In this episode of the What’s The Matter With Me? podcast, John shares powerful testimony on resilience, disability history, and pop culture.

Recovering from multiple sclerosis, trigeminal neuralgia, and a recent rib injury, John reflects on navigating a challenging cultural environment and delivers a “wheelchair pep talk” to remind himself to not be afraid, that life is for trying, and absolutely worth living.

Community Connections

A special shoutout to Bob from the East Valley YMCA in San Jose and a lesson on the lasting impact of simple check-ins.

Disability History

A look back at how Section 504 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act paved the way for the ADA.

Robots & Reality

Thoughts on the terrifying rise of naval drone warfare at sea, inspired by the article “How Ukraine’s Naval Drones Are Remaking War at Sea,” by Maria Varenikova and Nicholas Kulish and published in the New York Times, September 30, 2026.

Media Reviews

Laughs with Indianapolis comedian Lucas Waterfill, Fat Joe’s rapid-fire style on the Joe and Jada podcast, a review ofThe Gods of New York, and a deep dive into the high-stakes world of legendary reggae DJ David Rodigan and sound clash culture.

Selfie

• 00:00:01 – Wheelchair Pep Talk
• 00:04:03 – Runaway Train
• 00:04:26 – Welcome Message
• 00:04:38 – Recovering from Trigeminal Neuralgia
• 00:05:57 – Panoramic X-Ray
• 00:06:52 – Trigeminal water pick trauma
• 00:10:23 – Shoutouts to Bob
• 00:11:35 – We are Here
• 00:12:33 – Rehabilitation Act
• 00:13:33 – Shoutouts to Eastern Europe
• 00:14:14 – KFJC Fundraiser
• 00:14:31 – Drone Warfare
• 00:15:42 – Reconciliation and healing
• 00:15:54 – Last night for dinner
• 00:16:34 – Back on my horse
• 00:16:45 – Lucas Waterfill
• 00:17:26 – Gaming corner
• 00:18:29 – The Gods Of New York by Jonathan Mahler
• 00:20:56 – Joe and Jada Podcast
• 00:23:58 – David Rodigan sound clash
• 00:28:20 – Outro

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