Turning the lights back on - overcoming paralysis with Aaron Baker
Release Date: 01/07/2021
Vicki Roberts: Thriving Beyond Anorexia (Deep Dive)
Tales to Inspire
Join Vicki Roberts on a journey of resilience and empowerment as she shares her inspiring story of overcoming mental health challenges to thrive as an entrepreneur. Originally from Milton Keynes, Vicki's relocation to Manchester at 18 marked the beginning of a tumultuous path filled with struggles and triumphs. Despite facing battles with anorexia and self-harm, Vicki found her strength in entrepreneurship. Today, she is the driving force behind A Balanced Collective, a company dedicated to optimising operations for business growth. In this candid discussion, Vicki opens up about her journey,...
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Vicki Roberts: Unpacking Mental Health vs Mental Illness (Bite Size)
Tales to Inspire
Feeling stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed? You're absolutely not alone. In this episode, we explore the key difference between mental health and mental illness, helping you understand your own wellbeing and how to support others. Here's what you'll learn: What mental health REALLY means: It's not just about treating issues, but about nurturing your psychological well-being, just like taking care of your physical health. Recognising signs of mental illness: We'll discuss common symptoms and when to seek professional help. Breaking the stigma and having open conversations: Learn how...
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Pete Sincock: Finding Strength on Two Wheels (Deep Dive)
Tales to Inspire
In this episode, we delve into the remarkable story of Pete Sincock, a survivor who overcame adversity through resilience and human connection. Join us as we explore Pete's challenging childhood, marred by trauma, yet fueled by his unwavering passion for football. Despite facing numerous obstacles, Pete's determination remained steadfast. Discover how a serendipitous encounter at the Yes Tribe's Yestival event became a catalyst for Pete's transformation. From cycling across countries to supporting mental health initiatives, Pete's journey exemplifies the power of community and kindness. Tune...
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Pete Sincock: Navigating the Mental Health Spectrum (Bite Size)
Tales to Inspire
Welcome back to our bite size episode with Pete Sincock! In this episode, Pete delves into the intricate nuances of mental health and the crucial role it plays in our lives. Key Points: Understanding Mental Health: Pete emphasizes that mental health isn't just about extreme cases; it's a spectrum that ranges from moments of euphoria to darker thoughts and struggles. Community Support: He highlights the importance of community and societal support in nurturing better mental health. Pete stresses that everyone, regardless of gender, needs a support system to lean on during tough times. ...
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Alex Winstanley: Inclusion Matters (Deep Dive)
Tales to Inspire
Segment 1: True Education and Empowerment Founder Alex Winstanley shares his personal journey and the driving force behind the creation of Happy Smiles: witnessing the systemic marginalization of disabled individuals. Discuss the importance of amplifying the voices of marginalized communities and empowering them to create change. Segment 2: From Passion to Purpose Alex's upbringing in Wigan and how the shared experience of feeling marginalized fueled his determination to make a difference. Transformational moments in Alex's life, from his passion for rugby to volunteering with...
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Alex Winstanley: Breaking Barriers and a Quest for Inclusive Communities (Bite Size)
Tales to Inspire
In this episode, Alex Winstanley delves into the core motivations driving his work in disability inclusion and broader societal inclusion. He reflects on the marginalisation of disabled individuals over the past decade, citing a lack of opportunities and recognition as key issues. Alex emphasises the importance of giving voice and value to diverse communities, acknowledging that many feel marginalised and unworthy due to systemic inequalities. He criticizes governmental systems that perpetuate privilege while neglecting to support marginalised groups adequately. Alex highlights the harmful...
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Jenny Dakosta Van Mputu: My Life as an Activist, Asylum Seeker, and UK Resident (Deep Dive)
Tales to Inspire
Meet Jenny Dakosta Van Mputu, a 48-year-old man from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Early Activism: Learn about Jenny's activism against injustice, lack of freedom, and corruption under Mobutu's oppressive regime in the Congo. Challenges and Struggles: Explore Jenny's journey as an asylum seeker in the UK, facing bureaucratic hurdles, homelessness, and legal battles. Resilience and Determination: Discover how Jenny's unwavering spirit propelled him forward despite the odds, leading to a transformative journey of survival and perseverance. Community...
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Jenny Dakosta Van Mputu: Navigating Challenges as a Refugee (Bite Size)
Tales to Inspire
In this episode, we hear from Jenny Dakosta Van Mputu, a refugee who shares his personal journey through adversity and resilience. Facing homelessness in British society, Jenny recounts the struggles of not knowing where to start or how to communicate in a foreign land. Jenny emphasises the importance of support, especially from organisations in Manchester, highlighting the difficulties of transportation due to financial constraints. He expresses gratitude for the kindness of British people encountered along the way, noting the crucial role of community support in navigating the...
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Yatin Mistry: Being Your Authentic Self (Deep Dive)
Tales to Inspire
In this episode, we delve into the remarkable journey of Yatin Mistry, a proud, gay, British Indian whose story of self-discovery and acceptance shines a light on the complexities of identity and the power of resilience. Growing Up in Essex: Yatin recounts his upbringing in 1980s Essex, where racism was pervasive and societal norms pressured him to conform to a whitewashed ideal. He internalised this racism, feeling ashamed of his own identity and striving to fit into a mold that didn't truly represent him. A Shift in Perspective: At age 14, Yatin's worldview shifted when he learned about...
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Yatin Mistry: Embracing Diversity (Bite Size)
Tales to Inspire
In this bite size episode with Yatin Mistry, the discussion delves into the concept of community, particularly focusing on the experiences of those who belong to marginalised groups. The conversation is centred around Yatin's perspective, who sheds light on various aspects of identity and prejudice within communities. Queer Community and Prejudice: Yatin highlights the challenges faced by individuals within the queer community, emphasising how they often endure prejudice due to their minority status. Drawing parallels, Yatin relates this to the experience of being a person of colour in...
info_outline“I was on a ventilator and my lungs filled with fluid and I flatlined… I remember that moment and it is probably the most special and most profound experience I have ever had, where all my fear and anxiety began to merge. “
Aaron was the number 1 biker in the USA and then one day in 1999 his life changed forever.
His motorcycle malfunctioned over a large jump and when after impacting the ground head first he realised that he was in trouble. As quickly as flicking a light switch off his neck was broken and all electricity to his body ceased.
He had broken his neck and told that he had a one in a million chance of ever moving any body part below his neck.
It was an absolute miracle that he was alive, but his Recovery is not miraculous, it was hard ass work. He talks about the importance of hard work and that the true miracle is that any of us are here today.
After 2 decades of recovery, Aaron has also done some truly inspirational challenges, such as cycling in tandem with his mother across America in 2007, that took 3 and a half months and even walked 20 miles though Death Valley, for someone who was told they would never be able to move is quite remarkable.
Aarons biggest low was when he found himself at the edge of a swimming pool in his electric wheelchair and at the edge of a swimming pool, ready to end his life. He felt like he was a burden, he couldn’t handle the change and he felt so confined in his body, with his mind and body so far away from being in sync. He talks about his struggles with his own darkness, but he realised that sometimes you have to hit rock bottom before pushing yourself back up.
This is a truly remarkable episode of hope, recovery, hardwork and so much more.
Resources:
Aarons Amazon Prime Documentary - Coming to My Senses
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