Send us a text

In this episode, Steve talks with Walt Lawrence from GF Strong rehabilitation hospital. When he was 17 years old, he took a dive in shallow water off a seawall, hit the bottom and broke his neck. Walt instantly because a quadriplegic. In the hospital in Kelowna, he was hooked up to a ventilator, and he could not speak. He remained positive that he was going to get through this. Walt wondered how his parents coped with his injuries; but he just knew that he could count on them. An educator by nature, he would engage with people and started to adjust to his vulnerability, and he eventually allowed people to help him. While doing rehabilitation at GF Strong, he was asked to help other injured clients with consulting, counselling and support, which he's done for the past 36 years. Walt is the epitome of a guru/mentor for others.

G.F. Strong Rehabilitation Centre | Vancouver Coastal Health

Send us a text

In this episode, Steve talks with Zafira Nanji who is a caregiver on many different levels. Besides her son who is neurodivergent, which can be an exploding controversy in some circles; Zafira has also had challenges with her parents' health, their passing, and her own grief. She is a doula, a human resources manager and an author of children's books. Her motto is 'Have Fun' (inspired by her father) and 'Never alone' (inspired by her mother). These phrases are indelible to Zafira as permanent tattoos on her arm in her parent's own handwriting using tattoo technology.

Send us a text

In this episode, Steve talks with Agust who lives in Iceland. Our guest has had 2 serious conditions: Ostomy care and bouts of manic episodes. He's had a very challenging life as he was affected with manic episodes when he was 19 years old. He also dealt with colitis and cancer, which led to the removal of his colon and getting an ostomy. He is an avid mountaineer and leads an active outdoor lifestyle. The news of his health challenges was very difficult. To help in his healing process, he started to move and get back to the outdoors - which turned out to be a very positive motivation for him. He found a supportive network in the ostomy community which gave him life and opportunities. His manic condition at 19 manifested itself in bizarre beliefs of something powerful. He struggled with institutions and medication, but he finally found positive care and was ready to heal and become whole again. He is very open about his struggles, which he wrote a book about based on his own life. His story is his strength.

His Book: "Nights of Nonsense: an Icelandic memoir of healing and hope"