No Barriers

No Barriers USA
  • 4.9 (80)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE
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Hosted by Erik Weihenmayer (the first blind person to summit Mt. Everest; among many other perhaps more impressive achievements) our audience tunes into hear stories of perseverance along with the outcomes on the other side. Individuals who've defied the odds (defying the odds) or flipped the script of their lives are frequent guests. - Podcast producer contact: podcast@nobarriersusa.org

  1. Transforming Vision: John Bramblitt on Painting Without Sight

    12/19/2025

    Transforming Vision: John Bramblitt on Painting Without Sight

    Erik Weihenmayer has a lot in common with our guest today John Bramblitt. Both are blind. Both are trailblazing adventurers. One’s summited Everest, the other’s become a world-recognized painter.  Whether you’re facing a giant mountain or a blank canvas, it’s NOT magic—it’s sweat, perseverance, and innovation. You’ll fail a lot. John’s failures and the innovation that resulted from those, led the creation a unique way of painting. What if you could feel color? John does. His artistic and accurate rendering of people with vivid colors and textures is remarkable. He paints both small and large. Including murals that sweep across buildings and one of his works was even wrapped onto the entirety of a Boeing 737.  Curious how you paint without sight, or how John turned visions of the world into incredible works of art—using his sense of touch and innovative painting techniques?

    53 min
  2. Adapted The Film with Paul Bikis and Josh Hancock

    10/25/2025

    Adapted The Film with Paul Bikis and Josh Hancock

    Adapted website: https://adaptedthefilm.com/ Adapted Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adaptedthefilm/Paul Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pbikis/Josh Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livin_wheel_life/

    1h 2m
  3. Trailblazers at Heart: The Mendenhall Family’s Guide to Accessible Living and Boundless Possibility

    10/10/2025

    Trailblazers at Heart: The Mendenhall Family’s Guide to Accessible Living and Boundless Possibility

    This isn’t just another story about overcoming obstacles—it’s a firsthand look at how technology, advocacy, and good old adventure can transform lives. Cody, a recent high school grad shares how technology like her communication device—affectionately called her “talker”—has been a literal game-changer in giving her a vibrant, independent voice. She brings a refreshing perspective on independence, friendship, and living life to the fullest. Jen, her equally unstoppable mom, shares a wealth of wisdom on building support systems and making the outdoors accessible for all. TAKEAWAYS Assistive Technology Transforms Lives: Codi’s journey with communication devices, starting from simple recorded-message tools to advanced iPad-based apps, demonstrates how accessible technology can open new pathways for self-expression, connection, and independence. Outdoor Adventure Is for Everyone: Jen and Codi shared how their family makes recreation accessible—from camping in yurts and adaptive skiing to river rafting and biking. With teamwork and ingenuity, they’re redefining what’s possible, not just for Codi, but for others in their community. Advocacy & Community Matter: The Mendenhalls’ commitment to advocacy—through speaking, volunteering, and building “Team Codi”—shows the profound impact of finding (and creating!) supportive networks. Their advice? Advocate fiercely and help others navigate the journey.

    37 min
  4. Surviving to Thriving: Adam Popp’s Advice for Overcoming Life’s Toughest Challenges

    08/14/2025

    Surviving to Thriving: Adam Popp’s Advice for Overcoming Life’s Toughest Challenges

    The conversation explores not only the grit and technology behind adaptive sports and modern prosthetics, but also the emotional landscape of recovery, mentorship, and finding purpose after trauma. From the details behind a touching tribute film to Terry Fox—where Adam had to painstakingly reenact Fox’s signature running gait—to lessons learned in coaching, mental performance, and helping others move from surviving to thriving, this episode is packed with authentic, heartfelt insights.

    48 min
  5. Redefining Independence: Julie and Kyle Taulman’s Advice for Families and Disabled Adventurers

    07/31/2025

    Redefining Independence: Julie and Kyle Taulman’s Advice for Families and Disabled Adventurers

    Julie and Kyle Taulman—a powerhouse mother-son duo whose story is full of courage, humor, and straight-up innovation in the world of adaptive sports.  Together, they open up about resilience, family, and the innovative world of adaptive sports—from NSCD’s wild west beginnings on the slopes of Winter Park to the cutting edge of inclusive technology and advocacy today This episode is packed with honest anecdotes, practical advice for families navigating disability, and a celebration of what’s possible when you approach life with a “no barriers” mindset.

    1h 5m
  6. Canyon of Hope, Eric Donoho

    06/27/2025

    Canyon of Hope, Eric Donoho

    You’ll hear about the the complex nature of moral injury, and how service, faith, and a sense of purpose healed him—and helped him pay it forward in extraordinary ways. Whether you’re a veteran, someone facing an invisible challenge, or just looking for inspiration, you’re in the right place. Connect with Eric Donoho Canyon of Hope book: https://www.amazon.com/Canyon-Hope-Darkness-Embracing-Within/dp/1962956253 Eric's website: https://ericdonoho.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ebdonoho LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ebdonoho/

    1h 1m
  7. Climbing Into History: Christian Beckwith on the 10th Mountain Division’s Lasting Impact

    06/05/2025

    Climbing Into History: Christian Beckwith on the 10th Mountain Division’s Lasting Impact

    An unprecedented unit of World War Two climbers and skiers, the 10th was dispatched to fight axis powers in extreme cold and mountainous terrain. Not only were their efforts critical to Germany’s surrender, these veterans returned home to develop ski areas across the country, and start companies like Nike and National Outdoor Leadership School. Erik and Christian are about to blast open some history, challenge your assumptions, and remind us all what it means to build something extraordinary when the world needs it most.

    58 min
  8. Redefining Pain’s Purpose with Traver Boehm

    05/09/2025

    Redefining Pain’s Purpose with Traver Boehm

    This episode dives into the raw, messy, and ultimately transformative terrain between suffering and awakening—a journey that’s anything but straightforward. Traver Boehm. His story is wild—think: MMA fighter by day, acupuncturist by night, and years later, a man who spent a month alone in complete darkness to confront the deepest parts of himself. In between he navigated professional heartbreak, devastating personal loss, and a year devoted to living as if it were his last. If you’re ready to challenge your own assumptions about pain, healing, and the human spirit—or searching for a map to navigate your own tough terrain—this episode promises insight, inspiration, and true no-barriers wisdom.

    54 min
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4.9
out of 5
80 Ratings

About

Hosted by Erik Weihenmayer (the first blind person to summit Mt. Everest; among many other perhaps more impressive achievements) our audience tunes into hear stories of perseverance along with the outcomes on the other side. Individuals who've defied the odds (defying the odds) or flipped the script of their lives are frequent guests. - Podcast producer contact: podcast@nobarriersusa.org

Information

  • Creator
    No Barriers USA
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2025
  • Episodes
    210
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © No Barriers USA
  • Show Website
    No Barriers

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