Today on Rockin the Difference, we’re talking with someone whose story rewrites what resilience can look like. Josh Bridgewater is the oldest skateboarder with spina bifida — a title he never set out to earn, but one he carries with pride. Born with his spine outside his body, Josh has endured more than 46 surgeries just to keep moving through life as normally as possible.

Growing up, he faced bullying, isolation, and the kind of challenges most of us will never understand. But everything changed the day he found skateboarding — and with it, a community that accepted him exactly as he was. What started as a personal escape evolved into a calling.

As an adult, Josh as poured his energy into teaching kids with spina bifida and other disabilities how to ride, how to fall, how to get back up, and how to hold onto a positive mental attitude even when life hits hard. He knows the darkness of suicidal thoughts, and he knows the light that comes from purpose and connection.

Josh and his wife Shawna, are an amazing team that work together to show the resiliency of love for each other and community through all the ups and downs that life brings.

His story is raw, real, and incredibly inspiring — and I’m honored to share it with you.

Let’s get into it.

💫 What do you get when you mix courage, comedy, two white canes and 3 canines? Meet Brennan (21) and Mina (17) — two siblings who are blind, bold, and breaking barriers every day alongside their amazing mom, Parisa. ❤️

In this week’s Rockin the Difference episode, we dive into what it’s really like navigating a world that’s not always designed for them — the funny moments, the frustrating ones, and how they use their Instagram @yes_I_cane to educate and inspire others. 👩‍🦯✨

🎧 Tune in and see the world through a whole new lens — one full of strength, laughter, and love.

🎙️ Episode 21: Russel Burke: Finding Purpose after Paralysis

In this powerful and deeply moving episode of Rocking the Difference, I sit down with my friend Russ (@russ_on_wheelz), whose life changed forever after a boating accident at Lake Havasu left him quadriplegic.

Russ opens up about his life before the accident — the energy, adventure, and freedom — and the life-altering moment that tested everything he thought he knew about strength and purpose. He shares candidly about the early days of recovery, the emotional and physical battles, and the unwavering determination that helped him rebuild not just his body, but his mindset and mission.

Today, Russ has transformed his journey into one of hope and service. Through motivational speaking, hospital visits to newly paralyzed kids, tireless fundraising and being an awesome friend, he’s become a beacon of inspiration — surrounded by an incredible circle of family and friends who believe in his mission.

He has also worked with the Triumph Foundation, helping others living with spinal cord injuries and disabilities find hope and support. Learn more at www.triumph-foundation.org.

This episode is a reminder that even when life takes the most unexpected turn, the human spirit is unbreakable — and that purpose can rise from the deepest pain.

💡 Tune in to hear:

• Russ’s life before and after the accident

• The physical and emotional journey of recovery

• How he found purpose through helping others

• The power of community, faith, and love

• His ongoing mission to inspire hope and possibility

🎧 Listen now and be inspired to see challenges through a new lens — one of courage, connection, and unstoppable resilience.

📲 Follow Russ on Instagram: @russ_on_wheelz 🌐 Learn more or support: www.triumph-foundation.org