In this episode of Listening First, Patrick and Ben sit down with Chris and Denise Arthey to explore what it means to rebuild a life after unimaginable trauma.

Following a catastrophic motorcycle accident caused by a drunk driver, both Chris and Denise became above-knee amputees, forcing them to confront a future radically different from the one they had planned. Their conversation begins in the immediate aftermath of the crash, when survival - not recovery - was the only focus.

From there, they reflect on the long and often difficult journey of rehabilitation, sharing how trauma challenged their sense of identity and required them to redefine self-worth beyond physical ability, achievement, and independence.

Chris and Denise discuss the pivotal moments that shaped their recovery: finding hope through the example of others, setting meaningful personal goals, and learning to trust the rehabilitation process even when progress felt frustratingly slow. They also speak candidly about the role of faith, community, and their marriage in helping them navigate pain, uncertainty, and despair.

One of the most powerful parts of the conversation centres on forgiveness. Chris and Denise share why they chose to forgive the drunk driver responsible for the accident, and how that decision became an essential part of their healing journey. Eighteen years later, their perspective is both practical and profound. Rather than asking, “Why did this happen to us?”, they focus on a different question: “What happens next?”

This episode offers a thoughtful and deeply human exploration of resilience, identity, recovery, and hope - providing valuable insights for anyone facing adversity or supporting someone through it.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Journey

03:46 The Accident and Its Aftermath

07:13 Early Days of Recovery

11:30 Transition from Survival to Determination

16:50 The Role of Peer Support

22:08 Strengthening Relationships Through Trauma

27:24 Faith and Community in Recovery

30:53 Finding Comfort in Community and Faith

33:20 The Importance of Individualized Goals

37:40 Navigating Identity and Perception

48:11 Acceptance and Forgiveness in Recovery

52:49 Messages of Hope for New Journeys

Information and Support:

Headway - The Brain Injury Association

The Limbless Association

Day One Trauma Support

Mind

Resources:

Highway 35: Meeting Disaster Head-on with Hope

Chris and Denise Arthey's Website

© 2026 Patrick Boyd and Ben Marram. All Rights Reserved.

In this insightful conversation, Jacko shares his journey through traumatic brain injury, the importance of breathing techniques in recovery, and his ambitious challenge to raise awareness and one million pounds for two brain injury charities. Discover how slowing down, mindfulness, and understanding the science behind breath work can transform recovery and performance.

00:00Introduction to Jacko's Journey

03:08The Impact of Brain Injury on Life

05:44Finding Meaning in Adversity

08:12The Role of Breathing in Recovery

10:34Understanding Symptoms and Their Evolution

12:43The Cumulative Effects of Head Injuries

15:19Navigating the Unknowns of Recovery

17:37Rehabilitation: A Different Perspective

20:07Identity Shift After Injury

22:57Exploring Breath Work and Its Benefits

24:58The Importance of Slowing Down

29:45The Journey to Writing 'Breathe Smarter, Run Stronger'

33:31Understanding the Science of Breathwork

39:10Breathwork in Everyday Life and Rehabilitation

42:14Jacko's Marathon Challenge for Brain Injury Charities

48:36The Essence of Rehabilitation and Recovery

49:19Exploring the Challenge Ahead

50:45The Importance of Slowing Down and Breathing

Resources and Links:

• https://thebreathrunningcoach.com/mission-in-possible
• Author of ‘Breathe Smarter, Run Stronger’ - order here
• Headway UK
• Head for Change | Brain Health & Injury Support in Sport

© 2026 Patrick Boyd & Ben Marram. All Rights Reserved.

Safeguarding - it is a daily, ongoing process, not just a one-time action; and in doing so, building connections and trust is more important than striving for perfection. These are just a couple of nuggets of safeguarding wisdom discussed in this episode of Listening First.

Patrick and Ben speak with Linda Sayers, a social worker and safeguarding expert, discussing the evolving landscape of safeguarding in rehabilitation. Topics include the principles of safeguarding, legislation changes, collaboration between private and statutory sectors, and practical strategies for effective safeguarding practices.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

03:55 Linda Sayers: A Journey Through Social Work

09:45 Understanding Safeguarding in Rehabilitation

15:01 The Evolution of Safeguarding Legislation

20:20 The Importance of Connection in Social Work

27:22 Navigating Inconsistencies in Safeguarding Practices

29:10 The Evolving Landscape of Safeguarding Legislation

31:44 The Role of Private Sector in Safeguarding

35:52 Building Effective Partnerships in Safeguarding

46:22 Understanding Myths and Realities in Safeguarding

50:33 The Essence of Rehabilitation and Recovery

51:52 Introduction to Professional Curiosity and Safeguarding

54:14 The Importance of Collaboration in Safeguarding

Resources

Section 42 of the Care Act - https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2014/23/section/42

Working Together to Safeguard Children 2026 - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/working-together-to-safeguard-children--2

Frontal Lobe Paradox Field Guide by Ben Marram - https://theflpfieldguide.com

Linda Sayers on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/linda-sayers-0bb66551/

© 2026, Patrick Boyd & Dr Ben Marram. All Rights Reserved.