Life's New Normal Podcast With Host Long Jump Silver Medalist John Register

There is a talented and dependable pipeline of talent of people with disabilities wanting to enter the workforce and Joyce Bender, President and CEO of Bender Consulting Services, has built her career on over 30 years of executive search experience, placing this talent in formative jobs.  Joyce began her career in 1979 as a search consultant, and in 1988, founded Bender and Associates International, Inc., an executive search firm specializing in technology and management search.  In 1985, Joyce had a life-threatening accident due to epilepsy that caused a cerebral hemorrhage that required subsequent brain surgery.  This accident left Joyce with a 60 percent hearing loss in one ear and a realization that she had epilepsy.  As a result of her personal experience, she developed a passion for helping people with disabilities secure employment.   Today on Life's New Normal, she unleashes her passion and busts several myths of companies who are still timid about hiring people with disabilities.  --- About the

“Still operating with a linear mindset is going to find themselves on the wrong side of a global economy.” John Register. Business Resource Groups, or BRG’s, are becoming critical in retaining talent, finding talent, and connecting people when companies scale up. Today I have two spectacular guests who get it. Redia Anderson, Chief Inclusion and Diversity Officer at BP, is a power house. Not just in the D & I space, but in all spaces she occupies. Just 10 seconds in a room with this woman and you know you are amongst brilliance. Redia aligns people to performance to get results. She has more than 25 years in the D & I space and relates to us today her wisdom that makes her the key leading industry expert. Carmen Pino is also in a class of his own.  A West Point Army Graduate he knows the value of building diverse teams. He is the Vice President of BP’s International Key Accounts and is responsible for delivering ‘best in class’ offers to the most material customers in BP. Three years ago Carmen had

Tony Coelho was not intending to be a disability rights advocate, he was on track to be a priest. But when he found out he had epilepsy, the Catholic Church told him that there was no way he was going to do that job. The misfortune for the Priesthood, became a blessing for people with disabilities and our American government in the House of Representatives. While in the House, he was a member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. Mr. Coelho has been the Democratic Minority Whip and is credited by congressional colleagues as the primary sponsor of the Americans with Disabilities Act, signed into law by President George H.W. Bush. Today, on Life’s New Normal, he shares with us what it meant to be treated different as a youth and as an adult. He also focuses our attention on what all of us can do to ensure all citizens have a fair shake and fair shot at the American dream. And, finally he shares what happened when he went to the Vatican to address the one person that could have made a difference with Tony goin

In just a few short hours Alberto Rodriguez will photograph the movie stars who will grace the red carpet at the 2017 Oscars. What is it like to walk the redcarpet at the Oscars? Does a stars' light diminish or rise from year to year? What would it be like to have a front row view movies' greatest night? Does anyone ever trip? On this episode of Life's New Normal I chat with Getty staff photographer and my high school friend, who shares his journey and insight on documenting some of the worlds most famous events.  He's been at them all. The Golden Globes, The BET Awards, and The Emmy's, and all the while, with his humble spirit, razor sharp eagle eye, and his camera, he clicks images into poserity for all of us to remember history. Alberto, a new Dad for the 2nd time over, is preparing for another event amongst Hollywoods' Movie elite. I have a live chat with Alberto on his path to his current role as well as his take on being one of the few minority photographers requested at these events.  What new nor

Roderick Sewell @rsewell92 and Tracy G'Angelo Hancock @OlympicKidd have seen more than their fair share of heart ache. However, the have not let society beat them down. In fact, they are the ones that society better look out for. They are the 'never yielders'. They will never quit. They fight on. "Yeah, I was a hard head. I was alway getting into trouble and I was on the wrong path. I did not see a vision for my life. Then one day a mentor came to my home and told my mother that he was going to take me in. He saw potential in me as a wrestler. I didn't believe it. I went with and lived with him. That was the turning point in my path. I am now full committed to pursuing my dream of making the 2020 Olympic team." Tracy G'Angelo Hancock. "My mother and I had to be out of the homeless shelter by 5:30am. We went to live there when I was 7. She had a good job, but because she made just enough for insurance not to pay for my legs, she quit her job in order to give me access to a better life. How many mothers d

Ralph Green | A high school quarterback and multi-sport athlete was gunned down at 16  years old while he and a friend walked along a street in Brooklyn. Green survived, but his left leg was amputated at the hip. A year later, Green was introduced to skiing in the Poconos, and it didn’t do much for him. In 2000, though, Green found himself back on the slopes with a program in Winter Park, Colo., and as he says, “That’s when it stuck...‘I’m skiing until I’m the best.’” Green is now a 10-time U.S. Paralympics Alpine Skiing National Team member and four-time national champion.  But Green is more than resilient. He lives life in the new normal and is not satisfied with anyone living in mediocrity. He blazes new trails, pushes past limits of others as easily as he passes gates on the ski course.  Today on lifes new normal you will learn how to become better when life deals you bitter. Strap in because it is going to be a fast downhill ride. John Register, Paralympic Silver Medalist | Inspirational Cataly

There are times in life when you must stand for what you believe. It does not matter if it is a great political cause, or you are just tired of being sick and tired.  When I found a newspaper article  in the basement of my about my father's involvment in the civil rights movement, I realized there was more to this man than the person I knew who showed up at my sporting events and musical recitals.  I learned later the profound impact he had on a system of injustice and how one person can make a difference if that one person is part of a great collective. His abililty to create change by civil 'disobedience' fuels me daily. Today we explore a great lesson in American history with someone who has lived it. John Register, Paralympic Silver Medalist | Inspirational Catalyst | Change Management Speaker | Author | Long Jump Record Holder | Gulf War Vet | Disability Rights Advocate | 2 x TEDx Speaker who shows business leaders and sports professionals how to courageously step up to championship performance by wa

Cheri Maree’s songs have a message that comes from a real place,” says Mo Pleasure, renowned producer and multi-instrumentalist for the iconic Bette Midler and principle keyboardist for legendary Michael Jackson’s “This Is It” tour. “She doesn’t fit a mold, but brings her own style, much like Jill Scott.” Ms. Maree’s love affair with music goes back to her early childhood. Born in Muncie, Indiana, Cheri tested her vocal chords during early years in Chicago and Columbia, South Carolina. The humanitarian songbird’s musical gifts resonated in church, talent contests, and local bands – her dynamic vocal range embracing jazz, rock, soul, blues and gospel. A multi-talented vocalist and musician, Cheri Maree’s eclectic sound and style enthrall international crowds and transcend language barriers. Sold out performances in Japan, and her recent 8-city tour of Russia, confirm Cheri Maree’s place on the international music circuit, connecting across cultures to spread an essential message – LOVE. Find Ms. Maree on FB

Charlie Jordan Brookins has been passionate about health and fitness since the age of 13 - when she became consumed with dance and how nutrition and fitness impacted her body.  Since that “awakening,” Charlie has been a student, teacher and "passionate" of all things related to the field.   She is the first to tell anyone that hard work and discipline are the core of any new normal we create. So, if you are serious this year, listen to this show. Throughout her career in Hollywood, which included directing two feature films, and serving as a Development and Original Programming executive for MTV Films and BET Networks respectively, Charlie has remained committed to her own health practice and study as well as the health of others.  She also served on the leadership team of the dance ministry of her home church, Faithful Central Bible Church in Inglewood, CA, for over ten years.  A Certified Personal Trainer and Health Coach (ACE), and proud wife and mother of two sons, Charlie is now poised to bring her mul

Cheri Maree’s songs have a message that comes from a real place,” says Mo Pleasure, renowned producer and multi-instrumentalist for the iconic Bette Midler and principle keyboardist for legendary Michael Jackson’s “This Is It” tour. “She doesn’t fit a mold, but brings her own style, much like Jill Scott.” Ms. Maree’s love affair with music goes back to her early childhood. Born in Muncie, Indiana, Cheri tested her vocal chords during early years in Chicago and Columbia, South Carolina. The humanitarian songbird’s musical gifts resonated in church, talent contests, and local bands – her dynamic vocal range embracing jazz, rock, soul, blues and gospel. A multi-talented vocalist and musician, Cheri Maree’s eclectic sound and style enthrall international crowds and transcend language barriers. Sold out performances in Japan, and her recent 8-city tour of Russia, confirm Cheri Maree’s place on the international music circuit, connecting across cultures to spread an essential message – LOVE. John Register, Paral

Charlie Jordan Brookins has been passionate about health and fitness since the age of 13 - when she became consumed with dance and how nutrition and fitness impacted her body.  Since that “awakening,” Charlie has been a student, teacher and "passionate" of all things related to the field.   She is the first to tell anyone that hard work and discipline are the core of any new normal we create. So, if you are serious this year, listen to this show. Throughout her career in Hollywood, which included directing two feature films, and serving as a Development and Original Programming executive for MTV Films and BET Networks respectively, Charlie has remained committed to her own health practice and study as well as the health of others.  She also served on the leadership team of the dance ministry of her home church, Faithful Central Bible Church in Inglewood, CA, for over ten years.  A Certified Personal Trainer and Health Coach (ACE), and proud wife and mother of two sons, Charlie is now poised to bring her mul

Dave Lieber, Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) is unique. He is an amazing writer and journalist. He is the watchdog for consumer rights issues at the Dallas Morning News. He’s co-founder of Summer Santa, one of North Texas’ largest children’s charities. He also is an amazing long jumper. Well, now, he like meek is a short jumper. He has lived 100 lives since moving to Dallas, TX from the East Coast.  He tried to make an impression on his new neighbors and failed miserably. In Texas, to establish relationships, there are at least two questions asked of everyone who passes by. Dave was asked:  Texan: "Son, you ain't from around here are you? Where you from?"   Dave replied, "No Sir, East Coast." Texan: "Yea, a Yankee huh? Well, what church do you attend?" Dave: "Uhm, I'm Jewish, I don't attend church." Two strikes. But he turned it around in the 9th inning of the ball game and hit a grand slam to get back on top. How did he overcome the odds? Well, he shares that and more in this edition

Meet our guest. Xavier Ford is a unique young man. He has truly beaten back stigma and stereo-types of the professional athlete. He is an avid reader, a poetry lover, and is writing his first book. His entire career path has been built on taking advantage of losses. His AAU team lost to the second highest ranked team in the nation by a respectable 10 points. College coaches took notice. He landed in Buffalo and played for the New York State University at Buffalo where he led the Bulls to their first NCAA tournament. With Coach Bobby Hurley at the helm the Bulls rose quickly and even got a tourney pick from President Barak Obama. But the soft spoken 6’ 9” dominator is still on the rise. He spent a year in the NBA’s Development league and now plays for the Ibaraki Robots in Japan. Xavier offers great advice to young players who desire to make sports a professional career, and adults might just learn something along the way as well. For collegiate and professional sports hopefuls this is a must interview

Meet our guest. Xavier Ford is a unique young man. He has truly beaten back stigma and stereo-types of the professional athlete. He is an avid reader, a poetry lover, and is writing his first book. His entire career path has been built on taking advantage of losses. His AAU team lost to the second highest ranked team in the nation by a respectable 10 points. College coaches took notice. He landed in Buffalo and played for the New York State University at Buffalo where he led the Bulls to their first NCAA tournament. With Coach Bobby Hurley at the helm the Bulls rose quickly and even got a tourney pick from President Barak Obama. But the soft spoken 6’ 9” dominator is still on the rise. He spent a year in the NBA’s Development league and now plays for the Ibaraki Robots in Japan. Xavier offers great advice to young players who desire to make sports a professional career, and adults might just learn something along the way as well. For collegiate and professional sports hopefuls this is a must interview

Danielle Green, a former Notre Dame Basketball Star who enlisted in the United States Army after the attack of 9-11 received the ESPY award for inspirational service and patriotism at the July 15, 2015 awards ceremony, which were broadcast nationally on ABC. She was among the first awards presented at the event, before a crowd of professional athletes and celebrities. In an interview with Military Times, Green called the award a surprise and an honor, especially given its namesake. "Pat Tillman was an extraordinary human being," she said. "I remember reading about him 11 years ago, I was hurt a month after he was hurt. So I just feel honored and grateful to be part of his legacy." Many young people felt the patriotic call to serve after the attack on America.  Danielle was injured while on active duty in combat. She lost her arm in a grenade explosion. But having one arm did not stop her desire and drive to make an impact and difference on others. Today we have a chance to hear her incredible journey and

Oz Sanchez is no stranger to overcoming adversity. He was born in 1975 and raised in Los Angeles, California. By the time he graduated high school he was involved with drugs, gangs and street life. In 1996, Oz turned his life around following his recruitment into the Marine Corps. In the Marine Corps, Oz found himself in his natural element and quickly excelled through the ranks. Soon after graduation from boot camp, Oz discovered and grew interest in joining the Marine Corps Special Operations forces – The RECON Marine After nearly six years with the Marines, Oz decided to transfer to the Navy to operate as a Navy Seal. In July 2001, during the time of his transfer between branches, Oz's life changed forever when he was involved in a hit-and-run motorcycle accident, which resulted in a spinal cord injury (SCI) and the inevitable paralysis and neurological complications associated with SCI.  After the accident, the biggest fear Oz faced was how he would define himself given his new physical parameters. He w

Oz Sanchez is no stranger to overcoming adversity. He was born in 1975 and raised in Los Angeles, California. By the time he graduated high school he was involved with drugs, gangs and street life. In 1996, Oz turned his life around following his recruitment into the Marine Corps. In the Marine Corps, Oz found himself in his natural element and quickly excelled through the ranks. Soon after graduation from boot camp, Oz discovered and grew interest in joining the Marine Corps Special Operations forces – The RECON Marine After nearly six years with the Marines, Oz decided to transfer to the Navy to operate as a Navy Seal. In July 2001, during the time of his transfer between branches, Oz's life changed forever when he was involved in a hit-and-run motorcycle accident, which resulted in a spinal cord injury (SCI) and the inevitable paralysis and neurological complications associated with SCI.  After the accident, the biggest fear Oz faced was how he would define himself given his new physical parameters. He w

Bonnie St. John was born in Detroit but raised in San Diego. In the 1984 Winter Paralympics in Innsbruck, Austria, St. John won a bronze medal in the slalom, a bronze medal in the giant slalom, and was awarded a silver medal for overall performance thereby earning her the distinction of being the second fastest woman in the world on one leg in that year.  In her new book, “Micro-Resilience” Bonnie shows us how to rethink the drive-until-you-drop approach to work. She reframes our thinking by helping people bounce back from setbacks and create a life of power and meaning. You are not going to want to miss this amazing interview with Rhode Scholar, Professional Speaker, and accopmlished athlete and author, Bonnie St. John. John Register, Paralympic Silver Medalist | Inspirational Cataltyst | Change Management Expert | Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) and International Speaker | Author | American Long Jump Record Holder | Gulf War Veteran | Disability Rights Advocate | Amputee | and Home-made Waffle Love

Evan Strong (born November 13, 1986) is an American Snowboard Cross racer who began his career in 2008. He is the gold medalist in para snowboard cross at the 2014 Paralympics in Sochi, Russia. He was the 2012 World Champion and has won 10 WFS and IPC World Cup races. Strong's accolades earned him an ESPY nomination for best male athlete with a disability.  Nicole Roundy became the first above-knee amputee to compete in adaptive snowboarding. Her accomplishments spearheaded global demand for prosthetic knee technology and played a fundamental role in the introduction of snowboarding to the Paralympic roster. Nicole represented the United States in the 2014 Paralympic Winter Games and is an 8X World Cup Medalist. Unable to cope with the thought of losing his legs, SSG Matt Melancon opted for dual “Limb Salvage”. For the next two years he underwent nearly 2 dozen reconstructive surgeries to save his legs.But his goals of returning to duty fell further away. He became overweight, angry and withdrawn. Now an at

Kari Miller was serving in active military duty, getting ready for officer training school, when a drunk driver smashed into the car she was traveling in. The driver of her car was killed. Kari survived, but lost both her legs in the crash; one amputated above the knee, one below. As she recovered, Miller first competed in wheelchair basketball, then discovering sitting volleyball. It was an intense experience: the first ball came at her “like it had smoke and fire shooting from it. I just screamed and dove out of the way,” she says. “My coach immediately informed me that there is no screaming in volleyball!” Miller joined the U.S. Paralympics Women’s Sitting Volleyball National Team in 2006, and two years later helped the team earn a silver medal in the Beijing Games. Kari played every set of every match as the team's libero, one of the key defensive positions that anticipates return balls, then passes them to the setter with hard, controlled hits. John Register, Paralympic Silver Medalist | Inspirational