Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is survive. And sometimes surviving becomes the doorway to something extraordinary.
In this episode, I talk with Zach Tidwell, a Marine Corps veteran who lost his sight in a suicide attempt and then rewrote the story of his life. From relearning how to navigate the world to becoming an award-winning software developer, Zach shares how he built purpose from pain, humor from heartbreak, and a vision for a more accessible world.
His honesty is striking. He talks about addiction, disability, and depression without flinching. He also talks about snowboarding blind, competing in jiu-jitsu, and teaching himself to code because the systems meant to support him failed. This conversation isn’t just about resilience, it’s about possibility, design, and the quiet courage it takes to keep showing up.
Topics Covered:
- Redefining purpose and service after military life.
- What it took to rebuild after losing his sight.
- The healing power of movement, risk, and adaptive sports.
- How broken systems sparked a new career in accessible tech.
- Why most software fails people with disabilities.
- Dispelling myths around suicide and mental health.
- The emotional weight of telling an unsanitized story.
- How everyday design choices can create more inclusive futures.
Connect with Zach!
Website: https://zachtidwell.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556533676388
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zachctidwell/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-tidwell-9076852ab/
X: https://x.com/ZachCTidwell
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/going-in-blind-with-zach-tidwell/id1787306128
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/51IxT43v95otwaXDkyr6FW
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GIB_Pod
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Contact French Kissing Life Podcast
- DM us at @shawnnarstiver on Instagram or Facebook
- Connect with Shawnna Stiver on LinkedIn
- Email us at frenchkissinglifepodcast@gmail.com
Until next time, muah!
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French Kissing Life is sponsored by Ampersand Copy and Content. Ready to convert browsers into buyers? If you want to master your messaging, stand out in a saturated market and become a crushed-on, go-to brand, contact us today!
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