On this episode of Curveball, host Scott Reich talks with Paralympic gold medalist and six-time world champion racer, Josh George. At just four years old, Josh survived a harrowing 12-story fall that left him paralyzed from the waist down—an unimaginable curveball that instantly changed his life. In their heartfelt conversation, Josh shares how his resilient mindset, his parents’ unwavering support, and the power of sport helped him not only to adapt, but thrive. From racing around hospital hallways as a child to competing on the world’s biggest stages, Josh’s story is a testament to human adaptability, creativity, and perseverance in the face of adversity. Tune in for an inspiring discussion about overcoming obstacles, redefining limitations, and finding opportunity and meaning in life’s greatest challenges.
Listeners Will Learn:
- Josh describes his accident as happening at the "perfect time" in his life because of his young age of four.
- Josh credits his parents with focusing on what he could do, not what he couldn’t, from the very beginning.
- The podcast highlights the absence of a “playbook” for dealing with major curveballs in life.
- Josh talks about the importance of sports and athletics in his recovery and overall well-being.
- Josh shares that he uses his limitations as springboards for creativity.
- The episode discusses the contextual view of disability, contrasting it with the more static "medical" model.
- Josh has described his accident as a “blessing” due to the introspection and growth it brought.
- The conversation touches on vulnerability and the process of accepting help from others.
Key Moments:
(00:00) Child's Fall Incident
(05:55) Adapting to Life's Challenges
(07:43) Rediscovering Sports After Spinal Injury
(12:21) Heightened Awareness Through Parenting Challenges
(15:03) Competitive Spirit in a Wheelchair
(19:21) Maximizing Time Constraints
(22:35) Resilience Through Adversity
(23:40) Embrace New Challenges for Growth
(28:41) Fostering Understanding for Special Needs
(31:29) Perceptions of Help and Growth
(33:15) "Curveball: Perseverance to Gold"
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
The Joe Rogan Experience
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.