The Cerebral Palsy Perspective Podcast

Chad Williams and Daryl Perry
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Personal Journals
  • Updated Weekly

An optimistic look at life, movement and doing hard things our way.

  1. 6d ago

    How Cerebral Palsy Shaped the Mission Behind Your Level Fitness

    n this episode of the Cerebral Palsy Perspective Podcast, Chad Williams turns the spotlight onto co-host Daryl Perry to talk about the story behind Your Level Fitness, how cerebral palsy shaped his perspective on fitness and self-image, and the mindset that has guided him through more than 30 years of navigating fitness, entrepreneurship, public speaking, podcasting, and personal growth. Daryl shares: how an orthopedic doctor introduced him to fitness as a teenager why curiosity mattered more than pressure early on the origin story behind Your Level Fitness teaching adaptive fitness classes through United Cerebral Palsy overcoming fear around public speaking how working in marketing and advertising shaped his approach to fitness why the fitness industry often profits from insecurity the inside/out philosophy behind YLF how podcasts, blogs, journal prompts, and live streams became an ecosystem of support why sustainable fitness and self-acceptance matter more than perfection The conversation also dives into: shortening the learning curve for others trusting your gut while navigating disability and entrepreneurship using your interests to help people the evolution of podcasting and content creation why momentum changes everything If you want to start building your forever active lifestyle at your own pace: https://yourlevelfitness.com If you want more guidance while building your forever active lifestyle: https://yourlevelfitness.com/community Journal prompts to help you navigate and build your forever active lifestyle: https://yourlevelfitness.com/email Follow Chad Williams on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chadwillia1/

    22 min

  2. May 25

    Fuel or Weight, How Your Past Shapes Your Present With Cerebral Palsy

    In this episode of the Cerebral Palsy Perspective, host Chad Williams and co-host Daryl Perry dive into a deeply personal and relatable conversation about childhood experiences, identity, and how the past continues to shape the present. Growing up with cerebral palsy often comes with moments that leave a lasting impact, bullying, feeling different, being misunderstood, and in some cases, being let down by both peers and adults. These experiences don’t just disappear. They stay with you, sometimes as motivation, sometimes as weight. So how do you find the balance? Chad and Daryl explore what it looks like to use those painful experiences as fuel without letting them define your identity or hold you back. From the desire to prove others wrong to learning how to build a life based on purpose instead of pain, this episode highlights the ongoing mental and emotional process behind growth. You’ll hear honest reflections on: Growing up with cerebral palsy and navigating bullying and isolation The mental tug of war between motivation and emotional weight The danger of living in a “prove them wrong” mindset How to stop “fighting ghosts” and start building your own path Turning past pain into something meaningful and positive Why healing is not linear and those thoughts may still come back This conversation goes beyond cerebral palsy. It speaks to anyone who has experienced hardship, self-doubt, or moments that shaped how they see themselves. If you’ve ever struggled with letting go of the past while still learning from it, this episode is for you. Connect with Us: Follow Chad Williams: https://www.instagram.com/chadwillia1/ Follow Daryl Perry: https://www.instagram.com/daryltperry/

    14 min

  3. May 18

    Strength with Cerebral Palsy, It’s Not What You Think

    Welcome back to The Cerebral Palsy Perspective Podcast, hosted by Chad Williams with co-host Daryl Perry. In this episode, we explore a powerful and often misunderstood topic, strength. When most people think about strength, they think about physical performance, lifting heavier weights, running faster, or pushing harder. But living with cerebral palsy challenges that definition in meaningful ways. Chad and Daryl break down the different layers of strength, including the ones that aren’t always visible. From adapting to physical limitations, to staying consistent through setbacks, to navigating the mental and emotional challenges that come with CP, this conversation highlights how strength can look different for everyone. You’ll hear personal stories around: Adjusting expectations after injuries and setbacksRedefining success in running and fitnessThe importance of patience, adaptability, and resilienceFinding your own way to participate and stay activeLetting go of comparison and focusing on presence and gratitudeThis episode also touches on something deeper, the idea that sometimes strength is simply making it through the day and believing that tomorrow can be better. Whether you live with cerebral palsy, support someone who does, or are navigating your own challenges, this conversation is a reminder that strength isn’t always loud or visible. Sometimes, it’s quiet, consistent, and deeply personal. Follow Chad and Daryl for more conversations and perspectives: Chad Williamshttps://www.instagram.com/chadwillia1 Daryl Perryhttps://www.instagram.com/daryltperry

    22 min

  4. May 11

    Jason Harvey’s Journey: From Cerebral Palsy To College Baseball

    In this episode of the Cerebral Palsy Perspective Podcast, Chad Williams and Daryl Perry are joined by Jason Harvey for a powerful roundtable discussion. Jason shares his story of growing up with cerebral palsy affecting his left side and how he built an incredible athletic journey competing in baseball throughout high school and college, all while playing one-handed. We talk through his early diagnosis, the challenges he faced being held back in youth sports, and the resilience it took to continue pursuing what he loved despite setbacks, criticism, and doubt. Jason opens up about moments of bullying, perseverance, and the impact of finding the right support system along the way. The conversation also dives into life after sports, adapting to physical changes over time, staying active through golf and physical therapy, and navigating what it means to age with cerebral palsy. Jason also shares his passion for coaching, teaching, and his vision for creating more opportunities for adaptive athletes in the future. This is a conversation about perseverance, identity, and the reality of building your own path when it doesn’t look like everyone else’s. For Tickets and More Info on Josh Blue: https://www.joshblue.com Follow Chad Williams: https://www.instagram.com/chadwillia1/ Follow Daryl Perry: https://instagram.com/daryltperry

    32 min

  5. May 4

    Becoming Comfortable In Your Own Skin With Cerebral Palsy

    In this episode of the Cerebral Palsy Perspective, Chad Williams and co-host Daryl Perry welcome back Zachary Fennell for another powerful conversation. This time, the focus shifts to what it really means to become comfortable in your own skin. Zach shares his perspective on embracing differences, asking for help, and letting go of comparison. The conversation dives into real-life experiences, from navigating social situations to learning how to advocate for yourself and surround yourself with the right people. You’ll also hear practical insights on building confidence, developing self-awareness, and why perfection isn’t the goal, growth is. Whether you’re living with cerebral palsy or navigating your own challenges, this episode is a reminder that confidence is built through action, reflection, and self-acceptance. What We Cover: What it means to be comfortable in your own skinWhy asking for help is a strength, not a weaknessHow comparison takes away from your progressReal-life examples of growth and self-advocacyBuilding confidence through daily actions and reflectionLetting go of perfection and focusing on progressZach's Links: Zachary Fennell Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zacharyfenell Off Balance Memoir: https://www.zacharyfenell.com/off-balanced/ Chad Williams Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chadwillia1 Daryl Perry Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daryltperry

    30 min

  6. Apr 27

    Finding Your Way Into Fitness With Cerebral Palsy

    Finding your way into fitness with cerebral palsy or any disability is not always straightforward. In this episode, Chad Williams and Daryl Perry share their personal experiences navigating gyms, running, group environments, and the mental challenges that come with starting something new. We talk about intimidation, comparison, confidence, and why movement does not have to look a certain way to count. From walking into the gym for the first time to crossing the finish line of a race, this conversation is about finding what works for you and building the confidence to keep going. If you’ve ever felt like you don’t belong in fitness spaces, this episode is for you. Follow us on Instagram:Chad Williams: https://www.instagram.com/chadwillia1/Daryl Perry: https://www.instagram.com/daryltperry

    27 min

  7. Apr 20

    Digital Accessibility and Independence with Katie Wheeler

    In this episode of the Cerebral Palsy Perspective, we’re joined by Katie Wheeler, a Digital Accessibility Analyst and advocate who is working to make digital spaces more inclusive for everyone. We dive into what digital accessibility actually means beyond physical environments, breaking down how websites, apps, and digital tools can either create independence or barriers for individuals with disabilities. Katie shares her journey into accessibility, how her lived experience with cerebral palsy shaped her path, and the growing need for organizations to prioritize inclusive design. We also explore the gap between awareness and implementation, why many companies still fall short, and how improving accessibility can completely change someone’s ability to navigate the world independently. Katie provides insight into the importance of real-world testing, communication with businesses, and the role of advocacy in pushing this space forward. The conversation also expands into content creation, entrepreneurship, and what it means to advocate for yourself, whether that’s in professional settings, client work, or everyday interactions. This episode highlights the real impact of accessibility, the opportunities within the field, and why these conversations matter now more than ever. Katie Links: Website: https://katie-wheeler-official.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KatieWheelerAccessibilityLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-wheeler-707655220/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katie.wheeleraccessTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@KLWAccessibility Katie Wheeler Accessibility Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2vyG8C3yM9kPKGml4AJgTm?si=LtbHBdpgSsKk1JCkRdVTtw&nd=1&dlsi=e4d3745261544915 Chad Links:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chadwillia1/Shop: https://doinghardthingsmyway.com/ Daryl Links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daryltperry/Your Level Fitness: https://yourlevelfitness.com/

    22 min

  8. Apr 13

    Sharing Your Story With Cerebral Palsy Featuring Chelsea Bear

    In this episode of the Cerebral Palsy Perspective, Chad Williams and Daryl Perry are joined by disability advocate and content creator Chelsea Bear. Chelsea shares her journey of building a platform around living with cerebral palsy, staying authentic online, and finding creative ways to continue sharing her story as she grows. The conversation dives into physical therapy experiences, adapting as we get older, trying new things, and how stepping outside your comfort zone can lead to confidence, connection, and opportunity. If you’ve ever thought about sharing your story or finding your place in the CP community, this episode will give you both perspective and encouragement. Follow Chelsea Bear:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realchelseabearYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@realchelseabearFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/realchelseabearTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@realchelseabear Follow us on Instagram:Chad Williams: https://www.instagram.com/chadwillia1/Daryl Perry: https://www.instagram.com/daryltperry

    21 min
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An optimistic look at life, movement and doing hard things our way.

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