Adaptdefy Mike Brown

Andrew Slorance is the CEO and founder of Phoenix Instinct. In 2020 they won a million dollars in the Toyota Mobility Foundation Mobility Unlimited Challenge to revolutionize the manual wheelchair. 

Andrew grew up in the North East of Scotland and became a T4/5 paraplegic wheelchair user as a 14 year old after falling from a tree.  Over the last 30 years he has learnt a thing or two about navigating life and has taken it upon himself to solve some of the frustrations that he's encountered along the way. 

A successful photographer, designer and entrepreneur, we discuss the ups and downs and how he has ultimately risen like the Phoenix! 

I first met Alex while he was flying a plane around New Zealand. The more I got chatting the more I was in awe of the balance he has in his life. A paraplegic of over 20 years, Alex is an accomplished wheelchair tennis player, sit skier, peer mentor and family man. In this episode we discuss his philosophy on life and gain an insight into how he has managed to create such a well rounded life. 

Born with a rare disorder that affects her mobility, Jackie Silver rocks a wheelchair and is on a mission to empower people with disabilities and/or chronic diseases to live healthier lifestyles. 

Jackie is a registered dietitian with a Masters of Health Science (MHSc) who takes a weight-inclusive approach to nutrition and focuses on health behaviour change rather than weight. She also takes a mindful eating approach believing it to be one of the most effective ways of sustaining long-term health behaviour change. 

Shaun Gash is a paraplegic amputee who loves adventure and physical activity. Whether it is scaling mountains, scuba diving, boxing, or obstacle racing through mud, Shaun does it with a smile on his face and a determination to improve the lives of others in the process. In this episode we really connect and go deep into what it means to live life to the fullest and do good in the process. A must listen and the longest episode to date.

Maria Rabaino is a founding member of the phenomenally successful Rollettes Wheelchair Dance Team, and a certified personal trainer who creates workout videos for wheelchair users to increase their mental and physical wellbeing. 

In this episode we talk about:


The accident that left Maria with an L1 incomplete spinal cord injury
What helped her during her recovery
The journey to success with the Rollettes
Finding love
Fitness and mental health

Hannah Gavios was backpacking in Asia solo when an attempted sexual assault forced her to run for her life. Things went from bad to worse when she fell down a cliff and was paralyzed, only to be confronted by her attacker as she lay there in the dark unable to move. Her physical and mental recovery and strength is phenomenal.  Hannah now runs marathons and teaches Yoga even though she suffers the lasting effects of a spinal cord injury. There is much wisdom to soak up in this interview. Hang on for a wild ride.