What happens when you refuse to let physical limitations define your possibilities? Jess Silver's story answers this question with powerful clarity. Born three months premature weighing just two pounds, Jess entered the world facing cerebral palsy and later scoliosis - conditions that affected her ability to walk independently but never dampened her determination to thrive.

The founder and executive director of Flex for Access takes us on her remarkable journey from launching a social media campaign that gained global traction to building a nonprofit that has raised over $30,000 creating opportunities for adaptive fitness. Her perspective fundamentally reframes how we think about adaptation: "When we adapt a program, we create a program suited for the individual. We're adapting to their own learning styles and personal needs."

Jess reveals how her seven-and-a-half-year process of writing her bestselling memoir "Run an Uncharted Direction" paralleled her own evolving understanding of resilience. The book's cover deliberately makes no mention of cerebral palsy - not because she denies this aspect of herself, but because she refuses to be primarily defined by it. "It is a part of who I am. I don't deny that... But I have not allowed my challenge to stop me in any way, shape or form."

For listeners struggling with their own limitations or fears around fitness, Jess offers practical wisdom: break movements into smaller components, focus on your motivation, and remember that "the only way we can get over our fear is if we face that fear and try to do it." Her advice for gym owners and fitness professionals centers on conversation and creativity - asking questions rather than making assumptions about what people with disabilities need.

Whether you're facing physical challenges, feeling stuck in your fitness journey, or simply seeking inspiration to overcome life's obstacles, Jess's parting wisdom resonates: "Keep allowing adversity to blaze that fire stronger within you." By approaching challenges with intention, we transform obstacles into opportunities for growth an

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Are you feeling stuck? No matter how hard you push, you’re not gaining momentum in your business or your life? That’s exactly why I created the R.I.S.E. Coaching Program.

Over 8 weeks, I’ll guide you through a proven framework to help you:

• Get rooted in your purpose,
• Set and honor healthy boundaries,
• Strengthen your resilience when life hits hard,
• And execute with consistency so your goals stop collecting dust.

Tiffany Brown Designs
Tiffany Brown is a graphic and brand designer, film and video editor, and Generative AI Artist who h

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Disclaimer:
The Off-Balance podcast, including all audio, video, and written content, is produced and hosted by Dr. Brooks Demming. The views, opinions, and statements expressed by podcast guests are solely those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs, or official positions of Dr. Brooks Demming, the Off-Balance brand, its affiliates, or partners.

All content provided on this podcast is for informational and inspirational purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek appropriate professional guidance or spiritual counsel before making decisions based on the information presented.

By accessing or listening to this podcast, you agree that Dr. Brooks Demming and the Off-Balance brand are not liable for any loss, harm, or damages resulting from the use of or reliance on information shared by guests or third parties.

Welcome to this special episode of Off-Balance in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast cancer affects 1 in 8 women in the U.S., with over 316,000 new invasive cases expected this year. Sadly, more than 42,000 women and 500 men will lose their lives to this disease.

Behind every number is a story of courage, loss, and hope — and today, we honor the story of Laura Reutter.

What defines a woman when cancer takes parts of her body? Laura Reutter faced this question head-on after her 2016 breast cancer diagnosis led to a bilateral mastectomy, fundamentally changing her life's trajectory.

"Everything gets flipped upside down," Laura explains, describing how cancer reshapes not just your body, but your entire existence, from where you live to who remains in your life. The phenomenon of "ghosting" left her isolated as her 14-month treatment plan made maintaining friendships nearly impossible. When treatment ended, she faced an identity crisis: "I had to figure out what defined me."

Laura's journey from patient to certified senior patient navigator reveals profound insights about healing. Now having supported nearly 700 individuals through breast cancer, she shares startling truths, like how 85% of breast cancer cases have nothing to do with genetics, while offering practical wisdom for anyone facing life's unexpected challenges.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn when Laura describes discovering dragon boating, an ancient Chinese sport that has become a global competitive outlet for breast cancer survivors. The paddling motion, once discouraged for women who had lymph nodes removed, actually helps prevent lymphedema. Through this community, Laura found purpose, friendship, and competitive joy, even qualifying for international competitions.

Laura's perspective on "aesthetic flat closure" challenges conventional narratives about wholeness after mastectomy. Her powerful tattoo art transformed what society might view as loss into beautiful self-expression. "I wanted to look in the mirror in the morning and get my swagger back," she explains.

For anyone navigating cancer or life's upheavals, Laura offers this wisdom: stay flexible in your mindset, avoid comparing your journey to others', and intentionally make time for joy. "Different doesn't mean bad," she reminds us, sometimes it just means finding a new path to wholeness.

Ready to rebuild your confidence after life's challenges? Listen now to discover how even our deepest losses can lead to unexpected gifts of purpose and community.

Send us a text

Are you feeling stuck? No matter how hard you push, you’re not gaining momentum in your business or your life? That’s exactly why I created the R.I.S.E. Coaching Program.

Over 8 weeks, I’ll guide you through a proven framework to help you:

• Get rooted in your purpose,
• Set and honor healthy boundaries,
• Strengthen your resilience when life hits hard,
• And execute with consistency so your goals stop collecting dust.

Tiffany Brown Designs
Tiffany Brown is a graphic and brand designer, film and video editor, and Generative AI Artist who h

Support the show

What happens when your life's mission collides with doubt, fear, and the practical demands of family? Rodrika Jones—author, certified life coach, and founder of Pearl Woman Ministry—joins us for a raw conversation about stepping boldly into purpose while battling both internal and external resistance.

Rodrika's journey began with a painful awakening when her daughter, whom she had raised as a teenage mother with complete devotion, expressed that she never wanted the life Rodrika had sacrificed everything to provide. In that moment of heartbreak, she heard God asking, "What are you going to do now?" His instruction was clear: stop focusing on what you lack and speak life into your future.

This pivotal moment birthed not only her first book, "My Choice of Words Changed My Life," but launched a ministry that exploded from a simple series of two-minute daily videos to reaching thousands of women worldwide in just 30 days. With disarming honesty, Rodrika shares how she navigated this unexpected calling while maintaining her roles as mother, wife, and full-time employee.

The conversation dives deep into practical wisdom for anyone struggling to balance multiple callings. Rodrika offers refreshing insights on establishing non-negotiables, being fully present with family, and recognizing the crucial difference between "good" opportunities and "God" opportunities. When faced with substantial investment offers that seemed beneficial on the surface, she explains how divine discernment protected her from paths that would "add sorrow" despite their immediate rewards.

Perhaps most powerfully, Rodrika challenges the common approach to resilience and vision. Rather than simply pushing through adversity or jumping from project to project, she advocates for thoroughly addressing wounds and maintaining consistent direction through writing out your vision. Her upcoming 365-day journal aims to help believers document divine guidance across all seasons, preventing them from being "tossed to and fro" by trends or misaligned opportunities.

Whether you're wrestling with balancing family and calling, struggling to overcome rejection, or simply seeking to live with greater purpose and authenticity, this conversation offers both practical strategies and spiritual encouragement to speak boldly, think differently, and embrace the life you were created for.

Send us a text

Are you feeling stuck? No matter how hard you push, you’re not gaining momentum in your business or your life? That’s exactly why I created the R.I.S.E. Coaching Program.

Over 8 weeks, I’ll guide you through a proven framework to help you:

• Get rooted in your purpose,
• Set and honor healthy boundaries,
• Strengthen your resilience when life hits hard,
• And execute with consistency so your goals stop collecting dust.

Tiffany Brown Designs
Tiffany Brown is a graphic and brand designer, film and video editor, and Generative AI Artist who h

Support the show