Shows
The Wheelchair Roundtable ATP-End User PerspectiveLife on Life's Terms with Lelan W Forester In this powerful and down-to-earth episode, we sit down with Lelan for a conversation that feels less like an interview and more like three friends talking beside the tailgate after a long day.At 22 years old, Leland’s life changed in an instant when an accident left him paralyzed from the T4 level down. He shares what those early days were really like, including his inpatient rehab experience at TIRR Memorial Hermann — the challenges, the breakthroughs, and the mental battle that begins long before the physical healing feels complete.We also talk about something that isn’...
2026-02-151h 13
The Wheelchair Roundtable ATP-End User PerspectiveLoved But Not Accountable with Logan K Finn In this episode, we sit down with Logan K. Finn to unpack a story shaped by resilience, struggle, and transformation.Born with spina bifida, Logan grew up feeling loved and supported — so much so that he often says he didn’t realize he had a disability. But in seventh grade, a spinal tethering surgery left him using a wheelchair. Still, he stayed active in school and pushed forward socially and academically.By his senior year, marijuana use escalated quickly into heavy drug and alcohol abuse. We talk honestly about how that progression happens, especially when iden...
2026-02-131h 00
The Wheelchair Roundtable ATP-End User PerspectiveAccessibility isn’t a courtesy — it’s a civil right. With Kristy Durso Accessibility isn’t a courtesy — it’s a civil right.In this powerful episode, we sit down with Kristy Durso—accessible travel advocate, travel agent, wheelchair user, and co-founder of Spectrum of Accessibility—to unpack what public accessibility really looks like and why travel remains one of the most exclusionary experiences for disabled people.Kristy shares her life before becoming a full-time wheelchair user, the emotional and identity shifts that followed, and the moment she realized the world itself—not her disability—would be one of her biggest barriers. From “technically accessible” spaces that fail in practice to tra...
2026-02-021h 24
The Wheelchair Roundtable ATP-End User PerspectiveThe Mental Side of Disability with Mike Kent This is one of those episodes that stays with you long after the microphones are turned off.This conversation goes where disability conversations often don’t—into the quiet, heavy places. We talk about depression. Anxiety. The mental and emotional toll of disability that so often gets overlooked once the hospital stays end and the equipment is delivered.Our guest is Mike Kent, a Disability Life Coach and the founder of Empowering Disability, a global community of more than 9,000 members who are navigating life after injury, trauma, or diagnosis.Mike’s work goes far be...
2026-01-2558 min
The Wheelchair Roundtable ATP-End User PerspectiveA Bullet, a Betrayal, and the Fight to Live: The Story of Joseph Huerta⚠️ Content Warning: This episode contains discussion of gun violence, physical assault, and traumatic injury. Listener discretion is advised.Joseph Huerta’s story is one of brilliance, hardship, survival, and hard-earned faith. A top graduate in his class, Joseph’s life took an unexpected turn after family separation led him into homelessness, living in a tent city and navigating daily survival. What began as an act of kindness—being offered a place to stay by someone he trusted—quickly turned into a dangerous and life-altering situation.Joseph is a survivor of a violent home invasion. He was beaten a...
2026-01-151h 10
The Wheelchair Roundtable ATP-End User PerspectiveRare Isn’t Rare with Giusiana ProsserAt just 12 years old, Giusiana Prosser began experiencing medical symptoms that would change her life — symptoms that were dismissed, minimized, and misunderstood for years.After being told it was “all in her head,” Giusiana never stopped advocating for herself. At 19, she was diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, and at 21 with Andersen–Tawil Syndrome, finally giving a name to what her body had known all along. Today, she also lives with a tethered spinal cord.Now a artist, rare disease advocate, motivational speaker, and Ms. Wheelchair Washington USA, Giusiana uses her platform to challenge misconceptions around disability and shar...
2026-01-071h 06
The Wheelchair Roundtable ATP-End User PerspectiveOver the Edge: Tyler’s Fall, Fight, and ComebackIn this powerful episode, we sit down with Tyler Keller, whose journey is rooted in grit, faith, and resilience. Tyler grew up on a small farm in Michigan, surrounded by rodeo culture—both of his parents were professional rodeo athletes, as were his older sisters. Following in their footsteps, Tyler competed at a national level, earning rodeo scholarships to Lamar Community College and later Northwestern Mesa College, where he continued to compete at an elite level.Everything changed in February 2015. During an early-morning drive through the dangerous Douglas Pass near Grand Junction, Colorado, Tyler lost control of hi...
2025-12-181h 29
The Wheelchair Roundtable ATP-End User PerspectiveMovement, Mastery, and Meaning: The Fran Estevis StoryIn this episode, we sit down with Frances “Fran” Esteves, an Occupational Therapist with nearly 19 years of experience serving students across the Rio Grande Valley. Fran shares how her lifelong connection to movement — from dancing with a semi-professional ballet company to teaching classical ballet in North Dakota and coaching rhythmic gymnastics in McAllen — shaped her passion for working with children of all abilities.She reflects on her years teaching general and adaptive PE for Edinburg CISD, the moment she discovered occupational therapy, and how school-based practice became her calling. Fran talks about the realities of working across public...
2025-12-041h 14
The Wheelchair Roundtable ATP-End User PerspectiveEpisode 16: Season 1 Finale, The First 15.Episode Description — Season 1 Finale: “The First 15”In this special season finale, we hit pause and look back at the journey that brought us here. From powerful comeback stories to raw, unfiltered conversations about resilience, purpose, and real-life struggles, we revisit the first 15 episodes that shaped Season 1.Join us as we reflect on the lessons learned, the guests who left a mark, the moments that surprised us, and the stories that pushed us to grow. We share behind-the-scenes insights, our honest thoughts, and what this season has meant to us both personally and as creators.As w...
2025-11-1857 min
The Wheelchair Roundtable ATP-End User PerspectiveEpisode 15: Semper Fi: The Unbreakable Spirit of Charlie MerrittAt just 17 years old, Charlie Merritt made a promise — to serve, to lead, and to never back down. Following in his father’s footsteps, he earned the title of United States Marine at Parris Island, beginning a journey defined by grit, discipline, and heart. After eight years on active duty and four in the reserves, Charlie carried that same intensity into life beyond the Corps — playing semi-pro football, competing in strongman events, and running his own company.But one dive — on what seemed like a perfect day — changed everything. A routine jump into the water ended in a catastro...
2025-11-091h 21
The Wheelchair Roundtable ATP-End User PerspectiveEpisode 14: Full Throttle: How Mario Built His Own Way BackFor as long as he can remember, Mario Bonfante has lived for speed — from BMX tracks and motocross jumps to the smooth pavement of road racing. By the time he was sixteen, he had earned his pro card, chasing the dream of becoming one of the best. But in September of 2006, a BMX crash changed everything.The accident left him paralyzed — but not powerless.After months in the hospital and years of intense physical therapy in San Diego, Mario refused to let his injury define his limits. He wasn’t just rebuilding his body; he was re...
2025-11-021h 15
The Wheelchair Roundtable ATP-End User PerspectiveEpisode 13: The Rise of Armando RamirezAt just 18 years old, Armando Ramirez’s life changed in an instant. What began as an ordinary night ended in tragedy when a drive-by shooting left him fighting for his life. His heart stopped for 12 minutes. Doctors said the odds were slim — but Armando had other plans.Now living with a T9–T10 spinal cord injury, Armando has defied every expectation. From countless surgeries and rehab at Craig Hospital to rediscovering his love for painting cars and earning his real estate license, he’s proven that resilience runs deeper than muscle.In this powerful episode, Armando...
2025-10-301h 05
The Wheelchair Roundtable ATP-End User PerspectiveEpisode 12: Corey Lee: A Veteran’s Courage to Begin AgainIn this episode, we sit down with Corey Lee — better known as Pheez. At just 18 years old, Corey joined the Navy on September 6, 2001, only five days before 9/11 changed the world. What he thought would be a four-year enlistment turned into deployments, life-altering experiences, and a path he never expected.Corey opens up about his time serving and the diving accident that left him paralyzed from the neck down. From that life-changing moment, he embarked on a journey of survival, resilience, and rediscovering purpose. Despite the challenges, he found love after his injury, bought an ADA-accessible home at th...
2025-10-011h 44
The Wheelchair Roundtable ATP-End User PerspectiveEpisode 11: Eric's Straight Talk About Rehab, Sex & Survival After SCI **Mature themes**Listener discretion is advised. Eric’s story is raw, real, and unforgettable. After surviving two major crashes that left him with spinal cord injuries, he takes us inside the highs and lows of rehab—sharing how medication-induced hallucinations tested his mind, and how humor became his tool to calm others and himself. He recalls the unlikely moment that changed everything: eating a hamburger that reignited his drive to push through therapy and fight for independence.Eric also gets brutally honest about the personal challenges—missing his divorce court date while hospitalized, living in a nursing home for six months, and findin...
2025-09-282h 01
The Wheelchair Roundtable ATP-End User PerspectiveEpisode 10: Fighting Spirit: Jody’s Journey from Survivor to Champion”Jody’s story is one of resilience, faith, and fighting spirit. He shares how a life-changing accident deepened his spiritual connection and set him on a journey of recovery at Craig Hospital. Through the ups and downs, he battled depression and discovered purpose and joy in adaptive sports. Today, Jody is not only the reigning Wheelchair Boxing Heavyweight Champion but also a loving father, a devoted fiancé—recently proposing in London—and a man who leads with humor and heart. His journey reminds us that true strength is found in perseverance, passion, and love.
2025-09-141h 22
The Wheelchair Roundtable ATP-End User PerspectiveEpisode 9: Julia Bramwell MD: The Doctor Who Asked WhyEpisode Description (Dr. Julia Bramwell) In this powerful episode, we sit down with Dr. Julia Bramwell, a board-certified pediatrician who has dedicated over two decades to medicine before making a bold shift to launch Invest in My Health Corp. Julia opens up about her personal journey, the challenges she faced, and the pivotal experiences that reshaped her path.We talk about her “rage against the machine” — her fearless investigative work uncovering the misuse of funds within the healthcare system, and how that fight has fueled her mission to create more transparency and accountability. Julia also shares her insigh...
2025-09-061h 10
The Wheelchair Roundtable ATP-End User PerspectiveEpisode 9: Julia Bramwell MD: The Doctor Who Asked WhyIn this episode, Dr. Julia Bramwell opens up about her remarkable journey from a long career in medicine to becoming a fierce advocate for change. She shares how her own personal story fueled her determination to challenge the system, exposing misuse of funds and raising her voice against practices that don’t serve patients. Julia also dives into the healing potential of ketamine, breaking down its benefits with honesty and clarity. But she doesn’t just tell her story—she asks us questions too, challenging us to reflect on our own passions, values, and reasons for doing the work we do...
2025-09-061h 12
The Wheelchair Roundtable ATP-End User PerspectiveEpisode 8: Clown to Clinician: The Journey of Britt Sitzes, OTR/ATPIn this episode, we dive into the incredible journey of Britt Sitzes, OTR/ATP — from performing as a clown to becoming an occupational therapist and later a respected ATP. Britt’s career path is full of unexpected turns, but each step shaped the impact he would go on to make in the mobility world.We talk about his time at National Seating and Mobility in Austin, where he helped grow one of the company’s most successful branches. Britt also shares stories from the early days of RESNA and Adorno Mobility, giving us a glimpse into how the in...
2025-08-311h 45
The Wheelchair Roundtable ATP-End User PerspectiveEpisode 7: Finding Freedom in LaughterEpisode 7: Phillip Bramwell: Finding Freedom in LaughterIn this episode, we welcome comedian and performer Phillip Bramwell. Born with quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy, Phillip brings a sharp sense of humor and a fresh perspective on life, independence, and disability. With a background that includes professional acting and modeling, he’s no stranger to the stage—and now he uses comedy as his platform to connect, educate, and entertain.Phillip opens up about the realities of living with CP, the role humor plays in navigating everyday challenges, and his belief in the power of education and earning a li...
2025-08-3048 min
The Wheelchair Roundtable ATP-End User PerspectiveEpisode 6: A Conversation with Dr. Allison Kyral: Adaptive Fitness & PT InsightsIn this episode, we sit down with Dr. Allison Kyral, DPT, to explore the world of adaptive fitness, physical therapy, and patient care for individuals with spinal cord injuries. Alyson shares her journey pursuing her DPT, the experiences that shaped her approach, and her passion for creating inclusive fitness spaces. We also dive into her work with newly injured individuals, what they can expect during recovery, and how adaptive athletics can play a role in rehabilitation. Plus, we discuss the insights of ATP professionals and practical strategies for empowering people of all abilities to move, train, and thrive.
2025-08-2358 min
The Wheelchair Roundtable ATP-End User PerspectiveEpisode 5: Walk This Walk with IntegrityIn this inspiring episode, Shawn Simmons opens up about his journey of perseverance after a below-the-knee amputation. Through determination and rehab, he discovered wheelchair basketball — first playing with the ParaSports Spurs and now competing at the collegiate level with the University of Texas at Arlington. His dedication has also led to an invitation to the DK3 Wheelchair Basketball Invitational. Shawn shares heartfelt shoutouts to those who supported him along the way, reflecting on the importance of community and resilience. A proud father of three, he also talks about the legacy of perseverance in his family, including his grandmother who ea...
2025-08-161h 00
The Wheelchair Roundtable ATP-End User PerspectiveEpisode 4: The Master Plan; Victoria's Victory From the softball field to the stables, Victoria’s journey is one of grit, grace, and growth. In this episode of The Wheelchair Roundtable, Victoria shares her powerful story—from the day her life changed with a diagnosis of Cauda Equina Syndrome, to the long road of recovery that followed. Before her injury, she was fiercely competitive on the softball field. Today, she holds a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and is setting her sights on building an Equine-Assisted Learning program to help others heal and grow.Victoria opens up about the physical and emot...
2025-08-121h 04
The Wheelchair Roundtable ATP-End User PerspectiveEpisode 3: More Than a Diagnosis: Mario’s Drive to Build a Future"In this episode of The Wheelchair Roundtable, we pull up a seat with Mario — a C5/C6 incomplete spinal cord injury survivor whose story is a blueprint of resilience. After facing the unthinkable, Mario didn’t stop at survival. He went back to school, pushed through the barriers, and pursued a master’s degree in civil engineering.Through grit, determination, and an unshakable sense of purpose, Mario shows us that rebuilding your life is possible — even when the foundation feels like it’s crumbled. His story is a testament to the power of education, community, and self-belief in the fac...
2025-08-051h 06
The Wheelchair Roundtable ATP-End User PerspectiveEpisode 2: Danny Flores; Life at C5/C6 – UnbrokenIn this powerful episode of The Wheelchair Roundtable, we pull up a seat with Danny Flores, a resilient force from right here in the Rio Grande Valley. Danny shares the raw, unfiltered story of the day everything changed—a C5/C6 incomplete spinal cord injury that rewired his body but never touched his spirit.We talk about what it means to wake up in a new body, the mental mountain that follows the physical one, and the rehab trenches that test you in ways no one prepares you for. From moments of doubt to flashes of pure st...
2025-07-2952 min
The Wheelchair Roundtable ATP-End User PerspectiveWhat is an ATP? (And How Did We Become One?)Welcome to the debut episode of Wheelchair Roundtable! 🎙️In this opener, your hosts Rico and Roland—both proud Assistive Technology Professionals (ATPs)—break down what an ATP actually does, and why this role is a critical piece of the mobility puzzle.But we’re not just talking job titles—we’re getting personal. We share our own journeys into the world of assistive technology, the people and experiences that inspired us, and what it really means to blend technical knowledge with heart.Whether you're part of the wheelchair community, a clinician, a caregiver, or just curious...
2025-07-2254 min