Jake Haendel on Locked-In Syndrome, Pain, and What It Means to Be Alive

This week on Calling in Sick, I’m joined by  ⁨@miraclman31⁩  -- podcaster, speaker, and survivor of one of the rarest neurological conditions on earth: Locked-In Syndrome from Acute Toxic Progressive Leukoencephalopathy (ATPL). Jake’s story is raw, gripping, and—somehow—hilarious

.We’re digging into:

🧠 What the mind does when you’re fully aware but can’t move

💥 The absurdity of pain, and the power of humor in surviving it

☁️ What near-death teaches you about presence, faith, and the fragility of life

🪫 Why full recovery might be the wrong goal—and what really matters in healing

Whether you’ve lived through something unbelievable or you just feel unseen in your pain, this episode is your reminder: the human spirit is feral in the best way. And you? You’re more resilient than you think.

xx,

Alex

Comment: What’s a moment where you felt completely alone in your pain — and what got you through it?

TIMESTAMPS: 

00:00:00 Welcome back to Calling In Sick! 

00:03:10 Introduction to Jake Haendel & Locked-In Syndrome

00:29:45 Jake’s self talk while he was locked-in for 10 months

00:46:15 A tiny movement in Jake’s wrist that lead to recovery 

00:50:25 Jake’s mental health & struggle with addiction 

00:59:15 Near death experiences & religion 

01:12:10 One Brain Cell Show: The Wire, documentaries & standup 

01:18:08 Thank you for listening!

Connect with Jake & Discover his App!

• Jake on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miraclman31/?hl=en

• AHOI, a platform to discover accessible places & navigate the world with ease -- https://ahoimate.com/

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Produced by: Alexandra Wildeson — https://www.instagram.com/alexandrawildeson/

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