Push Play

About Push Play

Welcome to The Adaptive Sports Podcast, the podcast where adaptive athletes take the spotlight. From wheelchair basketball courts to accessible golf greens, we bring you conversations that challenge stereotypes and celebrate grit, talent, and determination. Each week, we talk to disabled athletes, coaches, and advocates about the real wins and hard-fought journeys behind the scenes. These are the stories major media too often misses. The raw, honest, and game-changing conversations. Whether you're an athlete, ally, or just sports-curious, this podcast invites you to push play and discover what true strength sounds like. Disability Media Network (DiMe) is the creator and producer of the Adaptive Sports Podcast, a series dedicated to centering disabled athletes and elevating the stories too often left out of mainstream sports media. Through candid conversations with athletes, coaches, and advocates across adaptive sports like wheelchair basketball and golf, DiMe brings authentic, unapologetic storytelling to the forefront. As a platform built by and for the disability community, DiMe is committed to representation that is real, not idealized, or pitied, but human. The Adaptive Sports Podcast continues that mission: highlighting strength, strategy, and spirit while challenging outdated narratives about disability in sp

Publisher

Disability Media Network

Category

arts · society & culture · sports

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

5 Aug 2025

Latest episode

28 Oct 2025

Latest episodes

13 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   28 Oct 2025

   From the Volleyball Court to the Fairway: Stacey Rice’s Journey of Resilience

   Paralympian Stacey Rice shares her remarkable transition from competing in the 1988 Paralympic Games for volleyball to finding a new passion in adaptive golf. After losing her leg to bone cancer at 16, Stacey’s athletic dreams seemed over—until a supportive community of amputee athletes changed her path. In this episode, Stacey talks about rediscovering competition, representation in adaptive sports, and what keeps her swinging for new goals on and off the course. Key Topics: Overcoming fear and rediscovering athletic identity after amputation Transitioning from Paralympic volleyball to adaptive golf The power of peer encouragement in recovery and sport What drives her to compete in tournaments today

2. 

   21 Oct 2025

   Pivoting with Purpose: John LeMieux on Cancer, Surgery, and Second Chances

   When former college basketball player John LeMieux was diagnosed with sarcoma in his 50s, his life changed overnight. Undergoing rotationplasty surgery was both physically and mentally challenging—but it also led him to an unexpected new love: golf. In this conversation, John shares how facing cancer reshaped his outlook, why adaptive sports restored his competitive edge, and how he’s learned to find peace, humor, and gratitude through the game. Key Topics: Navigating life after rotationplasty surgery Rediscovering athletic confidence through adaptive golf The mental game: patience, gratitude, and mindset in recovery Finding community and belonging through sport

3. 

   14 Oct 2025

   Redefining Ability: Sophia’s Story of Family, Focus, and the Love of Golf

   Born without her right hand, Sophia never saw disability as a barrier—just a chance to get creative. Inspired by her golf-loving dad, she turned weekend trips to the course into a lifelong passion. Sophia shares how sports built her confidence, the adaptations she’s made on the course, and her message to other young athletes redefining what’s possible in golf and beyond. Key Topics: Growing up with limb difference and finding confidence through golf The influence of family in discovering adaptive sports Overcoming challenges with creativity and determination Inspiring the next generation of disabled athletes

4. 

   7 Oct 2025

   How Rob Walden Returned to Scratch Golf in 3 Years Using Focused Rehab, Family Support, and Relentless Practice

   When a model airplane accident in 2016 left Rob Walden without most of the fingers on his dominant hand, golf seemed like an impossible dream. But with grit, family support, and relentless practice, Rob not only rebuilt his swing—he became a scratch golfer again and a rising name in adaptive golf. In this episode of The Adjustment Game, Rob shares how he pushed through pain to rediscover his game, the pivotal role his wife Julie and son Jake played in his recovery, and what it felt like to debut on the G4D Tour in Singapore. We also explore his volunteer work with First Tee of Phoenix and Special Olympics Arizona, and why he says every swing now has a deeper purpose. What You’ll Learn in This Episode How Rob turned rehab into a pathway back to competitive golf The role of adaptive equipment and partnerships with companies like PING in his journey Why his family’s support was the difference-maker during recovery What it’s like to represent adaptive golfers on the global stage of the G4D Tour How Rob uses golf to mentor kids and athletes with disabilities through First Tee and Special Olympics His perspective on pain, purpose, and playing the game he loves About Rob Walden Rob Walden is a scratch adaptive golfer, husband, dad, and construction project manager. After losing most of his fingers in 2016, he rebuilt his golf swing and found new purpose as a mentor and competitor. He has represented the United States on the G4D Tour and volunteers with First Tee of Phoenix and Special Olympics Arizona. Follow us on: Instagram: @disabilitymedianetwork TikTok: @dimenetwork YouTube: @disabilitymedanetwork5105 👉 If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a friend, leave us a review, and subscribe to the Push Play Podcast for more stories of resilience, leadership, and sports.

5. 

   30 Sept 2025

   How Jill MacDonald Rebuilt Her Confidence in Just Months Using the Power of Adaptive Golf

   In this episode of The Adjustment Game, host Jennifer Price, sits down with Jill MacDonald, a mother, teacher, and cancer survivor from Nova Scotia, whose journey embodies resilience and determination. Jill’s life changed in 2014 when both she and her husband Jeff were diagnosed with cancer within days of each other. After losing Jeff and undergoing her own amputation, Jill faced the difficult task of rebuilding her life while raising three children. With the encouragement of her kids, Jill found her way back to the golf course — and in the process, rediscovered her strength and confidence. Jill shares how adaptive golf became a vital part of her recovery, the emotional moment she returned to the first tee, and why sports have played such a transformative role in her life. Today, she not only competes but also advocates for inclusion in the game, serving on the Nova Scotia Golf Association’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee and the ParaGolf Canada Player Advisory Board. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How Jill found strength after experiencing profound personal loss and amputation The role her children played in motivating her to return to golf Why golf became a turning point in her confidence and healing journey How sports like skiing and adaptive golf opened new doors for empowerment Jill’s mission to show others with disabilities that anything is possible Resources & Links: Learn more about ParaGolf Canada: paragolfcanada.com (https://paragolfcanada.com/) Explore the Nova Scotia Golf Association’s EDI initiatives: nsga.ns.ca (https://nsga.ns.ca/) Watch more episodes of The Adjustment Game: Disability Media Network (https://www.youtube.com/@disabilitymedianetwork5105)

6. 

   23 Sept 2025

   A Life Reframed: From “Why Me” to “What Now”

   In this episode of The Adjustment Game, host Jennifer Price sits down with Kenny Bontz, a four-time U.S. National Adaptive Golf Champion whose journey redefines resilience and purpose. Diagnosed with diabetes at age 11, cancer at 19, and facing an amputation at 35, Kenny could have stepped away from sports altogether. Instead, he doubled down on golf, building a competitive career that has earned him titles around the world—and the respect of athletes coming up behind him. Kenny shares how he reframed his challenges, why he refuses to ask “Why me?”, and how he’s paying it forward as a mentor in the adaptive golf community. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or simply someone navigating life’s toughest challenges, Kenny’s mindset and competitive drive offer lessons in grit, leadership, and perspective. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How Kenny reframed his story from setbacks to strength The mental shift that carried him through cancer, diabetes, and amputation Why he sees adaptive golf as both competition and community His biggest tournament wins—and the lessons behind them How he mentors younger athletes to step confidently into the game Why he says, “I was given strong shoulders for a reason.” Featured Guest: Kenny Bontz – Four-time U.S. National Adaptive Golf Champion, mentor, and advocate for adaptive athletes Host: Jennifer Price, Disability Media Network Resources & Links: Watch the full Adjustment Game series on YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/disabilitymedianetwork5105 Subscribe for athlete stories delivered to your inbox Follow Disability Media Network on: Instagram: @disabilitymedianetwork TikTok: @dimenetwork #TheAdjustmentGame #AdaptiveGolf #DisabilityInclusion #AthleteStories #KennyBontz #DisabilityMediaNetwork

7. 

   16 Sept 2025

   Natasha Stasiuk’s Journey to the Top of Adaptive Golf

   Natasha Stasiuk is the world’s top-ranked female adaptive golfer with an intellectual disability—but her journey to the top wasn’t easy. After discovering her autism at age 22, Natasha transformed golf into both her passion and her safe place. Since 2019, she has dominated adaptive golf, winning back-to-back Canadian Women’s Adaptive Championships and representing Canada internationally. In this episode, Natasha shares how she overcame early struggles, the role her father plays as her caddie and supporter, and why golf is more than a game—it’s where she found her community and confidence. What You’ll Learn in This Episode How Natasha used structure and resilience to rise to the top in six years The impact of her autism diagnosis on her personal and athletic journey Why family support has been essential to her success How international competition has shaped her as a person and athlete

8. 

   9 Sept 2025

   How Ryanne Jackson Won the U.S. Adaptive Open in 1 Year Using Smart Practice, Mental Grit, and Family Strength

   Ryanne Jackson is a U.S. Adaptive Open champion who lives with scapuloperoneal muscular dystrophy. Diagnosed in college after years of unexplained pain and fatigue, Ryanne nearly quit golf—until she found a new purpose through adaptive competition. In 2023, she captured the U.S. Adaptive Open by five strokes, earning a spot on the G4D Tour. In this episode of The Adjustment Game Series, Ryanne opens up about the mental toughness passed down from her father, the lessons of “smart practice,” and her journey toward enjoying golf for herself again. What You’ll Learn in This Episode How Ryanne adapted her training for muscular dystrophy The turning point that kept her from quitting the game What it felt like to dominate the U.S. Adaptive Open The challenges of balancing competitive golf with health care work and family

9. 

   2 Sept 2025

   From Runner to Wheelchair Basketball: Ben Belino’s Journey at EWU

   Ben Belino’s journey is one of resilience and reinvention. Once a standout cross country runner in high school, his life took an unexpected turn after a car accident led to the amputation of his left leg—abruptly ending his running career. Refusing to let that be the end of his athletic story, Ben transitioned to wheelchair racing in track before finding a new passion in wheelchair basketball at Eastern Washington University. In this interview, he reflects on how his team embraced him from day one, the unique systems and strategies of the sport, and the intense training and drills that shape their game. He also opens up about the mental preparation, tactical planning, and lessons in maturity and time management that have shaped him both on and off the court.

10. 

    26 Aug 2025

    Brendan Williams: Southern California's Driven Fast Defender

    Brendan, hailing from Southern California and now suiting up for Eastern Washington University, has always stood out for his speed and defensive instincts — traits his coach recognized right away. In this conversation, he dives into the role mobility and strength play in his game, the work it takes to maintain them, and the mindset that keeps him sharp on both ends of the court. Brendan also opens up about the bigger picture — how basketball is shaping his character, work ethic, and vision for life well beyond the hardwood.

11. 

    19 Aug 2025

    Pressure is a Privilege: Jarrett Fultz on Golf, Grit, and Gratitude

    Jarrett Fultz brings heart, energy, and perspective to this episode as he shares his experience navigating the game of golf with cerebral palsy. Now a coach at Southern Virginia University—his alma mater—Jarrett reflects on adapting his swing through countless grip adjustments and mental strategies to stay locked in under pressure. For Jarrett, “pressure is a privilege,” a mindset that fuels both his game and his coaching. He emphasizes the value of external focus-- like visualizing a landing zone or targeting specific parts of the hole, to stay present and intentional with every swing. His guiding question: What would I tell my players right now? Jarrett's deep love for the game, gratitude for the opportunity to keep competing, and belief that golf is for everyonemake his story one of resilience and inspiration. With another tournament in Florida on the horizon, he reminds us that nothing beats hard work—and if you truly want to be part of the game, golf will find a way to welcome you in. What You’ll Learn in This Episode How Jarrett turned frustration into championship wins Mental strategies for overcoming coordination challenges His vision for becoming an inclusive teaching professional Why adaptive golf is both competitive and transformational

12. 

    12 Aug 2025

    How Kelsey Koch Rebuilt Her Golf Career in 1 Year Using Grit, Gratitude, and a Fresh Start

    Yoga teacher, high school coach, and adaptive golfer Kelsey Koch has faced more challenges in a single year than most people face in a lifetime. Born with VACTERL syndrome and living with a leg amputation since infancy, Kelsey endured surgery, equipment loss, and setbacks in 2024—yet still competed at the U.S. Adaptive Open. In this episode, Kelsey reflects on resilience, sobriety, and self-love. From playing barefoot in Crocs to receiving new custom clubs, her story is about rebuilding, redefining, and showing up authentically on and off the course. What You’ll Learn in This Episode How Kelsey turned adversity into opportunity in 2024 The role of yoga and self-love in her athletic journey Balancing coaching, competing, and recovery Why she believes every body and every story matters

13. 

    5 Aug 2025

    How Danny Wiseman Became a Rising Force in Adaptive Golf Using Work Ethic, Family Support, and Sheer Willpower

    Danny Wiseman didn’t start playing golf until his late twenties—but he’s already become one of the sport’s breakout stars. A survivor of Ewing Sarcoma who has endured 33 surgeries, Danny discovered adaptive golf through a friend and quickly embraced competition. Named Boom Athlete of the Year in 2023, he now competes nationally while balancing life as a husband and father. In this episode, Danny shares how he trains with intention, what the adaptive golf community means to him, and how family keeps him grounded. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why Danny chose golf and how he rose so quickly in competition How living through cancer and surgeries shaped his approach to sport The importance of community and mutual support in adaptive golf His goals for the U.S. Adaptive Open and beyond

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Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

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Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.