What if the thing that broke your life… became the very thing that built your purpose?In this powerful, unscripted “cafecito-style” conversation, we sit down with Stephen and Julie Wagstaff—a Canadian couple whose story carries equal parts grit, humor, faith, and hope. Stephen shares the moment that changed everything: August 2, 1996, when a dive into shallow water resulted in a spinal cord injury that left him a quadriplegic at just 19. But this isn’t a story about what was lost—it’s about what was rebuilt. Together, Stephen and Julie walk us through the real journey: the trauma, the resilience, the marriage work, the caregiving realities, and how purpose can rise out of pain. You’ll also hear how their nonprofit, SwagAbility, was born from a season of intense hardship—Stephen’s extended hospital stay, Julie’s cancer journey, and a deep desire to help others thrive where life finds them. Their mission is grounded in practical support—like life coaching, counseling, and assistive/adaptive technology support—and a fierce commitment to showing up for people navigating life-altering circumstances, including caregivers, people living with disability, and veterans. This episode goes beyond inspiration. We talk honestly about: Authenticity (and why people freeze up the moment things feel “official”) Caregiver burnout—the resentment nobody wants to confess, and why it’s normal Marriage and communication (the “3 keys” are… communication, communication, and communication 😄) Hope in dark seasons, faith, and finding purpose when life feels like it’s closing in Why “pain is pain” and comparison helps nobody What it really means to build community when you feel alone If you’re in a transition caring for a loved one, facing illness, navigating disability, rebuilding after trauma, or just trying to make it through a hard chapter, this conversation will meet you right where you are. Keywords / Topics: caregiving, caregiver burnout, disability advocacy, spinal cord injury, quadriplegic story, cancer survivor story, faith and resilience, marriage communication, adaptive equipment, assistive technology, life coaching, counseling support, nonprofit organization, veteran support, Life & In Between Podcast. Connect with Stephen & SwagAbilityIf you’d like to support their mission, request help, or learn more about their resources: Website: swagability.com General support / inquiries: info@swagability.com Donations: donations@swagability.com Donate: Visit swagability.com and click the Donate button (they use a platform that takes 0% from your donation). Stephen shared that SwagAbility is currently a registered nonprofit in both Canada and the U.S., and they’re working toward 501(c)(3) status in the U.S. to provide tax receipts for donors.
