At 20 years old, Jack broke his neck diving into shallow water and instantly became quadriplegic, leaving him with 15% muscle function. In this raw conversation, Jack reveals how he rebuilt himself mentally, spiritually and physically, how he navigated grief, guilt, depression, identity collapse, and how he discovered his “other self”. From helplessness in a hospital corridor to skiing mountains and hand-biking 100km Misogi challenges, we unpack the exact mindset and tools he used to rebuild his life. We also discuss mental resilience, nervous system regulation, finding purpose again after trauma, why stories are “sticky”, how to choose different perspectives, the role of challenge and adventure, and asking “Why NOT me?” This episode is a masterclass in human change. If you’ve ever felt stuck, trapped, or broke, this episode will change how you see your life forever.
👉 Topics include: Change is possible, grief, identity shift, quadriplegic recovery, stoicism, nervous system, Misogi challenge, resilience, bonus time, neuroscience, mindset shift, perspective change, meaning rebuilding.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Change Is Possible intro
02:05 – The accident that changed everything
06:32 – ICU, ventilators + facing death alone
11:10 – The guilt that hurt more than the physical injury
15:50 – Understanding grief (the real messy version, not the 5-step meme)
20:38 – “Different levels, different devils” — trauma keeps evolving
26:44 – The moment of hopelessness that broke him in rehab
31:55 – The Other Self — the version of you that only pressure reveals
36:20 – Stoicism, mindfulness, breathing, Buddhism, Frankl
40:55 – Rebuilding a life from zero / adaptive identity
46:12 – The Misogi 100KM challenge (and battery dying at the end
)51:49 – Why physically choosing difficulty matters
56:22 – “Why NOT me?” — the single question that shifted everything
1:01:40 – Making adventure + meaning non-negotiables again
1:06:55 – How YOU start creating change in your life
1:11:20 – Closing message: you get one shot — live like it
Follow Jack: As a Pharmacist, Speaker and Facilitator, Jack is passionate about the value of health & wellbeing as drivers for business performance, coupled with cultivating diverse & inclusive environments where people belong and are valued.
Change is Possible with Brian Pennie:
⬛ Get FREE access to Brian’s online courses
⬛ Buy Brian’s memoir, Bonus Time
⬛ Follow Brian on Instagram
⬛ Follow Brian on LinkedIn
Sponsors: The Kyne Foundation
Imagine having a sponsor whose only interest is creating positive ripple effects of change around the world. I first met Jacqueline and David Kyne from the Kyne Foundation when they introduced me to Dr Gabor Mate in 2024, an incredible “pinch myself” moment in my own life. With a focus on nurturing youth wellbeing and empowering education, The Kyne Foundation's belief is simple: kindness is powerful, practical, and worth paying forward. Over the next few episodes, we’ll be sharing weekly challenges inspired by their work and ethos: small actions create big ripples. Our simple ask? Go be kind to yourself, to others, and your community. Because kindness is contagious.