay
A virus wipes out most of humanity. The survivors and their distant descendants have all lost their sense of sight. Society has found new ways
No Barriers Podcast Episode 129: Concurring Limitations with Sarah Will
Erik and guest host, Tom Lillig, speak with Sarah Will. Will is the one of the most decorated athletes in U.S. Paralympic Alpine Skiing Team
No Barriers Podcast Episode 128: The Ability App with Alex Knoll
Erik and guest host, Tom Lillig, speak with 16-year-old Alex Knoll about his innovative app: The Ability App. Ability App helps people find accessible and
No Barriers Podcast Episode 127: Accessible Design with Faith Malton
Erik and Dave speak with self-named, One Arm Wonder, Faith Malton. Faith helps others break through mental barriers and navigate the world with limb differences
No Barriers Podcast Episode 126:The Ultra Barrier Breaker: Amy Rusiecki
Erik and Dave speak with East Coast running champion, award-winning coach, and barrier-breaking athlete, Amy Rusiecki. This episode is sponsored by Winnebago Industries Foundation. Amy
No Barriers Podcast Episode 125: Regaining Purpose with Mark Yearsley
This episode is brought to you by our supporters at CoBank. In honor of 9/11, we interviewed an old friend and No Barriers Warrior, Mark
No Barriers Podcast Episode 124: Humor as a Mirror with Josh Blue
Content Warning: Profanity and Adult Content. This week we are sharing an episode we recorded with comedian, Josh Blue right before COVID hit. Now more
No Barriers Podcast Episode 123: Caregiver Advocate and Alchemist: Colleen Rose
Hosts Jeff and Erik speak with our resilient guest, Colleen Rose, about her role as a military caregiver, as a care recipient herself, and her
No Barriers Podcast Episode 122: Veteran Hiring with Sean Passmore
Hosts, Erik, and Dave (welcome back, Dave!) speak with U.S. Army Veteran, Sean Passmore. Sean speaks about his work helping other Veterans navigate their career
No Barriers Podcast Episode 121: Whitewater Healing with Antoinette Lee Toscano
Our hosts, Erik and Tom Lillig speak with writer, speaker, entrepreneur, and overall barrier-breaker, Antoinette Lee Toscano. Special thanks to Prudential for sponsoring this episode.
No Barriers Podcast Episode 120: Meet the StrokeHacker: Sean Entin
Hosts, Erik Weihenmayer and Tom Lillig sit down with “StrokeHacker” Sean Entin. After a debilitating stroke at 39, Sean used the skills he learned in
No Barriers Podcast Episode 119: Equity in Entertainment with Keely Cat-Wells
Hosts, Jeff and Erik, speak with Entrepreneur and Disability Activist, Keely Cat-Wells. In honor of the 31st anniversary of the ADA, we are highlighting Keely’s
No Barriers Podcast Episode 118: Leading with Vulnerability: Chris Prange-Morgan
Erik and co-host, No Barriers Board President, Tom Lillig, speak with recovering idealist, adventure seeker, and trauma specialist, Chris Prange-Morgan. The adoption of her son
No Barriers Podcast Episode 117: Meet Feminist Plumber, Judaline Cassidy
Erik and our guest host, Tom Lillig, chat with self-proclaimed, Feminist Plumber, Judaline Cassidy on her barrier-breaking career journey. Special thanks to Prudential for sponsoring
No Barriers Podcast Episode 116: The Roots of No Barriers with Mark Wellman
We are re-releasing an interview we recorded with adventure athlete and No Barriers co-founder, Mark Wellman back in October 2018. Mark’s episode was one of
No Barriers Podcast Episode 115: Radical Vision with Two Blind Brothers
Our hosts, Erik and Tom, speak with their “two favorite Manning brothers,” Bradford and Bryan. Known as the Two Blind Brothers, they discuss how they
No Barriers Podcast Episode 114: A Champion Role Model: Reggie Showers
This episode is brought to you by Winnebago Industries Foundation as part of their series highlighting folks breaking boundaries in outdoor recreation. Our hosts, Erik
No Barriers Podcast Episode 113: Embracing Vision with Kyle Coon
Our hosts, Dave and Erik, reunite with Kyle Coon – a longtime friend of No Barriers. Erik and met Kyle when he was just a
No Barriers Podcast Episode 112: Mt. Everest 20th Anniversary
On May 25th, 2001 history was made when the first blind person stood on the summit of Mt. Everest. To celebrate the 20th anniversary of
No Barriers Podcast Episode 111: A KWEEN of Social Justice – Parker McMullen Bushman
Erik is joined by guest co-host, Jill Royster, to speak with local Coloradan, social justice activist, business owner, and educator, Parker McMullen Bushman. Parker is
No Barriers Podcast Episode 110: Determination and Faith with Chris Norton
Jeff and Erik meet with Chris Norton – who Jeff aptly nicknames “a 3-percenter” because he not only beat the odds in his physical recovery
No Barriers Podcast Episode 109: An Inclusive Circus with Lisa Lewis
Jeff and Erik speak with the founder of Omnium Circus. With a global pandemic comes essential change. The time is NOW for diversity and inclusion
No Barriers Podcast Episode 108: The Business of Elevating with Douglas Jackson
Our seventh No Barriers element is “Elevate.” At No Barriers we believe that the real essence of leadership is how we pass what we have
No Barriers Podcast Episode 107: Purpose and Faith with Kristan Seaford
Dave and Erik speak with Kristan Seaford, a triple amputee, mom, speaker, and counselor who has found strength in her community and faith. Kristan Seaford
No Barriers Podcast Episode 106: One Love with Anthony Ferraro
Erik and Dave speak with Anthony Ferraro – a talented athlete and musician who happens to be blind. Anthony is currently training in Judo to
No Barriers Podcast Episode 105: The Heroic Journey Mindset with Peter Bailey
Dave and Erik speak with award-winning global facilitator, Peter Bailey. Peter walks us through each step of what he calls the “Heroic Journey Mindset” which
No Barriers Podcast Episode 104: The Unseen Bean with Gerry Leary
Dave and Erik speak with entrepreneur and coffee aficionado, Gerry Leary about his background as an auto mechanic and his later employment roasting gourmet coffee
No Barriers Podcast Episode 103: Radical Innovation with Hadeel Ayoub
Erik and Dave reconnect with tech designer and visionary, Hadeel Ayoub to chat about her incredible innovation: the BrightSign Glove, which can “translate any sign
No Barriers Podcast Episode 102: From Inspiration to Information with Nicole Kelly
Erik and Tom speak with activist and disability advocate, Nicole Kelly. Nicole was confronted with the world’s view of her own disability when she competed
No Barriers Podcast Episode 101: Relax to Recover with Dr. Subhasis Banerji
Our hosts today are Erik Weihenmayer and No Barriers Board member, Tom Lillig. They speak with a renowned innovator, Dr. Subhasis Banerji about his cutting-edge
No Barriers Podcast Episode 100:The Human Connection with Ann Curry
For our 100th episode, we celebrate by speaking with the award-winning journalist and photojournalist Ann Curry. Jeff, Erik, and Ann discuss the human condition and
No Barriers Podcast Episode 99: Storytelling with Michael Brown
Erik and Dave sit down with friend and filmmaker, Michael Brown. The conversation covers the many adventures he has documented around the world and the
No Barriers Podcast Episode 98: Finding Flow with Sam Morris
Erik and Jeff speak with Sam Morris, the founder of Zen Warrior Training, about the therapeutic benefits of breathwork, meditation, and ultimately unlocking “flow.” Sam
No Barriers Podcast Episode 97: Loss and Light with Mike May
Mike May is a business executive, record-setting skier, and innovator who happens to be blind. Mike has taken the adversity in his life and converted
No Barriers Podcast Episode 96: Reclaiming Life Outdoors with Quinn Brett
Record-setting climber, Quinn Brett, speaks to Erik and Dave about the accident that left her paralyzed in 2017 and her subsequent journey back to the
No Barriers Podcast Episode 95: Exploring Within with Biohacker, Victor Mifsud
Jeff and Erik speak with Victor Mifsud about his fascinating findings as a biohacker. Victor originally went on a journey of self-discovery to confront his
No Barriers Podcast Episode 94: Coping with COVID with Dr. Kurt Papenfus
Erik and Jeff speak with Dr. Kurt Papenfus, about his experience with COVID-19 and its aftermath. Dr. Papenfus talks about how he utilized his experiences
No Barriers Podcast Episode 93: Keepin’ It Real with Heather Thomson
Our hosts chat with a longtime supporter of No Barriers, and wearer of many hats – Heather Thomson. Heather speaks to Erik and Dave about
No Barriers Podcast Episode 92: Vulnerability and Strength with Joanna Walters
Our hosts, Jeff and Erik, speak with Joanna Walters about her barrier-breaking career in the Navy as one of the first women serving aboard combatant
No Barriers Podcast Episode 91: Action & Activism with Courthney Russell
Erik and Dave chat with creator, activist, and social entrepreneur, Courthney Russell about his mission to leverage his medical degree and experience to be an
No Barriers Podcast Episode 90: Pushing the Limits with Maureen Beck
Our hosts, Erik and Jeff, speak with climber extraordinaire, Maureen “Mo” Beck. They discuss her career as a world-renowned one-handed climber and her journey from
No Barriers Podcast Episode 89: Recap 2020
To wrap up this wild year we are sharing some of our top highlights from select guests we spoke to in 2020. Our hosts each
No Barriers Podcast Episode 88: Panel Discussion with Eduardo Garcia, Erik Weihenmayer, and Jeff Evans
At our No Barriers Summit in 2019 at Lake Tahoe, we had a movie night with a double feature showing of Eduardo Garcia’s documentary, Charged,
No Barriers Podcast Episode 87: Speaking with Maverick, Mike Savicki
Erik and Jeff chat with Mike Savicki, about his incredible athletic career and his life as a husband, father, Veteran, Advocate, Teacher, and small business
No Barriers Podcast Episode 86: Mission & Vision with Kate Merrill
Our hosts, Erik and Dave, talk with Registered Nurse and small business owner, Kate Merrill. Kate speaks to her experience opening a neighborhood bakery in
No Barriers Podcast Episode 85: Health and Humanity with Dr. Raul Perea-Henze
Wrapping up our Veteran series, Erik and Dave speak with Dr. Raul Perea-Henze, former Deputy Mayor for Health & Human Services for the City of
No Barriers Podcast Episode 84: Leading From The Front with Gretchen Evans
As part three of our Veterans Series, sponsored by Cobank, we speak with Former Command Sergeant Major, Gretchen Evans. We are re-releasing an interview we
No Barriers Podcast Episode 83: Healing Through Art with Richard Casper
Part two of our Veterans Series features Richard Casper, co-founder and Executive Director of CreatiVets, a non-profit that provides art, music, and writing programs for
No Barriers Podcast Episode 82: Exploring Resilience with Veteran Aaron Hale
Erik and Dave kick off our November series of episodes focusing on Veterans with Ret. Army Veteran, Aaron Hale. Aaron has experienced more than his
No Barriers Podcast Episode 81: Caregiving with Grace with Debbie Fisher
For our final episode in our Caregiving series, we speak with Debbie Fisher. Debbie is a full-time caregiver for her daughter, Grace, who is paralyzed
No Barriers Podcast Episode 80: Caregiving for Veterans with Melissa Comeau
Our second installment of our Caregiving Series features the Director of the American Red Cross Military and Veteran Caregiver Network, Melissa Comeau. Erik and Jeff
No Barriers Podcast Episode 79: Youth Caregivers with Connie Siskowski
Kicking off our newest series featuring Caregivers we speak with Connie Siskowski, President & Founder of the American Association of Caregiving Youth (AACY). Connie speaks
No Barriers Podcast Episode 78: Serendipity with Jill Wheatley
Erik and Jeff speak with adventurer and runner, Jill Wheatley. She joins us from her current home in Nepal but when not in lockdown Jill
No Barriers Podcast Episode 77: Designing Thinking with Lisa Yokana
For our final installment of our Education Series, Dave and Erik speak with Lisa Yokana. Lisa is the STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math)
No Barriers Podcast Episode 76: Innovating with Mike O’Toole
Michael O’Toole has been immersed in education and coaching for more than three decades. His work in the classroom focuses on the areas of both
No Barriers Podcast Episode 75: Providing Guidance with Dr. Michael Kuchar
As part of our new mini-series highlighting Educators, our hosts speak with Superintendent, Dr. Michael Kuchar, about his approach to education – especially in light
No Barriers Podcast Episode 74: Mindset Mastery with Christian Leeby
Hosts, Erik and Dave, interview Expert Yoga Therapist and mindset guru, Christian Leeby. Christian speaks to his own experiences, disillusionment, and ultimately, his reunification with
No Barriers Podcast Episode 73: Beyond the Kitchen with Blind Chef, Christine Ha
Continuing our Alchemy Series (sponsored by Wells Fargo and Prudential), we speak with world-renowned Chef, Christine Ha, who happens to be blind. Jeff and Erik
No Barriers Podcast Episode 72: Business in the Time of COVID with Greg Brenneman
Greg Brenneman speaks to Erik and Dave about balancing work and life in the time of COVID on this latest episode. His lengthy business resume
No Barriers Podcast Episode 71: Heather Zoccali – Caring for Caregivers
Our No Barriers hosts, Erik and Dave, catch up with Heather Zoccali as part of our sponsored Alchemy Series. Heather has long been a leader
No Barriers Podcast Episode 70: Andres S. Maldonado, MD
Dave Shurna and guest co-host, Tom Lillig, interview Dr. Andres S. Maldonado for another installment of our Alchemy Series (generously sponsored by Wells Fargo and
No Barriers Podcast Episode 69: Celebrating the ADA with Sofija Korać
Continuing with our Alchemy Series, sponsored by Wells Fargo and Prudential, we interview Sofija Korać, a senior human rights adviser at the United States Mission
No Barriers Podcast Episode 68: Joseph Gray: Breaking Ground
Around the time when lockdowns were becoming a reality for most of the U.S., our hosts had the opportunity to slow down and catch up
No Barriers Podcast Episode 66: Advocate for Change: Haben Girma
The first Deafblind person to graduate from Harvard Law School, Haben Girma advocates for equal opportunities for people with disabilities. President Obama named her a
No Barriers Podcast Episode 64 & 65: Exploring Vision: Lieutenant Governor Cyrus Habib
Lieutenant Governor Cyrus Habib was elected Washington State’s 16th Lieutenant Governor in November 2016 at the age of 35. As Lt. Governor, he is President
No Barriers Podcast Episode 62 & 63: CMC Responds with Dr. Carrie Besnette Hauser
Since 2013, Dr. Carrie Besnette Hauser has served as President and CEO of Colorado Mountain College, a public degree-granting institution with eleven campuses serving 12,000
No Barriers Podcast Episode 60 & 61: Mission Possible with Mick Ebeling
Mick Ebeling has sparked a movement of pragmatic & inspirational innovation. Ebeling is a film, television, and commercial producer, philanthropist, technology trailblazer, author, and entrepreneur.
No Barriers Podcast Episode 58 & 59: Harnessing Positivity with Jim Kwok
What does it mean to live a good life? Jim Kwok has been reflecting on this simple but important question since his colorectal cancer diagnosis
Episode 56 & 57: Cultivating Compassion with Critical Care Physician, Dr. Rana Awdish
For part nine of our No Barriers Alchemy Series hosts Erik and Dave interview Dr. Rana Awdish. Rana is a critical care physician operating on
Episode 54 & 55: Thinking Through Uncertainty with Neuroscientist Beau Lotto
Continuing on with our Alchemy Series (sponsored by Wells Fargo and Prudential) our hosts Erik and Dave speak with a world-renowned expert in perception, Dr.
Episode 52 & 53: Exploring Collective Grief with Pastor Nadia Bolz Weber
On this episode of our Alchemy Series, sponsored by Wells Fargo and Prudential, we speak with Pastor Nadia Bolz-Weber. Nadia was our most popular guest
Episode 50 & 51: Navigating at Home with Endurance Athlete Rebecca Rusch
In part 6 of our Alchemy Series (sponsored by Prudential and Wells Fargo), our hosts, Erik and Jeff, meet with Rebecca Rusch—a familiar face of
Episode 48 & 49: A Gen Z Perspective on the Pandemic with Activist Maya Penn
As we continue to speak with thought leaders and experts during this pandemic for our Alchemy Series, it became clear a voice was missing: how
Episode 46 & 47: Pioneer Through the Pandemic with Professor & Innovator, Dr. Hugh Herr
For our fourth episode of our Alchemy Series, sponsored by Wells Fargo and Prudential, there is no greater example of harnessing adversity than No Barriers
Episode 44 & 45: Off-Balance and Hopeful with Dan Thurmon
Welcome to part three of our new Alchemy Series, sponsored by Wells Fargo and Prudential, where we speak to experts and thought leaders to attain
Episode 42 & 43: Art and Music as Collective Therapy: Speaking with Musicians, Mandy Harvey & Adrian Anantawan – Condensed Version
Welcome to part two of our new Alchemy Series, sponsored by Wells Fargo and Prudential, where we speak to experts and thought leaders to attain
Episode 41: Harnessing Adversity with Dr. Paul Stoltz – Extended Version
Introducing our new Alchemy Series, presented by Wells Fargo and Prudential. Our first guest is Dr. Paul G. Stoltz. Dr. Stolz is considered the world’s
Episode 40: Harnessing Adversity with Dr. Paul Stoltz – Condensed Version
There’s a longer version of this content available in episode 41. If you’d like the more condensed version, play on! Introducing our new Alchemy Series,
Episode 39: Humor as a Mirror: A Conversation with Award-Winning Comedian, Josh Blue
Content Warning: Profanity and Adult Content Comedian Josh Blue sat down with Erik and Jeff at our studio in Golden, CO to discuss his career
Episode 38: Changing Patterns and Learning New Behaviors with Guide Dog Instructor, Laura DeMaio Roy
Laura DeMaio Roy has been training pet and service dogs for 10 years with a specialization in guide dog training and instruction. She has run
Episode 37: Creating Connections with Laurent Roffé, the Founder of Inclusive and Accessible Travel Company, Tapooz Travel
Born in Casablanca to a multi-ethnic / multi-cultural family with roots in Europe, Africa, and South America, Laurent had the privilege of growing up, living,
Episode 36: Elevating the World with Entrepreneur and Storyteller, Ryan Letada
Born in Kuwait to refugee parents, Ryan Letada was raised in the Philippines before his family immigrated to the Bronx. His journey from failing student
Episode 35: Finding Joy in the Experience with Endurance Athlete, André Kajlich
Our hosts, Erik, Jeff, and Dave, spoke with André, the other week during his training for his newest endeavor: to explore human potential as him
Episode 34: Legacy and Purpose: Breaking Age Barriers with Anne Lorimor
Anne Lorimor is not your typical great-grandmother sitting in her rocking chair. At age 85, Anne broke the record for being the oldest woman to
Episode 33: Resilience and Facing Pain with Business Leader Gena Harper
Gena Harper works as a Certified Investment Management Analyst, Senior Vice President and Senior Investment Management Consultant at Morgan Stanley and provides her clients with
Episode 32: A New Approach to Education: Learning with Compass Community Collaborative School Leaders
No Barriers Podcast Hosts, Dave Shurna and Jeff Evans, speak with school leaders Jan Harrison and Jason Malone of the Compass Community Collaborative School in
Episode 31: Finding Your Community: Experiences at the No Barriers Summit
Today, we have a special episode for you. We are sharing some one-on-one interviews with No Barriers Summit participants from June 2019 in Lake Tahoe,
Episode 30: The Power of Travel: Talking with the Founders of AFAR Media, Greg Sullivan and Joe Diaz
This episode focuses on the power of travel as one of the best forms of education with our guests, the two founders of AFAR Media,
Episode 29: Taking The Sharp End: Celebrating Life with Adventurer Timmy O’Neill
Hailing from Philadelphia, Timmy O’Neill left after one semester of college to head out and design a life for himself. He quickly became known as
Episode 28: Channeling Pain into Positivity: Speaking with Running Man, Charlie Engle
Charlie Engle is a writer, runner, recovering addict and speaker. He’s run across the Sahara Desert, the Amazon, and is currently embarking on his audacious
Episode 25: Live at the Summit: Mandy Harvey on Finding her Rhythm
At our most recent No Barriers Summit at Lake Tahoe this past June, our three hosts were joined on stage by Mandy Harvey for a
Episode 24: Resilience and Commitment: Rolling with Speaker, Actor, and Athlete, Gabriel Cordell
In 1992, two months after his 22nd birthday, Gabriel Cordell was en route to his first professional audition when an accident changed his life forever.
Episode 26: “Amitabha,” Spreading Infinite Light with Army Veteran, Actor, Speaker, & Burn Survivor J.R. Martinez
Our hosts, Erik and Dave, sat down with J.R. Martinez the night before our No Barriers Summit began in a conference room at Lake Tahoe
Episode 23: We are all Vehicles of Expression – A Conversation with Inclusion Activist, Marisa Hamamoto
Marisa Hamamoto is an activist, dance artist, and speaker looking to empower people through dance and storytelling to disable bias, encourage others to get out
Episode 22: Brave & Ignorant: Exploring the Mindset of a Pioneer with Scott Kim
Jeff and Dave spoke with Scott Kim a few weeks before he was scheduled to speak at our No Barriers Summit in Tahoe. Scott called
Episode 21: There is Always a Way Forward: Pioneer and Fashion Designer, Mindy Scheier
Before founding Runway of Dreams Foundation (RoDF) in 2014, Mindy Scheier spent 20 years working in fashion on the design team for the INC collection
Episode 20: You are Enough: Discussions with Coach, Body Positive Activist, and Entrepreneur, Natasha Nurse
Natasha Nurse held various stints in the corporate world prior to making a foray into fashion and writing. Having been a victim of bullying as
Episode 19: Inclusion Activist, Artist, and Pioneer – Jamie Petrone
Jamie Petrone is a renaissance woman with many talents and achievements under her belt. She is the Executive Director and Founder of THISAbility, a performing
Episode 27: Grit and Passion: Speaking with Pioneer, Tish Scolnik
Tish Scolnik is the CEO and co-founder of GRIT, a social enterprise that created the Freedom Chair, which is the mountain bike of wheelchairs. GRIT
Episode 18: Raising Others Up and the Power of Community: Speaking to Paraclimbing Legend Koichiro Kobayashi
Koichiro Kobayashi, known as “Koba,” is a “paraclimbing legend.” Koba went blind at age 28 from a degenerative eye disease and at age 31 decided
Episode 17: Making a Difference one Stove at a Time—Speaking with Humanitarian and Philanthropist, George Basch
George Basch is the Chief Cook and Founder of The Himalayan Stove Project, a humanitarian and philanthropic program dedicated to preserving the Himalayan environment and
Episode 06: Driving the Bus in Business and in Life — Talking with CEO George Heinrichs
George Heinrichs‘ resume is filled with awards and accomplishments for his aptitude for business as well as social justice. But George would not have gotten
Episode 16: Contemplating Faith and Forgiveness with Pastor and Author, Nadia Bolz-Weber
Nadia Bolz-Weber is a Lutheran pastor, a former stand-up comic, an author of two best selling New York Times list books, and a speaker. She
Episode 15: A 29,000 Foot Platform of Hope: Meet Cancer Survivor and Adventurer, Sean Swarner
Sean Swarner has many athletic accomplishments under his belt and uses them to spread a message of hope. Despite being in a medically-induced coma for
Episode 14: Speaking with Climbing Legend, Craig DeMartino, on Gaining Perspective and Purpose
In this episode, Jeff and Erik met with Craig DeMartino, a renowned rock climber who is also an amputee. Craig works with an organization called Adaptive
Episode 13: From Swiss Cheese to Whole — Finding Inner Light with Survivor and Artist Angie Shireman
Angie Shireman, a jewelry artisan, small business owner, certified yoga instructor, wife, mom, and artist, has seemingly lived a carefree life. But her smiling personality
Episode 12: Seeking Meaning & Truth — Talking to the Director of the Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry, Luis Benitez
A professional mountaineering guide, Luis has summited the top of the famed “Seven Summits” a cumulative 32 times, including being a six-time summiteer of Mt.
Episode 11: A Servant Heart — A Conversation with Major Diggs Brown
Erik and Jeff begin the session recapping a recent experience helping Nerissa Cannon, a young woman in a wheelchair, climb a Colorado 14er. The discussion
Episode 10: Combatting Apathy — A Recipe for Activism with Shannon Galpin
We recorded this episode shortly after Erik had just returned from New York City where he circumnavigated all of Manhattan in a kayak to promote
Episode 09: Bringing No Barriers into Business — Meet SVP Steve Rae
After establishing Steve and Dave’s Chicago connection, the hosts dive into why he’s been brought on as a guest: after Steve attended a No Barriers
Episode 08: Entrepreneur and Advocate Heidi McKenzie Makes her Mark with Humor and a Loud Voice
Jeff, Erik, and Dave talk with Heidi McKenzie, who is speaking from her home state of Kentucky. After a car accident left her as a
Episode 07: Innovation Born from Adversity—Tom Dixon talks about his No Barriers Story
Erik and Jeff speak with Tom Dixon, a young man from Philadelphia and the inventor of a brilliant mobile app called ME.mory. Like most app
Episode 05: Just Say Yes – Talking with Paralympian Cyclist Billy Lister
Billy Lister is a Paralympic cyclist who most recently represented Team USA in the Rio Olympics, competing in both track and road events. 18 years
Episode 04: Ethan Johnston — A Blind Man’s Journey from Ethiopia to the U.S.
As a young boy, Ethan Johnston was kidnapped from his family in Ethiopia, blinded and used as a beggar. Fortunately, at age 10 he was
Episode 03: Leading from the Front with Former Command Sergeant Major, Gretchen Evans
Gretchen Evans served 27 years in the US Army, earning a bronze star, and rising to the rank of Command Sergeant Major. During her service,
Episode 02: The Roots of No Barriers — A Conversation with Co-founder Mark Wellman
Mark Wellman is a nationally acclaimed author, filmmaker and motivational speaker. Despite being paralyzed in a mountain climbing accident, Mark has inspired millions to meet
Episode 01: What is the No Barriers Podcast?
This episode will introduce our listeners to the mission behind the No Barriers Podcast and what we are trying to accomplish with putting this out