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In this episode of The Wheelchair Roundtable, we sit down with Izzy for a powerful and deeply human conversation about survival, service, and rebuilding life after unimaginable turning points.
Izzy shares his time in the United States Navy aboard the USS Saratoga (CV-60) during the era of Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm, reflecting on the intensity of military life and the experiences that shaped his early adulthood.
He also recounts a life-altering moment at just 19 years old a split second decision to step out of a ferry line that ultimately saved his life when the ferry sank, claiming the lives of 21 sailors, some of them his friends.
Years later, after building a full life and career, Izzy faced another defining moment: a spinal cord tumor at the T1 level that led to paralysis. A second MRI confirmed the diagnosis, forcing him to rebuild his understanding of identity, independence, and purpose from the ground up.
This conversation explores survival, loss, faith, military service, and what it truly means to adapt when life changes without warning. Izzy’s story is one of resilience not just in surviving life’s hardest moments, but in continuing to move forward after them.
Tune in for an episode that reminds us how quickly life can change, and how powerful it is when we choose to keep going.
Facebook: Isidro Sanchez
IG: izysanchez69
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Episode Description
In this powerful and deeply personal episode, we reconnect with Eric as he shares life updates since his last appearance on the show, including the heartbreaking loss of his mother and the impact it has had on his mental health journey.
Together, we have an honest conversation about grief, depression, resilience, and the often-overlooked mental health challenges faced within the disability community. Eric opens up about navigating life after spinal cord injury while coping with loss, the importance of seeking support, and why mental health deserves the same attention as physical health.
This episode is a reminder that strength isn't just about overcoming physical obstacles—it's also about facing emotional struggles and continuing to move forward one day at a time. Whether you're living with a disability, supporting a loved one, or dealing with your own mental health challenges, Eric's story offers insight, encouragement, and hope.
We wrap up the episode with a fun and engaging rapid-fire Q&A session featuring Eric and the Quad Father, covering everything from life lessons and personal reflections to a few laughs along the way.
Join us for a heartfelt conversation about loss, healing, mental health, and the power of community.
Facebook: Eric Rodriguez
IG: wcroundtable2025
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At 22 years old, Michael Divel experienced a life-changing spinal cord injury after a tragic accident at a Fourth of July party left him with a T-12 complete SCI. What followed was not only the challenge of paralysis, but a brutal years-long fight against a stage 4 pressure wound complicated by MRSA and bone infection — resulting in 10 skin flap surgeries, months confined to bed, and some of the darkest moments of his life.
In this powerful episode, we dive deep into the realities of pressure relief, pressure wounds, wheelchair seating, and survival after spinal cord injury. Rico Segovia ATP/QRP also breaks down the insurance criteria surrounding pressure relief equipment and custom wheelchair cushions, explaining why proper seating technology can literally become lifesaving for wheelchair users.
Despite years of setbacks, Michael refused to quit. Today, he’s back competing at the highest level of adaptive sports and helped lead the Arkansas Rolling Razorbacks to a 2025 NWBA Championship.
We first met Michael at the Ocean Drive 3-on-3 Wheelchair Basketball Tournament in Corpus Christi, and after hearing his story, we knew this conversation needed to be shared.
This episode is about resilience, pressure wound awareness, adaptive sports, mental toughness, and the relentless mindset required to keep moving forward when life changes forever.
Please welcome Michael Divel.
Facebook: Michael Divel
IG: wcroundtable2025
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In this powerful and deeply inspiring episode, we sit down with Corpus Christi TX native Alma Lee Garcia, a disability advocate whose life changed forever at just 24 years old after surviving a violent home invasion. Alma was shot in the neck with a 9mm round that entered the left front side of her neck and exited through her right scapula, leaving her with a T6 incomplete spinal cord injury. Doctors at Memorial Hospital gave her only 18–24 hours to live as she remained in a coma for a week. But everything changed when she heard the voice of her son saying, “Get up, mom.” That moment sparked her fight for survival.
Alma opens up about the physical and emotional challenges that followed, including living with autonomic dysreflexia, navigating mental health struggles, and learning to accept a completely new way of life. She shares the daily realities of living with a spinal cord injury while finding strength, purpose, and resilience through advocacy and community involvement.
We also discuss her work with WAVE in Corpus Christi, where she continues to empower and advocate for individuals with disabilities throughout South Texas. As someone from our own backyard here in Corpus Christi, Alma brings an honest, raw, and uplifting conversation that will leave listeners inspired by her perseverance and determination.
Facebook: Alma Lee
IG: almalee_361
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We are joined by Henry C. Falcon, JR., PTA, CCI, MBA, CSCS, and take a deep dive into the world of Physical Therapy — from the evolution of the profession in the 1990s to where it’s headed in today’s healthcare landscape. Henry shares his journey into PT, the lessons learned over decades in the field, and what it takes to build a long-lasting career in rehabilitation.
The conversation breaks down the real differences between the PTA and DPT paths, including schooling, scope of practice, pay scales, burnout, and the realities clinicians face in today’s healthcare system. SJ brings valuable insight into the DPT perspective while Henry offers the experienced voice of someone who has worked across multiple settings and built his own practice.
The crew also discusses the future growth of the Rio Grande Valley medical community, opportunities for young professionals entering healthcare, and what employers are really looking for in new graduates. The episode closes with a fun Q&A session where Rico opens up about what inspired him to start The Wheelchair Roundtable Podcast and the mission behind giving healthcare professionals, patients, and advocates a platform to share real stories and real experiences.
Whether you’re a student considering Physical Therapy, a clinician navigating the profession, or someone passionate about the future of healthcare in the RGV, this episode delivers honest insight, education, and laughs along the way.
IG: wcroundtable2025
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In this episode, we sit down with Yvette Barrera-Molina, an educational diagnostician with over 20 years of experience supporting students with disabilities and their families. Yvette began her career as a special education teacher and has since dedicated her work to evaluation, eligibility, and developing meaningful instructional plans that truly support student success.
We take a deep dive into the critical role diagnosticians play within the education system—helping identify student needs, guiding families, and collaborating with educators to create pathways for growth. Yvette also breaks down key insights on dyslexia and ADHD, offering clarity on how these challenges present in the classroom and why early identification matters.
A big part of our conversation focuses on the role teachers play in recognizing early signs of developmental and learning differences, and how those observations can change the trajectory of a child’s education.
What makes this conversation especially powerful is Yvette’s personal journey. As a mother, she shares the story of her son Ethan, who was diagnosed with epilepsy as an infant and has undergone multiple brain surgeries due to severe seizures. Through that experience, Yvette brings a deeply personal perspective to her work—one that goes beyond professional expertise and into true advocacy.
She also discusses her involvement with the Epilepsy Foundation of Central South Texas and how she continues to be a voice for families here in the Rio Grande Valley.
This is a conversation about education, advocacy, resilience, and the power of understanding every child’s unique journey.
Yvette, thank you for being here and for sharing your story with us.
IG: @youniquediag
Facebook: Yvette Barrerra-Molina
TikTok: Yvette B. Molina
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On this episode of The Wheelchair Roundtable, we’re joined by Mason Branstrator —an athlete, creator, and powerful voice for resilience whose life changed in an instant, but whose purpose only grew stronger.
At just 17 years old, Mason sustained a spinal cord injury in a skiing accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down. But what followed wasn’t the end of his story — it was the beginning of a new one. From intensive rehab to rediscovering independence through his wheelchair, Mason leaned into challenge, adaptation, and ultimately, transformation.
Today, Mason is not only thriving — he’s pushing limits. From adaptive sports like hand cycling and surfing to completing a marathon in a racing chair, he’s redefining what’s possible and showing the world that a wheelchair is not a limitation, but a gateway to freedom.
Through his growing social media presence, Mason shares the real, unfiltered moments of life with a disability — from daily routines to outdoor adventures — inspiring hundreds of thousands of people across the globe. His mission is simple but powerful: help others see possibility, no matter their circumstances. Mason’s story isn’t just about overcoming — it’s about evolving, adapting, and leading from the front.
link.me/mason_branstrator
IG: Mason_branstrator
FB: Mason Branstrator
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Today’s episode is a powerful reminder of what resilience truly looks like—and we’re joined by guest host S.J. Cimijotti, DPT, bringing clinical insight and perspective to the conversation.
At just 10 years old, Peter Berry’s life was forever changed by a tragic car accident that left him and his brother paralyzed, injured his sister, and took the lives of both of his parents. It’s the kind of moment that could define a life—but for Peter, it became the beginning of a new one.
Now 24, Peter is a professional wheelchair basketball player competing in Germany, driven by a relentless mindset and a clear goal: representing Team USA at the 2028 Paralympics in Los Angeles.
In this episode, we dive into Peter’s journey through recovery, the role of family and support systems, and how discovering wheelchair basketball gave him not just purpose—but direction. Alongside S.J.’s expertise in rehabilitation, we explore the physical and mental resilience required to rebuild after trauma, the discipline behind competing at an elite level, and what it truly means to keep moving forward.
This isn’t just a story about sports—it’s about perspective, growth, and the decision to rise, no matter the circumstances.
Let’s get into it.
IG: p_dawg31
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In this episode, we sit down with Esmer Perez LBSW, MSW, CART, a dedicated case manager at a Health Rehabilitation Hospital, to break down what really happens after a life-changing injury or illness.
Esmer gives us an inside look at the critical role of a case manager—often acting as the “in-house attorney”—guiding patients and families through one of the most complex and emotional healthcare journeys. From the moment a patient is admitted, she helps coordinate care, navigate funding sources, and ensure every piece of the recovery plan is aligned.
We dive into the importance of therapy in regaining independence and how physicians, therapists, and caregivers work together behind the scenes to support each patient’s progress. Esmer also sheds light on the difficult realities of healthcare—what happens when a patient doesn’t have insurance, and how funding directly impacts the equipment and services that can be provided.
This conversation is a must-listen for anyone wanting a clear, honest look at the rehab process and the road to recovery after a life-altering event.
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Recording Artist Paul C Cesar II brings a powerful and unfiltered conversation you don’t want to miss. After surviving a life-altering car accident at a young age and later facing a tumor attached to his spine that left him in a wheelchair, Paul shares his journey through adversity with raw honesty. He opens up about his injury, resilience, and the mindset it took to rebuild his life.
We dive into Arc X Therapy, a cutting-edge treatment that’s pushing boundaries and offering new hope, and how it’s playing a role in his journey today. Beyond his recovery, Paul talks about carving out a path as an international music artist, building his brand, and launching his company, The Tin Foil Hat Factory.
The conversation takes an intriguing turn as we explore conspiracy theories, challenging perspectives, and the deeper questions that shape how we see the world. Paul also shares a profound spiritual experience that helped guide him to where he is today grounded, driven, and focused on his purpose.
We wrap up with a look at his upcoming album and what’s next in his evolving career. It’s real talk, real perspective, and a story of transformation you’ll feel long after the episode ends.
Facebook: Paul C Caesar II
IG: p.seize
www.thetinfolifactory.com
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In this episode of The Wheelchair Round Table, we sit down with Mike Garrison — a stand-up comedian, husband, and proud dad of twins who’s redefining what it means to roll through life with purpose and humor.
After a life-changing motocross accident left him paralyzed, Mike faced a completely new reality. But instead of backing down, he leaned in — building a family, embracing fatherhood from a wheelchair, and finding his voice in comedy.
Mike shares the raw truth about his injury, what it took to start a family post-accident, and the real-life moments of being a “wheelchair dad.” He opens up about how comedy became his outlet, his therapy, and ultimately his platform to connect, inspire, and make people laugh.
And in a full-circle moment, Mike talks about getting back on a motorcycle — exactly 15 years to the date of his injury — proving that fear doesn’t get the final say.
This episode is real, unfiltered, and full of perspective — with plenty of laughs along the way.
Facebook: Mike Garrison
IG: mikegarrison247
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Nancy shares the powerful story of raising her son Christopher, now 20, who was born with cerebral palsy. In the early years, Nancy struggled to understand what was happening. Like many parents, she didn’t have the knowledge or guidance to recognize the resources available for children with disabilities. In her own words, she was “ignorant”—not from a lack of love, but from a lack of direction.
Everything changed after a chance conversation with another mother at a doctor’s appointment. That moment opened Nancy’s eyes to a world of support, advocacy, and possibility. Determined to fight for her son, she chose education over fear—earning her CNA certification to learn medical terminology and how to better care for people with complex needs.
Nancy went on to work for Ms. Lillian, a woman with significant disabilities who taught her what true advocacy looks like. That experience helped shape Nancy into the voice she is today.
Now, Nancy is helping influence disability policy in Delaware, serving on a Medical Complex Task Force and advocating for legislation that supports families like hers.
This conversation is about faith in action, the power of knowledge, and how one mother turned uncertainty into purpose. Nancy’s journey reminds us that when parents find their voice, they can change not only their child’s future—but the system itself.
Facebook: Nancy Lemus
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In this powerful episode, we sit down with Nicolas Comstock — host of the Nick Speaks Podcast — for an honest and deeply personal conversation about resilience, independence, and finding purpose.
Nicolas shares what it was like growing up with an identical twin brother who was not born with a disability, and how that dynamic shaped his childhood and identity. He opens up about the challenges he faced in school and how the education system ultimately failed to provide the support he needed to succeed.
In a bold step toward independence, Nicolas made the difficult decision to move out and live on his own — despite his parents’ fears that he would not survive without their support. He talks candidly about the obstacles he faced trying to build a life independently, including being labeled “unemployable” and the broader lack of employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
Our conversation also touches on Nicolas’s time attending First Baptist Church of Hammond, which was later featured in the documentary Let Us Prey: A Ministry of Scandals. Nicolas shares his personal perspective and experiences during that time.
But Nicolas’s story is ultimately one of determination and purpose. Through his podcast, Nick Speaks Podcast, he has found a platform to speak openly about disability, life, and advocacy. After a TikTok Reel unexpectedly went viral, Nicolas gained over 77,000 followers — proving that authentic voices still resonate.
We close the episode with a candid discussion about dating, relationships, and the often unspoken challenges people with disabilities face when it comes to connection and companionship.
This is a real, raw conversation about independence, identity, faith, opportunity, and the everyday realities of living with a disability.
A powerful story you won’t want to miss.
youtube.com/nicolascomstock
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In this powerful episode of the WABC Show, we sit down with current Heavyweight Wheelchair Boxing Champion Jody Bennet, alongside WABC Founder Collin and CFO Terry, for an inside look at the momentum building behind the World Adaptive Boxing Council.
Joining us from the UK, Collin — a former semi-pro rugby player — shares the vision that sparked the creation of WABC and how adaptive boxing is carving out its rightful place on the global stage. Terry, a former Paralympian, brings his elite-level experience to the conversation as he discusses the current state of the organization, what legitimacy and structure mean for adaptive combat sports, and previews a major boxing event coming this fall that promises to elevate wheelchair boxing to new heights.
Champion Jody Bennet speaks candidly about representing the sport at the highest level, the hunger among athletes worldwide, and the growing push to see wheelchair boxing included in the Paralympic Games. The trio dives into the future of adaptive boxing, the pathway to international recognition, and what it will take to build a sustainable competitive platform for athletes.
Most importantly, they open the door to the next generation. If you’re interested in adaptive sports or think you have what it takes to step into the ring, Jody shares how to get connected, receive guidance, and even try out for the WABC boxing team.
This episode is about more than sport — it’s about access, opportunity, and building a movement.
Collin Kent-Facebook
https://gofund.me/fe973e47
Jody Bennet- Facebook
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In this powerful and down-to-earth episode, we sit down with Lelan for a conversation that feels less like an interview and more like three friends talking beside the tailgate after a long day.
At 22 years old, Leland’s life changed in an instant when an accident left him paralyzed from the T4 level down. He shares what those early days were really like, including his inpatient rehab experience at TIRR Memorial Hermann — the challenges, the breakthroughs, and the mental battle that begins long before the physical healing feels complete.
We also talk about something that isn’t discussed enough: relationships after injury. Leland opens up about his wife leaving him post-injury and the reality that many people face significant relationship loss after a life-altering event. It’s raw. It’s honest. And it’s real.
From there, the conversation shifts into life now — his current wheelchair setup, the benefits of a titanium frame versus aluminum, and how the right equipment can mean freedom, efficiency, and independence. But beyond the gear talk, we dig into something deeper: dealing with life on life’s terms. Lelan reflects on what was harder to navigate — the mental adjustments or the physical changes — and how resilience isn’t about pretending things are easy, but choosing to keep going anyway.
This episode is authentic, vulnerable, and hopeful. And it’s a reminder that while injury can change your circumstances, it doesn’t have to define your identity.
Facebook: Lelan Wendel Forester
IG: Lelanforeser
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In this episode, we sit down with Logan K. Finn to unpack a story shaped by resilience, struggle, and transformation.
Born with spina bifida, Logan grew up feeling loved and supported — so much so that he often says he didn’t realize he had a disability. But in seventh grade, a spinal tethering surgery left him using a wheelchair. Still, he stayed active in school and pushed forward socially and academically.
By his senior year, marijuana use escalated quickly into heavy drug and alcohol abuse. We talk honestly about how that progression happens, especially when identity, accountability, and mental health go unaddressed. The Quad-Father shares insight on the role school districts play in identifying and supporting students with special needs, and why mental health resources for children are critical.
Logan reflects on growing up deeply loved — but rarely held accountable — and how that shaped his early adulthood. A powerful spiritual experience later marked a turning point, bringing immediate healing from a condition he had suffered with for three years and igniting his recovery journey.
The Quad-Father closes the show with a heartfelt moment shared with Logan, reminding listeners that growth, responsibility, and redemption are always within reach.
Facebook: Logan K Finn
IG: logankfinn
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Accessibility isn’t a courtesy — it’s a civil right.
In this powerful episode, we sit down with Kristy Durso—accessible travel advocate, travel agent, wheelchair user, and co-founder of Spectrum of Accessibility—to unpack what public accessibility really looks like and why travel remains one of the most exclusionary experiences for disabled people.
Kristy shares her life before becoming a full-time wheelchair user, the emotional and identity shifts that followed, and the moment she realized the world itself—not her disability—would be one of her biggest barriers. From “technically accessible” spaces that fail in practice to travel nightmares that put safety and dignity at risk, this conversation pulls back the curtain on what most people never see.
We also explore where accessibility is done right around the world, where it falls painfully short, and how education within the hospitality industry can be a true game-changer. Through her work with Spectrum of Accessibility, Kristy is helping hotels, airlines, and venues move beyond checklists toward lived-experience inclusion that benefits everyone—disabled travelers, aging populations, families, and businesses alike.
This episode is equal parts truth, accountability, and hope—and a clear call to action for both disabled and nondisabled listeners.
If you travel, work in hospitality, or care about inclusion, this is a conversation you need to hear.
@kristy.durso Facebook
@kristygoes IG
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This is one of those episodes that stays with you long after the microphones are turned off.
This conversation goes where disability conversations often don’t—into the quiet, heavy places. We talk about depression. Anxiety. The mental and emotional toll of disability that so often gets overlooked once the hospital stays end and the equipment is delivered.
Our guest is Mike Kent, a Disability Life Coach and the founder of Empowering Disability, a global community of more than 9,000 members who are navigating life after injury, trauma, or diagnosis.
Mike’s work goes far beyond motivation. Through Empowering Disability and MPower Coaching, he helps people confront anxiety, rebuild confidence, and rediscover their sense of worth—especially in the aftermath of life-changing events. He understands that the hardest battles aren’t always physical.
But this conversation doesn’t stop in the darkness.
Mike challenges us to look deeper—not at what was taken, but at how we respond to the cards we’re dealt. He reminds us that while disability may change the path, it does not erase purpose, value, or the ability to build a meaningful life.
His message is clear and powerful: Disability is not the end of life. It’s an invitation to reclaim life—on our own terms.
This is an episode about honesty, resilience, and the strength it takes to keep showing up when the world feels smaller than it used to. If you or someone you love has ever struggled with the mental weight of disability, this conversation is for you.
IG: mikeawkent
FB: Mike Kent
Facebook Support Group: Empowering Disability
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⚠️ Content Warning: This episode contains discussion of gun violence, physical assault, and traumatic injury. Listener discretion is advised.
Joseph Huerta’s story is one of brilliance, hardship, survival, and hard-earned faith. A top graduate in his class, Joseph’s life took an unexpected turn after family separation led him into homelessness, living in a tent city and navigating daily survival. What began as an act of kindness—being offered a place to stay by someone he trusted—quickly turned into a dangerous and life-altering situation.
Joseph is a survivor of a violent home invasion. He was beaten and assaulted, and while running for the door to escape, he was shot in the back with a .40 caliber bullet. The impact shattered his spine at T11, leaving him paralyzed. In a moment that still echoes today, Joseph begged for his life as his attackers held a gun to his head.
In this episode, Joseph speaks candidly about his early days in rehab, where he believed a back brace might allow him to walk again, and how the reality of paralysis set in. He shares how fellow patients—more than the clinical team—became his greatest teachers, helping him understand life in a wheelchair and how to truly adapt.
After rehab, Joseph returned to California to live with his father, where new challenges emerged: ongoing battles with insurance, medical discrimination, and the harsh reality of managing a Stage 4 pressure wound that he has lived with for over three years. Rather than staying silent, Joseph turned his pain into purpose.
Motivated by those who supported him in rehab, Joseph created his YouTube channel “Quick Tips,” where he answers real-world questions about activities of daily living for wheelchair users. He also launched his own clothing line, using creativity as another outlet for resilience and expression.
Joseph opens up about how anger initially fueled his drive—but ultimately caused more harm than healing. At his lowest point, he turned to his faith, crying out to God for a sign—one that unmistakably came true and was captured on video.
This episode also dives into honest, practical conversations around sex and intimacy after paralysis, wheelchair cushions, pressure relief techniques, and living with dignity despite constant obstacles. Raw, emotional, and deeply human, this is a powerful conversation about survival, accountability, faith, and finding meaning after everything changes.
This is Joseph Huerta’s journey—and it’s one you won’t forget.
Merch: T11merchproduct-6056.bigcartel.com
@T11paraplegic youtube
instagram.com/josephhuerta22?igsh=ODA1NTc5OTg5Nw==
facebook.com/profile.php?id=100073011076748&mibextid=9R9pXO
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At just 12 years old, Giusiana Prosser began experiencing medical symptoms that would change her life — symptoms that were dismissed, minimized, and misunderstood for years.
After being told it was “all in her head,” Giusiana never stopped advocating for herself. At 19, she was diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, and at 21 with Andersen–Tawil Syndrome, finally giving a name to what her body had known all along. Today, she also lives with a tethered spinal cord.
Now a artist, rare disease advocate, motivational speaker, and Ms. Wheelchair Washington USA, Giusiana uses her platform to challenge misconceptions around disability and share a powerful truth: “Rare isn’t rare.”
In this episode, Giusiana opens up about growing up without answers, the emotional toll of not being believed, and how self-advocacy became her lifeline. She also shares how art, purpose, and resilience continue to shape her journey — including her upcoming path to Ms. Wheelchair USA 2026 and her artwork being featured at the Kennedy Center.
This is a story about finding your voice, demanding to be heard, and choosing to live fully — even when the world doesn’t make it easy.
🎧 Press play and meet Giusiana Prosser.
- Visa fler
