In this powerful and refreshingly honest episode of The Adaptable Octopus, Blair sits down with wrestler, storyteller, and Dj Jeremy Huggins for a conversation that’s equal parts heartfelt, hilarious, and deeply human.
Jeremy and Blair open up about their shared experience navigating the world with Cerebral Palsy, offering a candid look at what it’s really like to build a career in media while living with a disability. From early inspirations to on-set obstacles to unexpected triumphs, they compare notes on the challenges that shaped them—and the victories that still make them proud today.
The Adaptable Octopus
Episode: The Secret of Life with Robert Toler
What if the secret to life isn’t control — but peace?
In this powerful episode, Blair Riggs and Robert Toler get real about finding faith, confidence, and calm when life gets messy. Their honest stories and hard-earned wisdom will remind you that you can rise, rebuild, and thrive — no matter what.
Listen if you want to:
🌊 Find peace in chaos
💪 Turn pain into purpose
❤️ Strengthen your faith
Plus: Blair announces The Adaptable Octopus is heading to PodFest 2026!
Quote of the Episode:
“Ride the waves, dance with the tides, and always keep thriving.”
🎧 Press play — and rediscover your strength and your peace.
n this episode of "The Adaptable Octopus," Blair Riggs discusses domestic violence awareness with Magnolia, who shares her harrowing experience of abuse and manipulation from her husband Magnolia details the escalatinger. Despite multiple attempts at reconciliation, Magnolia eventually left, facing further threats and needing police intervention. She emphasizes the importance of creating a paper trail, filing protective orders, and seeking help. Magnolia's story highlights the long-term impact of domestic violence, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression, and underscores the need for resilience
In this soul-shifting episode, we welcome therapist and speaker Rachal Sietzema all the way from Australia to unravel the deep (and often sneaky) patterns of people pleasing, unconscious beliefs, and inner dialogue that hold us back from true emotional freedom.
From the four hidden types of people pleasers to why your thoughts today are mostly the same as yesterday—and what to do about it—this conversation is full of wisdom, humour, and tools you can start using right now. 🧠✨
Rachael shares:
Why your unconscious beliefs run the show
The surprising faces of people pleasing (including the “Resister”!)
How negative self-talk drains you—and how to reframe it
What the Bible actually says about selflessness
Practical ways to pause, rewire your mind, and reconnect with your power
💡 If you’ve ever felt burnt out, resentful, or stuck in a loop of "yes" when you meant "no," this episode will feel like a deep breath of clarity.
🔗 Connect with Rachel at https://www.uchangeu.com.au
🌱 Don't forget: self-kindness is not weakness—it's the start of real change
🎙️ The Adaptable Octopus - “Healing Through the Chaos” ft. Carmen Haskins
In this powerful and deeply personal episode, host Blair reconnects with childhood friend Carmen Haskins—a licensed trauma therapist, author of Secrets Kill: Come Out of the Darkness, and the resilient force behind Pink Solutions.
Together, they explore Carmen’s journey from silent suffering to empowered healing, the importance of finding your “person,” and how chaos—though loud—can be neutralized with purpose, therapy, and hope. 💖
🔹 Why silence was once Carmen’s scariest place 🔹 How writing her book reopened wounds—and how she coped 🔹 Practical self-regulation tools you can use today 🔹 The meaning behind P.I.N.K. and how she's transforming lives 🔹 Her go-to mantra for healing: “I am enough.”
This episode is a heart-to-heart reminder that everyone has a story, and healing is possible—one breath, one shimmer, one step at a time.
✨ “Being free to tell your story doesn’t mean you won’t feel your feelings. It just means you get to choose what to do while feeling them.” – Carmen Haskins
📌 Connect with Carmen 🌐 Pink-Solutions.com 📧 carmen@pink-solutions.com 📍 Licensed in VA, MD, DC, NC & LA – Telehealth available
🎧 Listen & Subscribe now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you stream. 💌 Email the show: TheAdaptableOctopus@gmail.com 🔁 Share this episode with someone who needs a little shimmer today.
Keep adapting. Keep thriving. 🐙
Carmen Haskins Links
9:07 PM (1 minute ago)
to me
Youwellcenter.com
https://www.instagram.com/pink.solutions?igsh=eDRrcWY4dGNoaWI5&utm_source=qr
"Faith, Ashes & the God Who Sees Us"
In this heartfelt and deeply personal episode of The Adaptable Octopus, host Blair Riggs opens up about her relationship with Jesus and how it has shaped her journey living with cerebral palsy. Joined by special guest Cathy Clover Garland—author, speaker, and woman of unshakable faith—they explore what it really means to walk with God through pain, doubt, and redemption.
Together, they share raw stories of divorce, single motherhood, church hurt, healing, and the beauty that rises from ashes. From childhood pews to broken promises, from legalism to liberation, Blair and Kathy dive deep into faith, resilience, and the quiet power of grace. You'll also hear about Cathy’s new book Revelationship, and how it’s helping women rediscover God’s presence in their stories—and how you can join the upcoming class starting September 2nd.
This episode is a tender reminder that even in our messiest moments, God is near—and His promises still stand.
👉 Whether you're questioning, healing, or just holding on, this conversation is for you.
💬 Topics Covered:
Deconstructing and reconstructing faith
Growing up in Pentecostal traditions
Living with a disability and wrestling with identity in Christ
Divorce, healing, and trusting God again
God’s promises in broken seasons
What it means to suffer well
Rediscovering God in everyday life
📘 Resources Mentioned:
Revelationship by Cathy Clover Garland
Reset Class beginning Sept 2nd – https://www.revelationship.net/reset-course-discounted?fbclid=IwY2xjawMbC_RleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHsTM9DNbT5r7Tmx3S0n-bMhpXqyIyoDMz8OF--X1BrttjdwGOw-l32xXCVac_aem_Z_wtzte9fMg-rP0aqmsSxA
✨ Takeaway Quote: "You don’t need to pursue God—He’s already pursuing you. Just turn around and embrace Him."
💙 Subscribe & Share: If this episode spoke to you, be sure to subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen. Leave a review or share with someone who needs to hear it. Your support helps others find The Adaptable Octopus—a place where stories of resilience, faith, and growth are celebrated.
🎙️ Hosted by Blair Riggs 🐙 The Adaptable Octopus – Because thriving takes many forms.
Welcome back to The Adaptable Octopus! In this heartfelt episode, Blair Riggs opens up about her journey to understanding cerebral palsy and how something as simple as breathing helped her manage pain and stress. She’s joined by special guest and fellow podcaster Amanda Russo, who shares her powerful story of transformation through breathwork, movement, and mindset. From Bali retreats to virtual breath classes, Amanda explains how tuning into your body can lead to true healing. You’ll laugh, learn, and maybe even sigh a little. Take a deep breath—you’re going to love this one.
👉 Mark your calendar: Amanda’s next virtual breathwork class is August 25 at 5 PM EST! 👉 Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review .
To Connect with Amanda:
Join Amanda for Mindful Mindset Mondays (A Virtual Pay-What-You-Can Breathwork session the from 5:00-6:00 PM ET)
Schedule a Virtual 1:1 Breathwork Session with Amanda here:
https://calendly.com/thebreathinggoddess/podcast
Amanda’s Personal Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/thebreathinggoddess?igsh=NHRzajlvZGM3M2Q1&utm_source=qr
Tune in to Amanda’s Podcast(s)
Manders Mindset: https://mandersmindset.buzzsprout.com
Breathwork Magic:
https://breathworkmagic.buzzsprout.com
What do hot wings, weird hypotheticals, and deep truths have in common? This week, Blair welcomes Houston, host of A Thousand Crazy Questions, for a hilarious and heartfelt conversation about asking the unexpected—and what happens when people answer honestly. From wild “Would You Rather” scenarios to real-life resilience, they dive into vulnerability, pets, Proverbs, and the true meaning of adaptability.
💬 “True freedom comes when we’re allowed to be fully ourselves.” 🐙 Weird questions. Real moments. Total octopus energy.
🎧 Listen now, laugh a little, think a lot. Subscribe wherever you get your podcast https://open.spotify.com/show/2Cqrs2sL0KEjYzakQzr4Tn?si=ad9e65df117b425c
This week on The Adaptable Octopus, Blair invites her favorite partner in chaos — her sister Mandy — for a heartfelt, hilarious dive into what really matters: your heart (and apparently your dishwashing attitude).
From biblical wisdom to donkey jokes (yes, there's a donkey), we unpack how intention matters more than perfection, why forgiveness keeps your heart light, and what it’s like being sisters who fight hard but love harder. Spoiler alert: Blair still can’t scrub dishes, and Mandy’s not letting that go.
Also:
Gardening your heart (no actual soil involved)
Why God's not judging your dish-rinsing skills
And a sweet shoutout to Blair’s adorably savage nephew who called someone a donkey (you’ll see)
Press play if you like your deep talks with a side of sarcasm and sisterly shade. Because growth is messy, but love is the best fertilizer. 🐙💜
🎙️ The Adaptable Octopus – Episode: “Waves, Music, and Moving Forward”
Welcome back to The Adaptable Octopus! 🐙
In this heartfelt episode, Blair is joined by her longtime friend Edd—someone who’s weathered life’s storms right alongside her. Together, they open up about navigating mental health, grief, and the daily effort it takes to stay afloat.
💬 Topics include:
Turning tough months into better ones
The power of prayer, naps, and ’90s music
Favorite artists from Gorillaz to Lil Wayne (yes, really)
How dancing in your kitchen can sometimes be the best therapy
The quiet strength in grief, and the lessons loved ones leave behind
Grab your headphones, get cozy, and enjoy a raw, real conversation that reminds us: the journey is messy, but we don’t have to do it alone.
🎧 Subscribe, share, and stay adaptable.
🐙 The Adaptable Octopus
🎙️ "Hijacked by Friends" — Special Takeover Episode feat. J.R. & Stacy
This episode is not your usual octopus adventure. Blair hands the mic to friends J.R. and Stacy from Sparrow’s Under Reveiw and WV Uncommonplace—and they go full takeover mode.
It’s heartfelt. It’s hilarious. It’s chaos with purpose.
Blair’s Origin Story – From birth complications to launching a podcast (not in Target’s parking lot… yet).
Why Podcasting? – Because video isn’t for everyone, and Blair likes talking more than editing.
Life with Cerebral Palsy – Blair breaks it down honestly and accessibly.
First Guest = Her Son – Supermom moment unlocked.
Podcast Bootcamp – J.R. helped. Blair leveled up.
Kitchen Dance Therapy – When in doubt, drop the beat.
🎬 Favorite Movie? My Fair Lady
🎶 Favorite Artist? Lil Wayne
🐾 Current Jam? Who Let the Dogs Out
👪 Best Guest? Her son (but J.R. votes for her dad)
🧠 Biggest Challenge? Oversharing, then second-guessing
🌍 2026 Goals? Public speaking. Podcast on the road. Maybe snacks.
Facebook & YouTube: The Adaptable Octopus
DMs open (but no 3 a.m. weirdos, please)
“You matter. You have a purpose. Don’t let anyone take your spot. Be bold. Be awkward. Be the octopus.”
🎧 Subscribe. Review. Share. And never stop adapting. 🐙💃
🐚 What’s Inside:🎤 Quick-Fire Fun:💌 Connect with Blair:🧡 Blair’s Mission:
🎙️ The Adaptable Octopus – Featuring Zachary Weeks
In this powerful episode, we're joined by the amazing Zachary Weeks — advocate, accessibility consultant, and founder of the Cerebral Palsy Worldwide Facebook group. Zachary shares his journey of embracing his disability, building community, and pushing for change in Alberta, Canada, where he’s advocating for accessibility legislation.
Host Blair opens up about their own path toward self-acceptance, inspired by Zachary’s advice: “Whatever you do, be passionate.” From signing petitions to designing warm coats for kids in wheelchairs, Zachary’s work is making a real impact — and proving that advocacy starts with authenticity.
💬 Highlights:
How Zachary built a 20,000+ member CP community online
Finding purpose through volunteering and passion
Pushing for an Accessible Alberta Act
The story behind the ZAC Sack winter gear
👉 Join the community: Search Cerebral Palsy Worldwide on Facebook 🎧 Listen & subscribe: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more
Thanks for tuning in — and remember: stay passionate, stay connected, and stay adaptable. 🐙
🎙️ Episode Title: Mental Health, Stigma & Support: A Conversation with Dr. Clarence McCray
👋 Welcome to The Adaptable Octopus! In this heartfelt episode, host Blair sits down with Dr. Clarence McCray to have an open and important conversation about mental health, stigma, parenting through crisis, and how our systems treat physical vs. mental health differently.
🧠 Topics We Cover:
Real-life stories from the courtroom: how mental health is often overlooked
Stigma and misunderstanding around mental illness
Advice for parents advocating for children in distress
Finding the right provider: it's all about the relationship
Support groups, Facebook communities, and local university programs
Cultural barriers to mental health care
What clinicians should be focused on—and how paperwork gets in the way
The healing power of sharing your story
The role of Peer Recovery Specialists and how to become one
🌱 Key Takeaways:
You are not alone.
Mental health deserves the same urgency as physical health.
There’s strength in vulnerability.
Support is out there—don’t stop asking until you get it.
💬 Quote of the Episode: "Everything you do, everything you are, comes from your heart. So always keep that clean."
📌 Resources Mentioned:
Peer Recovery Specialist program (details and contact info linked in bio)
Local university family centers
Facebook support groups for mental health and disability
💡 If you’re considering a career in mental health but aren’t ready for the long road to licensure, becoming a Peer Recovery Specialist might be for you. Blair shares her own journey starting this path!
📩 Connect: Stay tuned for the email address and links in the bio for peer support resources.
🐙 Closing Reminder: Stay adaptable, and never forget—you have a purpose.
🎙️ The Adaptable Octopus Episode Title: Lighthouse in the Storm: A Conversation with Catrina Wright
Description: Welcome to another episode of The Adaptable Octopus! Today’s episode is deeply personal. I sit down with someone who entered my life as a teacher but became a lighthouse—my safe place, my guide, my friend. Catrina Wright isn't just an educator—she's a life-changer.
We dive into the power of connection, the quiet strength behind special education, and the importance of showing up—for others and for yourself. Catrina opens up about how her journey from psychology to teaching shaped her purpose, how grief and resilience interwove during our time together, and what makes special ed such a uniquely powerful career.
We talk about healing, support groups, and curling irons before first period (yep!). We laugh, we reflect, and we honor the beauty of human connection.
In this episode, we cover:
Catrina’s path from counseling dreams to special education impact
The quiet strength of safe spaces and trusted adults
Why teaching is more than a job—it’s a calling
Living life like a mission (and why that mindset matters)
Advice for those considering the field of special education
Stories that prove how one teacher can change a life (or many)
This one is tender, real, and full of heart. Whether you’re an educator, a student, or someone finding your own safe harbor—this episode will leave you inspired.
🧠 Stay adaptable. And remember: there’s nobody else like you
Welcome back to The Adaptable Octopus — I’m your host, Blair Riggs. In this powerful episode, Jamie Johnson shares his journey from a devastating car accident that left him a quadriplegic and claimed his wife’s life, to finding strength, purpose, and a new way forward.
We talk about:
💥 The crash that changed everything
🧠 Facing grief, paralysis, and survival
🦽 Life in a wheelchair and what it really takes
📹 Sharing his story online to inspire others
💡 The emotional and financial barriers of accessibility
💬 How embracing his new life led to unexpected growth
This is a raw, real, and deeply human conversation about resilience, identity, and finding meaning through the unimaginable.
🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you stream. 📱 Follow Jamie on YouTube and social to see his journey in action. 💬 Like, share, or leave a review — it helps more people find these stories.
Until next time: Keep adapting, keep thriving. – Blair Riggs, Host of The Adaptable Octopus 🐙
🎙️ EPISODE: My Dad, My Story 🦑 The Adaptable Octopus with Blair Riggs
This Father’s Day, I sit down with my dad, Bryant—for a raw and honest conversation about my cerebral palsy, our relationship, and the moments that shaped us.
We don’t see everything the same way—and that’s okay. I wouldn’t change who I am. God makes no mistakes.
You’ll hear:
A father’s perspective on disability
Deep reflections, hard truths, and a lot of heart
Southern sayings, sweet memories, and a surprise birthday serenade
If you’ve ever wrestled with your story or needed a reminder of your worth, this one’s for you.
👉 Listen now. Be seen. Stay adaptable. 🐙
🎙 Episode Summary: “Validation, Confidence & the Messy Middle”
On this heartfelt episode of The Adaptable Octopus, host Blair Riggs welcomes her lifelong best friend, Ryan Caldwell, for a candid conversation about the messy, beautiful process of personal growth. Together, they explore the need for validation, the fear behind big decisions, and the weight of unresolved trauma. Through stories, laughter, and raw vulnerability, Blair and Ryan unpack what it means to rebuild confidence, lean on others without draining them, and ultimately adapt—one honest moment at a time. Whether you're in transition or just trying to stand tall inside, this episode reminds you: healing is messy, but you're not alone.
🚨 Content Note: This episode contains discussions of suicide. Please take care while listening. If you or someone you know is struggling, dial 988 for support.
What do BMX racing, sixth-grade homework, and platinum-level self-worth have in common? This week, Dr. Clarence McCray II joins us to talk about living—and thriving—with an invisible disability, staring down self-doubt, and why sometimes life’s biggest victories happen quietly, one lane at a time.
From failing grades to the finish line, Clarence’s story reminds us that you don’t have to see the whole track to keep moving forward. You just have to stop looking left and right—and ride your own race.
🛑 Self-doubt is a dream killer 🏁 Third place on the podium, first in vision 📚 From See Spot Run to PhD-level resilience 💬 “You’re worth more than your weight in platinum.”
🦑 Welcome to The Adaptable Octopus! In this episode, we're diving deep with my amazing friend Katie Shaff, a powerhouse with a bright spirit and a sharp sense of humor. Katie has Diplegic Cerebral Palsy, which affects both her arms and legs, and she’s never let that stop her from living life on her own terms.
👶 Born three months early at just 1 lb 11 oz (yes, you read that right), Katie shares what it was like growing up as the medically “needy” sibling, how that shaped her independence, and the joy of learning to pour her own coffee in a restaurant just a few years ago.
🧠 We talk about:
Welcome back to The Adaptable Octopus — I’m your host, Blair Riggs. In this powerful episode, Jamie Johnson shares his journey from a devastating car accident that left him a quadriplegic and claimed his wife’s life, to finding strength, purpose, and a new way forward.
We talk about:
💥 The crash that changed everything
🧠 Facing grief, paralysis, and survival
🦽 Life in a wheelchair and what it really takes
📹 Sharing his story online to inspire others
💡 The emotional and financial barriers of accessibility
💬 How embracing his new life led to unexpected growth
This is a raw, real, and deeply human conversation about resilience, identity, and finding meaning through the unimaginable.
🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you stream. 📱 Follow Jamie on YouTube and social to see his journey in action. 💬 Like, share, or leave a review — it helps more people find these stories.
Until next time: Keep adapting, keep thriving. – Blair Riggs, Host of The Adaptable Octopus 🐙