Life to the Max Podcast

11/11/2025

🇺🇸 Honoring Our Veterans — Every Story Matters 🇺🇸

This Veterans Day, we’re pausing to honor the service members who’ve joined us on the Life to the Max Podcast—men and women who’ve shown what resilience looks like long after the uniform.

From rebuilding independence after injury to mentoring other vets navigating civilian life, their stories remind us that courage doesn’t retire. It adapts, rebuilds, and keeps moving forward.

Revisit their episodes today and hear the lessons that stay with you long after the mic cuts off.
Thank you to all who’ve served—and to every family who stands behind them. o7

Here's a few to get you started:
https://youtu.be/_1HOT08Mpv0 - Chris Blair - Navy
https://youtu.be/LHEHUl5gtvI - Curtis Grant Kmiecek - Air Force
https://youtu.be/ahtmLMhzqDU - Ted Biever - Marines
https://youtu.be/VBXDsiGpOJY - Chuck Scott - Army
https://youtu.be/UkKFFq8UejA - Michelle Blair - Navy

Intro Track - Green Thumb by Murfee: https://open.spotify.com/track/5iBOPNbvuETK411hQigh07?si=efe7d6a5450640f8Michelle's journey from the cotton fields of We...

03/11/2025

🌟 New Episode Drop! 🌟

Recorded at the Abilities Expo Chicago, we sit down with Flor, a 25-year-old grocery clerk living with schizoaffective disorder, bipolar features, and PTSD—sharing how faith, routine, and community helped her rebuild her life piece by piece.

It’s raw, real, and full of hope. 💪
Flor reminds us that identity is bigger than a diagnosis and hope is something you practice every day.

Watch now on YouTube → https://youtu.be/Xo5ALotnw9U

From the Abilities Expo Chicago, we sit down for a fast, unfiltered talk with Flor, a 25-year-old grocery clerk living with schizoaffective disorder with bip...

01/11/2025

Living alone with round-the-clock nurses, gaining autonomy has been one of the most amazing things. The nurses have become like family.

31/10/2025

India touched their heart because of its humanity. Despite having little, people freely share what they have, creating a culture of generosity. Traveling there challenged preconceived notions and replaced fear with a sense of safety. It's a truly transformative experience.

30/10/2025

Discover the harsh reality of medical insurance denials. Witness the struggle when coverage abruptly ends, leaving individuals vulnerable and seeking alternative care. The system promises support, but the reality can be shockingly different.

29/10/2025

🎓 New Episode from the Abilities Expo!

We met Samantha, an 18-year-old headed to UIC, and she brought wisdom way beyond her years. This is real talk about independence, accessibility, and choosing your path with purpose.

Living with a rare form of SMA, Samantha breaks down what it’s really like to navigate high school, friendships, and now college life—all while redefining what “independent” looks like. She shows how advocacy and attitude go hand in hand.

Her message hits home: you’re not alone, it might be harder, but you are more than what meets the eye.

🎧 Watch the full conversation on our YouTube channel → https://youtu.be/Nz-kD9gj0XM

We’re on-site at the Abilities Expo in Schaumburg meeting Samantha, a freshly graduated 18-year-old heading to UIC who speaks with clarity about independence...

29/10/2025

Immediately after the accident, he maintained unwavering positivity. His focus shifted instantly to action and solutions. He works full-time, advocates for others, and fosters a vibrant community. Tragedy reframed into purpose.

28/10/2025

Perspective shift! Walkers worry about what's right in front of them. People who roll have to plan WAY ahead.

27/10/2025

🌲 New Episode Drop!
We sit down with our friend Chad, Action Trackchair dealer for Wisconsin & Illinois, to talk about what happens when you trade wheels for tracks — and suddenly sand, snow, and trails all say “welcome.”
Chad breaks down the gear that makes it possible — from torque and traction to chin-drive controls — and shares how life after a 2010 car accident led him to rediscover freedom, fatherhood, and the joy of chasing his 4-year-old across any terrain.
This one’s for anyone curious about adaptive tech that truly changes lives.
🎧 Watch on YouTube → https://youtu.be/Ay8Q9J4bCsA

ActionTrackChair.comWe sit down with our friend Chad, a dealer for Action Trackchair across Wisconsin and Illinois, to unpack how an all-terrain power chair ...

27/10/2025

Therapists face many frustrations, but limited access to services is a major obstacle. Systemic challenges make it difficult to help families.

26/10/2025

At 9 years old, an accident changed everything. Playing with a gun led to a spinal injury, and 45 years in a wheelchair. Mentorship became the turning point.

25/10/2025

Hummingbird Pediatric Therapies offers multidisciplinary services, filling the therapy gap for adolescents to young adults. They provide intensive programs for those with higher needs.