John O’Leary welcomes Jeff Glasbrenner on the Live Inspired Podcast on what it means to overcome adversity, climb Everest, and more.
Jeff Glasbrenner is a three-time Paralympian, two-time wheelchair basketball world champion, 25-time Ironman finisher, and the first American amputee to summit Mount Everest. And yet, beyond the titles and the records, Jeff is a man who’s said yes to life again and again, even when the odds were stacked against him.
Today, Jeff shares what it really means to overcome adversity, achieve the impossible, and say yes to big, mighty goals. He opens up about the farm accident that took his leg at age eight, the lessons from his father, the gift of finding purpose through sport, and resilience he’s learned from his daughter Grace in the face of her own medical challenges. From breaking sports records to skiing to the South Pole, Jeff’s story is packed with powerful lessons… and a whole lot of heart.
My friends, if you’ve ever felt held back by your circumstances and seek to find significance in the struggle, this conversation is for you. Jeff reminds us that we each have our own Everest, and with enough courage, community, and belief, we’re capable of climbing it.
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SHOW NOTES:
- July 30th, 1980:While helping his dad on the farm, Jeff went to remove a rock from a machine. Before he was back to the “safe spot”, his dad turned on the machine, taking his leg off below the knee. Jeff’s dad quickly applied a tourniquet which saved his life. They didn’t talk about it for the majority of his life until his dad was dying of cancer.
- “The biggest enemy of a kid with a disability are their parents.” – After 47 days in hospital, Jeff’s favorite nurse told his parents this
- While attending University of Wisconsin-White Water, Jeff was introduced to wheelchair basketball. Jeff credits his work ethic and Coach Mike Frogley to his success in the sport.
- In 2004, Jeff captured the National Intercollegiate Wheelchair Basketball Championship scoring record by scoring 63 points and snagging 27 rebounds in one game.
- For 14 years, Jeff was a member of the USA Wheelchair Basketball Men’s National Team.
- “Small steps become big results.” In training for an Ironman, Jeff started by not being able to run more than 100 yards.
- Early in his life, Jeff admits doing everything he could to fit in. After finding wheelchair basketball and other sports, Jeff is doing everything he can to stand out.
- Grace, Jeff and Elizabeth’s daughter, has a rare intractable epilepsy disorder. Through careful monitoring and treatment, Grace has been seizure-free for 10 months.
- Saying “yes” to opportunity: A trek to the Teton’s ignited a goal within Jeff to accomplish the Explorer’s Grand Slam: reach the North Pole and South Pole as well as the Seven Summits.
- Aha Moment: Being the first American amputee to summit Mount Everest, Jeff graced the cover of Sports Illustrated.
- For his movie Skyscraper, Jeff was asked to mentor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson on what life is like as an amputee.
- “ If you can be a mentor and have a mentor, life is gonna be so much better for you”
- Get a copy of Jeff Glasbrenner’s book The Gift of a Day here.
Did you enjoy today’s episode?
You won’t want to miss my conversation with polar explorer Alison Levine. Alison Levine knows what it’s like to survive in the world’s toughest environments. She served as captain of the first American Women’s Everest Expedition, scaled the Seven Summits and skied to the North and South Poles. Hear Alison recount her history-making expeditions, the leadership lessons they taught her and how you can achieve more than you thought possible. Listen to Alison Levine on ep. 390.
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JEFF GLASBRENNER'S LIVE INSPIRED 7
- Q. What is the best book you’ve ever read?
A. The Inner Game of Tennis by W. Timothy Gallwey. - Q. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today?
A. I don't think there is one. I think I've never changed. - Q. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be?
A. I don't need anything. - Q. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be?
A. My dad. - Q. What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
A. At 14, when I was having a hard time with other people looking at me and could see that I was different, my dad took me aside and said, “son, you can either choose to be pitiful or you can choose to be powerful, but you can't be both.” - Q. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?
A. Work ethic wins over talent every single day. - Q. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read?
A. This guy lived his life full of passion and purpose.
