No Barriers

Part 6 of our Alchemy Series (sponsored by Prudential and Wells Fargo):Our hosts, Erik and Jeff, meet with Rebecca Rusch - a familiar face from the adventure scene.  Rebecca speaks about her journey "home" and what that means in this pivotal moment in history. Known as the “Queen of Pain” with a heart of gold, Rebecca Rusch is a multi-decade professional athlete and 7x World Champion. Her career includes numerous adventure sports, and countless wins and accolades including induction into the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame. In 2017, Rebecca released an Emmy award-winning feature film, Blood Road, which followed her personal journey along the 1,200 kilometer Ho Chi Minh Trail. Now, as CEO of Rusch Ventures, she hosts her signature gravel bike event, Rebecca’s Private Idaho (RPI), Rusch Academy backcountry gravel camps, and her epic travel adventure MTB-LAO. She is also the best selling author of Rusch to Glory, a world-renowned motivational speaker, and volunteer firefighter. Finally, her Be Good™ Foundation, a nonprofit organization has raised over $500,000 for bike-centric charities on a local, national, and global level.Join Rebecca for her Giddy Up for Good Challenge for COVID-19 Relief. Choose from four elevation challenges to complete over Memorial Day Weekend. Proceeds go to CDC, World Bicycle Relief, and People for Bikes.Watch Rebecca's TED Talk: Navigating HomeLearn more on Rebecca's WebsiteFollow Rebecca on Social Media with hashtag: #JoinTheRuschDownload our tip sheet for this episode on NoBarriersPodcast.com

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 are younger people adapting during this time? After all, Gen Z is notably affected: missing graduation ceremonies, virtual learning replacing the classroom entirely, proms, and other milestone moments being called off - we wanted to hear how someone in this demographic was responding to this moment in time. This past Earth Day, our guest was Maya Penn - a suitable fit as Maya has been working in sustainability for 12 years and she started her eco-fashion company in 2008 at only 8 years old. She has been hand chosen by Oprah Winfrey as her youngest Supersoul 100 changemaker and thought leader and received a commendation from President Barack Obama for outstanding achievement in environmental stewardship. Maya made history in 2016 during the Obama administration when she was commissioned to create an animated film for the opening of the first-ever digital report to congress, which was to have an American museum of Women’s History built in Washington. She also founded a nonprofit organization called Maya's Ideas 4 The Planet and started an ongoing initiative where she designed and has created eco-friendly sanitary pads for women/girls in developing countries and she has shipped pads to healthcare facilities in Haiti, Senegal, Somalia, and more. Maya is clearly someone who takes action and has never let her young age dictate how she will conquer her goals. Her lessons in this episode are poignant for any time in our lives but she honed in on some of the trauma and despair that is happening now and how to harness this adversity. Her simple advice to take small steps toward any goal, or to look for the many available resources now made easily accessible for all online is helpful for a listener of any page. For more tips and ideas go to NoBarriers.com for a downloadable tip sheet. A special shout out to Wells Fargo and Prudential: our generous Alchemy Series sponsors. Additional Resources:Follow Maya on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook: @mayasideasMayas Ideas 4 The PlanetTEDTalk Women from 2013Show Page

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 are younger people adapting during this time? After all, Gen Z is notably affected: missing graduation ceremonies, virtual learning replacing the classroom entirely, proms, and other milestone moments being called off - we wanted to hear how someone in this demographic was responding to this moment in time. This past Earth Day, our guest was Maya Penn - a suitable fit as Maya has been working in sustainability for 12 years and she started her eco-fashion company in 2008 at only 8 years old. She has been hand chosen by Oprah Winfrey as her youngest Supersoul 100 change maker and thought leader and received a commendation from President Barack Obama for outstanding achievement in environmental stewardship. Maya made history in 2016 during the Obama administration when she was commissioned to create an animated film for the opening of the first-ever digital report to congress, which was to have an American museum of Women’s History built in Washington. She also founded a nonprofit organization called Maya's Ideas 4 The Planet and started an ongoing initiative where she designed and has created eco-friendly sanitary pads for women/girls in developing countries and she has shipped pads to healthcare facilities in Haiti, Senegal, Somalia, and more. Maya is clearly someone who takes action and has never let her young age dictate how she will conquer her goals. Her lessons in this episode are poignant for any time in our lives but she honed in on some of the trauma and despair that is happening now and how to harness this adversity. Her simple advice to take small steps toward any goal, or to look for the many available resources now made easily accessible for all online is helpful for a listener of any page. For more tips and ideas go to NoBarriers.com for a downloadable tip sheet. A special shout out to Wells Fargo and Prudential: our generous Alchemy Series sponsors. Additional Resources:Follow Maya on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook: @mayasideasMaya’s Ideas 4 The Planet TEDWomen talk from 2013Show Page

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 co-founder, Hugh Herr. In his early 20s, Hugh had both of his legs amputated after a tragic mountain climbing accident. An avid rock-climber, he was determined to return to the sport. Hugh created new iterations of prosthetic limbs for legs and feet he could use to climb even better than before. Watch some of his videos in the resources below to see his technology in action. Inspired by his own self-improvement through tech he set out to change the world for others. Now, Hugh heads the Biomechatronics group at the MIT Media Lab, where his team is creating bionic limbs that emulate the function of natural limbs; providing greater mobility and new hope to those with physical disabilities. He is the author and co-author of more than 150 peer-reviewed papers and patents, chronicling the science and technology behind his many innovations. These publications span the scientific fields of biomechanics and biological motion control, as well as the technological innovations of human rehabilitation and augmentation technologies. As published in the Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation in 2014, Herr’s team advanced the first autonomous exoskeleton to reduce the metabolic cost of human walking, a goal that has eluded scientists for over a century. Takeaways from Hugh:Tip 1: Pause to Process this Moment in TimeRecognize the current situation you live in. Embrace what you are feeling and take a moment to understand what others in your life are going through in light of this pandemic. Examine how you should invest your energy and time now and in the future. If this means not working (if you are able) then take a break. Now is the time to reset.Tip 2 - Perform Acts of Good Will & Strengthen Human Connection During these uncertain times, look beyond yourself and your fears. Find ways to help others and demonstrate kindness. For example: reach out to senior citizens, sew masks for first responders, or donate goods or funds to your local food bank.Right now there is a lack of human connections which can cause a lack of empathy. By performing small acts of kindness, you are reminding others of the goodness and love in the world.Tip 3 - Rethink FailureWhen testing new ideas in his lab, Hugh emphasizes that failure is common. Reframing those failures as explorations that help bring them closer to their goal.  Each new failed experiment is not a waste of time but rather provides new knowledge and information to bring them one step closer to their vision and desired outcome. What perceived “failure” in your own life can you reassess with this mindset? For example, maybe a job loss due to the pandemic, make you reevaluate your future career aspirations.Tip 4 - “Believe Without Seeing”In order to achieve a goal that others might see as impossible, you must have faith in yourself, your vision, and be emotionally committed. Hugh’s work has often been considered groundbreaking and unthinkable before he demonstrated it was possible. When faced with a difficult or daunting goal ignore the naysayers, and have faith in yourself. What audacious goals can you set for yourself? After you’ve had time to process and reflect, what are some takeaways you’ve learned about yourself over these last few weeks?  Perhaps the current situation makes you realize the importance of family or finding a new career path. Use this time to put a plan in place for refocusing your attention on what matters most to you in the upcoming year.  Develop your No Barriers Mindset! Enroll now: www.nobarriersleadership.com/join Resources:NoBarriersPodcast.com for a downloadable Tip SheetCheck out Hugh’s Vineyard: Mermaid Hill Hugh Herr's story has been told in a National Geographic film, “Ascent: The Story of Hugh Herr” Hugh Herr's page at MITTED talk 2014 No Barriers Leading Beyond Barriers video: PioneerFurther Reading on 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 co-founder, Hugh Herr. In his early 20s, Hugh had both of his legs amputated after a tragic mountain climbing accident. An avid rock-climber, he was determined to return to the sport. Hugh created new iterations of prosthetic limbs for legs and feet he could use to climb even better than before. Watch some of his videos in the resources below to see his technology in action. Inspired by his own self-improvement through tech he set out to change the world for others. Now, Hugh heads the Biomechatronics group at the MIT Media Lab, where his team is creating bionic limbs that emulate the function of natural limbs; providing greater mobility and new hope to those with physical disabilities. He is the author and co-author of more than 150 peer-reviewed papers and patents, chronicling the science and technology behind his many innovations. These publications span the scientific fields of biomechanics and biological motion control, as well as the technological innovations of human rehabilitation and augmentation technologies. As published in the Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation in 2014, Herr’s team advanced the first autonomous exoskeleton to reduce the metabolic cost of human walking, a goal that has eluded scientists for over a century. Takeaways from Hugh:Tip 1: Pause to Process this Moment in TimeRecognize the current situation you live in. Embrace what you are feeling and take a moment to understand what others in your life are going through in light of this pandemic. Examine how you should invest your energy and time now and in the future. If this means not working (if you are able) then take a break. Now is the time to reset.Tip 2 - Perform Acts of Good Will & Strengthen Human Connection During these uncertain times, look beyond yourself and your fears. Find ways to help others and demonstrate kindness. For example: reach out to senior citizens, sew masks for first responders, or donate goods or funds to your local food bank.Right now there is a lack of human connections which can cause a lack of empathy. By performing small acts of kindness, you are reminding others of the goodness and love in the world.Tip 3 - Rethink FailureWhen testing new ideas in his lab, Hugh emphasizes that failure is common. Reframing those failures as explorations that help bring them closer to their goal.  Each new failed experiment is not a waste of time but rather provides new knowledge and information to bring them one step closer to their vision and desired outcome. What perceived “failure” in your own life can you reassess with this mindset? For example, maybe a job loss due to the pandemic, make you reevaluate your future career aspirations.Tip 4 - “Believe Without Seeing”In order to achieve a goal that others might see as impossible, you must have faith in yourself, your vision, and be emotionally committed. Hugh’s work has often been considered groundbreaking and unthinkable before he demonstrated it was possible. When faced with a difficult or daunting goal ignore the naysayers, and have faith in yourself. What audacious goals can you set for yourself? After you’ve had time to process and reflect, what are some takeaways you’ve learned about yourself over these last few weeks?  Perhaps the current situation makes you realize the importance of family or finding a new career path. Use this time to put a plan in place for refocusing your attention on what matters most to you in the upcoming year.  Develop your No Barriers Mindset! Enroll now: www.nobarriersleadership.com/join Resources:NoBarriersPodcast.com for a downloadable Tip SheetCheck out Hugh’s Vineyard: Mermaid HillHugh Herr's story has been told in a National Geographic film, “Ascent: The Story of Hugh Herr” Hugh Herr's page at MITTED talk 2014No Barriers Leading Beyond Barriers video: PioneerFurther Reading on Hugh Herr

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!