Whit's Grit

Whitney Lavender
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Personal Journals

Whit’s Grit is a podcast where real people from every walk of life share raw, honest stories of resilience, unbreakable spirit, and the kind of grit that simply refuses to quit. Hosted by Whitney Lavender — a double above-knee amputee, adaptive jiu-jitsu practitioner, Ms. Wheelchair Tennessee 2026, and author of the children’s book Whit and Wheels — each episode explores how ordinary people faced extraordinary obstacles, refused to let them define their future, and rose anyway. From rock bottom to redemption, trauma to triumph, chronic illness to championship — these are powerful conversations about mindset, perseverance, and the belief that everything is overcomeable.Whether you’re struggling, healing, or simply need a reminder of human strength, Whit’s Grit delivers stories that will move you, motivate you, and prove that no matter what you’re going through… your story isn’t over until you say it is. Where Grit Refuses to Quit. New episodes drop weekly.

Episodes

  1. 4d ago

    Whit's Grit Episode 10: An Ordinary Guy Who Chose Extraordinary Things - Jim Logan

    Doctors gave James Logan months. He gave himself a start line. In April 2024, Jim was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic colorectal cancer. Thirty months later he is still here: surgeries, chemo, radiation, an ostomy, a book, and a slot at the IRONMAN World Championship in Kona on October 10 with Team IMF.On this episode of Whit’s Grit, Jim talks about the life that looked perfect until it wasn’t, the sentence he still lives by — “I have cancer. Cancer does not have me.” — and why he calls cancer both the worst and the best thing that ever happened to him. We get into Just Keep TRI-ING, the DSSP formula (Discipline, Sacrifice, Suffering, Pain), what Kelly and their son have carried, what the public doesn’t see about racing that body, and what still counts as a finish if the clock or the course says otherwise. His mission is simple and enormous: arrive alive, finish under 17 hours, and turn the miles into impact for the IRONMAN Foundation. Book: Just Keep TRI-ING on Amazon Fundraiser: https://ironmanfoundation.donordrive.com/participants/4148 Instagram: @stage42025 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jim.logan.462536 If this conversation hits, send it to someone who just got news that knocked the floor out. Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 0:22 Welcome / meet James Logan 1:46 Growing up in New Jersey, high school in Germany, building a life in Atlanta 3:27 The snow globe, stage 4, and “cancer does not have me” 6:45 Writing Just Keep TRI-ING and finding faith in the infusion room 12:25 Book profits, the $100K goal, and racing for more 16:43 Team IMF, a 42-year reunion, and the road to Kona 18:13 Training through treatment, surgeries, and an ostomy 32:01 Why IRONMAN leaves room for stories like this 34:26 What Foundation dollars actually do for kids and race towns 41:41 First advice after a diagnosis that changes everything 46:32 What grit means to Jim 47:45 Book, Instagram, donate, and the October 10 start line #WhitsGrit #JustKeepTRIing #IRONMAN #Kona #TeamIMF #AnythingIsPossible

  2. Sep 9

    Whit's Grit Episode 9: Royal Resilience with Carla Sanders - Ms. Wheelchair Arizona 2026

    Welcome back to Whit’s Grit — the podcast dedicated to resilience, heart, unbreakable spirit, and the kind of grit that refuses to quit. This episode opens the "Drama Queen Series" with Whitney’s friend and wheel sister Carla Sanders, Ms. Wheelchair Arizona 2026. Carla is a mother, grandmother, entrepreneur, bilingual real estate professional, and fierce disability advocate. In 2018 a car accident left her a T12 incomplete paraplegic. She rebuilt her career, stayed rooted in family, and turned the experience into a platform. As Ms. Wheelchair Arizona she advocates for three things that actually change lives: accessibility, mental health awareness, and economic empowerment for people with disabilities. She says it plainly: the chair is not her limitation — it is part of her leadership. Timestamps: 0:00 — Show intro0:22 — Welcome and introduction of Carla1:49 — Little Carla: energy, violin, mariachi, teen mom, education5:11 — The 2018 accident14:00 — “I’m going to walk,” the hospital chair, Panama, and acceptance16:49 — Finding community and the I Am a Warrior run20:46 — Family help that became disabling, and the weekend she was left alone26:00 — Mental health, the unpublished journal, relationships, and family court31:24 — Real estate from a wheelchair: heat, ramps, and ADA new construction39:43 — Finding Ms. Wheelchair Arizona at the Abilities Expo44:56 — Platform: accessibility, mental health, and economic empowerment53:31 — Advice for someone whose world just flipped55:02 — What GRIT means to Carla56:16 — Where to follow Carla and how to get involved57:10 — Close Follow Carla at @Carla_L_Sanders on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. Subscribe so you don’t miss the rest of the "Drama Queen Series". Until next time — keep up the good fight.

  3. Jul 29

    Whit's Grit Episode 8: One Arm, Zero Limits - Reggie “KingKnub” Amerson’s Story of Adaptation

    In Episode 8 of Whit’s Grit, host Whitney Lavender sits down with Reggie “KingKnub” Amerson — congenital one-armed MMA fighter, former Team USA Para Taekwondo athlete, coach, husband, and dad of (soon-to-be) four.   Born with a complication from his umbilical cord that left him with one hand (his “nub”), Reggie shares how he shimmied free in the womb, the childhood bullying that followed, and the pivotal moment his mom told him God knew he only needed one arm. That message, plus supportive brothers and parents, helped him accept himself early. He adapted to football (starting underage with his older brothers and shocking coaches who assumed he’d be the water boy), earned defensive MVP honors, and later found his true passion in martial arts & combat sports after watching Anderson Silva, Rampage Jackson, and Bruce Lee.   Reggie walks through discovering MMA in his early 20s while working an IT job he found unfulfilling, training at Fite Nite MMA in Memphis, competing in Para Taekwondo for Team USA (and the valuable sports science resources that came with it), and the unique challenges of finding opponents and fair rules as a one-armed fighter. He opens up about the frustrating Arkansas Athletic Commission experience — last-minute restrictions, forced covering of his nub that altered his grappling and striking, the mental impact that made him feel like the little kid who was once mocked, and why he refuses to fight there again. He contrasts it with smoother experiences elsewhere (like Tennessee) and advocates for consistent rules that treat fighters equally and better prepare amateurs for pro competition.   Now focused on a pro debut before the end of October (ahead of baby #4, William, due October 26), Reggie discusses coaching kickboxing and fundamentals at a local Arkansas gym, plans for Fite Rite MMA in Pocahontas, the unwavering support of his wife JC, and the joy of watching his kids (Tobias, Henry, and Lily) grow and cheer him on. He shares powerful advice for kids with limb differences — don’t accept the limits others place on you; your biggest limit is your own mind — and defines grit as the force that lets you not just survive hard moments but come out on top and keep adapting.   This is a raw, motivating conversation about self-acceptance, creative problem-solving in life & sports, fighting for equal treatment, representation in the disability community, and the drive to inspire the next generation (including kids like little Dallas).   Follow Reggie: Instagram: @kingknubmma Facebook: Reggie Amerson Email for fight inquiries: kingknubmma@gmail.com Gym: Fite Nite MMA (@fitenite_mma) — Fite Rite MMA coming to Arkansas    And remember, everything is OVERCOMABLE. Keep up the good fight.

  4. Jul 8

    Whit’s Grit Episode 7: Taking Up Space - Lauren Compere on Disability, Advocacy & Faith

    In Episode 7 of Whit’s Grit, host Whitney Lavender sits down with her dear friend and remarkable disability advocate Lauren Compere. A quadriplegic living with a rare genetic condition (one of only about 22 documented cases), Lauren opens up about her lifelong journey from an early cerebral palsy diagnosis through whole genome sequencing, the Undiagnosed Diseases Network, and a recent consultation with leading specialist Dr. Peter Kang at the University of Minnesota. Lauren shares how symptoms and questions intensified in her late twenties and early thirties, the emotional weight of navigating the unknown, and how her deep faith in Jesus has been her anchor through it all. She discusses growing up feeling different, the challenges of school with changing caregivers, her drive to understand people (leading to a B.S. in Psychology from Mississippi College with a perfect 4.0 GPA and a recent Master of Arts in Counseling from Reformed Theological Seminary), and her transformative experience as Miss Wheelchair Mississippi 2015 and First Runner-up at Miss Wheelchair America. Her platform — connecting families impacted by disability with the church and vital resources — continues to guide her work today as Secretary on the Ms. Wheelchair Mississippi Board. Lauren also reflects on what “grit” truly means to her: moving beyond white-knuckling through hardship to self-awareness, self-compassion, sustainable boundaries, and relying on God’s strength. She offers heartfelt advice for young girls navigating disability and reminds listeners that everyone is worthy of taking up space. Timestamps: [0:22] Welcome & introduction to Lauren Compere  [2:05] Lauren explains her rare genetic condition and lifelong diagnostic journey  [7:30] Recent trip to Dr. Peter Kang & insights on EMARDD / MEGF10 mutation  [10:40] Faith, suffering, grief, and finding hope in the unknown  [14:50] Growing up with disability: school experiences, identity, and healing  [21:20] Path to psychology & counseling; college life at Mississippi College  [24:30] Miss Wheelchair Mississippi 2015, Miss Wheelchair America experience & platform  [33:00] Current advocacy work and board involvement  [40:00] Advice for a young girl with a disability  [45:10] What “grit” really means to Lauren Compere  [50:00] How to connect with Lauren & closing encouragement Lauren’s experience includes over 1,000 hours of clinical counseling (410+ direct service hours), roles as Development Director at One Shred of Hope Nonprofit and Vocational Coordinator at Son Valley, plus disability ministry training with Joni and Friends. She continues volunteering and mentoring while actively recruiting personal care assistants. Follow Lauren on Instagram and Facebook @LaurenCompere Visit her website: teamlc.net (for her story and personal care assistant opportunities) Subscribe to Whit’s Grit on YouTube (@whitscomplex) and never miss an episode. New episodes drop every Wednesday. It’s okay to ask “why.” There is always hope — and grit — on the other side.

  5. Jul 1

    Whit's Grit Episode 6: ONE MORE DAY – Mandy Horvath on Crawling Kilimanjaro, Healing Trauma & Grit

    In this raw, powerful, and often hilarious episode of Whit’s Grit, host Whitney Lavender sits down with fellow bilateral above-knee amputee Mandy Horvath — the first female bilateral amputee to summit Mount Kilimanjaro without prosthetics, 8-time world record holder, TIME100 Sports 2026 honoree, Naked and Afraid star, and subject of the award-winning documentary The Ascent. Mandy opens up about waking up at 21 in the back of an ambulance with no legs after a suspected date-rape drug incident, the brutal year of debridement surgeries and rare bone regrowth, the exhausting reality of prosthetics for bilateral amputees, and how she turned unimaginable trauma into a life of record-breaking climbs, charity work, and radical self-acceptance. From training for Kilimanjaro (she slimmed down to 70 lbs), a terrifying hyena encounter in the Serengeti, preparing for another Naked and Afraid, writing her memoir, barrel racing with her horse Scooby, training her dog Patsy with buttons, and finding real love — this conversation is unfiltered, funny, deeply honest, and full of the kind of grit that refuses to quit. If you’ve ever felt like life dealt you an impossible hand, this episode will remind you that you can always climb out of it — one more day at a time. Timestamps: [00:00] Podcast Intro [00:22] Welcome & Intro to Mandy Horvath [01:38] Early Life: Graduating High School at 16, Vet Tech to Chef [02:34] The Night Everything Changed: Waking Up Legless at 21 [04:15] Hospital Recovery, Reamputation & Rare Osseoregeneration [06:47] The Brutal Reality of Prosthetics for Bilateral Amputees [12:27] Reconciling Trauma, CPTSD & Reliving It Through The Ascent Documentary [14:23] Training for & Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro (First Female Bilateral Amputee Without Prosthetics) [16:52] Africa Adventures: Serengeti Safari & the Wild Hyena Incident [20:31] More Record-Breaking Climbs: Pikes Peak, Cerro Tusa, Space Needle & Beyond [28:24] Turning Personal Challenges Into Charity & Creating Her Own “Sport” [32:31] Writing Her Memoir: The Emotional Toll of Sharing Her Story [38:00] The Daily Reality: Work Ethic, Finances, Insurance Battles & Job Discrimination [44:31] Preparing for Round Two on Naked and Afraid [46:03] Naked and Afraid Experience, the Community & Why She’s Going Back [48:13] Finding Love, Horses, Dog Patsy & Building a Real Life [50:50] Important Advice for New Amputees: Devotee Community, Sex & Online Safety [58:20] What Grit Really Means to Mandy: “Just One More Day” [1:00:35] Closing & Where to Follow Mandy’s Journey Mandy’s story is living proof that your circumstances don’t define your limits — your grit does.If this episode hit you, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. Your support helps us keep bringing these real stories of resilience to the world. Follow Mandy Horvath: Instagram: @mountaingnome0.5 Facebook: Mandy Horvath Website: mandyhorvath.com Watch for updates on the award-winning documentary The Ascent. #WhitsGrit #MandyHorvath #BilateralAmputee #Kilimanjaro #NakedAndAfraid #TheAscent #Resilience #Grit #TIME100Sports #AmputeeStrong #OneMoreDay

  6. Jun 10

    Whit’s Grit Episode 5: She Was Always on Wheels… Then She Got Paralyzed. Jesi Stracham’s Wild Ride

    From a life-changing motorcycle accident at 22 that left her paralyzed, to becoming one of the most inspiring adaptive athletes in the world — Jesi Stracham’s story is pure proof that your biggest setback can become your greatest power. 🔥 In this raw and powerful episode of Whit’s Grit, Jesi shares: • 00:55 – Welcome & Jesi’s recent hospital stay + ongoing wound battle • 02:50 – Childhood as an adrenaline junkie “always on wheels” • 05:46 – The motorcycle accident, rock bottom, and early post-injury struggles • 10:16 – Learning to drive with hand controls & reclaiming independence • 13:57 – Jumping back into racing & adaptive sports immediately • 17:48 – Adaptive sports journey: Tough Mudders, CrossFit Games, wheelchair curling & more • 20:43 – Launching Wheel With Me Adapt Fit + Wheel With Me Foundation • 28:28 – Meeting her partner, becoming a bonus mom & finding love after injury • 39:38 – Future plans: Baby, family life & slowing down the go-go pace • 47:58 – Jesi’s powerful definition of GRIT Whether you’re newly injured, a wheelchair user, adaptive athlete, or just need a massive dose of motivation — this episode will light a fire in you. 💪 🎯 RESOURCES & LINKS: • Jesi’s Memoir “Power in the Roll” → Signed copies: https://jesistracham.com | Amazon & bookstores • Wheel With Me Adapt Fit App → Search “Wheel With Me Adapt Fit” in your App Store ($14.99/mo) • Website & Shop: https://jesistracham.com • Instagram: @jesistracham • Wheel With Me Foundation: @wheelwithmefoundation • Wheel With Me Adapt Fit: @wheelwithmeadaptfit If you’re in the wheelchair community, spinal cord injury world, or adaptive sports — this is a MUST WATCH. 💬 Drop a comment: What part of Jesi’s story hit you the hardest? ✅ Subscribe to Whit’s Grit for more real stories of resilience, disability, adaptive sports & unbreakable spirit. Turn on notifications 🛎️ #SpinalCordInjury #WheelchairLife #AdaptiveAthlete #JesiStracham #ToughMudder #PowerInTheRoll #WheelWithMe #DisabilityMotivation #AdaptiveFitness

  7. Jun 3

    Part 3: Episode 4 - Sam Schaefer (Part 3/3)

    Episode 4 - Sam Schaefer (Part 3/3) The powerful conclusion of Sam Schaefer’s story on Whit’s Grit. Sam wakes up after his advanced amputation surgery (Ertl procedure + Targeted Muscle Reinnervation) — pain-free for the first time in nearly a decade. What follows is an inspiring explosion of life reclaimed: shattering Highland Games world records, competing at Wodapalooza, becoming the first amputee to fight in a boxing match in Missouri, climbing mountains, and training for a 30K ultra marathon. Sam and Whitney (both CRPS amputees) share raw truths about invisible pain, medical gaslighting, the fear and freedom of choosing amputation, perspective, mindset, and turning suffering into superpower. This is the final Part 3 of 3 (18:03 long). Sam’s philosophy: Sometimes you have to give away what’s breaking you to find the life you were meant to live. His coaching helps amputees and anyone facing hard seasons build their most dope life. Key takeaway on grit: “Saying yes to your very best when you’re exhausted and you think you’re too tired to say yes again.” If you’re battling chronic pain or need proof that grit can rewrite your story — this episode is for you. Connect with Sam: Instagram @samschaefer1 Subscribe to Whit’s Grit and share this with someone who needs hope!

  8. Jun 3

    Part 2: Episode 4 - Sam Schaefer (Part 2/3) – 22:51

    Episode 4 - Sam Schaefer (Part 2/3) Continuing directly from Part 1 with U.S. Air Force veteran and adaptive athlete Sam Schaefer. In this section, Sam and Whitney dive deep into the brutal reality of living with CRPS for nine years: medical gaslighting, failed treatments, nerve blocks, spinal injections, being accused of faking it, pushing through workouts on crutches while his body deteriorated, and the growing realization that he was heading toward a wheelchair. Sam shares the logical, pragmatic decision-making process that led him to choose elective below-knee amputation at age 29 — including fighting the VA system to make it happen. This is Part 2 of 3. Part 2 runs from 21:23 to 44:57. Listen to Part 1 first, then continue to Part 3! Sam’s greatest mission is helping others live their “most dope life.” Connect with him: Instagram @samschaefer1 Subscribe to Whit’s Grit for more stories of unbreakable grit.

  9. Jun 3

    Part 1: Episode 4 - Sam Schaefer (Part 1/3) – 21:26

    Episode 4 - Sam Schaefer (Part 1/3) In this powerful episode of Whit’s Grit, Whitney Lavender sits down with Sam Schaefer — U.S. Air Force veteran, adaptive athlete, 5x Highland Games world record holder, boxer, ultra-runner, and adaptive coach. Sam’s story is one of the most remarkable transformations you’ll ever hear. In 2011, while training to become a Combat Controller, a simple fall during a run in Mississippi changed everything. What should have been a minor injury exploded into Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) — the same disease Whitney lives with and the most painful condition known to medicine. This is Part 1 of 3 (21:26 long). Covers: Sam’s background, joining the Air Force, the exact moment of the injury, and the beginning of nine years of unrelenting pain. Continue with Part 2 next! Connect with Sam: Instagram @samschaefer1 Subscribe to Whit’s Grit for more real stories of resilience.

  10. May 27

    Whit’s Grit Episode 3: Breaking the Cycle - How Chase Mann Went from Courtrooms to the Cage

    In this powerful episode of Whit's Grit, Arkansas native and rising MMA fighter Chase Mann shares his raw, unfiltered journey from a childhood defined by parental addiction, constant court dates, and chaos… to becoming a powerlifting champion and professional MMA contender. By age eight, Chase was already in and out of the legal system. Sports became his lifeline—football gave him discipline, structure, and a reason to keep his grades up. But it wasn’t until he became a father at nineteen that everything changed. Holding his daughter for the first time ignited a fierce determination to break the generational cycle and become the man his children could be proud of. Faith, a supportive partner, and an unrelenting drive helped him overcome substance abuse after personal tragedy and redirected his path toward combat sports. Chase opens up about the pull between good and evil, the transformative power of fatherhood, and why he believes sports quite literally saved him from prison. Now focused on his MMA career while raising his family, Chase is proof that resilience, faith, and purpose can turn even the most troubled beginnings into a story of triumph. Tune in to hear how one man is fighting for more—not just in the cage, but for his legacy. Breaking the Cycle. Building a Champion. This is Whit’s Grit.

  11. May 20

    Whit's Grit Episode 2: Learning to Pirouette - Kathryn Morgan's Comeback Story

    From New York City Ballet apprentice at 17 to Soloist by 21,  Kathryn Morgan danced iconic roles like Juliet, Aurora, and Sugar Plum Fairy. But a serious chronic illness forced her to step away from the dream she’d worked so hard for. After a powerful comeback and leaving traditional company life behind, she built something even greater: KM & Friends — a joyful, inclusive online ballet community making high-level training accessible to dancers of all ages, sizes, and levels. A true story of resilience, reinvention, and unbreakable grit.

  12. May 13

    Whit’s Grit Episode 1: From Double Amputee to Purpose – My Story, My Why & Dedications

    Welcome to the first episode of Whit’s Grit. In this deeply personal launch, double above-knee amputee, Whitney Lavender shares her unfiltered journey from a busy life to an uncertain one in a split second. She also shares the real reasons she started this podcast, and the heartfelt dedications that motivate & keep her going. If you’ve ever faced life-altering challenges and still chosen resilience, this one’s for you. New episodes drop weekly. Join us as we discover that everything is OVERCOMABLE!

  • 12 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

About

Whit’s Grit is a podcast where real people from every walk of life share raw, honest stories of resilience, unbreakable spirit, and the kind of grit that simply refuses to quit. Hosted by Whitney Lavender — a double above-knee amputee, adaptive jiu-jitsu practitioner, Ms. Wheelchair Tennessee 2026, and author of the children’s book Whit and Wheels — each episode explores how ordinary people faced extraordinary obstacles, refused to let them define their future, and rose anyway. From rock bottom to redemption, trauma to triumph, chronic illness to championship — these are powerful conversations about mindset, perseverance, and the belief that everything is overcomeable.Whether you’re struggling, healing, or simply need a reminder of human strength, Whit’s Grit delivers stories that will move you, motivate you, and prove that no matter what you’re going through… your story isn’t over until you say it is. Where Grit Refuses to Quit. New episodes drop weekly.

Information

  • Creator
    Whitney Lavender
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Whitney Lavender
  • Show Website
    Whit's Grit