Life and Limb is a monthly podcast from Thrive Magazine all about living well with limb loss or limb difference. Hosted by Jeff Tiessen, publisher, Paralympian, and amputee of 45+ years, the podcast features interviews with amputee influencers, advocates, and healthcare providers, sharing lived experiences and practical advice.
Navigating Life as a Live-Aboard Amputee – David Burton
David has a proven track record of fixing complex problems. A mechanical engineer, he now leads technical teams on major projects for the B.C. government. He loves boating and lives the marine life, literally. His 46-foot Bayliner is his full-time home. He’s a sailor and scuba diver and was a longtime motorcyclist. Three years ago a motorcycle accident changed the course of David's life. Rather than letting the amputation of his left leg above the knee become his whole story, he approached it like he approaches engineering… “another problem to work through.” And like good seamanship, he says, “It’s not about proving what you can handle. It’s about deciding what you should.”
19 Aug 2026
Leslie Karmazinuk Finds Meaning in Life's Hard Interruptions
A registered nurse and now a certified life coach, Leslie Karmazinuk brings with her a story of deep resilience. After decades as a healthcare executive, she navigated multiple life-altering events — surviving cancer three times, one time with a fours-months-to-live diagnosis. She has endured the loss of her husband, a devastating event on her home, as well as multiple amputations, the last resulting in her becoming a below-knee amputee. But she rebuilt… physically, emotionally, and professionally, and today she, alongside her daughter as her business partner at Karma Coaching Insights, helps others move past trauma and adversity.
27 Jul 2026
Tracy MacCharles: Charting Her Own Amputee Destiny
Tracy MacCharles, the former Ontario Minister of Accessibility, never planned to be a politician until she saw a newspaper article announcing the retirement of the then-current MPP. And so, with no experience as a politician, her political journey began. Tracy never planned to be an amputee either despite being just hours away from the amputation of her left leg as a teenager with cancer. At the last minute, a limb-saving surgery was presented. At age 59 she became an above-knee amputee. Tracy knew disability well, professionally and personally as her now-late husband was a wheelchair user and prominent figure in the disability community. But she didn’t know about living with an amputation. And so, her limb loss journey began. Tracy shares how she has navigated her limb loss journey.
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