No Barriers

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 advice and practical strategies to harness the adversity of COVID-19 and not just cope, but possibly thrive. Our guest today, Dan Thurmon, advocates for always being a bit “off-balance” in order to achieve greatness and expand our potential. Now, more than ever, as we are all forced out of balance in our daily and professional lives, his philosophy takes on even more importance. Erik and Dave chat with Dan to hear how he is dealing during this time while isolating with his family in Georgia, and what his life’s work can offer our listeners. Seeing Dan perform and speak on stage is an experience in itself but today we strip those elements away and hear what Dan has to say.If you limit yourself to what’s comfortable, you deny yourself what’s possible - Dan ThurmonDan Thurmon is the president of Motivation Works, Inc., where he has helped hundreds of organizations and individuals implement action plans and move confidently through transitions. He is a renowned speaker, author, entrepreneur, workplace performance expert, fitness advocate, acrobat, and unicyclist. Dan’s book, Off Balance On Purpose, explains his philosophy that we’ll never achieve “perfect balance”. Instead of chasing this impossible dream, we should learn to embrace uncertainty and initiate positive changes that lead to personal and professional growth. Dan’s multi-dimensional view of success incorporates quality health, strong relationships, and meaningful contributions. His programs have educated and uplifted Fortune 500 companies, educators, and even troops on the front lines of battle in Afghanistan. Takeaway (visit our show's website to download a full one pager with tips and highlights):H- Helping Others - Focus on helping others. By getting out of your head and turning your attention to others. Ideas: Volunteer to deliver groceries to elderly people or those that are  immunocompromised, pass out food at a food bank, tutor a child struggling with distance learning. The more you give, the more you get.O- Open your mind to other possibilities. Imagine the opportunities presented in this particular moment in time.P - Perspective - Distance yourself from the immediacy of what’s happening. Imagine your circumstances from a distance and on a wider timeline.E - Enjoyment - Enjoy the moments. Look for laughter and joy. Hold on to something you love & appreciate.Resources:Visit Dan’s official websiteWatch Dan's TED TalkWatch Dan with his daughter, Maggie, on Tik TokAdditional Videos:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ubJKI6h7pYhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2oY-dR8zzk

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 advice and practical strategies to harness the adversity of COVID-19 and not just cope, but possibly thrive. Our guest today, Dan Thurmon, advocates for always being a bit “off-balance” in order to achieve greatness and expand our potential. Now, more than ever, as we are all forced out of balance in our daily and professional lives, his philosophy takes on even more importance. Erik and Dave chat with Dan, to hear how he is dealing during this time while isolating with his family in Georgia, and what his life’s work can offer our listeners. Seeing Dan perform and speak on stage is an experience in itself but today we strip those elements away and hear what Dan has to say.Dan Thurmon is the president of Motivation Works, Inc., where he has helped hundreds of organizations and individuals implement action plans and move confidently through transitions. He is a renowned speaker, author, entrepreneur, workplace performance expert, fitness advocate, acrobat, and unicyclist. Dan’s book,  Off Balance On Purpose explains his philosophy that we’ll never achieve “perfect balance”. Instead of chasing this impossible dream, we should learn to embrace uncertainty and initiate positive changes that lead to personal and professional growth. Dan’s multi-dimensional view of success incorporates quality health, strong relationships, and meaningful contributions. His programs have educated and uplifted Fortune 500 companies, educators, and even troops on the front lines of battle in Afghanistan. Top Takeaway (check our No Barriers Podcast page for a downloadable version):H- Helping Others - Focus on helping others. By getting out  of your head and turning your attention to others.  Ideas:  Volunteer to deliver groceries to elderly individuals or those that are  immunocompromised, pass out food at a food bank, tutor a child struggling with distance learning. The more  you give, the more you get.O- Open your mind to other possibilities. Imagine the opportunities that are presented during this unique time. P - Perspective - Distance yourself from the immediacy of what’s happening. Imagine your circumstances from a distance and on a wider timeline. Ideas: Read about past epidemics from history or other historical events.E - Enjoyment - Enjoy the moments. Look for laughter and joy. Hold on to something you love & appreciate.Resources:Visit Dan’s official websiteWatch Dan's TED TalkWatch Dan with his daughter, Maggie on Tik TokAdditional videos:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ubJKI6h7pYhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2oY-dR8zzk

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 nuggets of wisdom during COVID-19. The arts have played a critical role in everyone's lives during this trying time. When crisis occurs, art and music take on a new role in our lives. Whether that is escape, relief, or outlets of creativity, the importance of the arts becomes clear. Dave and Erik speak to two of our No Barriers Ambassadors, Mandy Harvey and Adrian Anantawan, each talented and resilient musical artists to shed some light on the role of art during this pandemic. Born without a right hand, Adrian Anantawan began the violin at nine and has since established himself as a rising star in classical music. Memorable moments include performances at the White House, the Opening Ceremonies of the Athens and Vancouver Olympic Games and the United Nations. He has played for the late Christopher Reeve, Pope John Paul II, and His Holiness the Dalai Lama. He has also helped establish the Virtual Chamber Music Initiative at the Holland Bloorview Kids Rehab Centre — a cross-collaborative project that develops adaptive musical instruments for use by young persons with disabilities within a chamber music setting. Throughout the year, Adrian continues to perform, speak and teach around the world as an advocate for disability and the arts.Mandy Harvey is an award-winning singer, songwriter, and motivational speaker who lost her residual hearing at the age of nineteen while a freshman vocal major at Colorado State University. She pursued multiple career options, but returned to music, her true passion. She quickly became an in-demand performer and has released four albums. In 2017 she appeared on America’s Got Talent and earned a Golden Buzzer from Simon Cowell for performing her original song “Try.” In addition to performing and speaking, Mandy has become an ambassador for No Barriers USA, with a mission to encourage, inspire, and assist others to break through their personal barriers. Sensing the Rhythm is her first book.Resources: Learn more about Mandy on her website:  https://mandyharveymusic.com/Watch Mandy receive the Golden Buzzer on America's Got Talent  Visit Adrian's website: https://www.adriananantawan.com/Watch Adrian give a TED Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gm8gXG3hc5cBelow are practical tips from this broadcast that you can apply to your own life today.1. “Art and Music are the most human things we can do.”- Adrian During this time, art and music are a form of resistance to this inhuman virus. Use music and art as a way to fight against the virus, let it be an outlet to express your emotions and to heal. Learn a new art or craft, play the guitar, or sing out loud to your favorite album. Let this be a time of creativity and innovation.2. “People are understanding the benefit and the power behind having a Rope Team to encourage you and push you forward.” - MandyNow more than ever is a time to reach out to your community. We are going through the same painful and challenging situation, use this commonality as a tool to support one another and lift each other up in positivity and hope.3. “A single note can look insignificant on paper but have the emotional impact and resonance that can change a life.” - AdrianWe all have a role to play during this pandemic whether we are on the frontlines or at home practicing social distancing. Think about how you can help others during this Pandemic. Can you sew masks, pass out food at the food bank, run essential errands for an elderly person? There are so many little activities we can do that can make a world of difference for our family and our community.4. What music would you pick to listen to during this time?Adrian, Rotterdam Philharmonic’s “Ode to Joy” (Beethoven)- https://youtu.be/3eXT60rbBVk- Mandy, Fleetwood Mac’s “Landslide” - https://youtu.be/WM7-PYtXtJMListen to your favorite song, reflect on it, and think about how it may help you and inspire you during this time of uncertainty and fear.  

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 nuggets of wisdom during COVID-19. The arts have played a critical role in everyone's lives during this trying time. When crisis occurs, art and music take on a new role in our lives. Whether that is escape, relief, or outlets of creativity, the importance of the arts becomes clear. Dave and Erik speak to two of our No Barriers Ambassadors, Mandy Harvey and Adrian Anantawan, each talented and resilient musical artists to shed some light on the role of art during this pandemic. Born without a right hand, Adrian Anantawan began the violin at nine and has since established himself as a rising star in classical music. Memorable moments include performances at the White House, the Opening Ceremonies of the Athens and Vancouver Olympic Games and the United Nations. He has played for the late Christopher Reeve, Pope John Paul II, and His Holiness the Dalai Lama. He has also helped establish the Virtual Chamber Music Initiative at the Holland Bloorview Kids Rehab Centre — a cross-collaborative project that develops adaptive musical instruments for use by young persons with disabilities within a chamber music setting. Throughout the year, Adrian continues to perform, speak and teach around the world as an advocate for disability and the arts.Mandy Harvey is an award-winning singer, songwriter, and motivational speaker who lost her residual hearing at the age of nineteen while a freshman vocal major at Colorado State University. She pursued multiple career options, but returned to music, her true passion. She quickly became an in-demand performer and has released four albums. In 2017 she appeared on America’s Got Talent and earned a Golden Buzzer from Simon Cowell for performing her original song “Try.” In addition to performing and speaking, Mandy has become an ambassador for No Barriers USA, with a mission to encourage, inspire, and assist others to break through their personal barriers. Sensing the Rhythm is her first book.Resources: Learn more about Mandy on her website:  https://mandyharveymusic.com/Watch Mandy receive the Golden Buzzer on America's Got Talent  Visit Adrian's website: https://www.adriananantawan.com/Watch Adrian give a TED Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gm8gXG3hc5cBelow are practical tips from this broadcast that you can apply to your own life today.1. “Art and Music are the most human things we can do.”- Adrian During this time, art and music are a form of resistance to this inhuman virus. Use music and art as a way to fight against the virus, let it be an outlet to express your emotions and to heal. Learn a new art or craft, play the guitar, or sing out loud to your favorite album. Let this be a time of creativity and innovation.2. “People are understanding the benefit and the power behind having a Rope Team to encourage you and push you forward.” - MandyNow more than ever is a time to reach out to your community. We are going through the same painful and challenging situation, use this commonality as a tool to support one another and lift each other up in positivity and hope.3. “A single note can look insignificant on paper but have the emotional impact and resonance that can change a life.” - AdrianWe all have a role to play during this pandemic whether we are on the frontlines or at home practicing social distancing. Think about how you can help others during this Pandemic. Can you sew masks, pass out food at the food bank, run essential errands for an elderly person? There are so many little activities we can do that can make a world of difference for our family and our community.4. What music would you pick to listen to during this time?Adrian, Rotterdam Philharmonic’s “Ode to Joy” (Beethoven)- https://youtu.be/3eXT60rbBVk- Mandy, Fleetwood Mac’s “Landslide” - https://youtu.be/WM7-PYtXtJMListen to your favorite song, reflect on it, and think about how it may help you and inspire you during this time of uncertainty and fear.

Welcome to the first episode for our new weekly Alchemy Series, sponsored by Wells Fargo and Prudential. Our No Barriers motto, "What’s Within You is Stronger Than What’s in Your Way”is more relevant now than ever before. We’ll be featuring thought leaders and experts in harnessing adversity. They’ll provide practical guidance, hope, and optimism during these uncertain times. Our hosts, Erik Weihenmayer and Dave Shurna speak with the leading expert in the field of handling adversity: Dr. Paul Stoltz.   DR. PAUL G. STOLTZ is considered the world’s leading authority on the integration and application of grit and resilience. He is author of five international bestselling books on the subject and was voted byHR Magazine as “One of the Top 10 most influential global thinkers.” Dr. Stoltz has served as faculty for MIT’s acclaimed entrepreneurship program and for Carnegie Mellon’s distinguished Global Leaders Program, where his AQ and GRIT- related methods and assessments have been used to equip tomorrow’s leaders and entrepreneurs.Erik, Dave, and Dr. Stoltz discuss his many scientifically backed methods for approaching and harnessing adverse circumstances, or honing your "AQ (Adversity Quotient)." One example is this concept of "Engaging Your Core."C.O.R.E.Control - What is beyond my control in my situation? What facets can I potentially influence?Ownership - What can I personally do to affect this situation immediately and positively?Reach - How can I contain this adversity? How can I minimize the downside or optimize the upside?Endure - How do I break this down and manage it, so that I can hang in for the long term?Listen to hear and learn more.  Continue listening each week and together, we will power through this pandemic and come out stronger.Supplemental Information: Watch Dr. Stoltz's TED Talk.Visit Dr. Stoltz's website and learn more about his principles: Peak Learning.Continue to develop your No Barriers Mindset.Thank you to our generous sponsors, Wells Fargo and Prudential!  

This is our condensed version of this interview. Please tune into episode 40 for the full extended version.Welcome to the first episode for our new weekly Alchemy Series, sponsored by Wells Fargo and Prudential. Our No Barriers motto, "What’s Within You is Stronger Than What’s in Your Way”is more relevant now than ever before. We’ll be featuring thought leaders and experts in harnessing adversity. They’ll provide practical guidance, hope, and optimism during these uncertain times. Our hosts, Erik Weihenmayer and Dave Shurna speak with the leading expert in the field of handling adversity: Dr. Paul Stoltz.   DR. PAUL G. STOLTZ is considered the world’s leading authority on the integration and application of grit and resilience. He is author of five international bestselling books on the subject and was voted byHR Magazine as “One of the Top 10 most influential global thinkers.” Dr. Stoltz has served as faculty for MIT’s acclaimed entrepreneurship program and for Carnegie Mellon’s distinguished Global Leaders Program, where his AQ and GRIT- related methods and assessments have been used to equip tomorrow’s leaders and entrepreneurs.Erik, Dave, and Dr. Stoltz discuss his many scientifically backed methods for approaching and harnessing adverse circumstances, including the concept of "Engaging Your Core."C.O.R.E.Control - What is beyond my control in my situation? What facets can I potentially influence?Ownership - What can I personally do to affect this situation immediately and positively?Reach - How can I contain this adversity? How can I minimize the downside or optimize the upside?Endure - How do I break this down and manage it, so that I can hang in for the long term?Listen to hear and learn more.  Continue listening each week and together, we will power through this pandemic and come out stronger.Additional Information:Watch Dr. Stoltz's TED Talk.Learn more about Dr. Stoltz's principles at PEAK Learning.Continue to develop your No Barriers Mindset.Thank you to our generous sponsors, Wells Fargo and Prudential! 

Content Warning: Profanity and Adult Content Visit Josh's Website to learn more.Following his groundbreaking win on NBC’s Last Comic Standing in 2006, Josh Blue has risen through the ranks to become a well-established headliner at venues throughout the world. In 2018, Josh crushed his set on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. In the same year, he was honored with a performance at the William H. Macy Gala at the prestigious Just for Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal, Canada. He wrapped up 2018 by recording his fifth hour special at his home club, Comedy Works in Denver, CO. Josh does over 200 shows a year, continuing to spread laughter and break down stereotypes of people with disabilities. His stand-up routine is in a constant state of evolution and his off-the-cuff improvisational skills guarantee that no two shows are alike. Critics have said Josh is not a cerebral palsy comic; he’s a comic who happens to have cerebral palsy. However, his closest friends describe him as “a d-bag.”Josh made his television debut on Comedy Central’s Mind of Mencia. His story has been featured on Fox, CBS, ABC, MSNBC,  and CNN.  He was the first comedian to perform stand-up on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, was named Best Winning Reality Show Guest on Live with Regis and Kelly, and made standout appearances on Comics Unleashed.  He has appeared twice on Ron White’s Comedy Salute to the Troops on CMT and made his late night television debut on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson. He became the first comic to premiere a stand-up special on the big screen when 7 More Days in the Tank was shown in movie theaters across the country. It also aired on Bravo Network. Josh starred in Comedy Central Presents: Josh Blue in 2011. His third one-hour special Sticky Change aired on Showtime and Netflix. In 2016, Josh released his fourth one-hour special, DELETE on HULU and Amazon. Josh dropped a music CD Josh Blue and the Hooligan Stew Review  with some original songs. It has been described as “Tom Waits meets the Muppets.” Josh is a repeat guest on such nationally syndicated radio programs as NPR’s Talk of the Nation, The Mancow Show, and numerous podcasts including Getting Doug with High, and WTF with Mark Maron. He has been featured in numerous print publications including People Magazine and The New York Times. Josh is all over social media with over 1 million views on his YouTube clips and almost one million followers on Facebook. Josh represented the United States in 8 countries as a member of the US Paralympic Soccer Team. Josh and his team were thoroughly disgraced in the 2004 Paralympic Games in Athens, Greece by not scoring a single goal.He is a single father living in Denver, CO with his son, Simon and his daughter, Seika. He also boasts a girlfriend.Follow Josh on Facebook: @officialjoshblue Follow Josh on Instagram: @joshbluecomedySubscribe and follow Josh on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/joshbluetube

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 successful dog training businesses in Connecticut and Colorado and currently owns DoggyU LLC where she runs a popular YouTube channel and helps owners train their own service dogs. Her YouTube channel, DoggyU, brings practical, positive reinforcement-based step-by-step training instruction to those who may not otherwise have access to it. Her channel also covers product reviews, dog lifestyle videos, service dog training, and dog and van travel videos. Laura has performed with her dogs all over the country, spoken at national and state conferences, and her dogs have appeared in print media ads. Laura is a certified guide dog instructor and placement specialist for Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation where she trains and places German Shepherd Guide Dogs with clients throughout the US and Canada. She holds a BA in Business and Entrepreneurship and a Masters degree in Public Administration with a certification in Public and Non-Profit Management from the University of Connecticut.Outside of her career, Laura enjoys traveling in her van with her two dogs, Jake and CoolWhip, visiting national parks, hiking solo or with her husband, playing disc, training tricks, herding, bikejoring and jogging with her dogs, and generally exploring everything the US has to offer. She has officially visited all 50 states! Fun Facts about Laura:- she placed her first guide dog she ever trained with her father (his first guide dog)- she gave up a corporate internship to shovel poop at White Oak Conservation Center where she worked with hoof stock (zebra, bongo, giraffe etc.), cheetahs and more- she didn’t own a dog until she was hired at Fidelco at age 22 - She loves to take extended trips living in her van up to 2 months at a time exploring the US with one or both dogsSubscribe to Laura's YouTube Channel for the latest dog training tips, enrichment and travel advice.Follow Laura and DoggyU on FacebookVisit Laura's website for more.Learn more about Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation 

TAPOOZ TRAVELLaurent Roffé and Aïcha Nyström are the husband-and-wife team behind Tapooz Travel.Prior to founding their accessible travel company in 2012, their diverse professional backgrounds included architecture, technology, business consulting, design and photography. Aïcha and Laurent have lived, worked and traveled across Europe, Africa, South America, the Middle East and the United States.They have been involved with the disability community for many years, including volunteering as accessible outdoors expeditions trip leaders. Since the inception of Tapooz Travel in 2012, Aïcha and Laurent have organized accessible trips for hundreds of clients, from individuals and families, to small group travel. Today, the company operates in over 27 (and growing) carefully selected destinations in the US, Canada and worldwide.Their deep experience and hands-on expertise translate into the ability to customize accessible trips to the specific requirements and budget of their travelers.  Tapooz Travel is a member of ENAT, the European Network for Accessible Tourism.Learn  more and book a trip with Tapooz.Follow Tapooz on Facebook here.Sign up for updates on the No Barriers Summit and join us in September.

Ryan spoke to our hosts, Erik, Dave, and Jeff, about his own personal journey that has inspired his following his life's passion to bring recognition, agency, and awareness to the stories of migrants and refugees around the world. 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 to CEO of his own organization has taught him a thing or two about luck, grit, and survival. While living and going to school in the Bronx, Ryan was awarded the Posse Foundation Scholarship. This recognition paved the way for a Fulbright, which he then used to launch the One Laptop Per Child program in the Philippines. His team launched and piloted the country’s first one-to-one digital learning program in rural communities.Today, as the founder and CEO of NextDayBetter, a media company that exists to humanize the migrant experience. With the goal of creating the world’s largest library of migrant stories, the company seeks to reimagine migrants, immigrants, and refugees as a benefit to humanity. Its agency arm, NextDayBetter Studios, partners with mission-aligned brands (such as AARP and Mailchimp) to launch award-winning campaigns that engage multicultural, immigrant communities.Continuing his work as an entrepreneur and storyteller, Ryan also serves as a Google Next Gen Policy Fellow focused on advocating for inclusive tech policies. He is a Fulbright Scholar, Posse Foundation Alumnus, and serves on the Board of Trustees of Wheaton College Massachusetts.Follow Ryan and NextDayBetter here:On Twitter: https://twitter.com/rletada On Instagram: ​www.instagram.com/rletada  ​& www.instagram.com/nextdaybetter On Facebook: ​www.facebook.com/nextdaybetter Check out the Website: ​www.nextdaybetter.comAdditional Reading:Check out Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari