A Leg Up On Life

A Leg Up On Life is the podcast that take success to a whole new level. The host, Roni Sasaki, a Paralympic Gold Medalist in ski racing, interviews high achieving guests with disabilities. They will inspire and encourage listeners to push through all obstacles to reach their goals.

#60 Jake French 12/18/2022

#60 Jake French In this final episode of A Leg Up On Life, Jake French shares how he lives life to the fullest from a wheelchair. Jake is a professional speaker, inventor, hunter, and fisherman. Fourteen years ago, in a freak accident, Jake broke his neck and became paralyzed from his collarbone down. His life has turned out differently than planned, but he continues to look ahead and set goals. The title of his book sums up Jake's attitude, "Life Happens - Live It!" /episode/index/show/ronisasaki/id/25362078

#59 Laurie Hayn 11/27/2022

#59 Laurie Hayn Four years ago, on September 18, 2018, Laurie Hayn lost her left arm and leg in a farming accident. Up to then, she was an active outdoors person, having hiked 100 miles of the Appalachian Trail three years in a row. Laurie's positive attitude and the loving support of her husband and family helped her quickly recover and adapt. /episode/index/show/ronisasaki/id/25140330

#58 Nicole Ver Kuilen & Dee Palagi 10/17/2022

#58 Nicole Ver Kuilen & Dee Palagi Nicole Ver Kuilen & Dee Palagi led a team of adaptive athletes in the 2022 Hood to Coast relay, a 200-mile journey in Oregon from the base of Mt. Hood to the Pacific Ocean. Both women are below-the-knee amputees and outspoken advocates for individuals with disabilities, particularly children, to have full access to athletic-quality prosthetics and orthotics. In this episode of "A Leg Up On Life," you will hear about their historic Hood to Coast team and their passion for anyone with a disability to be able to live an active lifestyle. /episode/index/show/ronisasaki/id/24716511

#57 Mary Riddell-Bowman 09/29/2022

#57 Mary Riddell-Bowman Mary Riddell-Bowman was born without her right lower leg and began skiing on her prosthetic leg at age four. Mary qualified for the U.S. Disabled Ski Team when she was fourteen. She raced with the national team from 1994 - 2003, competing in two Paralympics and World Championships. Along the way, she racked up numerous medals, winning two gold, two silver, and two bronze at both the Paralympics and the World Championships. Mary's impressive racing career will inspire you to achieve your goals. /episode/index/show/ronisasaki/id/24538026

#56 Michael Belew 08/21/2022

#56 Michael Belew Michael Belew broke his neck after diving into a wave while taking a break from his intense military training. He is currently paralyzed from the chest down but hopes to one day regain the use of his body. Two years after his accident, Michael keeps a positive outlook on life by surrounding himself with supportive friends and family and focusing on all that is good. He will inspire you to overcome and adapt to life's challenges. /episode/index/show/ronisasaki/id/24124665

#55 Mark Mohammadpour 07/29/2022

#55 Mark Mohammadpour Mark Mohammadpour lost 150 pounds and has kept it off for 15 years. He went from a public relations executive to the Chief Well-Being Officer of Chasing the Sun. He transformed his negative mindset into one of positivity and possibility. Mark now coaches individuals and corporations to take small incremental steps to create sustainable changes over time. Mark's numerous certifications give him the credibility to help others get A Leg Up on Life. /episode/index/show/ronisasaki/id/23900379

#54 Colleen Young 06/29/2022

#54 Colleen Young Colleen Young knows how to adapt. She was born with Albinism, a condition that affects her eyesight and makes her legally blind. Colleen tried numerous sports as a youngster but thrived at competitive swimming. Colleen is a 3-time Paralympic swimming champion, winning silver and bronze medals at the 2022 Paralympics in Tokyo. At her first Paralympics in 2012, Colleen was only 14, the youngest competitor at that event. Since then, she has set numerous records and won many medals. At age 23, she has achieved more than she once thought possible. /episode/index/show/ronisasaki/id/23582066

#53 Andrew Kurka 05/14/2022

#53 Andrew Kurka Paralympic Gold Medalist, Andrew Kurka, is making his second appearance on "A Leg Up On Life." In this episode, Andrew recaps his experience at the 2022 Beijing Paralympics, emphasizing his philosophy of "No Regrets!" He also talks about his new marriage, business, and life as a professional ski racer. Andrew's story will inspire you to live with tenacity, determination, and hard work. /episode/index/show/ronisasaki/id/23111717

#52 Mimo Pearl 03/29/2022

#52 Mimo Pearl Mimo Pearl nearly broke off her foot when a ladder collapsed underneath her. She has undergone numerous surgeries and treatments for almost a year to save her foot. Before her accident, Mimo was a healer and a Footzone Practitioner. She is a positive force of love and laughter to those who have given her care. She will impress upon you the importance of mindset and staying grounded for recovery and resiliency. /episode/index/show/ronisasaki/id/22608803

#51 Kendra Herber 02/27/2022

#51 Kendra Herber Kendra Herber was born missing part of her foot. Her parents decided to amputate the foot when she was two years old. It was a decision that worked in Kendra's favor, allowing her to be a "normal" kid. In this episode, she shares living life as an amputee and feeling "WHOLE." /episode/index/show/ronisasaki/id/22267097

#50 Kellie Delabitoria 01/22/2022

#50 Kellie Delabitoria Kellie Delabitoria is a full-time caretaker for her adult son, who is autistic. She lives by faith and prayer and takes one day at a time. She is a "behind-the-scene" hero who often goes without recognition for her efforts. In this interview, Kellie candidly shares her daily struggles and successes. Her positivity is contagious, and she will inspire listeners to trust and have faith in God. /episode/index/show/ronisasaki/id/21858506

#49 Michelle Kuei 12/18/2021

#49 Michelle Kuei Michelle Kuei is an international speaker, certified visibility coach, and author who empowers others to build resiliency, overcome tragedy, and find purpose in every challenge. When she was an 11-year old student in Taiwan, a car ran a red light and hit her as she crossed the street. Michelle's desire to be "normal" prompted her to complete a 4-day hike to Machu Picchu in Peru. Through her company, Elevate LifeCoaching, she inspires others to be brave. /episode/index/show/ronisasaki/id/21531032

#48 - Vasu Sojitra 11/28/2021

#48 - Vasu Sojitra Vasu Sojitra is an extreme back-country skier. When he was only nine months old, he had one of his legs amputated because of a blood infection. Vasu's passion is to spread the message that having a disability is not a bad thing. His motto is "ninjasticking through the woods to bring intersectionality to the outdoors." /episode/index/show/ronisasaki/id/21298415

#47 Candice Caesar 10/01/2021

#47 Candice Caesar Candice Caesar is an Army veteran, and it was during her service that she became paralyzed. She learned to walk despite the doctor’s prediction that she would never walk again. At that time, she set a goal to walk a marathon someday. Since then, Candice has completed a half marathon in nearly all 50 states (with only two remaining as of this podcast). She is also a contender for the U.S. Para Archery team and is preparing for the World Championships in Dubai. /episode/index/show/ronisasaki/id/20678132

#46 Maureen Manley 08/23/2021

#46 Maureen Manley Maureen Manley is a world-class cyclist. She is a former member of the U.S. Cycling Team, where she won a National Championship. Manley also set a national record and won numerous medals at racing events. /episode/index/show/ronisasaki/id/20224844

#45 Jesse & Joe Fay 07/31/2021

#45 Jesse & Joe Fay Jesse Fay has faced life-threatening illnesses twice in his life. When he was 3, he was diagnosed with a rare form of Leukemia. After an aggressive treatment regime, including a bone marrow transplant, Jesse kicked cancer. Then as a teenager, he began to experience problems with his kidneys and discovered that he had Polycystic Kidney Disease. Jesse needed a transplant. His dad, Joe Fay, was the ideal donor. In this episode of A Leg Up On Life, father and son share their story of faith and recovery. /episode/index/show/ronisasaki/id/19990889

#44 Angie Heuser 06/27/2021

#44 Angie Heuser Angie Heuser injured her knee during a Taekwondo belt test. Her routine MCL tear led to numerous surgeries and crippling pain. Her knee refused to heal, and after years of medical procedures, Angie realized that her life had become severely impaired by her limitations. She chose to have the leg amputated so that she could regain mobility and reclaim her life. Angie is the host of Be-You-Tiful Adaptive Warrior podcast, where she inspires, educates, and empowers others to live powerful lives as warriors. /episode/index/show/ronisasaki/id/19623059

#43 Chris Waddell 05/17/2021

#43 Chris Waddell Chris Waddell is one of the fastest mono-skiers of all time, and he impacted his sport profoundly. Chris won 13 Paralympic medals in both the summer and winter events. He is a member of the Paralympic Hall of Fame and the US Ski and Snow Bard Hall of Fame. His many accomplishments include climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro and being one of People Magazine's "50 Most Beautiful People." /episode/index/show/ronisasaki/id/19133609

#42 Alvin Law 04/19/2021

#42 Alvin Law When Alvin Law looks in the mirror, he sees a fully competent and confident man, but he doesn't see any arms. Alvin's list of accomplishments is impressive and includes being a member of the Canadian Speaker's Hall of Fame, accomplished musician, and author. Alvin believes that the best thing that ever happened to him was being born without arms. In this episode of A Leg Up On Life, Alvin shares his no-nonsense philosophy of life and those beliefs that have shaped his success. /episode/index/show/ronisasaki/id/18771455

#41 Jessi Machnik 03/23/2021

#41 Jessi Machnik Jessi Machnik is an equestrian who specializes in show jumping. She began riding horses as a young child, and it has been her passion ever since. A few years ago, Jessi lost her leg below the knee due to severe car wreck injuries. She has resumed riding and jumping and believes that show jumping will become an event in the Paralympics one day. Jessi's daily choices to move forward and pursue her dreams will inspire you. /episode/index/show/ronisasaki/id/18435416

#40 David Rotter 02/20/2021

#40 David Rotter Dave Rotter, owner of David Rotter Prosthetics in Joliet, Illinois, is a world-class prosthetist who builds artificial limbs for many Paralympic athletes who travel far and wide to benefit from his services. In this episode, Dave shares how he became a prosthetist. He also talks about his philosophy of enhancing his clients' lives by matching the best device to their lifestyle. Recently David Rotter and his team built a new leg for our host, Roni Sasaki. /episode/index/show/ronisasaki/id/18023183

#39 Tony Drees 01/30/2021

#39 Tony Drees Tony Drees is a powerhouse of positivity. He is a Desert Storm Purple Heart Amputee. Tony miraculously survived a scud missile attack, but his right leg was severely damaged. He endured over 70 surgeries to save his leg, and finally, in 2018, the leg was amputated at the hip. Tony is an advocate for veterans and an ambassador for diversity and inclusion. He lives by his mantra, "No lies. No Excuses. Never Quit." /episode/index/show/ronisasaki/id/17749337

#38 Michael Belew 12/31/2020

#38 Michael Belew Michael Belew is a young man with a vision. While taking a much-deserved break from intense military training, he dove into a wave and broke his neck. Now he only has sensation from his chest upward and partial feeling in his arms. His accident was only six months ago, and his positive attitude and competitive determination have put him on a new training path to heal and recover. /episode/index/show/ronisasaki/id/17380232

#37 Bill Mayo 11/29/2020

#37 Bill Mayo Bill Mayo battled a cancerous tumor (named Stanley by his grandchildren) for eight years. When cancer reappeared for the third time, he decided to have his leg amputated to get rid of it once and for all. In this episode of "A Leg Up On Life," Bill shares his story, faith in God, and his life philosophy. He is the author of numerous books including "Howard, Stanley, & Me." /episode/index/show/ronisasaki/id/16992659

#36 Mike & Jodi diPenna 10/24/2020

#36 Mike & Jodi diPenna Before Thanksgiving 2019, Mike diPenna was a healthy and athletic man. No one could have imagined that he would fall ill with a bacterial infection in his blood and meningitis. This rare combination created numerous mini-strokes in many regions of his brain. Mike woke up after being in a coma and has been rebuilding his life ever since. During the past year, Mike has been relearning how to walk and use his body. In this episode, he and his wife Jodi share their story of determination, faith, and strength. /episode/index/show/ronisasaki/id/16531856

#35 Emily Purry 09/30/2020

#35 Emily Purry Emily Purry is an expert in accessibility, intersectionality, technology, and the world of ADA. Legally blind herself and the parent of a child with autism, she brings personal and professional experiences to help move companies forward. Emily delivers presentations and training on disability and equity topics relevant to today's business environment. She is the founder of RAPID, Rehabilitation & Athletic Performance Intersecting Disability. She is also the host of the podcast, "Human Is My Label." /episode/index/show/ronisasaki/id/16215245

#34 Nicholas Hinrichsen 08/12/2020

#34 Nicholas Hinrichsen Nicholas Hinrichsen, has never considered himself a person with a disability. He lost his hair when he was 11 years old. For 6 years, he hid his alopecia under a baseball cap and nursed his young self-esteem. 20 years later, he graduated from Stanford Business School and started "The Amazon for used cars!" Nicholas has just started a new venture called WithClutch.com, a digital platform to refinance auto loans. He is the picture of success and attributes his hair loss to developing his authenticity. /episode/index/show/ronisasaki/id/15591812

#33 Gail Hamilton 07/22/2020

#33 Gail Hamilton Gail Hamilton will inspire you to live a life of vision, purpose, and action. She is a professional speaker and author of the book, "Soaring Into Greatness." Gail has also earned two Masters degrees, sang a leading role in two operas, and won Ms. Colorado Senior America. She is a blind person who knows how to live life to the fullest! /episode/index/show/ronisasaki/id/15312524

#32 John Register 06/28/2020

#32 John Register John Register won the silver medal in the long jump at the 2000 Paralympic Games in Sydney, Australia. He was a member of the U.S. Army and training to become a member of the 1996 Olympic Team. But on May 17, 1994, John landed wrong while going over a hurdle and severely hyperextended his knee. After numerous surgeries, John chose to have his damaged leg amputated to move forward with his life wearing a prosthetic leg. John overcame his fear, and the limits placed upon him. /episode/index/show/ronisasaki/id/14994743

#31 Melanie Ausmus 05/30/2020

#31 Melanie Ausmus Melanie Ausmus was struck ill and hospitalized with COVID-19. The entire world is experiencing the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Yet many of us do not know anyone who has been sick from the virus. Melanie openly talks about what it felt like to be ill and admitted to the hospital on two separate occasions. Her story will help assuage the overriding fear in our community and teach us that kindness is one of the essential qualities to practice through this pandemic. /episode/index/show/ronisasaki/id/14629163

A Leg Up On Life

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