On this episode of @champandthetramp, the guys sit down with Aaron James—a lineman, veteran, and true survivor—who shares the powerful story of surviving a 7,500-volt electrical accident that led to one of the most extensive facial transplants in U.S. history. Aaron walks us through the day of the accident, waking up from a six-week coma, and the long, painful road through over 30 surgeries. Alongside his wife Meagan, he opens up about mental recovery, organ donation, and finding purpose through motivational speaking. This is a raw, emotional, and ultimately inspiring conversation about resilience, love, and second chances.Chapters:00:00:00 Disclaimer00:00:13 MuscleMeds Carnivor Memorial Day Sale 00:00:34 Podcast Begins – Introducing Aaron James 00:01:35 The Electrical Accident – 7,500 Volts to the Face 00:03:22 What Happened That Day – Memory Gaps & Bucket Lift 00:05:11 Waking Up from a Six-Week Coma 00:06:49 Meagan Gets the Call – “He May Die Before You Arrive” 00:08:25 Condition Stabilizes – Day-by-Day Survival 00:13:48 Meagan Reflects on Strength, Support & Loyalty 00:15:20 33 Surgeries and the Facial Transplant Journey 00:18:03 How NYU Selected Him – Testing, Waiting, the Call 00:21:50 Why Aaron Turned to Motivational Speaking 00:23:25 Meagan’s Commitment – “I’m Here for the Long Haul” 00:24:45 Life After Trauma – The Wall That Divides Everything 00:26:25 Being a Lineman – Respect, Risks & Brotherhood 00:32:28 Injuries Explained – Entry, Exit, and Physical Damage 00:35:10 Transplanted Eye, Stem Cells, and Healing Experiments 00:37:41 Phantom Pain & Nerve Growth After Surgery 00:39:12 Facial Transplant History & Ethics 00:40:53 The Donor’s Gift – Saving Multiple Lives 00:47:44 Speaking to Linemen – “This Could Be You” 00:50:02 Meagan’s Loyalty & 22 Years of Marriage 00:51:32 Launching Their Speaking Brand – Stuck With Purpose 00:53:45 Ongoing Recovery, Medication, and Life Today 00:56:35 Final Reflections – Gratitude, Resilience, and LegacyFollow us on social media:Instagram: https://instagram.com/champandthetrampTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@champandthetrampFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/champandthetrampDon't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more unfiltered conversations about combat sports, politics, and everything in between!
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