The SwagAbility Show -With Stephen Wagstaff

SwagAbility Studios
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About The SwagAbility Show The SwagAbility Show is a faith-rooted podcast where real stories become hope for people navigating life's interruptions. Hosted by Stephen Wagstaff—keynote speaker, resilience educator, nonprofit founder, and host of The SwagAbility Show—each episode features honest conversations about resilience, disability, chronic illness, caregiving, leadership, faith, mental health, adaptive living, and discovering purpose when life doesn't go according to plan. After a diving accident at age 19 left Stephen a C5 quadriplegic, he learned firsthand that adversity may change your circumstances—but it doesn't have to define your future. Today, through StephenWagstaff.co and the SwagAbility movement, he helps individuals, caregivers, leaders, veterans, athletes, families, and organizations discover resilience, hope, and purpose through authentic conversations and practical encouragement. Whether you're facing disability, grief, burnout, trauma, relationship challenges, or simply searching for hope in a difficult season, you'll find stories that remind you your life still matters and your purpose still can. Our mission is simple: Helping people thrive wherever life finds them. Interested in sharing your story or expertise on The SwagAbility Show? Connect with Stephen through PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/swagability Or learn more about Stephen's speaking, podcast, and ministry at: https://StephenWagstaff.co Want to Be a Guest?

  1. Aug 30

    Has New Age Spirituality Entered the Church Tom Snow

    Has New Age spirituality entered the Christian church under new names? Practices such as manifestation, visualization, divination, spiritual guides, and the pursuit of secret revelation may promise peace, healing, power, or spiritual enlightenment. Returning guest Tom Snow believes some of these ideas are now appearing in Christian spaces—sometimes disguised in language that sounds positive, harmless, or even biblical. In this episode of The SwagAbility Show, Stephen Wagstaff and Tom examine the difference between authentic biblical faith, religious performance, and what Tom calls “woo”—spiritual practices that he believes draw people away from the true and living God. Tom also challenges popular images of spiritual warfare. He argues that deception does not always appear frightening or obviously evil; it can arrive as something beautiful, comforting, enlightened, and spiritually impressive. Stephen and Tom discuss: • What Tom means by “fake spirituality”• The difference between relationship with God and religiosity• How religious performance can replace authentic faith• Why Tom warns readers that his book may challenge their worldview• What Scripture means by Satan masquerading as an angel of light• How spiritual deception can look positive or beautiful• Why Christians should test spiritual teachings and experiences• Manifestation and visualization inside Christian communities• Stephen’s recent conversation with former New Age author Doreen Virtue• The dangers of continually pursuing the next great revelation• Why celebrity, popularity, and influence do not guarantee biblical truth• Church division, denominations, and the unity of Christ’s body• How Hollywood has shaped popular ideas about Satan and spiritual warfare• False teachers, false prophets, and the importance of discernment• Why suffering does not necessarily mean that God has abandoned someone• The problems with “name it and claim it” theology• Tom’s experience with heart failure and prostate cancer• Finding the peace of God while still experiencing adversity• Tom’s book Set the Captives Free Too• How believers can seek truth without living in fear Chapters 00:00 Have Christians been deceived about evil?00:26 Is spirituality leading people away from truth?00:34 Welcome to The Spiritually Starved Podcast01:07 Returning guest Tom Snow01:40 A book designed to challenge your worldview02:01 True spirituality versus fake spirituality02:49 What is religiosity?03:23 Humanity’s attempt to reach God04:03 Tom’s definition of true religion04:41 Breaking free from religious performance06:12 Revisiting Tom’s first interview06:59 What is a spiritual masquerade?07:27 The meaning behind the book’s cover08:00 Masquerading as an angel of light08:35 When evil receives better packaging09:22 Has fake spirituality entered the church?09:43 Stephen’s conversation with Doreen Virtue10:55 How did the church drift this far?12:14 Walking with God instead of chasing revelations13:01 Truth hidden in plain sight13:13 Celebrity pastors and spiritual authority14:12 The spiritual battle behind church division15:19 The unseen spiritual realm15:48 One body divided into thousands of groups17:44 Beliefs versus belief systems20:08 Hollywood’s misleading picture of Satan20:56 Can evil enter a church?22:55 Testing leaders and spiritual influences23:30 False revelation and religious control24:13 The choice of whom we will follow24:40 If God is good, why is there suffering?25:17 Is life a spiritual testing ground?25:34 Manifestation and “name it and claim it” theology26:35 Choosing God through adversity27:24 Why God does not heal everyone28:37 The peace that passes understanding28:57 Where to find Tom Snow’s books30:08 Why Tom waited decades to finish writing31:23 Reaching the one person who needs help31:41 Tom’s closing prayer33:53 Final truth and SwagAbility encouragement Tom Snow’s statements about New Age practices, spiritual warfare, demons, denominations, suffering, healing, and hearing God represent his personal testimony and theological perspective. Listeners are encouraged to examine the Scriptures carefully and seek qualified pastoral, mental-health, or medical support when appropriate. Connect with Tom Snow and explore the Just To Be Clear Teaching Series:https://just2beclear.com Read Tom’s articles and hear additional conversations:https://just2beclear1.substack.com Tom’s books include: • The Daily Stand• Set the Captives Free• Set the Captives Free Too Support the SwagAbility mission:https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/donation-form/donate-to-change-lives-today SwagAbility exists to educate, encourage, and empower people whose lives have been interrupted by adversity, disability, illness, trauma, grief, caregiving, or unexpected change. Visit https://swagability.com for additional conversations, resources, and ways to get involved. Subscribe to The Spiritually Starved Podcast and share this episode with someone seeking biblical truth, spiritual discernment, or clarity about New Age beliefs entering Christian spaces. Want to share your story or expertise as a podcast guest? Join PodMatch to connect with podcast hosts and explore guest opportunities—including the possibility of appearing on a SwagAbility podcast:https://joinpodmatch.com/swagability #PodMatch #SwagAbility #SpiritualDiscernment #NewAgeSpirituality #ChristianFaith #BiblicalTruth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  2. Aug 30

    Is Your Church Keeping You Spiritually Captive Tom Snow

    Can a person sincerely follow Christianity while remaining trapped by religious expectations, controlling leadership, and beliefs they have never examined for themselves? Author Tom Snow believes some Christians are living in what he calls spiritual captivity—following religious systems without experiencing the personal relationship and freedom God intended. But Tom’s story begins long before he became an author. At 14, Tom developed a science-fair invention using asbestos brake dust. After his mother developed cancer and died, he became convinced that his experiment had caused her death. Overwhelmed by guilt, self-hatred, alcoholism, suicidal thoughts, and his own cancer diagnosis, Tom reached a point where he says only God could rescue him. In this candid and challenging conversation with Stephen Wagstaff, Tom shares his personal testimony and explains why he believes Christians must learn to distinguish God’s voice from fear, personal conditioning, religious pressure, and spiritual deception. Stephen and Tom discuss: • Why Tom blamed himself for his mother’s death• The emotional consequences of guilt and self-hatred• Becoming suicidal while facing cancer as a teenager• Tom’s account of finding God and experiencing healing• Why religious activity is not the same as knowing God• The four voices Tom believes can influence our thoughts• How Scripture and spiritual discernment work together• The “peace that passes understanding”• Why believers should examine teachings for themselves• Spiritual pride, humility, and learning to admit mistakes• The difference between supportive and controlling church leadership• How religious communities can judge people who arrive wounded• Why Tom believes Christians need relationships—not empty routines• Finding a church community built around love instead of control• Tom’s books The Daily Stand and Set the Captives Free• How manifestation and New Age language may enter Christian spaces Chapters 00:00 “I thought I killed my mother”00:17 Is the church keeping Christians captive?00:57 Welcome to The SwagAbility Show01:23 Meet Tom Snow01:38 The book churches may not want you to read02:00 A suicidal teenager facing terminal cancer02:39 Experiencing the Charismatic Movement03:43 What does it mean to find God?04:05 Discovering his family’s Jewish history05:15 Tom’s science-fair experiment with asbestos07:33 Bringing dangerous brake dust home08:38 His mother develops cancer09:03 The guilt that consumed Tom10:07 How his mother faced death without fear12:13 Tom’s own cancer diagnosis13:01 Anger, suicidal thoughts, and surrender14:13 Tom’s account of miraculous healing16:10 The four voices influencing our thoughts17:54 Recognizing spiritual deception21:25 Study Scripture for yourself22:11 The peace that passes understanding23:34 Hearing God with humility24:13 Why believers must test what they hear25:08 Making time for a relationship with God25:42 Relationship instead of religious routine27:39 When churches control rather than support28:13 What a healthy Christian community looks like29:03 “The hospital that judges the sick”29:15 Why the Christian army shoots its wounded30:10 Tom Snow’s books and teaching resources31:06 Set the Captives Free Too31:57 Spirituality and manifestation inside the church32:56 Where to connect with Tom34:10 Closing encouragement and SwagAbility resources Tom’s statements about cancer, healing, spiritual warfare, demonic influence, religious systems, and hearing God represent his personal testimony and theological perspective. Listeners are encouraged to examine these subjects carefully and seek appropriate pastoral, mental-health, or medical support when needed. Connect with Tom Snow and explore the Just To Be Clear Teaching Series:https://just2beclear.com Read Tom’s articles and listen to additional conversations:https://just2beclear1.substack.com Tom’s books include: • The Daily Stand• Set the Captives Free• Set the Captives Free Too Support the SwagAbility mission:https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/donation-form/donate-to-change-lives-today SwagAbility exists to educate, encourage, and empower people whose lives have been interrupted by adversity, disability, illness, trauma, grief, caregiving, or unexpected change. Visit https://swagability.com for more conversations, resources, and ways to get involved. Subscribe to The SwagAbility Show and share this episode with someone questioning religious expectations, recovering from church hurt, or searching for a more personal relationship with God. Want to share your story or expertise as a podcast guest? Join PodMatch to connect with podcast hosts and explore guest opportunities—including the possibility of appearing on The SwagAbility Show:https://joinpodmatch.com/swagability #PodMatch #SwagAbility #ChurchHurt #SpiritualFreedom #ChristianFaith #ReligiousTrauma Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  3. Aug 11

    The Urinary Health Questions Nobody Wants to Ask | Dr. Jill Hudson

    Millions of people have questions about bladder leakage, urinary urgency, kidney stones, sexual health, prostate screening, recurring infections, and catheter care—but embarrassment often prevents them from asking for help. Dr. Jill Hudson is a urologic surgeon and the first woman to practise urology in New Brunswick. In this candid and practical conversation, she joins Stephen Wagstaff to answer the urinary-health questions many people feel uncomfortable discussing—even with their doctors. From recognizing the warning signs of kidney stones and understanding prostate screening to treating overactive bladder and managing a neurogenic bladder following spinal cord injury, Dr. Hudson explains the available options in clear, approachable language. Stephen also shares lessons from living with a spinal cord injury and managing his own bladder health, including how bladder Botox made a meaningful difference in his quality of life. Stephen and Dr. Hudson discuss: • How diet and hydration can affect kidney-stone risk• The symptoms of a kidney stone—and when it may become an emergency• How smaller and larger kidney stones may be treated• What men should understand about PSA testing and prostate screening• Why one elevated PSA result does not automatically mean prostate cancer• Why medical tests must be interpreted within each patient’s health history• Why avoiding the doctor and compulsively searching symptoms online can both create problems• Nonsurgical options for erectile dysfunction• The relationship between smoking, diabetes, heart health, and erections• Why sexual health matters after spinal cord injury• Treatments for bladder leakage and overactive bladder• How Botox can be used to treat bladder symptoms• What a neurogenic bladder is and how the nervous system controls urination• How urodynamic testing helps determine whether a bladder is functioning safely• Intermittent, indwelling, and suprapubic catheter options• Practical considerations for reducing urinary-tract infections Chapters 00:00 The health problems millions suffer in silence00:19 Welcome to The SwagAbility Show00:53 Why Dr. Jill Hudson chose urology02:00 How to reduce the risk of kidney stones03:01 Symptoms and warning signs of kidney stones04:41 When a kidney stone may become an emergency05:06 Kidney-stone treatments and shock-wave therapy06:52 Understanding prostate screening07:36 PSA blood tests and rectal examinations08:35 Don’t let embarrassment prevent screening08:51 When prostate screening may no longer be helpful09:40 PSA testing after spinal cord injury11:47 Why Google cannot diagnose your health12:23 Becoming an informed health advocate14:12 Making medical decisions around the individual15:27 Can prostate cancer be treated successfully?16:59 Nonsurgical treatments for erectile dysfunction18:18 The connection between erections and heart health18:56 Sexual health following spinal cord injury20:36 Bladder leakage and overactive bladder21:39 Lifestyle factors that may irritate the bladder21:54 How bladder Botox changed treatment22:39 Stephen’s experience receiving bladder Botox24:09 What is a neurogenic bladder?25:32 How the brain, spinal cord, and bladder communicate26:01 Bladder-management options26:29 How urodynamic testing works27:14 Determining whether a bladder is safe28:51 When urodynamic testing should be repeated29:56 Choosing the appropriate catheter30:41 Intermittent versus indwelling catheters31:31 Understanding suprapubic catheters32:43 Reducing urinary-tract infections33:28 Why catheter technique matters34:27 Hydration and catheter frequency after spinal cord injury35:03 Final encouragement and SwagAbility resources Important: This conversation is provided for general educational purposes and does not replace personalized medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Speak with a qualified healthcare professional about symptoms, screening, medications, or changes to your bladder-management routine. Support the SwagAbility mission:https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/donation-form/donate-to-change-lives-today SwagAbility exists to educate, encourage, and empower people whose lives have been interrupted by adversity, disability, illness, trauma, caregiving, or unexpected change. Visit https://swagability.com for additional conversations, resources, and ways to get involved. Subscribe to The SwagAbility Show and share this episode with someone managing a chronic condition, spinal cord injury, bladder problem, caregiving responsibility, or private health concern. Want to share your story or expertise as a podcast guest? Join PodMatch to connect with podcast hosts and explore guest opportunities—including the possibility of appearing on The SwagAbility Show:https://joinpodmatch.com/swagability #PodMatch #SwagAbility #UrinaryHealth #BladderHealth #SpinalCordInjury #DisabilityHealth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  4. Aug 10

    He Survived Iraq Then One Phone Call Changed Everything Neil Jurd

    Neil Jurd survived daily mortar attacks in Iraq. But nothing in his military training could prepare him for the phone call that changed everything. Just weeks after leaving the British Army, Neil learned that his wife, Michelle, and their two young daughters had been involved in a serious car crash. The accident happened on the evening before his 40th birthday. Michelle was kept alive until Neil reached the hospital, leaving him to rebuild life as a grieving father of two- and four-year-old girls. In the premiere episode of Interrupted by Adversity, Neil shares what happened when military composure collided with overwhelming grief—and why surviving tragedy sometimes means accepting help, allowing yourself time to heal, and believing that moving forward is not a betrayal of the person you lost. Neil Jurd OBE is a former British Army officer, Sandhurst instructor, leadership expert, founder of Leader-Connect, and author of The Leadership Book: A Step-by-Step Guide to Excellent Leadership. Stephen and Neil discuss: Losing his mother to cancer at 16 Why Neil always wanted to become a soldier His early military experiences in Belize, Sierra Leone, Yemen, and Iraq Leading Gurkha soldiers under daily mortar and rocket fire The mortar explosion that left shrapnel in his face Returning home after surviving combat Meeting Michelle while she served as a Royal Air Force helicopter pilot The phone call that changed Neil’s life Raising two very young daughters after their mother’s death Why happiness can feel wrong during grief How long traumatic bereavement can take to process Creating the Michelle Jurd Trust in his wife’s memory Why accepting practical help became essential to his recovery Giving yourself permission to survive and move forward Why real leadership is built through connection rather than rank or control Chapters 00:00 The phone call that changed everything 00:19 Before and after 00:39 Welcome to Interrupted by Adversity 00:48 Meet Neil Jurd 01:41 The childhood dream of joining the Army 04:02 Losing his mother at 16 05:35 Training at Sandhurst and serving in Belize 08:30 Operations in Sierra Leone, Yemen, and Iraq 10:00 Leading the Gurkhas 13:05 Arriving in a dangerous Iraq 14:20 Daily mortar and rocket attacks 19:36 The mortar that exploded beside Neil 21:16 Coming home from combat 24:51 Meeting Michelle 26:34 The evening before Neil’s 40th birthday 28:15 The long drive to the hospital 29:49 An unnecessary death 30:45 Raising two young daughters alone 33:18 When strength means simply surviving 34:35 The slow return of happiness 35:54 Creating the Michelle Jurd Trust 39:28 Turning grief into purpose 42:43 Accept help when it comes 45:16 Neil’s message to people facing adversity 47:26 Creating space to heal 47:54 Moving forward is okay 48:19 Adversity does not have to interrupt purpose 49:04 Neil’s leadership resources 51:01 The SwagAbility mission and closing Connect with Neil Jurd Visit NeilJurd.com to learn more about Neil’s leadership training, speaking, coaching, and work. Explore leadership videos, courses, and resources through Leader-Connect.co.uk. Learn about Neil’s bestselling book, The Leadership Book: A Step-by-Step Guide to Excellent Leadership, through his official book page. Discover how the Michelle Jurd Trust helps young people develop character and experience outdoor adventure. Neil is also available on LinkedIn. Support the SwagAbility mission: https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/donation-form/donate-to-change-lives-today SwagAbility exists to educate, encourage, and empower people whose lives have been interrupted by adversity, disability, illness, trauma, grief, or unexpected change. Follow Interrupted by Adversity and share this episode with a veteran, grieving parent, first responder, widowed spouse, or survivor who needs permission to believe that life can become meaningful again. Want to share your story or expertise as a podcast guest? Join PodMatch to connect with podcast hosts and explore guest opportunities—including the possibility of appearing on a SwagAbility podcast: https://joinpodmatch.com/swagability #PodMatch #SwagAbility #GriefRecovery #MilitaryVeteran #Resilience #LifeAfterLoss Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  5. Aug 3

    Unlocking Hope A Non Surgical Approach to Chronic Pain with Dr William Moyle

    Unlocking Hope: A Non-Surgical Approach to Chronic Pain with Dr. William Moyle Life can change in a moment — through illness, disability, trauma, or burnout — and when it does, too many people are left feeling unseen and unheard. In this episode, Dr. William Moyle shares his groundbreaking three-step system that offers a hopeful, non-invasive alternative to chronic pain treatment. Whether you're living with pain, caring for someone, or simply seeking new ways to heal, this conversation shines a light on the body's remarkable ability to recover when correctly supported. In this episode The true cause of chronic pain is a problem, not just its symptoms The proven three-step system to discover and address root causes Why age is not a barrier to healing and regeneration How body's cells regenerate and what that means for sustained recovery Real stories from pro athletes and everyday heroes whose lives changed The importance of listening to the patient over relying solely on scans Practical steps for assessing and treating pain without surgery How natural movement and biomechanics play critical roles in healing Hope for those with long-standing or complex pain conditions Resources for finding practitioners aligned with systemic, logic-based care Chapters: 00:00 - The hidden truth behind chronic pain and a new approach02:20 - The importance of discovering the real cause of pain, not just masking symptoms03:49 - How the body’s cells regenerate and the impact on healing06:42 - Surprising patient results and what sets Dr. Moyle’s system apart08:38 - The assessments and tools that reveal the root cause10:06 - How long it takes to see meaningful recovery and what influences it12:57 - Real stories from athletes and clients whose lives transformed16:17 - The personal journey that led Dr. Moyle into this innovative practice22:05 - The intersection of chiropractic philosophy and body self-healing26:27 - The future of pain management amid societal and technological shifts29:04 - Hope for those with disabilities and how natural healing still works33:59 - The importance of avoiding masking and embracing the body's natural recovery36:03 - Practical tips on nutrition and lifestyle for reducing inflammation38:43 - How to find a practitioner who understands biomechanics and systemic care41:11 - Final encouragement: Your body has the potential to heal Resources & Links Linktree - Dr. William Moyle – Find more about his practice and resources How to connect: For consultations or questions, visit Dr. Moyle’s Linktree Follow Dr. William Moyle on Facebook for latest research insights Brought to you by SwagAbility - thrive where life finds you! Want to be a guest on The SwagAbility Show? Send Stephen Wagstaff a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/swagability    #PodMatch swagability.com @SwagAbilityLive on YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Unlocking Hope A Non Surgical Approach to Chronic Pain with Dr William Moyle

  6. Aug 3

    ECMO Survivor Becomes Champion Boxer and Cancer Researcher with Nick Akosa

    Nicholas "Nick" Akosa wasn’t just placed on life support — he was placed on ECMO, one of the most advanced and invasive life support systems used when the body can no longer sustain life on its own. After being put into a medically induced coma due to an unknown illness, his future was uncertain. Today, he’s stepped into the ring as a champion amateur boxer — and is also working as a world-class scientist researching therapies that could impact the future of cancer treatment. In this episode of The SwagAbility Show, I sit down with Nick to explore what it takes to fight your way back after life-altering adversity. From surviving ECMO life support and navigating physical recovery, to managing the emotional toll of trauma and burnout, this conversation offers insight for anyone facing disability, illness, PTSD, caregiver fatigue, or life disruption. We discuss: • What ECMO life support is and why it’s used • Recovering physically and mentally after a medically induced coma • The emotional impact of trauma and adversity • Navigating burnout in high-performance environments • The role of faith in resilience and healing • Returning to elite-level athletic performance • Using lived adversity to fuel scientific work in cancer therapy If you or someone you love is navigating trauma, chronic illness, disability, or caregiver burnout — this episode offers practical encouragement and Christ-centered hope for the road ahead. At SwagAbility, it’s our mission to help you Thrive Wherever Life Finds You. Want to be a guest on The SwagAbility Show? Send Stephen Wagstaff a message on PodMatch, here:https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/swagability #PodMatch Chapters: 00:00 Introduction: From ECMO to Comeback 02:12 Nick’s Unknown Illness & ECMO Life Support 06:45 Medically Induced Coma & Recovery 11:18 Mental Toll of Critical Illness 17:03 Trauma, Burnout & Emotional Resilience 23:40 Faith’s Role in the Healing Process 29:55 Returning to Physical Performance 35:10 Becoming a Champion Amateur Boxer 40:22 Scientific Work in Cancer Therapy 46:05 Encouragement for Caregivers & Survivors 50:00 Final Thoughts & Moving Forward SwagAbility Studios 2026 www.SwagAbility.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    ECMO Survivor Becomes Champion Boxer and Cancer Researcher with Nick Akosa

  7. Jul 26

    The Eldercare Conversation Most Families Have Too Late | Amy Friesen

    Most families do not make an eldercare plan until a fall, diagnosis, hospital stay, or late-night phone call forces them to act. By then, important choices may already be disappearing. Amy Friesen is a bestselling author, eldercare expert, and founder of Tea & Toast. For more than 20 years, she has helped older adults and their families navigate senior living, long-term care, caregiver burnout, and the emotionally difficult decisions surrounding aging. In this conversation, Amy explains why preparing for eldercare does not mean surrendering your independence. In fact, planning early may be one of the most effective ways to protect it. Stephen and Amy discuss: Why most families enter the eldercare system in crisis The warning signs of caregiver burnout Why burnout is a symptom of an overloaded caregiving situation How unaddressed caregiving pressure can affect a marriage Why caregivers sometimes begin resenting someone they deeply love How families can begin difficult aging conversations Why older adults should participate in creating their own care plans The documents and home-safety changes families often postpone Why grab bars and other supports must be installed before a fall How younger caregivers can find help and recognize they are not alone Amy’s book, Breadcrumbs: From Home Care to Care Homes Free eldercare planning resources available through Tea & Toast Chapters 00:00 Why families fail to plan for eldercare 00:18 The caregiving responsibility many families never expect 01:10 Welcome to The SwagAbility Show 01:25 Meet eldercare expert Amy Friesen 02:39 How losing her grandmother shaped Amy’s calling 03:50 Why Amy founded Tea & Toast 04:38 Caregiver burnout remains hidden 05:33 Why caregiver burnout can become dangerous 06:45 The meaning behind Tea & Toast 09:02 Why most families wait until a crisis 10:28 How planning protects independence and choice 10:53 Leadership during emotionally charged care decisions 13:24 Warning signs of caregiver burnout 14:26 Burnout is a symptom—not the underlying problem 15:49 How caregiving pressure can affect a marriage 17:30 The CARES program for overwhelmed caregivers 18:23 How to begin the aging conversation 21:15 When should families start planning? 22:48 Giving aging adults ownership over their future 24:19 Why staying at home still requires a plan 26:03 What younger caregivers need to understand 27:23 Amy’s book Breadcrumbs 29:37 Where to find Amy and her resources 30:26 You do not have to navigate caregiving alone 32:07 Final encouragement and SwagAbility closing Connect with Amy Friesen Visit TeaAndToast.ca to connect with Amy and her team, book a consultation, and access practical eldercare guides, checklists, downloads, and other resources. Learn more about Amy’s book, Breadcrumbs: From Home Care to Care Homes, and find ordering links for Amazon and Indigo at TeaAndToast.ca/ebook. Support SwagAbility SwagAbility exists to educate, encourage, and empower people whose lives have been interrupted by adversity, disability, illness, caregiving, or unexpected change. Visit SwagAbility.com to discover additional resources, learn about the mission, or support our work. Subscribe to The SwagAbility Show and share this conversation with a caregiver, aging parent, adult child, spouse, or family that needs to begin planning before a crisis takes away their choices. Are you a podcast guest with a meaningful story, message, or area of expertise? Discover opportunities to connect with podcast hosts through PodMatch. #PodMatch #SwagAbility #CaregiverBurnout #EldercarePlanning #FamilyCaregiving #AgingParents Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  8. Jul 24

    He Finished College Reading at a First-Grade Level | Russell Van Brocklen

    Russell Van Brocklen finished college while testing at a first-grade reading and writing level. After being removed from mainstream classes, placed in special education, underestimated by educators, and later given 15 failing credits despite earning a recommended A-minus, Russell decided he had experienced enough discrimination. He went to law school—and discovered that the same brain educators struggled to understand could become one of his greatest strengths. Today, Russell is known as the Dyslexia Professor. In this conversation, he explains why dyslexia is not an indication of low intelligence and introduces a writing-first approach designed to help dyslexic children and adults organize their ideas, strengthen their reading and writing, and build confidence. Stephen and Russell discuss: What Russell experienced after being placed in special education How he completed college with first-grade reading and writing kills Why traditional teaching methods can fail dyslexic students What dyslexia may look like inside the brain Why a student’s strongest interests can unlock learning How writing can help organize fast-moving ideas A practical exercise parents can begin at home Why dyslexic learners may possess extraordinary intellectual strengths How Russell’s approach can also support adults Chapters 00:00 Russell’s experience in special education 00:29 Welcome to The SwagAbility Show 02:20 Growing up with undiagnosed potential 08:07 Recognizing that he learned differently 10:14 Discrimination changed Russell’s direction 12:10 Understanding dyslexia and the brain 13:58 Russell’s writing-first approach 17:12 How one determined student transformed her reading 20:01 A learning strategy parents can try 25:12 Life beyond the special education classroom 26:34 Finding the brilliance inside a student’s interests 29:20 Dyslexia, career strengths, and artificial intelligence 30:45 Russell’s advice for overwhelmed families 32:07 Can this approach help adults? 33:47 Russell’s free guide and consultation 34:49 Closing thoughts and SwagAbility resources Connect with Russell Van Brocklen Visit DyslexiaClasses.com to download Russell’s free guide and request a complimentary 30-minute conversation. Support SwagAbility The SwagAbility Foundation exists to educate, encourage, and empower people whose lives have been interrupted by adversity, disability, illness, or unexpected change. Learn more about the mission, discover additional resources, or support the work at SwagAbility.com. Subscribe to The SwagAbility Show and share this episode with a parent, educator, adult learner, or family who needs to hear that struggling differently does not mean lacking intelligence or potential. Are you a podcast guest with a meaningful story, message, or area of expertise? Discover opportunities to connect with podcast hosts through joinPodMatch.com/swagability #PodMatch #SwagAbility #DyslexiaAwareness #LearningDisabilities #SpecialEducation #Neurodiversity Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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About The SwagAbility Show The SwagAbility Show is a faith-rooted podcast where real stories become hope for people navigating life's interruptions. Hosted by Stephen Wagstaff—keynote speaker, resilience educator, nonprofit founder, and host of The SwagAbility Show—each episode features honest conversations about resilience, disability, chronic illness, caregiving, leadership, faith, mental health, adaptive living, and discovering purpose when life doesn't go according to plan. After a diving accident at age 19 left Stephen a C5 quadriplegic, he learned firsthand that adversity may change your circumstances—but it doesn't have to define your future. Today, through StephenWagstaff.co and the SwagAbility movement, he helps individuals, caregivers, leaders, veterans, athletes, families, and organizations discover resilience, hope, and purpose through authentic conversations and practical encouragement. Whether you're facing disability, grief, burnout, trauma, relationship challenges, or simply searching for hope in a difficult season, you'll find stories that remind you your life still matters and your purpose still can. Our mission is simple: Helping people thrive wherever life finds them. Interested in sharing your story or expertise on The SwagAbility Show? Connect with Stephen through PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/swagability Or learn more about Stephen's speaking, podcast, and ministry at: https://StephenWagstaff.co Want to Be a Guest?

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