No Barriers

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 congr

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 cong

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 spa

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 spa

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

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 renown

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

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

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 a

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 P

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 televis

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 Adm

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 o

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 reim

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 and his team cross continents - from the lowest point to highest summit, starting with South America.But André's story began in 2003 when, as a 23 year old student in Prague, he wound up on the tracks in front of an oncoming subway train. His injuries required both of his legs to be amputated above the knee. After his recovery he still returned to Prague to resume his studies, but it was a long road to recovery - both physically and emotionally. He wrestled with his inner demons and the choices he made that had led him to be in this situation. He speaks in depth about the mindset and steps it took to bring him to where is today in his athletic achievements. André’s journey taught him that he is always capable of more. In 2010 he became an ultra endurance pioneer, a Team USA Paratriethlete, an Ironman World Champion, and the only wheelchair athlete to finish an Ultra

Our hosts, Erik and Jeff, sit down with our first No Barriers Podcast guest of 2020, Anne Lorimor. Erik and Jeff had just both returned from their own adventures in Nepal and were fighting jet lag and the come down of an epic trip but as Jeff puts it: Anne was the cup of coffee they needed.Anne is a goal setting achiever at heart. She holds numerous degrees, including an RN, "as a backup career choice," and never stops pushing her limits to achieve what others see as impossible. Anne keeps up her fitness with hiking around her hometown and around the world; all with the goal of not just aging gracefully but to break records. At age 85, she broke the record for being the oldest woman to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro, the highest free-standing mountain in the world.  Her record was soon broken, so at age 89, she returned to the mountain to reclaim the record.  In July of 2019, she became the oldest person to summit Mount Kilimanjaro, giving her a place in the 2020 Guinness Book of World Records.  But Anne doesn't just

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 custom financial planning that delves into and simplifies even the most complex situations. Gena also happens to be blind and has spent her entire adult life proving that limitations are simply hurdles to be cleared.  She made the US National Para cycling Team in 2012 and won a bronze medal in the National Disabled Ski Championships. She cycles, bikes, whitewater rafts, rock climbs, skateboards, practices yoga and has even tried cliff diving. She has won numerous awards including being the first recipient of The Glaucoma Foundation Award of Merit, the Women of Vision Award, the American Foundation for the Blind Kay Gallagher Award, and was recognized by Morgan Stanley as one of the 15 outstanding women professionals in 2015. She is passionate about empowering others, and improving the lives of people with many kinds of disabilities, n

Hosts, Dave Shurna and Jeff Evans, speak with School Leader's, Jan Harrison and Jason Malone of the Compass Community Collaborative School. The Compass School is a tuition-free charter school located in Fort Collins, Colorado. Students learn through active and engaging real-world projects — and graduate with a plan, a portfolio, and the tools to make a positive impact.Today we are speaking with school leader, Jan Harrison, and assistant school lead, Jason Malone. Jan has an extensive background in education with three master’s degrees, two in science and one in Educational Leadership, as well as a principal’s license and served for 15 years as a public education as a high school classroom teacher, a department leader, a Dean of Students, and as a district-wide high school interventions facilitator. She is highly qualified and committed to facilitate the work of a team of creative thoughtful, and energetic change agents who are committed to writing the next chapter in public education. Jason also has two decad

Today we have a special episode for you. We are sharing some one on one interviews with No Barriers Summit participants from this past June at Lake Tahoe. Our host, Jeff Evans, took a “man on the street” approach and got firsthand accounts from various folks to talk about their personal experiences. He spoke with Veterans, teachers, coaches, parents and many more people who were taking part in different activities to get their feedback and their personal takeaways.Jeff meets up with Lanelle, a participant who just took part in the No Barriers activity: The Amazing Race. Like the show on TV teams move through various obstacles and work together to complete the challenges. The No Barriers version is all accessible and you might be paired up with a blind person, someone who is using a wheelchair, or a family of 4! The half day event proves that these physical differences aren't important when you unite around a common Vision. Lanelle is taking part in the No Barriers Warriors (she's a special educator) and hopes

Dave and Erik interviewed No Barriers supporters, business leaders, and co-founders of AFAR Media, Joe Diaz and Greg Sullivan for this episode’s podcast.  AFAR Media is a critically acclaimed, multi-platform media company. Founded by Diaz and co-founder Greg Sullivan in 2009, AFAR inspires, guides, and enables the world’s best travelers to have deeper, richer, and more fulfilling experiences. AFAR’s innovative and award-winning platforms include AFAR Magazine, AFAR.com, AFAR Experiences, AFAR in Residence, and AFAR Conversations. Ten years ago, when they launched AFAR Media, they also joined forces with No Barriers Youth to also launch Learning AFAR, which provides travel experiences to high school students from low income families. Over 1,500 students have been given life changing experiences through this joint program. Greg started his career as a corporate securities attorney and later an investment banker before launching a series of successful entrepreneurial ventures, including the world’s largest selli