Seize Your Adventure

In 2010, thirteen individuals got together in a hut in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. The group shared a passion for the outdoors, an unyielding enthusiasm for life… and they also shared a link to different neurological challenges.These hardships could easily have led to a more subdued mindset. The thirteen people could have opted for a quieter, indoor life. But instead, they were inspired by one of the friends, whose diagnosis of a brain tumour encouraged him to use the outdoors as a way to cope, and a way to connect with others.That friend was Kyle Martin, and this meeting was the start of the organisation Outdoor Mindset (OM).Learn more about the Founders and members of the Outdoor Mindset community, and listen to how and why they chose to get outdoors and do adventure sports with conditions such as Parkinsons, MS, epilepsy and brain tumour.ABOUT OUTDOOR MINDSET:https://www.outdoormindset.org/JOIN THE COMMUNITY:https://www.outdoormindset.org/get-involvedFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/OutdoorMindset/I

This is not quite Seize Your Adventure, but rather a short trailer episode to send you off to another podcast.Over the past few months I’ve been working on an episode for another independent podcast called Out There. It looks at the big questions in life through our relationship with the outdoors, using storytelling.So it is with huge pride that I can say my episode was released last week. It’s called “The ‘Privilege’ to Choose” and I thought I’d give you a little taster:“In this episode, we’re going to be listening to a story about choice. Having the ability to choose can be something of a privilege. For some people, the choices they are able to make can become limited by factors such as income, responsibilities or health. But can having limited choice sometimes make things easier?”Head over to http://www.outtherepodcast.com/episodes to listen to the full story.FOLLOW OUT THERE:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/outtherepodcast/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OutTherePodcast/SUPPORT SYA! BUY MUGS, JOURN

I get a lot of people contacting me. People who have adventurous souls and lived and breathed their sports before they started having seizures and were diagnosed with epilepsy. And the question I get asked most by people in this situation is “can I do this sport with epilepsy?”.And no matter what the sport is, my answer always has to be the same: “I cannot say”.I talk about a very valuable resource from the International League Against Epilepsy or ILAE that was recently shared with with. And I wish that I’d known about this sooner because it’s two tables that clearly lay out some guidelines for taking part in sports with epilepsy.One table is labelled ‘Seizure risk level in sport’The second table is labelled ‘Recommended sport participation by seizure’.Listen to me talk about some of the sports on these tables, and advice on doing sports with epilepsy by the ILAE.You can find the tables by ILAE here:  https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/epi.13261DISCLAIMER: All information presented in this

Three months in and seven challenges down, I am right on track with my #30at30forEpilepsy. In this bonus episode, you get to hear the seven lessons I have learned so far from ice climbing, archery, axe throwing, trail running, mountain biking, hiking at altitude and wild swimming.This is how I have safe adventures with epilepsy :)MENTIONS:Archery FitVertical ChillSally OrangeSayYesMore and the Yes TribeTough Girl Podcast and the Tough Girl TribeOutdoor MindsetSUPPORT THE PODCAST:Become a patron to support the podcast and continue telling stories of epilepsy in adventure. Find out more and sign up at patreon.com/seizeyouradventure. You can also make a one-off donation at https://www.paypal.me/seizeyouradventure.TRANSCRIPT AVAILABLE at seizeyouradventure.com/transcripts Get bonus content on Patreon See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Amanda Plomp is a runner with epilepsy based in Victoria in Canada. As we heard in the last episode, discovering running in her twenties helped Amanda to feel strong and connected to her body, a feeling she had missed since her seizures started when she was a teenager. Running helps with her epilepsy. And epilepsy helps with her running. In my conversation with Amanda, I was able to delve into this a bit more. I asked for her tips for me, as a new runner with epilepsy, and asked her to talk me through the different types of running terrain she enjoys.WE TALK ABOUT: How different seizures affect her running How running helps with epilepsy Hiking and camping in Canada Why Amanda chooses not to wear a medical alert bracelet Which is better: backwoods running, beach running or trail running? Running solo vs running races The difference between ‘active’ and ‘athletic’ The dangers of running solo in bear country Her advice for me running my first race with epilepsy How important it is to tell adventure buddies

DISCLAIMER: Please remember all stories presented reflect the personal experiences of contributors . We take no responsibility for individual decisions made with regards to adventure sports or medical conditions. For most people, the teenage years are a crucial period in finding out who we are. We try out lots of new things, we meet new people, we’re growing into new bodies and we’re starting to figure out the adult we will become. It is a period in our lives when we begin to define ourselves. So it’s a horrible irony that the teenage years are also a time that a lot of people start experiencing seizures.Today’s story comes from Amanda Plomp. Nowadays, Amanda defines herself as a runner, an athlete… and as an epileptic. But that wasn’t always the case. When Amanda started having seizures in her teens, it made her feel lost in her own body. Both the seizures and the medication she was prescribed to help stop them impacted on the activities that she enjoyed, and she hid her seizures from everyone, worried

Today’s story is a small epic of a tale. It starts on the other side of the world, it includes some dramatic moments, some aspirations achieved. I also had to download a beep sound to censor some swear words in this episode - and you’ll soon understand why. This is the story of my first #30at30forEpilepsy challenge. This is my ice climbing adventure.  Why Ice Climbing? Well one reason is that I am trying out some of the sports that contributors to Seize Your Adventure already do. Some of you out there will be familiar with a gentleman called Alex Staniforth. Alex was plagued by adversity and epilepsy as a child, and has gone on to do some extraordinary things, including attempting to climb Everest on two occasions. The first time he tried was when he was eighteen, which is quite incredible. So ice climbing is partly inspired by Alex.  I figured, this might be one of the harder challenges to arrange. I live near London, a place that’s not really known for its glaciers or icy mountains. I thought I’d

We’ve heard from people with epilepsy how they seize adventure. Now it’s time to put some adventurers on the spot. I talk to three people who work within the adventure field to find out what they know about epilepsy, what they don’t, and how we can get more people with epilepsy in adventure.We mention:-These three adventure professionals’ first aid and epilepsy experience-How they handle risk assessments-The different types of seizure-Basic epilepsy first aid-How to encourage people with epilepsy to take part in adventure-What adventure means to them-Where to go to learn more about epilepsyTHE ADVENTURERS: Jago Hartland (Outdoor Pursuits Guide, and fellow SayYesMore Ambassador)Find out more about Jago: https://sayyesmore.com/ambassador-jagohartlandDavid Willis (Bushcraft Instructor) Find out more about David: http://www.davidwillis.info/Nicki Bass (Resilience Consultant)Find out more about Nicki: https://www.resiliencework.co.uk/aboutLEARN ABOUT EPILEPSY:https://seizeyouradventure.com/learn-about-ep

Jake Quigley is the executive director of the non profit Outdoor Mindset. The organisation’s mission is to unite and inspire people affected by neurological challenges through a common passion of the outdoors. It is a free membership-based community. When he is not working, Jake can be found adventuring outdoors with his wife, Jeanie, by foot, bike, or ski.If you haven’t listen to Jake’s story, be sure to head back to Part One so that you make the most of our conversation!We talked about:- His epilepsy diagnosis at 11 years old- How adventure can increase confidence, positivity and the ability to deal with challenge- The path to brain surgery- How to dispel the fear and stigma around epilepsy- What is telemark skiing? - How altitude might affect epilepsy- What he could teach me in mountain biking!- Getting support from Diane Van Deren- What you CAN control when you are diagnosed- How exercise can help your brain- The influence of the outdoors on depression and anxiety- The changes in attitude towards epi

For Jake Quigley, adventure is more than just a past time, or even a passion. Adventure is a lifestyle, and one he built up around his epilepsy. Jake was diagnosed with epilepsy when he was eleven years old. Rather than being scared by the condition, those around him encouraged and supported Jake to try adventurous things.  But having carved out his adventure lifestyle, Jake’s seizures began to evolve when he was an adult, and they started to impact on his quality of life. Eventually, medication wasn’t working, and Jake was left with one last option. Brain surgery. TERMINOLOGYMedically refractory epilepsy: Epilepsy that is never fully controlled by medication. Generalised seizure: a seizure that affects the entire brain Focal point: A place in the brain the seizure starts Grand mal: a generalised seizure where a person loses consciousness and convulses. Also known as a tonic-clonic (more modern term). More about Outdoor Mindset: https://www.outdoormindset.org/ MUSIC: Gr

Adventurer. Soldier. Author. Jordan Wylie is known for his challenges at the extreme end of the adventure spectrum. Described by Sir Ranulph Fiennes as “A determined, fearless adventurer and an inspiring man”, Jordan has run races in Iraq, Afghansistan and Somalia, he has written a book about his time tackling pirates off the coast of Africa, and he has hiked Kilimajaro... barefoot.  But Jordan is also known for his passion for helping others in his role as an ambassador, trustee and campaigner for various international charities, including Frontline Children and Epilepsy Action. He was diagnosed with epilepsy himself after he contracted dengue fever whilst in Djibouti. But rather than letting it slow him down, Jordan took on the role of an epilepsy ambassador, and continues to push the boundaries of extreme adventure. We talked about:  His most difficult challenge so far  How he was diagnosed with epilepsy  What an Extreme Adventurer does when they’re not adventuring - Who makes him sta

Advocate for adventure and epilepsy awareness. Writer. Editor. Podcaster. Public Speaker. In this interview (of sorts) you get to hear more from me, Fran Turauskis. To celebrate the one-year anniversary for seizeyouradventure.com you asked me about my adventures, epilepsy, and more. I talk about:  Finding the way when you’re lost  Adapting adventures to your ability  What having epilepsy has taught me  The highs and lows of starting Seize Your Adventure  Hiking the Camino  Family hiking holidays  What I say to those that tell me not to do something  My next challenge - 30 Adventures in 1 year! And yes, I do say ‘three pikes’ instead of ‘three peaks’... I don’t know why. Questions:  Dave Cornthwaite of Say Yes More  Jade Nelson  Christalle Bodiford  Tiffany Webb  Kathi Kamlietner  Jordan Wylie SUPPORT THE PODCAST:  Become a patron to support the podcast and continue telling stories of epilepsy in adventure. Fi

Let me take you on a very intimate journey from my first seizure to walking the Norte and Primitivo Caminos. With music recorded whilst I was walking, this will give you an insight into my experience of The Way. On a post-referendum quest to discover more of Europe, I decided to take a five-hundred mile walk across Spain. In the summer of 2017, I set out to walk the Camino de Santiago. I expected sore feet, time to think and intimate talks with strangers (mainly about blisters). I didn’t expect my epilepsy to be such a focus of conversation and source of admiration. As you listen to my story, I hope that fellow pilgrims recognise themselves. It might push aspiring pilgrims to buy a guidebook. And if you want to know more about me and my epilepsy, this is your chance. And you get to hear me sing... More about me: https://francescaturauskis.co.uk   Related articles: https://seizeyouradventure.com/2018/02/14/the-camino-diaries/ https://seizeyouradventure.com/2018/07/08/hik

It is important to acknowledge when we do impressive things. Not just because a sense of pride won’t do us any harm. But because it makes our stories more realistic to that person who is scared that it’s too hard for them. In a strange way, if we acknowledge that something is hard for us, it makes it more attainable to everyone else.Joe Stevenson reached a personal peak when he reached the top of Ben Nevis. In episode 3, he told us how this adventure came about. The conversation in this episode lets you hear a little bit more about: Joe’s everyday life as a hiker with epilepsy  How Joe was diagnosed with epilepsy His 7 year period of depression and how he overcame it The side effects of the medication  His difficulty finding work due to epilepsy And we find out where he’s aiming his sights next, now he knows what he is capable of...I’d like to thank Joe for speaking to me so honestly. Some of the subjects he mentioned aren’t easy, but my hope it that us talking about it makes it better. If you’ve be

This podcast takes you to one of the most remote parts of the UK, an area renowned as the last wilderness of Britain. Even the most touristic areas take some effort to get to. Welcome to the Scottish highlands. Joe Stevenson tells us about a charity hike he did a couple of years ago. Charity events are a great way of becoming a little bit more adventurous. The challenges are organised for you, the group leaders have plenty of experience with people of all finesses and of course, you can raise some money for a good cause at the same time. The hike that Joe decided to do was the Ben Nevis Challenge for Epilepsy Action. Joe hadn’t climbed a mountain before his trip to Scotland, but he decided to take on the highest peak in the UK. Epilepsy Action is a charity that provides support and expert advice, raises awareness and advocates for people with epilepsy. You can speak to them about all elements of living with epilepsy or if you are interested in taking on a challenge for Epilepsy Action. If you h

In this Q&A, we’ll learn a bit more about Jade Nelson, who wrote and read the Episode 1 story, “Peace in West Texas”. Jade is a licensed Massage Therapist, Epilepsy Advocate, Public Speaker and Writer based in Austin, Texas. Her focus is helping spread awareness of epilepsy and the ketogenic diet (a high fat, low carb diet that was invented in the 1920s to help control seizures) via her talks and writing. Her website, jadenelson.net, is packed with recipes and information on the ketogenic diet and learning to live the ketogenic lifestyle. Jade and I have been talking via Instagram and email for over a year now, but this was the first time we had actually spoken to each other, so it was great to have a talk. There’s about a 6 hour time difference between us, and Jade kindly got up before sunrise to speak to me. It was a pretty intense conversation for that time in the morning, but it was so good to learn more about Jade! We talked about some of the activities Jade’s been involved in over the year

Camping is one of the simplest ways to spend some time outdoors, so when Jade was determined to get back out into nature, a short camping trip seemed like the obvious choice. When she and her husband Eric set out with their dogs, she had specific expectations. Fond memories of camping trips in the Pacific Northwest and New England meant she hoped to find comfort in the beauty of her surroundings. But camping in West Texas was a new experience. And when a small mistake threatened to upset the whole trip, Jade discovered that the Lone Star State had an emotional lesson to teach her... Find out more about Jade: https://www.jadenelson.net/ https://www.instagram.com/thetraininsideme/   Stuff to buy: https://seizeyouradventure.com/shop  Work with Seize Your Adventure: https://seizeyouradventure.com/work-with-us/   Music: Poignant Texas by Mark T Dandelion.mp3 by TexasMusicForge acoustic guitar interlude by graham_makes   Head to seizeyouradventure.com 

Start gearing up for the Seize Your Adventure podcast: this is where the adventure community and the epilepsy community meet. This podcast will share intimate stories and conversations from people with epilepsy who enjoy the adventure lifestyle. For those of you who have no contact with epilepsy, these stories will let you connect with the people behind the diagnosis and will give you an idea of how the condition fits into our lives. For those with epilepsy, I hope it will encourage you and give you confidence to get out there at bit more.  For all of us, it will bring a little bit more adventure and inspiration into our lives. Head to seizeyouradventure.com for the full story.  SUPPORT THE PODCAST:Become a patron to support the podcast and continue telling stories of epilepsy in adventure. Find out more and sign up at patreon.com/seizeyouradventure. You can also make a one-off donation at https://www.paypal.me/seizeyouradventure.READ THE FULL TRANSCRIPT AT seizeyouradventure.com/transcrip