The Wheelchair Roundtable ATP-End User Perspective
Health, Fitness & Longevity
About
Welcome to The Wheelchair Roundtable , where real talk meets real stories. Hosted by certified ATP Rico Segovia and Danny Flores “The Quadfather,” this is the podcast where lived experience and clinical expertise collide in the best way possible. Each episode takes you into the world of people who have not only faced life-changing injuries but who now roll forward with purpose, power, and perspective. We shine a spotlight on wheelchair users, families, clinicians, case managers, and manufacturers — all the voices that make up this diverse and dynamic community. From navigating independence and accessibility, to exploring the latest in assistive tech, to sharing raw, unfiltered conversations about the highs and lows of life on wheels — this isn’t just another podcast. It’s a movement, a mindset, and a roundtable where everyone has a seat. Join us as we break barriers, challenge assumptions, and celebrate resilience — all with heart, humor, and a whole lot of humanity. The Wheelchair Roundtable — ATP Meets End-User Perspective.
Episodes
- Real Talk About Physical Therapy Careers | PTA vs DPT with Henry Falcon PTA, CCI, MBA, CSCS
Henry Falcon joins The Wheelchair Roundtable to discuss physical therapy careers, contrasting PTA and DPT roles, education, and career aspects. He shares his experiences and insights on the profession's past, present, and future, including…
- When It’s Personal: Education, Epilepsy, and a Mother’s Voice with Yvette Barrera-Molina
Yvette Barrera-Molina, an educational diagnostician, shares her expertise on supporting students with disabilities, focusing on dyslexia and ADHD. She also discusses her personal advocacy inspired by her son's epilepsy journey.
- From Life-Changing Accident to Life-Changing Mindset: With Mason Branstrator
Mason Branstrator shares his experience of adapting to life after a spinal cord injury, highlighting his journey through rehabilitation, participation in adaptive sports, and his mission to inspire others to see possibility.
- Unbreakable: The Peter Berry story
Peter Berry, who was paralyzed and lost his parents in a car accident at age 10, shares his journey of recovery and resilience. Now a professional wheelchair basketball player, he aims to represent Team USA at the 2028 Paralympics, discuss…
- Behind the Scenes of Recovery: A Case Manager’s Perspective with Esmer Perez LBSW, MSW, CART
Esmer Perez, a case manager at a Health Rehabilitation Hospital, explains the role of case managers in guiding patients through recovery after injury or illness. The episode covers care coordination, funding challenges, and the collaborati…
- Building an Empire: Music, Mindset & The Tin Foil Hat Factory with Paul C Caesar II
This episode features Recording Artist Paul C Caesar II discussing his life after a car accident and spinal tumor resulted in wheelchair use. He shares his recovery journey, mindset, experiences with Arc X Therapy, his music career, and th…
- Rolling Through It All: The Mike Garrison Story
Mike Garrison, a comedian, husband, and father, discusses his experience after a motocross accident led to paralysis. He shares insights on building a family, fatherhood from a wheelchair, using comedy as an outlet, and returning to motorc…
- When a Mother Finds Her Voice: Nancy Lemus’ Fight for Her Son Christopher
Nancy Lemus recounts her experience raising her son Christopher, who has cerebralως palsy, and how a conversation with another mother led her to become an advocate for disability policy. She gained knowledge and purpose by pursuing a CNA c…
- They Said He Wouldn’t Survive on His Own: with Nicolas Comstock
This episode features Nicolas Comstock discussing his personal journey of resilience, independence, and finding purpose. He shares experiences with the education system, challenges in achieving independence, and his advocacy work through t…
- Heavyweight Vision: Inside the WABC Movement
This episode features WABC Champion Jody Bennet, founder Collin, and CFO Terry discussing the growth of adaptive boxing, its vision, and the push for Paralympic inclusion. They cover the organization's structure, upcoming events, and oppor…
- Life on Life's Terms with Lelan W Forester
Lelan Forester discusses his journey after becoming paralyzed from the T4 level down due to an accident. He shares his inpatient rehab experience, the impact on relationships including his divorce, and his current wheelchair setup. The epi…
- Loved But Not Accountable with Logan K Finn
Logan K. Finn discusses his experiences growing up with spina bifida, adapting to wheelchair use after surgery, and navigating substance abuse due to unaddressed identity and mental health issues. He highlights the importance of accountabi…
- Accessibility isn’t a courtesy — it’s a civil right. With Kristy Durso
This episode features Kristy Durso, an accessible travel advocate and wheelchair user, who discusses the importance of accessibility as a civil right. She shares her experiences with travel barriers and advocates for genuine inclusion in t…
- The Mental Side of Disability with Mike Kent
This episode features Mike Kent, a Disability Life Coach, discussing the often-overlooked mental and emotional aspects of disability, such as depression and anxiety. Kent emphasizes resilience and rebuilding confidence to live a meaningful…
- A Bullet, a Betrayal, and the Fight to Live: The Story of Joseph Huerta
Joseph Huerta recounts his survival of a violent home invasion that resulted in paralysis. This episode covers his recovery, adaptation to life in a wheelchair with help from peers, and his advocacy through a YouTube channel and clothing l…
- Rare Isn’t Rare with Giusiana Prosser
Giusiana Prosser discusses her experiences growing up with undiagnosed medical conditions, eventually receiving diagnoses for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Andersen–Tawil Syndrome. She highlights the importance of self-advocacy, resilience, a…
- Over the Edge: Tyler’s Fall, Fight, and Comeback
Tyler Keller recounts his journey after a 180-foot fall in 2015 resulted in a T4-T5 complete spinal cord injury. He discusses his rehabilitation, the role of the hospital garden in his healing, and his current life as a wheelchair basketba…
- Movement, Mastery, and Meaning: The Fran Estevis Story
Occupational Therapist Fran Esteves discusses her extensive experience working with students, her background in dance and gymnastics, and her dedication to improving children's functional skills in school-based settings.
- Episode 16: Season 1 Finale, The First 15.
The Season 1 Finale of The Wheelchair Roundtable, titled 'The First 15,' reflects on the podcast's initial 15 episodes. It revisits comeback stories and conversations about resilience and purpose, sharing behind-the-scenes insights and per…
- Episode 15: Semper Fi: The Unbreakable Spirit of Charlie Merritt
Charlie Merritt, a decorated US Marine, sustained a paralyzing injury after eight years of service. He founded the nonprofit Stand Up For Me to provide adaptive equipment and also expresses himself through music and advocacy.
- Episode 14: Full Throttle: How Mario Built His Own Way Back
Mario Bonfante, a former racer paralyzed in a crash, engineered his own adaptive hand controls to return to his passion. His story highlights innovation and the mental drive to overcome physical limitations.
- Episode 13: The Rise of Armando Ramirez
At 18, Armando Ramirez survived a shooting that stopped his heart for 12 minutes, leaving him with a T9–T10 spinal cord injury. This episode details his recovery, resilience, and journey to finding purpose, including earning his real estat…
- Episode 12: Corey Lee: A Veteran’s Courage to Begin Again
Corey Lee discusses his naval service, a life-altering diving accident that resulted in paralysis, and his subsequent journey of resilience. Despite significant challenges, he found love, built a family, and pursued a music career, advocat…
- Episode 11: Eric's Straight Talk About Rehab, Sex & Survival After SCI **Mature themes**
Eric recounts his experiences after sustaining spinal cord injuries from two crashes, covering rehab, hallucinations, and finding motivation. He also discusses the personal and intimate challenges of life after injury with co-host Danny.
- Episode 10: Fighting Spirit: Jody’s Journey from Survivor to Champion”
Jody recounts his recovery journey after an accident, detailing his battle with depression and discovery of adaptive sports. He is now a wheelchair boxing champion, fiancé, and father.
- Episode 9: Julia Bramwell MD: The Doctor Who Asked Why
Dr. Julia Bramwell, a pediatrician turned healthcare innovator, shares her journey founding Invest in My Health Corp after investigating healthcare fund misuse. She also discusses the therapeutic potential of ketamine.
- Episode 8: Clown to Clinician: The Journey of Britt Sitzes, OTR/ATP
This episode follows Britt Sitzes, OTR/ATP's career trajectory from clown to occupational therapist and ATP. It covers his work at National Seating and Mobility, his experiences with RESNA and Adorno Mobility, and his reflections on a deca…
- Episode 7: Finding Freedom in Laughter
In this episode, comedian and performer Phillip Bramwell joins The Wheelchair Roundtable to discuss his life with quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy. He shares how he uses comedy, acting, and his personal experiences to connect with others and na…
- Episode 6: A Conversation with Dr. Allison Kyral: Adaptive Fitness & PT Insights
Dr. Allison Kyral discusses adaptive fitness, physical therapy, and patient care for individuals with spinal cord injuries, covering recovery, the role of adaptive athletics, and empowering movement for all abilities.
- Episode 5: Walk This Walk with Integrity
Shawn Simmons discusses his experience with below-the-knee amputation, his subsequent journey into wheelchair basketball, and his current collegiate-level play. The episode touches on community support, family resilience, and his inspirati…
- Episode 4: The Master Plan; Victoria's Victory
Victoria discusses her experience with Cauda Equina Syndrome, her recovery process, and her future aspirations including a Master of Science degree and establishing an Equine-Assisted Learning program.
- Episode 3: More Than a Diagnosis: Mario’s Drive to Build a Future"
Mario, a C5/C6 incomplete spinal cord injury survivor, shares his experience of rebuilding his life after his injury. The episode discusses his journey through higher education and earning a master's degree in civil engineering.
- Episode 2: Danny Flores; Life at C5/C6 – Unbroken
In this episode of The Wheelchair Roundtable, Danny Flores recounts his experience following a C5/C6 incomplete spinal cord injury. He discusses the challenges of adapting to a new body, the mental and physical aspects of rehabilitation, a…
- What is an ATP? (And How Did We Become One?)
In the debut episode of Wheelchair Roundtable, hosts Rico and Roland, who are both Assistive Technology Professionals (ATPs), explain the responsibilities of an ATP and discuss their personal paths into the assistive technology field.