No Barriers

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.

This is part 2 of No Barriers Live featuring Kara Star of the World, with Kara Brouhard. Part 1 of No Barriers Live is the previous episode and features From My Window, with Melissa Simpson. Afterwards, Erik talks with the stars of these films and their family caregivers. He explores the challenges and rewards of adopting a “No Barriers Mindset,” and how this mindset and these experiences have affected the lives of not only Kara and Melissa, but everyone around them as well. We couldn’t do this by ourselves. Brewability is an inclusive brewery and pizzeria that employs people living with disabilities in Englewood, Colorado. The venue and vibe were perfect for this live event. Check it if you’re in the area. PASCO joined us as well. They are Colorado based company dedicated to families with special needs, providing care, support, guidance and resources.

This is part 1 of No Barriers Live featuring From My Window, with Melissa Simpson. Part 2 of No Barriers Live is the next episode and features and Kara Star of the World, with Kara Brouhard. Afterwards, Erik talks with the stars of these films and their family caregivers. He explores the challenges and rewards of adopting a “No Barriers Mindset,” and how this mindset and these experiences have affected the lives of not only Kara and Melissa, but everyone around them as well. We couldn’t do this by ourselves. Brewability is an inclusive brewery and pizzeria that employs people living with disabilities in Englewood, Colorado. The venue and vibe were perfect for this live event. Check it if you’re in the area. PASCO joined us as well. They are Colorado based company dedicated to families with special needs, providing care, support, guidance and resources.

A self-promoting egomaniac known mostly for his catastrophic failures. No, not our guest today. But there’s definitely something for us to learn from this individual who leads the cast of characters in The Realm of Ice & Sky. It’s the latest historical work of author Buddy Levy, where he takes on a gripping journey through the attempts to conquer the North Pole, which — spoiler alert — was not achieved not by dogsled or airplane, but by airship. Why do we care? Well, this accidental historian, as Buddy describes himself says… "That these historical models provide a sort of connective tissue for today’s innovators and thought leaders who will show us the way to do the things we need to do in the future to survive on this big rock.”

By request from our listeners! To kick off 2025 we want to take a trip down memory lane from 2024. This episode showcases some of our favorite highlights from guests we spoke to in 2024. Enjoy!

You can’t hear. You can’t speak. How do you function in this world? Oh you want to climb mountains? The biggest ones in the planet? You rely on sign language, how ya gonna sign with oversized mittens or in a white out with snow coming at ya sideways? Oh you’re not sure? Ah… too risky for you. Better find something else to do…. Our guests heard these questions and concerns over and over again… and you know, they didn’t have the answers. What Scott & Shayna did have was a curiosity and drive to figure it out along the way. And indeed they did, right to the top of the highest mountain in the world, Everest. In this interview you’ll hear their story, from being born profoundly deaf, meeting each other in school, the romance that followed, becoming educators, then mountaineers, and now advocates for the deaf and hard of hearing. They’re especially passionate about making the outdoors more accessible. Get ready for tales of courage, adaptability, and the collaborative spirit that defines the No Barriers mindset. Connect with Scott & Shayna Scott & Shayna on InstagramScott & Shayna website

Erik’s goal with these interviews is to shine light into that obscure terrain between the struggle and the success. It’s dark there with plenty of barriers; metaphorically speaking certainly, but also many times literally…. as is the case with Sarah; she stared into the darkness of English Channel waters crossing it back and forth twice. Oh yeah, she was swimming. And she was battling breast cancer too. Sarah’s journey is both surreal and inspiring. Her feats of sheer endurance go beyond the English Channel, across the world. 104 miles across on Lake Champlain, 80 miles across Lake Powell.. a short 22 miles across the Loch Ness (no monster sightings) and many, many more. She’s on a mission to complete the Ocean's Seven marathon swims.Erik digs into it all, from her motivations, breathtaking encounters with marine life and how she’s thriving post-breast cancer. Sarah's website: https://sarahthomasswims.com/ Sarah on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/sarahswims04

There’s much to be said about the effect of wild places on the human psyche…. therapeutic, healing, transformative … a place to experience mindfulness…. Even scary for some, however, our guest Katelyn McKinney simply sums it up like this: “When our bodies are in a wild space we are simply more at ease.” She’s been busy testing that idea by bringing groups of people into wild settings, creating supportive environments, and encouraging shifts in mindsets. Veterans of the military dealing with post-service challenges related to trauma are a focus for her. She is one herself. . In this episode Katelyn shares her journey helping people navigate difficult life experiences, including complexities of identity, particularly for veterans transitioning to civilian life, the scientific and indigenous wisdom behind connecting with nature, and the overall philosophy of turning personal challenges into sources of strength and purpose—what we call 'alchemy.' www.mountainsandmedicine.com Instagram: @Mountains_and_Medicine_LLC Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mountainsandmedicine

There’s much to be said about the effect of wild places on the human psyche…. therapeutic, healing, transformative … a place to experience mindfulness…. Even scary for some, however, our guest Katelyn McKinney simply sums it up like this: “When our bodies are in a wild space we are simply more at ease.” She’s been busy testing that idea by bringing groups of people into wild settings, creating supportive environments, and encouraging shifts in mindsets. Veterans of the military dealing with post-service challenges related to trauma are a focus for her. She is one herself. . In this episode Katelyn shares her journey helping people navigate difficult life experiences, including complexities of identity, particularly for veterans transitioning to civilian life, the scientific and indigenous wisdom behind connecting with nature, and the overall philosophy of turning personal challenges into sources of strength and purpose—what we call 'alchemy.' www.mountainsandmedicine.com Instagram: @Mountains_and_Medicine_LLC Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mountainsandmedicine

https://www.zachanner.com/https://ifatbirthyoudontsucceed.com/@zach.annerYoutubeZach Anner is a unique personality, writer, comedian, and media influencer born in America in 1984. He is also a YouTube star who motivates people to make daily positive changes. From an early age, he advocated for positive thinking and self-realization no matter what. He became popular after emerging as the winner of the Oprah Winfrey Show's "Search for the Next TV Star" in 2010, which saw him hosting his travel show, "Rollin' with Zach," on the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN). His story is remarkable for his endless optimism, thirst for self-knowledge, and creativity that breaks through even physiological barriers.

“You can’t make dreams come true if the only thing you’re doing is dreaming.” This is from a guy who was counted out on Day 1. What does that mean? It means not being included in an activity. In this case, that activity was life itself. The doctors told his parents he would’t live more than a few months. He was born without arms, almost no legs, and given up for adoption. Now, decades later, he’s an accomplished musician and world traveller. Growing up in Nashville was part of his musical trajectory… eventually leading to a moment in front of 20,000 people, performing his soulful style of music where Jeffrey Marshall, that’s our guest today, became known as “the guy who plays bass guitar with his feet." 3 minute videoJeffrey's WebsiteJeffrey on Instagram

Jenna's Website: https://www.jennabainbridge.com/ Jenna on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bainbridgejenna/ Episode Highlights 🔸 A Blank Slate for Auditions Jenna shares her unique approach to auditions, using a nondescript wheelchair to present herself as a "blank slate" for casting directors, allowing her talent to shine first and foremost. 🔸 Fashion Forward Mobility She’s on the hunt for a vibrant new wheelchair! Jenna gets candid about how wheelchairs can be more than just functional, discussing exciting customization options like light-up wheels and personalized patches that make powerful statements—both fashion and functional. 🔸 Overcoming Barriers in Theater Jenna recounts her journey facing discrimination in both sports and theater due to her disability. With the unwavering support of her parents and sheer determination, she found her place in theater companies that celebrated disability and diversity, leading her to a historic role on Broadway. 🔸 A Voice for Change Her consulting business, Consultability, champions the mantra that access needs are human needs. Jenna is pioneering a shift in the theater world by advocating for more inclusive and accessible environments for everyone. 🔸 Representation Matters From her major break at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival to performing on Broadway, Jenna underscores the importance of casting actors with disabilities in diverse roles—more than checkbox diversity but genuine inclusion based on talent and capability. 🔸 The Power of Community Support Erik and Jenna reflect on the crucial role of community and support systems in their respective journeys, highlighting how encouragement and advocacy from loved ones and mentors open doors and create lasting impacts.

Shawn reached out to the pod recently looking for a little insight from Erik on a project. It’s called the Shine Music festival. She founded it in 2019, formed a non-profit, assembled a team, and next month will be their 4th annual event. With that in mind, we put Erik in the hot seat for a bit, and Shawn asks some pressing questions about his experience growing the No Barriers organization. You’ll hear his ideas and advice on running a nonprofit, leadership, and sustaining a mission-driven organization. So what is this music festival all about? It’s a visionary project that will make you rethink how we approach inclusivity in our communities. Every sensory experience is accessible to all. From colorblind glasses and braille t-shirts to acoustic performances and adaptive technologies, Shawn is revolutionizing how we experience and connect through music. Shine Music Festival promo video Shine Music Website Shawn Satterfield LinkedIn

Episode Rundown Brad's Website: https://www.bradsnyder.us/ Brad on Instgram. https://www.instagram.com/bradsnyderusa/

Ben's Website: www.jetbutterflies.com Ben's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jetbutterflies/

This duo took the Grand Canyon head-on, from one side to the other and back again, with nothing but their grit and trusty hand cycles — or "trikes" as they like to call them. Why trikes? Because they are both paralyzed from the waist down. Jason was injured in a rollover vehicle crash. Quinn, from a fall while climbing a giant wall of granite, the famed El Capitan in California. Their journey, marked by both physical, mental, and bureaucratic challenges, sheds light on wider issues faced by individuals with disabilities, offering insights that are as instructive as they are inspiring. 00:25 Adventures and Challenges: Rim to Rim Grand Canyon Experience 02:17 Meeting at Craig Hospital: A Bond Formed Through Rehabilitation 02:26 Exploring the Differences in Spinal Cord Injuries and Mobility 05:25 The Technicalities and Thrills of Hand Cycling and Trikes 11:19 The Grand Canyon Adventure: Planning, Teamwork, and Execution 17:12 Navigating the Technical Challenges of the Grand Canyon Trails 24:14 The Technicalities and Public Reactions to Adaptive Mobility Devices 24:46 Understanding and Educating on Accessibility in Nature 28:04 The Complexities of Adaptive Equipment and Accessibility Rights 33:02 Reflecting on Past Adventures and the Impact of Injuries 35:24 The Journey of Recovery and Advocacy for Spinal Cord Injuries 43:24 The Role of Unite to Fight Paralysis in Advancing Research and Advocacy

Tanja, a four-time Paralympic gold medalist, shares her personal journey as an athlete, the changing significance of her victories, and her involvement advancing adaptive sports. Her dedication to the community and the memories she's cherished are an integral part of this conversation. Ross, an engineer, takes us through the technical strides and the human stories behind the development of the Tetraski. It’s possibly the most advanced ski we’ve ever seen for sure. Is designed for people with complex physical injuries or illness. Don’t have use of your hands or legs? You can control this through your breath, independently. Whatever you’re doing, the ski is responding, you are in command, you’re shredding again or maybe for the first time. TRAILS adaptive TetraSki website (Tetradapt)