Shows
The Find Your Leadership Confidence Podcast with Vicki NoethlingKenneth Kunken on Making the Most of a Bad SituationFind Your Leadership Confidence Podcast
Host: Vicki Noethling
Guest: Kenneth (Ken) Kunken
Today’s Interview Title: Making the Most of a Bad Situation
What does it truly mean to rise after life delivers the unimaginable?
In this powerful and deeply inspiring episode of the Find Your Leadership Confidence Podcast, host Vicki Noethling sits down with Kenneth Kunken—a man whose life is a masterclass in resilience, purpose, and redefining what’s possible.
At just 20 years old, Ken broke his neck playing football for Cornell University, leaving him almost comple...
2026-03-2031 min
THE MAKING OF METurning Life-Altering Adversity Into Purpose: The Kenneth Kunken StoryWhen tragedy strikes, some people break—others rise. In this inspiring episode of The Making of Me, Kenneth Kunken shares how a football injury at Cornell University left him almost totally paralyzed—but also launched him on a remarkable path of achievement and purpose.Kenneth reveals:How he overcame enormous barriers to earn multiple degreesBecoming a National Certified Rehabilitation CounselorServing over 40 years as an assistant district attorneyRaising triplet boys while advocating for accessibility and opportunities for people with disabilitiesLearn what fueled Kenneth’s resilience, the role of a supportive community, and his advice for anyone...
2026-03-1113 min
Through the FireThrough the Fire #123 - Retired Assistant District Attorney and Author, Ken KunkenKen Kunken broke his neck playing football for Cornell University in 1970, leaving him almost totally paralyzed from the shoulders down. After a lengthy hospitalization, Ken returned to Cornell where he completed his undergraduate degree in engineering. Ken then earned a Master of Arts degree at Cornell in education, as well as a Master of Education degree at Columbia University in psychology. Ken became a nationally certified rehabilitation counselor. He worked for more than two years at Abilities Inc., where he provided vocational and placement counseling to severely disabled individuals. Wanting to accomplish still more, Ken enrolled in Ho...
2026-03-0442 min
Voices That Propel Us: Stories of Justice, Action, and CommunityRising Beyond Expectations: Kenneth Kunken on Ability, Advocacy, and LeadershipKen Kunken broke his neck playing football for Cornell University in 1970, leaving him almost totally paralyzed from the shoulders down. After a lengthy hospitalization, Ken returned to Cornell where he completed his undergraduate degree in engineering. Ken then earned a Master of Arts degree at Cornell in education, as well as a Master of Education degree at Columbia University in psychology.Ken became a nationally certified rehabilitation counselor. He worked for more than two years at Abilities Inc., where he provided vocational and placement counseling to severely disabled individuals....
2026-03-0342 min
Look in Through the GlassBreaking Barriers: Ken Kunken's Story of ResilienceIn this inspiring conversation, Ken Kunken shares his remarkable journey from a tragic injury that left him a quadriplegic to a successful career as a lawyer and advocate for individuals with disabilities. He discusses the importance of family support, the challenges he faced in finding employment, and his dedication to helping others overcome their limitations. Ken emphasizes the need for inclusion and accessibility in society, and he shares his personal experiences of fatherhood and the joy of raising triplets. His story is a testament to resilience, empowerment, and the belief that disability does not equate to inability.
2026-02-1748 min
Handson Coaching: Inspiring ConversationsKenneth J. Kunken - Resilience and Purpose: Living Beyond LimitationsI Dream of Things That Never Were: From the Field to the Frontlines of JusticeWhat happens when your life changes in a single moment - and you're left to build a new one from scratch?Kenneth Kunken was a college athlete with big plans when a tackle on the football field left him paralyzed from the shoulders down. But that moment didn’t end his story - it redefined it. From navigating a world without ramps or rights to becoming the first quadriplegic to graduate from Cornell and serve as a prosecutor for over 40 years, Ken’s li...
2025-12-191h 04
The Antifragility ReframeThe Antifragility Reframe - Episode 09: Rising Beyond Limits: 55-Year Journey of Antifragility with Kenneth James KunkenWhat does it take to rise stronger after life changes overnight?Meet Kenneth James Kunken, who became a quadriplegic at 18—but went on to earn three Ivy League degrees, break accessibility barriers, counsel individuals with disabilities, and become an accomplished lawyer.In this episode of The Antifragility Reframe, Dr. Frank Douglas dives into Kenneth’s 55-year journey of resilience, courage, access, and reinvention. This story will challenge everything you think you know about capability and possibility.Watch this if you need inspiration, perspective, or a reminder that adversity can create strength—not limit it.
2025-11-2614 min
LIFE WELL LIVED BY OMOBOLA STEPHENE434: The Importance Of Giving Back And Helping Others As Parents With Kenneth KunkenToday On Life Well Lived By Omobola Stephen, we focus on the importance of giving back and helping others as parents with host Omobola Stephen and her guest Kenneth Kunken. Kenneth is a nationally certified rehabilitation counselor. He worked for more than two years at Abilities Inc., where he provided vocational and placement counseling to severely disabled individuals. He also worked for more than 40 years as a Nassau County assistant district attorney, where he became a Deputy Bureau Chief. Ken is married and the father of triplet boys. His memoir, “I Dream of Things That Never Were: The Ke...
2025-11-1916 min
Apollo Papyrus PodcastAutobiography Writing, Quadriplegia, Sprint Football, and Law with Kenneth KunkenIn this episode, host Aaron Apollo Camp interviews Kenneth “Ken” Kunken.Ken, who became a quadriplegic after a sprint gridiron football injury and became an Assistant District Attorney in Nassau County, New York, is the author of the autobiography I Dream of Things That Never Were: The Ken Kunken Story.You can learn more about Ken and his work at https://kenkunken.com/, and you can buy I Dream of Things that Never Were on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Dream-Things-Never-Kunken-Story-ebook/dp/B0CFD8R32P.
2025-09-3021 min
Happiness Journey with Dr Dan: Where every journey is worth living.Happiness journey with Dr Dan podcast: Season 30 Ep 7: Special Guest and living with full body paralysis (quadriplegic) for over 54 years, Ken KunkenIn 1970, while playing football at Cornell University,Ken Kunken sustained a spinal cord injury that left him a quadriplegic. Despite this, he became the first quadriplegic to graduate from Cornell, later earningadvanced degrees from Cornell, Columbia, and a law degree from Hofstra University. Ken began his career at Abilities Inc., counseling and advocatingfor individuals with disabilities, before serving over 40 years as an Assistant District Attorney in NassauCounty, where he rose to Deputy Bureau Chief. He received numerous honors, including the Long IslandRehabilitation Association’s “Rehabilitant of the Year,” the Thomas E. Ryan Jr. Award, the George M. Estabr...
2025-09-2529 min
Dad Hat Shenanigans: The Unfiltered Truth of Being a DadFatherhood Without Limits A Quadriplegic Dad Raises TripletsSend a textWhat does it truly mean to be a father, no matter the circumstances? In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Kenneth Kunken, a quadriplegic dad of triplet boys, who shares his extraordinary journey into fatherhood at the age of 54.Kenneth's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the boundless nature of a father's love. From overcoming a life-altering spinal cord injury to embracing the joys and challenges of raising three sons, his experiences offer invaluable insights for dads everywhere.Redefining FatherhoodDiscover...
2025-08-2046 min
Dear HR Diary - The Unfiltered Truth You Wish They Taught in Management SchoolS. 2 Ep 23: Breaking Barriers: Disability, Determination, and Driving Inclusion with Ken KunkenSend us a textIn this inspiring episode of Dear HR Diary, Dawn Hart sits down with Ken Kunken, a powerhouse of resilience, purpose, and advocacy. Ken’s journey from a life-altering accident to a successful career in law is nothing short of extraordinary. Through his story, we explore the realities of disability in the workplace—and more importantly, how we can all be agents of change.Ken shares his firsthand experience overcoming adversity, finding motivation in the face of unimaginable challenges, and the power of a support system that believes in your pote...
2025-07-0331 min
Moving With Meaning The PodcastUnbreakable Spirit: A Quadriplegic's Journey to Academia, Activism, and FatherhoodWhen life changed in an instant, Ken Kunken didn’t just survive—he rewrote the rules. Join Krystal for an unforgettable conversation with Ken Kunken, quadriplegic lawyer, father of triplets, and living proof that obstacles are just opportunities in disguise.🏈 The Tackle That Changed Everything: Ken shares the story of his spinal cord injury during a lightweight football game, the bleak rehab outlook, and how he decided to beat the odds—one college class at a time.🎓 Breaking Barriers at Cornell: As the first quadriplegic to graduate fro...
2025-06-1528 min
Six-Figure Speaker Spotlight107 - Breaking Barriers: How to Become a Voice for the Disabled with Kenneth KunkenYour host, Kelley O'Hara, talks with the Author and Powerhouse Speaker, Kenneth Kunken. Kenneth shares his inspiring journey of resilience after a paralyzing college football injury. Kenneth discusses overcoming adversity, earning multiple degrees, and becoming the first quadriplegic to graduate from Cornell University. He reflects on the crucial support from his family and his career in law and advocacy. Kenneth also recounts his unexpected success in public speaking, which began with a high school graduation speech. The episode highlights determination, the power of storytelling, and the importance of family and self-belief in overcoming life's challenges....
2025-06-1050 min
The Lunchtime Series“I Dream of Things That Never Were” – The Unstoppable Story of Ken Kunken“I Dream of Things That Never Were” – The Unstoppable Story of Ken Kunken🎙 Hosted by: Kevin Britz | www.kevinbritz.com⸻📌 DescriptionIn this powerful episode of The Lunchtime Series, Kevin Britz welcomes Ken Kunken—an extraordinary man whose life defies every expectation.From a life-altering spinal cord injury in 1970 to becoming a nationally certified rehabilitation counsellor, a lawyer, a Deputy Bureau Chief in the District Attorney’s office, and father to triplet boys, Ken’s journey is a masterclass in grit, grace, and radical belief in what’s possible.We talk resilience, family, leadership, inclusion, DEI, courtroom barriers, spinal cord injury recovery, and h...
2025-05-1325 min
The Prism of PerspectiveParalyzed but Unstoppable: The Incredible Journey of Ken KunkenWhat if the greatest obstacles in your life became the foundation for your success? In this episode of The Prism of Perspective, I talk with Ken Kunken, a former Cornell football player whose life took an unexpected turn after a catastrophic spinal cord injury left him nearly completely paralyzed. Rather than accepting limitations, Ken pushed forward, earning multiple degrees, becoming a nationally certified rehabilitation counselor, and serving over 40 years as an esteemed prosecutor. His story is a testament to resilience, purpose, and the power of unwavering determination.In this episode, we explore:- T...
2025-03-0543 min
Couple O' Nukes: Self-Improvement For Mental Health, Addiction, Fitness, & FaithFrom Quadriplegic To Prosecutor: Ken Kunken On Mindset, Support, And Starting OverSend us Fan MailToday, I sit down with Ken Kunken, a man whose life changed in a single moment—yet whose response to tragedy has inspired thousands. Mr. Kunken shares how, at only twenty years old, a tackle during a Cornell football game shattered his neck, severely damaged his spinal cord, and left him a quadriplegic with minimal movement in his arms. He describes the fear, confusion, and emotional devastation of lying in intensive care with no clear answers, no roadmap, and no idea of what the future would hold. Mr. Kunken explains how the...
2025-03-0331 min
Breaking Bias193: Challenging Societal Expectations - Ken KunkenAbout this EpisodeJoining the conversation today is Kenneth Kunken. Kenneth spent 40+ years as a lawyer, prosecuting over 50 felony jury trials. He has also spent a lifetime advocating and fighting for the disability community in various capacities and is the author of ‘I Dream of Things That Never Were—The Ken Kunken Story’. Bias: Shifting the focus of success from the level of achievement to recognizing the challenges one has overcome to reach those achievements. 5 Words: Expectations, Hope, Family, Role models, andParticipation. Transcript: https://share.descript...
2025-02-2546 min
Coffee with Bearded Bad DadEpisode 108: Kenneth KunkenJoin me as I speak with Kenneth Kunken, a true champion of resilience and determination, who has led an inspiring life and has a list of achievements. From his early days to his current accomplishments, we dive into the remarkablestory of this award-winning individual. Kenneth is a father to triplet boys, a retired district attorney, writer of his memoir “I Dream of Things That Never Were: The Ken Kunken Story”, and a quadriplegic. Tune in to learn more about Kenneth’s journey, motivations, and lessons he’s learned along the way!Website: https://kenkunken.com/Book: ht...
2025-02-141h 00
Conversations with Rich BennettKenneth Kunken’s Story Proves You Can Overcome AnythingSponsored by Harford County Health DepartmentIn this inspiring episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, we sit down with Kenneth Kunken, a man whose journey redefines resilience and determination. After a tragic football injury left him paralyzed in 1970, Ken refused to let his circumstances define him. He became the first quadriplegic to graduate from Cornell University, earned multiple Ivy League degrees, and went on to have an impressive 40-year career as an Assistant District Attorney. Ken shares how he transitioned from an aspiring engineer to a motivational speaker, disability a...
2025-02-1055 min
#12minconvosKenneth Kunken: The Man Who Defied the Odds: A Story of Resilience, Hope, and an Unbreakable Spirit /Ep 3233In 1970, while a junior in Cornell University's College of Engineering, Ken Kunken broke his neck making a tackle on a kick-off in a lightweight football game against Columbia University. Ken sustained a spinal cord injury at the C 4-5 level, rendering him a quadriplegic, almost totally paralyzed from the shoulders down. Ken spent more than 9 months in various hospitals and rehabilitation facilities. While still a patient, Ken testified before a United States Senate Sub-Committee on Health Care, chaired by Senator Edward Kennedy. In 1971, almost 20 years before the Americans with Disabilities Act, Ken returned to the Cornell campus...
2025-02-0313 min
Mental Matters Hosted By Asekho Toto#198 - Kenneth Kunken - Doctors Gave Him 0% Chance to Live Normally. His Secret? A Ramp. (You Won’t BELIEVE What Happened Next!)In this deeply inspiring episode of Mental Matters, we sit down with Kenneth Kunken, a trailblazer who transformed a life-altering spinal cord injury into a lifelong mission of advocacy and empowerment. At 20, Ken became a quadriplegic after breaking his neck in college—a time when accessibility was an afterthought and societal assumptions about disability ran deep.
Ken opens up about navigating an inaccessible world decades before the Americans with Disabilities Act, confronting stereotypes that conflated his physical limitations with cognitive ones, and the unwavering family support that became his "arms and legs." From battling university administrations for bas...
2025-01-2433 min
The Unstuck Movement with Rob Z WentzRedefining Tragedy: Dreaming of What Could Be w/ Ken KunkenHow do we redefine potential when faced with unimaginable challenges?
This episode is with Kenneth Kunken, a trailblazer who defied expectations, overcame immense obstacles, and became a leader in advocating for inclusion and empowerment.
Ken broke his neck playing football for Cornell University in 1970, leaving him almost totally paralyzed from the shoulders down.
Ken completed his degree in engineering, and after earning two Master degrees, he became a nationally certified rehabilitation counselor. For over two years, he provided vocational and placement counseling to severely disabled individuals. Ken then enrolled in law school and...
2025-01-0340 min
Life-Changing ChallengersOvercoming the Impossible: Ken Kunken’s Journey from Injury to ImpactIn this powerful episode of Life-Changing Challengers, host Brad Minus welcomes Ken Kunken, author of I Dream of Things That Never Were: The Ken Kunken Story. Ken shares his remarkable journey of resilience, triumph, and purpose after a life-altering spinal cord injury during a football game at Cornell University. From overcoming physical limitations to becoming the first quadriplegic graduate of Cornell, earning multiple advanced degrees, and serving as a trial attorney, Ken’s story is a testament to the power of determination, hope, and community support.Ken reflects on his life as an athlete, his academic achievements, an...
2024-12-311h 03
Your Purpose, Your Power, A Journey to Authenticity -Previously Avoid the Maze-Dreaming of Things... Ken Kunken #35 121824 #Disability=Ability #podmatchPlease subscribe to our YouTube page to receive notices on all new podcasts as well helping us grow our audience.
https://www.youtube.com/c/NewClevelandRadiohttps://newclevelandradio.net/
About Kenneth Kunken
In 1970, while a junior in Cornell University’s College of Engineering, Ken Kunken broke his neck making a tackle on a kick-off in a lightweight football game against Columbia University. Ken sustained a spinal cord injury at the C 4-5 level, rendering him a quadriplegic, almost totally paralyzed from the shoulders down. Ken spent more than 9 months in various hospitals & rehabilitation.While a patient, Ken testified be...
2024-12-1834 min
LOA Today - Your Daily Dose Of HappyOvercoming the Impossible: The Unstoppable Spirit of Kenneth KunkenWhen a freak accident left Kenneth Kunken paralyzed from the neck down at just 20 years old, the prognosis was bleak. Doctors told him the best he could hope for was a life-selling magazine subscription over the phone. But Kenneth had other plans.
Over the next 54 years, Kenneth would defy all odds, earning multiple degrees, building a successful 40-year career as a prosecutor, and even becoming a father to triplet sons. Through it all, he maintained an unwavering spirit and commitment to living life to the fullest.
As Walt Thiessen...
2024-12-0333 min
I Am Refocused RadioKenneth Kunken Quadriplegic lawyer and father of triplets - Making the most of a bad situationKen Kunken broke his neck playing football for Cornell University in 1970, leaving him almost totally paralyzed from the shoulders down. After a lengthy hospitalization, Ken returned to Cornell where he completed his undergraduate degree in engineering. Ken then earned a Master of Arts degree at Cornell in education, as well as a Master of Education degree at Columbia University in psychology. Ken became a nationally certified rehabilitation counselor. He worked for more than two years at Abilities Inc., where he provided vocational and placement counseling to severely disabled individuals. Wanting to accomplish still more, Ken enrolled in...
2024-11-1825 min
Late BoomersDefying Odds: Ken Kunken's Inspiring Journey
Can you imagine overcoming immense physical challenges to achieve your dreams? In Episode 214 of Late Boomers, Merry and Cathy welcome the incredible Ken Kunken. Despite becoming a quadriplegic after a football injury, Ken defied the odds to earn four college degrees and become a groundbreaking trial attorney. His memoir, "I Dream of Things That Never Were," is a testament to resilience and the power of family. Join us as Ken shares his journey from Cornell to the courtroom, the love story with his wife, Anna, and his inspiring work with the disabled community. Tune in for a story that...
2024-11-1334 min
The Morning Formation PodcastTriumph Over Adversity: Ken Kunken's Inspiring Journey from Quadriplegia to District AttorneyShoot me a message!Join us for an inspiring conversation with Ken Kunken, whose journey from overcoming a life-altering injury to thriving as a district attorney is nothing short of remarkable. At 20, Ken faced an immense challenge when he became a quadriplegic, yet he didn't let this deter him from pursuing his dreams. Through sheer resilience and a refusal to accept societal limitations, Ken returned to college in the 1970s, navigated an inaccessible campus, and eventually earned a law degree, proving skeptics wrong. His story is a testament to determination and an inspiring example for anyone facing...
2024-11-0740 min
The No Fruit PodcastNo Fruit Podcast S6E28 "Conquer Life with Teamwork with Kenneth and Anna Kunken"Conquer Life with Teamwork with Kenneth and Anna KunkenWhat should you do when things in life are stacked up against you? Like, Kenneth Kunken, you should press forward in life with the help from a team of family and friends. Although a college sports injury left him partially paralyzed, with the help from a team, Kenneth managed to have a successful career, marriage and triplet boys. In this episode, Kafi and Maurice talk with Kenneth and his wife Anna about how their team helped to keep things running smoothly after having triplets in 2005. They a...
2024-10-2931 min
The CJ Moneyway Show“Ken’s Journey: Law, Fatherhood, and Triumph Over Adversity”In this powerful episode of The CJ Moneyway Show, we introduce Ken, a remarkable lawyer, dedicated father of triplets, and a true inspiration to anyone facing life’s challenges. After becoming disabled, Ken refused to let his circumstances define him. Instead, he embraced his role as a father and excelled in his legal career, proving that resilience knows no limits. Tune in to hear his heartfelt story of overcoming adversity, navigating fatherhood, and achieving success against the odds. Ken’s journey reminds us that with courage and determination, any obstacle can be turned into an opportunity.#InspiringStory #FatherOfTriplets #LawyerLife #Resi...
2024-10-2518 min
Andy‘s PERSONAL DEVELOPMENTMaking The Most of a Bad Situation With Kenneth Kunken
While a junior in Cornell University’s College of Engineering, Ken Kunken broke his neck making a tackle on a kick-off in a lightweight football game against Columbia University. Ken sustained a spinal cord injury at the C 4-5 level, rendering him a quadriplegic, almost totally paralyzed from the shoulders down. Ken spent more than 9 months in various hospitals and rehabilitation facilities. While still a patient, Ken testified before a United States Senate Sub-Committee on Health Care, chaired by Senator Edward Kennedy. In 1971, almost 20 years before the Americans with Disabilities Act, Ken returned to the Cornell campus, where he co...
2024-10-161h 01
Neelu Gurung PodcastTransforming Adverse Situations into Positive Opportunities (ft. Kenneth Kunken)In this episode, we delve into the art of turning adversity into opportunity. Life's surprises can become stepping stones for growth and healing when approached with the right mindset. Join us as we offer practical wellness tips to help you shed negativity and welcome a brighter future.
keywords: overcoming bad suitation; releasing negativity;
Guest Speaker: Kenneth Kunken
2024-10-1312 min
Deal By Me PodcastDeal By Me Podcast 183 interview with Kenneth KunkenKen Kunken broke his neck playing football for Cornell University in 1970, leaving him almost totally paralyzed from the shoulders down. After a lengthy hospitalization, he returned to Cornell where he completed his undergraduate degree and earned a Master of Education. Wanting to accomplish still more, Ken enrolled in Hofstra University’s School of Law. Ken worked for more than 40 years as a Nassau County assistant district attorney, where he became a Deputy Bureau Chief. A LESSON IN RESILIENCE. AWESOME!! Support the showThanks for listening to this podcast. Please consider supporting this podcast with a r...
2024-09-1328 min
Professor of Perseverance PodcastEp 215 Kenneth Kunken Quadriplegic Lawyer and Father of Triplets with Inspiring Life StoryIn 1970, while a junior in Cornell University’s College of Engineering, Ken Kunken broke his neck making a tackle on a kick-off in a lightweight football game against Columbia University. Ken sustained a spinal cord injury at the C 4-5 level, rendering him a quadriplegic, almost totally paralyzed from the shoulders down. Ken spent more than 9 months in various hospitals and rehabilitation facilities. While still a patient, Ken testified before a United States Senate Sub-Committee on Health Care, chaired by Senator Edward Kennedy.
In 1971, almost 20 years before the Americans with Disabilities Act, Ken returned to the Cornell ca...
2024-09-0644 min
The Elisha ShowHow to make the most of a bad situation | Kenneth KunkenJoin us for an inspiring conversation with Ken Kunken, a remarkable individual who has defied odds and achieved greatness despite a life-altering injury.
In 1970, Ken suffered a devastating neck break while playing football for Cornell University, leaving him almost entirely paralyzed from the shoulders down. Yet, he persevered and went on to accomplish extraordinary feats.
Ken earned multiple advanced degrees from prestigious institutions, including Cornell and Columbia Universities, in fields such as engineering, education, and psychology.
He became a nationally certified rehabilitation counselor and worked tirelessly to emp...
2024-08-2716 min