Healing Your Mind After You're Paralyzed with Ken Kunken

(Host's Note: I'm changing some of my upload schedule, and with that comes extra content, so thank you for understanding as I get my guests awesome episodes out for everyone to hear!)



Be sure to check out his website here: https://kenkunken.com/

Summary

In this inspiring conversation, Ken Kunken shares his journey from a promising football player to a quadriplegic after a life-altering injury. He discusses the challenges he faced, including depression and societal perceptions, and how he overcame them with the support of his family and friends. Ken's determination led him to become the first quadriplegic to graduate from Cornell University, pursue a successful legal career, and advocate for individuals with disabilities. He emphasizes the importance of believing in oneself and the power of resilience, ultimately finding joy in his personal life as a husband and father of triplets.



#podcast #mentalhealthpodcast #retrievingsanity #resilience #advocacy #quadriplegia #education #legal #family #publicspeaking #inspiration #overcomingadversity #wheelchair #depression #sanity #healing #audiobook

Takeaways

Ken's injury did not define his spirit or potential.

Support from family and friends is crucial in overcoming adversity.

Education can be a powerful tool for empowerment.

Resilience is about pushing through challenges and finding purpose.

Advocacy for individuals with disabilities is essential.

Believing in oneself is key to achieving goals.

Life can be beautiful despite significant challenges.

Public speaking can inspire and motivate others.

The importance of setting high expectations for individuals with disabilities.

Personal fulfillment comes from giving back and helping others.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Resilience and Overcoming Adversity

02:03 The Life-Changing Injury: Ken's Football Accident

04:43 The Journey from Despair to Hope

07:31 Facing Challenges: The Reality of Spinal Cord Injury

09:58 Returning to Cornell: A New Beginning

12:25 Navigating College Life with a Disability

15:06 Public Perception and Personal Struggles

17:40 Finding Strength in Vulnerability

19:17 Overcoming Adversity: Ken's Journey Back to School

24:04 The Power of Public Speaking and Sharing Stories

26:18 Pursuing a Career in Counseling and Education

31:41 Breaking Barriers: Employment Challenges for Disabled Individuals

36:58 A New Path: Transitioning to Law and Advocacy

40:49 The Journey of Achievement and Humility

41:58 Love and Relationships Beyond Limitations

44:12 Fatherhood Against All Odds

46:18 The Power of Storytelling: Ken's Book

48:27 Fun and Games: A Lighthearted Segment

56:41 Retrieving Sanity: Finding Happiness and Purpose

Call 988 if you are experiencing ANY mental crisis!