The Wheelchair Roundtable -Crushing Stigmas One Episode At A Time

The Wheelchair Roundtable -Crushing Stigmas One Episode At A Time

Video Podcast
by Rico Segovia ATP, S.J. Cimijotti, DPT , & Jody Bennett WABC CEO.
MedicineTechnology
Season 1

Episode 16: Season 1 Finale, The First 15.

Episode Description — Season 1 Finale: “The First 15” In this special season finale, we hit pause and look back at the journey that brought us here. From powerful comeback stories to raw, unfiltered conversations about resilience, purpose, and real-life struggles, we revisit the first 15 episodes that shaped Season 1. Join us as we reflect on the lessons learned, the guests who left a mark, the moments that surprised us, and the stories that pushed us to grow. We share behind-the-scenes insights, our honest thoughts, and what this season has meant to us both personally and as creators. As we close out Season 1, we celebrate how far we’ve come — and get ready for what’s next. Whether you’ve been here since episode one or just discovered the show, this finale is the perfect way to wrap up the journey so far.
S1 · E16
Nov 18, 2025
57:36

Episode 15: Semper Fi: The Unbreakable Spirit of Charlie Merritt

At just 17 years old, Charlie Merritt made a promise — to serve, to lead, and to never back down. Following in his father’s footsteps, he earned the title of United States Marine at Parris Island, beginning a journey defined by grit, discipline, and heart. After eight years on active duty and four in the reserves, Charlie carried that same intensity into life beyond the Corps — playing semi-pro football, competing in strongman events, and running his own company. But one dive — on what seemed like a perfect day — changed everything. A routine jump into the water ended in a catastrophic neck injury, leaving Charlie paralyzed from the shoulders down. He coded twelve times. Doctors didn’t expect him to make it. But Marines don’t quit. What followed was a comeback story unlike any other — a story of faith, family, and the power of purpose. Charlie turned pain into purpose, founding Stand Up For Me, a nonprofit that provides adaptive equipment for people with disabilities. He also found healing through music, writing 15 original songs — including “Me Without You,” a tribute to caregivers performed by Jelly Roll. Today, Charlie continues to lead by example — advocating for veterans, studying to become an ATP, and reminding the world that standing tall has nothing to do with walking.
S1 · E15
Nov 9, 2025
1:21:50

Episode 14: Full Throttle: How Mario Built His Own Way Back

For as long as he can remember, Mario Bonfante has lived for speed — from BMX tracks and motocross jumps to the smooth pavement of road racing. By the time he was sixteen, he had earned his pro card, chasing the dream of becoming one of the best. But in September of 2006, a BMX crash changed everything. The accident left him paralyzed — but not powerless. After months in the hospital and years of intense physical therapy in San Diego, Mario refused to let his injury define his limits. He wasn’t just rebuilding his body; he was rebuilding his future. When racing seemed out of reach, he decided to engineer his way back. With the same creativity and relentless drive that fueled his racing career, Mario taught himself how to design and build his own adaptive hand controls — custom setups that would let him get back behind the wheel. What started in his garage turned into a symbol of what’s possible when passion meets innovation. Now back in the Bay Area, Mario continues to push boundaries — whether it’s refining his designs, chasing new projects, or inspiring others to redefine what’s possible. For him, life is 5% physical and 95% mental. Tell him he can’t, and he’ll not only prove you wrong — he’ll figure out how to do it better. This is the story of Mario Bonfante — racer, engineer, and proof that no crash can stop someone who’s built to keep moving forward.
S1 · E14
Nov 2, 2025
1:15:25

Episode 13: The Rise of Armando Ramirez

Explicit
At just 18 years old, Armando Ramirez’s life changed in an instant. What began as an ordinary night ended in tragedy when a drive-by shooting left him fighting for his life. His heart stopped for 12 minutes. Doctors said the odds were slim — but Armando had other plans. Now living with a T9–T10 spinal cord injury, Armando has defied every expectation. From countless surgeries and rehab at Craig Hospital to rediscovering his love for painting cars and earning his real estate license, he’s proven that resilience runs deeper than muscle. In this powerful episode, Armando opens up about survival, faith, heartbreak, and the journey of finding purpose after trauma. His story is a reminder that even when life stops your heart, purpose can start it beating again.
S1 · E13
Oct 30, 2025
1:05:11

Episode 12: Corey Lee: A Veteran’s Courage to Begin Again

In this episode, we sit down with Corey Lee — better known as Pheez. At just 18 years old, Corey joined the Navy on September 6, 2001, only five days before 9/11 changed the world. What he thought would be a four-year enlistment turned into deployments, life-altering experiences, and a path he never expected. Corey opens up about his time serving and the diving accident that left him paralyzed from the neck down. From that life-changing moment, he embarked on a journey of survival, resilience, and rediscovering purpose. Despite the challenges, he found love after his injury, bought an ADA-accessible home at the age of 24, and is now a proud father of two. Corey is also active in nonprofit organizations advocating for people with disabilities and has built an established music career, with several albums streaming on all platforms. His story is raw, unfiltered, and full of powerful lessons about facing tragedy head-on, thriving beyond it, and redefining what it means to live a meaningful life. Note for listeners: There are a few parts of the conversation with poor audio quality that couldn’t be fully fixed in post-production. We decided to keep them in because Corey’s story is too important not to share. Thank you for your understanding as you listen to this moving and impactful episode.
S1 · E12
Oct 1, 2025
1:44:37

Episode 11: Eric's Straight Talk About Rehab, Sex & Survival After SCI **Mature themes**

Explicit
Listener discretion is advised. Eric’s story is raw, real, and unforgettable. After surviving two major crashes that left him with spinal cord injuries, he takes us inside the highs and lows of rehab—sharing how medication-induced hallucinations tested his mind, and how humor became his tool to calm others and himself. He recalls the unlikely moment that changed everything: eating a hamburger that reignited his drive to push through therapy and fight for independence. Eric also gets brutally honest about the personal challenges—missing his divorce court date while hospitalized, living in a nursing home for six months, and finding friendship in a resident named Maria. To close the episode, Eric and Danny break stigma wide open with a no-holds-barred discussion about sexuality after spinal cord injury—covering intimacy, fertility, precautions, and possibilities. Unfiltered and unapologetic, Eric proves that life after injury is still full of fight, love, laughter, and real talk.
S1 · E11
Sep 28, 2025
2:01:44

Episode 10: Fighting Spirit: Jody’s Journey from Survivor to Champion”

Jody’s story is one of resilience, faith, and fighting spirit. He shares how a life-changing accident deepened his spiritual connection and set him on a journey of recovery at Craig Hospital. Through the ups and downs, he battled depression and discovered purpose and joy in adaptive sports. Today, Jody is not only the reigning Wheelchair Boxing Heavyweight Champion but also a loving father, a devoted fiancé—recently proposing in London—and a man who leads with humor and heart. His journey reminds us that true strength is found in perseverance, passion, and love.
S1 · E10
Sep 14, 2025
1:22:41

Episode 9: Julia Bramwell MD: The Doctor Who Asked Why

Episode Description (Dr. Julia Bramwell) In this powerful episode, we sit down with Dr. Julia Bramwell, a board-certified pediatrician who has dedicated over two decades to medicine before making a bold shift to launch Invest in My Health Corp. Julia opens up about her personal journey, the challenges she faced, and the pivotal experiences that reshaped her path. We talk about her “rage against the machine” — her fearless investigative work uncovering the misuse of funds within the healthcare system, and how that fight has fueled her mission to create more transparency and accountability. Julia also shares her insights into the benefits of ketamine therapy, its potential to heal, and why she believes it is an important tool in the landscape of modern medicine. But Julia doesn’t just tell her story — she challenges us. In one of the most memorable moments of the conversation, she turns the tables and asks us why we are passionate about the work we do. This episode is both eye-opening and deeply personal, offering a look at medicine, advocacy, and healing through the lens of someone who has lived it, fought for it, and continues to innovate for the future.
S1 · E9
Sep 6, 2025
1:10:10

Episode 8: Clown to Clinician: The Journey of Britt Sitzes, OTR/ATP

In this episode, we dive into the incredible journey of Britt Sitzes, OTR/ATP — from performing as a clown to becoming an occupational therapist and later a respected ATP. Britt’s career path is full of unexpected turns, but each step shaped the impact he would go on to make in the mobility world. We talk about his time at National Seating and Mobility in Austin, where he helped grow one of the company’s most successful branches. Britt also shares stories from the early days of RESNA and Adorno Mobility, giving us a glimpse into how the industry has evolved. Now retired, Britt reflects on his career, the people he’s served, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. This episode blends history, equipment talk, and personal insight from someone who’s been at the heart of mobility for decades.
S1 · E8
Aug 31, 2025
1:45:59

Episode 7: Finding Freedom in Laughter

Episode 7: Phillip Bramwell: Finding Freedom in Laughter In this episode, we welcome comedian and performer Phillip Bramwell. Born with quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy, Phillip brings a sharp sense of humor and a fresh perspective on life, independence, and disability. With a background that includes professional acting and modeling, he’s no stranger to the stage—and now he uses comedy as his platform to connect, educate, and entertain. Phillip opens up about the realities of living with CP, the role humor plays in navigating everyday challenges, and his belief in the power of education and earning a living through passion. Outside of comedy, he enjoys traveling, catching live shows, and building meaningful relationships. This episode is full of laughs, real talk, and honest reflections—showing how Phillip transforms challenges into stories that inspire and entertain. Listeners can connect and support Phillip here: · Venmo: "WheelchairPhillip"Support the comedy, keep the wheels spinning. · Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wheelchairphillip/– Follow for comedy clips, behind-the-scenes, and live show updates. · Fourth Star: A fully immersive metaverse experience where you can buy ships, own apartments, design avatars, and pull up to Phil’s comedy shows in true VR style. Use his referral link and promo code: SPOFF85 while the discount lasts. Don’t just listen to comedy — be part of it. https://www.fourthstar.com/?fpr=phillip85&fbclid=IwY2xjawMfQepleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFESGxiWEpESFJPTmsxZzVkAR7_fJjVIbRnYomgyRr4ZpKg4CVzaLfqL_x-JZ_vhl-s8uwnH2U4zqci-kqLiw_aem_lJWjKqudZlQWjG2GQuMFdg #ComedyPodcast #WheelchairComedian #DisabilityHumor #CerebralPalsyAwareness #StandUpComedyPodcast #FourthStar #ChairChaser
S1 · E7
Aug 30, 2025
48:52
4 of 5