Push Play

Disability Media Network

Push Play is the podcast where adaptive athletes take the spotlight. From wheelchair basketball courts to adaptive golf courses, we talk with disabled athletes, coaches, and advocates about the training, competition, and real stories behind their sports: the stories mainstream sports media too often misses. Whether you’re an athlete, a fan, or just sports-curious, push play and hear it from the people who live it. Push Play is produced by Disability Media Network (DiMe), a media platform built by and for the disability community. Our storytelling is honest and human, never idealized or pitied.

  1. 10/28/2025

    From the Volleyball Court to the Fairway: Stacey Rice’s Journey of Resilience

    Paralympian Stacey Rice shares her remarkable transition from competing in the 1988 Paralympic Games for volleyball to finding a new passion in adaptive golf. After losing her leg to bone cancer at 16, Stacey’s athletic dreams seemed over—until a supportive community of amputee athletes changed her path. In this episode, Stacey talks about rediscovering competition, representation in adaptive sports, and what keeps her swinging for new goals on and off the course. Key Topics: Overcoming fear and rediscovering athletic identity after amputationTransitioning from Paralympic volleyball to adaptive golfThe power of peer encouragement in recovery and sportWhat drives her to compete in tournaments today

    From the Volleyball Court to the Fairway: Stacey Rice’s Journey of Resilience

  2. 10/21/2025

    Pivoting with Purpose: John LeMieux on Cancer, Surgery, and Second Chances

    When former college basketball player John LeMieux was diagnosed with sarcoma in his 50s, his life changed overnight. Undergoing rotationplasty surgery was both physically and mentally challenging—but it also led him to an unexpected new love: golf. In this conversation, John shares how facing cancer reshaped his outlook, why adaptive sports restored his competitive edge, and how he’s learned to find peace, humor, and gratitude through the game. Key Topics: Navigating life after rotationplasty surgeryRediscovering athletic confidence through adaptive golfThe mental game: patience, gratitude, and mindset in recoveryFinding community and belonging through sport

    Pivoting with Purpose: John LeMieux on Cancer, Surgery, and Second Chances

  3. 10/14/2025

    Redefining Ability: Sophia’s Story of Family, Focus, and the Love of Golf

    Born without her right hand, Sophia never saw disability as a barrier—just a chance to get creative. Inspired by her golf-loving dad, she turned weekend trips to the course into a lifelong passion. Sophia shares how sports built her confidence, the adaptations she’s made on the course, and her message to other young athletes redefining what’s possible in golf and beyond. Key Topics: Growing up with limb difference and finding confidence through golfThe influence of family in discovering adaptive sportsOvercoming challenges with creativity and determinationInspiring the next generation of disabled athletes

    Redefining Ability: Sophia’s Story of Family, Focus, and the Love of Golf

  4. 10/07/2025

    How Rob Walden Returned to Scratch Golf in 3 Years Using Focused Rehab, Family Support, and Relentless Practice

    When a model airplane accident in 2016 left Rob Walden without most of the fingers on his dominant hand, golf seemed like an impossible dream. But with grit, family support, and relentless practice, Rob not only rebuilt his swing—he became a scratch golfer again and a rising name in adaptive golf. In this episode of The Adjustment Game, Rob shares how he pushed through pain to rediscover his game, the pivotal role his wife Julie and son Jake played in his recovery, and what it felt like to debut on the G4D Tour in Singapore. We also explore his volunteer work with First Tee of Phoenix and Special Olympics Arizona, and why he says every swing now has a deeper purpose. What You’ll Learn in This Episode How Rob turned rehab into a pathway back to competitive golfThe role of adaptive equipment and partnerships with companies like PING in his journeyWhy his family’s support was the difference-maker during recoveryWhat it’s like to represent adaptive golfers on the global stage of the G4D TourHow Rob uses golf to mentor kids and athletes with disabilities through First Tee and Special OlympicsHis perspective on pain, purpose, and playing the game he lovesAbout Rob Walden Rob Walden is a scratch adaptive golfer, husband, dad, and construction project manager. After losing most of his fingers in 2016, he rebuilt his golf swing and found new purpose as a mentor and competitor. He has represented the United States on the G4D Tour and volunteers with First Tee of Phoenix and Special Olympics Arizona. Follow us on: Instagram: @disabilitymedianetworkTikTok: @dimenetworkYouTube: @disabilitymedanetwork5105👉 If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a friend, leave us a review, and subscribe to the Push Play Podcast for more stories of resilience, leadership, and sports.

    How Rob Walden Returned to Scratch Golf in 3 Years Using Focused Rehab, Family Support, and Relentless Practice

  5. 09/30/2025

    How Jill MacDonald Rebuilt Her Confidence in Just Months Using the Power of Adaptive Golf

    In this episode of The Adjustment Game, host Jennifer Price, sits down with Jill MacDonald, a mother, teacher, and cancer survivor from Nova Scotia, whose journey embodies resilience and determination. Jill’s life changed in 2014 when both she and her husband Jeff were diagnosed with cancer within days of each other. After losing Jeff and undergoing her own amputation, Jill faced the difficult task of rebuilding her life while raising three children. With the encouragement of her kids, Jill found her way back to the golf course — and in the process, rediscovered her strength and confidence. Jill shares how adaptive golf became a vital part of her recovery, the emotional moment she returned to the first tee, and why sports have played such a transformative role in her life. Today, she not only competes but also advocates for inclusion in the game, serving on the Nova Scotia Golf Association’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee and the ParaGolf Canada Player Advisory Board. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How Jill found strength after experiencing profound personal loss and amputationThe role her children played in motivating her to return to golfWhy golf became a turning point in her confidence and healing journeyHow sports like skiing and adaptive golf opened new doors for empowermentJill’s mission to show others with disabilities that anything is possibleResources & Links: Learn more about ParaGolf Canada: paragolfcanada.comExplore the Nova Scotia Golf Association’s EDI initiatives: nsga.ns.caWatch more episodes of The Adjustment Game: Disability Media Network

    How Jill MacDonald Rebuilt Her Confidence in Just Months Using the Power of Adaptive Golf

  6. 09/23/2025

    A Life Reframed: From “Why Me” to “What Now”

    In this episode of The Adjustment Game, host Jennifer Price sits down with Kenny Bontz, a four-time U.S. National Adaptive Golf Champion whose journey redefines resilience and purpose. Diagnosed with diabetes at age 11, cancer at 19, and facing an amputation at 35, Kenny could have stepped away from sports altogether. Instead, he doubled down on golf, building a competitive career that has earned him titles around the world—and the respect of athletes coming up behind him. Kenny shares how he reframed his challenges, why he refuses to ask “Why me?”, and how he’s paying it forward as a mentor in the adaptive golf community. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or simply someone navigating life’s toughest challenges, Kenny’s mindset and competitive drive offer lessons in grit, leadership, and perspective. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How Kenny reframed his story from setbacks to strengthThe mental shift that carried him through cancer, diabetes, and amputationWhy he sees adaptive golf as both competition and communityHis biggest tournament wins—and the lessons behind themHow he mentors younger athletes to step confidently into the gameWhy he says, “I was given strong shoulders for a reason.”Featured Guest: Kenny Bontz – Four-time U.S. National Adaptive Golf Champion, mentor, and advocate for adaptive athletesHost: Jennifer Price, Disability Media NetworkResources & Links: Watch the full Adjustment Game series on YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/disabilitymedianetwork5105Subscribe for athlete stories delivered to your inboxFollow Disability Media Network on: Instagram: @disabilitymedianetworkTikTok: @dimenetwork#TheAdjustmentGame #AdaptiveGolf #DisabilityInclusion #AthleteStories #KennyBontz #DisabilityMediaNetwork

    A Life Reframed: From “Why Me” to “What Now”

  7. 09/16/2025

    Natasha Stasiuk’s Journey to the Top of Adaptive Golf

    Natasha Stasiuk is the world’s top-ranked female adaptive golfer with an intellectual disability—but her journey to the top wasn’t easy. After discovering her autism at age 22, Natasha transformed golf into both her passion and her safe place. Since 2019, she has dominated adaptive golf, winning back-to-back Canadian Women’s Adaptive Championships and representing Canada internationally. In this episode, Natasha shares how she overcame early struggles, the role her father plays as her caddie and supporter, and why golf is more than a game—it’s where she found her community and confidence. What You’ll Learn in This Episode How Natasha used structure and resilience to rise to the top in six yearsThe impact of her autism diagnosis on her personal and athletic journeyWhy family support has been essential to her successHow international competition has shaped her as a person and athlete

    Natasha Stasiuk’s Journey to the Top of Adaptive Golf

  8. 09/09/2025

    How Ryanne Jackson Won the U.S. Adaptive Open in 1 Year Using Smart Practice, Mental Grit, and Family Strength

    Ryanne Jackson is a U.S. Adaptive Open champion who lives with scapuloperoneal muscular dystrophy. Diagnosed in college after years of unexplained pain and fatigue, Ryanne nearly quit golf—until she found a new purpose through adaptive competition. In 2023, she captured the U.S. Adaptive Open by five strokes, earning a spot on the G4D Tour. In this episode of The Adjustment Game Series, Ryanne opens up about the mental toughness passed down from her father, the lessons of “smart practice,” and her journey toward enjoying golf for herself again. What You’ll Learn in This Episode How Ryanne adapted her training for muscular dystrophyThe turning point that kept her from quitting the gameWhat it felt like to dominate the U.S. Adaptive OpenThe challenges of balancing competitive golf with health care work and family

    How Ryanne Jackson Won the U.S. Adaptive Open in 1 Year Using Smart Practice, Mental Grit, and Family Strength
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About

Push Play is the podcast where adaptive athletes take the spotlight. From wheelchair basketball courts to adaptive golf courses, we talk with disabled athletes, coaches, and advocates about the training, competition, and real stories behind their sports: the stories mainstream sports media too often misses. Whether you’re an athlete, a fan, or just sports-curious, push play and hear it from the people who live it. Push Play is produced by Disability Media Network (DiMe), a media platform built by and for the disability community. Our storytelling is honest and human, never idealized or pitied.

Information

  • Creator
    Disability Media Network
  • Years Active
    2025
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Disability Media Network
  • Show Website
    Push Play