All Episodes

July 30, 2025 47 mins

Send us a text

In this inspiring episode of "Greetings from the Garden State," host Mike Ham welcomes Eric LeGrand at LeGrand Coffee House in Woodbridge, New Jersey. Eric shares his remarkable journey, having overcome a paralyzing injury sustained during a college football game. The episode unfolds with warm greetings and highlights LeGrand Coffee House's commitment to quality coffee that aligns with Eric's high standards. The conversation explores Eric's upbringing in Woodbridge, his passion for football, and his decision to attend Rutgers University to represent his home state.

As the podcast delves into Eric's football career at Rutgers, his Denver Broncos fandom, and the origins of his jersey numbers, the host applauds Eric's dedication to the local community and his businesses. The discussion transitions to the life-changing injury on October 16, 2010, where Eric describes the moments of paralysis on the field and the subsequent uncertainty about his future. Despite the challenges, Eric emphasizes the unwavering support from his community during hospitalization and recovery.

The episode covers Eric's post-injury challenges, including his three-month stay with family during house reconstruction and his commitment to continuing education through online classes. The unexpected opportunities that emerged, such as his broadcasting career, public speaking engagements, and a book deal, are explored. Eric's motivational speaking journey takes center stage, highlighting his refined storytelling skills, connection with diverse audiences, and finding purpose in his experiences.

The first segment concludes, paving the way for a deeper exploration of Eric LeGrand's impactful post-injury endeavors and contributions to the community in subsequent podcast episodes. Throughout the interview, Eric's dedication to quality products under his name is evident, spanning LeGrand Coffee House, Grand Whiskey, and potential future business ventures. LeGrand Coffee House is poised for national expansion and franchise plans, while Eric's foundation, associated with the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, continues to raise funds for spinal cord injury research.

The episode encapsulates Eric LeGrand's resilience, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to making a positive impact, offering listeners insights into his ongoing recovery efforts, dedication to physical activity, and future business expansions and collaborations. The episode serves as a testament to Eric's journey and his unwavering determination to inspire and support those affected by spinal cord injuries.

ericlegrand52.com

GET YOUR JERSEY FEST TICKETS NOW! https://www.seetickets.us/event/jersey-fest/588283

Music: "Ride" by Jackson Pines
jacksonpines.com

Thank you to our sponsors:
New Jersey Lottery: njlottery.com

Helix NJ: helixnj.com

New Jersey Innovation Institute: njii.com

Make Cool Sh*t: makecoolshit.co

UCS Advisors: ucsgreatness.com

Albert & Whitney CPAs:  awcpasllc.com

Mayo Performing Arts Center: mayoarts.org/events-calendar

OMG Tarot: omgtarot.com

Contact the show: mike@greetingsfromthegardenstate.com

Support the show

Support the show

Mark as Played

Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

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

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 Joe Rogan Experience

The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.