Erik Weihenmayer has a lot in common with our guest today John Bramblitt. Both are blind. Both are trailblazing adventurers. One’s summited Everest, the other’s become a world-recognized painter.  Whether you’re facing a giant mountain or a blank canvas, it’s NOT magic—it’s sweat, perseverance, and innovation. You’ll fail a lot.

John’s failures and the innovation that resulted from those, led the creation a unique way of painting. What if you could feel color? John does. His artistic and accurate rendering of people with vivid colors and textures is remarkable. He paints both small and large. Including murals that sweep across buildings and one of his works was even wrapped onto the entirety of a Boeing 737.  Curious how you paint without sight, or how John turned visions of the world into incredible works of art—using his sense of touch and innovative painting techniques?

• Adapted website: https://adaptedthefilm.com/ 
• Adapted Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adaptedthefilm/
• Paul Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pbikis/
• Josh Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livin_wheel_life/

This isn’t just another story about overcoming obstacles—it’s a firsthand look at how technology, advocacy, and good old adventure can transform lives. Cody, a recent high school grad shares how technology like her communication device—affectionately called her “talker”—has been a literal game-changer in giving her a vibrant, independent voice. She brings a refreshing perspective on independence, friendship, and living life to the fullest. Jen, her equally unstoppable mom, shares a wealth of wisdom on building support systems and making the outdoors accessible for all.

TAKEAWAYS

Assistive Technology Transforms Lives: Codi’s journey with communication devices, starting from simple recorded-message tools to advanced iPad-based apps, demonstrates how accessible technology can open new pathways for self-expression, connection, and independence.

Outdoor Adventure Is for Everyone: Jen and Codi shared how their family makes recreation accessible—from camping in yurts and adaptive skiing to river rafting and biking. With teamwork and ingenuity, they’re redefining what’s possible, not just for Codi, but for others in their community.

Advocacy & Community Matter: The Mendenhalls’ commitment to advocacy—through speaking, volunteering, and building “Team Codi”—shows the profound impact of finding (and creating!) supportive networks. Their advice? Advocate fiercely and help others navigate the journey.

The conversation explores not only the grit and technology behind adaptive sports and modern prosthetics, but also the emotional landscape of recovery, mentorship, and finding purpose after trauma. From the details behind a touching tribute film to Terry Fox—where Adam had to painstakingly reenact Fox’s signature running gait—to lessons learned in coaching, mental performance, and helping others move from surviving to thriving, this episode is packed with authentic, heartfelt insights.

Julie and Kyle Taulman—a powerhouse mother-son duo whose story is full of courage, humor, and straight-up innovation in the world of adaptive sports.  Together, they open up about resilience, family, and the innovative world of adaptive sports—from NSCD’s wild west beginnings on the slopes of Winter Park to the cutting edge of inclusive technology and advocacy today This episode is packed with honest anecdotes, practical advice for families navigating disability, and a celebration of what’s possible when you approach life with a “no barriers” mindset.

You’ll hear about the the complex nature of moral injury, and how service, faith, and a sense of purpose healed him—and helped him pay it forward in extraordinary ways. Whether you’re a veteran, someone facing an invisible challenge, or just looking for inspiration, you’re in the right place.

Connect with Eric Donoho

Canyon of Hope book: https://www.amazon.com/Canyon-Hope-Darkness-Embracing-Within/dp/1962956253

Eric's website: https://ericdonoho.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ebdonoho

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ebdonoho/

An unprecedented unit of World War Two climbers and skiers, the 10th was dispatched to fight axis powers in extreme cold and mountainous terrain. Not only were their efforts critical to Germany’s surrender, these veterans returned home to develop ski areas across the country, and start companies like Nike and National Outdoor Leadership School.

Erik and Christian are about to blast open some history, challenge your assumptions, and remind us all what it means to build something extraordinary when the world needs it most. 

This episode dives into the raw, messy, and ultimately transformative terrain between suffering and awakening—a journey that’s anything but straightforward. Traver Boehm. His story is wild—think: MMA fighter by day, acupuncturist by night, and years later, a man who spent a month alone in complete darkness to confront the deepest parts of himself. In between he navigated professional heartbreak, devastating personal loss, and a year devoted to living as if it were his last. If you’re ready to challenge your own assumptions about pain, healing, and the human spirit—or searching for a map to navigate your own tough terrain—this episode promises insight, inspiration, and true no-barriers wisdom.

Let's go to the Appalachian Trail. The AT as it’s called. Here’s some stats. At just under 2200 miles It’s longest hiking-only footpath in the world. Each year roughly 3 million people visit a segment of it. Of that, about 3000 people attempt to hike the whole thing… with only fraction finishing.  Last year 1 of those finishers did it faster than anyone else. Thru-hiking the AT typically takes about 4-7 months, Tara Dower did in just 40 days.

Tara shares the highs and lows of her journey. She opens up about what drives her to keep moving forward, the importance of curiosity and confidence, and the value of learning to suffer with purpose.