The Unexpected Journey – Details, episodes & analysis
Podcast details
Technical and general information from the podcast's RSS feed.
Summiting and skiing an 11,000 foot volcano, completing a DIY adaptive sport decathlon in one day, harnessing a passion for art to help spinal cord injury survivors adapt and bond, flying in a wing suit as a double amputee, giving birth to and mothering twin girls as a quadriplegic...these are just a few of the powerful stories you will hear on The Unexpected Journey. Adaptive athlete and quadriplegic, Tim Brown, talks with other disabled folks to learn how they challenge preconceived beliefs, push boundaries, and get after it - ultimately leading to a life fulfilled. The Unexpected Journey gives you the experience of listening to two friends sitting at a kitchen table, around a campfire, or on a boat, letting you eavesdrop on an intimate conversation about their shared experience, their passions, and the challenging, rewarding and exhilarating elements of their life. The episode plays like an audio memoir of the guest with the host providing clarity and narrating the biographical details so you can enjoy and appreciate the real and raw moments of the conversation. You’ll hear a sonic backdrop of original music to add emotional richness and additional sound design to bring into the moment with the guest as they describe their most formative and powerful experiences. The host, Tim Brown, is quadriplegic from a ski accident that resulted in a spinal cord injury 11 years ago. He prefers to listen before speaking and shares his own experience along with the guest. Our mission is to elevate, educate, and empower our disabled and able-bodied listeners on the disabled experience through creative and powerful storytelling. Our vision is to be a leader in the creation and distribution of empowering disability-centric storytelling and to provide an accessible platform for participants in the disabled experience to share their stories with the world. The Unexpected Journey is a podcast about adaptive athletes, adventurers, and creators. Each episode features an individual with a disability sharing their powerful story of learning how to challenge preconceived beliefs, push boundaries, and get after it - ultimately leading to a life fulfilled. Listen to guests like Anna Soens talk about being the first paraplegic woman to summit and ski Mount Hood, Greg Durso share his love for adaptive sports and completing an adaptive decathlon, and Channing Cash on her childhood and Laos and becoming a Team USA ocean paddle racer. Hosted and produced by Tim Brown, a surfer, sailor, and skier who is quadriplegic from a skiing accident 10 years ago.Our goal is to Educate. Elevate. Encourage.
Recent rankings
Latest chart positions across Apple Podcasts and Spotify rankings.
Apple Podcasts
🇺🇸 USA - selfImprovement
04/12/2025#90🇺🇸 USA - selfImprovement
03/12/2025#65🇺🇸 USA - education
03/12/2025#97🇺🇸 USA - selfImprovement
02/12/2025#33🇺🇸 USA - education
02/12/2025#43🇺🇸 USA - selfImprovement
01/12/2025#21🇺🇸 USA - education
01/12/2025#25🇺🇸 USA - selfImprovement
30/11/2025#11🇺🇸 USA - education
30/11/2025#12🇺🇸 USA - selfImprovement
29/11/2025#46
Spotify
No recent rankings available
Shared links between episodes and podcasts
Links found in episode descriptions and other podcasts that share them.
See all- https://neuralink.com/
50 shares
- https://www.christopherreeve.org/
31 shares
RSS feed quality and score
Technical evaluation of the podcast's RSS feed quality and structure.
See allScore global : 73%
Publication history
Monthly episode publishing history over the past years.
Joel Brown on Dance and Determination
Season 5 · Episode 52
jeudi 18 septembre 2025 • Duration 51:16
Joel Brown is a paraplegic dancer, choreographer, and musician. He grew up in Salt Lake City in a large creative family and was paralyzed as a boy. Not one to slow down, he pursued many sports living an active life, and eventually found his way to dance. His professional dance career took him to California, then London, and around the world. Now in his 30s and back in California working as a choreographer, Joel has extensive experience with dance, and is reflective about living and aging as a wheelchair user with a spinal cord injury.
Guest info:
- @joelbrowndancer
Additional Resources:
- https://axisdance.org/team-member/joel-brown/
- https://candoco.co.uk/
- www.highfivesfoundation.org
Contact us:
- Instagram: @unexpectedjourneypod
- Email: tim@unexpectedjourneypod.com
- Hosted and produced by Tim Brown
- Editing and sound design by Louis Arevalo
- Original theme music by Jesse LaFountaine
- Episode cover art by Lewis Falconer
- Cover art and logo design by Anne Holt and Lewis Falconer
Alex Cano Gonzalez on Forgiveness and Photography
Season 5 · Episode 51
jeudi 4 septembre 2025 • Duration 31:22
Alex Cano Gonzalez is a photographer, videographer, and artist living in Denver Colorado. He was paralyzed at a young age as a result of gun violence. He's currently rebuilding his life with a commitment to physical rehab and exercise, exploring adaptive sports, and hustling to grow his freelance career as an artist. In our conversation, I was struck by Alex's profound gratitude, inner peace, and level of maturity and wisdom at such a young age.
Alex is always looking to collaborate with other creators – rappers, artists, musicians. If you're interested in working with him or following his story, you can find him on Instagram @iamalexcano
Guest info:
- @iamalexcano
Additional Resources:
- www.highfivesfoundation.org
Contact us:
- Instagram: @unexpectedjourneypod
- Email: tim@unexpectedjourneypod.com
- Hosted and produced by Tim Brown
- Editing and sound design by Louis Arevalo
- Original theme music by Jesse LaFountaine
- Episode cover art by Lewis Falconer
- Cover art and logo design by Anne Holt and Lewis Falconer
Nitra Turner on Adaptive Archery and Allowing Grace
Season 4 · Episode 42
jeudi 19 décembre 2024 • Duration 43:17
Nitra Turner and I met at the EmpowerSCI summer intensive program at Stony Brook University this past summer where Nitra was a participant and I work as the Director of Strategic Development. Nitra led an adaptive archery clinic. For the annual adaptive surf day, she showed up to the beach in a mermaid outfit and then charged in challenging waves for her first time ever surfing. At home in Las Vegas, Nitra works in a banking career as she pursues her passion for competitive para archery. She's also a caring and thoughtful person who is dedicated to uplifting others, which she will most certainly continue to do as she becomes a leader in the disability community.
Guest info:
- @1tuffdiamond
Additional Resources:
- triumph-foundation.org
- https://www.worldarchery.sport/sport/disciplines/para-archery
Contact us:
- Instagram: @unexpectedjourneypod
- Email: tim@unexpectedjourneypod.com
- Hosted and produced by Tim Brown
- Editing and sound design by Louis Arevalo
- Original theme music by Jesse LaFountaine
- Episode cover art by Lewis Falconer
- Cover art and logo design by Anne Holt and Lewis Falconer
Rachel Zoeller: A Meditation on Life, Relationships, and Disability
Season 4 · Episode 41
vendredi 6 décembre 2024 • Duration 58:50
Rachel Zoeller is a person who is very engaged with life. They are an entrepreneur, outdoor enthusiast, endurance athlete, yoga practitioner, former pediatric physical therapist, writer, occasional model, partner, and highly intelligent individual. Following an accident resulting in a spinal cord injury and paralysis a few years ago, they are now moving through space and life in a different way. Our conversation was a meditation on many things more than a telling of any one aspect of Rachel's story. After we spoke, I found myself intentionally slowing down and sitting with more uncomfortable emotions. It was not easy at first, then it was deeply cathartic. I hope you may feel moved to do the same.
Guest info:
- @holazoella
- @rollmobility
Additional Resources:
- rollmobility.com
Contact us:
- Instagram: @unexpectedjourneypod
- Email: tim@unexpectedjourneypod.com
- Hosted and produced by Tim Brown
- Editing and sound design by Louis Arevalo
- Original theme music by Jesse LaFountaine
- Episode cover art by Lewis Falconer
- Cover art and logo design by Anne Holt and Lewis Falconer
Jason Stoffer on Quality Living first, then Cure
Season 4 · Episode 40
vendredi 15 novembre 2024 • Duration 51:34
Jason Stoffer is an outdoor enthusiast, musician, and a former wildland fire fighter, EMT, search and rescue volunteer, and federal law enforcement officer. He lives with his wife and teenage kids in Montana and now works for Unite 2 Fight Paralysis alongside two time Unexpected Journey guest, Quinn Brett. Jason and Quinn met in the hospital after their accidents resulting in spinal cord injuries. They have also embarked on many impressive adventures together. Jason shares his story and more about the very impactful work he is doing with Unite 2 Fight Paralysis.
Guest info:
- @js_rolling
Additional Resources:
- @u2fp - Unite 2 Fight Paralysis
Contact us:
- Instagram: @unexpectedjourneypod
- Email: tim@unexpectedjourneypod.com
- Hosted and produced by Tim Brown
- Editing and sound design by Louis Arevalo
- Original theme music by Jesse LaFountaine
- Episode cover art by Lewis Falconer
- Cover art and logo design by Anne Holt and Lewis Falconer
Quinn Brett on Cure Vs. Quality of Life and an Update On Her Adventures
Season 4 · Episode 39
jeudi 31 octobre 2024 • Duration 29:07
Quinn Brett first came on The Unexpected Journey in Season 1, Episode 7. She was four years out from her climbing accident resulting in paralysis and shared her story in a profoundly beautiful, honest, and raw manner. Three years later, we reconnected to learn about her advocacy work, get an update on her recent adventures, and hear how life is treating her. Louis Arevalo, our editor, coproducer, and previous cast - and I were both struck with the calm and contentedness in Quinn's voice. From this place of greater peace, she continues to push the envelope as an advocate and adventurer, always true to herself.
Guest info:
- @quinndalina
Additional Resources:
- @dovetail_trail_consulting
- @u2fp - Unite 2 Fight Paralysis
Contact us:
- Instagram: @unexpectedjourneypod
- Email: tim@unexpectedjourneypod.com
- Hosted and produced by Tim Brown
- Editing and sound design by Louis Arevalo
- Original theme music by Jesse LaFountaine
- Episode cover art by Lewis Falconer
- Cover art and logo design by Anne Holt and Lewis Falconer
Chris Waker on Floating Face Down and Facing Fears
Season 4 · Episode 38
jeudi 17 octobre 2024 • Duration 50:51
Chris Waker is a former professional snowboarder and snowboard coach. He was paralyzed in a snowboarding accident in Colorado nearly 4 years ago. Chris's accident and spinal cord injury are very similar to my own, and he is a fellow board sport enthusiast. He now lives in San Diego county where he focuses on adaptive surfing, public speaking, and his physical health and recovery. We met up in his accessible apartment for a conversation that explores fear, vulnerability, and moving forward.
Guest info:
- @cwaker
Additional Resources:
- highfivesfoundation.org
- https://adaptivesurfingprofessionals.com/
Contact us:
- Instagram: @unexpectedjourneypodcast
- Email: tim@unexpectedjourneypod.com
- Hosted and produced by Tim Brown
- Editing and sound design by Louis Arevalo
- Original theme music by Jesse LaFountaine
- Episode cover art by Lewis Falconer
- Cover art and logo design by Anne Holt and Lewis Falconer
Fellipe Kizu Lima on Returning to the Ocean
Season 4 · Episode 37
vendredi 4 octobre 2024 • Duration 23:38
Fellipe Kizu Lima is a waterman in the truest sense of the word. His life, both professionally and personally, is closely tied to the ocean. At home, in Brazil, he works on the water. Abroad, he travels the world as a professional adaptive surfer and is a 6X ISA World Adaptive Surfing Champion, 3X Professional World Tour Champion, 3X Brazil National Champion, and 5X Hawaii Adaptive Surf Champion. Felipe is also a kind and reflective person who is greatly admired and respected in the adaptive surf community.
Guest info:
- @fkizu
Additional Resources:
- highfivesfoundation.org
- https://adaptivesurfingprofessionals.com/
Contact us:
- Instagram: @unexpectedjourneypodcast
- Email: tim@unexpectedjourneypod.com
- Hosted and produced by Tim Brown
- Editing and sound design by Louis Arevalo
- Original theme music by Jesse LaFountaine
- Episode cover art by Lewis Falconer
- Cover art and logo design by Anne Holt and Lewis Falconer
Tara Shetterly on Leading with Influence
Season 4 · Episode 36
jeudi 19 septembre 2024 • Duration 47:59
Tara Shetterly is certifiably famous in our community. She has over 200,000 followers on Instagram, a YouTube page, and she uses her influencer status to combat ignorance by educating about spinal cord injury and wheelchair use and advocating for more inclusivity – all with her signature, intelligence, sass, and irreverence. She also makes spoke covers for wheelchairs, is in school to be an occupational therapy assistant, plays adaptive sports, travels, and is increasingly involved with spinal cord injury and disability events.
She is young, was injured at a young age, and is just getting started with her life!
Guest info:
- @tara_shett
- @YouTube: Para Tarra
Additional Resources:
- https://sportable.org
- highfivesfoundation.org
Contact us:
- Instagram: @unexpectedjourneypodcast
- Email: tim@unexpectedjourneypod.com
- Hosted and produced by Tim Brown
- Editing and sound design by Louis Arevalo
- Original theme music by Jesse LaFountaine
- Episode cover art by Lewis Falconer
- Cover art and logo design by Anne Holt and Lewis Falconer
Short: David McCauley on Gratitude and G Wagons
Season 4 · Episode 35
jeudi 5 septembre 2024 • Duration 20:31
David McCauley is an internationally renowned artist, a sailor and board member of The Impossible Dream organization, a traveler, a partner, an activist, and many other things. He is also one of my first friends also living as a quadriplegic with spinal cord injury. We met sailing from Boston to Newburyport, Massachusetts on The Impossible Dream several years ago. David came on The Unexpected Journey for back-to-back episodes in season one. This past winter I visited him and his partner, Lily, in their bohemian bungalow in St. Petersburg, Florida and we caught up on life.
Guest info:
- @davidmccauleyart
- davidmccauleyart.com
Additional Resources:
- theimpossibledream.org
- highfivesfoundation.org
Contact us:
- Instagram: @unexpectedjourneypodcast
- Email: tim@unexpectedjourneypod.com
- Hosted and produced by Tim Brown
- Editing and sound design by Louis Arevalo
- Original theme music by Jesse LaFountaine
- Episode cover art by Lewis Falconer
- Cover art and logo design by Anne Holt and Lewis Falconer
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