Two Disabled Dudes

The Dudes
Two Disabled Dudes

The 2DD podcast is about setting sights beyond the challenges in your life and dreaming big, making a plan, and then executing like mad. You are guaranteed an emotional rollercoaster, and practical thoughts that you can apply to your life with this podcast. Hosts Sean and Kyle are both affected by a rare disease called Friedreich’s ataxia (FA). FA affects their balance and coordination, significantly limiting their physical abilities. However both dudes have completed several long distance bike rides including “The World’s Toughest Bike Race” - Race Across America (RAAM). Their RAAM journey is the subject of an award winning documentary called The Ataxian. Kyle rode his trike to the top of the highest paved road in North America and Sean ran with the Olympic Torch. Join us, subscribe, and tell a friend!

  1. 14 OCT

    258 - Navigating Setbacks: 4 Tips for Gaining Momentum

    In this candid and deeply personal episode, Sean and Kyle tackle the emotional and mental struggles that come with setbacks—whether from injury, burnout, or life's unexpected challenges. Sean opens up about his difficult recovery journey after a recent injury, where even though surgery wasn't required, the road to getting back on track has been much longer and tougher than expected. With vulnerability and honesty, they explore the ripple effects of physical limitations on emotional well-being, offering insights on how interconnected our mental, emotional, and physical states truly are. Listeners will appreciate Sean's transparency as he shares the difficulty of regaining momentum after months away from his usual routine, like going to the gym. Together, they discuss practical ways to pull yourself out of a dark place—whether it’s setting small goals, staying accountable to someone, or simply taking those first small steps back toward movement and self-care. They highlight the importance of being kind to yourself during the process and recognizing that it's okay to not have it all figured out. This episode is a reminder that setbacks are a part of life, and the path to healing isn’t about finding a quick fix, but a series of steps that help you move forward. Whether you’re recovering from an injury, dealing with mental burnout, or just looking for ways to break through a rough patch, Sean and Kyle’s heartfelt conversation is packed with relatable moments and practical advice. Tune in for an inspiring and honest discussion on how to navigate life’s challenges and keep moving forward, even when progress feels slow. Also in this episode: After 10 years, Kyle got a credit card again.Thank you notes: Sean - City of West Sacramento and ride share service Via; Kyle - Woman in the TSA line that lifted his bag onto the belt.

    36 min
  2. 9 SEPT

    257 - Journey to the World's Highest Road, Part 2

    In this episode, we recount a challenging experience during our cycling trip in the Himalayas. Sean shares the story of his accident, where he was forced to brake hard on the trike, causing it to flip and throwing him to the ground. The impact left him with severe pain in his shoulder and hip, making it difficult to breathe initially and leaving him unable to continue the ride. Despite his initial hope that he might recover quickly, the pain worsened, and he realized he needed to seek medical attention back in the United States. With the help of his teammates Colin and Colin's daughter, Alexis, Sean navigated the arduous journey back home, dealing with intense pain throughout. Upon arriving in the U.S., Sean visited the ER to begin his recovery process. Meanwhile, the rest of the team continued the ride, facing grueling climbs and extreme conditions. The episode highlights the resilience and determination of both Sean and the team, underscoring the physical and emotional challenges of undertaking such a demanding journey. This trip would not have happened without these team sponsors: Biogen, Lexeo Therapeutics, Cure FA Foundation, Masonry Builders, Nugget Markets, and The Avery Family Foundation. Gear provided by: Catrike, Gorewear, and Zeiss Camera Lenses. The episode ends with a discussion about what's next. Kyle will focus on development of the rideATAXIA fundraising program. Sean will climb the world's longest staircase in Switzerland next year.

    36 min
  3. 5 AUG

    256 - Journey to the World’s Highest Road, Part 1

    This episode kicks off Season 12: An abbreviated season. After eight years of consistent publishing, the Dudes are scaling back for the rest of 2024 in order to fine tune the show, focus energy elsewhere, and just catch up on life. This season will consist of five episodes, one for each month through December. Regular, weekly episodes will resume in February 2025 with Season 13.  The reflection of their trip to India will span over two episodes. In this episode (pt.1), Sean and Kyle reflect on their recent trip to India, describing both the challenges and highlights of their adventure. They mention the initial stress of the journey, the support they received from sponsors and donors, and the excitement and admiration from friends and family.  The episode details their activities, including meeting researchers at the All India Institute for Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and connecting with the FA patient community of India. They recount the logistical difficulties they faced, such as getting their trikes through Customs and navigating airport security with their group, including the language barriers and misunderstandings. Upon arriving in Leh, they acclimated to the high altitude, explored local culture, and prepared their Catrikes for the upcoming trek. The Dudes share humorous and stressful moments, such as the infamous white scarfs, dealing with intense sun exposure, and adapting to local cuisine. Finally, they describe the start of their bike ride, marked by a traditional dance and music presentation by local performers, emphasizing the support and encouragement they received throughout their journey.  Be sure to catch episode 257 for the rest of the story.

    52 min
  4. 20 MAY

    254 - From Dad to Advocate to CEO: John Crowley's Continued Commitment

    This episode (254) features an interview with John Crowley, who shares his journey into the rare disease space. John's involvement started in 1998 when his daughter Megan was diagnosed with Pompe disease, a rare form of muscular dystrophy. Determined to find a cure, John and his family embarked on a journey of research and entrepreneurship, ultimately founding a biotech company that developed a life-saving enzyme therapy for Pompe disease. Despite initial challenges, including financial struggles and personal sacrifices, John's perseverance led to successful treatments for Megan and other patients. Today, Megan and her brother Patrick are thriving adults, actively contributing to society despite their condition. John's commitment to patient-centered care extends beyond his personal journey. As CEO of Amicus Therapeutics and now as CEO of BIO, he continues to advocate for rare disease patients, emphasizing the importance of universal access to treatment and addressing barriers to healthcare. Throughout the interview, John's resilience and optimism shine through, serving as an inspiration for others facing similar challenges. His dedication to making a difference in the lives of patients and his unwavering determination highlight the transformative power of hope and perseverance in the face of adversity. Also in this episode: Sean plans to burn the clothes he wears on the climb up the world's highest roadRare Resilience: Kelly BarendtThank you notes: Bio News and the FARA Staff Links and resources: John's previous episode: 144 - DD pt2: Do good and...with John CrowleyBIOMake a Wish FoundationVisit our segment partner: #RAREis

    50 min

About

The 2DD podcast is about setting sights beyond the challenges in your life and dreaming big, making a plan, and then executing like mad. You are guaranteed an emotional rollercoaster, and practical thoughts that you can apply to your life with this podcast. Hosts Sean and Kyle are both affected by a rare disease called Friedreich’s ataxia (FA). FA affects their balance and coordination, significantly limiting their physical abilities. However both dudes have completed several long distance bike rides including “The World’s Toughest Bike Race” - Race Across America (RAAM). Their RAAM journey is the subject of an award winning documentary called The Ataxian. Kyle rode his trike to the top of the highest paved road in North America and Sean ran with the Olympic Torch. Join us, subscribe, and tell a friend!

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