Accessible Pursuits Podcast

08/28/2025

On this week’s Accessible Pursuits Podcast, we’re joined by Dave Harding—a lifelong advocate, educator, and disability rights leader.

From growing up with cerebral palsy to participating in the historic Jonas Salk polio vaccine trials, Dave’s story is nothing short of remarkable. With a career at the Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation and time teaching as an adjunct professor at the University of Pittsburgh, Dave has spent his life empowering others to pursue independence and opportunity.

Tune in as we talk about his journey, the progress he’s seen in disability rights, and the advice he has for future generations.

Don’t miss this great conversation on the Accessible Pursuits Podcast!

On this week’s Accessible Pursuits Podcast, we’re joined by Dave Harding—a lifelong advocate, educator, and disability rights leader.From growing up with cer...

07/04/2025

Today, we celebrate our freedom, and our independence!

Here’s to all the hunters and outdoor enthusiasts who live that spirit every day, embracing adventure, self-reliance, and the great outdoors.

Stay safe, enjoy the celebration, and let’s keep working together to make the outdoors accessible for everyone!

Alt-text: Four logos including a "ROAR" logo, "Accessible Hunter" and “Accessible Pursuits”podcast logos, and an "Accessible Hunter" logo.

Accessible Pursuits Podcast Accessible Hunter Podcast

06/26/2025

On this week’s episode of the Accessible Pursuits Podcast, Mike and Greg roll into the importance of education, and how it empowers, opens doors, and fuels personal growth.

Mike also shares insights from his current journey working toward a Ph.D., and how higher education is shaping his mission to break down barriers in accessibility and in his community.

Tune in for an inspiring and thoughtful conversation!

On this week’s episode of the Accessible Pursuits Podcast, Mike and Greg roll into the importance of education—how it empowers, opens doors, and fuels person...

06/19/2025

We’re thankful to be joined by Mike Burnside — a devoted father, advocate, and outdoorsman, whose journey alongside his daughter Kenzi is nothing short of remarkable.

From the moment of her early diagnosis with cerebral palsy, Mike and his wife Janet have been on a mission to create a life of inclusion, joy, and exploration for their daughter.

Kenzi, now known to many as Kowgirlkenzi has not only overcome incredible odds — including numerous surgeries and health challenges — but she’s also thrived, discovering a deep love for the outdoors and a vibrant spirit that lights up every space she enters.

Whether she’s blazing trails in her track chair or showing others what true independence looks like, Kenzi is redefining what’s possible.

In this episode, Mike takes us behind the scenes — from those early days navigating school and community support, to watching Kenzi blossom with a life full of outdoor adventure.

We’ll hear how their family balances it all, what keeps Kenzi’s spirit so strong, and how the power of nature, inclusion, and a little bit of “Kowgirl” energy has helped shape a truly extraordinary path.

https://youtu.be/iwF47sx1WjU?si=Y6S75dHhKV06Uo4p

We’re honored to be joined by Mike Burnside — a devoted father, advocate, and outdoorsman, whose journey alongside his daughter Kenzi is nothing short of rem...

06/07/2025

On this episode of the Accessible Pursuits Podcast, we’re honored to share the story of Mac Brackenrich — a former West Virginia police officer, father, K9 handler, and dog trainer whose life changed forever when he was shot off duty and became a quadriplegic.

Despite the unimaginable, Mac has forged a new path forward. He recently graduated from online Gunsmithing school and launched BSquared Gunsmithing LLC, working from home and pursuing his passion.

We talk with Mac about the raw realities of adjusting to life with a disability, the hurdles of starting a home-based business, and the mindset that keeps him going:
“Always working the problem for a solution.”

This is a story of courage, resilience, and refusing to let circumstances define your limits. Don’t miss it.

BSquared Gunsmithing llc https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559518633316

YouTube link https://youtube.com/-guns-ammo?si=cmhdwYo4178Chvsv

On this powerful episode of the Accessible Pursuits Podcast, we’re honored to share the story of Mac Brackenrich — a former West Virginia police officer, fat...

06/06/2025

We’ve been working on some different looks for the Accessible Pursuits Podcast, and we want your input!

Which of these four logos is your favorite — top left, top right, bottom left, or bottom right? Let us know in the comments!

Alt-text: Four circular logo designs for the Accessible Pursuits Podcast arranged in a 2x2 grid. Each features trees, two microphones, and the names Mike and Greg. The designs vary in color: top left is cream and green, top right is red and green, bottom left is blue and teal, and bottom right is green with a yellow sky.

05/29/2025

This week on The Accessible Pursuits Podcast, we talk with the incredible Coy Varnum, a quadriplegic since 1976 whose story is all about resilience, connection, and purpose.

Coy shares how he earned a certificate in CAD drawing, his experience with adaptive driving, and his strength in community, teamwork, and mentorship.

From basketball courts to late-night talks lifting up friends during tough times, Coy reminds us what it means to reach goals, both big and small, and how powerful it is to reach out to those around you.

This week on The Accessible Pursuits Podcast, we talk with the incredible Coy Varnum, a quadriplegic since 1976 whose story is all about resilience, connecti...

05/29/2025

🎙️ Thursday is our favorite day of the week, we record the Accessible Pursuits Podcast!

Mike and I always leave our sessions feeling inspired and grateful. There’s something powerful about hearing the real stories of people breaking barriers and making life more accessible for everyone.

Huge thanks to our incredible guests who share their journeys with us.

Stay tuned for our upcoming episodes, you won’t want to miss them!

Alt text: Greg Traynor smiles in front of a wooden background with the Accessible Pursuits Podcast logo beside him. The logo features trees, two microphones labeled “Mike” and “Greg,” and the podcast title

05/28/2025

05/22/2025

Today’s guest is someone whose story is as powerful as it is inspiring. Roy Davis is a former professor at the University of Alabama, a classic car enthusiast, and the driving force behind a fantastic fundraiser. The St. Jude Car, Truck, and Motorcycle Show, now in its 20th year.

We talk with Roy about how his career in education shaped his approach to mentorship, how he’s made his passion for classic cars accessible despite physical challenges, and how the loss of his sister Rebekah led to a legacy of hope that’s raised over half a million dollars for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Check out the details about his Car Show on August 16, 2025 here.

https://facebook.com/events/s/20th-annual-st-jude-childrens-/1814099255989371/

https://youtu.be/BbjP-14n7aw?si=6whuVZ_FnoaZ4FQT

Today’s guest is someone whose story is as powerful as it is inspiring. Roy Davis is a former professor from the University of Alabama, a classic car enthusi...

05/08/2025

Meet Dylan Lesselyoung, this week’s guest on the Accessible Pursuits Podcast!

Dylan is the founder and President of Wheelchair Adventures, an organization born from his deep passion for the outdoors and a mission to help others with disabilities reconnect with nature.

A native of South Dakota, Dylan’s life changed dramatically after a car accident and su***de attempt at age 18 left him a C2/C3 quadriplegic. For years, he believed his days as an outdoorsman were behind him, until he discovered the right adaptive equipment.

Dylan now dedicates his life to helping others adapt and overcome, turning obstacles into opportunities. Dylan continues to prove that life in a wheelchair is not a limitation, but an adventure.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or having thoughts of su***de, please know that you’re not alone and help is available. Reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or contact a mental health professional or crisis line. Your life matters, and support is just a call or conversation away.

Thanks for all you do Dylan!

www.rammount.com

www.wheelchairadventures.org

www.beadaptive.com

www.pacmotor.com




https://youtu.be/V3jDMt4oJQU?si=a5ssGL9nqJ6Q4vKy

Meet Dylan Lesselyoung, this week’s guest on the Accessible Pursuits Podcast! Dylan is the founder and President of Wheelchair Adventures, an organization bo...

05/02/2025

This week, we’re thrilled to welcome Michael Edmonds, an incredible individual breaking barriers in the world of massage therapy while navigating life with a visual impairment.

Hear how Michael is chasing his dreams, overcoming challenges, starting a business and staying motivated with unwavering determination.

Don’t miss this powerful story of resilience and purpose!

This week, we’re thrilled to welcome Michael Edmonds, an incredible individual breaking barriers in the world of massage therapy while navigating life with a...