When people ask me to be a guest on their podcast, they usually want to talk to me about what I do for a living, and not about who I am as a person. I’m happy to talk about voice acting, since that’s my profession. I’m also happy to talk about blogging, since that’s what I’m most known for. But when I get the rare opportunity to talk about the things that have shaped who I am, I grab that opportunity with both hands and run with it.
Recently, I had a chance to speak with a remarkable man: David Cooks. He’s the host of the “From Paralysis to Purpose Podcast.” In David’s case you can take that title literally. His bio tells us:
“At the age of 15, David experienced a Spinal Aneurysm, leaving him a T-6 paraplegic and a wheelchair user. His ability to overcome obstacles and to achieve success in the face of adversity is what makes his story inspiring and motivating to others.
Almost in the blink of an eye, David’s world went from a rising star in high school basketball to living in a rehab facility facing a lifetime of paralysis. David chose not to be a victim, rather accepting and embracing his new reality as paraplegic to face life head on. His story has inspired people all over the world.”
Here’s David, talking about what happened to him, and how it has shaped his life:
David wrote about his journey in a book called: “Getting Undressed, from paralysis to purpose.”
After what happened to him, Cooks became interested in other inspirational stories of survival. He began interviewing people for his podcast, and I was happy to be one of them. If you want to listen to the interview, click here.
You can watch our conversation below:
Thanks for listening or watching.
As always, if you wish to share any of your thoughts and feelings, please use the comment section below. I can’t wait to hear what you have to say!
Wow, great interview! I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know you better as a person, Paul. Your insights on living a fulfilling, purposeful life in partnership with those we love most make this a rare and rewarding listening experience. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much for editing me down to a more accessible and reasonable length (as well as for recommending to David he should speak with me).
Incredible Podcast of inspiring thoughts, words and wisdom. Having to live with certain physical challenges for quite some time now, you, and Mr. Cook have helped me to renew my own faith in myself, the power that I possess to help myself. I believe I’d lost that feeling of hope – until this morning.
Bless you both for blessing me with your insights –
David and I want to touch lives in a positive way, and from what you said, we’ve reached our goal! I hope many more people will watch the interview, and feel inspired. Wishing you the very best, Diana!