The QuadCast

The QuadCast
  • 5.0 (13)
  • Health & Fitness
  • Updated Biweekly

My name is John McAleavey, and on August 19, 1992 I suffered a Central Cord Syndrome injury to my cervical spine at the C-3/4 level following a fall down my basement steps. I was told early on that no two SCI’s are the same, and while that may be true, many of the struggles we're left with are. So let's talk about them. The QuadCast Podcast is mainly aimed at the disabled community, but is really for ANYONE looking to be inspired. You'll hear from fellow SCI'ers, to highlight their personal stories of struggle and triumph, doctors, therapists, and others who work on behalf of our community to share any new developments or breakthroughs in the fight. I hope that by talking/sharing/commiserating/LAUGHING, we will fully understand that no one is alone in this. Think of the QuadCast as a 30 to 45 minute session of OT/PT for the soul!

  1. Sep 28

    Fasten Your Seatbelts - The State Of Airline Travel & The Disabled Community

    Ladies and gentlemen, turn off and stow all portable electronic devices. Please be seated, our flight is ready for departure... The 4 Men & A SCI "state of air travel for the disabled community", is barreling down the runway. Once again, John McAleavey, Barry Munro, Sasha Rabchevsky, and Dr. Trevor Dyson-Hudson are back, and we have a lot to say about how broken the process of airline travel is for individuals with spinal cord injury. We share personal stories of frustration, anger, alienation, etc., and also put forth some constructive ideas that not only make sense, but would make the whole endeavor much easier and more enjoyable for many people. Takeaways Air travel poses significant challenges for individuals with spinal cord injuries, including issues with boarding, deplaning, and accessing onboard facilities.Caregiver requirements vary by airline, with some offering accommodations for caregivers to fly for free or at a reduced cost.The lack of proper accommodations and training for disabled passengers leads to difficulties and discomfort during air travel. Airport assistance and airline staff lack understanding and support for travelers with disabilitiesThe indignity and sense of abandonment experienced by travelers with disabilities is a significant issue. Advocacy and education are crucial for improving the travel experience for individuals with disabilities.Airline services and wheelchair handling need to be more accommodating and efficient for disabled travelers.Chapters 00:00 Caregiver Accommodations and Horror Stories34:22 Challenges with Airport Assistance and Transfer35:02 Airline Services and Wheelchair Handling37:25 Challenges of Air Travel42:04 Positive Changes and Solutions47:19 Advocacy and Education

    Fasten Your Seatbelts - The State Of Airline Travel & The Disabled Community

  2. Sep 23

    S7 E12 Inner Strength, Featuring Angela Smith and Maryann Hobbie

    Welcome to the first installment of a two-episode joint podcast series I'm recording with the Kessler Foundation. This edition highlights *Inner Strength*, a monthly virtual gathering for people living with spinal cord injury and their loved ones. The program recognizes that inner strength can come from many places; social connection, shared experience, personal reflection, and community. Through honest dialogue and peer support, individuals have the opportunity to explore the emotional and social experiences that often accompany spinal cord injury, while finding ideas and encouragement to support well-being. Inner strength is facilitated by Maryann Hobbie, a SCI survivor, chaplain, and author, alongside Angela Smith, Kessler Foundation SCI caregiver, peer mentoring program coordinator, and community engagement specialist. Together, they help guide a thoughtful, supportive conversation, grounded in lived experience, compassion, and connection. To find out more about the gatherings and register, click on the following link: https://kesslerfoundation.org/about-usdriven-purpose-leading-impact/events I'm thrilled to have Angela and Maryann join me for this important and informative episode. Takeaways Personal stories drive passionResilience in caregivingChallenges of living with spinal cord injuryInner strength in times of loss comes from community, connection, and purposeFinding inner strength involves surrender, acceptance, and listening to oneselfChapters 00:00 Introduction and Personal Stories02:59 Resilience in Caregiving06:58 Living with Spinal Cord Injury11:03 Inner Strength in Times of Loss23:14 Finding Inner Strength25:38 The Importance of Connection28:28 Adapting to Loss and Grief31:38 Finding Purpose35:22 Inner Strength Program

    S7 E12 Inner Strength, Featuring Angela Smith and Maryann Hobbie

  3. Sep 17

    S7 E12 Inner Strength, Featuring Angela Smith and Maryann Hobbie

    Welcome to the first installment of a two-episode joint podcast series I'm recording with the Kessler Foundation. This edition highlights Inner Strength, a monthly virtual gathering for people living with spinal cord injury and their loved ones. The program recognizes that inner strength can come from many places; social connection, shared experience, personal reflection, and community. Through honest dialogue and peer support, individuals have the opportunity to explore the emotional and social experiences that often accompany spinal cord injury, while finding ideas and encouragement to support well-being. Inner strength is facilitated by Maryann Hobbie, a SCI survivor, chaplain, and author, alongside Angela Smith, Kessler Foundation SCI caregiver, peer mentoring program coordinator, and community engagement specialist. Together, they help guide a thoughtful, supportive conversation, grounded in lived experience, compassion, and connection. To find out more about the gatherings and register, click on the following link: https://kesslerfoundation.org/about-usdriven-purpose-leading-impact/events I'm thrilled to have Angela and Maryann join me for this important and informative episode. Takeaways Personal stories drive passionResilience in caregivingChallenges of living with spinal cord injuryInner strength in times of loss comes from community, connection, and purposeFinding inner strength involves surrender, acceptance, and listening to oneself Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Personal Stories02:59 Resilience in Caregiving06:58 Living with Spinal Cord Injury11:03 Inner Strength in Times of Loss23:14 Finding Inner Strength25:38 The Importance of Connection28:28 Adapting to Loss and Grief31:38 Finding Purpose35:22 Inner Strength Program

    S7 E12 Inner Strength, Featuring Angela Smith and Maryann Hobbie

  4. Aug 8

    S7 E11 - How To Fall Up... With My Friend, Hashim Garrett

    On the latest episode of the QP, I am joined by Hashim Garrett. We met a few years ago at Kessler Institute For Rehabilitation, and I have always been impressed, not only by how approachable he is on a number of topics/issues, but also by how well dressed he is EVERY time I see him! He makes us all look ordinary, in fact. Today Hashim shares his journey from growing up in Brooklyn, to his life-changing spinal cord injury, the result of gun violence. We reflect on the influence of family and friends, the challenges of coping with his injury, and his founding of Wisdom and Understanding LLC. Hashim is a motivational speaker, an author, a member of the Kessler Foundation team, and an all-around great guy! His positive attitude, coupled with an emphasis on the power of forgiveness and resilience, is infectious as you will soon find out. Takeaways Family and friends played a crucial role in Hashim's recovery and adjustment to life after the injury.Coping with the mental and emotional impact of the injury was a significant challenge for Hashim, leading to a journey of self-discovery and healing.The founding of Wisdom and Understanding LLC was a result of Hashim's work in preventing spinal cord injuries and addressing violence in inner-city communities. Forgiveness and resilience are powerful tools for healing and overcoming adversity.Support and resources for individuals with spinal cord injuries are essential for navigating the challenges of daily life. Chapters 00:00 Growing Up in Brooklyn05:14 The Day That Changed Everything20:47 Recovery and Coping25:21 Founding Wisdom and Understanding LLC26:31 Journey to Motivational Speaking27:30 The Power of Forgiveness31:18 Authoring 'How to Fall Up'37:33 Role at Kessler Foundation45:20 Aspirations and Future Endeavors

    S7 E11 - How To Fall Up... With My Friend, Hashim Garrett

  5. Jul 20

    S7 E10 - Job Well Done My Friend!

    Maureen Pfeiffer has worked at Kessler Institute For Rehabilitation for 42 years... that's 2,191 weeks. Monday, July 20, she'll begin her 2,192 and final one on the job. I met Pfeiffer "the lifer" :-) in 1993, about 6 months after my injury, and we've been friends ever since. She's been a constant positive presence in the outpatient gym for so long, that I can't imagine what it will be like without her uber bright highlighter pen pink, purple, yellow, blue, etc., matching shirt and sneaker combinations moving forward. What I can imagine however, is how happy she will be babysitting her new granddaughter, continuing her long walks, spending time gardening, and of course with her family. On behalf of all the patients you worked, pushed, prodded, implored, celebrated, and laughed with over the years, Maureen, I say thank you, we love you, and we wish you nothing but the best in this next chapter of your life!

    S7 E10 - Job Well Done My Friend!

  6. Jul 12

    The HEAT IS ON!!

    In this latest episode of the 4 Men and a SCI podcast, the boys cover the challenges and impact of the summer's heat on individuals with spinal cord injury. It includes personal encounters, the importance of education and preparation for the issue, understanding autonomic dysreflexia's effects and much more. In fact, there's even have a reference to the great 80's brief ensemble/band, the Power Station! Takeaways Heat management for individuals with spinal cord injury is crucialThe impact of heat on individuals with spinal cord injury is significant Heat management is a critical concern for individuals with mobility impairments.Planning and preparation are essential for staying safe in hot weather. Chapters 00:00 Strategies for Managing Heat and Staying Cool in Hot Weather50:16 Closing Remarks and Invitation to Engage

    The HEAT IS ON!!

  7. Jul 4

    S7 E9 - My Conversation With Longtime QP Listener, Richie Redsicker

    This episode is a first for me here at The QuadCast. It features an "actual long time listener" of this podcast, one who understands exactly what living with a spinal cord injury is like. I had the absolute pleasure speaking with Richie Redsicker, learning all about him, his injury, remarkable family, and his life in general. I know you will enjoy getting to know him as much as I did! Speaking of which, you can do that even more by reading his blog, A Lifetime Of Miracles: Living With Injury. If there are more of you out there, listening to the pod, who would like to join me for an episode, please reach out, I would love to meet you/share your story. Takeaways Childhood interests and experiences shape characterResilience and determination are key to overcoming adversity Chapters 00:00 Childhood and Sports06:00 Motor Vehicle Accident12:05 Rehabilitation and Recovery17:54 Life After Injury23:03 Challenges and Adaptation39:26 Writing and Reflection46:51 Summer Plans

    S7 E9 - My Conversation With Longtime QP Listener, Richie Redsicker

  8. Jun 21

    S7 E8 - Rise Through Resilience With Jen and Matt Hellstern

    Matt and Jen Hellstern are my guests this week on the QP. Find out how a seemingly innocuous fender bender one day on the way to work changed their entire family's life forever! They share their personal experiences of navigating a new normal following Matt's SCI. From the confusion of how it all came to be, to hours and hours of PT and OT, his participation in numerous clinical trials, and more. You will hear what an amazingly resilient family unit they are, and how along their journey, they founded the Rise Through Resilience Foundation. RTRF exists to expand access to high-quality rehabilitation, equipment, education, and clinical support for individuals living with spinal cord injuries and other neurological illnesses or injuries. Through partnerships with evidence-based care such as Adaptletics, they aim to ensure that more people receive the kind of care that changed their lives—and that more families experience the hope and progress they were lucky enough to find. Takeaways Importance of family supportAdvocacy for spinal cord injury awareness and research Family support is crucial in the recovery journey.The Rise Through Resilience Foundation aims to bridge the gap in access to recovery resources.Recovery is a journey without a fixed timeline, and small improvements are worth celebrating. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background06:07 Spinal Cord Injury14:29 Support and Advocacy20:25 Advocacy and Awareness26:02 Support and Family Involvement31:24 Resilience and Recovery44:10 Looking to the Future

    S7 E8 - Rise Through Resilience With Jen and Matt Hellstern
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5
out of 5
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About

My name is John McAleavey, and on August 19, 1992 I suffered a Central Cord Syndrome injury to my cervical spine at the C-3/4 level following a fall down my basement steps. I was told early on that no two SCI’s are the same, and while that may be true, many of the struggles we're left with are. So let's talk about them. The QuadCast Podcast is mainly aimed at the disabled community, but is really for ANYONE looking to be inspired. You'll hear from fellow SCI'ers, to highlight their personal stories of struggle and triumph, doctors, therapists, and others who work on behalf of our community to share any new developments or breakthroughs in the fight. I hope that by talking/sharing/commiserating/LAUGHING, we will fully understand that no one is alone in this. Think of the QuadCast as a 30 to 45 minute session of OT/PT for the soul!

Information

  • Creator
    The QuadCast
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    101
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The QuadCast
  • Show Website
    The QuadCast

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