Adaptive Insider

Adaptive Insider

by Tyler Jacoby
Episode 11 With Parker Byrd
ECU infielder Parker Byrd stopped by today! The summer after committing to play for the Pirates, he was injured, and his right leg was amputated below the knee. He told the story of how he got injured, what he would tell himself if he could go back to after the accident, and then we talked about all things baseball. He told me where his love for the game comes from, why he chose number 16, some Major League players he looks up to, as well as what game days look like as an ECU Pirate.
Episode 10 With Kim Michaels
I had a great chat with my friend Kim! We discussed some of the adaptive sports organizations that she's involved with, as well as where her passion to help people get into sports came from.
Episode 9 With Laurel Wheeler
Laurel Wheeler stopped by today! We discussed how she got into the sport of hockey, some of the differences between blind and traditional hockey, as well as her foundation, which helps transform the lives of blind and visually impaired people worldwide through training and resources. If you are blind or visually impaired and want to play hockey and live in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, you can reach out to laurel on Instagram @finnishsunshine, or at laurel.stockard@gmail.com. You can also follow her foundation on social media @laurelwheelerfoundation.
Episode 8 With Joseph (BJ) Camano
I had the chance to talk to a friend of mine, Joseph Camano, today. We discussed a bunch of topics, from sled hockey, to wheelchair tennis, to his plans after his recent graduation from the University of Virginia Law School. He says that he would love to find Adaptive Sports opportunities in the NYC area. Check out episode number 8 wherever you get your podcasts!
Episode 7 With Wes Hall
Wes Hall is one of the founders of an organization called North Carolina Adapted sports. He joined me on the podcast today, and we discussed how he got involved in the adaptive sports world and which sports his organization offers. I hope you enjoy it! If you want to get involved with NCAS, either as an athlete or a volunteer, you can reach out on their website ncadaptedsports.org. You can also find them on social media @ncadaptedsports.
Episode 6 With Sgt. 1st Class Brant Ireland
I had a great time chatting with Brant Ireland (AKA Brantfoot). He talked about his first love, Baseball, as well as the other sports he played in High School and College. Then, we switched gears a little bit and discussed life after his injury and amputation. He told me about the dark place he was in, when he thought about everything he didn't think he could do anymore. that is until he discovered sled hockey, which opened the door for all sorts of other sports. He is still in active duty, but has taken a support role, helping soldiers to transition back into civilian life.
Episode 5 With Dominic Chinnis
Check out Episode number 5! Today I got the chance to hang out with Dominic Chinnis from the Nashville Sled Preds. We discussed his injury, some of the cool things he's had the chance to do since, and some stuff he still wants to do.
Episode 4 With Kasey Yates & Isaac Dufour
Its always a good time hanging out with former teammates! Today I got to chat with Isaac and Kasey of the Nashville Sled Preds. This photo was from our most recent tournament in Minnesota, where they helped us take third place. We talked about some fun memories, both on and off ice, jersey number choices, as well as some recent NHL trades. Go support Isaac and stream his new single, Before Summers End!
Episode 3 With Chandler Balkman
Today I hung out with a teammate of mine from the Hurricanes Sled Hockey team. He has tons of experience in the adaptive sports world, having skied and played tennis for years both before and after losing his leg. We discussed the many other adaptive sports he has played/competed in, as well as how he became a prosthetist/orthotist.
Episode #2 with Shea Hammond
I had a great chat with Shea Hammond of the USA Men's CP soccer team. We discussed how he got into the sport, some of the places he's been with the national team, his Non-Profit, and much more!
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